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

Sanjay Puri
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The Indianness podcast enables leaders of Indian origin to tell their stories to inspire the next generation. Guests include leaders in business, health care, education, NGO’s, politics and various other fields.

  1. Inside the Minds of the Indian Diaspora: Success, Identity & Reinvention | The Indianness Podcast

    FEB 2

    Inside the Minds of the Indian Diaspora: Success, Identity & Reinvention | The Indianness Podcast

    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.

    12 min
  2. From $2 an Hour to Fashion Tech Pioneer | Ram Sareen’s Inspiring Journey – Indianness Podcast

    JAN 2

    From $2 an Hour to Fashion Tech Pioneer | Ram Sareen’s Inspiring Journey – Indianness Podcast

    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/

    33 min
  3. From $2 an Hour to Fashion Tech Pioneer | Ram Sareen’s Inspiring Journey – Indianness Podcast

    12/20/2025

    From $2 an Hour to Fashion Tech Pioneer | Ram Sareen’s Inspiring Journey – Indianness Podcast

    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/

    28 min
  4. Indianness Podcast: Dr. Soumitra Dutta on Innovation, Identity, and Influence

    11/15/2025

    Indianness Podcast: Dr. Soumitra Dutta on Innovation, Identity, and Influence

    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/

    46 min
  5. Overcoming Self-Doubt & Building Leadership: Parinda Gandhi’s Story | Indianness Podcast

    10/03/2025

    Overcoming Self-Doubt & Building Leadership: Parinda Gandhi’s Story | Indianness Podcast

    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/

    46 min
  6. Mapping the Invisible Universe with Prof. Priyamvada Natarajan | TIME100 Astrophysicist

    08/22/2025

    Mapping the Invisible Universe with Prof. Priyamvada Natarajan | TIME100 Astrophysicist

    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/

    1h 7m
  7. Alok Sama on Luck, Legacy & Life Lessons: From President & CFO at SoftBank to Author of ‘The Money Trap’ | Indianness Podcast

    07/23/2025

    Alok Sama on Luck, Legacy & Life Lessons: From President & CFO at SoftBank to Author of ‘The Money Trap’ | Indianness Podcast

    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

    1h 14m
  8. Rooted in the Past, Transforming the Future: Sonia Vora on Identity, Empathy, and Leadership | Indianness Podcast

    06/25/2025

    Rooted in the Past, Transforming the Future: Sonia Vora on Identity, Empathy, and Leadership | Indianness Podcast

    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/

    1h 10m
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The Indianness podcast enables leaders of Indian origin to tell their stories to inspire the next generation. Guests include leaders in business, health care, education, NGO’s, politics and various other fields.

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