We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shazad Carbaidwala. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shazad below.
Alright, Shazad thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Everything I have done has been taking a risk from my former professional bodybuilding career to authoring two books to being a FEMA officer, to walking in federal institutions and speaking with people whom have been institutionalized. “Be comfortable in being uncomfortable in life”
I have taken on many initiatives to preserve my late dad’s legacy. He left something behind and I needed to pick that up AND that was to always help people.
Probably the biggest risk I have taken is to fulfill my promise to myself and that is take pride in everything that I do and NEVER start a life goal that I can’t finish. With all the many hats that I wear taking on the risk of trying to accomplish it all requires me to manage my time appropriately while being a father and taking care of my beautiful 7 year old girl.
Out of all the goals that I have set out to do the riskiest was releasing my book Row which embodies my life. I wrote the book to support others with so many of the same struggles I have faced, creating awareness. By sharing my personal story; it inspired my readers to overcome obstacles, pursue their dreams, and embrace change. I wanted to instill confidence and encourage action. Talk is cheap.
My book contributes to my personal and professional legacy, encapsulating my insights and experiences for future generations to reference and learn from.

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.
My personal journey has been one of resilience and determination. I faced numerous challenges early in life, but I refused to let them define me. Instead, I used those experiences as fuel to pursue my passion for empowering others. My current business was born out of a desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives by providing them with the tools and support they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
My business primarily offers transformation coaching services, motivational speaking engagements, and access to personal development resources such as my book “ROW: We live by choices we make, I made mine.”
What sets me apart is my personalized approach to coaching, and personal training affirming my commitment to delivering actionable insights, and unwavering dedication to the success of my clients.
I have been authored multiple books, One of which my beautiful daughter and I did together, the other is a book about my self prophecy and ultimately help people battle their daily demons.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Moving. From 2014 to 2020 I went living with my elderly mom to having to leave her and move to Philadelphia, then to Boston, then to Cincinnati and fortunately now settled back home to Chicago close to family and friends. It has been a whirlwind, but allowed me to expand my horizons.
Establishing my roots and myself and building a foundation for success was everything I strived from playing collegiate football to pivoting to professional bodybuilding in 2009 getting my pro card and starting my own personal training practice to leave that all behind to support my partner. Hard, but made sense at the time.
I had to find ways to prosper in different places constantly revitalizing my self.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Taking a deep breath,
What can I say. My whole life has been filled with resilience. From playing college football as a 5’6 Pakistani weighing less than 190 pounds. From competing in the world of bodybuilding and all the indiscretions that came with it. From losing my father at a tender age and taking on a larger role within my family. From moving from place to place to support something that never really made sense to me, but I did because at the time I thought it was right. Now back in the friendly confines of Illinois surrounded by friends and family.
I am grateful and blessed I am able to live with the same breath my father lived and that is to, “take pride in everything you do”, “help as many people you can before God wants you back.”
My past has led me down the path of humility, empathy, and understanding. Each misstep has been a lesson, teaching me the value of reflection and the importance of growth. While once my actions may have been guided by pride or impulsiveness, I now strive to approach life with a heart open to lend a hand to others.
Through humility, I’ve come to recognize the importance of empathy and listening, not just to others but to my inner self. It has enabled me to forge deeper connections, offering genuine support to those around me and seeking guidance when needed. I understand now that it is in embracing vulnerability that true strength is found.
The journey toward humility has been transformative, allowing me to appreciate the wisdom found in failures and the grace required to forgive both myself and others. As I continue this path, my focus remains on cultivating a life of honesty, integrity, and purposeful actions that uplift and inspire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shazadsnutrition.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shazad-carbaidwala-mba-csm-1088ab91/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shazadcarbaidwala37
- Other: Below are my socials and news articles/podcasts:
Social Media Handles:
Purchase of my book Row: (All proceeds go to charity)
Purchase of my book The Case of Mughal Baker Cookies:
Fitness website
https://www.shazadsnutrition.com/LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shazad-carbaidwala-mba-csm-1088ab91/YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/@shazadcarbaidwala37Shazad in the News:
Inspiring Change and Giving Back: Shazad Carbaidwala’s Journey
https://voyageny.com/shazad-carbaidwala-inspiring-change/
https://www.coloradotech.edu/blog/2018/january/executive-mba-graduate-shazad-carbaidwala-from-admissions-advisor-to-corporate-project-manager-entrepreneur-and-humanitarian
https://usreporter.com/from-setbacks-to-success-the-inspiring-story-of-shazad-carbaidwala/
Shazad Carbaidwala: Creating a legacy of his own in entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
https://www.magcloud.com/user/integritymagazine
https://www.instagram.com/p/C8OVqNFN5Ob/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DL3Z8NfPiy5/?img_index=4
Podcasts:
Writing for Impact: Shazad Carbaidwala on Creativity and Writing
Mohammed Awais: Pzeer
Business Story of the Week: Empowering Paths: Journey from Struggle to Success
Holistic Human Performance with Gena Bradshaw
Incredible Life Creator with Dr. Kimberly Linert
Power Surge
Overcoming Adversities: The Courage to Change with Shazad Carbaidwala
Storyteller’s Sanctuary Podcast




