Coach Purnima  artwork

Coach Purnima

48 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings

Glimpse into the career questions that the women behind Empowered Women Series have.Empowered Women Series is on a mission to get more women into positions of power in order to build a more just, equitable and peaceful world. We interview inspiring, successful women to help you get answers to career questions that you can't find on the internet. What questions do you have? Send us your questions, and follow @EmpoweredWomenSeries on Instagram and Youtube. 

Careers Business Education Self-Improvement career career advice coaching dedication empowered women empoweredwomenseries executives gender equality leadership mentor
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Episodes

E39 - A Conversation with A Startup Whisperer - Gillian Muessig

January 28, 2022 15:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MB

You are a woman pursuing an impressive career in male dominated industry – don’t let fear or frustration deter you from your dreams.  In this episode Gillian Muessig, the CEO of Outlines Venture Group and co-founder of Moz, shares how she constructed an impressive career in the Venture Capital industry, and how you can do the same.  “Be unabashed, unapologetic, and unafraid.” Gillian gives advice to all female entrepreneurs, not just those working in the VC industry. She recounts her perso...

E38 - Creating a Happiness Movement

April 30, 2021 12:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

Being human means that we feel a wide range of emotions, and the most sought after emotion is happiness. We all yearn for happiness, but we don’t often think about how we can actively put in effort to increase happiness in our day to day lives. Michelle Wax founded the American Happiness Project, a country-wide movement to capture and share how everyday people from all walks of life are creating their own happiness, regardless of external factors. In 2019, Michelle took to the road, traveli...

E37 - Succeeding in Startup Culture

February 23, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MB

Most people open up their Instagram app to see what their friends and family are up to. Reshmi Menon goes on Instagram to learn about brands’ marketing strategies. Reshmi Menon, the Head Of Marketing at Suta, is a self-proclaimed “girl next door” who wants to make an impact and change consumers’ perspectives. She’s always loved marketing and has her master’s in the subject, and her habit of messaging brands on social media platforms regarding their marketing strategies ended up paying off w...

E36 - Opportunity in Adversity

February 05, 2021 13:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

“There are tee shirts that say, ‘Underestimate me. This’ll be fun,’ and that was exactly how I approached life.” This snippet is just one of many learnings we gained from our conversation with Julie Roehm, the Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Party City. Julie is no stranger to adversity and has been a fierce competitor and determined power female ever since a young age. Calculated yet adventurous risk taking throughout her career has shown her that things don’t change if you aren’...

E35 - Changing the Mindset of Fashion

December 27, 2020 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

Whoever came up with the saying that “Fashion is Pain” should learn from Suta. Fashion can be comfortable, practical, easy to move in, and absolutely beautiful designs!  Sujata and Taniya Biswas are entrepreneurs, change-makers, visionaries, and… sisters! These two fashion powerhouses are the Co-Founders of Suta, a fashion brand that combines India’s weaving traditions with contemporary style.  Sujata and Taniya discuss their views on sustainability, changing the perception of wearing sari...

Maintaining a Growth Mindset

December 11, 2020 13:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

It’s so easy to get bogged down in your day job and repeat mindless tasks just to get the job done. But what will take you to the next level in your career, and also in your personal life, is maintaining a growth mindset in everything that you do.  Anne-Fleur Vaartjes, a Risk Analyst at Morgan Stanley, is living an adventurous, travel-filled, curious life and she seeks out opportunities to enrich her growth mindset wherever possible. She shares with us that having a growth mindset is import...

E34 - Maintaining a Growth Mindset

December 11, 2020 13:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

It’s so easy to get bogged down in your day job and repeat mindless tasks just to get the job done. But what will take you to the next level in your career, and also in your personal life, is maintaining a growth mindset in everything that you do.  Anne-Fleur Vaartjes, a Risk Analyst at Morgan Stanley, is living an adventurous, travel-filled, curious life and she seeks out opportunities to enrich her growth mindset wherever possible. She shares with us that having a growth mindset is import...

E33 - Women Dominating STEM

November 02, 2020 14:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MB

What do Forbes 30 Under 30: Science, MIT Tech Review 35 Innovators Under 35, and L’Oreal USA for Women in Science all have in common? They’ve all spotlighted Ritu Raman for her incredible accomplishments in STEM. And now Empowered Women Series has joined the club!  Ritu Raman is a biohybrid engineer and a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Langer Lab at MIT, and she brings a fresh new perspective to the typically male-dominated STEM field of biology. Ritu’s innovation and critical thinking have set...

Inclusivity for Real

October 15, 2020 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

Ever had trouble putting on your bra? You just couldn't clip it correctly, or it dug into your rib the whole day? Now, think if you had a disability and there was absolutely design consideration given to designing your bra... how would you manage?  Inclusivity isn't a box to check on a corporation's must-have list. It is a mentality, it is the way you think about and perceive those around you. Let's improve our perception and help others improve theirs. If we want to succeed as a humanity w...

E32 - Inclusivity for Real

October 15, 2020 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

Ever had trouble putting on your bra? You just couldn't clip it correctly, or it dug into your rib the whole day? Now, think if you had a disability and there was absolutely design consideration given to designing your bra... how would you manage?  Inclusivity isn't a box to check on a corporation's must-have list. It is a mentality, it is the way you think about and perceive those around you. Let's improve our perception and help others improve theirs. If we want to succeed as a humanity w...

E31 - Making Time to Change the World

September 29, 2020 17:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MB

There’s only so much time in the day to accomplish what you want to accomplish, whether that be advancing your career, growing a family, pursuing a passion, or whatever else. But sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget to make time to change the world. Anu Chitrapu is one of those rare women who has achieved immense success in her career as well as changing the world. This Bank of America SVP finds time after her 9-to-5 to volunteer with a number of global nonprofits,...

E30 - Making Time to Change the World

September 29, 2020 17:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MB

There’s only so much time in the day to accomplish what you want to accomplish, whether that be advancing your career, growing a family, pursuing a passion, or whatever else. But sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget to make time to change the world. Anu Chitrapu is one of those rare women who has achieved immense success in her career as well as changing the world. This Bank of America SVP finds time after her 9-to-5 to volunteer with a number of global nonprofits,...

A Masterclass in Coaching Remotely

September 11, 2020 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

Here at Empowered Women Series, we believe that all women are strong women. Our inner strength and grit allow us to move mountains (metaphorically, at least). But for Empowered Women Series’ first ever live event, we brought you a Master Class from a woman who is literally stronger than almost everybody. We had the opportunity to partake in a Master Class in Coaching from Brittany Diamond. Brittany is the 3x 3rd Strongest Woman in the World as well as the founder of BDimez Training LLC and ...

E30 - A Masterclass in Coaching Remotely

September 11, 2020 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

Here at Empowered Women Series, we believe that all women are strong women. Our inner strength and grit allow us to move mountains (metaphorically, at least). But for Empowered Women Series’ first ever live event, we brought you a Master Class from a woman who is literally stronger than almost everybody. We had the opportunity to partake in a Master Class in Coaching from Brittany Diamond. Brittany is the 3x 3rd Strongest Woman in the World as well as the founder of BDimez Training LLC and ...

E29 - The Power of Optimism

August 19, 2020 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MB

It’s far too easy these days to get stuck in a rut of negativity. Even turning on the news could plummet your day into despair. But what takes real strength in times like these is spreading optimism to those around you! Lisa Tanzer is a believer in the power of optimism. This mother, philanthropist, and President of Life is Good, lives every single day in the pursuit of positivity and aspires to help those around her in simple ways such as spreading the generosity of time and having small, ...

E28 - Forming Habits of Practical Productivity

July 31, 2020 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MB

Every once in a while, we all get caught up in our day-to-day lives, overbook ourselves, or lose track of our schedules. Society equates business to productivity, but sometimes that equation fails to work out. And this is where we turn to our trusted friends like Catherine Cheng for advice! Catherine Cheng is a double major at a prestigious university, a Business Analyst intern at refine+focus, a violist, a reader, a yogi, a runner, a baker, and in what free time she has left, she is a core...

E27 - Nonlinear Career Journey

July 07, 2020 12:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB

Becoming a lawyer or a doctor are two of the career paths that require the highest level of education, persistence, drive, and motivation. Imagine becoming both a lawyer AND a doctor… Aretha Delight Davis has done both with poise and grace in order to give back to her community. It’s easy to get caught up in everyday life and become stuck in a career rut, focusing on your everyday job instead of thinking big picture about your goals and aspirations. For Aretha, the decision to transition fr...

E26 - Being Kind: An Important Career Skill

June 16, 2020 22:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MB

Having worked at Bloomberg for 28 years, Fran Sharp is legendary at the organization. It is said that if you don’t know how to solve something, you go to Fran!  Often we might feel like our softer skills, like caring about people, being nurturing or a “giver” might not be compatible with our career goals, or perhaps that they are skills more suited for our “personal lives” more than the “business world”. However, embracing these skills, along with our true selves (whatever that may be), can...

E25 — How to Say No

June 01, 2020 14:00 - 24 minutes - 11.4 MB

How many times have you said yes, when you really wanted to say “no”? From spreading yourself too thin to straining important relationships, almost everyone knows the consequences of not knowing how to say “no”. In this episode, our very own Purnima Thakre takes the interviewee seat in this invaluable lesson on learning how to prioritize ourselves, teaching us that by establishing our limits, we are not limiting ourselves, but rather freeing ourselves.   From heading Empowered Women Series...

E24 — Everything about Rotation Programs

May 21, 2020 11:00 - 20 minutes - 9.2 MB

“What do you want to do with your life?” Choosing the right career path is one of the crucial life decisions. Like all other life questions, this one too doesn't have an easy answer but fortunately has the right process.  That process is an ultimate life-hack, it’s called Rotational Programs.  Katie Martensen, an Associate at Citizen’s Bank Consumer Banking Leadership Development Program shares why she joined this program and how it has already expedited her career clarity.  In this episo...

E23 - Lessons from Her Entrepreneurial Journey of Sans Bottle

May 01, 2020 12:00 - 23 minutes - 10.8 MB

In times like these, innovation and creativity are more important than ever.  There are so many goods and services out there in the world to purchase, but entrepreneurs are constantly finding white space in the market to create new unique offerings. When there isn’t a product that already exists to solve your need, why not create one yourself? Tracy Snider found one of these white spaces, and she hit the ground running to create her own company. This extremely bright and creative entrepren...

E23 — Lessons from Her Entrepreneurial Journey of Sans Bottle

May 01, 2020 12:00 - 23 minutes - 10.8 MB

In times like these, innovation and creativity are more important than ever.  There are so many goods and services out there in the world to purchase, but entrepreneurs are constantly finding white space in the market to create new unique offerings. When there isn’t a product that already exists to solve your need, why not create one yourself? Tracy Snider found one of these white spaces, and she hit the ground running to create her own company. This extremely bright and creative entrepren...

E22 — Making Mistakes and Hard Decisions

March 18, 2020 21:00 - 9 minutes - 6.28 MB

Life is full of unexpected, we know it better now.  However much we plan, our plan doesn't always go the way we want it to. We all make mistakes and are forced to make hard decisions. And we are not alone. YOU are not alone.  Many successful people had to go though this as much as we do, or even more. Like Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen. Even this award-winning CEO, one of the Top 30 Most Influential Women in the MENA region, and a Global Cinema Leader, even these three titles fall short of s...

E21 — Master the Art of Working from Home

March 13, 2020 19:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MB

If you are currently socially distancing yourself and working from home. Thank you! Here are a few tips on how to make the most of this "opportunity" working remotely. Carolina Fowler is a Marketer / Creative Strategist and has  made a successful career while working from home. In this episode Carolina talks about what to do create balance and discipline with all this freedom and responsibility. Her tips would be help you come out as a better version of yourself when this is over. You k...

E20 — How to Balance Career and Life by Karen Ansara

January 02, 2020 11:00 - 10 minutes - 7.06 MB

Karen Ansara is the co-founder of New England International Donors and the Ansara Family Fund, and she’s deeply involved in global philanthropy efforts. She’s passionate, yet maintains a strong sense of flexibility by finding a way to be creative in all of her endeavors, whether they’re work related or family oriented. In our newest episode, Karen shares her tips on how to balance family and career.  Finding work-life balance is a challenge that every woman faces during at least one point...

E20 — How to Balance Career and Life

January 02, 2020 11:00 - 10 minutes - 7.06 MB

Karen Ansara is the co-founder of New England International Donors and the Ansara Family Fund, and she’s deeply involved in global philanthropy efforts. She’s passionate, yet maintains a strong sense of flexibility by finding a way to be creative in all of her endeavors, whether they’re work related or family oriented. In our newest episode, Karen shares her tips on how to balance family and career.  Finding work-life balance is a challenge that every woman faces during at least one point...

E20 — How to Balance Career and Life

January 02, 2020 11:00 - 10 minutes - 7.06 MB

Karen Ansara is the co-founder of New England International Donors and the Ansara Family Fund, and she’s deeply involved in global philanthropy efforts. She’s passionate, yet maintains a strong sense of flexibility by finding a way to be creative in all of her endeavors, whether they’re work related or family oriented. In our newest episode, Karen shares her tips on how to balance family and career.  Finding work-life balance is a challenge that every woman faces during at least one point...

E19 — Seizing Unique Career Opportunities

December 13, 2019 18:00 - 11 minutes - 7.87 MB

Episode 19 is finally here! Featuring an award-winning CEO, one of the Top 30 Most Influential Women in the MENA region, and a Global Cinema Leader — even these three titles fall short of summarizing the successes of Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen’s career. She’s nothing less than a powerhouse; she’s a role-model business woman with a strong leadership and determination. In this episode, Debbie shares how she has seized key life opportunities. From making a 180-degree career change, to deliver...

E19 — Seizing Unique Career Opportunities

December 13, 2019 18:00 - 11 minutes - 7.87 MB

Episode 19 is finally here! Featuring an award-winning CEO, one of the Top 30 Most Influential Women in the MENA region, and a Global Cinema Leader — even these three titles fall short of summarizing the successes of Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen’s career. She’s nothing less than a powerhouse; she’s a role-model business woman with a strong leadership and determination. In this episode, Debbie shares how she has seized key life opportunities. From making a 180-degree career change, to deliver...

E17 — Transforming Yourself with Personal Branding

December 04, 2019 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.35 MB

Chitra Lele is a world record-holding author of 40 books who has won over 70 awards and certifications. All before the age of 30. A multitalented, busy woman, Chitra can be found wearing several hats at any given point- either working as a software consultant, churning out books, writing research papers, or inspiring people through her well-followed LinkedIn. In our newest episode, Chitra shares her tips on personal branding - and why you shouldn't feel guilty about presenting the best ver...

E18 — How to Navigate the Social Impact Sector

December 04, 2019 16:00 - 8 minutes - 6.09 MB

Not everyone knows exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives, and Karen Ansara feels no differently. But that hasn’t stopped her from following her passion and becoming a driving force behind a global network of philanthropy! In our new episode of Empowered Women Series, Karen Ansara, the co-founder of New England International Donors and the Ansara Family Fund, discusses how to navigate the social impact sector and how you shouldn’t think of your career as a linear line. An...

E16 — Making the Best Out of Your Career

December 04, 2019 16:00 - 9 minutes - 6.68 MB

Madge Meyer, Ex CIO at the State Street, a lifetime innovator, an award-winning author, a public-speaker and so much more. Very early in her career IBM placed her on a crucial space program with NASA, as a scientific programmer.   She obviously has had an enviable career trajectory. When it comes to learning from others’ careers, enviable means a biggest learning opportunity! Madge has been kind enough to share her career secrets with us and tell us how-she-did-it.  We often know what our ...

E15 — Balancing Career Through Mindfulness

December 04, 2019 16:00 - 14 minutes - 9.8 MB

Chitra Lele is a world record-holding author of 40 books who has won over 70 awards and certifications. All before the age of 30. A multitalented, busy woman, Chitra can be found wearing several hats at any given point- either working as a software consultant, churning out books, writing research papers, or inspiring people through her well-followed LinkedIn. To most of us, balancing all this might sound like an unimaginable and overwhelming life. But with the help of mindfulness, she has ...

E14 — A Worldly Understanding

December 04, 2019 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.3 MB

Another benefit of all these adventures? The people you meet along the way. Since the age of 17, one crucial reason Stephanie went on her trips was to meet and learn about different people.  Through these adventures, she's had life-changing experiences that allowed her to understand cultures and religions she hadn't been exposed to before, shifting her entire perspective of everyone around her. In her own words;  "It took me from being "country-centric' and 'ego-centric' to becoming more ...

E14 — A Worldly Understanding

December 04, 2019 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.3 MB

Another benefit of all these adventures? The people you meet along the way. Since the age of 17, one crucial reason Stephanie went on her trips was to meet and learn about different people.  Through these adventures, she's had life-changing experiences that allowed her to understand cultures and religions she hadn't been exposed to before, shifting her entire perspective of everyone around her. In her own words;  "It took me from being "country-centric' and 'ego-centric' to becoming more ...

E13 — How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

December 04, 2019 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.22 MB

Imposter Syndrome is all too common a condition that many accomplished people experience; men and women alike.  Imposter Syndrome is characterized by a psychological pattern in which someone doubts their capabilities and accomplishments, such that they often dread being exposed as undeserving or inadequate.  Jody Seay is a highly successful woman whose diverse career experiences have been fulfilling and unconventionally versatile. As a gifted radio host, author, and more, Jody does not see...

E12 — Safety First

December 04, 2019 13:00 - 14 minutes - 9.9 MB

In her years of travel, Stephanie has travelled throughout the Arctic, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and North America. While Stephanie has learned many incredible lessons throughout these travels, most importantly, she has learned how to be safe  Listen to part  two of her incredible story and learn about the tips and tricks Stephanie has learned from all her trips!  What do you to stay safe when traveling alone? What’s one thing that you’ve learned from your solo travels?

E11 — Tips for Successful Mentor-Mentee Relationship

December 04, 2019 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.36 MB

Most of us have been mentees and some of us have been mentors, too. Mentor-mentee relationship helps us achieve our career and life goals, develop our strengths, and most importantly, the best ones create friendships that will last a lifetime. Dr. Bhakti More gives most effective tips on how we can create and maintain these relationships and have them work for us.  Dr. Bhakti More is a master at this art. She has developed a mentorship program at Manipal Academy called Manipal Beyond Gender...

E10 — The Story Behind the Story

December 04, 2019 11:00 - 12 minutes - 8.58 MB

Most of us wish we could write well, many of us want to write a book. Not many of us know how-to and where-to start or what-to-do.  That's why award winning author Jody Seay, awesome person that she is, shares her experience of writing. So that we can learn and may be write a book on our own. One day.  Jody credits her late mother for kindling her love for storytelling. As an accomplished author, she takes every opportunity to learn more about the people who inspire her essays and books. B...

E9 — Unique Mentorship Program Explained

December 03, 2019 19:00 - 11 minutes - 7.65 MB

Are you an accomplished woman who wants to help other women achieve success? But don’t know where to start or don’t have enough time to do it?  Most universities have mentorship programs and your alma matter might be the one where you start looking. If that’s not possible, may be you want to consider mature and successful programs at other universities like Manipal Beyond Gender.  As an educator and a driving force behind this program, Dr. More has been instrumental in inspiring and mentor...

E8 — Solo Adventures

December 03, 2019 18:00 - 7 minutes - 5.11 MB

Stephanie’s passionate love affair with exploring the great outdoors has remained constant throughout her whole life, stemming from her childhood growing up in rural Canada.  Since she first left home at 17, Stephanie has travelled throughout the Arctic, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and North America. Surviving warzones and teaching students along the way, today she encourages women to explore the world and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. As ...

E7 — Path to a Fulfilling Career

December 03, 2019 16:00 - 10 minutes - 7.43 MB

All successful careers aren't fulfilling, however all fulfilling careers are successful.  Jody Seay has had one of such fulfilling and successful careers, she has been a TV host, a star in Texas Radio Hall of Fame, an author of 3 award winning books and a professional rolfer.  She is an inspiration in every way. Always deeply connected with her audiences. Her listeners trusted her more than they trusted cops. Makes you wonder how did it happen? What does it mean to have a fulfilling caree...

E6 — What to Do When Called Bossy

December 03, 2019 15:00 - 5 minutes - 3.81 MB

Have ever been called bossy? I am sure you have. If you are a woman who ever tried to get anything done (which is all women) you are called bossy, at least once in your life.  Surprisingly this word is used only for women, and has a negative connotation.  When someone calls you "bossy" it's often about their insecurities than about your personality or attitude.  In a quick conversation today Annette Ballou, J.D. Strategic Advisor to the President's Office at University of Massachusetts, g...

E5 — How to Speak Up as a Woman

December 03, 2019 14:00 - 8 minutes - 5.74 MB

Sometimes you don't have the courage to speak up and sometimes you are shut down even when you speak up.  Is the solution in you building your courage or does it have to do with your organization's culture?  Listen to Annette Ballou, J.D. Strategic Advisor to President's Office at University of Massachusetts , she shares her thoughts on importance of innovation based organizational culture and how speaking up is foundation of it.  What do you think we should do so that everyone has an equ...

E4 — How Not to Invest in Invisible Emotional Labor

December 03, 2019 13:00 - 7 minutes - 5.28 MB

Being an empathic leader should make you a stronger leader, right? Well, not always. Sometimes, it only results in loads of invisible emotional labor at work and at home.  This emotional labor can and should be shared.  Listen to my conversation with Sasha Feldstein of California Immigrant Policy Center to learn more.  If you've heard last Thursday's interview with Sasha, skip the first minute.  Leave a comment to tell us about your emotional labor.  To hear more such interviews with Empo...

E3 — How to Negotiate as a Woman

December 03, 2019 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.63 MB

Negotiating doesn't come easy for many women. The more we share our best practices, stories and proven techniques, the better off we'll all be. In this episode of Empowered Women Empower Women, Sasha Feldstein of the California Immigrant Policy Center shares her experiences negotiating. While Sasha doesn’t claim to be an expert in negotiations, her real-world, relatable experience & helpful formula will help you succeed. I've already started following Sasha’s advice. And i've seen the resul...

E2 — As a Woman How to Make Others Value Your Career

December 03, 2019 12:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MB

As women, we often have to convince others of the value of our careers. How do we find balance and draw boundaries in our personal and professional lives? This episode of “Empowered Women Empower Women,” is with Yoselin Bugallo, the Director of Admissions at the NYU Stern School of Business. As a specialist in career development, Yoselin has learned a variety of lessons over the years—and one piece of advice that stood out to her was that who you choose as your life partner is one of the mo...

E1 — How to Speak Up as a Woman Professional

December 03, 2019 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

The first episode of “Empowered Women Empower Women,” is with Naheed Chowdhry, the founder of iWill. With a focus on gender equality in the workplace, iWill helps augment, not reinvent, the gender-disparity policies of global leaders.  Naheed emphasizes that the best way to shift the mindsets of others is a mix of data and empathy. It’s only when something becomes personal that you can feel the impact and the desire to change your unconscious behavior. She also points to the benefits of saf...