Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo.
This week we profile Seema Sodha, a certified professional coach at ActuallyNow. With a passion in people development, Seema encourages her clients to step out of their comfort zones in order to unleash their highest potential.
1. Describe your current state of mind
My current state of mind is like a sponge. Consciously soaking up philosophies, theories, mental models and experiences that are connected to the transformation I want to create in the world. There is a feeling of excitement, knowing that what will eventually be squeezed out of this sponge will be a unique combination of what I want to create in the world as well as what the world is ‘asking’ to be created.
2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?
A piece of chocolate!! Chocolate is flavorful and versatile. I could express myself in so many different ways and while staying true to my unique purpose (satisfy an internal craving), I could also be transformed to fulfill an individual’s personal desire. Chocolate can be white, milk or dark. It can be melted, frozen, or eaten as a solid. It can be combined with nuts, fruits or spice. The possibilities are endless! I would be associated with love, connection, celebration and infinite possibilities.
3. What is your greatest indulgence?
That’s easy. Coffee. The sound of the grinding of the beans, the smell of it as it is being brewed, seeing it being poured into a cup, tasting the bitterness of the bean combined with the sweetness from the sugar and feeling the heat of the coffee as I hold the cup in my hands. It stimulates all of my senses, just like life does!
4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success
“Who” helped me includes my whole network of relationships, from birth until now. This includes family, friends, colleagues and teachers. At some point in my life, they have played a pivotal role to shape who I am today, and continue to do so.
“What” helps me is the willingness to open my mind, listen to these teachers and ask for help when I need it.
5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received.
Two interconnected pieces of advice come from my parents. The first comes from my dad: When life throws you a ball, catch it! In any life situation, look at the best-case scenario, the worst-case scenario and follow your gut. The second comes from my mom: In anything you do, if you can say that you have done your best, then you have succeeded.