Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaya Mallik.

Hi Jaya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My path into consulting and coaching wasn’t a straight line, but in hindsight, it all makes perfect sense.

I spent years as a DEI leader at Amazon, Meta, and Tandem Diabetes Care, where I had the privilege of mentoring and coaching underrepresented professionals as they navigated complex workplaces. While I loved the work, I also saw how often people—especially women of color—were left without the support, advocacy, and leadership development they deserved.

That’s what led me to start my own consulting and coaching practice. I wanted to create a space where underrepresented professionals could find not just career advice, but real, human-centered support—without the performative fluff or corporate jargon. My approach is grounded in compassion, intersectionality, and meeting people where they are, whether that means helping them negotiate for what they’re worth, navigate toxic workplaces, or step into leadership with confidence.

Today, I work with individuals and organizations to build workplaces that actually work for everyone. Whether I’m coaching one-on-one or consulting on systemic change, my mission is the same: to help underrepresented folks thrive—not just survive—in their careers.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Definitely not a smooth road—more like a winding, uphill hike with occasional surprise obstacles.

Leaving the stability of big tech to start my own consulting and coaching practice was both exciting and terrifying. One of the biggest challenges was shifting from being in organizations, where I had influence but also constraints, to working with organizations, where I had to convince leaders to prioritize real, lasting change—not just check a box. DEI work can be deeply personal and emotional, and there were times when I questioned whether companies were truly ready to do the work or if I was just shouting into the void.

On the coaching side, I saw how many underrepresented professionals—especially women of color—were exhausted from constantly having to prove themselves in workplaces that weren’t built for them. I knew I could help, but breaking through the noise of traditional career coaching (which often ignores systemic barriers) was another challenge. People needed to know that this wasn’t about just “leaning in” but about navigating workplaces with strategy, confidence, and community.

Building a business from scratch also came with all the classic struggles—figuring out pricing, marketing, and how to actually sell my services without feeling salesy. But through it all, the mission kept me going. Seeing my clients gain clarity, set boundaries, negotiate better pay, and step into leadership on their own terms has made every challenge worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Jaya Mallik Coaching & Consulting?

My coaching and consulting practice is all about helping underrepresented professionals—especially women of color—navigate their careers with confidence, strategy, and self-advocacy. I provide one-on-one coaching for folks who are tired of playing by the unspoken rules of workplaces that weren’t built for them, whether that means negotiating for what they’re worth, setting boundaries, or stepping into leadership on their own terms.

On the consulting side, I work with organizations that actually want to create equitable workplaces—not just talk about it. I help leaders move beyond performative DEI efforts to implement meaningful, sustainable change that supports the growth and retention of diverse talent.

What sets me apart? I don’t do fluffy, one-size-fits-all advice. My approach is grounded in real talk, intersectionality, and compassion. I understand firsthand what it’s like to navigate workplaces as a woman of color, and I bring that lived experience to every coaching session and consulting engagement. I meet people where they are—whether they need a mindset shift, a career strategy, or a plan to survive a toxic workplace while plotting their exit.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of creating a space where underrepresented professionals feel truly seen, heard, and supported. Too often, career advice ignores the systemic barriers we face. My work acknowledges those realities while giving people the tools and confidence to thrive anyway.

If you’re looking for a coach who gets it or a consultant who will push your organization toward real change, I’d love to connect!

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?

One surprising thing that most people might not know about me is that my coaching and consulting work naturally led me to birth work as a form of health equity advocacy. In my coaching practice, I help underrepresented professionals navigate systems that weren’t built for them, advocate for themselves, and step into leadership with confidence. Birth work is an extension of that—supporting people, particularly those from marginalized communities, in an inequitable healthcare system where their voices are often dismissed. Whether I’m coaching someone through a career transition or advocating for a birthing person’s right to informed, respectful care, my mission is the same: to create access, agency, and dignity in spaces that have historically denied them.

Pricing:

• 1:1 Coaching: Six sessions – $3500
• Rising Leaders Program: Sliding scale pricing
• Active Allies (Group): Sliding scale pricing
• Active Allies (1:1) – $3500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jmallikconsulting.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayamallik/