Fearless Fireside Chats

Ramiya S

The world’s moving fast and staying relevant means learning to lead yourself first. Fearless Fireside Chats is the podcast for ambitious, curious minds who want to grow with courage and clarity. Hosted by Ramiya Sivakumaran, VP of Marketing & Communications, each episode explores fearless questions around leadership, identity, ambition, resilience and thriving through change - at work and in life. Whether you’re leading teams or leading yourself, this podcast will help you: 👉🏾 Build clarity in a noisy world 👉🏾 Strengthen your mindset through change 👉🏾 Redefine success on your own term

Episodes

  1. 06/09/2025

    Stories of Unity, Belief and Resilience: Liverpool FC Through the Fans’ Eyes

    What Liverpool FC REALLY Means to The Fans - A Fan Tribute to Liverpool FC's Premier League Glory In this different kind of episode, we hit the streets of Liverpool to capture the raw emotion, legacy, and love that surrounds the Reds’ historic 20th league title. From the heart of the trophy parade to global voices from the fanbase, this episode is a living, breathing tribute to what Liverpool Football Club truly means to the people. We go beyond the chants and celebrations—speaking to fans, families, and lifelong supporters about the emotional connection, generational loyalty, and unmatched community spirit that define LFC. From local legends to global fans, this is a story of unity, belief, and resilience. Because at Liverpool, You’ll Never Walk Alone is more than a slogan—it’s a way of life. 🏆 In This Episode: 00:00 🎙️ Introduction to Fearless Fireside Chats 02:02 🔴 Live from Liverpool: The 20th League Title Parade 03:31 🙌 Fan Stories: What It Really Means to Be a Liverpool Fan 08:05 🌍 Global Fanbase: Supporters from Around the World 16:19 🏅 Reflections on the Parade & The Legacy of Liverpool FC We’ve used and referenced incredible video footage from across the Liverpool FC community — huge credit and thanks to: 🎥 @LiverpoolFC Inside: UNSEEN Footage from Premier League Trophy ParadeLIVE: Premier League Trophy ParadeInside Anfield: Final Day vs Crystal PalaceGreatest 100 Liverpool Goals of the Decade130 Greatest Liverpool Goals | 80-71Klopp’s Greatest Comebacks📺 @SkySportsPremierLeague Liverpool Premier League Trophy Celebrations🎬 @g2emedia1977 Liverpool FC Trophy Parade 2025 - The Strand Fan Community Legends: @OLSCToronto 🇨🇦 — The heartbeat of LFC fans in Canada@TheAnfieldWrap 🎙️ — The voice of the people, always@TheRedmenTV — Red through and through@PanenkaLFC — Football meets culture, always@LFCNews — Your daily dose of everything Liverpool Hit subscribe 🔔. Share this with a fellow Red. And remember — You’ll Never Walk Alone.

    21 min
  2. 02/04/2025

    The Real Impact of Cancer on Mental Health in the South Asian Community

    In this deeply personal episode of Fearless Fireside Chats, I open up about my own experience of losing my father to a brain tumour in 2004, and how isolating and overwhelming it can be for both patients and their loved ones. I'm honoured to have Sam Suriakumar, a Brain Tumor Warrior diagnosed in 2020, fundraiser, and Brain Tumor Research Ambassador, as my guest. Sam bravely shares his journey from his shocking diagnosis just before the COVID-19 lockdowns to his relentless fight against the illness. We dive deep into the emotional, mental, and physical impacts of such a life-changing diagnosis, and discuss the critical importance of support systems, mental health, and breaking societal stigmas, particularly within the South Asian community. Sam's story is one of resilience, positivity, and unwavering strength, offering inspiration and hope to all who are touched by cancer.00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection00:36 Meet Sam Suryakumar: Brain Tumor Warrior02:50 The Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Moment04:24 The Seizure and Hospital Experience09:35 Facing the Reality of a Brain Tumor13:59 Running the London Marathon16:50 A Summer of Challenges and Loss22:37 Mental Health and Finding Strength26:23 The Importance of Family Support27:39 Breaking Down Mental Health Stigmas in South Asian Communities29:43 The Power of Sharing Your Journey44:43 The Role of Faith and Positivity48:33 Advice for Those Battling Cancer54:17 Reflecting on Life's Blessings

    54 min
  3. 01/21/2025

    Redefining Wealth: Building Freedom on Your Own Terms

    ❓When was the last time you talked about money without fear?Join us in this eye-opening episode as I sit down with ⁠Vig⁠ , a seasoned money coach, to uncover the hidden truths about our money mindset and break generational cycles. We'll delve deep into the emotional and cultural influences that make money a sensitive topic, share insights on myths that hold us back, and reveal actionable steps to achieve true financial freedom. This episode is packed with raw, honest conversation that could transform how you view and handle money forever. 🔸 Understanding and overcoming inherited money mindsets 🔸 The real debate: Owning vs. Renting a property 🔸 The truth about debt and effective ways to manage it 🔸 Steps to stop living paycheck to paycheck and build a sustainable future ‼️ Freebie Alert: Understand where your money is going each month and whether it is working FOR you or AGAINST you! 👉🏾Download your FREE ‘⁠Roadmap to Wealth⁠’ template from Vig to help you level set on where you’re at now financially and where you want to go.00:00 Introduction: The Money Mindset02:33 Understanding Financial Emotions05:29 Generational Money Lessons08:52 Debt: Good vs. Bad10:11 Renting vs. Owning Property14:05 Investment Options Beyond Property16:10 Value-Based Spending19:28 Living Paycheck to Paycheck21:55 Breaking the Financial Hamster Wheel22:58 Starting Conversations About Money24:35 Retirement Planning for Immigrant Families25:21 Mapping Your Current Finances26:37 Calculating Early Retirement Needs27:33 Investment Strategies for Early Retirement28:50 The Role of Crypto in Your Portfolio32:34 Diversifying Your Investments35:42 Changing Financial Mindsets45:03 Sacrifices for Financial Goals47:01 Shifting Your Money Mindset49:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    51 min
  4. 12/06/2024

    The Cost of Silence: Grief, Loss & Renewal

    Grief. It’s raw, messy, and often swept under the rug by cultural norms and societal expectations. In this powerful episode of Fearless Fireside Chats, we’re smashing through the silence to have the conversations that matter most. Ramiya opens up about the pain of losing her dad as a teenager, sharing the unspoken challenges of navigating loss at such a formative age. Joining her is the incredible Sita Patel, a South Asian baby loss advocate and host of the Grieving HeartBeats podcast, who courageously shares her story of losing her son, Arjun, during labour due to hospital negligence. Key takeaways include understanding the non-linear nature of grief, the importance of emotional support, and the cultural challenges surrounding grief in the South Asian community. Join us in this heartfelt conversation as Sita opens up about her experiences and offers insights on how to compassionately support others dealing with loss.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:31 Sita's Story: The Loss of Arjun02:01 Initial Phases of Grief05:50 Reactions and Support10:51 Navigating Grief and Societal Expectations14:57 Cultural Perspectives on Grief20:09 Honoring and Remembering Loved Ones24:22 The Healing Power of Crying25:13 The Importance of a Safe Space26:54 Grief is Not Linear27:17 Individual Grieving Processes29:25 The Impact of Loss on Daily Life31:52 Coping Mechanisms and Tools33:31 The Role of Community and Support36:11 Cultural Perspectives on Grief44:36 Advice for Those in Grief48:30 The Need for Open Conversations About Grief Let’s rewrite the narrative around grief—one honest conversation at a time. If you or someone you know is navigating grief, you don’t have to do it alone. Here are some incredible organisations offering support. 🫶🏾 You’re not alone, and support is always within reach. Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity): sands.org.uk – A leading UK charity providing support for those affected by baby loss.Tommy’s (Pregnancy and Baby Loss): tommys.org – Offers resources, research, and support around baby loss.Child Bereavement UK: childbereavementuk.org – Support for families grieving the loss of a child or baby.Miscarriage Support: miscarriagesupport.org.nz – A New Zealand-based charity offering information and resources for miscarriage support worldwide.Cruse Bereavement Support: cruse.org.uk – One of the UK’s leading charities offering grief support through one-on-one sessions, helplines, and local groups.The Good Grief Trust: thegoodgrieftrust.org – Provides resources and connections to support groups and services across the UK for people experiencing all types of grief.Mind (Grief and Loss): mind.org.uk – Information and support on how grief affects mental health, with guidance on accessing further help.GriefShare: griefshare.org – A global network of grief recovery support groups to help those experiencing loss.The Compassionate Friends: compassionatefriends.org – Provides support for families after the loss of a child, with chapters around the world.Refuge in Grief: refugeingrief.com – Offers online resources, support programs, and community spaces to help people through the grieving process.

    49 min
  5. 10/24/2024

    Leading Through Hidden Struggles: Mental Health & ADHD

    In this candid conversation on Fearless Fireside Chats, we explore what many people carry silently: living with ADHD, cultural expectations and the pressure to perform. Our guest Mel opens up about her journey and how owning the unspoken shaped her path. Join us as we unpack: • Why mental health and neurodiversity matter in leadership and growth • Navigating cultural silence and identity when you feel different • Practical reflections: how to lead yourself when no one else sees the struggle Tune in for a candid conversation that encourages us all to redefine our mental health narratives, embrace vulnerability, and build a world where mental well-being is a right, not a luxury. Please feel free to leave feedback, and also give it a thumbs up if you like it, share it, and do not forget to subscribe. You can also find me on TikTok Instagram Website Looking for more support - you can always drop me a message but here are some useful websites: Mind: A leading mental health charity that provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Samaritans: Offers a free 24/7 helpline for anyone in emotional distress or crisis, providing confidential support.  Rethink Mental Illness: Provides advice, information, and support for people affected by mental illness, including a helpline and local services. NHS Mental Health Services: Offers information on mental health conditions, treatments, and where to find help in the NHS. ADHD Foundation: A charity dedicated to supporting individuals with ADHD, providing resources, guidance, and information on ADHD management. Calm Harm (App): A free app designed to help people manage self-harm urges. Headspace (App): Offers guided meditation and mindfulness practices to support mental well-being. BetterHelp (Online Therapy): Provides online therapy with licensed therapists, accessible globally. Talkspace (Online Therapy): An online platform connecting users with licensed therapists for mental health support. 7 Cups (Online Support): Provides free online chat support and therapy services for mental health issues.

    59 min
  6. 10/10/2024

    How to Challenge Microaggressions and Build Inclusive Teams

    Join us for another episode of Fearless Fireside Chats where we dive into an unfiltered, unapologetic conversation with ⁠Pavneet Khurana⁠, an organisational psychologist. We discuss the impact of microaggressions in the workplace, the power of self-awareness, and the importance of inclusive environments. You'll hear powerful stories and insights on navigating identity, cultural differences, and the generational gaps in understanding. Don't forget to subscribe for more fearless conversations. On this episode of Fearless Fireside Chats, we talk with organisational psychologist Pavneet Khurana about the subtle biases many professionals face, and how confronting them is actually a leadership act. What happens when you challenge culture instead of adapting to it? In this episode learn: • The impact of microaggressions on performance, identity and culture • Why self-leadership begins with awareness of your own assumptions • How inclusive leadership builds stronger, more resilient teams 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:15 Meet Pavneet: Today's Guest 01:48 Understanding Microaggressions 02:46 Impact of Microaggressions in the Workplace 11:41 Leadership and Self-Awareness 20:12 Navigating Identity and Authenticity at Work 21:37 A Personal Story: The Name Change 24:00 Exploring Identity Through Names 25:01 Generational Differences in Naming 27:57 The Challenge of Authenticity at Work 32:05 Creating Inclusive Work Environments 37:36 Therapy and Generational Trauma 39:48 Bridging Generational Gaps 44:44 Reflecting on Parental Sacrifices 47:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    48 min

About

The world’s moving fast and staying relevant means learning to lead yourself first. Fearless Fireside Chats is the podcast for ambitious, curious minds who want to grow with courage and clarity. Hosted by Ramiya Sivakumaran, VP of Marketing & Communications, each episode explores fearless questions around leadership, identity, ambition, resilience and thriving through change - at work and in life. Whether you’re leading teams or leading yourself, this podcast will help you: 👉🏾 Build clarity in a noisy world 👉🏾 Strengthen your mindset through change 👉🏾 Redefine success on your own term