Coach Spotlight - Nityashri

Welcome to a special BOLDLY Coach Spotlight in honour of World Maternity Mental Health Day! Introducing Coach Nityashri, an Indo-Canadian Organizational Psychologist and accredited PCC coach dedicated to enhancing workplace wellness and development. With expertise in executive education and Perinatal Mental Health, she specializes in supporting organizations through maternity transitions and leadership coaching, advocating for inclusive workplace cultures where every individual can thrive.

1) Thank you for joining us from Dubai where you've been based for the last decade. Prior to that you were in Canada, if you could blend one aspect of Canadian culture with the lifestyle in Dubai, what would it be and why? 

Canada is known for its multiculturalism and Dubai for its love of food, culture, language, and diversity. The blending of Canadian culture with Dubai's lifestyle could inspire cultural exchange programs, multicultural festivals, and initiatives promoting intercultural understanding and inclusion. This blend would encourage people from different backgrounds to come together, share experiences, and celebrate diversity, fostering a realization that despite differences, we share similar needs and desires in life.

2) What's the most surprising thing you've discovered about living in Dubai over the past 10 years, compared to your expectations before moving here?

The most surprising thing about living in Dubai over the past 10 years is the rapid pace of development and innovation, alongside the city's emphasis on safety, healthcare, and education accessibility. It is unlike anywhere in the world.  It has far exceeded my expectations, offering continuous opportunities for personal and professional growth to the point that I can’t imagine living anywhere else with my family. This is Home.

3) What inspired your transition from HR, training, and development into coaching, and what do you find most rewarding about helping individuals grow and develop through coaching?

My transition from HR, training, and development into coaching was inspired by the desire to provide more personalized and holistic support to individuals. I found coaching to be incredibly rewarding as it allows me to empower individuals on a deeper level, helping them navigate challenges, unlock their potential, and achieve their goals. 

 4) You have an executive education from the University of Michigan, as well as being a Professional Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation and hold certification in Perinatal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International. How do you feel these qualifications combined with your professional experience give you a unique perspective when coaching?

These qualifications, combined with my professional experience, enable me to blend insights from organizational psychology, coaching methodologies, and perinatal mental health, offering comprehensive support tailored to each organization plus individual employee needs. Additionally, I have insights into challenges companies face related to talent acquisition, talent management, learning and development, and employee experience, which are not readily available when sourcing mental health providers without HR experience. 

 5) How do you feel organizations can create a sustainable impact in women leadership, gender diversity and inclusion of expecting employees?

By implementing supportive policies and initiatives. This includes offering flexible work arrangements, parental leave options, pre- and post-natal mentorship programs to expecting employees, and continuous training on diversity and inclusion. It's crucial to foster a culture that values and supports women throughout their journey into motherhood and beyond. 

6) What specific services or support do corporate maternity coaches offer to expecting or new mothers in the workplace?

Corporate maternity coaches offer a range of specialized services and support to expecting or new mothers in the workplace. These coaches typically hold certifications from governing bodies like PSI-Postpartum Support International, USA, which qualify them to provide perinatal care within corporate settings. Their services include pre- and post-natal coaching or mentoring, assisting mothers in career planning pre maternity leave, managing stress and anxiety related to motherhood and work responsibilities, and collaborating with HR departments and line managers to ensure a smooth transition back to work for new mothers. Additionally, they are trained to identify signs of Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and can make referrals to psychologists or psychiatrists for professional therapy or counseling when necessary.

7) As a corporate maternity coach, how do you tackle the concerns of working mothers regarding their career progression and advancement? 

As a corporate maternity coach, I address the career progression and advancement concerns of working mothers through personalized mentorship sessions, goal setting, skill development, and a curated three-hour masterclass titled "Career Strategy and Planning Workshop." I work collaboratively with mothers to create actionable plans aligned with their aspirations and priorities, bridging gaps by liaising with department heads or HR.

8) Can you share with us any strategies or resources that you'd recommend helping working mothers maintain mental and emotional well-being?

I recommend working mothers prioritize self-care, set realistic expectations, establish boundaries, seek social support, practice mindfulness and stress management techniques, and access professional resources such as counseling or coaching when needed. Balancing work and family responsibilities requires proactive strategies to maintain mental and emotional well-being. 

9) What tangible benefits can employers expect to when they hire a Corporate Maternity Coach for their pregnant staff? Can you share examples of success stories or positive outcomes resulting from corporate maternity coaching programs?

Employers hiring a Corporate Maternity Coach can expect benefits like increased retention, improved morale and productivity, enhanced talent development, reduced absenteeism and stress-related issues, and a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Success stories include empowered mothers with realistic work-life balance, advancing in their careers while thriving personally as new mothers, ultimately contributing to happier families and communities.

10) What is your vision for Corporate Maternity Wellness?

My vision for Corporate Maternity Wellness is to create a supportive and inclusive workplace environment where expecting and new mothers feel empowered, valued, and equipped to thrive both personally and professionally. I aim to help mothers navigate the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities while achieving their career aspirations and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I want women to have psychological safety at work and for organizations and companies to flourish alongside their women talent pipeline. 

Thank you so much Coach Nityashri for sharing your valuable insights and advocation for Corporate Maternity Wellness. To book a complementary 30 minute chemistry session with Coach Nityashri, or to discover more about the full range of coaching services offered by BOLDLY visit www.boldly.app or contact connect@boldly.app