From Ambiguity To Alignment In One Expertly Designed Conversation.
naikaa (pronounced nye-i-ka) exists to cultivate leadership that feels deeply human in an AI-shaped world. Inspired by naik, “leader” in Sanskrit, naikaa embodies an approach grounded in empathy, collaboration, creativity, and resilience.
About Me
Hi! My name is Sonal. I’m a strategist, facilitator, and executive coach and I help leaders have the right conversation at the right time.
I specialise in moments when the path forward is unclear, often it’s the messy middle. This means the stakes are high, the challenge is ambiguous, and multiple perspectives need to converge. While some advisors focus on providing answers, I design the conditions for clarity to emerge.
This includes structured dialogue, thoughtful provocation, and space for leaders and teams to uncover insight, align on what matters, and commit to action.
Across 25 years and 300+ experiences, I have partnered with Fortune 500 and startup leaders to navigate transformation, growth, and innovation. Along the way, I’ve led global teams, managed P&Ls, and built new service lines from concept to offering.
I bring warmth, humor, and straight talk with deep experience in strategy, facilitation, and coaching, to help you get unstuck and move faster with confidence. naikaa brings together the right partners including designers, co-facilitators, and a network of experts to support work.
More About Me Personally
I’m a first generation South Asian; I married my college sweetheart and we are big Wolverines fans (go blue!); I’m a mom of two; and I’ve lived on the east coast, midwest, and now California. I love food whether I’m experimenting in my kitchen or exploring every restaurant in San Francisco. I would love to share my winery recommendations for Sonoma County with anyone! And I’m an aspiring meditator who is constantly working on balancing my love for conversation with more moments of silence.
Services
naikaa exists to help leaders and teams find clarity faster - especially when the path forward is ambiguous, high-stakes, or fluid. Built on 25+ years advising organizations, over a decade coaching leaders, and facilitating more than 300 transformative conversations, naikaa blends structure and intuition to spark progress where it matters most.
High-Impact Workshops
naikaa offers high-impact facilitation and advisory services that helps leaders move from ambiguity to clarity. Through intentional design and an AI-enabled sprint approach, your workshop will galvanize the team and focus time and energy on the highest value work.
New role, promotion or expanded remit? The Transition Accelerator focuses on turning slow onboarding into measurable momentum.
Vision & Strategy Sprints
When business stagnates or the market shifts, scattered work is a liability. naikaa’s Vision & Strategy Sprint converts noise into a shared, executable direction.
Team Effectiveness & Performance
Focus on how the team works, so you can deliver faster, decide easier, and execute together.
Ready to engage on your challenge?
What Clients are Saying
“I so enjoy collaborating with Sonal on the hard stuff. She quickly assesses complex situations, effectively facilitates alignment among key stakeholders, and captures the right vision to productive actions. Her humanity sets her apart - thoughtful, respectful, and unflappable in rooms full of strong opinions and high stakes. She prepares deeply, listens intently, offers thoughtful challenge at the right moment, and consistently elevates the conversation. When it matters most, she’s the one I want in the room.”
Rob MasseyGlobal Tax Leader - Blockchain & Crypto, Deloitte
"Working with Sonal has been transformative. As I returned from maternity leave while balancing a corporate role and launching a startup, her thoughtful guidance and calming presence gave me clarity, accountability, and the confidence to move forward with purpose. Every session leaves me stronger in knowing my value and navigating challenges, especially as I work towards finding my next role. Partnering with her has been valuable for my career."
Y. XiaDirector, Rare Disease Biotech
"Sonal accelerated my VP/GM transition - acting as a strategic sounding board who quickly understood our company's environment and politics. The workshop refined my thinking and sharpened my focus on key priorities and relationships, while the ongoing coaching sessions kept me on track. Sonal facilitated with confidence giving me space to brainstorm scenarios with someone who grasped the challenges I was facing. Invaluable support during a key transition. I'd highly recommend this approach to any leader stepping into a new role."
C. WhippleVP/GM, Southwire Company
"Athletes rely on coaches to reach their full potential, yet in business - one of the most competitive arenas - coaching is often overlooked. Working with Sonal changed that perspective for me. She helped me navigate a difficult work environment with clarity and resilience, and more importantly, gave me the confidence to step into an executive-level role within industry. Sonal's coaching has truly been transformative, and I'm deeply grateful for her guidance."
K.F.Executive Director, Top 10 Global Pharma
Connect
Reach out to learn more about naikaa and how we can work together to unlock the right conversation at the right time.
Send a Message
Let’s start a conversation about your goals and challenges.
Let's Talk Soon
Schedule a discovery call to explore how naikaa can support your goals.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s have a conversation soon.
