We’re proud to feature the remarkable story of one of our newest graduates! Shubhi Shukla completed the Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Leadership program in March 2025. Dr. Shukla reflects on how her doctoral journey shaped not just her career but also her approach to leadership, connection, and lifelong learning. Her story shows how powerful it can be to pursue a goal with both heart and purpose and how education can spark transformation at every level.
I knew it wouldn’t be simple when I started my doctoral journey. I was not merely pursuing a degree; I wanted a transformation in my leadership style. I possess a solid background in data management and analytics, and I have consistently demonstrated a passion for education. Therefore, I wanted to connect the domains of technology and leadership through education. This motivated me to pursue my Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. I didn’t want to be a leader who was solely knowledgeable about data and how to use it to make important business decisions. As a leader, I wanted to comprehend people and connect with them. As Director of Data Management, I had already guaranteed my seat at the table, but I wanted to go further—not just to study trends or create scalable systems but also to impact culture, empower teams, and educate the next generation of changemakers.
Balancing doctoral research with leadership responsibilities and family life wasn’t easy—but I never expected it to be. I was pregnant during my program, and managing my health, studies, and work while pregnant was a significant challenge. My child, who is now 2.5 years old, always kept me on my toes, yet I never gave up on my studies. Those late-night assignments and readings, followed by caring for my family the next day, were exhausting. I believe that growth doesn’t occur in comfort. It happens when you stretch, stumble, and choose to keep moving forward. That’s what this doctorate represented for me—a space to stretch. With all the challenges that I faced during my studies, I chose to overcome them.
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Education has always been central to my identity. I view every interaction as a learning opportunity for both me and others. My research on Nurturing Executive Presence in Virtual Environments emerged from genuine challenges that leaders face in today’s evolving workplaces. Navigating virtual and hybrid teams and leading professionals in a post-pandemic world revealed a need, prompting me to explore how leaders can express confidence, authenticity, and create connections—even through screens. This study will help individuals learn to implement strategies to be able to lead, connect emotionally with their teams, and exude their authentic presence on camera.
The real work begins after the degree—when you start translating what you’ve learned into action and help others by sharing that knowledge. I always strive to remain curious and speak up. I believe in creating space for others at the table. I now stand not only as a proud Aspen University graduate but also as a doctoral scholar, mentor, leader, and speaker. I am committed to helping others unlock their voice, build strategic clarity, and lead with purpose—whether in boardrooms or breakout rooms. That’s why I’m excited to share that I have a few speaking engagements lined up where I’ll be talking about leadership presence on camera.
“Embrace the quiet moments, for they are often where the greatest transformations occur.”–Richelle E. Goodrich |
For me, this doctoral journey was filled with quiet yet powerful moments—each one shaping me into the leader I am becoming. For me, leadership is not simply a title earned at graduation; it’s a mindset. I believe in leading with heart and strategy, in bringing both logic and empathy to the table. Real leadership doesn’t demand attention—it earns trust. It doesn’t shout—it listens. It doesn’t seek titles—it seeks impact.