Working Your Way

Sandhya Sudhakar

Today's workplace demands a lot from us, but our identities and well-being shouldn’t be up for negotiation. The truth is, embracing your individuality can actually be the key to building a successful career where you can thrive. On Working Your Way, you’ll dive into intimate conversations with leaders who have chosen to challenge the outdated standards and “shoulds” - from those who have shifted perspectives on what leadership really looks like, to those who have carved their own unique career paths. After each episode, host Sandhya Sudhakar – founder of Self At Work, reformed corporate ladder climber, and lifelong student of self-discovery – and her guests will leave you with a renewed sense of inspiration and practical tools you can implement in your own life and career. Whether you want to advance your career in corporate or build something brand new, let's embark on a journey to discover how you can show up authentically in your career—by working your way.

  1. 84. Why Getting Uncomfortable is the Key to Growth

    21 AUG

    84. Why Getting Uncomfortable is the Key to Growth

    Discomfort isn’t always a bad thing—in fact, it’s often where the most meaningful growth happens. In this solo episode, I’m sharing why getting uncomfortable is essential for building confidence, deepening relationships, and becoming the person you want to be. I’ll walk you through the “learning zone” model to help you identify whether you’re in your comfort zone, stretching in a healthy way, or pushing yourself into the panic zone. We’ll talk about how to discern between discomfort that helps you grow and the kind that harms, why avoiding difficult conversations keeps us from developing critical skills, and how my own core values of growth and connection guide me in these moments. Along the way, I’ll share stories from my own life—from stepping onto a stage at The Moth to tackling emotionally vulnerable conversations—that show how discomfort, paired with self-compassion and support, can transform your capacity and your connections. If you’ve been avoiding a challenge because it feels uncomfortable, this episode will help you decide whether it’s a moment to lean in, step back, or find a healthier way forward. Resources: Listen to Episode 35. Are You a People Pleaser? | Let’s Talk About LabelsListen to Episode 08. Being Bold & Creating Belonging with Eduardo PlacerLearn more about Fearless CommunicatorsWatch my talk: My Story: The Pursuit Of BelongingLearn more about The Moth Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    30 min
  2. 80. Tools to Work Your Way: Human Design

    26 JUN

    80. Tools to Work Your Way: Human Design

    Human Design isn’t just another personality tool—it’s a way to understand your unique energy type and how you’re meant to use it to impact the world. In this episode, I sit down with holistic business coach and Human Design expert Jess Parvin to explore how this system blends ancient wisdom and modern insight to help us work (and live) in greater alignment. We share how discovering our own Human Design types gave us both a new sense of permission, whether that’s embracing a multi-passionate approach to business or finally trusting our natural instincts, even when they go against the grain. We break down the five energy types, talk about what it really means to work “in alignment,” and offer practical ways to use your chart to avoid burnout and find more flow. Whether you’re new to Human Design or looking to go deeper, this episode will help you see your quirks and career choices in a new light. Learn how to read your own chart, why it’s a lifelong tool, and practical ways to use it to spark growth in your work and life. Resources: Learn more at jessparvin.comPull your chart (free), schedule a reading, learn more: jessparvin.com/human-design-readings/Follow Jess on Instagram: @holisticbizgrowthListen: Human Design as a Tool for Business Strategy & Personal DevelopmentListen: Using Your Human Design Undefined Energy Centers to Clarify Your Niche + Messaging Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    55 min
  3. 79. How Reinventing My Personal Style Helps Me Live More Authentically

    12 JUN

    79. How Reinventing My Personal Style Helps Me Live More Authentically

    Style is a language. It speaks volumes about the identity and values of the wearer. In this solo episode, I share the journey I’ve been on to redefine my personal style in a way that feels more authentic, aligned, and—honestly—simpler. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by trends or tired of staring at your closet each morning, you’re not alone. After leaving corporate life and shifting into entrepreneurship, my lifestyle changed dramatically—and so did what I needed from my wardrobe. I started asking new questions: What does ease look like when getting dressed? How do I want to feel in my clothes? And how can I make this process reflect who I am now, not who I used to be? In this episode, I offer the tools and mindset shifts that helped me reconnect with my style on my own terms—from following Allison Bornstein’s Three-Word Method to cataloging my closet in the Indyx app–to reimagine and organize my closet. Whether you’re navigating a career change, reevaluating your relationship with consumerism, exploring a simpler lifestyle, or just looking for more clarity in how you get dressed each day, this episode is an invitation to bring more intention—and less noise—into your style. Resources: Wear It Well by Alison BornsteinAlison Bornstein on YouTube or TikTokThe Indyx AppDevon Rule on TikTok (co-founder of Indyx)Interrupting Everything Podcast: Interrupting Consumerism with Aja Barber Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    26 min
  4. 77. Generosity, Connection, and the Power of Presence with Kristin Long

    15 MAY

    77. Generosity, Connection, and the Power of Presence with Kristin Long

    What if the greatest gift you could offer others wasn’t advice—but presence? In this episode of Working Your Way, we sit down with Dr. Kristin Long, DPsa, LP, LCAT, a depth-oriented psychotherapist, drama therapist, and educator whose work centers on trauma, embodiment, and creative healing. Kristin brings a rich background in performance, psychology, and internal inquiry to explore what it means to truly be with ourselves and one another and to build her own diverse and fulfilling career. We talk about the projections and expectations we internalize from childhood, the lifelong process of unlearning them, and the difference between fixing and witnessing. Kristin shares how her own journey has shaped her ability to hold space with compassion and clarity. Whether you’re a leader, a healer, or simply someone craving more connection, Kristin’s grounded wisdom offers a reminder that healing doesn’t come from knowing all the answers—it comes from learning how to stay. Resources: Learn more at https://www.kristinlongnyc.com/ Connect with Kristin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klongnyc Listen - Episode 60. Building a Business on Belonging with Paul Tadalan: https://www.selfatwork.com/podcast/episode/53a35a53/60-building-a-business-on-belonging-with-paul-tadalan Listen - Episode 71. A Guide For Leaders: Building the Foundation for Team Effectiveness: https://www.selfatwork.com/podcast/episode/57ac0ae3/71-a-guide-for-leaders-building-the-foundation-for-team-effectiveness Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfatworksandhya/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandhya-sudhakar/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingyourwaypodcast Website: https://www.selfatwork.com/ Produced by NOVA: https://novapodcasting.com/

    1h 12m

About

Today's workplace demands a lot from us, but our identities and well-being shouldn’t be up for negotiation. The truth is, embracing your individuality can actually be the key to building a successful career where you can thrive. On Working Your Way, you’ll dive into intimate conversations with leaders who have chosen to challenge the outdated standards and “shoulds” - from those who have shifted perspectives on what leadership really looks like, to those who have carved their own unique career paths. After each episode, host Sandhya Sudhakar – founder of Self At Work, reformed corporate ladder climber, and lifelong student of self-discovery – and her guests will leave you with a renewed sense of inspiration and practical tools you can implement in your own life and career. Whether you want to advance your career in corporate or build something brand new, let's embark on a journey to discover how you can show up authentically in your career—by working your way.