For some, adversity crushes the spirit. For others—like Dr. Sridevi Arunachalam—it shapes a destiny marked by compassion, leadership, and lasting impact. Her life is a rare blend of grace and grit—part fairytale, part fierce resilience, and all heart.

A Childhood of Contrast: From Royalty to Reality
Born into affluence in Chennai, Sridevi’s early years unfolded like a dream. Her father, a renowned film producer, provided a world of comfort and privilege. “As a child, I lived like a princess,” she reflects.

But that dream came to an abrupt end when she was just 12. Her father’s sudden passing turned the family’s world upside down. What followed was not only grief, but betrayal—from those they once called family. Her mother was left alone, financially and emotionally deserted.

“In that darkness, my mother stood tall,” Sridevi says. “She promised us one thing—we would have food, shelter, and dignity. And she fulfilled it with the strength of a thousand storms.”

The Making of a Warrior
Sridevi’s journey of reinvention began young. She started teaching tuitions in the evenings, studied early mornings, and cooked for herself, while continuing to excel in academics. She became a gold medalist in both her Diploma in Computer science and Engineering program.

At just 19, she took the leap and started her first business—without formal training or experience. “I never imagined I’d survive in business, let alone become a leader in it,” she says. But her will was unshakeable, and her hunger to build a life of independence, unstoppable.

From Local Hustle to Global Vision
Over the next two decades, Dr. Sridevi built a multifaceted empire rooted in education, global commerce, branding, and purpose-driven leadership:

Founder & Managing Director – IIEC (International Intelligent Educational Consultancy)
A pioneer in overseas education and immigration, IIEC is now a 17-year-old enterprise with 36+ branches globally.

Founder & MD – Canwon International Public Limited
A global branding and marketing firm specializing in university and institutional positioning.

Vice President, Business Strategy & Marketing Innovation – LTT Global Communications Sdn Bhd, Malaysia

Regional Director, India – Korean Universities Admission Centre

Founding Chairperson & President – Indo-UAE Economic Chamber of Commerce
A bilateral forum facilitating trade between India and the UAE—guiding businesses on regulations, advocacy, investment, and market entry. The chamber also protects entrepreneurs from fraudulent dealings and promotes credible business expansion. Membership-based and impact-focused, it acts as a bridge for responsible commerce.

She also serves as an advisor and mentor for leading academic incubators:

IIM Kozhikode (LIVE)

Anna University (iTNT Division)

SRM TBI

On board with Vel Tech TBI, and St. Peter’s University TBI

Her honors include:

🏆 Karmaveer Chakra Award (2024)

🏆 Priyadarshini Award (twice – 2019 & 2024)

🏆 Volkswagen Taigun Women Achiever Award

🏆 Asia Book of Records – World Record Speaker

A Life Transformed by Reflection
At the peak of her career, a serious health crisis and life-threatening hospitalization shook her foundation. “That moment split my life into two,” she shares. “Before that, I was focused on my career and family. After, I realized the deeper purpose of life—the gift of being alive.”

This experience led her to the path of deeper self-mastery. She became:

A Master Practitioner of NLP and Reiki

A Gratitude & Self-Love Coach

A Renowned Life Coach and Motivational Speaker for CEOs, CXOs, and high-performing individuals, helping them unlock clarity, heal silently held pain, and regain focus.

“People look fine on the outside, but many are battling silently within. I specialize in finding those invisible wounds—and helping people rise beyond them.”

Giving Back, One Child at a Time
Beyond the boardrooms and stages, Dr. Sridevi quietly champions social causes close to her heart. One of her most heartfelt missions is supporting children with no parents or single-parent households.

“I guide and mentor them for higher education,” she says. “So far, I have personally sponsored the education of over 26+ students using my own resources.” She continues to mentor, motivate, and empower these children to break barriers and aim higher.

Founder of SELF – Sri’s Experiential Learning Foundation
To institutionalize her vision for deep, values-based learning, she founded SELF (Sri’s Experiential Learning Foundation)—an organization dedicated to emotional intelligence, mental wellness, and personal transformation.

She is also the author of I Inspire, and currently working on three new books:

On the power of gratitude

Demystifying overseas education and its myths

A deeply personal work about the silent struggles of women across different walks of life

Her True Legacy
Despite her long list of accolades and affiliations, Dr. Sridevi’s proudest moments are not on stage or in press releases.

“The most beautiful reward,” she says, “is getting a thank-you message from a student who got their visa… or seeing a widow smile again after one of my workshops.”

“I lost a father, but I gained a mission. My mother didn’t just raise us—she raised warriors. And now, I live to pass that strength on.”

Dr. Sridevi Arunachalam’s story is one of fire and grace, intellect and empathy. She reminds us that true strength isn’t forged in comfort—it’s born in hardship, polished by hope, and sustained by purpose.

She doesn’t lead from a pedestal.
She leads from the frontlines—of change, of healing, and of bold, unstoppable vision.