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Episode 42: Focus Is the New Superpower: How to Get More Done Without Burning Out with Dr. Zelana Montminy
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Sadaf Sajwani

Lecturer, Career Development, Columbia University (SIPA), Co-Founder & COO, Games and Learning, Inc.
$250/Session
9 Reviews
Expertise:
Networking, Job Search Strategies, Interview Questions, Resumes, LinkedIn Optimization, Leadership + Management, Career Transitions, Career Development, Industry Insight
Mentor Image - Sadaf Sajwani

About Me

Find clarity. Build confidence. Move with purpose. From your first job to a bold career pivot, I help you chart what’s next with strategy and intention. Whether you’re launching your career, navigating a transition, or stepping into leadership, you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right clarity and tools, uncertainty becomes the starting point for something meaningful. I’ve experienced many transitions myself: searching for jobs as a graduate student, landing dream roles, facing layoffs, and reinventing along the way. These experiences shaped the coach I am today—grounded, practical, and deeply committed to helping others move forward with purpose and confidence. For nearly two decades, I’ve worked across the social impact, nonprofit, public service, education, edtech, and children’s media sectors. My professional journey includes roles with the United Nations, Sesame Workshop, and the Aga Khan Development Network. Today, as a Lecturer and Career Coach at Columbia University, I help students, alumni, and professionals design careers that align with their values and long-term vision. Who I Work With I partner with individuals who are ready to take ownership of their path, including: • Students and early-career professionals building their foundation • Graduate students preparing for the next step • Mid-career professionals seeking clarity or leadership growth • Career changers exploring new industries • Aspiring entrepreneurs launching mission-driven ventures How I Help Together, we turn reflection into action. • Clarify your direction and define what’s next • Navigate pivots and transitions with strategy • Shape a cohesive narrative across your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn • Build an authentic, intentional network • Prepare for interviews and opportunities with confidence • Rebound and rebuild after setbacks • Address challenges and leadership barriers, especially for women and people of color My Coaching Philosophy I believe career strategy starts with self-clarity—aligning who you are with what you do. My approach combines reflection and action, helping you connect your story, strengths, and values into a clear roadmap for growth. My goal is to help you move from uncertainty to direction, from stagnation to strategy, and from impact imagined to impact realized.

Get to Know Me

Current Position
Lecturer, Career Development, Columbia University (SIPA), Co-Founder & COO, Games and Learning, Inc.
Previous Positions
Director of Partnerships, Sesame Workshop September 2011 - July 2018
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Consultant, PepsiCo November 2010 - May 2011
Intern - Knowledge Management Group, Bureau for Development Policy, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) June 2011 - August 2011
Supervisor - Operations, Order Fulfillment, Quality Control, McMaster-Carr Supply Company December 2004 - March 2008
Intern - Department of Political Affairs, United Nations July 2004 - September 2004
Intern - Afghan Rehabilitation Program, Aga Khan Development Network June 2001 - August 2001
Education
Master of International Affairs | Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs
BA in International Relations | Tufts University

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what difference you want to make. - J Goodall

Reviews

Sadaf really helped me get unstuck! Her exercises were helpful and she talked me though many complicated questions about a post-PhD career shift in middle age. I highly recommend Sadaf for anyone who is looking to change careers and needs some expert advice on how to get started and get focused. Her use of different resumes and attention to how the modern job market works is a huge asset!

Drew Z. , 48
Aug. 07, 2025

My session with Sadaf was incredibly valuable. She takes a thoughtful and strategic approach, helping you design a purposeful career path that truly aligns with your values and experience. Sadaf provided insightful exercises that helped me craft a compelling personal narrative, making it easier to present my story with confidence. I left the session feeling more focused and equipped with practical tools to take the next steps in my career. Highly recommend!

Anna G. , 40
Nov. 15, 2024

An amazing session! Sadaf just had an abundance of advice and experience to share. I'd been struggling with not knowing where to begin or where to look and within minutes of talking with her, I had gotten the answers to so many of my questions and more. She's so friendly, empathetic, gives practical and specific advice, and made me feel prepared to take on this next step. I am so grateful to her and recommend her without hesitation.

Aapta G. , 35
Mar. 19, 2021

I'm so grateful to Sadaf for a brilliant session. She came well prepared having reviewed my application materials and armed with information to address the agenda I had prepared. Her insightful advice included industry trends, best practices for job applications and personal anecdotes of how she had handled similar situations. I was particularly impressed by her follow up after the session with additional tips and resources. Thank you Sadaf for: being a compassionate listener, providing me with actionable tips, clarity on my path forward and inspiration when I needed it most!

Anonymous, 32
May. 07, 2020

I reached out to Sadaf because I was in the process of relocating to a new city, and wanted advice refreshing my resume and LinkedIn. Sadaf gave me helpful feedback, and a process to follow to make adjustments my materials. She covered a lot within one session, making it well worth the cost. She also followed up one month after to check in on my progress. I felt much more confident moving forward in my process of looking for a new role. I would definitely recommend her!

Nicole C. , 35
Jul. 17, 2019

Sadaf gave me time and individual attention to understand my background and what my resume needs were. Her demeanor and attitude towards me calmed my anxiety, and helped me to start thinking productively about how to approach my resume. Sadaf then helped me think through which information was necessary, what structure was right for me, and how to phrase the information the right way to appeal to potential employers. I now have the kind of position I set out for, and confidence in my resume helped my overall confidence when interviewing. Sadaf's approach is comprehensive and it was clear she was invested in my success. I highly recommend her services.

Anonymous, 37
Mar. 27, 2019