Dr. Sophia Khousadian shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Sophia, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are very intentional, as I believe the way we begin profoundly shapes the trajectory of the rest of the day. I always start with a moment of quiet gratitude before getting out of bed; acknowledging even the simplest blessings allows me to center myself and approach the day with clarity.
From there, movement is a non-negotiable. Whether it’s strength training, yoga, or a brisk walk, exercise is how I energize both body and mind. It provides me with focus and resilience, qualities I carry into my teaching, writing, and coaching.
I take time for my morning skincare routine. For me, it is both self-care and mindfulness; an intentional pause that reminds me to nurture myself before I begin caring for others. Afterward, I prepare a plant-based light breakfast and always make sure to stay hydrated. For me, nutrition is not just about health, but also about aligning with my values and ensuring I have the energy to meet the demands of the day. While eating, I typically review my planner, set clear priorities, and read a few pages from an inspiring or thought-provoking book, something that challenges me to think differently.
Before fully transitioning into my work, I take time for either journaling or meditation. This practice helps me clear mental clutter and reconnect with my purpose, whether that means showing up for my students, advancing my research and writing, or guiding individuals through their personal transformation.
By the end of those 90 minutes, I feel grounded, purposeful, and fully prepared to give my best.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Dr. Sophia Khousadian, an educator, author, cognitive behavioral therapist, and life coach who is deeply passionate about transformation, leadership, and the human capacity for growth. My journey has been shaped by a lifelong love of learning, which led me to pursue degrees in liberal studies, educational psychology, and ultimately a doctorate in education and psychology with a focus on organizational leadership. Along the way, I also earned certifications in neuroscience, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma coaching, health and wellness, and neurolinguistic programming. This combination allows me to approach my work from both an academic and holistic perspective.
My brand is rooted in the belief that education should extend beyond the classroom and that true leadership begins with self-awareness and personal mastery. As a university professor, I have the privilege of teaching future leaders and guiding them in how to think critically, adapt to change, and inspire others. At the same time, through my books and coaching programs, I create spaces where people can step into their own power, reframe limiting beliefs, and build healthier, more intentional lives.
What makes my work unique is the integration of roles that often live separately. I am an academic who grounds her teaching in research, yet I am also a coach who believes in practical, actionable tools people can apply every day. I am a published author who tells stories from a place of authenticity, and I am a lifelong learner who sees growth as a continuous process. My brand embodies that intersection: rigorous, yet relatable; professional, yet deeply personal.
Right now, I am working on expanding my online presence through courses, publishing projects, and collaborations that reach beyond the classroom. I’m especially passionate about initiatives that empower individuals to embrace change, find resilience in adversity, and cultivate leadership skills not only for their careers but for their lives. My goal is always the same: whether in education, writing, or coaching, to inspire people to live with clarity, intention, and purpose.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that believed I always had to be strong and composed. For a long time, that mindset helped me push forward: I earned degrees, built my career, and showed up fully for others….sometimes more than I should have. But I’ve realized that holding myself to that standard all the time created distance between who I was and how I truly felt.
I’ve learned that strength doesn’t mean never bending; it means allowing yourself to be vulnerable, to admit when you’re tired, and to acknowledge when you need support. Releasing that old version of myself has been both humbling and freeing. It’s allowed me to connect more deeply with others and reminded me that I don’t have to have it all figured out to make a meaningful impact.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her, “It’s all going to work out, even when it doesn’t feel like it.” There were so many moments in my younger years when I carried worry about the future, about whether I was on the right path, or if I was doing enough. What I know now is that every twist and turn, even the setbacks, were part of leading me to exactly where I was meant to be.
I would want her to know that she doesn’t have to rush or have every answer figured out; life has a way of unfolding in its own perfect timing. The challenges will shape her strength, the uncertainties will teach her patience, and the victories will feel even sweeter because of the journey it took to get there. Above all, I’d remind her that she is already enough, and that she can trust herself to walk through life with courage because it truly will all work out.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Integrity is the value I hold most sacred, because it is the thread that connects who we are privately to how we show up in the world. I’ve learned that titles, achievements, and recognition lose their meaning if they’re not grounded in honesty and consistency. For me, integrity means keeping my word, honoring my values, and choosing authenticity even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s not always easy, but it’s always necessary.
At the same time, I carry with me the cultural value of compassion and community, something instilled in me from a very young age. I grew up witnessing how important it is to care for others, to lend support, and to create a sense of belonging. That value has never left me. I protect it fiercely because it reminds me that true success isn’t about individual accomplishment; it’s about how we use our gifts to uplift others.
On a professional level, these values guide how I teach, coach, and lead. On a personal level, they remind me daily that the most important legacy we leave is not what we achieve, but how we treat people along the way.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I lived with integrity, compassion, and purpose. More than the titles, degrees, or accomplishments, I want to be remembered as someone who made others feel seen, valued, and capable of becoming more than they believed possible.
I hope the story people tell is that I created spaces – whether in the classroom, through my books, or in coaching, where people felt safe enough to grow, brave enough to change, and inspired enough to dream. That I not only taught about leadership, but also lived it with empathy, authenticity, and heart.
Most of all, I want to be remembered for the small, human moments, the kindnesses, the encouragement, the way I showed up even when it was hard. If people can say I left the world a little kinder, a little more hopeful, and a little more empowered because of the way I chose to live, then that will be the greatest legacy I could imagine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drsophiakhousadian.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.khousadian/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sophia-k-1b90b834/
- Twitter: https://x.com/dr_khousadian
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Sophia.Khousadian/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoYEaPaoQZucJvMr2eHkvuQ
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.-SOPHIA-KHOUSADIAN/author/B0CWD56BMR?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=a4b0b67b-2f63-485e-bb20-3ccefd91cd07
