The Impressive Empress Podcast

Ep 32 : Resilience, Transformation & Purpose - with Preethi Srinivasan

This episode is a journey of spreading love, light and laughter in the world by our guest Preethi Srinivasan.
Preethi Srinivasan is a force of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Once a national-level swimmer and the youngest player on the Tamil Nadu Women's Cricket Team, her life took an unexpected turn when a freak accident left her paralyzed below the neck at 18. Refusing to be defined by her limitations, she emerged as a powerful advocate for disability rights, inclusivity, and empowerment. Armed with a B.Sc. in Medical Sociology and an M.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Madras, she is currently pursuing a PhD at IIT Madras. As the founder of Soulfree, she is changing lives, breaking barriers, and redefining possibilities for people with disabilities. A TEDx speaker and published author, she has been honored with the Kalpana Chawla Award for Courage and Daring Enterprise by the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Lions International and many many more..…. Having lost everything, Preethi has journeyed a full circle to become—The Cripple Who Is Whole.
In this conversation, we’ll explore what it takes Preethi to spread love, light and laughter..and do stay till the end to hear her special Women’s Day message.
 
You can read more about Preethi Srinivasan herehttps://bhogya.online/preethi-srinivasan/
 
We love to hear from you:
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a review and/or a rating. It would be very helpful for us and others who come here.
How do you like the show? We would love to hear from you on this
Would you like us to talk about anything specific, please feel free to let us know.
 
You can follow us on 
Spotify : https://spoti.fi/3y7t11y
iTunes : https://apple.co/3iT0rL1
Amazon Music : https://amzn.to/3Oh3LPb
JioSaavn : https://bit.ly/3BNwzIL
 

Ep. 31 Listening to the Inner Call: A Seeker's Transformation

Welcome to an inspiring episode of The Impressive Empress podcast, where we dive into the remarkable spiritual journey of DamodaraPriya Weber. Growing up in a quaint Swiss village, Damodara Priya felt a profound call to uncover the absolute truth, leading her to India and eventually into the path of Bhakti and leadership within ISKCON. Through her story, discover the power of following one's inner calling and embracing challenges to find deeper meaning and purpose. Join us as we explore what it means to live authentically, serve with devotion, and uplift others through shared wisdom. This episode is a testament to the courage of stepping beyond the conventional to seek a higher truth. Don't miss Damodara Priya's insights into trusting her super power and her unique leadership style that continues to inspire seekers worldwide.

Ep. 30 : Being Authentic, Resilient & Responsible - with Ami Ganatra

Ami Ganatra is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) and VJTI, Mumbai
She is the author of 3 bestselling books on Itihasa: Mahabharata Unravelled 1: Lesser Known Facets of a Well-known History, Mahabharata Unravelled II:The Dharma Discourses and Ramayana Unravelled: Lesser Known Facets of Rishi Valmiki's Epic. Her books are not retellings or imaginations, but an attempt to go back to the original Itihasa and present the story, learnings, and nuances for what they are, and make the epics accessible to all.
She is a devout yoga practitioner, a certified yoga instructor, and a student of Sanskrit and Indian knowledge systems. She has taught and spoken about Yoga, Itihasa, and Indic knowledge on multiple forums and has conducted workshops with students as well as working professionals, including in places such as VJTI, IIMA, IITs, Hong Kong University, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Tech, University of Texas at Dallas and many others in India and outside. She has also featured as a guest on multiple podcasts of following and repute. She is a proficient communicator in English, Hindi, and Gujarati and fairly decent in Marathi. She has also spoken on the TEDx platform. On the professional front, Ami has 15 years of experience as a business strategist and management consultant working and living across four continents and multiple countries with MNCs such as Infosys, Bain, BASF, and Bridgespan. Now she is dedicated full-time to studying and sharing treasures from the vast and profound Indic wisdom traditions.
What sets Ami apart is not just her storytelling but the authenticity and courage she brings to it. She reclaims the nuances of ancient narratives while staying deeply connected to her voice, even when it challenges conventional interpretations.
Ami’s work is rooted in purpose and passion—showing how these timeless stories can guide us in our own lives. With her unique blend of knowledge, empathy, and individuality, she inspires her readers to explore not just the depth of these epics but also their true meaning and the enduring values they hold for humanity.
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Ami shares her transformative journey from a successful corporate career to embracing storytelling rooted in Indian heritage. She discusses the challenges and self-doubt faced during this transition, emphasizing the importance of courage and resilience. The conversation delves into the mission of connecting with Indian culture through storytelling, the significance of authenticity, and the lessons of empowerment found in ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Do make sure to listen in till the end as she talks about some exhilarating stuff.
Feel free to jump to any section you may find interesting...
Chapters
00:00 From Corporate to Storytelling: A Journey of Transformation08:15 Navigating Challenges: The Transition to Independence12:41 Courage and Resilience: Finding Strength in Change16:20 Understanding Identity: The Quest for Cultural Roots23:25 Authenticity in Storytelling: Balancing Tradition and Modernity28:14 The Price of Authenticity: Navigating Public Perception34:06 The Responsibility of Storytelling38:01 Lessons from Ancient Texts43:58 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth50:20 Empowerment in Ancient Epics55:56 Redefining Success59:24 Rapid Fire Insights
You can read more about Ami Ganatra herehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ami-ganatra-910a7b4/
 
We love to hear from you:
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a review and/or a rating. It would be very helpful for us and others who come here.
How do you like the show? We would love to hear from you on this. To know that the content is resonating with our audience can inspire me to continue creating high-quality episodes. So looking forward to seeing some stars. 
Would you like us to discuss about anything specific with our next guest, please feel free to let us know.
 
Follow us on:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
JioSaavn
 
 
 
 

Ep 29 : The Power of Questions, Motivation & Spirituality with Ananthalakshmi Adinarayanan

In this empowering episode, we explore the profound Power of Questions with Matrushree Ananthalakshmi Adinarayanan, co-founder of the Anaadi Foundation and Dharma Gurukulam. A trailblazer in spirituality and education, Matrushree unpacks how asking the right questions can fuel inner motivation, unlock self-discovery, and deepen our connection to spirituality—all essential in nurturing empowered women.
We discuss how women can harness the inner journey to build resilience, uncover their unique strengths, and transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Matrushree shares her insights on finding purpose, tapping into one’s full potential, and cultivating the confidence needed to lead fulfilling lives. She also speaks about spirituality as a source of strength, helping women overcome societal expectations and connect with their true selves.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores how questions, self-exploration, and spirituality can guide women toward empowerment. Whether you’re a seeker, a leader, or a woman striving to embrace her fullest self, this episode offers insights and motivation to enrich your journey and live authentically with strength and purpose.
 
Join me in this conversation with Ananthalakshmi where she talks about Power of Questions, Motivation & Spirituality and more.
 
You can read more about Ananthalakshmi herehttps://x.com/Maatrushree
 
We love to hear from you:
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a review and/or a rating. It would be very helpful for us and others who come here.
How do you like the show? We would love to hear from you on this. To know that the content is resonating with our audience can inspire me to continue creating high-quality episodes. So looking forward to seeing some stars. 
Would you like us to discuss about anything specific with our next guest, please feel free to let us know.
 
Follow with us on:
SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon Podcasts
 
 
 

Ep. 28 Power of Intent, Community & Purpose with Madhura Dasgupta Sinha

In this episode, we bring to you an incredibly inspiring guest who is reshaping the landscape of leadership, empowerment, and women's participation in the workforce.
Our guest is Madhura DasGupta Sinha, the dynamic Founder & CEO of Aspire For Her. This unique startup is dedicated to motivating women to enter and stay in the workforce, unleashing their potential and contributing to a trillion-dollar boost in the Indian economy. With a robust career spanning 25 years in banking, including leadership roles at IDFC, Standard Chartered, and ANZ Grindlays Bank, Madhura brings a wealth of experience and insight. She holds an MBA from XLRI and a degree in Electrical Engineering from Jadavpur University, and she was one of the 12 women in India to be awarded the prestigious British Chevening Scholarship in 2003.
Since its inception on Women’s Day in 2020, Aspire For Her has rapidly grown into a global movement. With a vibrant community of members, supporters, and mentors, this initiative is making headlines and earning accolades from UN Women, T-Hub, NDTV, the International Advertising Association, and more. Aspire For Her is also proudly part of the first-ever cohort of Women Founders launched by Google India.
Today, we’ll be discussing with Madhura the power of purpose, transforming mindsets, the secrets behind building trust within a community while maintaining work-life balance. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills, gain inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey, or understand the dynamics of community building, this episode is packed with valuable insights from an indian women leader who is creating a positive impact in the society.
 
Join me in this conversation with Madhura where she talks about Power of Intent, Community & Purpose and more.
 
You can read more about Madhura herehttps://aspireforher.com/about-us/
 
 
We love to hear from you:
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a review and/or a rating. It would be very helpful for us and others who come here.
How do you like the show? We would love to hear from you on this. To know that the content is resonating with our audience can inspire me to continue creating high-quality episodes. So looking forward to seeing some stars. 
Would you like us to discuss about anything specific with our next guest, please feel free to let us know.
 
Connect with us on:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
 
 
 
 

Ep. 27 Innovation, Creativity and Happiness with Prof. Dr. Bindu Menon

Prof. Bindu Menon is the Head of Department Apollo Hospitals Nellore, India. She has a teaching experience of 20 years, 98 publications, editor of two books and has 23 chapters to her credit.
 
She is the Secretary General of the Indian Epilepsy Association. She holds various positions like Research committee member of the World Stroke Organization; Asia Oceanic association of Neurology representative of the European Academy of Neurology Scientific Panel on Epilepsy; Special Group Neuroepidemiology, World Federation of Neurology; Associate Editor, Neurology section, Annals of Medicine, President, Outreach subsection Indian Academy ofNeurology, OneNeurology Ambassador, life time Network member of NCD Alliance.
She is a recipient of ILAE Leadership Program Award, World stroke award from the World Stroke Organization, Mridha Spirit of Neurology award, A.B. Baker Teacher award and Palatucci Leadership award from the American Academy of Neurology, National Indian Medical Association Doctors day award 2023 among others.
She has 8 fellowships from international and national organisations to her credit.
She founded Dr. Bindu Menon Foundation which has been instrumental in starting several novel projects for the first time in the country, “Neurology on wheels”, Tele awareness Programme, “Stroke help” app and Epilepsy help app.
Prof. Bindu Menon's contributions extend far beyond the confines of her hospital or academic institution, positively impacting healthcare delivery, research, and advocacy both nationally and internationally.
Join me in this conversation with Dr. Bindu Menon where she talks about Innovation, Creativity & Happiness and a lot more.
 
You can read more about Dr. Bindu Menon herehttps://bhogya.online/dr-bindu-menon/
 
We love to hear from you:
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a review and/or a rating. It would be very helpful for us and others who come here.
How do you like the show? We would love to hear from you on this
Would you like us to talk about anything specific, please feel free to let us know.
 
 

Ep 26 : Intention, Meditation & Manifestation with Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi Mohanty

Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi Mohanty is an institution builder, academician, public relations professional, author, and the biographer of 15th President of Bharat, Smt. Draupadi Murmu. Under guidance of her spiritual Master, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shanakar and as the first member, she is instrumental in establishment of Sri Sri University, the 1st private University enacted by the Government of Odisha. She was a school topper, university Gold medalist and is currently working as the Director, Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC), Head, Public Relations and Social Outreach at Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha.
 
With 22 years of teaching and administrative experience, she is also the Director of Sri Sri Advanced Global Centre for Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies. She has authored 50 research articles, three books, and more than 5000 Press releases. She has been guiding 7 doctoral research scholars.
 
She has convened three Government-sponsored National and International Conferences, and curated and conducted more than 100 Management/ Faculty Development Programmes for various cross-sections of professionals. She has been an Art of Living Life Skills and Meditation trainer since 2005 and completed 1,00,000 hours of training and teaching.
 
She is the recipient of several awards such as Navaratna Samman, Sebashree Samman, Makara Samman, etc.
 

Ep. 25 Creativity, Innovation & Perfection with Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh

Today it is my privilege to introduce to you a luminary in the world of melodic craftsmanship, a torchbearer for the Saraswathi Veena, India's National Instrument – Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh.
Her musical odyssey, spanning an impressive 38 years, is a testament to unwavering dedication and a profound connection with the rich heritage of classical Indian music. Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, a sixth-generation musician born into the illustrious Lalgudi family, commenced her journey at the tender age of three under the guidance of her mother, Smt. Lalgudi R. Rajalakshmi.
However, it was at the age of 13 that Dr. Jayanthi embarked on a transformative pilgrimage, leaving the comforts of home to immerse herself in the rigorous training of the Veena under the mentorship of Vidushi Padmavathy Ananthagopalan. This commitment extended for an astonishing 22 years, during which she not only honed her skills but also deepened her musical expertise, refining her technical prowess under the guidance of Veena Virtuoso Padma Bhushan Dr. S. Balachander.
Her insatiable thirst for knowledge led her to receive specialized training from illustrious maestros such as Shri. Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, Smt. T. Brinda, Shri. T. R. Subramaniam, and Shri. Thanjavur Shankara Iyer. Recognizing her exceptional talent, All India Radio awarded her the highest A-TOP grading, making her one of the youngest Veena artistes to achieve this distinction.
As a torchbearer of a musical legacy spanning six generations, Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh has dedicated her life to the Saraswathi Veena, showcasing its divine voice to audiences worldwide for over 38 years. Her collaborations with national and international artists have not only demonstrated the Veena's versatility but also highlighted her technical prowess, solidifying her status as a legendary Veena master.
Beyond her role as an artist, Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh is a composer, researcher, creator, pioneer, and educator. She holds the distinguished status of being an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and serves on the Academic Council at Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth and Shri Sathyasai University for Human Excellence.
Her commitment extends beyond performance and accolades. Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh has revolutionized teaching methods, leveraging technology to propagate the Veena tradition through her online academy and educational video series. She has taken the Veena to audiences across continents, fostering an interest in this traditional instrument, even among those unfamiliar with its divine resonance.
In recognition of her contributions, she is a recipient of the Kalaimamani award from the Government of Tamil Nadu and has been honored with the prestigious Award for Veena an astounding ten times by The Music Academy, Chennai, between 1990 and 2021.
Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh stands as a beacon of excellence, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries to preserve and propagate the voice of the Saraswathi Veena, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical Indian music.

Ep. 24 : Authentic Daring & Vulnerable with Deepa Narasimhan

Meet Deepa, a trailblazer in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, known for her strategic vision, impactful initiatives, and commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces.
 
With over 13 years of experience, Deepa's journey is not just about climbing the corporate ladder but about dismantling barriers, making real changes and paving pathways for others.
 
Starting off in Marketing & Internal communications, Deepa made a bold move into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Now, she's not just any strategist; she's the one who sits down with top leaders, working to make sure everyone feels valued and included in the workplace.
But here's what sets Deepa apart: she's not just focused on big corporate goals. She's out there, pushing for better opportunities for people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. She's launched cool projects like 'Redefine Abilities' and 'Diversity Recruitment' that aim to shake things up in a good way.
 
And she's not stopping there. Speaking at places like TEDx and other international forums, Deepa’s voice echoes as an accessibility evangelist, championing a world where inclusion isn't just a buzzword but a lived reality.
Honored with accolades like the 'Karnataka State Award' and the 'Helen Keller National Award,' she's more than a leader; she's an inspiration.
 
So…., let's celebrate Deepa—a visionary, a change-maker, and a living testament to the transformative power of inclusion as we embark on this journey today, where she’ll be talking to me about being Authentic Daring & Vulnerable, amongst many other things.

Ep. 23 - Creativity, Compassion & Commitment with Meera Nagarajan

Meera Nagarajan is the dynamic Managing Director and CEO of Kalyanamalai Private Limited. With an innate creative spirit, a drive for innovation, and an unyielding commitment to excellence, she revolutionized matchmaking services by bringing them to the visual medium of television through the Kalyanamalai program on SUN TV in 2000. Meera's visionary leadership has sustained the program's popularity for over 23 years, featuring insightful discussions, diverse speakers, and marriage seeker introductions. She also extends her expertise to exclusive events and digital content, all while balancing her corporate role with her roles as a homemaker and writer, making her a beacon of success and empowerment.