Over the past two decades, my relationship with Sai has evolved from professional to deeply personal. She has been my supervisor, trainer, colleague and, today, a trusted member of my inner circle. Throughout this journey, I have consistently witnessed her embodying the three foundational principles of transactional analysis (TA).
Sai has a unique ability to see people for who they truly are, beyond what they do, while still holding them accountable for their actions. She engages in difficult conversations with respect and dignity, even when faced with conflict or differing viewpoints. One early example that remains vivid for me was during a road-rage incident near a training venue. While many around her reacted with anger, Sai chose to engage with the person directly — firmly yet respectfully. In that moment, I realized the depth of her ability to bring “OKness” into even the most difficult situations. Over the years, I have seen her consistently extend this attitude to colleagues, friends, trainees and supervisees.
Sai empowers individuals to claim their own thinking and agency. Whether as a trainer, supervisor, colleague or friend, she creates a safe space for vulnerability without patronizing or infantilizing. To be with her is to experience both safety and challenge: One can regress if needed, and yet always return with renewed access to their own capacity to think and act.
Sai not only believes in the possibility of change — she actively nurtures it in others. I experienced this firsthand in my very first meeting with her nearly 15 years ago. At the time, I doubted whether I could become a mental health professional. Sai believed in me, and that belief shaped my journey. Today, I am proud to say I am one. I have no doubt that without her, I would not have chosen this path. She herself is a model of change, constantly evolving and adapting to new contexts, realities and relationships.
Sai’s contributions extend far beyond individual relationships. She has made a significant impact in both TA and non-TA communities. Her work with not-for-profit organizations has been especially inspiring: training teachers in a rural Karnataka school to engage with children with dignity and OKness, and volunteering with Hope Works, a foundation that supports young girls in building emotional literacy and positive self-image.
Her passion for women’s leadership has led to the creation of two flagship programs, "Step Up" and "Power Up," through which women embark on a journey of discovering and owning their potency as individuals and as leaders. More recently, she has innovatively integrated music into her work with leadership and women — demonstrating a holistic and embodied approach to physis.
As a learner, Sai remains open, reflective and responsive. Even when serving as my trainer or supervisor, she welcomed challenges that expanded her frame of reference, demonstrating humility and commitment to growth. Her keynote at the recent South Asian Association of Transactional Analysts (SAATA) Biennale Conference on building “care circles” reflected not just an idea, but a way of life she actively practices for countless people, personally and professionally.
Sai’s integration of TA with the ontological coaching framework — a discipline that focuses on being — is a hallmark of her work. This integration, captured in her book "Step Up," has enriched both TA and non-TA communities, inspiring people to reclaim their own power of being.
Sai exemplifies the spirit, practice and transformative power of TA. Through her professional excellence, personal integrity and tireless contribution to communities, she has touched countless lives, including my own. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate her for this award.
