My Story



Hi! I’m Gitima.

When I was 17, my teacher gifted me a book that changed my life — Discussions on Youth by Buddhist philosopher and peace-builder Dr. Daisaku Ikeda. One line that continues to be my source of strength is:

“Each of you has a mission that only you can fulfill.”

Those words, and the understanding that hardship can be transformed into purpose and meaning, became a steady source of encouragement and strength for me.

During that time, my mother was experiencing depression and my father was battling anxiety and panic attacks. As a high school student trying to be the “perfect” daughter, sister, student, and friend, I quietly struggled with feeling not good enough.

Through continuing to study Dr. Ikeda’s writings — including The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace — and engaging in self-reflective practices and community activities, I began tapping into my own strengths of courage, compassion, wisdom, and joy. I learned that living a life true to myself and my purpose isn’t about being “perfect.” It’s about using my experiences to relate to others and offer hope and courage in their hearts.

Over time, my parents overcame depression and anxiety, and I made a personal vow:

I would use my life to help reduce depression and anxiety in our world, and support people from diverse backgrounds to awaken to their own purpose, potential, and inner strength.

This led me to pursue a Ph.D. and devote my research to understanding the science of purpose development. Research shows that a strong sense of purpose is more protective against depression and anxiety than life satisfaction — and it plays a powerful role in long-term career success, leadership growth, and fulfillment.

I deeply believe that when you gain clarity about your strengths, values, lived experiences, and purpose, you unlock the momentum to build a career and life that brings lasting success, fulfillment, and meaningful impact.

My Work Today

Today, as a Professor of Counseling and Founder of CoachInspire, I blend:

    ✨ 15+ years of research
    ✨ Evidence-based counseling and coaching approaches
    ✨ My lived experiences as a mother, leader, and scholar-practitioner

…to support women in stepping into career and leadership roles that reflect their highest purpose — while protecting and strengthening their mental well-being.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve:

    ✨ Mentored 100+ leaders and professionals through career transitions, promotions, and consulting pathways
    ✨ Published 30+ research articles on purpose, mental health, and career success
    ✨ Led 60+ keynotes, leadership trainings, and workshops for organizations including Google, Stanford, Thermo Fisher Scientific, University of Washington, and California State University

My commitment is to help you pursue your goals with clarity, confidence, purpose, and mental well-being — so success becomes both meaningful and sustainable.

My Signature Frameworks

    ✨ The SPARK Method®: A 5-step framework that transforms burnout into purpose-driven, sustainable success by strengthening clarity, purpose, self-worth, and support.
    ✨ The 7-Step Purpose-to-Impact Framework®: A proven system that empowers women to grow their careers, step into leadership roles, earn promotions, launch consulting practices, and protect their mental well-being.

Let’s Work Together

    ✨ Schedule Initial Consultation — Gain clarity on your goals, challenges, and receive a personalized action plan.
    ✨ Explore Speaking & Training — Bring research-backed strategies on leadership, purpose, and mental well-being to your organization.
    ✨ Join My Community — Connect with me on LinkedIn and subscribe for my bi-weekly newsletters for evidence-based tools on purpose-driven success and mental well-being.



Gitima Sharma, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO, CoachInspire

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (864) 531-8245

Schedule Initial Consultation