New York – In an era defined by complexity, disruption, and uncertainty, Sheila Lirio Marcelo stands out as a leader who blends strategy with empathy, rigor with intuition, and results with human-centered care. Best known for taking Care.com public in 2014 and later exiting in a $500 million deal, Marcelo is now channeling her entrepreneurial acumen into a larger mission: scaling impact through her new AI-driven platform, Ohai.ai, and mentoring a new generation of global leaders.
Marcelo’s vision was crystallized at the 2024 MAKERS conference when she highlighted a trillion-dollar opportunity hidden in plain sight. If working caregivers—predominantly women—could reclaim just one unpaid hour daily, global GDP could increase by $1 trillion annually. This assertion not only spotlighted Ohai.ai’s potential but also revealed her long-standing thesis: overlooked challenges can become vehicles for both economic growth and profound social change.
Her leadership philosophy challenges traditional notions of success. Rather than viewing compassion as a liability, Marcelo positions it as a multiplier of results. “As leaders and founders, we have the power to redefine success in a way that values both profit and the positive change we can bring to the world,” she shared in a recent interview. This approach, rooted in what she calls leading with love, underpins her ventures and philanthropic work alike.
Colleagues describe Marcelo as a catalyst who sees connections where others see silos. From nominating peers for fellowships that changed careers to curating high-impact gatherings at her home, her “Sheila Network Effect” transforms relationships into ecosystems. Startups have merged, foundations have launched capital campaigns, and hundreds of leaders have found opportunities, all sparked by her intentional introductions and strategic foresight.
Her record also underscores speed and precision. When anti-Asian hate crimes surged during the pandemic, Marcelo co-founded The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), mobilizing $1 billion in commitments within weeks. Partners recall how she swiftly transformed campaign ideas into global activations, demonstrating her ability to match urgency with execution.
What makes Marcelo’s current chapter distinct is her willingness to openly articulate the principle guiding her journey: love. She acknowledges the discomfort some may feel with the term in business contexts but insists it drives authentic problem-solving. For Marcelo, leadership is not simply about strategies and metrics, but about caring for the people who bring them to life.
Her work continues to inspire frameworks for leaders navigating modern complexity. She encourages clarifying one’s deeper purpose, committing to inner work through reflection and mindfulness, and beginning with one purposeful connection to scale impact organically. These practices, she argues, are not abstract ideals but practical tools for creating sustainable influence.
As she builds Ohai.ai and mobilizes global initiatives, Marcelo embodies the philosophy of living life in crescendo, where the most meaningful contributions lie ahead. With her track record of scaling both businesses and social causes, she is charting a path for leaders who recognize that the future of enterprise requires not only bold vision and fierce execution, but also a foundation rooted in humanity.
For those facing the uncertainties of 2025 and beyond, Marcelo’s example suggests a profound truth: leadership anchored in love may be the most powerful strategy of all.
