Advertise on podcast: The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans

In this special compilation episode of The Indianers Podcast, we bring together the most moving moments from our conversations with remarkable Indians across the diaspora. From career-defining failures to breakthrough reinventions, these stories go beyond success — revealing what it truly takes to build a life abroad while carrying home within you.

In this deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Ram Sareen, CEO and Founder of TUKA Group (TUKATECH)—a pioneering force in global fashion technology and the man behind one of the world’s most influential CAD-CAM apparel software companies. Born in India and raised in a family of garment manufacturers, Ram’s journey is anything but conventional. After immigrating to the United States, he washed dishes for $2 an hour, was expelled from seven schools, survived a cardiac arrest at 45, and went on to build the last standing American fashion CAD-CAM technology company. This is not just a business story—it’s a raw, honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, values, leadership, and purpose. Ram opens up about failure, humility, respect, and his belief that true success lies in learning, earning, and returning. In this episode, we explore: ~ How being labelled “too disruptive” became Ram’s greatest strength ~ Surviving a near-death experience and redefining leadership ~ Why respect and equality are non-negotiable values in business ~ The role of education in shaping global Indian success ~ What it truly means to disrupt an industry with purpose This conversation is a masterclass in life, leadership, and legacy—especially for entrepreneurs, immigrants, creatives, and anyone building something meaningful against the odds. 👉 If this episode resonates with you, like, share, and subscribe to the Indianness Podcast. 💬 Tell us your biggest takeaway in the comments. Resources Mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tukatech/

In this deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Ram Sareen, CEO and Founder of TUKA Group (TUKATECH)—a pioneering force in global fashion technology and the man behind one of the world’s most influential CAD-CAM apparel software companies.  Born in India and raised in a family of garment manufacturers, Ram’s journey is anything but conventional. After immigrating to the United States, he washed dishes for $2 an hour, was expelled from seven schools, survived a cardiac arrest at 45, and went on to build the last standing American fashion CAD-CAM technology company.  This is not just a business story—it’s a raw, honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, values, leadership, and purpose. Ram opens up about failure, humility, respect, and his belief that true success lies in learning, earning, and returning.  In this episode, we explore:  How being labeled “too disruptive” became Ram’s greatest strength Surviving a near-death experience and redefining leadership Why respect and equality are non-negotiable values in business The role of education in shaping global Indian success What it truly means to disrupt an industry with purpose This conversation is a masterclass in life, leadership, and legacy—especially for entrepreneurs, immigrants, creatives, and anyone building something meaningful against the odds.  👉 If this episode resonates with you, like, share, and subscribe to the Indianness Podcast.  💬 Tell us your biggest takeaway in the comments.    Resources Mentioned:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tukatech/ 

In this episode of The Indianness Podcast, host Sanjay Puri sits down with Dr. Soumitra Dutta, Founding Dean of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and creator of the Global Innovation Index and Network Readiness Index. Dr. Dutta’s journey from academia to global leadership has been defined by innovation, impact, and a vision for digital transformation. Together, they explore how India’s global diaspora is shaping the future of innovation, governance, and AI policy — one transformative idea at a time.  5 Key Takeaways  🌍 How Dr. Dutta’s work on the Global Innovation Index became a global benchmark for over 100 countries. 🧠 Insights into the intersection of AI, policy, and culture — and why “sovereign AI” matters for the Global South. 🎓 Lessons from leading global institutions like Oxford and Cornell, and the mindset behind transformative academic leadership. 🤝 Why collaboration between policymakers, technologists, and educators is key to ensuring responsible AI adoption. 💡 Dr. Dutta’s reflections on Indianness — how values, resilience, and curiosity shape the Indian global identity. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to The Indianness Podcast for more inspiring conversations with global changemakers. 🌏✨  Resources Mentioned:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumitra-dutta/ 

What does it take to rise from an average student to becoming a visionary CFO in healthcare? In this in-depth conversation, Parinda Gandhi opens up about her extraordinary journey on the Indianness Podcast.  Early struggles & immigrant family life in Cleveland. The importance of parental influence on spirituality, culture, and education. How she turned setbacks—like being underestimated academically—into opportunities for growth. Why embracing networking and adaptability transformed her career path. Her perspective on imposter syndrome, failures, and trusting instincts as a leader.  💡 This is a must-watch for aspiring professionals, leaders balancing cultural identities, and anyone chasing meaningful growth.  Resources Mentioned:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/parindagandhi/ 

Prof. Priyamvada Natarajan joins the Indianness Podcast for a cosmic conversation on science, curiosity, and the invisible universe.  In this powerful episode:  Learn how Priyamvada mapped the first dark matter models and studied black hole formation Discover her journey from a curious child in Coimbatore to Chair of Astronomy at Yale Understand the deeper meaning behind scientific mastery and personal growth Explore her powerful reflections on humility, cultural context, and mentorship Named to TIME100 in 2024, hear why she believes luck + preparation = magic 🛰️ A must-watch for science lovers, aspiring change-makers, and anyone fascinated by the universe.  👉 Subscribe and hit the bell icon for more stories of global Indian excellence.  📺 Watch Now and get inspired.  Resources Mentioned:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-natarajan-66b0215/ 

Join us on the Indianness Podcast with Alok Sama as he revisits:  A life of 17-hour workdays, massive mergers, and global finance Deep personal reflections on mortality, regret, and missed phone calls How a cadaver at age 10 turned him away from medicine forever Lessons in failure—from cricket to startups—and how they shaped his resilience The moment he realized his son thought he was cool again 📘 This is not just a career story—it's an emotional reckoning.  Resources Mentioned:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aloksama?    ⏱️ Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction and Setup  04:30 - Welcome to the Podcast  06:30 - Childhood and Family Background  11:50 - The Influence of His Father  15:00 - The Cadaver Incident  18:30 - Luck, Serendipity & Career  21:00 - Schooling and Rejection  24:50 - Cricket, Sports and Resilience  29:00 - Friendships and Long-term Bonds  31:30 - Decision to Study Abroad  36:50 - Cultural Shock in America  40:00 - Wharton and Academics  42:40 - Career at Morgan Stanley  45:00 - Mentorship and Role Models  48:00 - Joining SoftBank  51:00 - Staying After Nikesh Left  52:30 - Pivot to Writing  56:20 - The Money Trap Book  58:00 - New Writing Focus  1:02:00 - Life After Loss  1:05:40 - Redefining Success  1:10:20 - Most Influential Person 

Join us in this episode of the Indianness Podcast as we explore Sonia Vora's inspiring journey—from her immigrant upbringing in Detroit to becoming the Chief Strategy Officer of a mental wellness company and CHRO of the Gates Foundation.  💡 What you’ll learn:  How Sonia’s parents shaped her values through resilience and empathy Her pivot from finance to HR, integrating AI and human-centric leadership The power of intrinsic motivation and how to unlock it in yourself and others Stories of cultural duality, name changes, and identity 🔔 Subscribe for more stories of Indian origin change makers 📺 Watch now and be inspired.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniavora/ 

Indianness Podcast: Harini Gopalakrishnan on Learning, Integrity, and Career Growth  🎧 How does integrity and a strong foundation shape career success? In this engaging episode of the Indianness Podcast, Sanjay Puri interviews Harini Gopalakrishnan, CTO for Life Sciences at Snowflake. Harini reflects on her career journey, from her early days in Chennai to becoming a leader in healthcare technology.  📌 Topics Covered:  The impact of growing up in a joint family How her grandmother’s lessons on integrity shaped her career The value of foundational knowledge in professional success Why saying "no" can build more trust than saying "yes" How continuous learning and adaptability are key to career longevity 🚀 Watch now to learn how Harini’s approach to integrity and learning drives her success!    Resources Mentioned:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/harinigopalakrishnan/    ⏱️ Timestamps:  0:00 - Podcast Episode Highlights    1:05 - Harini’s early life: Born in Kerala, raised in Chennai, bilingual roots, and joint family upbringing.    2:05 - Emphasis on education and gender equality in her family.    3:03 - Memories of grandparents and their influence (moral values, music lessons).    4:03 - Learning veena and lifelong lessons from foundational skills.    5:15 - Career advice: Importance of foundational knowledge and adaptability.    7:34 - Balancing passion vs. practicality in career choices.    10:14 - Transition to college: Networking, curiosity, and cultural adaptability.    13:05 - Discussing integrity and saying "no" in professional settings.    17:38 - Choosing computer science: Pragmatism and societal expectations.    20:07 - Undergrad experience: Fun vs. academic rigor, soft skills.    24:27 - First job at Cognizant: Corporate challenges and self-discovery.    30:01 - Pursuing a master’s in bioinformatics: Risk-taking and career pivots.    34:06 - Career inflection points: Moving to tech, international exposure.    39:56 - Working in Europe and cultural adaptability lessons.    46:04 - Leadership style influenced by Indian values (integrity, customer focus).    50:10 - Failures and resilience: Returning to India post-master’s.    53:44 - Role of mentors: Grandmother, professors, and customer guidance.    55:34 - Lightning round: Coffee lover, remote work preference, intuition over data.

In this episode of the Indianness Podcast, we sit down with Anjana Harve, EVP & CIO at BJ’s Wholesale Club, to explore the intersection of leadership, innovation, and digital transformation. With a career spanning multiple industries, she shares insights on navigating AI advancements, leading global teams, and fostering an inclusive tech culture.  💡 Key Takeaways:  ✔ How to drive large-scale digital transformation across diverse industries.  ✔ The future of AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making.  ✔ Lessons from leading Fortune 500 companies through technological shifts.  ✔ The importance of mentorship and diverse leadership in tech.  🚀 This episode is a must-watch for aspiring leaders, tech professionals, and innovators!    Resources Mentioned:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjanaharve/    ⏱️ Timestamps:  00:00 - Episode Highlights  01:05 - Early Life & Roots in India  03:46 - Father’s Influence: Integrity & Perception  08:11 - Leadership Lessons from a Judge  13:23 - Mother’s Role: Curiosity & Self-Improvement  17:00 - Adapting to Change & Building Connections  20:14 - Work-Life Balance & Family Feedback  25:39 - Career Journey: From India to the U.S.  30:27 - Defining Indianness in Leadership  36:09 - Mentorship & Inflection Points  44:47 - Lightning Round Q&A  52:55 - Final Takeaways 

In this episode, Dr. Pradeep Khosla reflects on his career, the role of mentorship, and the importance of embracing challenges. Learn how his Indian roots influenced his approach to leadership and innovation in the U.S. education system.  Resources Mentioned:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pradeepkhosla/  https://chancellor.ucsd.edu/about/about-the-chancellor/index.html  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pradeep_Khosla 

On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder and Trustee at Ashoka University, Founding Dean of ISB, Founder of Harappa Education and President at upGrad. Dr. Sinha is a visionary leader in education and entrepreneurship. He has reshaped higher education in India and is now setting his sights on the entire world. Dr. Sinha shares how his upbringing, his father and his sisters’ resilience inspired and motivated him. He discusses his views on India’s educational system, the skills educational leaders should possess and how even introverts can learn them. Key Takeaways: (02:18) Dr. Sinha’s upbringing in Patna and his father’s influence. (03:54) Leadership lessons that shaped Dr. Sinha’s career. (10:22) How mentorship impacted his career and life.  (20:16) Dr. Sinha’s sister’s challenges and resilience.  (39:02) On the straitjacketed Indian education system. (54:17) On creating a plan for Malaysia’s economic growth. (57:28) Learning from the best universities and applying it to the Indian context.  (58:06) The importance of giving students a choice. (01:00:29) Developing tribe and leadership skills online. (1:03:06) The importance of solving the right problems in entrepreneurship. (1:07:19) Introverts can develop people skills and be effective leaders. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pramathsinha/ Ashoka University | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/ashoka-university/ Ashoka University | Website - https://www.ashoka.edu.in upGrad LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ueducation/ upGrad | Website - https://www.upgrad.com Indian School of Business (ISB) - https://www.isb.edu Harappa Education - https://harappa.education Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator and Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. Dr. Jha shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small village in Bihar, India, to being asked by the President of the United States to join his administration. He also opens up about facing racism in high school and how support at Columbia University helped shape his dual identity and career. Key Takeaways:  (03:01) Dr. Jha’s childhood memories in Bihar. (08:51) The great unknown of moving to Canada. (17:11) The move to New Jersey and the harsh reality of facing racism. (19:25) Facing a high school teacher who told him to change his name. (25:47) Learning to embrace both his Indian and American identities. (38:59) The President’s invitation to join the White House as COVID-19 Response Coordinator. (40:00) The privilege of working in the West Wing as an Indian immigrant. (41:25) The value of building and maintaining meaningful relationships. (42:34) Why service is one of the most enriching experiences in life. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Ashish Jha - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashish-jha-b9aab41/ Columbia University - https://www.columbia.edu Brown University School of Public Health - https://graduateprograms.brown.edu/graduate-program/public-health-mph?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=MPH&utm_content=traffic&creative=613468509292&keyword=brown%20university%20masters%20in%20public%20health&matchtype=b&network=g&device=c&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwreW2BhBhEiwAavLwfLqUIDqHZqKhWapyYPIskdsJHEW872WYuwCVEI0U4PObifvPrFTEdxoCRUIQAvD_BwE Harvard Medical School - https://hms.harvard.edu University of Toronto - https://www.utoronto.ca World Health Organization (WHO) - https://www.who.int Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Community is the foundation on which success is built. A strong support network opens opportunities and helps us overcome even the most challenging adversity.  On this episode, I’m joined by Mamta Patel Nagaraja, Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to explore her unconventional journey from a small town in Texas to a prominent role at NASA. Key Takeaways: (00:16) The value of making decisions based on available information. (06:06) Overcoming academic and social challenges in school. (12:21) The drive for academic excellence and early leadership roles. (27:33) Critical decisions and sacrifices made in pursuit of becoming an astronaut. (30:25) The importance of following rules and the impact of small decisions. (33:28) Dealing with rejection and finding new dreams after setbacks. (41:08) Visualization and storytelling as techniques for dreaming new dreams. (50:59) The importance of empathy, listening, and making thoughtful decisions. (57:16) The impact of 9/11 on personal safety and awareness. Resources Mentioned: Mamta Patel Nagaraja - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamtapatelnagaraja/ NASA | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasa/ NASA | Website - https://www.nasa.gov Mamta Patel Nagaraja - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamta_Patel_Nagaraja Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ruchir Puri, Chief Scientist of IBM Research, IBM Fellow, and Vice President of IBM Technology & Technical Community. Dr. Puri shares his journey from Kurukshetra’s National Institute of Technology to spearheading innovations at IBM, reflecting on how his early fascination with electronics and mathematics shaped his career. It’s a story of passion, perseverance and profound impact.  Key Takeaways: (00:11) Contributing new knowledge rather than just absorbing information is crucial. (01:22) Early life experiences in a university campus environment. (04:18) The significance of a safe and stimulating childhood in shaping future leaders. (16:35) A love for mathematics and logical problem-solving shaped Dr. Puri’s academic and professional trajectory. (33:02) Dr. Puri’s passion for electronics and building things from an early age guided his career choices. (49:21) The importance of having mentors and role models in shaping one’s career and personal growth. (53:32) Success is defined by contributing to a body of knowledge and having a respected, credible standing in one’s field. (01:02:45) Focus on the work itself rather than the results to achieve excellence. (01:04:10) The role of mentors, including family members and colleagues, is indispensable in achieving success. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Ruchir Puri - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchir-puri-b117021a/ IBM Research - https://research.ibm.com NIT Kurukshetra - https://nitkkr.ac.in IIT Kanpur - https://www.iitk.ac.in Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness