How Underrepresented Professionals Reach the C-Suite

Episode 316 - Dr. Sheila Gujrathi discusses how to build real influence, find sponsors, and move into executive roles without losing yourself. We unpack how fear shows up and what to do when you aren’t the “obvious” candidate.

I recorded this episode to answer a question many experienced professionals wrestle with: How do you keep advancing when you do not fit the traditional mold for senior leadership? My guest is Dr. Sheila Gujrathi, a biotech executive, physician, and scientist who has led programs from idea to approval, served as a CEO and board director, and built platforms to support leaders across the health and life sciences sector. She is known for a high-impact TEDx talk on brave, inclusive leadership with more than a million views, and she co-founded a peer community that connects and develops biotech CEOs. Our conversation is a practical discussion about sponsorship, fear, authentic influence, and the specific moves that help underrepresented leaders rise without losing themselves.

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Timestamps to guide your listening:

• 00:00 Introduction to Sheila Gujrathi
• 04:58 The Journey of Leadership and Advocacy
• 08:13 The Importance of Role Models and Mirrors
• 10:57 Preparing for Success: Mindset and Routine
• 14:16 Grounding Techniques for High-Stress Situations
• 17:11 Building Trust and Authenticity in Leadership
• 20:11 Navigating Executive Presence
• 23:19 Engaging in Conversations and Resetting Dynamics
• 26:19 Trust and Relationship Building
• 29:07 The Future of Leadership and Advocacy

Links mentioned in this episode:

• TEDx talk “Shattering the Glass Ceiling by Finding the Right Mirrors.”
• Sheila's LinkedIn
• The Mirror Effect (book + workbook)

About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence