South Asian Success

About South Asian Success

South Asian Success is a podcast celebrating the stories, experiences, and journeys of South Asian professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, and changemakers who are building meaningful careers and businesses on their own terms. Hosted by Parul L. Bhandari, author, speaker, and experience consultant, the podcast explores career growth, entrepreneurship, leadership, identity, culture, inclusion, community, and the experiences that shape South Asian success. @Parul Bhandari Author (https://www.instagram.com/parul_bhandari_author) Through honest conversations with inspiring professionals, founders, creatives, and thought leaders, South Asian Success highlights diverse perspectives and the lessons behind building successful and fulfilling lives while staying connected to culture and community. Our goal is to create a space where South Asian voices, experiences, and ideas are heard, shared, and celebrated while exploring how we can learn from one another and create opportunities for collective growth. Whether you're interested in South Asian entrepreneurship, career development, leadership, personal growth, business, diversity and inclusion, or inspiring real-world stories, South Asian Success brings you conversations designed to educate, inspire, and empower. Parul L. Bhandari is an Author and Speaker, and CEO of CustomerXSuccess you can find out more about her at www.parullbhandari.com (http://www.parullbhandari.com) Follow South Asian Success for conversations with professionals, entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders making an impact across communities and industries. Follow South Asian Success and join the conversation: YouTube: @South_Asian_Success (https://www.youtube.com/@South_Asian_Success) Instagram: @southasiansuccess (https://www.instagram.com/southasiansuccess) TikTok: @southasiansuccess (https://www.tiktok.com/@southasiansuccess) Subscribe, follow, and stay connected for new podcast episodes, clips, and inspiring conversations.

Publisher

South Asian Success

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Mar 2026

Latest episode

28 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Oct 2026

   How Diwali in America Has Become a Cultural and Commercial Festival

   Diwali is no longer just a traditional festival celebrated at home. It has become a major cultural celebration across America, bringing together communities, businesses, and generations. In this special episode of South Asian Success, host Parul Bhandari explores how Diwali has evolved from intimate family traditions into a widely recognized celebration in the United States. From Diwali decorations at Target, Walmart, and Costco to celebrations in schools, museums, and communities, we explore how South Asian culture is becoming increasingly visible in American life. We also dive into the growing Diwali economy, how major retailers are recognizing the purchasing power of South Asian consumers, and how small businesses, designers, and creators are building opportunities around this festive season. ✨ In This Episode, You'll Discover: 🪔 How Diwali became America's new Christmas 🛍️ Why major brands and retailers are embracing Diwali 💰 The growing Diwali economy and South Asian buying power 🌎 How Diwali celebrations are expanding across the United States 🎨 The importance of supporting South Asian creators and small businesses 📚 Why preserving traditions matters for future generations ❤️ How food, family, and cultural identity keep Diwali meaningful 🪔 TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS 00:00 – Hook: How Diwali Became America's New Christmas 00:18 – South Asian Success Intro 01:15 – Welcome to the Diwali Special Episode 02:15 – The Meaning and History of Diwali 04:00 – How Diwali Celebrations Have Changed in America 06:00 – The Rise of the Diwali Economy 08:00 – Why Major Brands Are Embracing Diwali 10:00 – The Growing Power of South Asian Consumers 11:15 – Sponsored Message 12:45 – Diwali Traditions: Then vs. Now 14:30 – How Diwali Became Part of American Culture 16:30 – The Importance of Supporting South Asian Businesses 18:30 – Preserving Diwali Traditions for Future Generations 20:30 – Food, Family & Cultural Identity 22:00 – The Future of Diwali in America End – Final Thoughts & Outro Diwali is more than lights, gifts, and shopping. It's about celebrating our heritage, sharing our culture, and passing our traditions on to the next generation. As Parul reminds us, we didn't make Diwali less Indian. We made America love Diwali. If you enjoyed this episode, LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to South Asian Success for more inspiring conversations about South Asian culture, entrepreneurship, identity, and success. This podcast episode is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess. We're building customer experience and building better businesses. www.customerxsuccess.com (http://www.customerxsuccess.com) 💬 Join the Conversation: How has your Diwali celebration changed over the years? Share your favorite traditions in the comments! #Diwali2026 #SouthAsianSuccess #DiwaliInAmerica #DiwaliCelebration #SouthAsianCulture #DiwaliEconomy #IndianAmerican #FestivalOfLights #CulturalIdentity #ParulBhandari

2. 

   21 Oct 2026

   What It's Really Like to Be a Food and Travel Creator with Sapna Dalal of Vegetarian

   In this episode of the South Asian Success Podcast, host Parul Bhandari sits down with Sapna, the creator behind Vegetourist, to explore her inspiring 14 year journey from starting a vegetarian travel blog to building a recognizable food and travel brand. 👤 ABOUT THE GUEST: Sapna Dalal Sapna shares how her passion for helping vegetarians find great food around the world evolved into restaurant partnerships, travel collaborations, and opportunities to work with brands. She opens up about the reality of content creation, the effort behind producing engaging reels, and why authenticity matters more than ever in the creator economy. 🔗 CONNECT WITH SEEMA Website: Website (https://vegetariantourist.com/) Instagram: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vegtourist/?hl=en) They also discuss growing a loyal audience, navigating changing social media algorithms, knowing when to turn down brand partnerships, and staying true to your values while building a business. Whether you're an aspiring content creator, entrepreneur, foodie, or someone passionate about travel, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a brand around what you love. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode How Sapna turned her passion for vegetarian food and travel into a content creation career. How food creators attract brand collaborations and decide which partnerships to accept. Why authenticity and audience trust are essential for long-term success. The behind-the-scenes work involved in creating professional social media content. How changing Instagram algorithms affect creators and their businesses. Why understanding your audience and identifying your niche matters. Practical advice for aspiring content creators starting with a small following. How food, culture, and family traditions shape personal identity. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 00:00 – Opening Hook / Episode Highlights 00:25 – South Asian Success Podcast Intro 01:15 – Meet Sapna: The Creator Behind Vegetourist 02:16 – How Sapna Started Her Food & Travel Journey 03:48 – Challenges of Traveling as a Vegetarian 06:02 – The Turning Point in Growing Her Audience 07:42 – Why Authenticity Matters in Content Creation 09:15 – How to Get Brand Partnerships and Collaborations 11:21 – Behind the Scenes of Content Creation 14:13 – Instagram Trends and Changing Algorithms 16:39 – Building an Audience Across Different Communities 19:31 – What Brands Get Wrong When Approaching Creators 21:12 – Advice for Aspiring Content Creators 23:30 – Vegetarian Thanksgiving and Family Traditions 25:31 – Celebrating Culture Through Food 26:32 – What's Next for Sapna and Vegetourist 27:38 – Final Thoughts and Podcast Outro This podcast episode is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess. We're building customer experience and building better businesses. www.customerxsuccess.com (http://www.customerxsuccess.com) 📌 Subscribe to South Asian Success and join us as we explore the stories, journeys, and people redefining what success can look like. #SouthAsianSuccess #ParulBhandari #Vegetourist #ContentCreator #FoodBlogger #SouthAsianEntrepreneurs #CreatorEconomy #FoodAndTravel #PersonalBranding #WomenEntrepreneurs #VegetarianTravel #Podcast

3. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Women Should NOT Stay Quiet at Work: How to Find Your Voice with Seema Bhansali

   #WomenInLeadership #FindYourVoice #HitTheBuzzer Women stay quiet more often than men. Why? For fear of being labeled as aggressive or insensitive. But this has to change. In this episode of South Asian Success, Parul L. Bhandari sits down with Seema Bhansali, former Chief of Staff to a U.S. Congressman, former VP of Employee Experience at a Fortune 500 company, and author of the upcoming book "Hit the Buzzer". Seema shares her journey from pre-med to religious studies to law school, from Congress to corporate boardrooms, and why she believes confidence is the end result, not the starting point, of finding your voice. 👤 ABOUT THE GUEST: SEEMA BHANSALI Seema Bhansali's path to becoming one of Corporate America's most distinctive voices began with a bachelor's degree in religious studies and a law degree, an unusual combination that gave her both the intellectual framework to understand systems and the human lens to understand their impact on people. 🔗 CONNECT WITH SEEMA Website: Website (https://www.seemabhansali.com/) LinkedIn: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/seema-bhansali-esq-principal/) Book: Hit the Buzzer anticipated 2027 💡 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - Why women stay quiet at work and why it's not a confidence problem - How early messaging (movies, books, culture) teaches girls that using their voice is risky - What "Good Indian Girl" conditioning does to South Asian women, and how to unlearn it - The "Silence Tax": what companies lose when voices aren't heard - How to build an "open voice" culture: meetings, speaker selection, public speaking support - Seema's mantra for fear and imposter syndrome: you either do the thing or you learn ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Hook 0:35 Welcome to South Asian Success Season 2 1:25 Meet Seema Bhansali 2:34 From pre-med to religious studies to law school 2:53 Working for a Member of Congress 4:05 Joining a Fortune 500 company ("Nobody looks like me") 5:48 Why Seema's parents encouraged risk-taking 9:05 Why she wrote "Hit the Buzzer" 11:39 Why confidence isn't the first step 13:20 Unlearning the "Good Indian Girl" messaging 14:30 Be careful what influences you take in 16:49 Entrepreneurship, writing and imposter syndrome 19:41 Fear, purpose and why Seema keeps going 23:01 The Silence Tax and open voice cultures 26:31 Fashion moment: the suit jacket with a sari 27:26 Where to find Seema and her book club 28:52 Outro This podcast episode is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess. We're building customer experience and building better businesses. www.customerxsuccess.com (http://www.customerxsuccess.com) 📌 Subscribe to South Asian Success and join us as we explore the stories, journeys, and people redefining what success can look like. #SouthAsianSuccess #WomenInLeadership #FindYourVoice #SeemaBhansali #HitTheBuzzer #SouthAsianWomen

4. 

   7 Oct 2026

   One story, one idea is all it takes | Welcome to South Asian Success Season 2

   #SouthAsianSuccess #SouthAsianPodcast #SuccessStories Welcome to Season 2 of South Asian Success. This season, Parul Bhandari is going beyond the surface to explore the real stories behind success, the risks people took, the pivots they made, the doubts they faced, the lessons they learned, and the moments that changed everything. South Asian Success was created to connect people with inspiring creators, founders, writers, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and community builders who are carving their own paths. Season 2 takes those conversations even deeper, bringing in more diverse stories, new perspectives, and topics that often don’t get talked about enough. Parul also shares a little of her own journey, including the launch of her new book, Good Brown Girls, and why trying something new often means leaning on community, resources, and the people around us. Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, writing a book, building a creative career, exploring a new path, or simply looking for inspiration to take your next step, this season is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why South Asian Success was created and the mission behind the podcast What makes Season 2 different from Season 1 Why sharing diverse South Asian stories and experiences matters How community and the right resources can help you take your next step Why success can look completely different for different people What Parul learned while stepping into a new creative journey with Good Brown Girls What to expect from Season 2, including the risks, pivots, doubts, lessons, and stories behind the success Timestamps 00:00 – 00:35 – Opening Hook 00:35 – 01:25 – South Asian Success Season 2 Intro 01:25 – 04:25 – Why South Asian Success Was Created & What Season 2 Brings 04:25 – 05:25 – Going Deeper: Stories, Risks, Pivots & Lessons 05:25 – 06:35 – Inspiration, Community & Taking Your Next Step 06:35 – 07:02 – Sponsor Message – CustomerXSuccess 07:02 – 07:32 – Closing Message & Outro This podcast episode is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess. We're building customer experience and building better businesses. www.customerxsuccess.com Subscribe to South Asian Success and join us as we explore the stories, journeys, and people redefining what success can look like. #SouthAsianSuccess #SouthAsianPodcast #SuccessStories #Entrepreneurship #SouthAsianCommunity

5. 

   12 Aug 2026

   Ep 13 - Infertility, Motherhood and Breaking Generational Trauma | Julie Pandya Patel

   #Infertility #SouthAsianWomen #GenerationalTrauma From infertility and motherhood to becoming an author, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s voices, Julie Patel shares the powerful story behind her journey. In this episode of South Asian Success, Parul Bhandari sits down with Julie Patel to talk about infertility, the pressure of silence around difficult conversations in South Asian families, motherhood, writing, representation, entrepreneurship, and breaking generational trauma. Julie Bio:- Julie opens up about her personal fertility journey, why she decided to share her experience publicly, and how her story eventually inspired her memoir What Will Be. She also shares how her daughter’s experiences inspired their children’s book Dear Friend, and why representation of South Asian characters in books matters. Julie Website:-    Website (https://juliepandyapatel.com/) Julie Book:-   Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/stores/Julie-Pandya-Patel/author/B09786GDS7?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&shoppingPortalEnabled=true) Julie Instagram:-  Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/juliepandyapatel/) What You’ll Learn: Julie Patel’s journey through infertility and motherhood Why infertility was difficult to discuss in South Asian families How sharing personal experiences can help others feel less alone The story behind Julie’s memoir, What Will Be How motherhood inspired her journey as an author The inspiration behind Dear Friend Why representation matters for South Asian children How Julie is working to break generational trauma Her transition from finance to entrepreneurship and fashion Why communication with children is so important Julie’s message for raising confident, kind, and brave girls How creativity, books, and storytelling can create change ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:24 – Julie Patel’s Journey Begins 02:45 – Marriage, Fertility & Starting a Family 03:37 – Struggling With Infertility 05:00 – Writing Through Her Fertility Journey 06:00 – From Journaling to Becoming an Author 07:22 – The Journey Behind Dear Friend 08:21 – Talking About Infertility in South Asian Families 09:03 – Miscarriage, Isolation & Breaking the Silence 11:25 – Why South Asian Families Avoid Difficult Conversations 12:12 – The Importance of Sharing Your Story 13:01 – Breaking Generational Patterns 13:32 – How Dear Friend Was Born 16:27 – Helping Children Process Their Emotions 18:23 – Communication & Raising Emotionally Strong Children 19:48 – Breaking Generational Trauma 21:27 – Why South Asian Representation Matters 23:48 – Julie’s Fashion & Entrepreneurial Journey 25:31 – Leaving Finance & Following Her Passion 27:18 – Building Her Fashion Boutique 28:59 – Honoring Culture Through Fashion 30:07 – Julie’s Message to the World 30:23 – Raising the Next Generation 31:22 – Her Father’s Legacy & Strength 32:32 – Using Social Media for Purpose 33:49 – Grief, Growth & Moving Forward 35:08 – Julie’s Final Thoughts 35:40 – Where to Find Julie’s Books 36:03 – Closing

6. 

   29 Jul 2026

   Ep 12 - From Immigrant Kid to Stanford PhD & Professor with Dr. Vijay Mehrotra

   #FailureToSuccess #Resilience #ImmigrantStory #CareerAdvice In this inspiring episode of South Asian Success, Dr. Vijay Mehrotra shares his incredible journey from growing up as one of the few South Asian families in America, facing racism and bullying, to becoming a Stanford PhD, entrepreneur, professor, and founder of the world's first MBA Customer Success program. This conversation explores how failure, resilience, mentorship, identity, and courage shaped his life and career. If you're navigating career uncertainty, balancing family expectations, or trying to find your own path, this episode is for you. Guest Bio: Dr. Vijay Mehrotra is a Professor of Analytics at the University of San Francisco and a globally recognized expert in analytics, AI, and Customer Success Management. A former tech CEO and business analytics executive, he has spent over 20 years helping organizations turn data into real business value. Named one of the Top 100 Customer Success Strategists in 2023, he holds a PhD from Stanford University and has published research in leading journals, including Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review. Vijay Website:                 Website (https://www.predictiveanalyticsworld.com/sanfrancisco/2011/speakers.php)     Website (https://www.usfca.edu/faculty/vijay-mehrotra)Vijay Linkedin:                    Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/) What You'll Learn ✔️ How racism shaped Dr. Vijay's childhood ✔️ Why failure is the biggest teacher for success ✔️ How immigrant parents influence career choices ✔️ The importance of mentors in your life ✔️ From Stanford PhD to entrepreneur and professor ✔️ Why your career doesn't have to be linear ✔️ Building confidence despite rejection ✔️ How to redefine success on your own terms ✔️ Advice every South Asian student and professional should hear ✔️ Why resilience matters more than perfection Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meet Dr. Vijay Mehrotra 02:26 His father's immigration journey 06:15 Growing up with racism in America 09:04 Finding identity and confidence 11:30 Choosing an unexpected career path 15:15 From Stanford PhD to entrepreneurship 20:18 Building the world's first Customer Success MBA program 27:30 Challenges and lessons from leadership 30:10 Why failure is the secret to success 32:30 Redefining success for the next generation 34:13 Final thoughts -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This podcast is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess, a consultancy which helps drive Company Growth through a focus on Customer Success. Follow along at http://www.customerxsuccess.com (http://www.customerxsuccess.com) #SouthAsianSuccess #DrVijayMehrotra #SuccessMindset #FailureToSuccess #Resilience #ImmigrantStory #CareerAdvice #Leadership #Entrepreneur #Podcast

7. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Ep 11 - Modern Medicine plus Ancient Wisdom can Optimize your Health with Dr.Keshav Grover

   #Health #Wellness #FunctionalMedicine #IntegrativeMedicine Discover how to build a healthier, happier life by combining the power of ancient wisdom with modern medicine in this inspiring conversation with Dr. Keshav Grover, an expert in Integrative & Functional Medicine. In this episode of South Asian Success, Dr. Keshav Grover shares practical strategies to improve your health, increase longevity, prevent disease, and create sustainable daily habits that actually work. From nutrition and exercise to sleep, mindfulness, wellness routines, and preventive healthcare, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Guest Bio:- Dr. Keshav Grover, DO, MS, IFMCP, is the founder of Aesthetica, PLLC d/b/a Grover Health and Aesthetics and Grover Health and Wellness, PLLC. He is a physician, keynote speaker, and champion of functional/integrative medicine and of eating a whole foods, plant-based diet. He has spoken to leading organizations including Penske Automotive, Detroit Athletic Club, Farbman Realty, the Plant Based Nutrition Support Group, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. He has been featured on CBS and Fox News as a wellness expert. Wellness bridge Book:               Wellness bridge Book (https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/inspirational-and-self-help/self-help/wellness-bridge/) Dr. Keshav Grover Website:         Dr. Keshav Grover Website (https://groverhealth.com/)Dr. Keshav Grover Instagram:      Dr. Keshav Grover Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/groverhealth/) In the news: http://www.publishersweekly.com/9798891386327 (http://www.publishersweekly.com/9798891386327) 👇 What You'll Learn: The difference between modern medicine and functional medicine Why prevention is better than treatment Ancient wellness practices backed by science The biggest health mistakes people make How nutrition becomes medicine Daily habits that improve long-term health Why movement and exercise matter at every age The importance of sleep, mindfulness, and stress management How to build a wellness routine you'll actually stick to The secret to healthy aging and longevity Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Meet Dr. Keshav Grover 01:00 Why He Wrote Wellness Bridge 02:45 The Philosophy of Living Well 05:35 Growing Up with Ancient & Modern Medicine 13:05 Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Healthcare 17:58 Fitness & Movement for a Longer Life 24:08 Food as Medicine 29:03 Why Dr. Grover Wrote This Book 34:05 The Biggest Health Misconceptions 37:20 Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways —------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 (http://www.customerxsuccess.com)#Health #Wellness #FunctionalMedicine #IntegrativeMedicine #HealthyLiving #Longevity #Nutrition #FoodAsMedicine #Mindfulness #HealthyHabits #SouthAsianSuccess #DrKeshavGrover #Podcast #HealthPodcast #SelfImprovement

8. 

   1 Jul 2026

   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 (https://www.shopatsukoon.com/) Evgenia instagram     Kanika Batra (https://www.instagram.com/kanika_batra08/) 👇 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 Timestamps 00:00 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 (http://www.customerxsuccess.com) #KanikaBatra #Sukoon #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusiness #FounderStory #Startup #BusinessSuccess #SouthAsianSuccess #PurposeDrivenBusiness #ImmigrantSuccess #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #Motivation #SuccessStory

9. 

   17 Jun 2026

   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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/urvi-shah-624a4b12/) • Website:                           Inner Serenity Life Coaching (https://www.innerserenitylifecoaching.com/) • Instagram:                        Urvi Shah (https://www.instagram.com/innerserenitylc/?hl=en) • Book on Amazon:           Soul Diaries Urvi Shah (https://www.amazon.com/Soul-FULL-Motherhood-Journey-Divine/dp/B0DXD4J992) 🔥 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 (http://www.customerxsuccess.com)

10. 

    3 Jun 2026

    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 (http://www.theoverachievehers.com)Ash Linkedin:                    Linkedin (http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashgrewal) Follow on Instagram:     Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the_ashgrewal/) What You’ll Learn How Ash built a community that reached 10 million people in just 6 months The real challenges of being a South Asian woman in corporate tech Moving from burnout and identity crisis to building a purpose-driven portfolio career Why community > competition for high achieving women Navigating cultural identity, mentorship, and the “young brown woman” bucket Practical advice on balance, somatic practices, and making aligned decisions The importance of persistence and follow-up in your career Timestamps 00:00 - 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 (http://www.customerxsuccess.com)

11. 

    20 May 2026

    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 (https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09PJQ9YZY) Mrinal Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrinal-gokhale-14a19b46 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrinal-gokhale-14a19b46) Follow Mrinal on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/mrinalg_/ (https://www.instagram.com/mrinalg_/) What You’ll Learn: How to embrace a multi-hyphenate career without guilt or imposter syndrome The reality of entrepreneurship vs full-time job (honest pros & cons) Why South Asian mental health conversations are finally changing How writing and storytelling can become powerful tools for healing and advocacy Practical advice for budding authors and entrepreneurs Overcoming fear, stigma, and family pressure Timestamps: 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 (http://www.customerxsuccess.com) #MultiHyphenate #SouthAsianMentalHealth #BreakingTaboos #MentalHealthMatters #MrinalGokhale #SouthAsianSuccess #WomenEntrepreneurs #GenerationalTrauma #ImposterSyndrome #Entrepreneurship #TabooBook #DesiMentalHealth #MultiHyphenateLife #Podcast #SouthAsianPodcast

12. 

    6 May 2026

    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 passion Transition from sourcing to original design & made to order model Balancing pop ups, production timelines & customization Finding the right audience (millennials & Gen Z who want fusion wear) Handling tariffs, shipping delays & difficult customers Power of community, networking & influencer collaborations Future plans with big retailers like Nordstrom Guest 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 Reveal 00:41 - Journey of Kaira Kollection & Inspiration from Daughter Kyra 02:36 - From Sourcing Designs to Creating Originals 03:11 - Made to Order Model & Pop up Strategy 06:00 - Plans for Big Retailers (Nordstrom & more) 07:50 - Production, Timelines & Scaling Team 09:39 - Customization Process & Customer Expectations 11:32 - Challenges with Festivals, Delays & Communication 15:09 - Handling Tariffs & Absorbing Extra Costs 19:10 - Finding the Right Audience & Shifting from Indian Melas to Fusion Events 25:33 - Community, Collaborations & Influencer Love (Nisha from Love Mirch, Mama Jot’s, etc.) 28:40 - Advice for New Designers & Small Brands 33:45 - Upcoming Events & Closing 🔗 Shop Kaira Kollection: Website: https://kairakollection.com/ (https://kairakollection.com/) Follow Neetika & Kaira Kollection: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kairakollection.in/ (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 (http://www.customerxsuccess.com) #SouthAsianFashion #KairaKollection #FusionWear #IndianFashionDesigner #BlockPrintFashion #DesiFashion #CultureLedFashion #SouthAsianSuccess #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusinessStory #DesiEntrepreneur #MadeToOrderFashion #ChicagoFashion #IndianBlockPrint #ModernIndianWear #NeetikaGupta #ParulBhandari

13. 

    4 May 2026

    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 Executive They 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) https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/ivwwc3e8ss9s (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 (http://www.customerxsuccess.com) #AIinTech #AIAdoption #AAPINH #SouthAsianSuccess #AILeadership #TechLeadership #AI2026 #AIPanel #SouthAsianTech #LeadershipLessons #AIGovernance #AIForBusiness #WomenInAI #LeadershipLessons #HeritageMonth #AIRisks #AILeadership

14. 

    22 Apr 2026

    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 COVID Overcoming scarcity mindset and comparison in the South Asian creative community Shifting from niche South Asian clients to working with diverse businesses Charging fairly, saying yes to everything early on, and learning to take breaks The power of community, accountability partners, and genuine outreach Finding 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/ (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 (http://www.customerxsuccess.com) #SouthAsianSuccess #ZenabKashif #ZKCaptures #FreelanceBusiness #CreativeEntrepreneur #ScarcityToAbundance #SouthAsianFreelancer #DesiEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #PhotographyAndDesign #FreelanceTips

15. 

    8 Apr 2026

    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 businesses Engaging students in real-world business challenges and ensuring business success Skill Development is gained on both sides Chapters 00:00 Introduction to i3 Competition 07:04 Impact of the Pandemic on Initiatives 15:07 Focus on Underrepresented Businesses 22:02 Global Reach and Partnerships 32:36 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/ (https://www.i3competition.com/) #studentinternships #businessgrowth #businessimpact #studentemployment

16. 

    25 Mar 2026

    Episode 3 - Building and scaling a passion-driven business with Akruti Babaria of Kulture Khazana

    This conversation with Akruti, the founder of Kulture Khazana, delves into the journey of her business, from its inception to its growth and expansion. Akruthi shares insights on understanding customer personas, overcoming obstacles with persistence, and the evolution of her business model. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced and the strategies employed to adapt to market changes and scale the business. Takeaways Overcoming obstacles with persistence Understanding customer personas and adapting to market changes About Kulture Khazana (https://kulturekhazana.com/) Kulture Khazana is the first South Asian cultural toy brand on a mission to make representation mainstream. Founded by a mom who couldn’t find toys or books that reflected her heritage for her son, we create hands-on products that celebrate Indian festivals, stories, and traditions in a way that’s playful, educational, and made for every family. South Asian Success is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess. (www.customerxsuccess.com) #southasiansuccess #buildingwithpurpose #passiondriven #southasian #toys

17. 

    18 Mar 2026

    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 help Addressing mental health gaps in the South Asian community came from the community Creativity as a form of mental health support can help individuals feel fulfulled Community building through events and purpose Chapters 00:00 Empowering South Asian Success 05:24 Identifying Mental Health Gaps 12:13 Addressing Burnout and Fatigue 17:29 Re-Educating and Learning Tools 23:21 Investing in Creative Outlets 31:10 The Impact of Community Events on Mental Health Awareness About Brown Man Therapy (https://www.brownmantherapy.com/) 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 (www.customerxsuccess.com), building better experiences to drive business success. #mentalhealth #culturalstigma #creativity #burnout

18. 

    11 Mar 2026

    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 resistance The importance of mentorship and learning When art influences life About Pothik: Website: www.pothikchatterjee.com (http://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 (http://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 (http://www.customerxsuccess.com). Driving business growth through a focus on customers, experience and talent. #southasiansuccess #artcareers #multihyphenate #careers #creativity

19. 

    5 Mar 2026

    Episode 0 - Why South Asian Success

    In this short episode, Parul introduces the South Asian Success series and discusses her purpose in creating a space for the South Asian experience. She emphasizes community building and the aim to inspire and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Takeaways South Asian experience and why we are highlighting it Community building is key - www.southasiansuccess.com (http://www.southasiansuccess.com) Call for speakers - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfU3qaKi2BxAZE3gfDvwpphr9QpU6loj2eJDa3sTdLdBVN8UA/viewform?usp=dialog (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfU3qaKi2BxAZE3gfDvwpphr9QpU6loj2eJDa3sTdLdBVN8UA/viewform?usp=dialog) South Asian Success is sponsored by CustomerXSuccess-  a Customer Experience and Customer Success-focused consultancy. We help companies define their customer journeys, drive value creation and retention, and realize organic growth. Reach out to discuss ways we can work with you!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact South Asian Success

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.