Today we’d like to introduce you to Shima Ghaheri
Hi Shima, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started in the world of creativity and play, where I spent over 12 years designing toys and board games. One of my proudest moments was creating a game system specifically for children in refugee camps, which I later shared on the TEDx stage. It was a project that reminded me how powerful play could be, even in the most challenging circumstances.
But even with all that creativity flowing, I eventually hit a wall—I burned out, big time. I had to hit pause and take a solid year and a half to focus on self-care, mindfulness, and rediscovering my own resilience. That healing journey became my wake-up call, pushing me to move from designing games to designing lives.
Now, as a mindfulness and burnout coach, I’ve combined my love for gamification with a mission to help others. I create playful, engaging experiences that empower my clients to bounce back from burnout and regain their sense of clarity and joy. Today, my focus is on expanding my coaching programs to reach even more people, because I believe everyone deserves a life that’s not just balanced but also filled with joy and energy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely been more of a rollercoaster than a smooth ride! My biggest challenge was experiencing severe burnout. It took me a year and a half to bounce back, which forced me to hit the reset button on how I approach work, life, and self-care.
When I decided to shift from toy design to coaching, that came with its own learning curve! Starting a new business, getting my voice out there, and fine-tuning my programs to really connect with and help my clients—it was a lot. But honestly, all those ups and downs have made me stronger, and they’ve only deepened my commitment to making sure others don’t have to go through the same burnout struggles I did.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a burnout coach, and I love helping entrepreneurs and professionals shake off burnout and find that sweet spot of balance again. My approach is a bit different—I bring gamification into the mix, which means personal growth becomes more like a fun adventure instead of a chore. I’m all about creating playful, interactive experiences that help people get clear, boost their productivity, and build a sustainable way of living and working.
What really sets me apart is my background in toy design. I bring that playful creativity right into my coaching, turning what can be heavy topics like burnout into something more light-hearted and approachable. My goal is to make sure my clients don’t just overcome their challenges—they actually enjoy the process along the way.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
People often think that because I help others manage burnout, I must have always had balance ‘figured out.’ But the truth is, it took me over a year and a half to recover and reconnect with my purpose. There was no magic formula, no one-size-fits-all solution. I had to dig deep and find what truly worked for me. That experience shaped how I coach today. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to try methods that don’t fit your life, and that’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. That tough journey shaped who I am today and is exactly why I’m so passionate about helping others avoid or overcome the same struggles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://underlineu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunderlineu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Underlineu
- Twitter: https://x.com/TheUnderlineU
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnderlineU
