Meet Umadevi Gopaldass | Executive Advisor | Board Director | Governance Council

We had the good fortune of connecting with Umadevi Gopaldass and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Umadevi, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
There is no going back; there is only forging forward. Nothing prepares you enough to switch from working for others to starting your own business. Committing to creating, building, and growing your own company will make you summon a level of grit you never knew was possible. Keeping it going while facing personal and professional setbacks will test you to the core. The real value is the personal power you achieve while building yourself up as a brand name.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I founded Leading Lotus, an executive and governance advisory firm, in Feb 2017. The mission is to bring an elevated level of corporate consciousness to all levels of decisions made in businesses. I show corporations how to honor all stakeholders, including people and the planet, while becoming sustainable and profitable. Since its humble beginnings, my company has grown to include Board Governance, Environmental and Social Sustainability, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion effectiveness. Trying to find your company’s soul is hard. Trying to lead it in the right direction took longer to envision. As you keep pushing through and putting yourself out there, things start to click. Whenever you start a business, it is not a separate entity from you. It is basically your personal branding that will see it through. So, you have to build your reputation, brand, unique personal style and communicate to the outside world effectively to attract people to your venture. Having mentors, champions, and a great network is a must to progress you along on that journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The most beautiful parts of Colorado can truly be enjoyed through camping or road trips. I would bring my friends to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, followed by the Uncompahgre National Forest, Mesa Verde National Park and San Juan National Forest. Dispersed camping provides such a unique adventure. The itin will include stopovers in Telluride, including dining at The National and the Tunnel. Great restaurants to splurge and treat yourself. And soaking in the hot springs of Ouray, at the Wiesbaden Spa and Lodgings. And for the quirky bit, a round of 18-hole Disc golf in the town of Poncha Springs. Activities (depending on the season) will include biking, hiking, dining, camping, paddling and watching the gorgeous star-lit skies at night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Michele Ashby of Ace Board Training for women. Her mission to get a 1000 women onto a Boardroom is truly inspiring. Even more effective is a Board Certification program that challenges your mindset to operate at an elevated level. https://www.acellc.consulting/ https://medium.com/authority-magazine/michele-ashby-of-ace-5-steps-we-must-take-to-truly-create-an-inclusive-representative-and-623ba358617

Website: https://www.leadinglotus.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uma-devi-gopaldass-cdi-d-6589ab4/