Contemporary business leadership operates in an environment characterized by constant volatility and technological change. Executives face pressures that require not only traditional managerial skills but also adaptability and strategic foresight. In this challenging landscape, effective leadership is crucial.
Sadhana Somasekhar stands out as a significant figure in executive coaching, providing guidance to leaders at the highest levels of global corporations. As the CEO and Managing Director of Platinum Infosystems and an Independent Director certified by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Sadhana has a career that spans three decades in business building and leadership within the technology and IT sectors. Her candidacy for inclusion in any assessment of the “Exceptional 10 Leadership Coaches for 2025” warrants thorough investigation. Does her methodology and professional background justify this distinction? This profile examines her career trajectory, coaching philosophy, and notable impact on executive leadership.
Sadhana proposes a leadership model based on practical operational experience, boardroom knowledge, and a strong commitment to equipping executives for the complexities of the modern business world.
Executive coaching, in its evolved state, serves as a strategic intervention aimed at enhancing specific leadership skills crucial for navigating complex organizational challenges. Sadhana’s practice epitomizes this focused approach. Her methodology is centered around practical business knowledge and measurable organizational improvement, moving away from generalized motivational theories to tackle concrete leadership challenges. Under her leadership, Platinum Infosystems specializes in management consulting and CXO-level executive coaching, collaborating with clients across various industry sectors.
Sadhana believes that her value proposition lies in her own frontline business experience coupled with her insights from the boardroom and certified coaching qualifications. This unique combination enables her to partner effectively with leaders facing critical strategic decisions. Such an approach, grounded in practical application and a solid understanding of business, merits careful consideration regarding its effectiveness and impact on executive performance.
From Tech Operations to Global Boardrooms: A Trajectory of Leadership and Turnaround
Sadhana’s professional journey reflects a career defined by operational leadership and strategic business transformation. Her early roles laid the groundwork in the technology and IT sectors, ultimately leading her to become the Joint Managing Director of Future Focus Infotech. In this role, she was responsible for global business operations, overseeing profits and losses across India, the United States, and the Middle East. She also drove innovation and engaged stakeholders both within the board and externally. This extensive operational experience equipped her with a deep understanding of global business dynamics and the complex demands of executive leadership in a multinational context.
As President of Focus America, Inc., Sadhana played a pivotal role in a turnaround initiative, transforming the US subsidiary into a profitable and strategically significant entity. This achievement reflects not just financial success but also showcases her decisive leadership and strategic execution in a high-pressure, results-driven environment. Her founding and leadership of Platinum Infosystems further demonstrate her entrepreneurial and business-building skills. The company’s recognition as “IBM Business Partner of the Year” in its inaugural year highlights its early success and market impact under her guidance.
Sadhana’s influence extends beyond executive management to broader industry engagement and corporate governance. Her involvement in various industry organizations and think tanks, including NASSCOM, CII, WEF, SAPIO, and FICCI, underscores her commitment to shaping industry discourse and contributing to policy development. Serving as Chairperson of NASSCOM’s Diversity & Inclusion committee and taking on leadership roles within WEF and SAPIO reflects her dedication to addressing critical issues within the business community and her commitment to making a broader societal impact. Additionally, her role as a Certified Independent Director, recognized by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, signifies her formal expertise in corporate governance and strategic decision-making at the board level. This combination of operational leadership, industry engagement, and corporate governance expertise forms a diverse foundation for her executive coaching practice, setting her apart from practitioners with purely theoretical or narrowly specialized backgrounds.
Coaching Methodology: Practical Experience Guiding Executive Action
Sadhana’s coaching methodology emphasizes a practical, experience-based approach that is informed by her extensive business career. Her value proposition combines hands-on operational knowledge, boardroom insights, and certified coaching techniques, offering a unique perspective to C-suite executives and board members. This methodology goes beyond generic leadership principles by focusing on the specific challenges and strategic imperatives that executives face in complex, global organizations.
Platinum Infosystems’ focus on Management Consulting and CXO Executive & Leadership Coaching reflects this targeted approach, providing customized solutions across various industries, including real estate, healthcare, technology, and financial services. Her co-founding of Zeus Career & Performance Coach Pvt. Ltd. underscores her commitment to leadership development, specifically aimed at mid-career, high-potential “Corporate Athletes”—the future leadership pipeline of industry. The Zeus model, delivered by established CXOs and business leaders, highlights the importance of practical, experience-driven mentorship and coaching that is directly relevant to the challenges of career advancement and leadership effectiveness in competitive corporate environments.
Sadhana’s coaching addresses contemporary leadership challenges, including the growing influence of data science and artificial intelligence on global economies. Her approach prepares leaders to navigate emerging AI trends, such as the evolving roles of leadership in AI-driven organizations, the necessity to measure ROI on AI investments, and the importance of cultivating data-driven cultures. This forward-looking perspective, which incorporates technological trends and their impact on leadership, distinguishes her coaching practice as relevant and adaptive to the changing demands of the business landscape. Her focus on business acumen, creative problem-solving (from a “bigger picture” perspective), and effective interpersonal engagement showcases a holistic view of leadership development, integrating strategic thinking with practical execution and human-centric communication skills.
Recognition and Impact: A Trusted Advisor in High-Stakes Environments
Sadhana’s professional impact is recognized through consistent industry awards and accolades. While specific client testimonials remain confidential, the ongoing receipt of these recognitions serves as external validation of her effectiveness and professional standing. For instance, Platinum Infosystems awarded her the “IBM BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR” title in its inaugural year, underscoring her early success and significant influence in the market.
Her ability to “see the bigger picture and connect the dots,” along with her talent for “impactfully and effectively engaging with people,” aligns with the qualities of a trusted advisor and counselor to leadership. This focus on strategic vision and interpersonal effectiveness, combined with her proven business acumen, positions her as a valuable asset for executives navigating complex organizational and market dynamics.
Moreover, her role as a “trusted advisor and counselor to leadership” indicates a profound level of engagement and influence with her clients. This goes beyond mere transactional coaching, allowing her to establish long-term, impactful partnerships.
