"I feel with South Asian women, the culture is already starting to shift, where South Asian women are starting to come together more and becoming more empowered. They are really becoming their own individuals." Dr. Neeta Nagra, Author, Entrepreneur & Director - BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Dr. Neeta Nagra’s journey is one of relentless passion and a deep-seated commitment to empowering others. As an author, entrepreneur, and thought leader, she has dedicated her career to advancing mental health care and leadership development.
Her path began in university when she started volunteering with the Canadian Mental Health Association. That experience ignited a passion for helping individuals struggling with mental health concerns, which laid the foundation for a career that seamlessly integrates hands-on care, academia, and leadership.
Starting her professional journey at BC Children’s Hospital, Dr. Nagra quickly realized her desire to expand her impact beyond frontline care. She pursued a Master’s in Mental Health Nursing, incorporating courses in teaching, which ultimately led her to academia. As an assistant professor in Manitoba, she recognized the importance of continuous learning and obtained a doctorate in leadership. However, rather than remaining solely in academia, she pivoted to healthcare leadership, where she could implement systemic changes and shape policy.
Dr. Nagra’s approach to leadership is deeply personal. She believes that effective leadership begins with self-awareness, courage, accountability, and adaptability—qualities she honed through her solo travels to the Seven Wonders of the World. These experiences not only shaped her as an individual but also formed the basis of her self-mastery leadership framework, which she explores in her Amazon Best-Selling book Lead Within, Lead Beyond. Her work emphasizes the importance of leading oneself before leading others, a philosophy that has resonated with many in the healthcare field and beyond.
Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Nagra is committed to mentorship and advocacy, particularly for women and South Asian professionals. She frequently supports students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, offering guidance and mentorship to help them navigate their academic and professional journeys. Her dedication extends to technological innovation as well—she developed a mobile app, Nurses Elevating Worldwide (NEWW), which provides resources to support self-care and professional growth among nurses globally.
Despite her impressive accomplishments, Dr. Nagra remains deeply connected to her roots and community. She acknowledges the unique challenges South Asian women face in leadership, from biases related to gender and age to cultural expectations. However, she is optimistic about the future, as more South Asian women step into leadership roles and assert their individuality. Through her work, she continues to champion the idea that women should define their own paths, investing in their growth and aspirations rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Dr. Nagra’s journey exemplifies passion and an unwavering commitment to effecting change. Whether through her leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures, or mentorship initiatives, she remains a driving force in the fields of mental health and leadership, inspiring the next generation to rise, lead, and thrive.
Q & A
1. Given that this year's International Women's Day theme is 'Accelerate Action' - What does that phrase mean to you personally?
"Accelerate Action means stepping into your power. It’s about pushing past self-doubt, embracing your strengths, and taking decisive action to create change."
2. What is the one habit or mindset that has contributed most to your success?
"I never break a promise to myself. If I say I’m going to do something, I follow through. Consistency and self-accountability have been key to my journey."
3. If you could change one thing for women today, what would it be?
"The pressure to be everything for everyone. Women should invest in themselves first, because when we prioritize our own growth, we can show up stronger for others."
4. What’s the one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
"Develop self-awareness early on. I had a lot of self-limiting beliefs that held me back. Understanding myself better would have accelerated my growth and confidence."
Photo: A Master Media
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