Leap 2 Empower

Healing, Signs, and Self-Worth: Leaping into the Unknown with Aisha, Myra, and Farah

Host Shaila Lalani welcomes friends Aisha, Myra, and Farah to discuss how healing is sparked by loss, discomfort, and inner nudges, and defined as returning to wholeness, gaining self-awareness, and becoming okay with who you are. They share personal turning points moving and feeling isolated, losing important loved ones, leading to practices like therapy, yoga, meditation, reading, sound baths, and spirituality exploration. The group bonds over synchronicities and “signs,” including rainbows, ladybugs, and ducks as symbols of connection after death, and they describe healing through triggers, not taking things personally, boundaries, community, and calming the nervous system. They connect money to freedom, energy, gratitude, and abundance vs. scarcity mindsets, and encourage listeners to take the leap when ready, trust divine timing, and seek joy.

01:17 Defining Healing

03:02 When Change Begins

03:59 Myra Finds Yoga

05:08 Loss Sparks Awakening

06:49 Roots and Belonging

08:37 Tools and Practices

09:22 Many Lives Many Masters

12:49 Signs and Synchronicity

15:55 Self Worth Lessons

19:07 Triggers and Mirrors

21:26 Money Beyond Numbers

22:43 Surrender With Money

23:30 Childhood Money Imprints

25:09 Abundance Vs Scarcity

26:29 If Money Walked In

27:23 Facing The Leap

30:11 Body Wisdom And Intuition

32:05 Advice For The Journey

33:51 Soul Sparks Rapid Fire

38:06 Boundaries And Bold Takeaway

40:12 Closing Reflection

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Open Heart: A Cardiologist’s Leap Toward Healing Beyond the Physical

Host Shaila Lalani welcomes Dr. Priya Rao Kothapalli, a four-times board-certified interventional/structural cardiologist and creator of the Open Heart podcast, to discuss the leap from identifying solely as a doctor to embracing a heart-led, creative, and spiritual approach to healing. Priya shares her early exposure to the cath lab through her father, the rarity of women in her specialty, and how working directly with the heart feels spiritual, intuitive, and deeply present. She describes growing up as a first-generation Indian American in a small Texas town, feeling pressured to fit in, and carrying perfectionism and a need to prove herself through medical training and into her first job. A series of high-stakes cases including multiple cardiac arrests and patients recounting similar experiences while clinically dead combined with personal premonition-like experiences and a catalytic relationship pushed her to question purely material views of medicine. She quit a full-time role without a plan and took a major leap into yoga teacher training in Costa Rica, which shifted her toward energy medicine concepts, rest, internal clarity, and alignment. Returning to the cath lab through short-term opportunities, she felt clearer, more connected, and more effective, emphasizing how sleep deprivation and burnout can cloud intuition—an element she sees as central to the ‘art of medicine’ and team harmony. Priya defines healing as coherence of mind, body, soul, and connection with others, and empowerment as living in alignment with one’s authentic gifts and purpose. She also discusses financial empowerment as grounding, acknowledges intimidation around finances due to lack of modeling in her South Asian upbringing, and reframes money as energetic exchange and flow. The conversation closes with Priya’s legacy of living with love and an open heart, advice to take aligned leaps despite fear, and a rapid ‘soul sparks’ segment covering what uplifts her, what grounds her, and her message that it’s important to question what is considered normal.

01:25 From ‘Just a Cardiologist’ to Creative Storyteller

02:50 Why Cardiology: Early Cath Lab Roots & Community

04:28 The Heart as a Spiritual Experience in the Cath Lab

06:58 Growing Up Different: Perfectionism, Proving, and the Box

09:18 Cardiac Arrest Cases & the Moment ‘We’re Not Alone’

11:24 The Big Leap: Quitting, Costa Rica, and Yoga Teacher Training

15:12 Returning to Medicine Differently: Clarity, Rest, and Burnout Lessons

17:49 Intuition in Medicine: Energy, Intention, and Resonance

23:30 What Healing Means Now + Launching the Open Heart Podcast

25:56 Empowerment & Money as Energy: Financial Grounding

28:12 Legacy, Love, and Advice for Women on the Edge of a Leap

30:44 Soul Sparks Rapid-Fire Q&A

32:20 Closing Reflections: Healing Beyond the Physical

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Resilience and Triumph: Fareeda Momin's Inspiring Journey

In this episode of 'Leap 2 Empower,' host Shaila Lalani interviews Fareeda Momin, a woman of resilience and strength, who shares her journey of raising premature twins and building a successful career at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Fareeda discusses the challenges she faced and overcame, from high-risk pregnancy to NICU stays, and how she balanced work and personal life with the support of her family and faith. She also shares valuable life lessons on courage, resilience, and the importance of community support. This inspiring conversation underscores the power of hope, faith, and the relentless pursuit of one’s goals.

01:42 Fareeda's Early Challenges with Twins

04:50 NICU Journey and Overcoming Obstacles

09:17 Support Systems and Work-Life Balance

14:13 Faith and Financial Challenges

21:01 Empowerment and Advice for Women

22:02 Rapid Fire and Closing Thoughts

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Embodying Transformation: The Limitless Journey of Nancy Perry

In this episode of 'Leap 2 Empower,' host Shaila Lalani dives into the transformative journey of Nancy Perry, a teacher, writer, yoga guide, entrepreneur, and creator of transformational experiences. Nancy shares how she overcame personal challenges, from dropping out of college and battling an eating disorder to becoming an influential yoga instructor and entrepreneur. Her story emphasizes the power of reconnecting with oneself, embracing vulnerability, and the importance of mindful practices like yoga. Through her book 'Little Shifts for a Big Life' and her current endeavor with Valor, Nancy continues to inspire others to take leaps of faith, embrace their true selves, and live their fullest lives.

01:40 Nancy's Early Life and Struggles

05:05 Discovering Yoga and Transformation

07:59 Journey to Entrepreneurship

11:44 Reconnecting with Self and Overcoming Victimhood

17:17 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth

17:42 Journey into Yoga and Fitness

19:14 Writing and Publishing a Book

21:33 Understanding Empowerment

25:34 Balancing Life and Work

27:37 Transition to Valor

31:08 Self-Worth and Final Thoughts

33:29 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Embodying She-Power: Halima Khan's Journey Through Fitness and Life

In this episode of 'Leap 2 Empower,' host Shaila Lalani interviews Halima Khan, a trainer, coach, and life motivator at Khango. Halima shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a key figure in the fitness industry. She discusses her initial struggles with health and body image, her transition from the corporate world to pursuing her passion for fitness, and the vital role of her faith in overcoming life's challenges. The conversation delves into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment as Halima emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self and the transformative power of fitness. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions, shedding light on Halima's personal joys and motivations.

00:39 The Journey to Khango

02:58 Overcoming Personal Challenges

05:12 From Corporate to Fitness

12:50 Building Khango and Its Impact

19:13 Facing Financial Instability and Finding Faith

20:05 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry

22:12 The Power of Intuition

23:29 The Importance of Routine and Mentorship

27:38 Embracing the Process in Boxing and Life

32:54 Advice for Women on the Edge

36:00 Rapid Fire: Soul Sparks

37:49 Final Thoughts and Empowerment

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Swinging for the Fences to Value Investing

In this special episode of 'Leap to Empower: Stories that Light the Way,' host Shaila introduces the first male guest, Sadiq Dosani, an entrepreneur, investor, and community leader. Sadiq shares his journey from his early life as an immigrant to becoming a successful value investor inspired by Warren Buffet. He discusses transitioning from corporate jobs to opening his first sports bar, and eventually founding Securranty, an insurance company. Sadiq emphasizes the importance of value investing, family support, and community service. He also highlights the significance of financial literacy, the power of compounding, and maintaining integrity in investments. The conversation wraps up with insights on independence, the impact of personal loss, and the importance of choosing friends wisely.

01:21 Sadiq's Early Life and Career Beginnings

02:00 The Leap into Entrepreneurship

03:04 Founding Securranty and the Insurance Industry

04:14 Family Support and Tough Love

09:09 Value Investing Principles

13:25 Learning from Legendary Investors

18:56 Applying Value Investing in Life

22:47 Contrarian Investing and Warren Buffet's Approach

24:52 Understanding Value Investing

26:32 The Power of Compounding

31:04 Relationship with Money and Financial Wisdom

38:16 Community Service and Giving Back

40:15 Rapid Fire: Soul Sparks

42:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Embracing Intuition and the Courage to Start Anew: A Conversation with Stephanie Yonan

In this special episode of 'Leap 2 Empower,' host Shaila Lalani sits down with Stephanie Yonan, an intuitive coach and pivotal figure in the creation of the podcast. Stephanie shares her transformative journey from a successful career in property management and investments to embracing her intuition and helping others through personal coaching. 

The conversation dives deep into the challenges of starting over, the balance between financial and emotional empowerment, and the courage it takes to follow one's true calling. Stephanie also discusses her grounding practices, the importance of living in the present, and actionable advice for anyone feeling stuck. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of following whispers of intuition and making life-changing leaps.

01:20 Stephanie's Career Journey in Property Management

03:45 Challenges of Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry

07:30 Discovering and Embracing Intuition

11:38 Transition to Intuitive Coaching

18:10 Facing the Pressure of Money

19:31 Taking the Leap of Faith

20:23 Embracing Financial Empowerment

22:10 The Power of Meditation

24:22 Finding Joy and Freedom

26:18 Advice for Those Feeling Stuck

31:05 Soul Sparks: Rapid Fire Questions

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Leaping for Family, Leading with Heart

Two moms, two lawyers, and the power of building a life that fits.

Guests: Khatidja Soofi Vellani & Nadia Lakhani

In this episode of 'Leap to Empower,' host Shaila Lalani is joined by Nadia Lakhani, a personal injury attorney, and Khatidja Soofi Vellani, a real estate attorney, who share their journeys of carving out successful legal careers while balancing motherhood. 

Nadia and Khatidja discuss their respective paths from law school to founding their own practices, overcoming gender biases, and managing the challenges of entrepreneurship. They emphasize the importance of support systems, embracing flexibility, and the need for self-belief. 

The conversation is inspirational, focusing on how these women have taken bold steps to ensure both professional success and quality family time. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire segment, offering empowering advice and mantras to listeners.

00:00 Welcome to Leap to Empower

00:11 Meet Our Inspiring Guests: Nadia and Khatidja

00:22 Nadia's Journey: From Paralegal to Personal Injury Attorney

00:52 Khatidja's Path: From Law Firms to Founding Vellani Law

01:25 Balancing Motherhood and Career

02:06 Starting Their Own Law Firms

06:05 Challenges and Triumphs in Entrepreneurship

09:00 Work-Life Balance: The Struggle and Success

10:53 Empowerment and Self-Worth in the Legal Field

15:15 Advice for Future Generations

16:44 Rapid Fire: Soul Sparks

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Leaping into Entrepreneurship: The Inspiring Journey of Nittasha Naidu

In this inaugural guest episode of 'Leap to Empower,' host Shaila Lalani sits down with entrepreneur Nittasha Naidu. Nittasha, the founder of Elsun Med Staff and HR Consulting, shares her inspiring journey from corporate America to starting her own business. Emphasizing self-actualization, internal dialogue, and overcoming fear. She discusses how she stayed grounded through exercises such as meditation and connecting with nature. 

Nittasha also highlights the importance of financial planning, having a strong support system, and knowing one's worth in business. Her story aims to empower listeners to take their own leaps into the unknown, reminding them of the vital role of self-alignment, resilience, and continuous personal growth.

01:10 Meet Nittasha Naidu: Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

01:49 The Influence of Family and Education

02:29 Corporate America to Entrepreneurship

02:58 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Self-Actualization

05:33 Facing Fear and Embracing Growth

07:55 Staying Grounded and Connected

10:16 Financial Considerations and Support Systems

14:40 Finding Joy and Commitment

15:09 Knowing Your Worth as a Woman Entrepreneur

16:21 Changing Strategies and Valuing Yourself

18:30 Relationship with Money

19:53 Legacy and Empowerment for the Next Generation

22:07 Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

23:53 Overcoming Life's Challenges

25:34 Fun Segment: Soul Sparks

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.