Understanding Work, Identity, and Well-being: Guest Session with Ms. Amrita Shrestha at Embark College

Embark College hosted a deeply reflective and timely industry-linked guest session on 13th January 2026 for students in the BSc. Business Management (BSc. BM) and MBA program, particularly those engaging with modules that intersect personal development, organizational behavior, and ethical leadership. The session, titled “Understanding Work, Identity, and Well-being,
” was delivered by Ms. Amrita Shrestha, a distinguished Counseling Psychologist, psychosocial expert, and Program Lead in Social Development initiatives in Nepal. With her extensive background in providing individual and group counseling, supporting people through daily stressors to trauma-related challenges, and leading community-focused programs, Ms. Shrestha offered students a nuanced, human-centered perspective on how modern work environments shape and are shaped by personal identity and psychological well-being.

The lecture opened by inviting students to reconsider the traditional view of work as merely a means of
economic survival or career advancement. Ms. Shrestha framed work as a central arena where identity is
constructed, negotiated, and sometimes contested. Drawing from psychological theories such as Erik
Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, social identity theory, and contemporary research on
self-concept in professional contexts, she explained how roles, achievements, workplace culture, and
societal expectations influence one’s sense of self. In Nepal’s rapidly evolving economy marked by
growing corporate sectors, startups, remittances-driven households, and increasing gig and remote
work, many young professionals grapple with aligning their personal values with job demands, leading to
questions like: Who am I beyond my title? Does my work reflect my authentic self, or am I performing a
version shaped by external pressures?

A core focus was the interplay between work and well-being. Ms. Shrestha highlighted how prolonged exposure to high-stress environments, unrealistic performance expectations, poor work-life boundaries, and lack of recognition can erode mental health, contributing to burnout, anxiety, depression, and diminished life satisfaction. She shared accessible insights from positive psychology, including Martin Seligman’s PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment), and discussed practical strategies for cultivating resilience: mindfulness practices, setting healthy boundaries, fostering supportive relationships at work, and pursuing meaning beyond monetary rewards. For students, who are preparing to enter leadership and management roles, these ideas underscore the business case for well-being, improved productivity, lower turnover, enhanced creativity, and stronger organizational cultures.

The session delved into Nepal-specific realities, where cultural norms around family obligations,
hierarchical workplaces, and economic pressures often intensify identity conflicts. Ms. Shrestha
illustrated how young Nepalis navigate tensions between traditional expectations (e.g., stable
government jobs or family businesses) and modern aspirations (e.g., entrepreneurship, creative
industries, or global opportunities). She emphasized the role of psychosocial support in bridging these
gaps, drawing from her own experience as a trained counselor who facilitates individual sessions and
group interventions. Her work in social development programs has equipped her to address
intersectional challenges, including gender dynamics, rural-urban divides, and the psychological impacts
of migration and remittances on family structures.

Ethical and societal dimensions were woven throughout the discussion. Ms. Shrestha encouraged critical
reflection on how organizations can either support or undermine employee well-being through policies
on mental health support, flexible working, inclusive cultures, and leadership that models vulnerability.
She challenged the “hustle culture” prevalent in many emerging markets, advocating instead for
sustainable success that prioritizes holistic health. Students explored real-world scenarios: the toll of
toxic workplaces on identity formation, the empowering potential of purpose-driven careers, and the
responsibility of future managers to design environments that nurture rather than exploit human
potential. In the context of “beyond profit” business thinking, the session highlighted how integrating
well-being into organizational strategy aligns profit with people and planet.

Ms. Amrita Shrestha’s credentials brought profound authenticity and inspiration to the session. As a
Counseling Psychologist with specialized training in psychosocial counseling, she has dedicated her
career to helping individuals navigate life’s complexities from everyday stressors to deeper trauma. In
her role as Program Lead – Social Development, she designs and implements initiatives that promote
community resilience, mental health awareness, and inclusive growth. Her expertise extends to group
facilitation, trauma-informed care, and advocacy for mental health integration in development work.
Through her practice, she has supported diverse populations across Nepal, emphasizing culturally
sensitive approaches that respect local values while introducing evidence-based psychological tools.
The lecture concluded with an engaging interactive segment, where students shared personal reflections on their evolving work identities, discussed strategies for maintaining well-being amid academic and future professional pressures, and brainstormed ways to foster healthier workplaces. Many expressed newfound appreciation for the psychological underpinnings of management and leadership, recognizing that effective business leaders must also be empathetic stewards of human potential.

This guest session at Embark College profoundly enriched students’ understanding of the human side of
business, bridging academic theories with lived experiences and professional realities. By featuring
thought leaders like Ms. Amrita Shrestha, the college continues its commitment to holistic education
equipping BSc. BM and MBA graduates not only with strategic and operational skills but also with the
emotional intelligence, ethical awareness, and self-care practices essential for thriving in a complex,
fast-changing world.