From emotional intelligence to inclusion—real stories, practical insights, lasting impact.
It’s not every day that a university brings together voices from around the world to talk about growth, empathy, and the kind of leadership that truly makes a difference. But that’s exactly what Shoolini University did during the International Coaching Week (ICW) 2025, held virtually from May 12 to 14. What unfolded was a vibrant, honest, and deeply moving exchange of ideas that left students, educators, and industry leaders feeling inspired—and ready to lead with heart.
Broadcast from the serene Himalayan foothills of Solan, Himachal Pradesh, the three-day event was part of the global celebration organised by the International Coaching Federation. At the centre of it all was Shoolini’s Centre for Leadership Coaching, a dynamic initiative launched in 2024 to champion purpose-driven leadership in education and beyond.
The event opened on a high note with Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla, who shared ‘The Shoolini Story: Building a Coaching Culture’. With warmth and clarity, he spoke about how coaching has become a natural part of Shoolini’s ecosystem, helping students discover who they are and where they’re going.
A panel led by Dorice Horenstein and featuring Arvind N Agarwal, Sundar Visvanathan, and Jhilika Trisal followed, diving deep into how coaching can spark creativity and resilience in young minds. Agarwal’s thoughts on emotional intelligence stood out, especially his belief that leadership today demands skills, self-awareness, and empathy.
The next day focused on student success in a rapidly changing world. Sheila R Carmichael led a thought-provoking session on ‘Bridging the Generational Gap through Coaching’. She offered practical tools for understanding different age groups and values—something every student and teacher can relate to.
The conversation continued with Laurence H Brown and Caroline Beckett, in a session guided by Shoolini’s Yogeswari Alla, on ‘Coaching for Industry Readiness’. The speakers illustrated how coaching prepares students to tackle real-world challenges with grit, strategy, and emotional strength.
By day three, the tone had shifted to something even more profound. The final sessions focused on inclusion, empathy, and the evolving role of leadership in an AI-driven world. Krishnan Subramanian’s talk on ‘Empathy-Powered Growth Coaching and the Future with AI’ struck a unique chord, blending human insight with technology to imagine a more thoughtful future. A panel on ‘Coaching for Inclusion’, moderated by Avinash Matta and featuring Aditya Misra, Rhonda L Bowen, and Bhavna Nagar, brought raw honesty to the conversation. Bowen’s story of self-discovery reminded everyone why personal growth is the foundation of meaningful leadership.
One thing was clear by the time the final session wrapped up—this wasn’t just another university conference. ICW 2025 was a movement. It connected people across borders, sparked new ideas, and reminded everyone that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact. Attendees called the experience “life-changing”. Many said it shifted how they see their roles as educators, professionals, and students.
Since its inception in 2009, Shoolini University has carved a reputation for innovation, research, and heart. Through the Centre for Leadership Coaching, the university is nurturing a new generation of leaders who are ready for anything but grounded in compassion. And if ICW 2025 is anything to go by, this journey has only just begun.
Tucked away in the hills of Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Shoolini University is one of India’s leading private universities, known for its research-first mindset and innovative spirit. With initiatives like the Centre for Leadership Coaching, Shoolini continues to shape leaders who care, think deeply, and drive real change.
Anshika Pandey