Meet Komal Shah | Parent Education Consultant & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Komal Shah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Komal, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson that my business and career has taught me is that your business is an extension of yourself, so if you want to thrive in your business, you first have to build the resilience and capacity within yourself. Your inner health is foundational to your business success. As I have built my brand, it has been evident that my emotional and mental state influences how I execute the tasks at hand. I have found that leaning on others, asking for help, and sharing that you need support is vital to thrive and get more of an objective perspective when needed. It is also okay to take a step back, re-evaluate, and find a new direction when needed.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career trajectory was one that was not planned! I was a biology major in college and was going down the healthcare route. However, I spontaneously applied to Teach For America in 2013 and got in! When I stepped into the classroom for the first time, I knew this was exactly where I was supposed to be. Over a span of five years, I began to learn how to be a teacher that cared about the human first, and student second. It was a journey that had many ups and downs, especially working in a community that was struggling with poverty, gang violence, and so much more. There were times where I did break down, and it was not always easy, especially emotionally. I was able to overcome these challenges by finding a community that could support me along the way.

As I reflect on writing a book and starting my own business to transform education, I’ve learned that you have to become okay with uncertainty. The fear of not having control will always be there, but you can always transcend that by accepting the current situation. It is important to always just plan for the next step, rather than too long-term.

I want the world to know that if you have a mission you are passionate about that makes an impact in other people’s lives, go after it! But know that it may take you a lifetime to achieve it, and guess what, that’s okay!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sunday morning Itinerary:

1) Morning Yoga at Sunset Cliffs
2) Coffee and Brunch at Lion Cafe
3) Little Italy Farmer’s Market
4) Cute Brewery
5) Salsa dancing in the evening

The greatest places to check out is everywhere! San Diego is truly a gem of a city, and there is so much to do. It’s important to go out into nature and enjoy the scenery, but it also is filled with so many cute little spaces. I would always check out community events, like the Vegan Pop Up in North Park, where you can meet new people and eat some yummy food!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shout out my LinkedIn community! When I first started sharing my vision about conscious education, I was on this specific platform. It was here that I got to meet and engage with so many education change makers who were following along on my author’s journey and supporting my work. Fast forward three years, some of these community members I have been able to meet in-person, and have developed so many friendships. I never knew how much an online community can support your dreams, but I have found time and time again that it has been possible for me.

I also have to recognize friends and family who not only support my dreams, but support me as a person. I would not be where I am without them.

Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-parent-classroom/id1680572328

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consultkomal/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/consultkomal/