Prof (Dr) Shalini Verma ‘Lifoholic’

Director (Innovations) – Aadya Green Gifting Pvt. Ltd.

Brief Profile

As a seasoned professional, my mission is to help individuals and organisations realise their full potential while contributing to societal and environmental progress. Through collaboration, I work with clients to develop leadership skills, cultivate a growth mindset, and implement effective strategies for sustainable success.

I am Prof (Dr) Shalini Verma, known for my philosophy of "Drinking Life Sip-By-Sip"®, and I support leaders on their journey toward purposeful and impactful change.

Educational Foundation: My educational background is rich and diverse, with Master’s Degrees in English Literature, Human Rights, Journalism & Mass Communication, and B.Ed. In addition, I hold Professional Certifications in Design Thinking, Training & Development, Business Management, Mental Health, Wellness & Happiness Coaching, Screenwriting, Performing Arts (Acting), Smartphone Filmmaking, and Management of Social Initiatives. I am also an IICA Certified CSR & ESG Professional-Impact Leader. This varied knowledge base supports a holistic approach to both education and leadership development.

Professional Contributions: As a management Professor and an IICA Certified Independent Director, I have had the privilege of influencing thought leadership and sparking innovation at esteemed institutions such as Ohio University, US; ISTAO, Italy; TAPMI, Manipal; NMIMS, Mumbai; S.P. Jain School of Global Management, Dubai, and several Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). These experiences have shaped my understanding of leadership in today’s complex global environment.

Commitment to Social Responsibility: In my role as Director of Innovations at Aadya Green Gifting Pvt Ltd and Founder of the SAMVAW Foundation, I focus on advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and promoting the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). My 75th book (a 3-book series), a tribute to India’s 75-year journey, is a reflection of my dedication to fostering sustainable development and positive societal change.

Philanthropic Endeavours: My decision to pledge my organs to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) is the ‘walk-the-talk’ of my commitment to healthcare and the well-being of others. This act aligns with my broader aim of leaving a meaningful legacy that extends beyond personal achievements.

A Lifelong Learner Dedicated to Positive Change: Throughout my career, I have remained committed to advancing education, promoting gender equality, and supporting social justice. Through my writings, teachings, and various initiatives, I strive to make a lasting sustainable value creation in the lives of individuals and communities alike.

Core Expertise:

1. ESG Strategy Development: As an IICA Certified CSR & ESG Professional-Impact Leader, my expertise in ESG strategy formulation lies in integrating sustainability into the core operations of organisations. I focus on creating actionable, long-term ESG strategies that align with corporate objectives while addressing key environmental and social concerns. I have successfully designed frameworks that prioritise material issues, ensuring compliance with global standards and enhancing value creation for all stakeholders.
2. CSR Initiatives & Impact: With extensive experience in designing and implementing CSR programmes, my focus has always been on measurable social impact. At Aadya Green Gifting Pvt Ltd and through SAMVAW Foundation, I have spearheaded projects that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives, ranging from community development to environmental sustainability, have been structured to deliver tangible outcomes, such as improved livelihoods, enhanced environmental stewardship, and stakeholder empowerment.
3. Sustainability Leadership: My leadership extends across several high-impact sustainability projects, particularly in my role as Director (Innovations) at Aadya Green Gifting Pvt Ltd and Founder of SAMVAW Foundation. I have provided strategic direction to projects that incorporate green practices, circular economy principles, and environmental stewardship. These initiatives contribute to the wider adoption of sustainable practices in corporate and community ecosystems.
4. Policy & Governance: I have actively contributed to the development and implementation of ESG and CSR policies, ensuring they align with regulatory requirements and corporate governance frameworks. As an Independent Director, I ensure that organisations uphold ethical governance standards while adhering to regulatory mandates, both locally and globally, driving accountability and transparency in ESG and CSR initiatives.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: My proficiency in stakeholder engagement has been honed through years of working with diverse groups, including corporate entities, government bodies, communities, and civil society organisations. Whether it's fostering partnerships or facilitating dialogues, I prioritise a collaborative approach to ensure that all voices are heard and that initiatives are inclusive, creating shared value for all stakeholders involved. 

Key Projects and Contributions:

• Project 1: GEM (Grandma Earth Mission) Project running under SAMVAW Foundation. It is focused on raising environmental awareness among primary school children aged 6-10 years. This project uses storytelling to promote sustainable practices aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Project 2: HOPE (Happiness, Optimism, Planet & Environment) Project running under SAMVAW Foundation. This initiative aims to foster holistic wellness and environmental stewardship among corporates and university students through training programs that integrate mental well-being and sustainability.
• Project 3: KARMA ISR to CSR (Knowledge, Action, Responsibility, Motivation & Accountability) Project running under SAMVAW Foundation. It is designed to bridge individual social responsibility (ISR) with corporate social responsibility (CSR), this project empowers individuals and organisations to take accountable actions for societal betterment.
• Project 4: ShaktiShalini Project running under SAMVAW Foundation. This project focuses on enhancing menstrual health and hygiene in low-income communities. It provides access to sanitary products and education on menstrual hygiene, helping women and girls manage their health safely and with dignity.
• Project 5: Bharan-Poshan Project running under SAMVAW Foundation. This initiative empowers migrant women by equipping them with essential green skills, such as urban farming and waste management, to create sustainable livelihoods in urban environments, fostering economic independence and environmental responsibility.
• Project 6: Unnati Project running under SAMVAW Foundation. Unnati aims to build financial independence for rural women by offering digital and financial literacy training. It equips women with the tools to access formal banking systems, make secure digital transactions, and grow their entrepreneurial ventures. 

Certifications and Recognitions:

1. IICA (A think-tank of MCA) Certified ESG Professional-Impact Leader Programme
2. IICA (A think-tank of MCA) Certified Independent Woman Director
3. IICA (A think-tank of MCA) Certified CSR professional (Pursuing)
4. Certificate in Management of Social Initiatives from IIM – Kozikode
5. Certificate in Training & development from ISTD – New Delhi
6. Certificate in Design Thinking from KPMG
7. Certificate in Happiness Coaching from Berkley Institute of Well being, California

Affiliations and Memberships:

1. IICA Certified ESG Professional-Impact Leader (NAIL)
2. IICA Certified Independent Woman Director

Contact Information:

• Email: esgsupport@samvawfoundation.org / csrsupport@samvawfoundation.org
• Phone: +91-9911589759
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshaliniverma/