Omita Gaikwad is a seasoned leadership transformation coach whose journey is rooted in resilience, reinvention, and purpose. From navigating burnout and overcoming cancer twice to rising as a single mother and corporate leader, her lived experiences shaped her mission to guide leaders toward clarity, wellness, and conscious impact. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Omita’s story as part of our effort to amplify voices that inspire our 5-million-strong global community. Her journey reflects our shared belief in “She for She” and “He for She”—uplifting each other through courage, authenticity, and meaningful change.
1. What inspired you to start your journey in coaching and eventually leadership transformation?
It wasn’t a planned transition at all—life circumstances pushed me inwards. I experienced burnout while working in a middle-management role in the NHS. That phase compelled me to slow down and begin my own personal transformation. What started as self-work—learning stress management, NLP, energy management, and wellness—gradually evolved into a holistic transformation coaching journey. As I grew into senior roles and gained deeper insight into corporate challenges, I felt strongly that leadership needed a shift. That clarity is what led me to build a leadership transformation coaching practice focused on helping leaders renew their energy, purpose, and presence.
2. Who do you primarily work with today?
My work is focused on established senior leaders—C-suite professionals and executives who are overwhelmed, exhausted, or at a turning point in their leadership journey. Many of them are seeking renewed clarity, direction, and a healthier relationship with their work and life. I coach them one-on-one and sometimes in small groups, helping them reconnect with their purpose while becoming more effective and grounded leaders.
3. What key benefits do your clients experience through your coaching?
A noticeable shift in clarity is often the first change—they start seeing decisions and challenges from a more empowered perspective. Their energy levels improve, their stress reduces, and they begin leading with sharper judgment and a stronger presence. Because I integrate wellness into the process, many also experience a positive shift in their personal lives. When a leader transforms, the ripple effect naturally flows into their teams and organizations.
4. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently when starting your entrepreneurial journey?
Absolutely—like many new entrepreneurs, I initially felt the pressure to cater to everyone. Over time, I realized that your natural gifts and lived experiences are your true niche. When you build your work around what aligns with your authentic strengths, you show up with confidence and conviction. I would tell my younger self to focus earlier on where my value truly lies instead of trying to be everything for everyone.
5. Did you ever struggle with self-doubt or imposter syndrome? How did you overcome it?
Self-doubt was very much a part of my journey—being a single mother, facing cultural stigma, surviving cancer twice, and rebuilding my life came with many emotional challenges. That’s why I created my personal transformation program, My Worth, My Wellness, My World. I learned that everything begins with self-worth. When you know your worth, you naturally make better choices—in business, relationships, career, and health. That inner foundation is what helped me dissolve self-doubt and show up stronger in every area of life.
6. What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I don’t view legacy as a label but as a way of living consistently. My life is my message. Whether I’m supporting public sector organizations, coaching leaders, hosting transformation events, or volunteering with charities in India, my aim is the same—to translate my lived experiences into something meaningful for others. I want my work and energy to reach more people and help them step into their best selves.
7. What does success mean to you—personally and professionally?
Success to me is showing up as your truest self with confidence and clarity. Financial freedom is one dimension, but the deeper meaning is being able to serve without limitation—living your purpose fully. I believe there is space for everyone in this world, and when we operate from authenticity, we contribute to something much bigger than ourselves.
8. How do you keep yourself motivated during challenging or uncertain phases?
My “why” keeps me grounded. When you truly know who you are—your values, your strengths, your purpose—it becomes the anchor you return to during tough times. I’ve done the inner work to build that foundation, and it keeps me resilient. I want more women to experience that sense of inner stability and empowerment because it is life-changing.
9. What is the most underrated aspect of building a successful business?
People underestimate how much capability they already have within themselves. In today’s world of overconsumption—too much advice, too many tools—we often overlook our own strengths. If you simply show up fully where you are and stay open to learning, you can move forward from any point. Being present, intentional, and aware is far more powerful than chasing endless external inputs.
10. What challenges do you see in today’s competitive coaching landscape?
The coaching and training space has grown rapidly, especially online. While many can package solutions well, real transformation happens only when lived experience, insight, and authenticity come together. Nobody can replicate your journey—that is your greatest strength. The biggest challenge is resisting comparison and staying aligned with your unique voice and value.
11. What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs who feel discouraged or impatient for results?
Remove the pressure of time. Growth looks different for everyone—some rise quickly, others evolve steadily. Entrepreneurship is a self-discovery journey. Instead of rushing toward outcomes, embrace the experience and the lessons unfolding along the way. You will get there; your path just needs your patience.
12. Is there anything exciting you’re working on right now?
Yes—I’ve been developing a personal transformation program over the last year, which has received a very heartwarming response. Currently, I deliver it as an in-person event, but I’m working on expanding it online and bringing it to more locations, including India. It focuses on self-worth, wellness, self-discovery, sustainability, and purpose—all integrated into daily living. My goal is to make this accessible to more people who want a deeper, more practical transformation.
“As long as you know who you are and why you show up every day, you will never lose your way. Your journey is yours alone—and that is your greatest power.”
