Shefali Arora
Shefali Arora is a seasoned sales leader and talent development enthusiast currently serving as Principal Business Development Manager at ConSol Partners in Austin, Texas. With nearly a decade of professional experience spanning recruiting and sales, Shefali has honed her expertise in business development, leadership, and strategic growth, particularly within technology and staffing sectors. She is recognized for her resilience, self-awareness, and ability to navigate complex career paths with authenticity, especially as a woman of color in male-dominated industries.
Shefali’s career has included key leadership roles, including Head of North American Business Development at Certinia, where she managed and coached teams, drove strategic initiatives, and enhanced brand presence in the U.S. market. Her approach combines hands-on sales activities—such as prospecting, networking, and relationship-building—with high-level collaboration on brand strategy and long-term growth planning. She attributes her professional success to embracing learning opportunities, fostering meaningful connections, and mentoring others to reach their potential.
A Tulane University alumna with a BA in Gender Studies and minors in Political Science and International Development, Shefali has also earned post-baccalaureate credentials in Paralegal Studies from Roosevelt University. Beyond her academic achievements, she is a former NCAA Division 1 volleyball athlete, a Teach for America Rising Leaders Fellow, and an active advocate for professional development and inclusion in the workplace. Shefali’s career reflects a balance of strategic vision, people-first leadership, and dedication to creating opportunities for growth—both for herself and those she mentors.
• Vortex Prospecting
• Diversity & Inclusion Certificate
• Tulane University - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace growth without following a rigid career path. Over the past nine years, my career has alternated between recruiting and sales roles, and for the last five years, I have focused on technology and staffing environments, where I’ve developed deep expertise in business development and leadership.
Currently, I serve as Principal Business Development Manager at Consul Partners, where I focus on driving new business into the firm. My responsibilities include prospecting, cold outreach, networking, and increasing brand awareness as we expand into the U.S. market. I take pride in leading with authenticity, adapting to evolving opportunities, and navigating the challenges of male-dominated industries as a woman of color.
A typical day for me involves outbound business development activities such as prospecting, cold calling, networking, and relationship-building. I also collaborate closely with leadership teams, support brand strategy, and focus on long-term growth initiatives rather than transactional sales. One of my most significant professional achievements has been stepping into a leadership role at a software company, where I managed and coached a business development team. This experience allowed me to mentor others, influence company growth, and demonstrate my leadership capabilities beyond individual sales performance.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stop trying to fit into predefined career boxes and instead focus on developing leadership, communication, and self-trust. I encourage women to embrace nonlinear career paths, advocate for themselves, and recognize that their lived experiences are strengths, not liabilities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in business development today is standing out in saturated and competitive markets, particularly for smaller firms working to build brand recognition. I see this challenge as an opportunity to lead with authenticity, creativity, and human connection, rather than relying solely on volume-driven sales tactics.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, compassion, honesty, and service. My advocacy for mental health is deeply shaped by my personal experiences, which have inspired me to organize annual life celebrations, volunteer my time, and even host a beach volleyball tournament that raised over $1,800 for suicide prevention and mental health education. I prioritize mental health, meaningful connection, and using my experiences to make a positive impact on others, particularly those who may feel unseen or unsupported.