Sehnaaz Sheikh’s story is not just a tale of perseverance; it is a testament to the power of clarity, resilience, and unwavering self-belief in the face of repeated rejection. For many professionals, hearing that they are “overqualified” or “over-experienced” can feel like a door slammed shut repeatedly. Sehnaaz Sheikh faced this exact challenge she applied for over a thousand jobs, crafted countless cover letters, and was met again and again with the same dismissive responses. Yet, she did not waver. Instead, she held on to a deeper vision of what she truly sought: not mere visibility or prestige, but authentic impact and meaningful leadership in the luxury industry.
Sehnaaz Sheikh’s journey highlights an essential lesson for anyone navigating career challenges success is rarely about fitting a predefined mold but about knowing what you want to build and where you can make a difference. For Sehnaaz Sheikh, this meant turning down offers from well-known luxury houses that didn’t align with her vision. She was not interested in chasing a flashy label or a global brand for the sake of name recognition. Instead, Sehnaaz Sheikh was chasing what she calls “true luxury” an opportunity where she could move things, lead change, and create lasting value at the core of a business.
The breakthrough moment for Sehnaaz Sheikh came unexpectedly. It was a call from the Managing Director & CEO of SR Deshmukh Pvt. Ltd, a prestigious luxury industrial real estate development firm based in Pune with a legacy dating back to 1983. Unlike the many rejection calls, this one was an invitation: “Let’s sit together and explore what you can bring to the company.” This simple statement was the turning point that changed the course of her career. Sehnaaz Sheikh accepted the challenge and officially joined SR Deshmukh as their Brand Manager, taking charge of 360-degree business and brand strategies across diverse verticals including industrial parks, villas, resorts, and new business ventures.
Sehnaaz Sheikh’s new role at SR Deshmukh is more than just a job; it is a platform where her vision, voice, and value converge. The company itself is no ordinary firm it boasts an elite clientele including TATA Realty, Godrej, Jindal, and Hindustan Unilever, among others. SR Deshmukh’s reputation for quality, legacy, and scale reflects the kind of brand that demands leadership that goes beyond conventional marketing. Here, Sehnaaz Sheikh’s expertise in marketing communications meets her passion for true luxury leading brand storytelling and business strategy with authenticity and depth.
Before this role, Sehnaaz Sheikh spent over four years freelancing with global brands across industries. That period was crucial for honing her skills and building a diverse portfolio. However, joining SR Deshmukh was not just a new chapter in her professional life; it was the beginning of a larger vision a vision to blend her accumulated knowledge with a brand that deserved the same caliber of storytelling and strategic leadership as the world’s most prestigious luxury houses.
Sehnaaz Sheikh’s experience offers valuable insights for anyone feeling discouraged by rejection or facing the challenge of being “overqualified.” Her story underscores that rejection does not define your worth or your future. Instead, it often signals that the right opportunity hasn’t yet come along. For Sehnaaz Sheikh, every “no” she heard was a step closer to the right “yes” a yes that would allow her to lead in a way that truly mattered.
Moreover, Sehnaaz Sheikh’s journey reflects the importance of alignment in career choices. It’s easy to fall into the trap of accepting any offer just for the sake of a job, but true fulfillment comes when your values and vision align with your organization’s purpose. Sehnaaz Sheikh held back from offers that didn’t resonate with her core beliefs, demonstrating patience and conviction that ultimately led her to a role where she could make a significant difference.
Sehnaaz Sheikh’s gratitude extends to the mentors and institutions that shaped her professional outlook, including Rajpreet Brar, Smita Jain, Dr. Rudra Chakraborty, and her alma mater SP Jain School of Global Management, with campuses across Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Sydney, as well as Politecnico di Milano. These influences helped her understand not just the theory, but the leadership nuances essential in the luxury business industry.
What Sehnaaz Sheikh’s experience teaches us is that leadership in luxury is not just about aesthetics or branding it’s about legacy, value creation, and meaningful storytelling. It’s about leading change with integrity and vision. Her story is a beacon for those who aspire to not only succeed but to lead authentically in industries where impact matters deeply.
Sehnaaz Sheikh’s journey invites every dreamer who faces rejection to hold on and keep faith. The “yes” that changes everything may be just one brave decision away. Her message is clear and empowering: what you deserve and work for will eventually serve your way, but it requires patience, alignment, and an unwavering belief in your unique value.
In closing, Sehnaaz Sheikh’s career is an inspiring reminder that true luxury is found not in chasing labels or quick wins, but in building lasting impact, leading with vision, and creating value that transcends the ordinary. Her journey from being overqualified and overlooked to becoming a trusted leader at SR Deshmukh exemplifies what it means to lead in the luxury business industry with purpose and heart.
