
Anu Shekhar brings nearly two decades of cross-sector leadership experience spanning tech, banking, consulting, nonprofit advisory, and government.
She spent 11 years at Microsoft, most recently leading the organization’s global programs in skills and education, serving millions of learners across 100+ countries. Previously, she co-led Pratham Institute in India, where she managed a team of over 300 people, enabling economic mobility for thousands of young adults. Throughout her career, Anu has provided career coaching and executive coaching to hundreds of leaders, and she holds an MBA from Wharton. She has also served on the boards of Pratham USA, the San Francisco Workforce Investment Board, and CodeAI (formerly Code.org).
This fall, she joins Stanford Graduate School of Business to lead Global Evaluation, an initiative that keeps her close to her passion for social impact, enabling changemakers, and driving significant impact at scale to build a better world.
The name Ushaya comes from Anu's mother, Usha, meaning 'dawn' in Sanskrit, reflecting her commitment to helping people expand their horizons.

Are you looking for a job, pursuing a promotion, stepping into leadership for the first time, or becoming a manager of managers? Perhaps you’re a working parent striving to balance everything, or you’re navigating complex workplace dynamics while figuring out how to build influence. Anu Shekhar, the founder of Ushaya, understands these challenges firsthand and has also coached hundreds of individuals facing similar situations. Her approach to career coaching emphasizes empathy and kindness, while holding you accountable for action and growth. Where capacity may be constrained, Anu can connect you with trusted coaches in her network.

Are you a mission-driven organization striving to turn your vision into operational reality? How do you scale your social impact without compromising quality? Who are the right people to support this initiative? How can you build a culture that guides people through change? Anu Shekhar, the founder of Ushaya, has dedicated her career to helping organizations and their leaders tackle these crucial questions. Through her nonprofit advisory experience, Anu brings valuable insights to help navigate the complexities of growth.
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