South Asian Success

South Asian Success

South Asian Success celebrates professionals, builders, creatives, and thought-leaders who are building on their own terms, with culture at the forefront. We want to showcase the rich diversity of our communities, and how learning collectively can drive growth and empower us all. We are born out of a community, and are growing to meet the needs of our times. This podcast is hosted by Parul L. Bhandari, author, speaker and experience consultant who has built a career on creating inclusive spaces. She is the founder of CustomerXSuccess, a company which sponsors this work. You can learn more about Parul on instagram @parul_bhandari_author and at www.parullbhandari.com. Follow us on Instagram: @southasiansuccess For guest inquiries: Complete this form

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Ep 10 - How Culture and Circumstances Met to Build a Business for Kanika Batra

    #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusiness #FounderStory #Startup In this inspiring episode of South Asian Success, Kanika Batra, Founder of Sukoon, shares her incredible journey from a corporate career in India to rebuilding her life in America and creating a purpose-driven home and lifestyle brand. After moving to the United States, Kanika had to start her career from scratch, adapt to unexpected challenges, and embrace uncertainty. What began as buying handcrafted décor for her own home unexpectedly turned into a thriving business serving customers across the U.S. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, resilience, spirituality, purpose, mindset, business growth, and the courage to keep moving forward when life doesn't go according to plan. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative professional, immigrant, small business owner, or someone searching for purpose, this episode is filled with practical lessons and inspiring stories. Guest Bio: Kanika Batra, Founder of Sukoon After moving to the United States, Kanika had to start her career from scratch, adapt to unexpected challenges, and embrace uncertainty. What began as buying handcrafted décor for her own home unexpectedly turned into a thriving business serving customers across the U.S. Visit Website:                 SUKOON Evgenia instagram     Kanika Batra 👇 What You'll Learn In This Episode: ✔️ How to start over in a new country with confidence ✔️ Why unexpected setbacks can become your biggest opportunities ✔️ Building a purpose-driven business from scratch ✔️ Transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship ✔️ How spirituality influences leadership and decision-making ✔️ Lessons from building the Sukoon brand ✔️ Finding product-market fit by listening to customers ✔️ Balancing career, business, family, and motherhood ✔️ The power of meditation and mindfulness for entrepreneurs ✔️ How courage, faith, and persistence create long-term success Timestamps00:00 Introduction 00:26 Meet Kanika Batra & The Story Behind Sukoon 02:05 Life Before Entrepreneurship 03:00 Moving From India to America 05:15 Starting Her Career From Scratch 06:55 How Sukoon Was Born 09:20 The First Pop-Up That Changed Everything 12:45 Growing From Home Décor to a Lifestyle Brand 15:35 Selling Spiritual Products to Non-Indians 18:15 Finding Product-Market Fit 19:50 The Success of Copper Water Bottles 22:30 Balancing Business, Career & Family 24:10 Meditation, Mindfulness & Mental Clarity 26:05 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 28:20 A Customer Story That Changed Everything 30:05 Final Thoughts —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This podcast is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess, a consultancy which helps drive Company Growth through a focus on Customer Success. Follow along at www.customerxsuccess.com #KanikaBatra #Sukoon #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusiness #FounderStory #Startup #BusinessSuccess #SouthAsianSuccess #PurposeDrivenBusiness #ImmigrantSuccess #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #Motivation #SuccessStory

    34 min
  2. Jun 17

    Ep 9 - Overcoming Postpartum and Mom Guilt | Conscious Motherhood With Urvi Shah

    How I Overcame fertility challenges, Postpartum Anxiety & Mom Guilt | Conscious Motherhood with Urvi Shah In this powerful episode of South Asian Success, Parul Bhandari sits down with Urvi Shah certified coach, spiritual healer, and founder of Inner Serenity Life Coaching. Urvi shares her raw and inspiring journey through a long fertility struggle, IVF, pregnancy pressures, postpartum anxiety & depression, and how she discovered Conscious Motherhood. She shares her tools and techniques, including a book and podcast, which she uses to coach other women like her. Guest Bio: Urvi Shah is  a certified mindfulness coach and spiritual healer supporting women who are on their motherhood journey (from fertility to postpartum). I have been running my coaching practice for 5 years now - evolving over time as I evolve spiritually and expand my consciousness. I also am a mindfulness teacher - certified in teaching meditation, breathwork, and EFT tapping. I also have other certifications for spiritual healing like Reiki, energy healing, 👉 Follow Urvi Shah:        Linkedin • Website:                           Inner Serenity Life Coaching • Instagram:                        Urvi Shah • Book on Amazon:           Soul Diaries Urvi Shah 🔥 What You'll Learn: • The real emotional struggles of IVF and pregnancy in South Asian culture • How to regulate your nervous system as a new mom • Practical ways to overcome mom guilt and perfection pressure • The power of intuition and self-advocacy in the medical system • Why "chapters" in motherhood are the secret to not burning out • How to reframe guilt and be present for yourself and your children ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 00:44 - Urvi Shah's Journey into Conscious Motherhood 02:10 - The Pivotal Moment: Long IVF Journey & Feeling Alone 03:35 - Postpartum Anxiety & Depression Struggles 04:32 - Cultural Pressures on South Asian Moms 06:10 - What Does Success Look Like After Motherhood? 07:45 - The Power of "Chapters" in Life as a Mom 09:40 - Nervous System Regulation Explained (Must Watch) 13:08 - How to Handle Mom Guilt & Emotional Outbursts 15:52 - Reframing Guilt & Apologizing to Your Kids 18:57 - Urvi's Podcast "Soul Diaries" & Her Book Story 23:22 - Advocating for Yourself in the Medical System 26:13 - Trusting Your Intuition as a Mother 29:22 - 3 Daily Questions to Design Your Best Life Subscribe for more inspiring South Asian success stories  —------------------------------------------------------------- This podcast is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess, a consultancy which helps drive Company Growth through a focus on Customer Success. Follow along at www.customerxsuccess.com

    28 min
  3. Jun 3

    Ep 8 - From Corporate Overachiever To Building a 10M Reach Community With Ash Grewal

    In this powerful episode of South Asian Success, Parul Bhandari sits down with Ash Grewal, a high growth tech strategist and founder of The OverachieveHers, a thriving community for ambitious women. Ash shares her inspiring journey from growing up as one of the only South Asian kids in small-town Nashville to building a 10 million reach community that’s empowering high-achieving women across the world. Many women are ambitious, but struggle to build the career and community they want.  Ash is building this in her career and helping others build theirs, one OverachiveHer at a time.  Guest Bio:-Ash Grewal is the founder and CEO of The OverachieveHers, a community and media platform for ambitious women that reached 10 million people within its first six months. Born from her own experience rising through the ranks as an ambitious woman of color, it has become a leading resource for women finding balance between power and pause. Ash brings over 15 years of experience across adtech, marketing, and executive leadership, having played pivotal roles scaling high-growth tech companies to billion-dollar valuations and most recently leading the buildout of a creator economy ad network spanning more than 32 billion annual impressions. That career gave her a sharp understanding of how brands and individuals capture attention at scale, and she now channels that into building a movement that reflects the lives and ambitions of women like her. Visit Website:                 Website Ash Linkedin:                    Linkedin  Follow on Instagram:     Instagram What You’ll LearnHow Ash built a community that reached 10 million people in just 6 monthsThe real challenges of being a South Asian woman in corporate techMoving from burnout and identity crisis to building a purpose-driven portfolio careerWhy community > competition for high achieving womenNavigating cultural identity, mentorship, and the “young brown woman” bucketPractical advice on balance, somatic practices, and making aligned decisionsThe importance of persistence and follow-up in your careerTimestamps00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:30 - Ash Grewal’s Background & Career Journey 03:00 - Growing Up South Asian in Small-Town Nashville 06:30 - Identity Struggles & Feeling “International” 10:45 - Founding The Overachievers & The 10M Reach Story 13:50 - Who are The Overachievers For? 17:20 - Getting Laid Off & Choosing Entrepreneurship 22:40 - Mentoring Young South Asian Women 28:30 - Career Advice for Burnout & Boredom 32:00 - Balance, Somatic Practices & Self-Awareness 35:00 - Closing Thoughts This podcast is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess, a consultancy which helps drive Company Growth through a focus on Customer Success. Follow along at www.customerxsuccess.com

    34 min
  4. May 20

    Ep - 7 Exploring Multi Hyphenate Path of Growth Evolution & Mental Health Taboos With Mrinal Gokhale

    In this powerful episode, Parul Bhandari sits down with Mrinal Gokhale a true multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, author, business analyst, and mental health advocate. Mrinal shares her inspiring journey from marketing and journalism to becoming a full-time Business Analyst while running a successful side business in digital marketing, writing, and editing. She opens up about her two bestselling books on South Asian mental health raw, real anthologies filled with true stories of trauma, neurodiversity, intergenerational stigma, model minority myth, domestic violence, and breaking silence in the diaspora. Guest Bio: Mrinal Gokhale is the author of two anthologies on South Asian mental health, a full time Business Analyst, and the founder of a boutique digital marketing, writing & editing service. She is a passionate advocate for mental health, neurodiversity, and breaking cultural taboos. Links: Buy Mrinal’s Books → https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09PJQ9YZY Mrinal Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrinal-gokhale-14a19b46 Follow Mrinal on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/mrinalg_/ What You’ll Learn: How to embrace a multi-hyphenate career without guilt or imposter syndromeThe reality of entrepreneurship vs full-time job (honest pros & cons)Why South Asian mental health conversations are finally changingHow writing and storytelling can become powerful tools for healing and advocacyPractical advice for budding authors and entrepreneursOvercoming fear, stigma, and family pressureTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 00:35 - Mrinal Gokhale’s Journey 01:05 - From Marketing to Business Analyst 02:05 - Dealing with Imposter Syndrome 03:26 - Her Two Books on South Asian Mental Health 04:44 - The Story Behind "Taboo" 06:59 - Common Struggles in South Asian Families 09:31 - Self-Stigma & Generational Trauma 10:45 - Community Reception & Feedback 14:05 - Upcoming Events & Future Plans 18:23 - Her Digital Marketing Business 19:37 - Honest Advice for New Entrepreneurs 24:28 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Mrinal This podcast is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess, a consultancy which helps drive Company Growth through a focus on Customer Success. Follow along at www.customerxsuccess.com #MultiHyphenate #SouthAsianMentalHealth #BreakingTaboos #MentalHealthMatters #MrinalGokhale #SouthAsianSuccess #WomenEntrepreneurs #GenerationalTrauma #ImposterSyndrome #Entrepreneurship #TabooBook #DesiMentalHealth #MultiHyphenateLife #Podcast #SouthAsianPodcast

    22 min
  5. May 6

    Episode 6 - Culture Led Fashion with Neetika Gupta of Kaira Kollection

    Join Parul Bhandari in this episode as she sits down with Neetika Gupta, founder of Kaira Kollection, for an inspiring conversation on building a culture rooted fashion brand while balancing a tech career and family life. Neetika shares how her daughter Kaira inspired the brand name and vision modern, stylish, and deeply connected to South Asian roots. From starting as a multi-designer store to pivoting to original designs, made-to-order pieces, and block-print fusion wear, this episode is full of real talk on small business challenges, production in India, customer expectations, tariffs, and community building. Whether you're a fashion lover, aspiring designer, or South Asian entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical insights and beautiful fusion fashion inspiration. 👗 What You'll Learn: How Kaira Kollection was born from family passionTransition from sourcing to original design & made to order modelBalancing pop ups, production timelines & customizationFinding the right audience (millennials & Gen Z who want fusion wear)Handling tariffs, shipping delays & difficult customersPower of community, networking & influencer collaborationsFuture plans with big retailers like NordstromGuest Details: Neetika Gupta is the founder of Kaira Kollection, a Chicago based South Asian fusion fashion brand. A tech professional by day, she co-created the brand with her Masi in India. Her designs focus on modern silhouettes with traditional Indian crafts like block printing, perfect for everyday wear, vacations, and special occasions. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Neetika’s Outfit Reveal00:41 - Journey of Kaira Kollection & Inspiration from Daughter Kyra02:36 - From Sourcing Designs to Creating Originals03:11 - Made to Order Model & Pop up Strategy06:00 - Plans for Big Retailers (Nordstrom & more)07:50 - Production, Timelines & Scaling Team09:39 - Customization Process & Customer Expectations11:32 - Challenges with Festivals, Delays & Communication15:09 - Handling Tariffs & Absorbing Extra Costs19:10 - Finding the Right Audience & Shifting from Indian Melas to Fusion Events25:33 - Community, Collaborations & Influencer Love (Nisha from Love Mirch, Mama Jot’s, etc.)28:40 - Advice for New Designers & Small Brands33:45 - Upcoming Events & Closing 🔗 Shop Kaira Kollection: Website: https://kairakollection.com/ Follow Neetika & Kaira Kollection: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kairakollection.in/ —------------------------------------------------------------ This podcast is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess, a consultancy which helps drive Company Growth through a focus on Customer Success. Follow along at www.customerxsuccess.com #SouthAsianFashion #KairaKollection #FusionWear #IndianFashionDesigner #BlockPrintFashion #DesiFashion #CultureLedFashion #SouthAsianSuccess #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusinessStory #DesiEntrepreneur #MadeToOrderFashion #ChicagoFashion #IndianBlockPrint #ModernIndianWear #NeetikaGupta #ParulBhandari

    32 min
  6. May 4

    Special Ep - AI in Tech: Adoption, Risks & Leadership Lessons | an AAPINH Heritage Month Special

    AI is everywhere but are companies actually adopting it effectively, or just chasing the hype and risking costly mistakes? In this special AAPINH Heritage Month episode of South Asian Success, host Parul Bhandari brings together an incredible panel of South Asian tech leaders for a raw, practical, and insightful conversation on AI in 2026. Featuring: Nehal Patel: Chief Customer Officer at BrandLight (AI-powered brand visibility platform)Munish Gandhi: CEO at Statisfy (AI for Customer Success workflows)Kajal Jain: AI Instructor at Purdue University, Product Marketing Leader & Fractional ExecutiveThey dive deep into the real challenges: biggest barriers to adoption, hidden risks (hallucinations, legal issues, privacy, competitive blind spots), new roles emerging (AI governance, AI operators, Go-to-Market Engineers), practical ways to move from skeptic to power user, and leadership lessons on driving meaningful change from the top down. Whether you’re a founder building AI tools, an executive trying to scale adoption, or a professional navigating the AI shift in your role this episode gives you clarity, real-world strategies, and inspiration from leaders who are living and breathing AI every single day. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & AAPINH Heritage Month Special 01:24 – Panel Introductions & Morning Routines (Chai vs Coffee) 04:04 – Biggest Barriers to AI Adoption in Companies 09:27 – Practical Steps: From Skeptic to Confident AI User 12:01 – New Roles & Skill Sets Emerging in the AI Era 18:56 – Risks of Building Your Own AI Tools vs Using Purpose-Built Solutions 23:18 – Organizational Trends & How Executives Are Driving AI Engagement 27:41 – Internal AI Adoption Examples, Workshops & Talent Shows 39:57 – Final Leadership Lessons & Actionable Advice for 2026 —-------------------------------------------------------- Level up your business with Fathom AI: I use Fathom AI to streamline meeting workflows and improve content production. My work includes recording and transcribing meetings, extracting key insights, and converting discussions into structured summaries and actionable notes.  Fathom link: https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/ivwwc3e8ss9s —--------------------------------------------------------- This podcast is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess, a consultancy which helps drive Company Growth through a focus on Customer Success. Follow along at www.customerxsuccess.com #AIinTech #AIAdoption #AAPINH #SouthAsianSuccess #AILeadership #TechLeadership #AI2026 #AIPanel #SouthAsianTech #LeadershipLessons #AIGovernance #AIForBusiness #WomenInAI #LeadershipLessons #HeritageMonth #AIRisks #AILeadership

    45 min
  7. Apr 22

    Episode 5 - From Scarcity To Abundance in Business With Zenab's Journey Building ZK Captures

    From scarcity to abundance in business with zenab's journey building ZK captures | South Asian Success. In this inspiring episode of South Asian Success Podcast with Parul Bhandari, Zenab Kashif (founder of ZK Captures) opens up about: Starting her full-time freelance photography & design business during COVIDOvercoming scarcity mindset and comparison in the South Asian creative communityShifting from niche South Asian clients to working with diverse businessesCharging fairly, saying yes to everything early on, and learning to take breaksThe power of community, accountability partners, and genuine outreachFinding your unique selling point (USP) and focusing inward instead of comparing If you're a creative, freelancer, designer, photographer, or South Asian entrepreneur struggling with imposter syndrome, scarcity mindset, or burnout this episode is packed with real, practical advice. 👉 Visit Zenab’s Website: https://www.zkcaptures.com/ 📸 Follow Zenab on Instagram: @zk.captures Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Welcome 02:14 Zenab’s 6-Year Freelance Journey with ZK Captures 03:02 South Asian Creative Community & Scarcity Mindset 08:53 How to Overcome Comparison & Focus on Your Unique Brand 12:18 Strategies for Work-Life Balance & Taking Breaks as a Business Owner 16:24 Power of Community, Outreach & Referrals 23:41 Challenges Faced & Pivoting Beyond South Asian Niche 30:55 Final Advice: Find Your USP & Embrace Abundance Mindset - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -     This podcast is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess, a consultancy which helps drive Company Growth through a focus on Customer Success. Follow along at www.customerxsuccess.com #SouthAsianSuccess #ZenabKashif #ZKCaptures #FreelanceBusiness #CreativeEntrepreneur #ScarcityToAbundance #SouthAsianFreelancer #DesiEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #PhotographyAndDesign #FreelanceTips

    33 min
  8. Apr 8

    Episode 4 - Ageless Leadership Lessons with the Founders of i3 Competition

    This conversation explores the founding and journey of the i3 Competition, a youth-led and founded initiative focused on engaging students in real-world business challenges. Founded by Veda Swaminathan and Aarya Dhru, the conversation delves into the impact of the pandemic in creating this foundation, the structure and format of the competition, the value proposition for business owners, and the focus on driving student and business growth. The conversation covers the global reach and partnerships of the i3 competition, emphasizing its accessibility to students worldwide. It also delves into the skill development for both students and businesses, highlighting the technical and non-cognitive skills gained. Additionally, it explores the ageless leadership lessons learned by the young entrepreneurs and their plans for the future. Takeaways What is i3 and how does it help students and businessesEngaging students in real-world business challenges and ensuring business successSkill Development is gained on both sides Chapters 00:00 Introduction to i3 Competition07:04 Impact of the Pandemic on Initiatives15:07 Focus on Underrepresented Businesses22:02 Global Reach and Partnerships32:36 Ageless Leadership Lessons About Veda and Aarya, founders of i3 competition. Veda Swaminathan and Aarya Dhru are college seniors who have been running the I3 Competition since 11th grade. Veda currently studies Economics & Public Policy at the University of Chicago and Aarya studies Finance at Northeastern University. Following graduation, Veda and Aarya will continue to work in Finance and on the I3 Foundation.  The two were inspired to start the I3 Foundation following  the catastrophic impacts of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic on the small business communities around them. They observed the struggles that many entrepreneurs had with adapting to the online market place and to the rapid changes in digital marketing. Looking to their peers, they noticed the mass untapped potential of school students who were already well-versed in the merits and uses of digital infrastructure such as mobile apps, websites, and social media marketing. Find out more about i3 Competition here: https://www.i3competition.com/ #studentinternships #businessgrowth #businessimpact #studentemployment

    41 min
  9. Mar 18

    Episode 2 - Driving Purpose through Creativity & Community with Ankur and Palak of Brown Man Therapy

    This conversation explores the founding of Brown Man Therapy, founded by Ankur Varma and Palak Sheth. They are addressing mental health gaps in the South Asian community, based cultural expectations and norms, which have held many back. The founders discuss the importance of creating comfortable environments, re-educating, and learning tools to address burnout and fatigue, as well as the impact of investing in creative outlets. The conversation explores the intersection of creativity and mental health, highlighting the benefits of rediscovering passion, connecting through community events, and celebrating mental health heroes. It emphasizes the role of creativity as a form of mental health support and the impact of community events on mental health awareness. Takeaways South Asian mental health stigma is still there, but there are places to find helpAddressing mental health gaps in the South Asian community came from the communityCreativity as a form of mental health support can help individuals feel fulfulledCommunity building through events and purpose Chapters 00:00 Empowering South Asian Success05:24 Identifying Mental Health Gaps12:13 Addressing Burnout and Fatigue17:29 Re-Educating and Learning Tools23:21 Investing in Creative Outlets31:10 The Impact of Community Events on Mental Health Awareness About Brown Man Therapy Brown Man Therapy (BMT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, education, and community engagement among South Asian men. Our mission is to normalize mental health discussions, foster inclusivity, and advocate for the benefits of psychotherapy and mental healthcare. The South Asian Success podcast is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess, building better experiences to drive business success. #mentalhealth #culturalstigma #creativity #burnout

    43 min
  10. Mar 11

    Episode 1 - Navigating Worlds: Art, Tech and Heritage - with Pothik Chaterjee

    This conversation delves into Pothik Chatterjee's journey as an artist and tech professional, highlighting the intersection of art, technology, and career. It explores Pothik's childhood, artistic influences, and the evolution of his art's purpose as a means of resistance and awakening. Key takeaways include the role of art as resistance, the importance of mentorship and learning, and the value of cultivating a circle of friends and family with shared values. Takeaways Art as a means of resistanceThe importance of mentorship and learningWhen art influences life About Pothik: Website: www.pothikchatterjee.com Instagram: @pothikc Pothik Chatterjee is an award-winning abstract artist of South Asian descent, with galleries in New York City & Baltimore, and based out of Houston. His art is available at pothikchatterjee.com - Chatterjee has sold over 150 original art and commissions for collectors around the world. His art is represented by Maison 10 and Highlandtown galleries. Chatterjee has over 35K followers across social media channels for his vibrant paintings inspired by Hindu mythology, divine goddess energy, yoga, meditation and the tranquility of nature. Chatterjee was born in Kolkata, India and grew up in Dubai, Paris, Abu Dhabi and Jakarta as a global citizen. Chatterjee is Harvard-educated and completed his artistic training with Princeton University Arts Council. His earliest paintings as a child were of Hindu Goddesses like Durga and Saraswati for the diasporic Bengali community's temple festivals and magazines. Today, his abstract paintings bridge his South Asian culture, Hindu spirituality with the intersectionality of being openly and proudly LGBTQ, a father, husband, and the universality of the human experience.  This podcast is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess, www.customerxsuccess.com. Driving business growth through a focus on customers, experience and talent. #southasiansuccess #artcareers #multihyphenate #careers #creativity

    39 min

About

South Asian Success celebrates professionals, builders, creatives, and thought-leaders who are building on their own terms, with culture at the forefront. We want to showcase the rich diversity of our communities, and how learning collectively can drive growth and empower us all. We are born out of a community, and are growing to meet the needs of our times. This podcast is hosted by Parul L. Bhandari, author, speaker and experience consultant who has built a career on creating inclusive spaces. She is the founder of CustomerXSuccess, a company which sponsors this work. You can learn more about Parul on instagram @parul_bhandari_author and at www.parullbhandari.com. Follow us on Instagram: @southasiansuccess For guest inquiries: Complete this form