From Dentistry to Life Coaching: Dr. Seema Desai's Transformational Journey
Jul 11, 2024
How do you learn to step outside expectations and pursue your passions?
In today's episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Seema Desai, a woman who has worn many hats—dentist, wife, mother, daughter, and now a life coach and author. Her journey is an inspiring example of how embracing change and pursuing passion can lead to a fulfilling life.
Dr. Desai's story begins in a small town in North Texas, where she was raised by immigrant parents from India. Growing up in a culture that highly values certain professions, Dr. Desai felt the pressure to choose a conventional career path. "If you are at all familiar with South Asian, particularly Indian culture, the joke is you're either a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer," she shared.
Initially, Dr. Desai chose computer science but quickly realized it wasn't for her. Eventually, she settled on dentistry, and found herself living the expected life—married to a doctor, with a career, a home, and children.
Despite having everything she thought she wanted, she found herself struggling with postpartum depression after the birth of her first child. "I thought I had honestly done something wrong because I had followed the recipe and was really unhappy," she recalls.
Feeling isolated and misunderstood, she realized something needed to change. Her husband, although supportive, didn't fully grasp what she was going through, and she felt guilty for not feeling content with her life.
Dr. Desai decided to attend a yoga class, despite feeling guilty about leaving her infant son for an hour. What started as a therapeutic activity soon became a passion. In her quest to understand yoga better, she stumbled upon life coaching. Initially skeptical and dismissive of the idea, Dr. Desai eventually embraced it, and it transformed her life. "I literally was thinking how bad am I at living life that I would need to have somebody help me through this? But I'm glad I decided to not listen to the dismissive voice in my head," she says.
She eventually decided to stop practicing dentistry altogether and focus on coaching. The transition was not easy, especially with cultural expectations and family dynamics at play. However, her father-in-law's unwavering support helped her navigate this challenging period. "He was really kind of instrumental in telling me, don't judge yourself. This isn't making you happy. Figure it out. It's okay," she shares.
Through coaching, Dr. Desai discovered a new purpose: to help women, particularly those in medicine and other high-stress professions, navigate their own challenges and find fulfillment. Her journey also led her to write a book, Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides, which aims to help children and adults understand and manage their emotions through the concepts of "guides" and "guards." These concepts represent our inner wisdom and protective instincts, respectively, and help individuals navigate life's challenges with greater self-awareness and compassion.
Dr. Desai's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue your true calling. Her advice to others is to listen to their inner voice and not be afraid to step outside their comfort zones.
About Dr. Seema Desai
Dr. Semma Desai is a dentist-turned-success coach, wife, and mom living in Austin, Texas. Her passion and purpose is to help outwardly-successful, overachieving leaders feel successful from the inside out.
Episode Minutes:
- Minute 3:00 - Struggles and Realizations
- Minute 16:00 - Concept of Guides and Guards
- Minute 27:00 - Gratitude and the Upcoming Retreat
Episode Links:
- Visit Dr. Seema Desai’s website: drseemadesai.com
- Learn more about The Connected Wellness Retreat, coming up this October 2024 in Austin, TX
- Follow Dr. Seema Desai on Instagram
- Connect with Dr. Seema Desai on LinkedIn
- Get your copy of The Strengths Journal
- Visit Dana Williams Consulting Website
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