She Makes Life Better: Meet Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar

Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar is a High-Performance Coach and the CEO of Alphastute, a coaching and consultancy agency that supports women in achieving excellent results in their personal and professional development goals. Her career began in law; after spending three years as a State Prosecutor in Trinidad and Tobago, she chose to diversify, pivoting from law to business.

She holds a PhD in Public Management Innovation from King's College London, a Masters with Distinction in International Business and Emerging Markets, a Postgraduate Diploma in Career Advice and Information from Oxford and Cambridge RSA, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the West Indies and a Strategic Leadership Certificate from Harvard Extension School. She is also a Certified Systemic Executive, Team and Board Coach with an ACTP recognised by the International Coaching Federation.

Her deep academic experience in law, business, and management principles, coupled with her ability to intuitively understand her clients' blockages, has earned her the title of performance coach with the "Midas touch."

In 2020, Dr. Gajadhar was announced as one of the Top 100 Alumni over 100 years at the University of Edinburgh Business School for her impactful work at Alphastute.

At her core, she grew up as an island girl and is now a woman achieving great things in the world. She is a CEO, high-performance coach, author, wife, and mom who lives by the personal mantra of "GO BRAVELY". She inspires many others to lead from their heart centre and to bravely pursue their dreams.

What inspired you to become high performance Coach?

As a High-Performance Coach, I specialize in helping individuals become better leaders by harnessing the power of self-leadership. My decision to pursue this career path was influenced by my own experiences as a high performer in academia, where I witnessed many leaders struggling to perform at their best and often experiencing burnout. To further my understanding of performance management, I pursued a PhD in management. As I worked with leaders outside of academia, I discovered a passion for helping them develop their self-leadership skills. This led me to start my own business, Alphastute, with the mission of empowering leaders to confidently pursue their goals with bravery.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

It's truly exhilarating to see my clients break free from their own limitations and fears and go on to bravely execute and achieve their goals or dreams.

What is one piece of advice you would give to women who feel stuck or are struggling to make lasting changes in their lives?

Investing in a high-performance coach can help you break free from the patterns that are holding you back and create a more positive, fulfilling life. By identifying the toxic habits that have been preventing you from taking positive action, you can empower yourself to make the changes you need to succeed. Remember, you have the power to transform your life and achieve your goals - all it takes is the right guidance and commitment to personal growth.

What habits do you use personally to take care of yourself when tired, stressed or overwhelmed?

I make sure to do something for my self-care or happiness every day. This could be treating myself to a delicious meal, trying out a new activity, or simply enjoying a long bath. Additionally, I pay close attention to my body's signals and respond to its needs promptly. Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, telling us when they need nourishment or rest. All we have to do is listen. Lastly, I prioritize saying 'no' over saying 'yes' to protect myself from taking on too much work that doesn't align with my current goals and priorities.

Could you tell us about your programs and offerings that can help women who want to become high-performing leaders?

Of course! I wanted to share with you about my daily inspirational book, "Go Bravely: Building Confidence Daily". The book is designed to help high-achieving individuals start their mornings on a positive note and provides affirmations to build confidence in specific areas of their lives. I also founded the "Go Bravely Mentorship Community", which is a community of over 200 women from around the world who are committed to doing brave things and dreaming big. Additionally, I offer the "Go Bravely Coaching Course" for those who desire one-on-one time to break free from feeling stuck and live their ideal life. Finally, I also provide 1-1 coaching, monthly breakthrough sessions, and workshops, all focused on helping women Go Bravely and embody self-leadership. 

How can our readers connect with you?

Instagram: @dr.shellyann
Facebook: Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar
Website: www.alphastute.com