We were lucky to catch up with Neelam Chand recently and have shared our conversation below.

Neelam, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My journey in evolving my business is deeply intertwined with my personal transformation. Beginning with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) consulting, I aimed to close gaps and enhance inclusivity within organizations. Yet, as I ventured further into my own healing and self-discovery, I unearthed a profound chance to expand my influence. This epiphany prompted a pivot towards a more comprehensive approach, weaving mindful leadership and life coaching into the essence of what I offer.

This transition illuminated a core theme: the essence of belonging. Moving beyond the mere promotion of inclusivity in organizations, I sought to reconceptualize belonging as a deeply personal state, one each person is tasked with nurturing within themselves. Such an insight emerged from my introspective journey, a path marked by wrestling with—and ultimately accepting—my own sense of belonging.

For too long, I contended with societal expectations of belonging, challenging the narratives that questioned my validity and space. Undoing and unlearning ingrained beliefs that I didn’t belong was arduous but transformative. I discovered that true belonging is not assigned by others; it’s a profound sense of self-acceptance and authenticity we must each grant ourselves.

This insight has not only been pivotal for me personally but also instrumental in reshaping my business. Now focusing on mindful leadership and life coaching, I’m propelled by the drive to guide others towards finding their own internal belonging. Encouraging people to define their sense of belonging and authenticity liberates creativity, innovation, and real connection. It’s an approach that invites us to tackle disparities and foster unity from a place of genuine understanding and shared humanity.

The evolution of my business underscores a belief: cultivating an internal sense of belonging empowers us and others to craft environments where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are tangible, not merely goals. Rooted in self-awareness and acceptance, we can foster true connections, spark change, and nurture communities where everyone feels they belong.

As I proceed with this mission, the power of embracing our authentic selves becomes ever clearer. From this stance of internal belonging, we’re equipped to truly interact with the world, igniting innovation and inclusivity beyond conventional limits. This pursuit of self-discovery and facilitating the same journey for others lies at the core of my efforts, aiming to create spaces where every individual can flourish, united by the profound experience of authentic belonging.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

At the heart of my journey, both personally and professionally, is a profound exploration of unconditional love and belonging. This exploration was sparked by a simple yet elusive question: What does unconditional love truly feel like for me? Growing up, the models of unconditional love weren’t clear or articulated in ways I could easily grasp. Consequently, understanding what unconditional love meant for me became a quest deeply intertwined with the concept of belonging—a concept that felt foreign and unattainable for much of my life.

From a young age, I was confronted with messages that I didn’t belong, which led me to internalize beliefs of unworthiness. I wasn’t “enough” in myriad, undefined ways. Throughout my life, this led me to contort and reshape myself in attempts to fit in, all the while grappling with feelings of unworthiness, exclusion, and insufficiency. This irony wasn’t lost on me as I began to center the idea of belonging in my business, promoting it externally while struggling to connect with it internally.

My transition into the fields of mindful leadership and life coaching was deeply influenced by this personal struggle and revelation. It became clear that to foster genuine inclusivity and belonging within organizations and individuals, I first needed to embark on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. This path led me to realize that unconditional love for oneself is the cornerstone of true belonging. Only by embracing our inherent worthiness can we invite others to do the same, creating environments where everyone feels valued and included.

Now, as I guide others through their journeys of mindful leadership and personal growth, my own experiences with self-actualization and the search for unconditional love inform every aspect of my work. I’ve come to understand that belonging and self-worth must be cultivated from within and that this internal foundation is key to overcoming feelings of unworthiness and exclusion.

What sets my work apart is not just the services we offer—workshops, coaching sessions, and programs designed to enhance mindful leadership and personal well-being—but the authenticity and depth of understanding I bring to these offerings. My journey from questioning my worthiness to embracing unconditional self-love and belonging has given me unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie in fostering genuine inclusivity and connection.

I am most proud of how this personal evolution has allowed me to contribute to others’ growth and transformation. Witnessing clients discover their own paths to self-acceptance, belonging, and unconditional love is incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms the importance of the work we do, not just in promoting diversity and inclusion, but in facilitating deeper, more meaningful personal and organizational change.

To those new to my story or my brand, I want you to know that my work is a reflection of my own journey toward self-actualization, awareness, and unconditional self-love. It’s about creating spaces—both within ourselves and in the world—where we can all belong, exactly as we are. This mission is not just professional; it’s deeply personal, driven by a desire to help others find the same sense of belonging and worthiness that has been so transformative in my own life.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of belonging, diversity, and leadership in today’s world, my commitment is to guide and support each individual and organization in discovering their own answers to these essential questions. Together, we can create a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and unconditional acceptance—a culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Navigating the complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in a climate where these values are increasingly under scrutiny is indeed a profound challenge. However, it’s also an unprecedented opportunity to revisit and deepen our approaches to this work. True resilience in this domain doesn’t just mean defending our values against criticism; it means embracing the chance to refine and strengthen these values through collective healing and reimagining a more just world. Let me share a story from my own journey that I believe captures the essence of resilience and transformation.

Early in my career, I was leading a DEIB initiative in an organization that faced significant internal resistance. The pushback wasn’t just passive; it was active and, at times, deeply personal. I found myself questioning not just the initiative but my own beliefs and capacities. It was a period of intense self-doubt and professional isolation that forced me to confront my own vulnerabilities and the depth of my commitment to this work.

This crucible moment led me to a deeper understanding of my purpose. I realized that resistance often stems from fear—fear of change, fear of the unknown, and sometimes, fear of facing our own biases. It was clear that moving forward would require more than just strategy and perseverance; it required empathy, patience, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of inclusion and belonging.

I began to shift my approach, focusing less on challenging the resistance head-on and more on building bridges. This meant creating spaces for open dialogue, listening deeply to the concerns and fears of others, and finding common ground. It was a slow and often challenging process, but gradually, we began to see a shift. Skepticism gave way to curiosity, and hostility softened into openness. Through this experience, I learned that resilience in DEIB work isn’t just about holding firm to your values; it’s about being flexible and compassionate enough to engage with those who doubt or oppose them.

This journey taught me that the path to a more just world is not linear. It’s fraught with setbacks and challenges that test our resilience and commitment. However, these challenges also offer opportunities for growth, learning, and deeper connection. They remind us that healing is a collective endeavor, requiring us to engage with empathy, patience, and an open heart.

As DEIB faces increasing scrutiny and challenges, we have a unique opportunity to reevaluate and strengthen our approaches. This means embracing the complexities of this work, recognizing the humanity in those who oppose us, and finding new ways to foster understanding and empathy. From this place of collective healing, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and just world.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur and in leading DEIB initiatives, my management philosophy and thinking have been profoundly influenced by a blend of timeless wisdom, modern psychology, and transformative mindfulness practices. The synthesis of these insights has not only shaped my approach to leadership but also deepened my understanding of resilience, empathy, and the essential nature of our connectedness. Here are some pivotal resources that have left a lasting imprint on my professional and personal growth:

“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle: This book has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of mindfulness and presence in leadership. Tolle’s emphasis on living in the moment and transcending the ego has helped me approach challenges with clarity and focus, fostering a work environment that values consciousness and presence over reactivity and distraction.

“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk: Van der Kolk’s exploration of trauma and its effects on the body and mind has deepened my appreciation for the complex layers of human experience within team dynamics. This understanding has guided me to foster a workplace that acknowledges the whole person, supporting healing and resilience as part of our collective journey toward inclusivity and belonging.

Bhagavad Gita, Translation and Commentary by Eknath Easwaran: The timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, particularly in Easwaran’s translation, offers profound insights into duty, righteousness, and the pursuit of purpose. Its teachings on performing one’s duty with detachment from the outcomes have influenced my approach to resilience and perseverance in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz: Ruiz’s simple yet profound agreements have guided my interactions and decision-making processes. Adopting these principles—be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best—has cultivated a culture of integrity, openness, and mutual respect within my team and in my leadership style.

“The Deeper Wound” by Deepak Chopra: This work has provided me with invaluable insights into navigating pain and finding peace. Chopra’s reflections on healing and the pursuit of inner peace amid the chaos of the external world have reinforced the importance of self-care and emotional well-being in the entrepreneurial journey.

Each of these resources has contributed to a management and entrepreneurial philosophy that values mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and the profound interconnectivity of all aspects of life. They have taught me that true leadership extends beyond mere business success to encompass the fostering of an environment where every individual can thrive, heal, and contribute to a collective vision of inclusivity, equity, and belonging.

By integrating the lessons from these diverse yet interconnected sources, I’ve been able to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and DEIB work with a grounded, holistic approach. They remind me that at the core of all our endeavors lies the opportunity for growth, healing, and the creation of spaces where true belonging and innovation can flourish.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shiftslc.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelam-chand/