In Her Element : Unfiltered Stories of Women Finding Their Voice — and Their Power

Swati Upadhyay
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Real Stories. Bold Women. Shared Power. Welcome to In Her Element — a podcast that celebrates women showing up fully in their careers, creativity, and everyday lives. Hosted by Swati Upadhyay, each episode provides a space for honest conversations, personal growth, and powerful moments. From scientists to artists, coders to caregivers, you'll hear raw, inspiring stories of women stepping into their purpose — in their own time, and on their own terms. No filters. No fluff. Just real talk, deep reflections, and the kind of support we all deserve. Tune in weekly

  1. FEB 10

    The Transformational Power of Women Leaders

    Keywords women's leadership, transformational leadership, collective action, empathy, mentorship, women empowerment, leadership styles, gender equality, women in leadership, support systems Summary In this episode, Swati Upadhyay discusses the importance of women's leadership, emphasizing that it is often framed as instinct rather than skill. She highlights the transformational leadership style that women tend to practice, which is rooted in empathy, mentorship, and collaboration. The conversation explores the collective nature of women's leadership, the challenges they face in isolated environments, and the need for supportive systems that allow women to rise together. Upadhyay advocates for a future of leadership that values care alongside competence and encourages women to lead in circles rather than ladders. Takeaways Women's leadership is often framed as instinct rather than skill.Transformational leadership is rooted in motivation and mentorship.Women lead collectively, fostering shared leadership and collaboration.Empathy in leadership improves motivation, creativity, and retention.Women leaders face scrutiny and competition in isolated environments.Supporting women leaders means moving beyond symbolism.Collaboration should be rewarded as a measure of success.Peer support strengthens the leadership pipeline.Engaging all genders is essential in dismantling scarcity.The future of leadership is about shared success, not isolation. Sound bites "Empathy works best when it's amongst peers." "Collaboration should count as success." "Women are builders of trust."

    11 min

  2. FEB 3

    Choosing Yourself Isn’t Selfish

    Your 30s have a way of quietly changing everything. In this solo episode of In Her Element, Swati reflects on what it means to stop living on autopilot and start choosing yourself — in friendships, family dynamics, work, and the way you love and live. This is a conversation about people-pleasing, emotional safety, boundaries, loss, and the relief that comes when you stop apologizing for who you are. About learning that genuine relationships don’t break with distance or time. About letting good things stay. About realizing that clarity doesn’t come from speed, but from honesty. If you’ve ever felt tired without knowing why, questioned whether you’re behind, or wondered if it’s okay to live life on your own terms — this episode is for you.

    13 min

  3. JAN 15

    Who Are You When No One Is Watching?

    The episode begins with an introduction to the purpose of the solo episode, which is to explore the question of self-identity when no one is watching. It delves into the discovery of comfort and relaxation in solitude, the shift in perspectives on rest and self-worth, unlearning and redefining self-identity, the burden of strength and expectations, internalized messages and guilt surrounding rest, reevaluating success and visibility, grief, ambition, and the desire for peace, seeking freedom and space for self-expression, embracing playfulness and authenticity, and the power of stillness and kindness to self. The episode concludes with a message of self-acceptance and the importance of allowing oneself to be without the need for performance or productivity. Takeaways Self-discoveryEmbracing rest Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode06:01 Unlearning and Redefining Self-Identity11:19 Seeking Freedom and Space for Self-Expression

    15 min
  4. In Her Element: The Courage to Ask

    JAN 8

    In Her Element: The Courage to Ask

    What happens when we stop shrinking our desires and start asking for what we truly want? In this solo episode of In Her Element, I reflect on the quiet courage it takes to ask for big, sometimes unreasonable things, especially when we’ve been taught to justify our wants, stay grateful, and not ask for too much. From leaving behind a familiar life to starting over in a new field, to navigating grief, stress, and the loss of optimism in 2024, this episode is an honest conversation about how asking, clearly and boldly, can shift not just outcomes, but who we become in the process. We talk about cultural conditioning, the inner critic, confidence built through repeated self-trust, and why clarity itself is a form of work. I also share how In Her Element began as an ask before it ever became a podcast. This episode is not about hustle or manifestation.It’s about alignment.It’s about naming what you want without apology.And trusting that the universe often meets us at our level of audacity. If you’re standing at the edge of a decision, questioning everything, or quietly wanting more, this one is for you.

    11 min
  5. Women’s Health Without Shame: Motherhood, Medicine & Being Heard

    12/17/2025

    Women’s Health Without Shame: Motherhood, Medicine & Being Heard

    In this gentle, grounding episode of In Her Element, Swati sits down with Dr. Nayeema Tazeen, a practicing gynecologist, mother, and women’s health educator, for a conversation that feels like chai with an old friend. From growing up as the first doctor in a family of engineers to practicing medicine in India, Nayeema shares how kindness, empathy, and lived experience shape the way she cares for women at their most vulnerable. Together, they talk openly about periods, PCOS, postpartum recovery, menopause, and the quiet ways women are taught to normalize pain instead of questioning it. Nayeema reflects on how her own postpartum journey, grief, and motherhood changed the doctor she became, why women deserve individualized care instead of one-size-fits-all advice, and how social media can be both a tool for education and a source of misinformation. This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen to your body, and remember that your questions are valid, your experiences matter, and asking for help is a form of strength. Whether you’re navigating womanhood, motherhood, medicine, or simply learning to be gentler with yourself, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, steadied, and deeply understood.

    1 hr
  6. Becoming Again: Motherhood, Courage & the Crown with Shruti Mohanty

    12/11/2025

    Becoming Again: Motherhood, Courage & the Crown with Shruti Mohanty

    Season 2 begins with a conversation that feels like sitting in a sunlit room with a cup of chai — gentle, grounding, and unexpectedly healing. In this episode, Swati speaks with the radiant Shruti Mohanty, whose journey spans quiet girlhood in Odisha, the whirlwind of immigrant life in the U.S., the hidden storms of postpartum depression, and the bold courage of stepping into the world of pageantry — a world she never imagined she belonged to. Together, they talk about: • the emotional inheritance of growing up in strict Indian households• the invisible labor women carry through motherhood• the quiet ache of postpartum depression• why friendships in adulthood look different• choosing peace over people-pleasing• the power of sisterhood and empathy• and the transformative moment Shruti was crowned Mrs. Universe Texas Petite Shruti reminds us that beauty isn’t a measurement — it’s a presence. And reinvention doesn’t begin with a milestone… it begins with permission. This episode is for every woman rediscovering herself in the middle of life, motherhood, responsibility, or healing.A reminder that you are allowed to evolve. You are allowed to shine. And you deserve spaces where you feel seen. Welcome to Season 2.Let the blooming continue. 💛

    47 min
  7. Finding Joy in the Chaos

    11/22/2025

    Finding Joy in the Chaos

    In this episode, Swati talks with Abhipsa Nanda — a multi-hyphenate woman balancing a career in tech, motherhood, creativity, and community with remarkable honesty and intention. Together, they discuss: Growing up in an Indian household and finding autonomy later in life Building a support system while living away from family The importance of women friendships and non-judgmental spaces Why creativity and dance help her stay grounded The realities of motherhood — far beyond Instagram’s highlight reels A life transition that reshaped how she sees herself and her choices Abhipsa shares openly about the highs and lows of her journey, the lessons she learned through lived experience, and the joy she chooses to make space for every day. It’s a conversation that feels real, reassuring, and deeply relatable. If you’ve ever navigated identity, loneliness, motherhood, friendships, or starting over, this episode is for you.

    59 min
  8. Where Women Become Safe Places

    11/11/2025

    Where Women Become Safe Places

    What happens when women stop competing and start creating space for one another?In this heartfelt solo episode, host Swati Upadhyay reflects on what it truly means to dream big—and to do so with kindness, courage, and community. Swati opens up about the women who shaped her, the lessons she learned growing up, and why safe spaces for women matter more than ever. She talks about friendship in different seasons of life, how to repair what’s been lost to ego or misunderstanding, and why being a gentle ally can be an act of quiet revolution. ✨ In this episode, we explore: The balance between ambition and empathy The women who teach us to keep going How to rebuild friendships with grace Why kindness and justice must walk together Simple ways to become a safe space — for others and for yourself Takeaways As women, we sometimes let go of friendship too easily.Life can get busy, affecting our friendships.Pride or ego can hinder communication in friendships.People may be in different seasons of their lives.Silence can be misread in friendships.A friend may seem distant but still cares.Reaching out can mend strained friendships.Real sisterhood is about persistence.Understanding each other's struggles is key.Friendship requires effort and grace.Sound bites "We sometimes let go of friendship too easily.""Sometimes people are just in different seasons of their life.""We have all misread a silence before, haven't we?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dreams and Kindness 03:18 Lessons on Dreams and Humility

    18 min
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About

Real Stories. Bold Women. Shared Power. Welcome to In Her Element — a podcast that celebrates women showing up fully in their careers, creativity, and everyday lives. Hosted by Swati Upadhyay, each episode provides a space for honest conversations, personal growth, and powerful moments. From scientists to artists, coders to caregivers, you'll hear raw, inspiring stories of women stepping into their purpose — in their own time, and on their own terms. No filters. No fluff. Just real talk, deep reflections, and the kind of support we all deserve. Tune in weekly

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