The Grounded Leader: Ayurvedic Wellness for Leaders Who Want to Succeed from a Place of Balance

Sweta Vikram
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Alternative Health

Welcome to The Grounded Leader: Ayurvedic Wellness for Leaders Who Want to Succeed from a Place of Balance—a podcast where ancient practices meet ambitious goals to help you operate with strength, clarity, and grounded intention.   I'm your host, Sweta Vikram — Ayurvedic doctor, award-winning author, trauma-informed yoga teacher, mindfulness coach, corporate wellness speaker, adjunct professor, and lifelong student of what it really means to lead with clarity, purpose, and peace.   This podcast explores how burnout, chronic stress, and misaligned energy are silently eroding your leadership & career potential. Learn how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, modern wellness strategies, and emotional intelligence can help you reclaim clarity, purpose, team success, and health.   Each episode blends storytelling, practical tips, & interviews with wellness leaders, Ayurvedic practitioners, and C-suite executives. Gain the actionable tools you’ve been searching for to manage stress, enhance resilience, and lead from a place of balance.    If you’re a high-performing professional, founder, team leader, or heart-centered entrepreneur who's tired of the burnout-and-breakdown cycle… you’re in the right place. Because here’s the truth: your wellness is your leadership. Let's dive in.

  1. Jul 14

    Episode 28: From Health Crisis to Healing Work: The Power of Aromatherapy

    🎙️ Podcast Description From Health Crisis to Healing Work: The Power of Aromatherapy What happens when your body forces you to pause—when your health begins to unravel, and the life you’ve built no longer feels sustainable? In this powerful episode of The Grounded Leader, I sit down with clinical aromatherapist, educator, and founder of JennScents and Aromaversity, Jennifer Pressimone. Known as the “Aromatherapy Intuitive,” Jennifer shares how a life-threatening health crisis in her late twenties—marked by organ failure, deep exhaustion, and emotional overwhelm—became the catalyst for her healing journey and life’s work. Together, we explore the science and soul of aromatherapy—how scent influences the nervous system, unlocks emotional memory, and supports mental and psychological well-being. This conversation is especially meaningful for leaders, entrepreneurs, and high achievers navigating chronic stress, burnout, and the pressure to always keep going. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, overwhelmed by life’s demands, or curious about holistic tools for healing—this episode offers both insight and practical support. ✨ Key Takeaways 🌿 Your body speaks before it breaks 🌿 Scent is a powerful gateway to emotional healing 🌿 Healing can become your purpose 🌿 High achievers need regulation, not just resilience 🌿 Simple practices can create profound shifts 🌿 Workplace wellness can be sensory, not just structural 👉🏼🎧🌿 If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to pause and notice what your body is asking for today. And as always, remember: you don’t have to push harder to lead better. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do… is come back to center. ✨ Follow The Grounded Leader on your favorite podcast platform ✨ Share this episode with someone who could use more calm and clarity ✨ Leave a review—it helps more listeners discover these conversations BIO Jennifer Pressimone is CEO, clinical aromatherapist, scent intuitive, holistic health educator, master formulator, and CEO at JennScents, Inc. and Aromaversity. An internationally recognized expert in the field of holistic aromatherapy and personal development, Jennifer has been a contributor in the New York Times, Massage Magazine, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Woman’s World, Vogue Business, Homes & Gardens, and numerous industry podcasts. She has spoken at the World of Aromatherapy Beyond Aromatics conference, Botanica Conference, Holistic Medicine Conference, Biotone, FSMTA, Shift Beyond Work, Nature’s Sunshine, and several other wellness industry conferences. If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here. Connect on Socials: Instagram  |  LinkedIn |  Facebook  |  YouTube Visit my website Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs.

    Episode 28: From Health Crisis to Healing Work: The Power of Aromatherapy

  2. Jun 30

    Episode 27: Pitta Season and Power: How to Lead Without Burning Out

    🎙️ Podcast Description As we move into the intensity of summer, many leaders find themselves feeling sharper, faster, and more driven—but also more reactive, impatient, and overwhelmed. In this episode of The Grounded Leader, we explore a lesser-known truth: burnout doesn’t always look like exhaustion.Sometimes, it shows up as intensity. Through the lens of Ayurveda, we dive into Pitta season—a time governed by fire and water—and how its qualities can either fuel your leadership or quietly lead to burnout. You’ll learn how to recognize the subtle signs of Pitta imbalance in your leadership, understand what’s happening in your nervous system, and shift from reactive intensity to intentional, grounded power. If you’ve been feeling “on edge,” overly critical, or unable to slow down—this episode is your reset. 🌿 Key Takeaways Burnout isn’t always fatigue—it can show up as intensity, irritability, and urgency.Pitta season (summer) amplifies qualities like focus and ambition—but can tip into frustration and over-control when imbalanced.What feels like a “personality issue” is often nervous system dysregulation under pressure.Your state of regulation directly impacts your leadership presence, communication, and team dynamics.The goal isn’t to eliminate drive—but to shift from reactive intensity → intentional power.Small, daily practices (like breathwork, cooling inputs, and intentional pauses) can reset your system in real time.True leadership isn’t about speed—it’s about how you show up while navigating pressure. 🎧🔥💦  If this episode resonated with you, it’s likely your system is asking for a reset—not more discipline. Don’t forget to save it for later and share it with a fellow leader who might need this reminder. ✨I’ve created a free Pitta Reset Guide to help you stay clear, calm, and grounded during high-intensity seasons—without losing your edge. Inside, you’ll find simple Ayurvedic tools, daily practices, and nervous system resets designed specifically for high-performing leaders. 👉 Download your free Pitta Reset Guide and support your leadership from a place of balance, not burnout. If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here. Connect on Socials: Instagram  |  LinkedIn |  Facebook  |  YouTube Visit my website Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs.

  3. Jun 16

    Episode 26: The Health Gap We Don’t Talk About: Why Men Delay Care—and Why It Matters to All of Us

    🎙️Podcast Description Today’s episode is more personal—and a little uncomfortable in the way meaningful conversations often are. 📣 We’re talking about men’s health. More specifically, why so many men delay care, ignore symptoms, and push through until something breaks. This isn’t about blame. It’s about reflection—and an invitation. Inspired by Men’s Health Month and the conversations many of us are (or aren’t) having at home, I share personal stories, real-life examples, and what both research and Ayurveda reveal about how men approach health, stress, and vulnerability. 👉🏼From the cultural conditioning that teaches men to “tough it out,” to the quiet consequences of delayed care, we explore: Why men are less likely to seek help for mental and physical healthHow stoicism can become a risk factorThe gap between outward strength and true wellbeingWhat prevention, presence, and self-leadership really look likeThrough both clinical insight and lived experience, this episode reframes health not as weakness—but as responsibility. 💡Because men’s health isn’t just a men’s issue. It’s a family issue. A partnership issue. A community issue. Because leadership isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about living longer, wiser, and more grounded. 📩 ✍🏽 ✔️ If this conversation resonates, email me and I’ll send you the 5-minute reflection card—a simple, thoughtful check-in for yourself or someone you care about. If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here. Connect on Socials: Instagram  |  LinkedIn |  Facebook  |  YouTube Visit my website Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs.

  4. Jun 2

    Episode 25: Leadership Lessons from a Tsunami Survivor

    🎙️Podcast Description In this powerful episode of The Grounded Leader, I sit down with performance coach and Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher, Will Robbins, to explore a story that goes far beyond sport—into survival, faith, and the kind of resilience that reshapes a life. Early in his career as a touring professional golfer, Will survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami while on his honeymoon in Thailand. What unfolded in those moments—and in the long road to recovery that followed—changed not only the trajectory of his career, but his understanding of purpose, leadership, and what it truly means to live well. 🎧🪷👉🏼In this conversation, we go beyond the event itself and explore the deeper lessons: What happens internally when you come face-to-face with mortalityThe role of faith and instinct in moments of crisisHow trauma and recovery can reshape identity and purposeWhy “everyone has a tsunami in their life”—and how to navigate itWhat resilience really looks like in the face of burnout, grief, or uncertaintyHow redefining success can lead to a more meaningful, service-driven lifeThis is a conversation about leadership in its most human form—when control is stripped away and what remains is who you are at your core. If you’ve ever faced a moment that changed you… or are navigating one right now… this episode will meet you there. 🔁🤝▶️ If this conversation moved you, share it with someone who might be going through their own “tsunami.” And don’t forget to subscribe to The Grounded Leader for more conversations at the intersection of leadership, resilience, and well-being. ✨BIO Will Robins, PGA, is a Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher in America, performance coach, and the creator of The Scoring Method, a system used by tens of thousands of golfers worldwide to improve their performance. Early in his career as a touring professional, Will survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami while on his honeymoon in Thailand—an experience that reshaped his perspective and inspired his mission to help others perform at their highest level. Will is the owner of WRGolf in Sacramento County, California, where he coaches players of all levels using his proven results-based approach. He is also the Founder and CEO of Robins Golf Logistix (RGX), a global coaching and business training organization that has helped transform the careers of golf professionals across 43 U.S. states and 18 countries. In addition to coaching, Will is a keynote speaker who shares insights on performance, leadership, and resilience, and he leads VIP Golf Experiences that elevate corporate events and conferences. If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here. Connect on Socials: Instagram  |  LinkedIn |  Facebook  |  YouTube Visit my website Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs.

    Episode 25: Leadership Lessons from a Tsunami Survivor

  5. May 19

    Episode 24: Why Self-Care Isn’t Helping Your Mental Health (And What Actually Does)

    🎙️Podcast Description Why does self-care sometimes leave us feeling just as exhausted as before? In this episode of The Grounded Leader, I explore a quiet but common experience among high-achieving professionals: doing all the “right” self-care practices—meditation, boundaries, rest—and still feeling anxious, depleted, or emotionally flat. The truth is, many modern self-care practices assume a regulated nervous system. But when the body is operating in survival mode—marked by chronic stress, high cortisol, and constant alertness—surface-level care often doesn’t land. In this conversation, I share why mental health isn’t only about mindset or emotional processing. It’s also about capacity—the body’s ability to feel safe enough to rest, recover, and reconnect. Drawing from Ayurvedic wisdom and nervous-system science, this episode reframes mental health not as another task to manage, but as something supported through rhythm, restoration, and sustainable leadership practices. If you’ve ever wondered why self-care isn’t working the way it’s supposed to, this episode offers a compassionate and grounding perspective. 🎧🪷👉🏼 In This Episode I Explore Why traditional self-care often falls short for high achieversThe role of the nervous system in mental health and burnoutWhy productivity culture can keep leaders stuck in survival modeThe difference between self-care and nervous-system careHow rhythm and regulation support sustainable leadership📧 If this conversation resonated, I share gentle weekly reflections on nervous-system health, leadership, and sustainable wellbeing in my weekly newsletter. Each note is short, grounded, and designed to help your body exhale—without adding more pressure to your day. 👉📩 Subscribe to the newsletter Until next time, lead grounded, not depleted. 🎙️ If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here. Connect on Socials: Instagram  |  LinkedIn |  Facebook  |  YouTube Visit my website Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs.

  6. May 5

    Episode 23: From the Boardroom to the Dance Floor: Leadership Lessons in Discipline, Rhythm, Presence, and Flow

    🎙️Podcast Description What can dance teach us about leadership, business, and life? In this episode of The Grounded Leader, I sit down with Ruchika Dias—corporate leader, entrepreneur, and founder of a thriving Bollywood dance school in Houston—to explore the unexpected yet powerful intersection between dance and leadership. Deeply committed to community building, Ruchika is passionate about empowering others—especially women—to lead with confidence, balance, and purpose. Ruchika’s journey spans boardrooms, business ventures, and creative expression. And through it all, she’s discovered that the same principles that make a great dancer—discipline, rhythm, presence, and flow—are the very qualities that shape impactful, grounded leaders. 🎧 In our conversation, we explore: How discipline creates consistency and trust in leadershipWhy rhythm is essential for timing, alignment, and decision-makingThe role of presence in high-pressure, fast-moving environmentsHow flow allows leaders to adapt, pivot, and lead with resilienceRuchika also shares real-world stories from her corporate career and entrepreneurial journey, along with insights on building community, leading with intention, and staying grounded while navigating change. 🎧🔁🤝  If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with a friend who leads, and leave us a review—it helps more leaders discover this space of balance and growth. ✨BIO Ruchika Singh Dias is a multi-hyphenate leader—corporate executive, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and artist—who bridges the worlds of business, creativity, and community. She has spent years in Corporate America working across technology roles including IT consulting, project management, and program management, experiences that shaped her structured, people-centered, and results-driven leadership style. Alongside her corporate career, Ruchika founded Bollywood Shake, a premier dance and event company that blends discipline, creativity, and cultural storytelling, inspiring hundreds through performance and community engagement. She has also led platforms such as the South Asia Bollywood Pageant International, celebrating South Asian talent and culture. Ruchika is also the founder of JVD Properties, a real estate investment firm focused on building long-term wealth through rentals, value-add projects, and strategic acquisitions. With a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin, she brings analytical rigor and creative flow to every venture she leads. If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here. Connect on Socials: Instagram  |  LinkedIn |  Facebook  |  YouTube Visit my website Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs.

    Episode 23: From the Boardroom to the Dance Floor: Leadership Lessons in Discipline, Rhythm, Presence, and Flow

  7. Apr 21

    Episode 22: What Ancient Wisdom Gets Right About Stress (That Modern Leadership Gets Wrong)

    🎙️Podcast Description Why do so many high achievers feel exhausted despite success? In this solo episode of The Grounded Leader, I explore what ancient wisdom teaches us about stress, burnout, and nervous system regulation—and why modern leadership culture may be asking our bodies to operate in ways they were never designed to sustain.  In today’s high-performance culture, stress is often framed as a personal weakness or something leaders should simply “manage better.” But ancient systems like Ayurveda understood stress very differently. In this episode I explain why leadership burnout is not a personal failure but a biological response to chronic stress. I share why stress is not a character flaw but biological feedback, how the body experiences stress before the mind recognizes it, and why chronic stress eventually overrides willpower—even in high achievers. You’ll also hear why ancient health systems emphasized rhythm, recovery, and nourishment, and how the loss of these rhythms in modern work culture contributes to burnout, fatigue, poor sleep, and emotional exhaustion. If you’ve ever felt exhausted but wired, productive yet disconnected, or successful but unwell, this episode offers a powerful reframe on stress and sustainable leadership. 📌Key Topics in This Episode Stress and burnout in modern leadershipNervous system dysregulation and chronic stressWhy high achievers struggle with exhaustionThe role of rhythm in mental and physical healthAncient wisdom from Ayurveda applied to modern stress 🎧Thank you for listening to The Grounded Leader. If this episode felt grounding, share it with someone who might need permission to slow down—and I’ll see you in the next conversation.  👉 Work with Me: Ayurvedic Leadership Coaching A nervous-system-led, grief-informed approach to sustainable leadership. If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here. Connect on Socials: Instagram  |  LinkedIn |  Facebook  |  YouTube Visit my website Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs.

  8. Apr 7

    Episode 21: The Tipping Point That Redefined Success

    🎙️Podcast Description What happens when success, as you’ve always defined it, begins to cost you your health? In this deeply honest and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with branding expert Shay Charles—an award-winning strategist known for helping small businesses become unforgettable brands. But behind the accolades is a story many high performers will recognize: pushing through, ignoring the signs, and ultimately reaching a breaking point. Two years ago, Shay was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome—a life-altering moment that forced him to reevaluate everything: how he worked, how he lived, and what success truly meant. 👉🏼Together, we explore: The early signs of burnout and imbalance that often go unnoticedThe emotional and physical toll of high achievement cultureWhat the rebuilding process really looks like after a health crisisThe silent pressure men face around vulnerability and emotional expressionHow redefining wellness becomes essential for sustainable successPractical ways to stay grounded when life gets demanding 🎧This conversation is not just about illness—it’s about identity, resilience, and the courage to change before everything falls apart. If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding it all together on the outside while struggling within, this episode is for you. 📌🔁🤝 Thank you for listening to The Grounded Leader. If this episode felt grounding, share it with someone who needs permission to slow down. ✨BIO Shay Charles Awogbile is a branding expert who transforms small businesses into memorable brands. His strategy methods and design chops have earned him numerous awards and the recognition of leading industry experts. He is passionate about the power of branding in creating value for small and medium-sized businesses. He is Nigerian-born, with eight years of design education, four of which are from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Shay leads his branding agency, BrandPlus Design as the principal strategist and creative director. If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here. Connect on Socials: Instagram  |  LinkedIn |  Facebook  |  YouTube Visit my website Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs.

    Episode 21: The Tipping Point That Redefined Success
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Grounded Leader: Ayurvedic Wellness for Leaders Who Want to Succeed from a Place of Balance—a podcast where ancient practices meet ambitious goals to help you operate with strength, clarity, and grounded intention.   I'm your host, Sweta Vikram — Ayurvedic doctor, award-winning author, trauma-informed yoga teacher, mindfulness coach, corporate wellness speaker, adjunct professor, and lifelong student of what it really means to lead with clarity, purpose, and peace.   This podcast explores how burnout, chronic stress, and misaligned energy are silently eroding your leadership & career potential. Learn how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, modern wellness strategies, and emotional intelligence can help you reclaim clarity, purpose, team success, and health.   Each episode blends storytelling, practical tips, & interviews with wellness leaders, Ayurvedic practitioners, and C-suite executives. Gain the actionable tools you’ve been searching for to manage stress, enhance resilience, and lead from a place of balance.    If you’re a high-performing professional, founder, team leader, or heart-centered entrepreneur who's tired of the burnout-and-breakdown cycle… you’re in the right place. Because here’s the truth: your wellness is your leadership. Let's dive in.

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