Priyanka
“Lean into yourself when you face an issue and pause to reflect. Ask yourself is this really true or is this a fearful projection of the issue. And, don’t take life too seriously. You only have a limited time to be happy and ride the wave of life.”
Priyanka is a dynamic trailblazer in the STEM space, who has carried her expertise into a multitude of channels, from conference rooms to radio talk shows. She is also the creator of Curryup Leadership, a podcast with over 100 episodes that serves to platform the accomplishments of various Asian leaders and innovators who are making an impact in their field. Her outgoing attitude and driven approach to her work has brought her steady success, but her passion for uplifting and empowering others along the way is perhaps her most remarkable feat. Meet Priyanka. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
P: Love to talk. That's the equivalent of Priyanka in 'Sanskrit' (Indian language). Makes me believe my parents knew what their bundle of joy would shape into. I'm from the hometown of Chennai, Marina beach along the Bay of Bengal which is India's longest and the world's second longest beach. Moved to the USA to pursue my education and career. I'm a podcast host, speaker, technology leader and enjoy sharing my life wisdom.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
P: I'm an extrovert to the world always ready for lights, camera, action. I enjoy being on the stage! At home, I prefer quietness. You would find me spending more on buying books and snuggling in a corner, meal prepping and doing my 10k steps.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
P: Getting to know myself has been a favorite thing at 35.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
P: I have always been a go-getter, hard-working, studious kid all my life with goals all around me like getting my two advanced Master’s in the best institutions in the USA. The recent unexpected passing away of my beloved dad was an epiphany moment that made me question life and my purpose. The fact that we are mortal really hit me. Until then I looked at life as a bunch of goals and that we all are immortal. I never paused to reflect on life and really savor the moments in a fun way. This experience of seeing death so close and having to deal with roller coaster emotions has made me emerge stronger, wiser, and transform myself to look at life in a blissful way rising above petty trivialities of life. My dad always used to say human life is the most precious of all avatars. Use it for your best. His words ring true.
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
P: Lean into yourself when you face an issue and pause to reflect. Ask yourself is this really true or is this a fearful projection of the issue. And, don't take life too seriously. You only have a limited time to be happy and ride the wave of life.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
P: Motherhood has been one of the most joyful phases of being a woman. I look up to my kid as a 'joy consultant' and try to learn from him.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to them if they were here now?
P: My mother. Hailing from a small town it was she who had the vision to send me and my younger sister to the USA when the social expectations were to just get us married. I'm grateful to both my mom and dad for sacrificing their lives to help us live our dream lives. I would say to both "I love you both and I want to say this to you every day".