Akila Selvaraj - Author & Thought Leader

Discover the Root of Who You Are — And the Power of Who You Can Become

What Tree Are You? — A groundbreaking guide to self-realization through the simplest, most transformative metaphor ever written.

Meet Akila

I write about clarity, identity, emotional patterns, and the psychology of self-realization. My work blends metaphor, science, and lived experience to create tools that help people understand their inner wiring — simply and truthfully.

I created the Tree Personality framework during a time of profound personal transition. What began as self-reflection evolved into a real psychological method — one that changed not just my mindset, but also my health, decisions, and life outcomes. Supported by scientific reasoning and my own measurable medical results, the framework became far more than an idea; it became a revelation.

I write to help people — at any age, any stage, any timeline — understand themselves without guilt, without comparison, and without pressure.
Because clarity isn’t a luxury.
Clarity is a lifeline.

Akila Selvaraj's Bio

I'm an accomplished software engineer, AI chief of products, and passionate psychology enthusiast with over 18 years of experience in the global technology industry. Raised on a farm in Karur, Tamil Nadu, India, My journey has been one of grit, resilience, and determined growth, powered by a steadfast belief in education, social justice, and the limitless potential of the human mind.

After earning my master’s degree in computer science, I moved to the United States for work and rose through the ranks of leading IT firms, ultimately taking on leadership roles in developing cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions for businesses worldwide. I have  published numerous papers and materials in the fields of AI, machine learning, and big data, and I'm a senior member of IEEE, a member of the Forbes Technology Council, and a Royal Fellow of the International Organization for Academic and Scientific Development.

My professional excellence has earned prestigious recognitions, including the International Achievers Award from the Indian Achievers Forum and the Titan Award from the Titan Business Awards. I also serve as a judge on international business award panels, helping to recognize innovation and achievement in the technology sector, and mentors emerging professionals in the field.

Beyond my technical achievements, my true passion lies in understanding human psychology and harnessing it to build a more compassionate, empowering world. I am currently conducting research focused on child psychology, working toward developing frameworks that help children and parents nurture emotional well-being from an early age, preventing unnecessary stress, trauma, and anxiety before they take root.

As a dedicated humanitarian and public speaker, I actively support causes that promote women’s empowerment, mental well-being, and a vision of global harmony where every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to live a fulfilling, meaningful life.

Currently based in Dallas, Texas, I bring together expertise in AI, passion for writing, and commitment to human-centered growth in my debut book—a project born not from the world of technology, but from the heart.

A New Approach To Self-Realization

Most people spend their entire lives trying to understand themselves — why they feel certain emotions, why they react the way they do, why they repeat certain patterns, or why some choices drain them while others strengthen them.

The truth is simple:
Every human has a natural wiring — a core personality that shapes how they think, feel, and respond to life.

What Tree Are You? reveals this inner wiring with clarity, compassion, and honesty — using six deeply relatable tree personality types. Through this framework, readers finally understand:

  • Why they are the way they are

  • What strengthens or weakens them

  • How to make aligned decisions

  • How to stop comparing timelines

  • How to grow without guilt, pressure, or becoming someone else

This book does not tell you what to do.
It helps you understand yourself so deeply that the right decisions become obvious.

Why This Book - What Tree Are You?

We live in a world full of advice but lacking direction.
People don’t need more rules.
They need self-knowledge.

They need to know:

  • What truly drives them

  • What their strengths actually are

  • What patterns limit them

  • What kind of life aligns with their wiring

  • And how to grow without losing themselves

This book exists because understanding yourself changes everything — your decisions, your relationships, your goals, your healing, your identity, your peace. When you deeply understand your natural wiring, guilt dissolves, comparison loses power, and clarity becomes effortless.

That is why I wrote What Tree Are You?
To help people see themselves clearly for the first time — and to help them evolve with truth.

A Glimpse Into The Tree Personalities

Every person embodies a dominant “tree type” that reflects their inner wiring. These types help you understand:

  • Your emotional patterns

  • Your decision-making

  • Your strengths and blind spots

  • Your natural growth style

The six tree types include:
🌳 Mango — expressive, warm, heart-centered
🌲 Teak — strong, structured, disciplined
🎋 Bamboo — adaptive, fluid, resilient
🌸 Cherry Blossom — creative, sensitive, intuitive
🌿 Sandalwood — calm, thoughtful, deeply grounded
🌳 Oak — steady, loyal, protective, purpose-driven

But the real transformation happens when you learn Hybrid Adaptation — borrowing strengths from other trees while staying rooted in who you are.

Ready To Explore Who You Are?

Self-realization isn’t a destination — it’s an awakening.
What Tree Are You? gives you tools, awareness, and a powerful metaphor that stays with you for life.

Testimonials

"This was such an enjoyable read. It felt like chatting with a friend! The content is shared in an easy-to-understand way that is compelling and engaging. I loved all the examples, prompts, and mental exercises."

Allison Smith, Author, Beta Reader

"I really enjoyed it. I appreciated her descriptions of the various types of personalities, hybridity, and personality change over time and within various contexts. I also appreciated the practical advice and her summary of how working with mental states impacts physical health and longevity. I feel Akila accomplished a lot with this book and appreciate her efforts."

Thamizh Veera , Psychologist

"If you’re looking for a gentle nudge towards understanding yourself, this book is a warm companion for your journey. The tree metaphors helped me reflect and uncover personal strengths in a truly kind and pressure-free way, while its practical tips inspire readers of all ages to grow and adapt with confidence."

George Yang, Award-winning digital innovator and AI adoption strategist