Host, Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi, invites a special guest, Sonali Rathi Pramanik, to discuss the ins and outs of starting a small business. Sonali, a serial small business entrepreneur, shares her experiences and expertise in various industries, including garment retail and the spa industry. Together, they dive into the resources available for aspiring entrepreneurs, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), who provide valuable mentorship and guidance. From conducting market research to setting up the right legal structure, Sonali provides insightful tips and highlights the importance of partnership agreements for long-term success. If you've been contemplating starting your own business, this episode is a must-listen!

Sonali Rathi Pramanik has had an incredible journey as an entrepreneur. After completing her business degree, she gained valuable experience working with ICI Paints in India for five years. Seeking new opportunities, she then transitioned into the garments manufacturing and retail industry in Mumbai. However, Sonali's career took an exciting turn when she relocated to the United States. There, she co-founded an Ayurveda-based spa and yoga studio in Plano, Texas. For 11 successful years, Sonali and her team ran this business, offering holistic wellness services to the community. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges, leading to a temporary break in Sonali's entrepreneurial endeavors. Undeterred, she used this time to reflect and strategize for her next venture. Now, Sonali is enthusiastically preparing to launch her latest business project, an Ayurvedic skincare line. With her deep understanding of Ayurveda's principles and her passion for natural skincare, Sonali aims to provide people with effective and holistic products that promote overall well-being. Sonali Rathi Pramanik's entrepreneurial journey is characterized by adaptability and a genuine commitment to holistic wellness. Her diverse experience, from paints to garments to wellness, showcases her ability to navigate different industries successfully. With her upcoming skincare venture, Sonali is ready to make her mark once again.

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

Check out my other podcast "Women, Career & Life" where I share stories and practical advice to achieve your career & life goals as you strive towards financial independence.

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

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

#womencareerandlife #podcast #paintlifetogether

Host, Sirisha Kuchimanchi, sits down with entrepreneur and business leader, Neha Kunte.  Neha, the CEO of MNK Infotech, shares her journey in entrepreneurship and the importance of mentorship in navigating the business world. We discuss the support network of the DEC Network, a startup community in Dallas, and the challenges entrepreneurs face in ideation and finding their purpose. Join Sirisha and Neha as they dive into the world of entrepreneurship and inspire listeners to chase their dreams. 

Neha Kunte is a firm believer in the power of having a mentor. Throughout her life, she has always felt that having the right mentor would have made a significant difference in her personal and professional growth. Understanding that a mentor's guidance can provide emotional, intellectual, and financial support, Neha recognizes the importance of having someone who can navigate and motivate individuals to reach their full potential. With her own experiences in mind, Neha encourages others, especially aspiring entrepreneurs, to consider the benefits of finding a mentor. She firmly believes that mentors can open up new avenues and help individuals tap into their own potential. In addition to advocating for mentorship, Neha highlights the DEC network as a fantastic starting point for individuals interested in starting their own businesses. Overall, Neha Kunte's story emphasizes the crucial role mentors play in shaping a person's life and career trajectory. Her journey has instilled in her a passion for mentoring and the belief that having the right guide can make all the difference in achieving success.

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

Check out my other podcast "Women, Career & Life" where I share stories and practical advice to achieve your career & life goals as you strive towards financial independence.

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

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

#womencareerandlife #podcast #paintlifetogether

Are you trying to be a better version of yourself?  Are you struggling with making change? By making 1% change everyday you can drive a 37 fold impact in a year. 
Welcome to  Life Beats with Sirisha! In today's episode, we have , Mani Jonnalagada, a product Tech exec who will be sharing her experiences in product management and discussing the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. Join us as we dive into the world of habit-building and explore how making small changes can lead to significant transformation. We will uncover the secrets to living your best life and  the way you approach habits. 

Mani Jonnalagada is a seasoned product manager with a diverse background in industries such as engineering, airlines, travel, fintech, and commercial real estate. With a master's degree in engineering, Mani has developed a deep passion for product management, believing that it is pivotal to understand what you are trying to build, the why behind it, and the desired outcomes for the business, stakeholders, and users. Mani's commitment to designing delightful experiences within the product world has propelled her career and led her to learn from industry expert Marty Kagan. Inspired by the concept of continuous improvement, Mani embraces the idea of achieving 1% progress every day, knowing that it can lead to a significant 37-fold improvement in a year. Conversely, Mani recognizes the danger of allowing skills to decline, emphasizing the importance of consistent execution and maintaining expertise.

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

Check out my other podcast "Women, Career & Life" where I share stories and practical advice to achieve your career & life goals as you strive towards financial independence.

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

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

#womencareerandlife #podcast #paintlifetogether

Welcome to another episode of "Life Beats with Sirisha"! In today's episode, we have a very special guest, Sai Lakshmi Santhanakrishnan, a tech executive with a diverse career journey.  As women in leadership roles, we will be discussing how to navigate the path to executive positions and overcome the challenges we face. Sai will share her experiences and insights, offering valuable advice to help aspiring women leaders. Don't forget to call in with your questions and join the conversation! Tune in and be inspired by this empowering episode on women in leadership.

I just had an amazing conversation with Sai Lakshmi Santhanakrishnan, a tech executive, about women in leadership. We talked about breaking stereotypes, taking risks, and carving our own paths to success. Sai shared her journey from India to the Caribbean to the US and how she embraced the challenges in her career. We discussed the importance of supporting each other and paving the way for future generations of women leaders. If you want to hear more inspiring stories and valuable insights, make sure to check out the full episode on my podcast, available on all major platforms. Remember, together we can create a world of empowered women. Stay tuned for more episodes of Life Beats with Sirisha. Let's make a difference! 💪 #WomenLeadership #Inspiration #Podcast

Sailakshmi Santhanakrishnan's journey to success has been one of unexpected turns and courageous choices. Initially, she left India to pursue a career abroad and was hired by a company as a campus recruit. However, instead of directly coming to the United States, she began her professional life in the Caribbean, where the organization she worked for had operations. This seemingly humble start allowed Sailakshmi to develop a deep understanding of different roles within the tech industry. Starting from the bottom, Sailakshmi worked as a junior programmer and gradually climbed up the ladder. She never shied away from exploring different paths and taking risks. Instead of sticking to a predetermined route, she embraced the unknown, learning from every experience along the way. Sailakshmi's openness to taking the untraveled path proved to be instrumental in her success. It enabled her to seize opportunities, build connections with people, and continuously evolve professionally. Through her interactions and collaborations, she gained valuable insights, ultimately shaping her career goals. For Sailakshmi, this journey has been a th

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

Check out my other podcast "Women, Career & Life" where I share stories and practical advice to achieve your career & life goals as you strive towards financial independence.

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

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

#womencareerandlife #podcast #paintlifetogether

We dive into the world of cybersecurity with  guest, Richa Tiwari. Richa, who originally studied English literature, shares her unique journey into the field of cybersecurity and breaks down the misconception that technical skills are the only requirement for this career path. Together, we discuss the importance of diverse perspectives and how different backgrounds can contribute to innovative problem-solving. Tune in as we explore the skills needed in cybersecurity and the value of not self-limiting in our pursuits. Get ready to unlock new insights and discover the fascinating world of cybersecurity in this engaging episode.


Richa Tiwari started her educational journey at the Delhi open school of learning, where she completed her English Literature degree. However, she quickly realized that a degree alone would not lead her to success. Despite this, she learned valuable skills such as analyzing text and understanding different perspectives. She then pursued an MBA with a focus on IT, gaining experience through various jobs and discovering her true interests. Richa's first opportunity in the US was working as a recruiter, where she not only helped staff IT positions but also got involved in the implementation side of the business. This hands-on experience allowed her to understand data flow and mapping, sparking her passion for specializing in this field. Through her journey, Richa not only discovered what she liked but also what she didn't like, allowing her to focus on her true interests and goals.

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

Check out my other podcast "Women, Career & Life" where I share stories and practical advice to achieve your career & life goals as you strive towards financial independence.

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

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

#womencareerandlife #podcast #paintlifetogether

Are you a student or parent who wants to unpack the raw truths of college life, internship hustle, and the unexpected realities of chasing career dreams?

Welcome back to Life Beats with Sirisha! In today's episode titled "College Life, Internships, Jobs," we have a special guest, Rahul Ramavajjala, who will be sharing his experiences and insights into the world of college, internships, and starting a career.

Rahul takes us on a journey through his time at Texas A&M, where he was involved in various organizations such as the soccer club, PBE (Professional Brotherhood of Engineering), and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). He shares how these organizations helped him make friends, participate in social work and fundraising activities, and expand his network.

Throughout the episode, Rahul emphasizes the importance of making the most of college, exploring different opportunities, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. As the oldest sibling in his family, Rahul had unrealistic expectations about college, but he learned valuable lessons about figuring things out, finding his place, and making lasting friendships.

Now working for over a year, Rahul reflects on the transition from college to the workforce. He highlights the reduced pressure in the workforce compared to exams and homework, and the pleasure of collaborating with colleagues. However, he also shares the challenge of no longer being constantly surrounded by people of the same age.

To provide a comprehensive picture, Rahul delves into his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to online classes, and the value of face-to-face interactions with professors. He encourages listeners to take advantage of the support and mentorship available from professors and talks about his regret of not getting to know them better.

Lastly, Rahul touches on studying abroad, drawing from his friends' experiences and his mother's recommendation. He emphasizes the incredible opportunity to learn about different cultures, gain credit for classes, and broaden one's perspective.

So, join us as Sirisha and Rahul dive deep into college life, internships, and the journey to finding a fulfilling career. As always, don't forget to reach out to Sirisha through her website for collaborations or one-on-one consultations. Let's get started with another exciting episode of Life Beats with Sirisha!

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

Check out my other podcast "Women, Career & Life" where I share stories and practical advice to achieve your career & life goals as you strive towards financial independence.

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

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

#womencareerandlife #podcast #paintlifetogether

School is almost here! Do you know a child who might benefit from speech therapy resources or maybe you are wondering what Speech Therapy means.

Sangeetha Subramanian is a Speech Language Pathologist based out of Plano, Texas. I have seen the impact accessing the right resources can have on a child's life and on their overall development. The earlier you can access the needed resources, the earlier you can see the impact.

 We'll be diving into the world of speech therapy and exploring how it can make a profound difference in people's lives. This episode is all about empowering ourselves and our loved ones with effective communication skills. Let's get started with "Speech Therapist-Sangeetha"

Sangeetha Subramanian is an experienced speech therapist who specializes in helping children overcome language and speech difficulties. With a deep understanding of developmental norms, Sangeetha recognizes the importance of early intervention and works closely with students, schools   to identify and address any delays in children's language development. With her guidance, children are able to meet their language milestones and communicate effectively. At the  school level, Sangeetha focuses on three key aspects of language therapy. Firstly, she helps children improve their speech production, assisting them in developing sounds they may struggle with, such as the 'r' sound. Secondly, she supports children who stutter, helping them build fluency and confidence in their speech. Lastly, Sangeetha works with children who have language issues, aiding them in understanding and expressing language effectively. Moreover, Sangeetha also emphasizes the importance of social skills, particularly for children on the autism spectrum. With her expertise in pragmatics, she assists these children in adjusting socially and thriving in school settings. Having worked in both elementary and middle schools, Sangeetha brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her dedication to helping children overcome speech and language challenges has positively impacted numerous lives, and she continues to make a significant difference in the lives of her students.

Guest:
Sangeetha: You can contact  Sangeetha  at [email protected]

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

Check out my other podcast "Women, Career & Life" where I share stories and practical advice to achieve your career & life goals as you strive towards financial independence.

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

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

#womencareerandlife #podcast #paintlifetogether

It's important for us to put our legal affairs in order to provide comfort and support to our families when they deal with loss by doing legacy and will planning. In this episode, Sirisha discusses the crucial elements of wills and trusts with her guest, Dr. Namrita Nottani, who brings her expertise as an Estate planning lawyer.

Don't forget to utilize the  legal assistance benefits offered by many companies to create your will, trust and other legal documents, to navigate the emotional and legal process of dealing with the loss of a loved one.  We dive into the necessity of consolidating all relevant information regarding assets, money, accounts, and passwords. The importance of proper execution, notarization, and witnessing in ensuring a smooth transfer of assets very critical. The conversation touches on the potential complications of using online wills or legal zoom, as well as the drawbacks of adding adult children's names to property deeds or joint accounts.

 Sirisha and Dr. Nottani also shed light on the intricacies of estate planning for minor children, such as the need for separate nominations for temporary and permanent guardianship.  Do not wait until the last moment to make important decisions about your wills and trusts. 

Lawyers can help you navigate the complex world of legacy and will plan, particularly for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation immigrants. Don't miss out on the expert advice and practical tips shared in this episode by Sirisha and her guest, Dr. Namrita Nottani, as we help listeners protect their loved ones and secure their financial future.

We encourage our listeners to engage with the show " Life Beats with Sirisha" by reaching out with ideas and suggestions through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and email.

She became fascinated by how a simple piece of paper, such as a holographic will, could hold immense power in determining the destiny of one's assets. However, she also realized the potential complications that can arise from the traditional process of probate. Understanding the desire for a simpler and more streamlined approach, Namrita dove into the world of trusts. She discovered that by setting up a trust, individuals could bypass the time-consuming probate process and allow their chosen trustee to swiftly distribute assets according to their wishes. This not only benefits the beneficiaries by providing immediate access to the property but also saves them from t

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

Check out my other podcast "Women, Career & Life" where I share stories and practical advice to achieve your career & life goals as you strive towards financial independence.

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

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

#womencareerandlife #podcast #paintlifetogether

Akanksha Mathur discusses her journey of transitioning from the oil and gas industry to sustainable energy. We talk about the importance of having support systems, especially for women in STEM fields, and how finding a community is important when transitioning to a new workplace or school. The conversation touches on the need for professional support, such as mentors, allies, and buddies, to make the workplace safer and more supportive for women. The episode also explores the importance of conversations around climate sustainability within younger generations and the need for people to take opportunities and make pivots in their career paths. We also  highlight the significance of transferable skills when switching to a new industry. So join us on this episode of Life Beats as we explore the importance of mentors and transferable skills in the changing job market of today.



Akanksha Mathur is an accomplished engineer and manager with over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. She completed her undergrad in mechanical engineering from IIT Delhi, where she stood out as the only female student amongst 70 males. After starting her career as a field engineer on offshore rigs, she went on to work on onshore and offshore rigs in various countries for eight years. Akanksha then pursued management roles, leading global digital transformation projects for seven years. Last year, Akanksha made the switch to the green energy space, joining Walbox Chargers. She is honored to be a part of platforms that bring attention to important topics and is excited to share her knowledge and experience with others.

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

Check out my other podcast "Women, Career & Life" where I share stories and practical advice to achieve your career & life goals as you strive towards financial independence.

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

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

#womencareerandlife #podcast #paintlifetogether

On this episode of Life Beats with Sirisha, host Sirisha Kuchimanchi is joined by Tripat Baweja, an advisor and Director of Engineering Technology at Collin College. The podcast focuses on the evolving scope and diversity of community colleges and their growing importance, highlighting the access and upskilling opportunities they offer. There are many options available, from associate degrees to four-year programs, and to explore the range of two-year degree programs in industries like HVAC, welding, and construction.  We cover the various degree programs offered, including transfer options to four-year universities and technical certifications in fields such as cybersecurity, construction management, and more. We also discuss the affordability and quality of education, and the potential for career growth and salary compensation. The episode encourages listeners to explore the ecosystem and opportunities that community colleges offer.  We discuss the expanded offerings at Collin College, and how President Biden's recent investment in US semiconductor manufacturing could create new opportunities for workforce development.  Tripat offers advice on exploring available resources and conducting personal research to identify the best community college programs for listeners' career goals.

Tripat Baweja is a woman who has accomplished so much in her career. She has a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master's degree from India. Once she arrived in the US, she obtained another Master's degree. She began her career in teaching and then went into industry to gain experience. However, when she had children, she stopped working to focus on raising them. Eventually, she pursued her passion for teaching by becoming a part-time faculty member at Collin College. Later, she took on a full-time position and has been in academia for 16 years. Three years ago, she became Director of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Collin College, which has allowed her to make a bigger impact on students.

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

Check out my other podcast "Women, Career & Life" where I share stories and practical advice to achieve your career & life goals as you strive towards financial independence.

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

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

#womencareerandlife #podcast #paintlifetogether