Her gift is to train the brain.
The right side, that is, to be better connected for business, which primarily uses the left, analytical half.
Saima Shah's skills are now employed by Canadian technology companies and her coaching is being sought by CEOs as far away as Dubai.
Her aim is to get organizations out of their structured comfort zones and to think out of the box.
"The companies that are thriving today are using the right side of their brains," the Coquitlam resident said. "They have more of a balance and, as a result, have that competitive edge."
Shah, who has two MBAs (one in finance from the Institute of Business Administration in her native Karachi, another in computers from Simon Fraser University), started her pursuit for business creativity several years back.
Certified in Usui and Kundalini Reiki, yoga therapy, hatha yoga, hypnotherapy, intuition development and heart resonance, Shah learned how to break down mental barriers and stress. In 2008, Shah started Coquitlam Meditation and transformed her career into an executive and life coach.
As a consultant, Shah talks to companies about unleashing the power of creativity. "For many people involved in detail-orientated jobs, they tighten up when you tell them to use the right side of their brains," she said, "so what we have to do is develop it. The right side opens up a world of energy, insight and possibilities. And that, in turn, allows businesses to be proactive."
Shah admits she offers a "very unusual service"; however, the need for businesses to not just trade but also invest in their staff to think freely is a direction businesses are dialing into, she said, citing the example of Google, which has meditation experts at its California headquarters, Googleplex.
Mandara Lebovitz said she invited Shah to talk on Thursday night's PechaKucha Port Coquitlam Night because "she is an amazing healer and psychic" who can speak about holistic workplace approaches.
Besides Shah, Lebovitz has recruited people working in the arts, education, finance and politics. PechaKucha (Japanese for chit chat) speakers have about 6.5 minutes for their slideshow presentation - 20 images for 20 seconds each - that describe their passions.
It is the second PechaKucha Night at the Terry Fox Theatre; last fall's event also drew speakers with a wide range of passions: from typography and rock music to public art projects and funding for the disabled.
Tickets for PechaKucha Port Coquitlam on Thursday, Feb. 12 are $12 online or $15 at the door. Terry Fox secondary's Rock School teacher Steve Sainas and musician Elaina Buenaventura will provide entertainment. Visit terryfoxtheatre.org.
@jwarrenTC
