“Women run the world. Our mission is to make sure that everybody knows it.”

Those words are written on the website of Shamila Gopalan’s consulting business, Herwit.

Shamila, the 107th person I’ve met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, launched Herwit last year, as part of her vision to improve the lives of 1 million women.

Shamila is empowering women in two ways. First, through Herwit – she advises female entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. Second, by sharing her wisdom through speaking, articles and podcasts.

Shamila has plenty of wisdom to share, after a career that includes founding two other businesses and working for international brands like CNN and National Geographic.

Despite her intelligence and success, Shamila knows what it’s like to question her ability. She says while we all have insecurities, women are more prone to self-doubt than men because they often feel judged and psychologically unsafe when speaking their minds.

Shamila sees this inferiority complex in some of her clients – they’re smart and ambitious, but don’t have the confidence to push for the sale or ask for the funding. Shamila helps these women fulfil their potential.