Ep. 221: Dr. Shelly Ann Gajadhar on Finding Balance between High Achievement and Soft Life
Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar
Ph.D. in Management Research
Kings College London
Today, we're joined by the inspiring Dr. Shelly Ann Gajadhar, a Caribbean woman from Trinidad and Tobago, who shares her incredible journey from being a criminal prosecutor to obtaining her doctoral degree focusing on the Triple Helix Model of partnerships between universities, industry, and government.
Dr. Gajadhar shares her challenges and successes in finding the right university program, receiving a full scholarship, and overcoming microaggressions and isolation. We also discuss her decision to pursue her own path amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the creation of Alpha Stute, a coaching and consultancy business that empowers students to achieve top university admissions.
How can we balance high achievement and the 'soft life' identity, and can they coexist? Dr. Gajadhar shares her experiences and insights on integrating these lifestyles, finding what a 'soft life' means for each individual and the importance of recognizing that this balance may not look the way one initially expected. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Dr. Gajadhar's radiant accomplishments and be encouraged to embrace your own journey toward success.
Key Points From This Episode
Dr. Gajadhar's journey of overcoming challenges and making bold choices to create the life she envisioned.
Transitioning from a background in law to business and mindful leadership.
Pursuing higher education and completing her doctoral degree.
Insights on forming relationships with faculty.
The importance of doing extra work for personal growth.
Advice for funding and service labor.
How she transitioned into entrepreneurship.
The origin of her business, Go Bravely.
How she helps students gain admission to top universities.
What is an alpha female? Integrating masculine and feminine energies.
Encouragement to find balance and not "soft-living" oneself out of goals.
Do you need to choose between a successful career and personal fulfillment?
Explore her academic and professional journey and the barriers she faced.
The importance of going bravely in pursuit of dreams and creating a life on one's own terms.
About the cohort sistas podcast
The Cohort Sistas Podcast brings to life the stories, struggles, and successes of Black women and femmes with doctoral degrees and their lives beyond the degree. Find us on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Cohort Sistas Podcast on your favorite podcast streaming platform, rate the show, and leave us a quick review.
