Dr Sonia Cheema Talks About Her Book “Roots before robots”

About the Author:

Dr. Sonia Cheema is an educational leader, leadership coach, and author dedicated to shaping transformative learning environments across Australian schools. With over two decades of experience in teaching, wellbeing, and leadership, she champions ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, and innovation in education. As an educator, community leader and leadership mentor, Dr. Cheema empowers emerging leaders to create cultures of trust, purpose, and growth. Deeply inspired by her late father’s service to the nation and guided by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s philosophy of education as nation-building, she continues to lead with compassion, courage, and conviction.

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A:After nearly three decades in education across two continents, I began noticing a quiet but persistent shift—children were achieving more academically, yet struggling emotionally, socially, and practically. Families were exhausted, teachers were overwhelmed, and students were increasingly disengaged. Roots Before Robots was born from a deep concern that we were raising efficient learners, but not always grounded humans. I wanted to challenge this trajectory and offer a hopeful, practical alternative—one that restores balance between modern education and timeless human skills.

Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?

A: Roots Before Robots is a reflective yet practical exploration of how education, family life, and childhood have been reshaped by speed, screens, and performance culture. Blending leadership insight, classroom experience, and real-world observation, the book advocates for integrating play, outdoor learning, chores, teamwork, and values alongside academic learning. It is written for educators, parents, and leaders who want to raise capable, connected, and emotionally resilient humans in a rapidly changing world.

Q: What Does The Title Mean?

A: The title is both symbolic and urgent. Roots represent values, character, resilience, relationships, and real-life skills—the foundations that shape who we are. Robots symbolise technology, automation, and the future we are rapidly moving into. The book does not reject technology; it insists that before children engage deeply with machines, they must first be grounded in humanity. Without strong roots, innovation becomes hollow and progress becomes fragile.

Q: What Did You Learn When Writing The Book?

A:I learned that disengagement is not a failure of children—it is a signal from the system. Writing this book reaffirmed my belief that families and schools are not separate entities but shared learning ecosystems. I also learned that small, intentional changes—playing together, building together, sharing responsibility—can have profound impacts. Most importantly, I learned that hope in education still exists when we return to what truly matters.

Q: What Does Success Mean To You? What Is The Definition Of Success?

A: Success, to me, is not measured by grades, titles, or productivity alone. Success is raising humans who can think independently, relate compassionately, contribute meaningfully, and remain grounded under pressure. It is when children grow into adults who can adapt without losing their values, and when educators and families feel aligned rather than exhausted. True success is sustainable—emotionally, socially, and ethically.