Hi there and a warm welcome to you! May my vision contribute to empowering and transforming experiences for you.
About
I’m a bookworm with a very sweet tooth, that loves to study, learn, travel, try new recipes, and dabble with musical instruments. My motto is “Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Disrupting the adage that auditors are dull, grey and boring, I’ve taken the path less travelled to merge my professional credential of a Certified Internal Auditor with my passion for wellness. Despite the accolades received from a professional internal audit career and a Masters degree to my name, I know at the core of my heart that I am a Wellness visionary. With 18 years of combined experience in corporate and academia, and simultaneously seeking to understand the broader context of life; this led me to resign from full time employment and establish Wellness with Sharmila as a sole entrepreneur.
I’ve enhanced my wellness vision by completing an accredited short course on mental health from the University of Stellenbosch, trained in India as a Yoga instructor, and am a certified nutritionist coach. Close to my heart, is the Art of Living foundation founded in 1981 (the same year I arrived on earth😊). The foundation is one of the largest volunteer based non – governmental organisation’s in the world, providing stress relief techniques and self-development courses in over 150 countries. I am an Art of Living volunteer teacher and teach the Happiness program which is the foundation’s core program to reduce stress and mental anxiety.
My vision:
To create a universal pulse in the application, implementation and practise of wellness initiatives across organisational and individual needs.
My approach:
I listen and provide customised product offerings to meet individual and organisational needs. My heart-based and client centric approach is built on values of integrity, respect and professionalism.
My mission:
To provide insightful, practical and empowering experiences that are backed by science and research, for organisations and individuals to transform to happy and healthy states of well-being in mind, body and soul.
Mental Health Audit Services
Combining my internal audit expertise with my wellness passion, I provide Internal Audit services on the mental health management process in organisations to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of mental health policies, processes, and practices.
Each internal audit engagement is conducted in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
Types of Internal audit engagements
- Mental health audit
- Risk assessment on mental health hazards
- Completeness and adequacy review on Employee Assistance Programs
Benefits to organisations
- Independent and objective service
- Identification and proactive management of mental health red flags
- Cost savings on treating root cause instead of symptoms
- Prioritisation of initiatives to reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout
- A baseline to measure the effectiveness of mental health initiatives
Deliverable
- A written report (detailed and executive summary) with value-add recommendations
Wellbeing Programs
Wellness involves a person’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects, making sure that there is balance.
A 2022 State of Mental health survey revealed that 84% of employees want their prospective employers to provide comprehensive mental health care benefits. Reports from recent studies assert value in wellbeing programs to reduce stress levels, lower absenteeism, increase job satisfaction, profitability and productivity.
My programs are research, science and evidence based, translated into practical and experiential workshops and masterclasses. They are offered online or in person and customised to suit individuals and groups.
Programs for the mind
- Breathwork to manage stress & anxiety (Workshop led)
- Yoga and meditation (Workshop led)
- Grade 12 wellness (Masterclass)
- Time Management (Masterclass)
Programs for the body
- The gut and brain connection (Masterclass)
- The grandness of the digestive system (Masterclass)
- Hatha Yoga (Workshop led)
Programs for the spirit
- Discover your purpose through the art of Ikigai (Workshop led)
- Goal-Setting (Workshop led)
- Hatha Yoga (Workshop led)
A caring organisation is a productive and thriving organisation.
Testimonials
During the four and a half years I worked with Sharmila at the University of Pretoria, I got to know her as a brilliant lecturer, a valued colleague and an individual with a pleasant demeanour and positive attitude. She had an immense impact on both students and her colleagues that went beyond just being an exceptional lecturer. She is a person with so much empathy and kindness.
Rudrik du Bruyn
Senior Lecturer and Head: Centre for Internal Auditing Excellence
Sharmila is an absolute star! Her positive and warm energy, calm and professional approach and excellent work ethics make her an invaluable contribution to any event or organisation. Furthermore, as her previous manager, I can confirm that she has excellent technical and interpersonal skills.
Kato Plant
Head: Department of Auditing
Sharmila agreed to provide yoga coaching in my home for my daughter, who was in her final year of medicine studies at University of Pretoria, late afternoons. She was very good at providing a program that was sufficiently demanding, yet relaxing so that the stress of work (in my case) and studies for my daughter was released. She also brought a spiritual angle that I have not encountered - that I really appreciated. It has been a positive experience and a pleasure to spend time with such a caring and gentle person. I wish her all the best with her new endeavours.
Tinka Wiswe
Legal Counsel (retired)
Sharmila is an extremely well rounded and knowledgeable yoga teacher and meditation guide. She is whole heartedly committed to the wellbeing of her students and truly contributes to making the world a more peaceful place. She is a joyful, gentle soul who I have loved collaborating on mindfulness events together with, especially during Covid-19 when so many needed to be reached through online platforms.
Ashnee Mathen
Technology consultant and yoga teacher
Sharmila is very knowledgeable about yoga and always offers her classes in a professional, caring and friendly way with a constant content smile. One longs for the same internal happiness that she radiates and feels refreshed after a class with her.
Aretha Schultz
Staff member at University of Pretoria
Sharmila is very passionate about what she does and that was evident in the yoga sessions that were insightful and catered for me as a beginner as well. She is very understanding and always willing to go the extra mile.
Tellie Phaswana
Internal Audit Manager
Sharmila is very knowledgeable in the field of Internal Auditing. She always taught us with great enthusiasm and treated everyone with empathy. She was able to simplify insights and impart the knowledge during our lectures. Her passion for internal auditing inspired me to pursue the profession and to serve with impact.
Reabetswe Seletisha
Alumni student - Internal Audit Honours degree
"My wellness journey with Sharmila is one that I will forever cherish and the reason that I can confidently go into my matric year feeling a sense of optimism and peace of mind.
She has incorporated a personalised programme along with patience and compassion.
Sharmila has helped me navigate ways to manage stress, improve my productivity and truly live in the present moment. She has a joyful radiance that offers an instant mood elevation and a peaceful energy that revitalizes one's soul".
Prelayah Govender
Grade 12 learner
