Sapna D. Sheth, MBA
I’m Sapna Sheth-Pollard, a strategist, operations leader, and firm believer in the power of people to drive meaningful change. For over 23 years, I’ve led transformation across technology, telecom, healthcare, and government, aligning strategy, people, and process to create lasting impact.
As Founder of Lotus AI Consulting, I help organizations simplify complexity, strengthen operations, and build scalability, resilience, and long-term ROI. My approach blends structured strategy with empathy and inclusion, ensuring technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
In addition to my organizational change management work with Vivid Co., I serve as President of the Women of Global Change Arizona Chapter, building partnerships that uplift communities through compassion and purpose.
With an MBA and a lifelong passion for growth and connection, I lead through collaboration, curiosity, and integrity—creating environments where innovation thrives and people feel seen, valued, and inspired to contribute their best.
• Prosci Certified Change Practitioner
• University of Minnesota
• 2011 Winner's Circle Outstanding Employee of the Year Award
• Women global change for helping women foster kids
• President at Women of Global Change
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, a deep passion for consulting, and a genuine love for solving complex problems through technology and operations management. Growing up, I watched my parents, who immigrated from India, work tirelessly to build a better life for our family. Their perseverance and values instilled in me a drive to push forward, stay curious, and lead with purpose.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was simple but transformative: ‘Get out of your head and just do it.’ It taught me that overthinking often disguises itself as preparation, when in truth, it’s fear in quieter form. Growth doesn’t wait for perfect conditions—it responds to courage, to motion, and to trust in your own capability. Every meaningful step forward begins not with certainty, but with willingness.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to never stop learning. The world of Operations and AI is constantly evolving, and staying curious will keep you adaptable and relevant. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and take up space; your voice and perspective matter. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who support your growth, and remember that confidence is built through action.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in operations management today is navigating constant change while maintaining efficiency and stability. Organizations are being pushed to adapt quickly, whether it's due to technological advancements, shifting workforce expectations, or evolving compliance demands. However, this also presents a major opportunity: leaders in operations now have a seat at the table to drive strategic transformation. By leveraging data, automation, and cross-functional collaboration, operations professionals can shape more agile, scalable, and resilient businesses.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I deeply value connection, balance, and growth. Whether I’m leading a complex operations initiative or enjoying a game of pickleball or tennis, I believe in showing up fully and staying present. I find joy and renewal through movement; Zumba is my new favorite! Traveling with my husband helps us recharge and explore new perspectives together. After years in Washington, our move to Arizona has been a refreshing chapter, reminding me how important it is to embrace change and stay open to new experiences.