Career Shifts: Insights from Episode 23 - Yasmeen Shaikh

From Corporate Boardrooms to Championship Courts: Yasmeen Shaikh’s Journey of Rediscovery | Career Shifts Podcast Highlights

Welcome Back, Career Shifts Family!

This week’s episode is one that lingers long after the conversation ends—a story of resilience, passion, and rediscovery. If you’ve ever wondered how to rekindle an old dream or balance the weight of responsibility with the pursuit of joy, then this episode is for you.

We’re sharing this reflection just a couple of days after Children’s Day, a celebration that took place on 14th November. For many of us, it was a moment to pause, watch the children in our lives revel in laughter, and perhaps remember the simpler joys of our own childhood.

When I think of Children’s Day, I’m reminded of fun school activities, the camaraderie of friends, and those little packets of sweets that felt like treasure. But as adults, Children’s Day takes on a new meaning. It’s not just about celebrating the young—it’s about reconnecting with the child within us.

Why Celebrate Our Inner Child?

Because the qualities that make childhood magical—unfiltered curiosity, living in the moment, and fearless joy—are the very things that help us thrive as adults.

• Curiosity fuels growth: As kids, “why” was our favourite question. That same relentless curiosity can push us today to explore new opportunities and question limits we’ve unconsciously accepted.
• Living in the present: Children live fully in the now, savouring each moment without the distractions of regret or worry. Imagine what we could achieve if we did the same.
• Fearless exploration: Kids don’t fear failure—they just try, and try again. Reclaiming that spirit can unlock doors we’ve been too hesitant to open.

Children’s Day was on Tuesday, but the message it carries remains timeless: keep the wonder alive. And there’s no better story to illustrate this than the one shared in our latest episode.

Meet Yasmeen Shaikh: Champion, Leader, and Inspiration

On Children’s Day, I had the privilege of sitting down with Yasmeen Shaikh , a woman who embodies the spirit of her inner child in everything she does.

Imagine reigniting a love for badminton after 20 years, stepping back into competitive sports while managing a thriving career as an HR leader, and ultimately becoming the first Indian woman to win the Women’s Singles 45+ title at the prestigious All-England Senior Badminton Championship. Yasmeen’s journey isn’t just inspiring—it’s a masterclass in resilience, courage, and living fully.

When I sat down with Yasmeen for Episode 23 of the Career Shifts Podcast, her story unfolded like a playbook for resilience, adaptability, and rediscovering passion.

Yasmeen’s story reminds us that life is full of second chances—if only we have the courage to take them. So, as we reflect on this week’s conversation, let it be a nudge to reconnect with the dreams and passions we may have set aside.

Let’s rediscover that childlike curiosity, joy, and fearlessness—because it’s never too late to start again.

1. Rediscovering Passion: It’s Never Too Late

One of the most striking moments in our conversation was when I asked Yasmeen about her decision to return to competitive badminton after a 20-year hiatus. Her candid response struck a chord:

“I wasn’t sure if I was ready,” she admitted. “Playing competitive badminton again felt like stepping into a completely new world. But I thought, why not test the waters?”

Her journey began tentatively, with doubt lingering in the background. Yet, it was her determination and relentless effort that propelled her forward. Yasmeen trained rigorously, competed with seasoned players, and went on to win multiple national and international titles, including becoming the first Indian woman to clinch the Women’s Singles 45+ title at the All-England Senior Badminton Championship.

Her message is one that resonates deeply:

“You’re never too late to start again. If there’s something you love, go after it—today, not tomorrow.”

It’s a reminder that the best time to chase a passion is now.

2. Balancing Corporate Leadership with Championship Dreams

Yasmeen’s story isn’t just about rediscovering a passion—it’s about doing so while navigating the demands of a high-stakes corporate role and family life.

“It’s not about balance,” she shared. “It’s about prioritizing what matters most. For me, it was my family, my kids’ schedules, and work commitments. Everything else fits around that.”

Her days started early, often as early as 5:30 AM, with training sessions squeezed in before work. If her corporate schedule demanded an early start, she would adjust her training accordingly.

“It’s about showing up every day and sticking to the plan,” she explained.

Yasmeen’s disciplined approach is a powerful example of how intentional planning and consistent effort can help us create space for our passions—even in the busiest of lives.

3. Lessons from the Court: Resilience and Leadership

Yasmeen described how the lessons she learned on the badminton court shaped her approach to leadership and life.

“Life is like a badminton match. You won’t win every point, but you learn to adapt, stay resilient, and keep moving forward,” she said.

Some of the principles she highlighted include:

• Teamwork: “In doubles, you don’t talk during the game; you just understand and move. That’s real teamwork.”
• Integrity: “Doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching, is what defines you.”
• Adaptability: “Every opponent and every match is different, just like challenges at work. You have to think on your feet.”

These values transcend the badminton court—they are the foundation for success in any domain.

4. Mental Toughness: The X-Factor for Success

When I asked Yasmeen what separates good players from great ones, her answer was crystal clear:

“If you win the mental battle, everything else falls into place.”

To build her mental resilience, she turned to practices like journaling and visualization.

“I’d write down what I learned during training, what held me back, and how I could overcome it. Visualizing success was a big part of staying focused,” she shared.

Her advice is simple yet profound: break your goals into smaller, achievable steps and celebrate each milestone along the way. It’s a strategy that works for both life and leadership.

5. The Role of a Support System: No Success is Solo

Behind Yasmeen’s extraordinary achievements is a family that stood by her every step of the way.

“I couldn’t have done this without my husband, kids, and parents. They were my home team, always cheering me on,” she said.

One touching anecdote she shared was about missing her son’s birthday due to a tournament.

“I felt terrible, but my son said, ‘Mama, you’ve celebrated my birthday for 10 years. It’s okay if you miss one. We’ll have many more together.’”

It’s a reminder that success is rarely a solo journey. Lean on your loved ones, and don’t forget to show gratitude for their unwavering support.

6. Embracing the Inner Child: Lessons for All of Us

Our conversation took a reflective turn as we spoke about Children’s Day and the importance of reconnecting with our inner child. Yasmeen’s story exemplifies qualities we often associate with children:

• Curiosity: Never stop exploring and asking “why.”
• Joy: Find happiness in small wins and savour the journey.
• Fearlessness: Don’t be afraid to stumble—it’s part of the process.

Her journey serves as a call to keep these qualities alive, no matter where life takes us.

7. Rapid-Fire Wisdom: Moments That Stuck

During our rapid-fire segment, Yasmeen shared nuggets of wisdom that left a lasting impression:

• The best advice she’s received: “You are your biggest challenge. Overcome yourself, and the world is yours.”
• Her mantra for success: “Consistency over perfection.”
• On handling failure: “Learn, adapt, and move forward. Failure is a stepping stone, not a stop sign.”

These lessons aren’t just for the badminton court—they’re for life.

Key Takeaways for Your Journey

Yasmeen’s story is rich with lessons for anyone striving to make a change or pursue their dreams. Here’s what her journey teaches us:

1. It’s never too late: Whether it’s rediscovering a hobby, shifting careers, or chasing a dream, take that first step today.
2. Mental resilience is key: Build your inner strength—it’s the foundation for overcoming obstacles.
3. Prioritize what matters: Life is about choices. Focus on what aligns with your goals and values.
4. Lean on your support system: Success is a team effort. Cherish the people who stand by you.
5. Celebrate the journey: Progress isn’t always linear. Acknowledge and enjoy the small wins along the way.

Yasmeen’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to reignite our passions and that resilience, consistency, and a strong support system can take us further than we ever imagined.

Let her story inspire you to take that leap, pursue what you love, and embrace the champion within you. 🌟

Final Words

As we wrapped up, We both left with a thought that encapsulates her journey:

“The only person standing between who you are and who you want to be is you. Once you overcome your inner doubts, you’re unstoppable.”

🎯 Catch the Full Episode for More Inspiration!

This episode is not just a conversation; it’s a blueprint for transformation. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the rhythm of daily life, uncertain about how to pursue a passion, or hesitant to take the first step toward a goal, Yasmeen’s story will resonate deeply.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reignite your dreams, embrace your inner champion, and rewrite the narrative of what’s possible. From overcoming self-doubt and injuries to balancing a demanding career with the rigours of competitive sports, Yasmeen shares actionable insights and heartfelt reflections that will inspire you to reflect, reimagine, and rise.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a busy professional, or someone simply looking for a spark of motivation, this episode has something for you:

• Rediscover your “why” and use it as a compass to move forward.
• Navigate life’s challenges with resilience, even when the odds are stacked against you.
• Cultivate a champion’s mindset that balances passion with priorities.

🎥 Don’t miss out on this inspiring journey! 👉 Watch Now: [YouTube Link]

🎧 Prefer to listen on the go? 🎧 Stream the full episode: Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

🚀 What’s Next?

Mark your calendars for November 21st at 7:00 PM because I am bringing you another power-packed episode of the Career Shifts Podcast!

Each week, we aim to inspire and equip you with stories that resonate, challenge, and motivate you to take charge of your career and life.

Next week’s guest is someone who has not only navigated his career through uncharted waters but has also redefined what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose.

Whether you’re looking for practical strategies, heartfelt reflections, or bold ideas to fuel your growth, this conversation promises to deliver it all.

Until then, let’s take a moment to reflect on today’s takeaways. What can you do to stay curious, fearless, and connected to your inner child this week? Maybe it’s trying something new, journaling a small win, or simply pausing to appreciate where you are on your journey.

I am so grateful to have you as part of the Career Shifts family. Your growth is what fuels this platform, and together, we’ll continue exploring the transformative power of resilience, passion, and purpose.

🌟 Stay tuned, stay inspired, and stay bold!

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for early access to next week’s episode highlights and exclusive insights.

📌 Tag a friend who needs a dose of inspiration and let them know about this episode that’s sure to leave a lasting impact.

Let’s keep the conversation going—because your journey matters and it’s never too late to create your own success story. 🌟

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