Meet Shikha Bajaj

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shikha Bajaj. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve spent over 25 years navigating the worlds of tech, finance, and healthcare—often as the only first-generation immigrant woman in the room. I climbed the ranks, led multi-million-dollar programs, and earned a seat at the table. But somewhere along the way, I realized: success isn’t just about titles or outcomes. It’s about impact. It’s about helping others rise with you.

That realization led me to create Own Your Color—a book and a movement to help people, especially women and underrepresented voices, reconnect with their values, reclaim their stories, and lead from a place of authenticity. What started as a labor of love is now an award-winning book designed to spark self-discovery and confidence.

It’s deeply personal. Because I know what it feels like to second-guess yourself, to shrink in rooms where you feel unseen. And I also know the freedom that comes when you finally stop trying to fit in—and start showing up fully as yourself.

What makes this journey even more meaningful is that significant portion of the book royalties go directly to causes close to my heart such as Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Mercer County, where I proudly serve as a board member. Giving back isn’t just a footnote in this story—it’s the reason I wrote the book in the first place.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: you are not too much, too quiet, too bold, or too late. You are exactly who you need to be to make your mark.
You just have to own your color.

You can explore the book and my leadership offerings at ownyourcolor.com. I’ll soon be launching a special Own Your Color product bundle — designed to help you remember your power or gift it to someone you care about, so they can rise and shine in full color.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three things really stood out as game-changers in my journey:

First, resilience. There were times I felt completely alone—like the only first-generation immigrant woman in the room—and it was hard not to doubt myself. But I learned to keep showing up, even when it felt uncomfortable or exhausting. Resilience became my superpower, helping me turn setbacks into lessons.

Second, self-awareness. Taking the time to really understand what drives me, what I value, and where my strengths lie made all the difference. When you know yourself well, it’s easier to be confident, make decisions that align with your goals, and not get thrown off by others’ expectations.

And third, building relationships. I wouldn’t be where I am without mentors and allies who believed in me—and I’ve made it a point to do the same for others. Genuine connections open doors, offer support, and keep you grounded when things get tough.

If you’re just starting out, here’s what I’d say: it’s okay to feel uncomfortable sometimes—that’s often where growth happens. Spend time reflecting on who you are and what you want, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. Reach out to mentors, even if it feels intimidating—they want to help, and you bring value too.

Most importantly, remember that your unique story and perspective aren’t just important—they’re exactly what the world needs. Only when I began to be truly authentic did I start getting noticed—my work and “Own Your Color” book have since been recognized and invited to global stages like Capitol Hill, the Embassy of China, and by the New Jersey Legislature.

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