Owning It With Sandhya

In this episode of “Owning it,” we sit down with Aanchal, a qualitative research consultant and doctoral candidate at NYU who specializes in working with survivors of gender-based violence. Aanchal shares her inspiring journey from barely knowing what psychology was to pursuing a PhD in the field. She opens up about how her early life experiences shaped her perspective on the world and her choices thereafter. Aanchal attributes her success and the choices she makes to the unwavering support from her family, friends and partner, especially the strong women around her. This heartfelt conversation highlights the crucial role of social support in empowering women to take ownership of their decisions. Join us as we explore how the power of a supportive community can help us own our choices in life. Tune in now! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this episode, we spoke with Namratha Prashanth, the founder of Wine Equation and Solicantus. Her story really hits home the saying, "If it's meant to be, it'll happen.” Namratha's route to her dreams was far from direct, filled with unexpected challenges and detours.Choosing love and family, Namratha embraced the role of a homemaker at a young age, setting aside her professional ambitions. Yet, the urge to create and build something of her own never faded. At 37, starting from scratch in a new country, she embarked on a journey to establish a business, navigating through the complexities of an unfamiliar landscape.Namratha's story is a powerful reminder that it's okay if life's journey takes a bit longer to take us to our goals or goes a bit differently than we planned. Not being there yet doesn't mean we won't get there. Her story is a call to remain hopeful and persistently push forward, just like she did. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In the latest episode of "Owning It," we dive into the inspiring journey of Richa, a seasoned tech professional who made a transformative leap into the world of fashion entrepreneurship. Hailing from Orissa, the state she proudly calls home, Richa was moved by the dying weaves of its tribal communities. She discovered her calling in preserving and promoting the exquisite yet rare weaves unique to these communities. Richa's mission is ambitious: to elevate the traditional weaves of Orissa's tribal artisans to a global stage. Her commitment to BOITO is not just about business; it's a heartfelt endeavour to preserve and celebrate a significant part of her cultural heritage. Richa’s story is a testament to the idea that finding one's purpose is a journey filled with exploration, deep questioning, and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Join us to hear how she embodies the courage to pursue a purpose-driven life, leaving behind a successful career for a cause close to her heart. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In the latest episode of "Owning It," we spoke with Bindu Vinodhan, the visionary behind Mauna Dhwani and TILLT. This discussion brings to the forefront the underestimated privilege we all have - OUR VOICE. Bindu's journey is inspirational; she transitioned from a lucrative career driven by a desire to find her true purpose. Tune into this episode to witness how Bindu truly owned her choices: her reasons for shifting from a stable job to founding an impactful organisation, her obstacles, how she embraced and overcame fear and her transformative personal journey. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

Join us in the latest episode of "Owning It," where we speak with Tejaswini Madabhusi, CEO of Yugantar. Tejaswini, in her own words, describes her life as one "that people would be envious of," encompassing everything she loves and a sense of deep contentment. This enviable life, however, was not simply handed to her; it is the culmination of courage to own her choices, perseverance, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.  Tejaswini candidly discusses her setbacks and how she embraced each experience, using it as a foundation for her next achievement. Dive into this episode to learn how her experiences have moulded her into the individual she is today and the importance of embracing life's journeys, both professionally and personally. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

This week on "Owning It" is the inspiring story of Dipti, a woman whose life epitomises the spirit of embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm and resilience. Dipti, who fondly calls herself a 'jack of all trades,' has navigated her life with a unique philosophy: whatever happens, happens for the best. This outlook has led her to embrace various roles and challenges with open arms and excel in each one of them - from pursuing fashion designing at NIFT to founding her own bakery business to her active involvement in the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) while being a fantastic mother to her two wonderful daughters. Dipti's story is not just about success in diverse fields; it's about loving and living life to the fullest without any regrets. Her journey is a powerful reminder that titles don't define us; it's our actions and choices that truly matter. Join us in this episode as we explore Dipti's multifaceted life and learn how she truly 'owns it' in every sense of the term. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this episode, I chat with Chitra Iyer, the CEO of MFA. Chitra's life took a profound turn when her 3-year-old son was diagnosed with extreme autism and cerebral palsy. However, with unwavering support from her husband and her indomitable spirit, she not only rose to lead a prominent financial services company but is also at the forefront of a groundbreaking real estate initiative for families with special needs children. This initiative is not just a dream—it's her current mission: to establish a community where these children thrive, even long after their parents are gone. Dive into Chitra's story with us, a testament to how life, with its unexpected twists, can unfold more beautifully than one could ever anticipate. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this episode, we explore the unique journey of singer-songwriter Rajni Shivaram, who left a conventional engineering career to follow her calling: music. Sparked by the inspiration she found at BITS during her master's, she made the switch. It wasn't an easy road, but saying no to what didn't feel right and pursuing what she truly loved shaped a fulfilling path. Join us to discover how Rajni's choices crafted a journey that is all her own. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this riveting episode, we dive into the multi-faceted life journey of Kruttika Nadig. Starting her journey as a chess prodigy at eight, Kruttika rose to grandmaster status by twenty-one. Yet, during her undergraduate years, her passion for chess didn't mirror that of her counterparts. This realisation sowed the seeds of doubt, questioning her future on the 64 squares. Transitioning into her twenties, Kruttika embarked on a path of self-discovery. Her passion for writing took her on varied career journeys, from journalism to content marketing, even sparking entrepreneurial endeavours. However, as she confronted financial realities, she faced a period of profound introspection and uncertainty. Encouraged by her husband, she embraced the world of coding and today excels as a senior programmer at Logically. Kruttika's story stands out for her intentional life decisions, each marking a unique phase of her life. Tune in to explore how her diverse experiences shaped her into who she is today. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

Join us for a heartfelt chat with Lalitha in this episode. Once a top student who loved books, Lalitha started her career in banking, which lasted for 20 years and then spent some time in the development sector. But her life took a tough turn when she lost her younger daughter. In memory of her beloved daughter, Lalitha started 'PlusTrust', a foundation that personifies her daughter's dream. PlusTrust provides micro-incubation support for changemakers from resource-poor communities, particularly from rural areas, through fellowship programs. In this chat, Lalitha shares how her life's ups and downs have shaped what she does today with Plus Trust. She talks about the values that have guided her and made her life meaningful. Get ready for a story of love, strength, and the power of never giving up. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

Join us as we delve into the captivating journey of Sumana, a rising singer-songwriter in Paris. Transitioning from a stable insurance job to the uncertain world of music, Sumana found her true calling not in boardrooms but in a chance encounter with a performer at a metro station. Navigating societal norms and wrestling with self-doubt, she took the less-travelled path and embraced music as more than just a hobby. This episode is an intimate look at her transformative journey, marked not by grandiose declarations but by the quiet resolve that characterises a genuine pursuit of passion. Tune in for an enlightening conversation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this episode of "Owning It," we delve into the remarkable journey of Sunitha Viswanathan, Partner at Kae Capital, a feat few achieve in the VC industry. Against the backdrop of a male dominant Venture Capital landscape, Sunitha has navigated an unconventional path. She opens up about the often unseen, extra strides women across the board usually take to fit in and reshape perceptions. She reflects upon her relentless pursuit of excellence, a journey that has led to what she has accomplished so far. Her contentment with her accomplishments so far reminds us that every milestone is a testament to the power of dedication and resilience. Join us as we uncover the inspiring story of a woman who owned every step of her journey. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this episode of Owning It, we delve into the inspiring journey of our guest – the young and dynamic Head of Communications at Josh Talks. This episode chronicles her rise from a team member to a crucial part of the leadership team, sprinkled with invaluable lessons she gathered. In her candid conversation, she shares her transformation from a confident kid to a self-doubting adult due to the trials and tribulations of life leading her to become her own most stringent critic. A perfect blend of professional insights, personal reflections, and the wisdom gained from both, this episode is sure to leave you reflecting upon your journey. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this episode of Owning It, we delve into the unique life journey of Preeti Raja. From corporate finance to motherhood and then to entrepreneurship, Preeti has navigated life transitions with grace, joy, and a resolute spirit of owning her choices. Preeti shares her experiences of stepping into full-time motherhood, only to reinvent herself as an entrepreneur when her daughter went to college. Preeti is currently the proud founder of a unique clothing label, The Revival Project, which she runs at her own pace - a choice most entrepreneurs rarely make. Her story serves as a compelling testament to a life lived on her own terms without regrets. This episode offers a fresh take on life, highlighting the importance of prioritising happiness in everything we do. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this episode, we’re thrilled to engage in a fascinating conversation with Sweekruthi, a passionate educator turned entrepreneur. Initially embarking on her career journey with Teach For India, Sweekruthi’s primary goal was to breathe life into the learning process, making it enjoyable for all. This passion took an exciting turn as she unearthed her love for board games when she met her partner Avikant, ultimately leading her to establish her own Board Game Cafe - Now Boarding. This intriguing destination invites people to enjoy board games, share delicious food, and build lasting memories with their loved ones. Sweekruthi candidly shares her story of launching and nurturing this unique concept that still does not have a steady market.She openly discusses the hurdles she overcame as a first-time entrepreneur - from building her business from scratch to managing it efficiently. So, dive in with us to uncover Sweekruthi’s inspiring journey in pioneering a space that blends learning, leisure, and gastronomy in a novel and engaging way. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this episode, we chat with Pallavi Nopany, the creative mind behind Pallavi Nopany Design. Pallavi shares her unique story of switching from being an engineer to becoming a respected graphic designer and starting a creative agency. Join us as she shares her hard-earned insights and invaluable lessons that could prove crucial for those considering a foray into this dynamic space.  It’s not your typical career path, but it’s full of helpful tips for anyone thinking about stepping into this field. Pallavi’s drive, love for what she does, and decision to follow a unique path form the bedrock of her impressive success story. Tune in to be inspired, informed and invigorated. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Amrit Ahuja, a seasoned communications specialist with a wealth of experiences to share. Listen as she recounts her remarkable journey, from making a triumphant comeback after a significant career break to carving out a successful trajectory at Zee Communications and at another agency where she dedicated 22 years, eventually rising to lead the organization. Beyond her impressive career achievements, Amrit also discusses her self-discovery process and personal reinvention, demonstrating that it’s never too late to redefine your purpose and passion. With her adaptability to change and her ability to think ahead, Amrit has cultivated a series of fulfilling experiences that continue to shape her path. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a true industry veteran. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message

In this episode, I had the pleasure of conversing with Aashika Abraham Chittiappa, an accomplished entrepreneur and a devoted mother of two. Aashika shared her compelling journey of transitioning from a thriving corporate career to becoming a working mother and, eventually, an entrepreneur. Throughout the conversation, Aashika candidly discussed the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial journey, including the obstacles she encountered and how she overcame them. She also emphasised the significance of building a sustainable business model, seeking guidance from mentors, and striving for a healthy work-life balance while avoiding the pressures of the "hustle culture". --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandhya-thukaram/message