💡 Women in STEM are some of the most brilliant minds in the world—yet so many struggle with self-doubt, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome.

Despite holding advanced degrees, leading complex projects, and solving global challenges, many women in science, tech, and engineering still feel like they’re not “good enough.”

🔹 “Am I really qualified for this role? Maybe I just got lucky”

🔹 “What if they notice I am not as smart as I look like”

🔹 “I don’t know enough yet to speak up.”

🔹 “I am qualified in my field, but I don’t know enough about business, marketing or leadership. I’d better stay away ”

In this International Women’s Day special episode of The Heart of the Equation, Sara Mobarhanfard and Anisa Zafar dive deep into why high-achieving women in STEM constantly doubt themselves—and how to break free from it.

✅ What imposter syndrome actually is and why it’s common among high-achievers

✅ How STEM culture reinforces self-doubt (and why women are affected most)

✅ Why logical, highly analytical minds struggle with confidence

✅ How perfectionism & over-preparing keep women stuck in their careers

✅ Practical coaching techniques to reframe self-doubt and own your expertise

💡 If you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough despite your credentials and achievements, this episode is for you.

📲 Connect with us:

Sara Mobarhanfard: narosibcoaching.com

Anisa Zafar: treeoflifeguru.com

Pragati Siddhanti: myswissstory.com

💡 There’s plenty of content online for high-level executives and CEOs, and just as much for entry-level professionals trying to build their careers. But what about middle managers? The reality is, you can’t just leap into an executive role—you have to navigate this critical stage first. Balancing your own ambitions with your team’s success isn’t something handed to you; it’s a skill you must intentionally develop.

In this episode, Sara Mobarhanfard sits down with Pragati Siddhanti, a senior IT professional and team leader at Accenture, to discuss the unspoken challenges of mid-level management in the fast-paced world of tech consulting.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

✅ The balancing act of managing expectations from both executives and teams

✅ Why technical expertise isn’t enough—the overlooked leadership skills that matter

✅ The real reasons mid-level managers struggle with burnout & decision fatigue

✅ How to lead without micromanaging or losing trust

✅ What makes a great leader in consulting—and what doesn’t

✅ How to navigate career growth and avoid leadership roadblocks

💡 If you're a tech professional navigating leadership, this episode is for you.

📲 Connect with us:

Sara Mobarhanfard: narosibcoaching.com

Pragati Siddhanti: myswissstory.com

🔗 Learn more about this podcast

💡 Uncertainty, fear, and anxiety—these emotions have been on the rise, especially in recent years. Whether it’s job instability, global crises, or personal challenges, the feeling of not knowing what’s next can be overwhelming.

This topic is very close to our heart as so many of our clients or friends in STEM are experiencing job losses, lay offs and reorganisations. The world is changing and the corporations are trying to keep up.

So many have to go on job interviews, show up with high energy despite all the emotions and anxieties caused by their situation.

In this episode, Sara Mobarhanfard and Anisa Zafar have an open and honest conversation about how to navigate uncertainty, manage fear-based decisions, and build resilience in an unpredictable world.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why uncertainty feels so uncomfortable—and how to work with it instead of against it

✅ The impact of job instability, especially for STEM professionals, and how to create a plan B

✅ How negative thought loops and fear-based decisions keep us stuck (and how to break free)

✅ Practical tools like mindfulness, structured planning, and daily rituals to build inner stability

✅ The power of mentorship, coaching, and external support in difficult times

✅ How to balance strategy with trust—learning to let go of what we can’t control

💡 If you’re navigating a period of change, feeling anxious about what’s next, or want to build resilience for the future, this episode is for you.

📲 Connect with us:

Sara Mobarhanfard: narosibcoaching.com

Anisa Zafar: treeoflifeguru.com

🔗 Learn more about this podcast

📺 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and personal growth!

💡 The coaching industry is booming, but is it really what it seems? And how do you transition from a structured STEM career into something completely different?

In this episode of The Heart of the Equation, we turn the spotlight on Sara Mobarhanfard—a business coach, former engineer, and corporate leader turned entrepreneur—to explore what it really takes to reinvent your career, navigate the coaching industry, and create meaningful work on your own terms.

🚀 Inside This Episode:

✅ The journey from engineer to business coach—what career reinvention actually looks like

✅ The myths and misconceptions about coaching and the reality behind the industry

✅ The challenges of making radical career shifts (and why it’s not just about passion)

✅ What to consider when hiring a coach—integrity, expertise, and red flags

✅ Why the coaching industry isn’t saturated (and where the real opportunities are)

✅ The process of reinvention: reconnecting with yourself, redefining your expertise, and taking control of your career

💡 If you’re a STEM professional thinking about making a change—or just curious about the coaching industry—this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now and get an honest, unfiltered look at career reinvention.

📲 Connect with Us:

• Sara Mobarhanfard: narosibcoaching.com
• Anisa Zafar: treeoflifeguru.com
• Pragati Siddhanti: myswissstory.com

💡 Success isn’t just about doing more—it’s about creating balance, clarity, and space for what truly matters.

In this episode of The Heart of the Equation, we sit down with Anisa Zafar—a best-selling author, certified meditation teacher, resilience coach, and project manager in the pharmaceutical industry—to talk about how professionals can navigate stress, uncertainty, and career demands while staying grounded and fulfilled.

🚀 Inside This Episode:

✅ The reality of high-pressure careers—how Anisa thrives in the fast-paced world of pharma project management

✅ The role of mindfulness and emotional resilience in leadership and decision-making

✅ Why self-awareness is the ultimate success tool in high-stakes careers

✅ The power of creativity—how Anisa balances science with writing, painting, and coaching

✅ Practical techniques to manage stress, prevent burnout, and stay present

✅ How to redefine success beyond just career milestones

💡 If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure of doing it all, this episode will give you the mindset shifts and tools to create success on your terms.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to cultivate resilience in your career and life.

📲 Connect with Us:

• Sara Mobarhanfard: narosibcoaching.com
• Anisa Zafar: treeoflifeguru.com
• Pragati Siddhanti: myswissstory.com

💡 Your career is just one part of your story—what if you could create something that reflects your values, creativity, and impact?

In this episode of The Heart of the Equation, we sit down with Pragati Siddhanti—a tech leader, expat, and founder of My Swiss Story—to talk about how she built a side business and thriving community while leading a high-pressure corporate career.

🚀 Inside This Episode:

✅ The expat experience: building a meaningful career and business in a new country

✅ How Pragati balances leading a large consultancy team with running My Swiss Story

✅ The power of creative expression and storytelling as an expat in tech

✅ How running a side business makes her a better leader and consultant

✅ The mindset shifts that helped her claim her voice, values, and vision

✅ Why tech professionals can build something beyond their 9-5—without quitting their jobs

💡 If you’ve ever wanted to build something for yourself while thriving in your career, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and start shaping a career (and life) that works for you.

📲 Connect with Us:

• Sara Mobarhanfard: narosibcoaching.com
• Anisa Zafar: treeoflifeguru.com
• Pragati Siddhanti: myswissstory.com

Welcome to the first episode of The Heart of the Equation, the podcast where analytical minds explore leadership, growth, and the human side of success. Hosted by three professionals who have successfully navigated career pivots from STEM to coaching, leadership, and beyond, this episode introduces you to:

• Anisa: From chemical engineering to resilience coaching
• Pragati: From IT consulting to community building and personal growth
• Sara: From systems engineering to business coaching

✨ Why This Episode Matters:

We discuss why work, identity, and personal fulfillment are deeply connected for professionals in STEM fields—and why finding your unique edge is the key to unlocking your next chapter.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• Why navigating career crossroads is about more than switching jobs
• What “the human side of success” means for STEM professionals
• How career pivots can be intentional, aligned, and fulfilling
• Key challenges STEM professionals face when transitioning into leadership, coaching, or entrepreneurship

💡 Get practical insights and inspiration to reflect on your next step—and find a career path that works for you.

Connect with us : 

Sara Mobarhanfard : https://narosibcoaching.com/

Anisa Zafar : https://www.treeoflifeguru.com/

Pragati Siddhanti : https://myswissstory.com/