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Breaking down the true purpose of technology, being a woman in tech, and finding courage and peace in the light of incredibly difficult circumstances, we have Sehreen Noor Ali, co-founder of Sleuth and expert in applied technology. She’s sharing her experience working in the state department to becoming a mother, entrepreneur and so much more. This is a necessary conversation around the benefits and pitfalls of technology, our ability to find peace in spite of challenging times, and the true meaning behind being happy and human.

Sehreen Noor Ali is the founder of Te Cura, a "Human in AI" advisory service, and the former co-founder of Sleuth, a children’s health tracker enabling parents to understand and predict their child’s development and wellness. Sleuth was named as a 2024 Fast Company World-Changing Ideas awardee. Built with thoughtful AI and the crowdsourced expertise of 62K caregivers, Sleuth's vision is to transform kids’ healthcare through better information.

She started her career at the U.S. Department of State in the earliest days of digital diplomacy. She was charged with leading the team that built the first set of tools to engage with Iranian audiences for which she was personally recognized by President Obama. Later, she joined several edtech startups as a BD and sales executive, . On the side started EdTechWomxn, which was recognized by SXSWedu as its first-ever Change Maker of the Year Award in 2015.

Sleuth was inspired by her own personal journey as a medical needs mother, and Te Cura (which means 'take care' in Latin) is inspired by the internal change catalyzed by her daughter's devastating diagnosis while she was building her startup. 

Connect with Sehreen: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sehreennoorali/

Links: 
Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

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What does it mean to measure your success by joy? Are we addicted to the stress of life? Can we actually experience more joy by prioritizing it each day? These are all questions Seema and Dinesh dive into during their conversation with Loka Pandya, also known as, “Chief Joy Officer”. Loka’s mission is to spread joy and inspire people to live a more joyful life by taking a structured approach to joy. Through his own healing experience, he found the profound impact of joy in his life and cultivating it daily through proper strategies. He’s sharing his findings and practical tips on how you can do the same in your own life. 

About Loka:

At the age of 13, Loka Pandya faced a life-altering personal tragedy. In response, he channeled his energy into work, becoming an entrepreneur at just 17 by co-founding his first specialty retail business. By his early twenties, Loka had built a multi-million-dollar hotel hospitality company, which he later sold. However, despite his outward success, he often found himself overwhelmed, anxious, and burned out.

It was during his lowest point that Loka realized something was missing. This led him on a profound journey to discover not only the meaning of life but the key to genuine fulfillment and lasting joy. Over two decades of research into Western and Eastern healing practices, Loka developed a formula for joy—one that transformed his life and his approach to business.

Today, Loka is sharing his powerful insights with others, helping entrepreneurs find success in both their professional and personal lives. His work focuses on cultivating joy and mental well-being as key components of sustainable success. In addition to his speaking engagements and joy workshops, he focuses on raising investors for lucrative glamping, hotels, technology, and wellness startups, applying the principles of joy and fulfillment to every venture.

When he's not sharing his joy formula, Loka can be found delivering bursts of joy throughout the streets of Dallas—passing out bubbles from his Delorean Time Machine, Batmobile, or Firetruck. His passion for giving back extends globally, as he fundraises for Orphan Sponsorship International in India, Bulgaria, and Sri Lanka, where 100% of the proceeds go directly to the children. Loka loves traveling, spending time with the joy of his life, his wife Millie, and yes, he loves to dance! He is also currently working on his first book.

Connect with Loka: 

Instagram: @lokapandya

Website: lokapandya.com

Links:

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

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We are back from our holiday break to bring you our first episode of 2025 with Sanah Kotadia. She’s on the show having a conversation with Seema and Dinesh around how and why perfectionism is overcomplicating your parenting style and likely your relationships. She shares her insights working with mothers who are balancing career and family life and addressing the common yet challenging questions they face through family life and what it means to find balance. Sanah shares practical tips and strategies you can use in your own life to help you address your perfectionist tendencies and understanding where they’re coming from and when they’re showing up. 

About Sanah: 

Sanah is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in San Francisco, but works with clients based in Texas. She specializes in working with mothers who are navigating the intricate balance between career and family life. 

In her practice, she focuses on high-achieving moms who struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the overwhelming mental load that often accompanies motherhood. Together, they delve into the nuances of perfectionism, as she aims to help clients understand and set realistic expectations for themselves while fostering a narrative of self-compassion and empathy.

In their sessions, they also explore the dynamics of marriage, particularly how perfectionist tendencies can affect relationships and communication with partners. She teaches clients how to establish healthy boundaries, improve communication skills, and enhance emotional intimacy. She support my clients in understanding and embracing their evolving identities as mothers, wives and high achieving professionals, helping them to integrate these roles in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.

Connect with Sanah: 
Instagram-@balancedmindstherapy 

Website: www.balancedmindstherapy.com

Links:

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai   

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Seema and Dinesh have Dr. Anita Bangale on the podcast today to explore the transformative power of Flow State. Together, they’re talking about limits of labels, the treadmill of achievement, and the cultural paradigms that keep us stuck in a perpetual cycle of "what's next?" Dr. Bangale reflects on her own journey from hyper-specialization to embracing a more expansive, creative approach to life—and how becoming a mother reshaped her perspective.

You'll learn more about how Flow State can help us transcend rigid identities, harness our neurobiology as an ally, and reframe the way we approach success and fulfillment. Plus, they have a candid conversation on why stepping back from the checklist mindset might just be the key to unlocking your limitless potential.

About Dr. Anita Bangale: 

Anita is a board-certified emergency physician based in Houston, Texas, who has practiced medicine for the past 19 years, and who recently started her own practice focused on reversing trends in the mental health epidemic. She is a national mental health leader, having served as a physician leader with Brightside Health, a ketamine infusion specialist, certified mindset coach, international TEDx speaker (TEDxBreckenridge and TEDxRaleigh), and mom of 3 girls. Anita cares deeply about the power of communication and community, and she has learned that with the combination of discipline and motivation, we can achieve absolutely anything. She enjoys creating true partnerships with her patients in the emergency department and with her clients in her private practice, The Woodlands Wellness and Mind Spa. She integrates the power of coaching in her daily work, as she uses the power of empathy and neuroplasticity to help people become their ideal version of themselves. Anita truly loves working with teens, professionals and moms to guide them as they re-discover themselves, find joy and purpose, and maximize self-worth and confidence. 

In 2021, Anita delivered a TEDx talk https://www.ted.com/tedx in Breckenridge, CO, in which she spoke about how her curious toddler helped refocus her energy back to the patient and how “de-armoring” to show up as our unscripted human self helps us reconnect with each other and ourselves. At TEDxRaleigh, Anita spoke on the power of social prescription to fine tune our collective mental health. Anita also enjoys working as a physician leader with Brightside Health, a national telemedicine company focused on the treatment of anxiety and depression. 

Connect with Dr. Bangale: 

Website: https://www.anitabangale.com/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/anita_bangale_/ 

@anita_bangale_

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@woodlandsmindspa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-bangale-md

Links:

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai   

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Empathy is not about “walking in another person’s shoes” as we commonly say, according to Dr. Ashok Bhattacharya. He’s on the show today sharing his experience in teaching empathy long before it became the buzzword it is now. He shares with us his story behind why understanding others became so important to him, the most important lessons he’s learned along the way, and how we can all strive to be more empathetic in our day to day lives - both toward each other AND ourselves. He also breaks down the difference between self-empathy and self-love. This is a conversation for everyone to better understand empathy in a way you’re not going to hear in popular media and news today. 

Dr. Bhattacharya is a psychiatrist in private practice for over 38 years. He is the founder of THE EMPATHY CLINIC. The clinic uses empathy to diagnose, and treat a variety of mental health disorders in individuals and couples. The clinic’s emphasis is on empathy, balance, integration of the spirit and soul, and the pursuit of optimal wellness. He also specializes in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Bhattacharya has presented at conferences around the world on the topics of Empathy and Burnout in physicians. He is a musician, author, artist, and works out six days a week. 

Connect with Dr. Bhattacharya:

https://www.empathyclinic.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashok-bhattacharya-687a6211/ 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPRzM30XZ8uscgGEx1wnEtQ 

Dr. Bhattacharya’s Charity: https://www.komen.org/ 

Links:

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai   

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What do you do when you reazlie the path you’re on was chosen for you, and not the path you would have chosen for yourself? What do you do when what you really want to do isn’t going to be understood by those around you? These are questions our guest, Swati Nigam shares with us from her unique professional experience that led to her creating the organization American Friends of HelpAge India, being named in Top 50 Women Leaders in Austin 2024, and more. Her story is an inspiring example of what it means to switch paths, embrace the unknown, and not let the judgements of others dictate what we do or don’t do. 

About Swati: 
Currently working as the Executive Director of American Friends of HelpAge India, Swati Nigam leads the organization with nearly a decade of expertise in the international nonprofit sector, specializing in program management, operations, and fundraising. A first-generation immigrant, Swati is deeply committed to addressing overlooked issues and giving voice to causes that often remain in the shadows.

Swati has held key leadership roles at esteemed organizations such as Pratham USA, Ronald McDonald House Charities, CARE USA, and CARE India. Her ability to build partnerships, lead dynamic teams, and drive growth has consistently amplified the impact of India-focused and global initiatives. With a background as a certified dental surgeon, a Master’s degree in Public Health, and certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Swati brings a unique and multidimensional perspective to her work, blending medical expertise with strategic vision.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Swati mentors women who are restarting their careers after a break, offering guidance and inspiration to help them rebuild confidence and find direction. Her passion for empowering others reflects her own journey of resilience and reinvention.

A lover of Broadway shows, live music, and global travel, Swati is equally at home exploring a good book or the vibrant coffee shops of Austin, TX. Whether she’s spearheading transformative programs or mentoring others, Swati Nigam’s mission remains clear: to make a lasting difference in areas that deserve more attention and action.

Connect with Swati: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/swati-nigam-mph-pmp/

Swati’s Charity: 

https://www.af-hi.org/ 

Links:

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai   

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How do we encourage our children to honour their culture in the modern-day landscape? How do we help them normalize their duality living in the states? These are questions Seema and Dinesh explore in this episode with Anu Sehgal, children’s author and the Founder of the largest cultural literacy and language education company for kids that focuses on South Asia. They have a conversation around the importance of this work, and the ramifications of not doing the work. She shares how to effectively encourage and foster children’s positive self worth and normalize their heritage, culture, and duality. Anu is sharing the criticisms she’s faced in this work and the incredible successes she’s had along the way. 

About Anu: 

Anu Sehgal is a children’s author and the Founder/CEO of The Culture Tree, the largest cultural literacy and language education company for kids that focuses on South Asia.  The goal of her organization is to create empathy, respect and understanding towards all different cultures and further inclusivity, while still helping address questions about Identity with heritage cultures.

She lives in New York with her family, and has two sons (aged 15 and 12). Anu believes awareness of one’s heritage, culture and language is key for children to become self-aware and confident individuals. She holds an MBA from Yale University and has worked in the corporate sector for almost 15 years. She has received several awards and recognitions for her work in cultural literacy. Anu has written 5 books that represent stories and languages of India. Anu’s books have been selected at the World Literature Festival at NYPL, Jaipur Literature Festival, Brooklyn Museum’s annual Children’s Literature Festival and Asia Society’s AAPI Literature Festival. Additionally, she and her organization have received several awards and recognitions from the NY State Assembly, Mayor’s office, The Society of Foreign Consuls and the Consulate.

Connect with Anu: 

Website: http://www.TheCultureTree.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theculturetree 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-culture-tree/ 

Links:

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai   

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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What does it look like when an ambitious woman at the top of her game intentionally pauses paid work to focus on raising children? Is there a right and wrong way to approach the balance of work and professional ambitions with raising children? These are the questions and topics Seema and Dinesh dive into with guest Neha Ruch, founder of Mother United. Determined to represent the possibilities of being an ambitious woman or parent, choosing to pause or shift a career to focus on family, Neha shares her experience and the common experiences of other families and women who have made similar decisions. They have a conversation around the modern day family and how to make the best decision for your unique experience balancing family and professional life. Regardless of what you’ve chosen or are trying to decide for your family, this a conversation for everyone. 

About Neha: 

As the founder of Mother Untitled and the author of the forthcoming book, THE POWER PAUSE (Putnam, 2025), Neha Ruch is on a mission to update and elevate the perception of stay-at-home motherhood in America. A rising thought leader, influencer, and sought-after speaker in the world of women, work, parenting, and identity, Neha's mindset shifts are shared widely by tens of thousands of women, including Mandy Moore, Kourtney Kardashian, Gabby Bernstein and Joanna Goddard. 

Neha received her B.A. from Skidmore College and her M.B.A. from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. Prior to downshifting her career for motherhood, she led brand strategy at a number of highly successful luxury startups, including Zola and Carats & Cake. Neha immigrated to the United States from Mumbai, India, as a child, and grew up in Massachusetts. She currently resides in Manhattan with her husband, their two children, and their dog Coconut. 

Connect with Neha: 

Pre-Order her book: https://www.motheruntitled.com/thepowerpause

Website: https://www.motheruntitled.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motheruntitled

Links:

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai   

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We have our youngest guest ever on this episode of the Happy and Human Podcast! 

Anjali Popli is on the show today sharing her experiences in taking a less-than-traditional route as a content creator, what she’s learned along the way, and what it means to let your passion drive your actions. She shares with us what inspires her and drives her to work hard and the impact her parent’s had on her seizing opportunities in her 20s. This is a fun, enlightening conversation you won’t want to miss. 

Anjali Popli is a 22-year-old from Philly and a first-gen Indian American content creator diving into the comedy and music scenes on Instagram and TikTok. Her background and love for entertainment have inspired her to build a space where she can blend humor and culture, sharing laughs, relatable moments, and original music with her community. She hopes to inspire other Indian creators to follow their creative passions and use their voice to make a change!

Connect with Anjali: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjalipop/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anjaliipop?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Links:

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai   

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Seema and Dinesh are bringing on Desi Daughters Founder Salina Shah to talk about something that’s impacting so many of us yet rarely talked about - taking care of aging parents. To bridge the gap on how and why this is an important topic, Salina Shah shares her insights and the reason behind her mission in creating Desi Daughters, an organization to empower other working professionals with aging Desi parents. While these conversations can be difficult, she shares her insights on how they can be more effective and the important things to keep in mind along the way. If you have also found yourself in this situation or approaching it, this episode can provide you with valuable insights and tips on approaching this process in the most helpful and loving way for everyone involved. 

Salina Shah is on a mission to empower Desi women navigating midlife and aging elders. Before her current venture, Salina was an actuarial executive and Senior Vice President at Aon. She is a co-inventor of health benefits optimization software and a Board Member of the Actuaries for Sustainable Health Care nonprofit. In parallel, Salina was experiencing the challenges of balancing working motherhood while caring for aging parents. She realized no central, culturally relevant resource was available to support people like her. To fill this void and help others, she launched Desi Daughters to empower, educate, and support other working professionals with aging Desi parents in the US or India. The response has been phenomenal! Over 3,000 members (mostly women) have joined the Desi Daughters community network in less than a year. This thriving movement redefines how we support Desi women navigating midlife and aging elders.

Connect with Salina:

Website:  www.desidaughters.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desidaughters 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salinashah/ 

Five Wishes (mentioned in the show): https://www.fivewishes.org/ 

Links:

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai   

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast