Dr. Shama Hussain is redefining education as a tool for life—not just for livelihood. From empowering underprivileged students to training leaders across 12 countries, her concept of Humanization of Education places character above credentials. With projects like I-100 and Leadership Startup, she's nurturing emotionally intelligent leaders worldwide.

Dr. Shama Hussain is the Founder and Global CEO of the I.I.I. Group- the International Institute of Influencers, as well as the visionary behind an extraordinary global initiative called Humanization of Education.

Her work is not limited to launching organizations—it is about fundamentally reshaping the way the world perceives and practices education. Through her concept of building education for ‘life’ rather than just for ‘living’, she introduces a new lens of purpose-driven learning, one that integrates values, ethics, and humanity into the fabric of academic growth.

When asked about her milestones and achievements, Dr. Shama Hussain pauses for a moment—because the list is long. Yet for her, the greatest achievement isn’t a medal or a certificate, but the love and trust she has earned across the world. Her name, Dr. Shama Hussain, has become a brand synonymous with values and vision. She serves on the boards of multiple organizations as a Director, Ambassador, and Advisor. Her name has been featured in Forbes and several other international platforms. She has received recognition from UNESCO, the UNPKFC, various global governments, ambassadors, chief ministers, and ministries.

She was awarded the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award, the Pride of Asia Award, the World Noble Peace Prize for Education, and the Oscar for Professionals. She was also honored as Inspirational Woman of the Year, Woman Icon, and was featured on the cover of a UK magazine for her pioneering concept of Humanization of Education. She was selected among the Top 25 Women Leaders in the UK and received an award at the British Parliament from the World Book of Records London. She has been interviewed by Beyond TV in Birmingham and has received multiple awards across Bangkok, London, and other international cities.

More than 3000 national and international awards have come her way. She has participated in over 2000 international conferences. She serves on the editorial and advisory boards of journals in Malaysia and across the globe. She is also a co-author and the founder of her own magazine. The prestigious magazine India Today named her among the Top 25 Business Leaders to Look Up To in 2023. In Forbes, she was listed among the Top 25 Female Leaders to Watch in 2025. From ANI News to The Circle of Legends, her work continues to earn global visibility.

Yet, she humbly insists that these are external validations—what she truly values is internal transformation. Her most recent projects speak directly to that mission. Among them is the ZXI Studio, an initiative designed to be more inclusive than TEDx or similar platforms. Through this studio, even people from villages and marginalized communities can participate, share their voice, and speak to the world.

One of the most visionary initiatives to emerge from the  I.I.I. Group in recent times has been the Leadership Startup—a revolutionary project that goes far beyond the realm of business. Most people, Dr. Shama Hussain says, focus on launching startups for profits, for innovation, for enterprises. But rarely does one think of launching a startup for life itself.

That is precisely what Leadership Startup sets out to do. It is a premium global initiative, launched by the I.I.I. Group, to build “life literacy”—not just business acumen. It’s a startup model for life, where growth is not measured in capital or clients, but in consciousness, character, and clarity. The project is not only a first-of-its-kind in the world—it is a bold invitation for people to revisit why they are truly alive.

Leadership Startup has been built in stages. It begins with a global reality show format, inviting people from all walks of life to showcase the leadership traits embedded within them. Following that is the Shadow Leaders concept—an immersive mentorship track where aspirants train directly under world-class leaders. Next comes the Leadership Incubator, designed to help individuals shape their internal leadership blueprint, much like a business incubator, but for life itself.

The idea is clear. Just as business leaders seek out networks and collaborations to solve market challenges, individuals must also learn to seek wisdom, tools, and perspectives to navigate their life challenges. This model allows people to connect with leaders from across the globe, bringing real solutions to real struggles—be it emotional clarity, value conflicts, or personal growth stagnation.

Dr. Shama emphasizes a powerful truth—leadership is not optional. It must be cultivated in every role. A mother who is not a leader cannot raise a leader. A friend who lacks character will likely reinforce the same lack of character in another person. Leadership, she says, is everyone’s responsibility. It belongs not just in the boardroom, but in classrooms, homes, and communities.

With that spirit, the Leadership Startup was launched to include everyone—students, teachers, parents, professionals. It is being conducted both physically and virtually to ensure global accessibility. From schools and universities to corporate environments and family systems, the idea is to spark a mindset revolution. The future, she insists, will be full of unpredictable challenges. Now is the time to strengthen the emotional spine required to face them.

She often shares an analogy that captures this vision. If a cat dreams of becoming a lion, it must first lose its appetite for rats. Growth demands change. Comfort must give way to courage. She reminds everyone that evolving isn’t a luxury—it is a survival skill in today’s complex world.

Leadership, according to her, is like parenthood. Just as a parent doesn’t abandon a child for underperforming, a leader must never abandon their team. Leadership is not about holding power—it is about nurturing it in others. It is about taking charge not only when things go well but especially when they do not. A true leader trains, guides, and transforms. Leadership Startup is designed to instill exactly that quality in people—to turn them into catalysts of change in their own lives and in the lives they touch.

I.I.I. Founder Dr. Shama Hussain explains that I.I.I- the International Institute of Influencers, is not just an educational organization; it is a premium global entity dedicated to cultivating what she calls “organic skills” and a “legacy of leadership”. The focus is not on materialistic success or rote-driven academics, but on nurturing a mindset that can influence the world in meaningful ways.

With its roots in India, the I.I.I has now expanded to 12 countries. It operates in the UAE, Oman, Africa, Georgia, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Thailand, and the Philippines. This widespread presence has been made possible through alliances with global leaders who endorse and carry forward the shared values of humanization, ethics, and transformation in education systems.

Dr. Shama believes that while humanity may exist in language and intention, the human element itself must become an active presence in how education is delivered and received. She emphasizes that education should not be taken just for grades or professional placements—it should inspire a meaningful life, a vision, and a deeper sense of purpose. This philosophy forms the core of their movement, now being actively implemented across borders.

The foundation of I.I.I. was laid with the goal of influencing not only students but also the larger network of global leadership. Unlike most organizations that revolve around a single core product or program, I.I.I. functions across multiple domains to ensure influence is achieved through varied, interconnected pathways. Dr. Shama explains that influence isn’t about authority or words alone—it’s about engagement, relevance, and repeated human connection.

Under the umbrella of I.I.I., several powerful verticals operate in tandem. These include the International Academic Affairs, International Students Board, International Women Influencers, International Global Express TV, an International Magazine, and a youth leadership body under the International Student Alliance (ISA). There's also the GCI, or Global Community of Influencers, which brings together students, educators, and women from all over the world under a collaborative leadership network.

Through this system, youth leaders from different countries are trained, developed, and later inducted into the ambassador program—becoming voices for change within their own communities and beyond. Alongside them, the International Training Forum (ITF) plays a pivotal role in standardizing and delivering high-quality leadership programs. The combination of training, conferences, symposiums, publications, and global networking makes I.I.I. a living ecosystem of education and empowerment.

Dr. Hussain shares that building leadership is not a one-time program—it’s a habit, a way of thinking, and a process that must be ignited from within. To begin this process, I.I.I. uses unique Leadership Startup Programs that assess and challenge participants. For instance, she describes a scenario where candidates are given a simple object like an egg and asked to explain what they see or understand with it. The purpose is to observe how participants connect meaning with observation. If an egg breaks due to external force, life is destroyed. But if the force comes from within, life begins. This metaphor is used to evaluate whether a candidate has the innate spark to think like a leader.

Those who qualify through such auditions are then trained under the concept of shadow leadership. They work closely with mentors and learn leadership by observing, interacting, and absorbing their values and behavior. It’s a layered, immersive mentorship model.

The I.I.I. also conducts customized training programs for teachers. Dr. Shama emphasizes that teachers today often limit themselves to formal degrees like B.Ed or M.Sc, but to truly educate others, they must first embody leadership. In her model, teachers are trained using action-based learning methodologies, inspired by systems followed in Finland and Japan.

This training is not passive or theoretical. Teachers undergo a rigorous process—starting with interactive symposiums that include educators from various countries engaging in meaningful exchanges about educational leadership. This is followed by project work and, finally, a viva session with globally recognized education leaders. Only after passing through these stages do they earn certification. Every part of the process is hands-on and directly aligned with the demands of 21st-century learning.

Dr. Shama believes this kind of multi-step, accountable, and globally connected training leads to real confidence. It's visible in the way people express their joy upon completion—not because they received a certificate, but because they earned it through effort, reflection, and global dialogue.

She also expresses concern about the superficial nature of virtual learning. Many people attend online training sessions without switching on their cameras or engaging with the trainer. She believes that without visual interaction, learning loses impact. Audio alone is not enough. Education requires presence—both visual and mental. Commitment and dedication to the learning space are non-negotiable in I.I.I.’s training ecosystem.

In her words, a participant who is half-engaged, listening but not interacting, is essentially wasting time. Dedication and discipline form the foundation of the I.I.I. training method, and every participant must honor that.

As she puts it, I.I.I. is not about collecting certificates. It is about shaping people who are committed, accountable, and ready to influence the world—not just with knowledge, but with character.

The inception of I.I.I. was not born out of long-term planning—it began with a moment of disillusionment and a deep desire to protect values that mattered. Dr. Shama recalls how she initially served as a brand ambassador for an educational organization operating in India with roots in Australia. At first, she resonated with the vision they shared: to promote the values of education across different institutions and empower students. Drawn in by their mission and supported by her wide network of university collaborations, she accepted the role. But with time, she noticed a drift. The organization became increasingly commercial, compromising on its initial ideals. She witnessed decisions being made that she could not ethically stand by—especially since many had joined the platform trusting her name and recommendation.

That breach of trust became a turning point. She chose to walk away from the position, firmly deciding she would rather build something of her own—an ecosystem where values, not profit, would lead. What began as a personal conviction soon evolved into a global institution. She had no backing, no structure—only a vision. But as she planted the first seeds of I.I.I., international leaders from across the world joined her mission. She built this global framework alone at first, supported only by her drive and belief that even underprivileged children from India, Africa, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Philippines deserved access to world-class leadership training—something they could never afford in traditional models that charged thousands for mentorship under native speakers from London, Austria, or other developed nations.

One of the key arms of I.I.I. is the International House of Speakers. Dr. Shama emphasizes that being a speaker isn't just about fluency or polished English—it’s about using one’s voice to influence, to inspire when no one stands beside you, to speak up even in silence, to lead through conviction. It takes more than language—it requires confidence, honesty, strategy, commitment, and emotional strength. Through this platform, children from rural and marginalized communities are invited to develop their oratory and leadership skills entirely free of cost.

She also talks about the I-100 program, one of the most expansive and powerful initiatives of the  I.I.I. group. It is designed to help students understand and internalize values that often get overlooked in traditional education systems. Dr. Shama believes the current generation equates happiness with utility—marks, material possessions, social approval. But she challenges that thinking. According to her, happiness should not be bound by what can be bought or shown off—it should emerge from meaning, connection, and contribution.

Through I-100 conclaves, leadership debates, and skill championships, students are given platforms to engage with global thought leaders. She proudly credits her Global Express TV team for working tirelessly—often through three-hour sessions—to make this vision accessible. Presidents, vice chancellors, global business founders, international coaches, and even music conductors contribute their time and energy, interacting directly with students, many of whom come from government schools or underfunded regions. These mentors expect nothing in return—they stand with the vision of humanizing education.

None of the programs are monetized. Despite the costs involved in running a TV channel, organizing international events, and maintaining a digital infrastructure, the organization refuses to charge its beneficiaries. For Dr. Shama, this is non-negotiable. She believes education must serve a purpose beyond transaction. It must offer students the tools to think deeply, connect authentically, and lead from within.

She raises critical concerns about modern-day education. Students are overwhelmed by performance pressure. A comment from a parent about low grades can lead a child to take extreme steps. Suicides, mental breakdowns, divorces are taking place—despite academic excellence, society is breaking down. She questions why gold medalists with PhDs still find themselves unable to maintain personal well-being. People work twelve to sixteen hours a day, and if asked how many hours they spent being happy, there’s silence. No one has an answer.

This is because most people are conditioned to chase utility-based goals—money, status, possessions—without consciously designing their lives for happiness. Dr. Shama warns that such a cycle drains the body and mind, eventually leading to burnout, disease, or numbness. Even basic human connections have faded. Neighbors don’t greet each other. Individuals move like robots, isolated and overstimulated.

She draws attention to ancient Indian educational systems, citing how even the children of kings, as told in the Ramayana, were sent to gurukuls, to live grounded lives in forests, trained not in luxury but in life skills. Education was about resilience, emotional intelligence, and human connection. Today, in contrast, the world is running behind artificial intelligence. It promises ease—automating tasks, simplifying content, writing documents. But in return, it asks for something invisible but crucial: our own thinking power.

Humanization of Education propagator Dr. Shama Hussain believes the rush toward AI is robbing people of the very struggle that shapes human intellect. In the past, students would prepare a presentation by investing hours of thought, energy, and creativity. Today, they prompt a tool to generate it for them. There is no adrenaline, no nervous excitement, no pride in the result. Dr. Shama believes that human intelligence—which includes creativity, compassion, strategy, empathy—is far more powerful than any machine. AI should support humans, not replace them.

She uses a simple metaphor. Walking naturally is better than walking on a treadmill. It engages the body in full, connects the mind to its environment, and keeps us grounded. Similarly, natural learning through human engagement builds stronger leaders than pre-packaged answers from machines. I.I.I.’s work revolves around reinforcing this principle. Their systems are designed to blend the benefits of technology without compromising the essence of human intelligence.

She speaks about the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic drivers—awards, positions, salary hikes—can only sustain for so long. But intrinsic motivation is rooted in purpose and passion. Leaders operate from this space. They do not work for validation—they work for vision. Intrinsic motivation builds resilience, creativity, and empathy—the exact values needed to lead the 21st century.

The I.I.I. Group’s curriculum is structured around these building blocks: appreciation, collaboration, critical thinking, emotional resilience, and social impact. These values aren’t taught in textbooks. They must be lived through. And to live them, the learner must be part of a system that values people, not just performance.

I.I.I. isn’t just a leadership training platform—it’s a cultural movement to reclaim the soul of education. It is about building global citizens who are not only employable but emotionally intelligent, who value relationships over algorithms, who choose reflection over reaction. It’s a vision too large to be boxed into a single product, and yet, it is being delivered piece by piece, every day, by an organization that refused to chase money and chose meaning instead.

After describing her organization and its expansive reach, Dr. Shama shares about her early life—her childhood, upbringing, and educational background.

She begins by saying that the name ‘Shama’ has always held a special place in her heart. She was deeply attached to her own name. As a child, she would write it in her notebooks repeatedly, framing it as “Shama, source of light.” She always saw herself as someone meant to radiate light in the world. That personal belief, embedded early in her subconscious, went on to shape her personality and life choices.

From the very beginning, she stepped into leadership roles. In school, in college, and later in university, she naturally rose to the top. She was not only a consistent topper—holding first positions at all levels—but was also recognized as a representative of her peers. Whether it was giving speeches or leading teams, she never shied away from responsibility. Her teachers and principals noticed her potential and encouraged her. From class one onward, she took initiative and found herself at the forefront.

Her educational roots trace back to southern India, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. She recalls being selected for a Telugu dance audition during her early school years—a small moment that would eventually be part of a much larger story.

Dr. Shama Hussain comes from a modest yet deeply value-rooted background. She has one brother and one sister. Her father worked as a traffic supervisor in the RTC department, and today, she is a mother of two children. Her husband works in Oman for PDO, an American company in the finance sector. These are the threads of her personal life—simple, grounded, and deeply connected to her core values.

In her school days, she once auditioned for a dance performance based on a Telugu song. She reached the finals, but wasn’t selected. That rejection became a pivotal moment. Instead of holding on to disappointment, she redirected her energy. There was another competition coming up—an elocution and a debate event. She entered both and emerged as the top performer. That experience ignited something in her, making her realize that her strength lay in speaking, not dancing. From that day on, public speaking became her focus, and it continues to define her work and influence even today.

During a school function, she was invited to give a speech. Among the audience was a Member of Parliament who was so moved by her words that he walked up to her on stage and handed her two hundred rupees, telling her that one day she would go on to influence the world. That was in the early 1990s, and the moment left a lifelong imprint on her. The encouragement she received that day shaped her self-belief and fueled her onward. She went on to win accolades in college, at the university level, and beyond. Whether it was elocution, debate, leadership, or academics—she was always at the top.

When she appeared for her masters entrance exams, there were only six open merit seats. With most seats taken under reservation, the competition was fierce. But she secured the first rank, becoming the top scorer in the university entrance exam. She continued her masters studies, balancing studies with marriage. After completing her education in India, she moved to Muscat, where her husband was working.

In Muscat, she began working as a Head of Department at one of the institutions. Yet, something within her remained unsettled. She wanted to study more, to expand her learning. She began her PhD in Zoology and went on to pursue Leadership Management from the UK. Later, she completed her Executive Life Coach International Master Diploma, specializing in Emotional Intelligence and Leadership. Her interest in leadership wasn’t theoretical—it was driven by a mission to influence and awaken others. She firmly believes that life must carry a vision and a purpose. Without it, it becomes nothing more than a repetitive cycle of eating, sleeping, aging, and eventually passing away.

Dr. Shama Hussain speaks of auditing time, not money. While the world measures wealth in currencies, she measures it in hours spent meaningfully. From childhood, she practiced this principle. Every day, from morning 5 to night 10, she would track every hour. She would document her schedule in a notebook—what she did from 5 to 6, 6 to 7, and so on—and she would ask her mother to sign it. Her mother couldn’t read or write, but Dr. Shama taught her to sign her name just so she could validate her efforts.

Her mother and father were her greatest teachers. Her mother, though never formally educated, understood the value of learning. She did not know how to sign her own name until Dr. Shama taught her. Yet her wisdom was immense. She supported Shama's every effort, guiding her to eat on time, take care of her health, and maintain her discipline. She considered her mother highly educated—not in degrees, but in values. That distinction continues to define how Dr. Shama understands education itself.

The habit of auditing time became her foundation. Even today, she despises wasting time, scrolling endlessly, or allowing moments to slip without meaning. She believes motivation is temporary—it can excite for a moment, but fades quickly. What matters is consistency. It is small habits practiced over and over that build success. Her organization, now active in twelve countries with lakhs of participants and numerous testimonials, is not the result of a giant leap, but the accumulation of thousands of small, consistent steps.

She has never equated success with position or wealth. Her true measure of success has always been ‘influence’—how deeply she is able to impact someone’s life, thoughts, or direction.

When asked about her role models, she doesn’t cite celebrities, movie icons, or global figures. She didn’t grow up watching films or following famous personalities. Her world was small, focused around her parents, and that world was enough to shape her. Her leadership values, her compassion, and her consistency were all learned from observing her mother and father. They were not just supportive, but deeply influential in her growth. They gave her a foundation to dream and the strength to follow through.

For her, role models were not distant personalities or public figures. They were right at home. Her parents were her greatest influences, the two pillars around whom her entire value system was built. She was raised not only with academic discipline but with a deep-rooted, holistic understanding of what it meant to live with purpose. Every trait she now stands for—leadership, emotional intelligence, proactiveness, hard work, and resilience—she credits to the values she received in childhood.

Dr. Hussain recalls a memory etched deep into her heart. She once received an invitation from the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandra Babu Naidu, to accept an award from the state government. Her father, considering the long travel and effort involved, hesitated. But her mother was unwavering. She insisted that Shama would attend and receive the award in person. That night, her mother stayed up stitching a dress for her daughter to wear at the ceremony. It was a simple act, but one that reaffirmed a life lesson—never miss an opportunity. That night’s determination lit a lifelong fire in Shama’s heart. To this day, she continues to hold on to that conviction—no opportunity should ever be wasted.

Everything she embodies today, she says, stems from those early lessons. The consistency, the integrity, the determination to keep going, even when things get tough—those qualities were born in that small household and nurtured every day. Today, she is celebrated globally as an international expert, a speaker, a collaboration strategist, and a CEO. But she believes it isn’t the degrees or the academic achievements that brought her here. It’s those invisible values—the quiet strength, the ethics, and the emotional depth—that truly shaped her path.

She believes that real education begins after formal education ends. Life doesn’t start after school or college—it starts with how one applies those learnings in the world. Real growth, she says, lies in evolving. It’s not the degrees or the positions that define success, but the willingness to keep learning, to adapt. She often compares it with businesses—how brands like Nokia failed to evolve and lost their place in the market. Similarly, a person who stops learning starts fading.

There are two quotes that have stayed with her throughout her life. The first is a line she would write constantly as a child:

“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.”

That phrase became her shield, her mantra, her inner reminder to never give up. The second one she often recites is:

“Success is sweet, but the secret is sweat.”

The only difference between those two words, she says, is a single letter, but the meaning is profound. If one wants sweetness, one must sweat. That is the secret.

Anyone who wishes to become part of this growing global family can connect with Dr. Shama through LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook. The project is open and free, designed to democratize leadership, to build a culture of accountability, ethics, and purpose across nations.

Dr. Shama Hussain encourages people to build their HQ—Happiness Quotient—alongside their IQ, EQ (Emotional Quotient), AQ (Adversity Quotient), and SQ (Social Quotient). And above all, she urges everyone to be grateful. Gratitude is the foundation of true joy, she believes. It is what makes the smallest things meaningful and the biggest challenges bearable.

She has a message for everyone—whether student, parent, or professional. Most people work hard all their lives trying to succeed, hoping that one day success will bring them happiness. But she insists that the order must be reversed. Happiness must come first. It is happiness that brings success, not the other way around.

Currently, she lives in Oman, which has been her second home for nearly two decades. Born in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and raised partly in Bangalore, Karnataka, she moved to Muscat during her studies and has since expanded her work to over 12 countries. Yet, no matter where she goes, she remains rooted in her Indian identity. The values, traditions, and vision she carries are Indian at heart—and she is proud to represent that spirit on a global stage.

I.I.I. CEO Dr. Shama Hussain has already created an impact that spans continents, but she sees her mission as just the beginning. She says, I.I.I. is not just a company—it is a movement, a model, and a manifesto for reimagining education and leadership for a better, more humane future.

With deep emotion and gratitude, she expresses her final message. She thanks every listener and supporter for being a part of this unfolding story. For her, the journey is not complete—it is only just beginning. The story of I.I.I. is not a chapter from the past but a movement being written every day by every individual who chooses to stand up, lead, and live with meaning.

As she offers her closing words, her energy swells with purpose. The story of I.I.I. has begun anew, carried forward by the hearts and hands of all who believe in the humanization of education. On behalf of the International Institute of Influencers, International Life Skills Technologies, Girl Skill Pioneers Oman, and the broader GCI family, she expresses her deepest gratitude.

She extends her thanks to all those who listened, encouraged, and shared in the vision. And with a smile filled with conviction and care, she signs off.