S01 - EP23 - Yasmeen Shaikh

Welcome to Episode 23 of the Career Shifts Podcast, hosted by Gopal Iyer. This week’s guest is Yasmeen Shaikh, a senior HR leader and an inspirational figure who made an extraordinary return to competitive badminton after a 20-year hiatus. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, work-life balance, and pursuing your passions—no matter your age or stage in life. If you’re looking for actionable advice to reignite your dreams, manage career transitions, or build mental toughness, this episode is a must-watch! Key Highlights

Introduction to Career Shifts Podcast – 00:02, Host Gopal Iyer introduces the Career Shifts Podcast and its mission to inspire through transformative career stories. A special reflection on Children’s Day, emphasizing the importance of keeping the inner child alive. Introduction to Yasmeen Shaikh, an HR leader who embodies grit, resilience, and passion. Rediscovering Passion: Yasmeen’s Badminton Journey – 08:15, How Yasmeen returned to competitive badminton 20 years after stepping away. Winning the All-England Senior Badminton Championship, becoming the first Indian woman to clinch the title in her category. Overcoming doubts and taking the leap: “You’re never too late to start again.” Balancing Corporate Success with Personal Goals – 19:10, Managing the demands of a senior HR role while training for international tournaments. Yasmeen’s practical strategies for balancing work, family, and personal goals: Early starts and flexible scheduling. Clear prioritization: “It’s not about balance—it’s about knowing what matters most.” Insights into staying disciplined and consistent. Mental Resilience and Overcoming Doubts – 28:35, Why mental strength often determines success more than skill. Yasmeen’s toolkit for building resilience: journaling, self-reflection, and visualization. Her advice for breaking through self-doubt: “You are your biggest challenge—get out of your own way.” Lessons from Sports for Leadership – 39:00, How values like integrity, teamwork, and discipline from sports translate to corporate leadership. Yasmeen’s insights on fostering collaboration and empowering teams: “In doubles badminton, you don’t talk—you just understand and adapt. That’s real teamwork.” Leading with integrity: “Do the right thing, even when no one’s watching.” Learning to handle setbacks with agility and grace. The Role of Support Systems – 48:45, The importance of family, mentors, and a strong support network in achieving success. Yasmeen’s heartfelt moments with her children during tough times: “When I missed my son’s birthday for a tournament, he said, ‘Mama, it’s okay. We have many more birthdays to celebrate together.’” Why building a community of encouragement is critical for growth. Dream Big but Stay Grounded – 59:20, Yasmeen’s formula for success: consistency, showing up, and gratitude. Her advice for chasing dreams: “Just take the first step—it’s not about perfection, but persistence.” Reflections on how hard work and humility fuel meaningful success. 🎯 Catch the Full Episode for More Inspiration! This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a roadmap for anyone seeking to reignite their passion, overcome challenges, and embrace their inner champion. 🌟 What’s Next? Join us next week for another transformative conversation on November 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM IST. Until then, stay curious, stay fearless, and keep that inner child alive! #careershifts #resilience #leadershipdevelopment #worklifebalance #GrowthMindset #careertransitions #podcastepisode #personaldevelopment #inspiration