Dr. Somjee: Psychologist, Executive Coach, Consultant

03/04/2026

The Professionals of Color Network is growing.
The Circle: A national strategy and community space for professionals of color
(Linkedin post: https://bit.ly/4clxNQ6)

🗓 Friday, April 3rd | Noon EST | on Zoom |
Register Here: https://forms.gle/gEmMsJAQA5qKRVJT9

(African-American/Black • Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander • Latinx/Hispanic • Asian-American • Native American/Alaskan Native)

In a moment when so much feels uncertain, one thing is clear: we need community more than ever.

As professionals of color navigating the workplace, we face challenges most colleagues don't see and many organizations aren't equipped to address.

We carry so much: How do I handle being questioned when I'm the expert? How do I call out bias without being labeled the problem? How do I advance when leadership doesn't look like me? How do I respond to comments that are 'harmless' but chip away at me daily?

These aren't just personal struggles. They are real strategic decisions we make every day.

Early in my career, I wished I had a space like this where I didn't have to explain the context. Where I could learn from people ahead of me and share what I had learned with those coming up. Where strategy and solidarity were intertwined.

That's The Circle.

Where professionals of color across the country come together to tackle challenges, share insights, and build the relationships that sustain us professionally, grow, and build success.

Join us for our first meeting. Welcome to The Circle.
🗓 Friday, April 3rd | Noon EST | on Zoom
Register here: https://forms.gle/gEmMsJAQA5qKRVJT9

Questions: email pocnhv@gmail.com

03/03/2026

Can I pick your brain? What you and leaders can do when it comes to extractive people!

When I was still relatively new to executive coaching and consulting, a colleague approached me for advice on a leadership program he was putting together. I spent time providing detailed feedback and input, with the promise I'd be brought in to help develop the program.

02/13/2026

Does this sound familiar? I have sometimes witnessed a pattern: passionate, capable people join a board ready to contribute with hard work and good ideas. Then, within a year or two, they have either checked out mentally or quietly stepped away. Why and what can be done? Read on.

I have sometimes witnessed a pattern: passionate, capable people join a board ready to contribute with hard work and good ideas. Then, within a year or two, they have either checked out mentally or quietly stepped away.

02/13/2026

I get this question a lot and hope this helps!

What exactly is executive coaching? Could it help me achieve my professional goals? What can I expect during the executive coaching process?
Let's find out!

A leader I worked with once told me, “I know what I want to accomplish, but I can’t seem to get there.” This is where our coaching began.

02/13/2026

In recent months, many who have previously felt insulated from political or societal instability are expressing alarm. Some are fearful and shocked their own freedoms are under threat, or access to certain things are being eroded, and institutions or processes they trusted are now fragile. The bubble wrap around them is splitting open - and this kind of realization can be incredibly jarring and deeply emotional.

What feels like a sudden rupture to some has always been the lived experience for others.

For marginalized communities, this is nothing new. These communities have always lived with fear, injustice and threats to their dignity, rights or safety. Their worth has always been questioned or denied. They have long lived without that protective bubble wrap and have seen and experienced what others did not.

Yet marginalized communities have shown incredible resilience, strength and grace in meeting these challenges for decades. For generations. All the while advocating for justice. They do this while managing the emotional labor of helping others understand truths they have long known.

To those newly expressing alarm: Welcome and join in.

Let your discomfort lead to action. Stability, equity and justice will only be achieved when the conversation expands beyond those just discovering the depth of these issues, and when all voices - especially those long unheard - are also centered and valued.

While awareness or awakening is the start, this moment calls for a shift from individual realization to collective action. To not turn away. To not simply share grief or outrage. To not simply center the shock of the newly aware, but instead to join the work with marginalized communities, as partners. Learn, listen, but also act and uplift - in your workplaces, boards, volunteer organizations, with local elected representatives, schools, and with friends and family. Towards a future that holds dignity, safety and justice as a reality for all of us.

Fear or shock can be a growth opportunity toward change and impact. This is the moment to step forward, lend your hand, raise your voice, and commit your energy to actively building this stable and just world we all deserve. Start today. Start where you are. Share what you are doing so others can be inspired!
hashtag

02/13/2026

"Around 60% of managers rely on AI to make choices about their direct reports."
I know a manager who almost reassigned an employee because AI informed her that the employee was underperforming (missed KPI's). What AI didn't take into account was the employee's non-traditional job and creativity - and how that fueled their deliverables

Remember, AI reflects data it is fed - that can be biased, flawed or manipulated given we hold human, systemic and institutional bias. Thoughts? What can be done to mitigate this?

According to a new Resume Builder survey, a majority of mangers are using AI make high-stakes personnel decisions.

02/13/2026

has been part of my email signature for years. It is a belief and guiding principle that consistently shows up in my work.

While its meaning shifts depending on the moment, at its core, it’s about possibility. The possibility of what we can become, create, and overcome - together. Of how far we can go when we choose collaboration over competition.

Too often in my work I have witnessed professionals caught in cycles of rivalry, marginalizing one another, or even inflicting harm - intentionally or not. Now, more broadly, we are seeing the strain of disconnection across our society and it is easy to lose hope.

However, I still believe in the promise of hashtag . Even in times of exhaustion, doubt, or uncertainty, this principle reminds me there is still hope, strength, and momentum in unity.
Possibility lives here, and it’s still within reach.

07/10/2025

🎉 20 Years in Business!

This month marks two decades since I took a deep breath and launched my business. It has gone by so fast....

http://bit.ly/4nZ8yXl

05/14/2025

Months ago, a colleague made some biased comments. I tried to engage and asked if perhaps they had made some assumptions. They became defensive and said they held no bias, reminded me they are a DEI expert (which doesn't make anyone exempt from holding bias), that they were very busy, and then decided we were no longer going to talk about the matter any further.

We have all been there - we all hold bias and it can leak into our thinking, actions or speech. While uncomfortable, it is an opportunity to reflect, vs shutting down conversation.

So what can we do when someone calls us out? This article has some great tips.

Defensiveness seems to be the most common response to getting called out – and allies aren’t saying these phrases nearly enough.

05/14/2025

Find out the real impact of stress, resilience and burnout on organizations and individuals - and what to do. More timely than ever.

Check out this collection at the from SCP Society of Consulting Psychology - Division 13 of APA

Consulting Psychology Journal special collection on organizational stress and coping strategies to enhance employee well-being.

04/30/2025

I have an unfurnished office for rent (FT or PT) in the Town of Poughkeepsie within walking distance of Vassar College (12 Davis Ave, Poughkeepsie NY 12603).

Ideal for therapist or small business owner (if a therapist rents, we are happy to provide referrals as we often have to turn people away).

Below is a pic of the office (the unfurnished office that is 14 x 12 with two windows) and our waiting room - as well as my office just to give you an idea of what can be done with the space!
The office is within a suite of three offices in a handicapped accessible 2 story building, with parking lot. I have rented my office since 2006 (and love the space!), a colleague rents the other office and of course the other office for rent. There are two bathrooms in the suite, a waiting room and a room that houses our mail, copy machine, supplies etc.

The building is well kept up, quiet, with an abundance of natural light, and there are numerous restaurants and coffee shops within steps (in Arlington/Town of POK). Rent includes everything.
If you are interested, please call: 845.380.2945

04/04/2025

Another Friday is here, and it’s a perfect time to take a deep breath and slow down. Many of us are feeling exhausted, anxious, or even hopeless—and that’s completely understandable in times of uncertainty. Even in these moments, never forget your voice has impact - even if not immediately visible.

Advocacy is about change and healing. It allows us to channel our feelings into meaningful action. It strengthens our communities, and helps shape a brighter future for the young people we care about.

This week, choose one cause meaningful to you, and take action—whether through your words, time, or resources. And if you hold an identity or position of privilege, consider using it to uplift those whose voices may not be heard as easily.

Small actions create a ripple effect. You have the power to make a difference. Keep going.