It’s the season of giving—and today, we’re unwrapping one of the most transformative gifts of all: the gift of mirrors.
In this episode, Shannon sits down with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi, biotech entrepreneur, physician, and trailblazer whose career has taken her from Harvard to the helm of Gossamer Bio—and into the heart of human-centric leadership. You may know her from her TED Talk, “Shattering the Glass Ceiling by Finding the Right Mirrors,” and her book, The Mirror Effect, which helps leaders everywhere see themselves—and each other—more clearly.
Together, Shannon and Sheila explore how to shatter the glass ceilings not only above us, but within us. They discuss how fear, insecurity, doubt, and shame—the “FIDS,” as Sheila calls them—can quietly hold us back, and how surrounding ourselves with mirrors who see our brilliance can change everything.
From learning to “have your own back,” to creating your personal board of directors, this episode is a reminder that confidence begins when we start believing the reflections that lift us higher.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV_mAbu_N0g
✨ This December, give yourself the gift of belonging—and pass it on.
💖 Host Note from Shannon:
As I wrapped this conversation, one moment stood out—when Sheila said that our deepest fear isn’t inadequacy, but our own light. That line still gives me chills.
This episode reminded me that being human-fueled isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about seeing the fire in others and fanning it with encouragement.
So as you gather around your own tables this holiday season, may you remember: we all belong. And sometimes, the best gift we can give is simply to hold up a mirror and say, “I see you.”
💬 Gems from Dr. Sheila Gujrathi:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.”
“I realized the glass ceiling I had heard about since I was a little girl wasn’t just above me—it was inside of me.”
“We all have FIDS: fear, insecurity, doubt, and shame. Just naming them is freeing—because once you see them, they no longer have to rule you.”
“Having your own back is precious—because once you find it, no one can take that away from you.”
“Leadership is independent of position or title. We’re all leaders in our own lives, and we can all be mirrors for someone else.”
“If I could bottle up that feeling of belonging, I would take it every day—and give it to everyone I know.”
🔗 Episode Resources & Links:
🌐 Dr. Sheila Gujrathi Website
📘 The Mirror Effect: A Transformative Approach to Growth for the Next Generation of Female Leaders – https://sheilagujrathimd.com/book/
🎥 TED Talk: “Shattering the Glass Ceiling by Finding the Right Mirrors”
💼 Connect with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi on LinkedIn
💼 Follow Dr. Sheila Gujrathi on Instagram
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