We’re looking forward to introducing you to Meera Sharma. Check out our conversation below.
Meera, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m a firm believer that how you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day, so I like to begin mine on a positive, grounded note. I usually spend the first 5 to 10 minutes in bed doing a guided meditation — Insight Timer is my go-to for great meditations and affirmations.
After that, I open the blinds (got to let that sunlight in!), hydrate, and head to the gym. Morning workouts are non-negotiable for me — they make me feel like I’ve already accomplished something before the workday even begins, and the endorphins are a bonus. It’s a win-win.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a certified life coach who’s all about helping women find their voice and power. A few years ago, I went on the UK dating show Take Me Out – and while I didn’t get a date (haha), it opened a completely new road for me. I used the platform to spotlight the lack of South Asian representation in mainstream media, writing pieces for The Independent and Metro and appearing on the BBC radio and Channel 4. That experience led me to create The School of Sass, a platform that encourages women to channel their inner sass, i.e. be self-assured, spirited, and strong enough to live the life of their dreams.
That journey also led to my own radio show, The Sass Life, which began on Dash Radio in 2021 and later moved to iHeartRadio in 2024. I’ve been lucky enough to interview some incredible women, including Maya Vander, Charithra Chandran, Sydney Cummings, and Diipa Khosla – all trailblazers in their fields. I now host a weekly motivational segment on iHeartRadio’s The Bridge, where I drop a little wisdom to kick off the week right.
Outside of media, I’m deeply passionate about giving back. I serve on the Leadership Council at the Downtown Women’s Center in LA, supporting women experiencing homelessness. I also sit on the Executive Board for NAMIC SoCal, where we champion career growth in the media and telecom industries, and recently joined the Senior Advisor team for East Meets West, which uplifts and celebrates MENASA voices in creative fields.
At the heart of everything I do is a mission to empower others – to help people live their best life, believe in their own magic, and lift others as they rise.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was oddly confident, not because I had anything going for me, but in spite of everything I didn’t. I was awkward, definitely not the popular kid, and I didn’t fit the mold of what people thought was “cool” or attractive. I wasn’t athletic either -I was the kid who got made fun of during P.E. and picked last in team games. And yet, I believed in myself. I didn’t let the external stuff define me.
But something strange happened as I got older. Even after I blossomed in my twenties, I still saw myself through the eyes of that awkward teenager. I carried that version of myself around for years. I didn’t think I was “the one people noticed,” so I focused on building a career, chasing goals, and creating a life that teenage me would be proud of. And I did. Safe to say, I no longer see myself through that outdated lens -I’m confident in who I am today.
Even the things I was mocked for ended up fueling my growth. I wasn’t athletic back then -but now I’m winning plank competitions at the gym, doing martial arts, and genuinely love working out. It’s funny how what used to be a sore spot has now become one of my greatest sources of power.
Looking back, I realize being the underdog gave me some of my greatest strengths. It shaped how I approach challenges -I know how to push through, adapt, and find a way forward. I’ve learned to treat rejection as redirection, and I always try to focus on what’s working, not just what isn’t. That mindset -built from resilience, gratitude, and empathy -continues to guide me in everything I do.
I’ve also been lucky to have good people around me who encouraged me and lifted me up when I needed it most. And it’s because of all of that -the struggle, the support, the growth -that I’m so passionate about helping others believe in themselves. I know what it’s like to feel overlooked and underestimated. Through my work, I want to remind others that being the underdog doesn’t mean you’re not capable or that it’s too late to reach your potential -it just means your rise will be even more powerful.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I want to acknowledge that there are different levels and meanings of “suffering” – for me, and in the context of this interview I’m viewing it more as the obstacles I’ve faced. And honestly, those roadblocks have taught me far more than success ever could. I’ve always had to work hard for everything I’ve achieved; nothing’s ever been handed to me. I’ve heard a lot of “no’s,” faced rejection, and had moments where I questioned my path – but each of those experiences built my resilience.
Now, when life throws a curveball, I don’t fall apart. I’ve developed the mindset and tools to get myself back on track – whether that’s through affirmations, working out, taking a walk to clear my head, or surrounding myself with people who lift me up. I also lean on faith – the deep belief that things will work out for the best – and I’m a big believer in manifestation. Tuning into voices like Esther Hicks helps me reset and realign.
Success feels amazing, but it’s the obstacles that have shaped my character, strengthened my confidence, and taught me how to keep going, no matter what.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire people for their character – not their power, status, or achievements. The people I’m drawn to are those who, no matter what they’re going through or where they are in life, still show up with kindness and light. They lift others up, stay grounded in compassion, and use their time to do good – even in small ways.
I’ve met people who seem to have everything on paper – the degrees, the job, the title – yet they carry bitterness and bring others down. And then there are those who may not have what society labels as “success,” but they radiate positivity, support others, and make the people around them feel seen and valued. That, to me, is true character.
It doesn’t have to be someone famous. It could be the person at the grocery store who helps someone carry their bags without expecting anything in return, or the firefighters who risk their lives to protect communities during the wildfires. I admire people who act with quiet strength and generosity – the kind of character that leaves a lasting impact without ever needing the spotlight.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I learned early on not to rely on external validation, as remember I was the awkward teen so I had to build my confidence from the inside out. Those experiences taught me how to celebrate myself, to acknowledge my own growth, and to keep showing up fully – even when no one’s clapping.
I’ve often been told I couldn’t do something, and rather than let that discourage me, I’ve used it as fuel. Not to prove anyone wrong, but to prove to myself that I can. I strive to give everything my best not for praise, but because I know my worth and what I’m capable of – and that mindset is what keeps me moving forward, growing and evolving on my own terms.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://theschoolofsass.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theschoolofsass/ & www.instagram.com/meerasharm
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeeraSharm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeeraSharmaOfficial/
Image Credits
Dallas Telle
