Be Anomalous

What does it take to walk away from companies like Google, Tesla, and SpaceX to build your own vision? In this episode of Be Anomalous, Sai Menon sits down with Rama Afullo, founder and CEO of Satlyt, to talk about identity, ambition, startup culture, and building the future of orbital computing. Born in Kenya and raised across multiple countries, Rama shares how growing up between cultures shaped his thinking about resilience, confidence, and innovation. From being one of Tesla’s earliest employees in Africa to working at Google and later joining Starlink at SpaceX, his journey has been anything but conventional. But this conversation goes deeper than résumés and startups.We talk about:Walking away from prestige to build your own pathThe hidden realities of venture capitalWhat working inside Google and SpaceX actually taught himWhy confidence and identity matter in entrepreneurshipThe future of AI and orbital infrastructureBuilding with conviction before the world understands your visionThis is a conversation for founders, creatives, engineers, and anyone trying to build a life outside the lines.

What does it really mean to build a life around impact? In this episode, Sai sits down with Julie Castro Abrams, venture capitalist, founder, foster parent, and one of the most quietly radical voices in women's leadership. Julie opens up about marrying an undocumented immigrant at 22, fostering children, running a venture firm that exclusively backs women founders, and why she's never worked for a man in her life. They go deep on white privilege, co-founder mistakes, what fundraising really looks like for women, and why letting your light shine permits others to do the same-

Mitali Saxena went from being an engineer in a male-dominated industry to launching two fashion-tech companies rooted in something the industry rarely talks about: real women and real bodies. No filters. No fluff. Just smart tech, thoughtful design, and a deep “why” centered on empowerment.In this episode, we talk about what it actually takes to leave the safe path, build from scratch, and stay soft while doing hard things. Mitali shares the unfiltered truth about fundraising as a woman in tech, what she got wrong about her first customers, and why operations (not aesthetics) almost broke her.We discuss burnout, mindfulness, and what it means to lead with empathy, especially when the world rewards hustle over healing.This isn’t just a founder story. It’s a reminder that your difference is your power, and you don’t need anyone’s permission to start where you are.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, we sit down with Katherine, founder of Francis Henry—a curated children’s clothing retailer bringing international baby and toddler brands to the U.S. market through both brick-and-mortar stores and online retail.Katherine shares her unconventional journey from aspiring wedding planner to PR professional at Neiman Marcus, and ultimately to becoming a multi-store founder and entrepreneur. We dive deep into how she navigated career pivots, built a business during the pandemic, and balanced entrepreneurship with raising three young children.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, I sit down with Shahezad — founder of Cousins Burger — who spent over two decades in IT before walking away from a stable, predictable career to build something completely different.What started as a last-minute decision to show up at a food festival turned into a fast-growing restaurant brand doing millions in revenue.But this conversation isn’t just about business.It’s about unlearning the beliefs you grew up with.Choosing uncertainty over comfort.And building something that feels true to you — even when you’re not sure it will work.We talk about fear, risk, identity, scaling a brand, and how success evolves over time.Shahezad shares the real side of entrepreneurship — the parts that aren’t always visible, but matter the most.If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re ready to start…This episode might change how you think about it.Be bold. Be real. Be anomalous.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, I sit down with Melissa — founder of a K-beauty brand designed specifically for melanin-rich skin — to talk about identity, representation, and what it really takes to build something that challenges an entire industry. This conversation goes deep into: Why K-beauty hasn’t historically worked for darker skin tones. The science behind melanin-rich skin and why most products miss the markWhat it takes to build a brand in a saturated industry. The reality of fundraising as a female founder.Moving to Korea and working directly with labs and the government Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. Subscribe to the Be Anomalous Follow:InstagramLinkedInNew conversations with founders, creators, and unconventional thinkers.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, Priya Ravindra shares how a simple question turned into a mission-driven company. Priya didn’t start in sustainability. She was an engineer, working in tech, navigating spaces where she was often the only woman in the room. But during the pandemic, something didn’t sit right. As consumption increased, she found herself asking: Where does all this go? That question led her down a path into textile waste, ethical production, and eventually into building Punar — a sustainable brand focused on recycled materials and conscious consumption. But this conversation goes far beyond businessWe talk about: • Building a company without a traditional background • Why curiosity is one of the most underrated founder traits • Learning an entirely new industry from scratch • The reality of entrepreneurship — failures, delays, and self-doubt • Why speaking about your work is essential (especially for women) • How self-belief is built when things aren’t working. This is a conversation about trusting yourself before you have proof. Subscribe to the Be Anomalous https://www.beanomalous.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanomalouspodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-anomalous/New conversations with founders, creators, and unconventional thinkers.—Subscribe to the YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@iamsaimenonNew episodes every Monday and Thursday. —Follow Sai:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsaimenon/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamsaimenon/Thoughtful insights on entrepreneurship, identity, and building a life outside the lines.—About Be Anomalous: Be Anomalous is a podcast for trailblazers, creators, and founders who chose the unconventional path. Hosted by Sai Menon, the show explores the real stories behind people building meaningful work outside the lines. Be bold. Be real. Be Anomalous.

In this episode, we discuss:How Natalie built a career across multiple industriesThe real value of an MBAStarting a consulting business from your networkTime management when you work for yourselfWhy quitting the wrong things can unlock growthHow founders can turn strategy into actionReframing failure as learning. Subscribe to the Be Anomalous https://www.beanomalous.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanomalouspodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-anomalous/New conversations with founders, creators, and unconventional thinkers.—Subscribe to the YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@iamsaimenonNew episodes every Monday and Thursday.Follow Sai:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsaimenon/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamsaimenon/Thoughtful insights on entrepreneurship, identity, and building a life outside the lines.—About Be Anomalous: Be Anomalous is a podcast for trailblazers, creators, and founders who chose the unconventional path. Hosted by Sai Menon, the show explores the real stories behind people building meaningful work outside the lines. Be bold. Be real. Be Anomalous.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, Sai Menon sits down with a founder whose path is anything but conventional.She began her career as one of the youngest U.S. diplomats, representing the United States overseas in her early twenties. But the company she’s building today didn’t come from politics or policy; it came from navigating the healthcare system while trying to help a family member get the care they needed.What followed was a journey through empathy, leadership, technology, and entrepreneurship.In this conversation, we talk about: Becoming one of the youngest U.S. diplomats Leadership at a young age Navigating identity and representation abroad Building a startup from lived experience What founders should understand about AI today Why empathy can be a founder’s greatest advantageThis episode is a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful companies start not with a business plan but with a personal problemSubscribe to the Be Anomalous https://www.beanomalous.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanomalouspodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-anomalous/New conversations with founders, creators, and unconventional thinkers.

What does it take to walk away from corporate and build something aligned with who you truly are?In this episode of Be Anomalous, I sit down with Deepa Mani — former IT consultant turned founder — to talk about leaving stability, building a cultural dance institution, and launching a beauty brand that centers people of color instead of treating them as an afterthought.We talk:• Founder loneliness & imposter syndrome• Bootstrapping from scratch• Protecting your energy• Marketing yourself with confidence• Building in seasonsIf you’re navigating a pivot or building something unconventional — this one will resonate.Follow for weekly conversations with founders and creatives building outside the lines.Be bold. Be real. Be anomalous.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, Mayssa Chehata — founder and CEO of Behave Candy — shares what it really looked like to rebuild her life while building a company from scratch.In the span of a single year, Mayssa got married, divorced, checked a parent into rehab, and continued growing her business — all while navigating the emotional and financial realities of entrepreneurship.This conversation goes beyond startup strategy. We talk about:- Growing up between cultures and learning adaptability as survival- Leaving a high-paying job to step into uncertainty- The nervous system side of entrepreneurship no one prepares you for - Why women deserve to want money, power, and influence — without shame- Trusting intuition when logic alone isn’t enoughThis episode is for anyone building something — a company, a new chapter, or a version of themselves that feels more honest and aligned.If you’ve ever felt like life and work were happening all at once, this conversation will meet you where you are.Subscribe to  @iamsaimenon  for more honest conversations with founders, creatives, and cultural disruptors building outside the lines.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, Jessica Williams joins me for an insightful conversation about how culture, community, and psychology shape the brands we trust. Jessica is a senior brand and marketing leader who has spent her career inside some of the most influential companies shaping modern commerce. She currently leads Brand Marketing at Shopify, where her work sits at the intersection of creators, founders, and community-driven entrepreneurship—helping millions of entrepreneurs around the world build and grow sustainable businesses. Before Shopify, Jessica held leadership roles at Coinbase, where she helped build and lead the company’s first brand team following its public listing, and at Visa, where she worked across product, partnership, and brand marketing on global initiatives tied to the Olympics, FIFA, and the NFL. But Jessica’s perspective doesn’t come only from the rooms she’s been in . She grew up in a home where her mother ran a psychology practice out of their living room—surrounded by athletes, high performers, and people navigating mental health challenges. That early exposure shaped how she understands behavior, ambition, and decision-making—and why she believes marketing isn’t just a business function, but behavioral psychology in action. In this conversation, we talk about what it really means to build influence without being the loudest voice in the room. About why “playing it safe” is often the most dangerous strategy. About how creator-led brands succeed—or fail—based on authenticity and community. And about how ambition evolves as life, leadership, and responsibility grow. This episode is for founders building from scratch and for corporate leaders navigating power, culture, and change from inside the system. If you’re building a brand, a career, or a life that doesn’t fit neatly into a box, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, Aparna Piramal Raje joins me for a rare, deeply honest conversation about ambition, mental health, and what happens when success — as we’re taught to chase it — stops working.Aparna grew up in Mumbai, studied at Oxford and Harvard, and became a CEO in her twenties. From the outside, it looked like she had followed the “right” path.But inside, the cost was mounting.Living with bipolar disorder for over two decades, Aparna shares what it really takes to navigate mental health while carrying ambition, expectations, and leadership roles — and how she learned to move from chasing the outer scorecard of validation, titles, and approval to trusting an inner scorecard rooted in meaning, craftsmanship, and sustainability.In this conversation, we talk about:Mental health as a medical condition — not a personality flawThe pressure to appear “normal” while struggling internallyWhy achievement alone doesn’t guarantee fulfillmentLeadership is a set of everyday habits, not heroic momentsThe role of support systems — beyond crisis momentsRedefining success in a way that protects your well-beingWe also discuss Aparna’s books Chemical Khichdi and Working Out of the Box, and how writing became a way for her to make sense of her life — and offer others a path forward.If you’ve ever felt like you were doing everything “right” and still felt deeply misaligned — this episode is for you.

When we recorded this conversation, Kaylee Lieffers was pregnant.Today, she’s a new mom — and the conversation feels even more relevant.Kaylee is the co-founder of Blanka, a beauty-tech platform that has helped 20,000+ entrepreneurs launch their own beauty and wellness brands by removing traditional barriers like high minimum order quantities, inventory risk, and complex logistics.In just a few years, Blanka became one of the top-performing apps in the Shopify App Store, raised an oversubscribed seed round, and built real infrastructure for founders who didn’t have access before.In this episode, we talk about: • What it actually means to scale a business • How leadership changes when thousands of people depend on your decisions • Why most founders misunderstand scale • And how to keep clarity when your personal life and professional life are evolving at the same timeThis is a conversation for founders, operators, and anyone building something meaningful — especially if life doesn’t pause while the business grows.If you’re new here, I’m Sai Menon, and I started Be Anomalous to have honest conversations with people who are building in real time, without the noise or performance.If this episode adds value to your life, please subscribe.I take that commitment seriously — and I promise not to waste your time.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, Farah Meghji joins me for a grounded, honest conversation about identity, reinvention, and what it really means to navigate healthcare when the system isn’t designed to guide you.Farah grew up as the only South Asian kid in a small town outside Toronto—raised by immigrant parents who believed in education, sacrifice, and blending in to stay safe. But her life and work eventually pulled her in the opposite direction: toward visibility, voice, and building something that challenges the way healthcare has always been done.We discuss the tension that many of us carry—wanting to fit in as kids, then spending our adulthood unlearning that survival strategy. Farah shares how her worldview shifted as she moved through school, work, motherhood, and caregiving—until she realized the “rules” of healthcare aren’t neutral. They reward confidence, access, and self-advocacy. And most people aren’t taught how to do any of that.That’s what led her to co-found Unum—a company built on a simple but radical idea: lived experience is expertise. Not as a nice-to-have. As something that should shape decisions, policies, and solutions.We also get into the role AI is already playing in healthcare—how it can help patients translate complex information, prepare for appointments, and advocate more effectively—without replacing the human heart of care.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed inside a system that expects you to “just know,” this episode will make you feel seen—and better equipped.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, Cici Stefanova shares her journey from growing up in Scotland to building a brand that landed in Sephora — and how the very insecurities she once tried to hide became her greatest strength.We talk about identity, feeling different, learning in public, and the quiet confidence that comes from building anyway — even when you don’t feel ready.This isn’t a highlight reel.It’s a conversation about turning self-doubt into clarity, curiosity into momentum, and difference into power.If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t quite fit — and wondered if that disqualified you — this episode will challenge that belief.What You’ll Learn • How Cici’s upbringing shaped her perspective and resilience • Why insecurity can sharpen intuition instead of weakening it • What it really takes to go from idea to Sephora • How to build confidence after you start, not before • Why being different is often an advantage🎧 New episodes every Monday and Thursday.Subscribe for honest conversations with founders, creatives, and cultural disruptors building outside the lines.Be bold. Be real. Be anomalous.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, Charlotte Trecartin— founder and CEO of CharCharms — joins me to share the real story of how she built one of the fastest-growing accessory brands in the country without funding, connections, or a roadmap.Charlotte didn’t wait for permission. At 20 years old, during the height of the pandemic, she followed a tiny spark — a simple frustration with a hair tie and a water bottle — and turned it into an eight-figure brand now sold in Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Urban Outfitters, and more.We talk about what most people don’t see: the two years she hand-made every product by herself, the discipline behind posting cringe-worthy TikToks until something hit, the emotional cost of building publicly, and the mindset it takes to act before you have certainty.Charlotte breaks down the reality of scaling fast, being first to market in a category that didn’t exist yet, navigating early retail deals, managing money while bootstrapping, and learning how to lead a team while still becoming the person her company needs.If you’ve ever had an idea you couldn’t shake — or felt underestimated because of your age, background, or lack of credentials — this episode will give you the push you’ve been waiting for.This is a masterclass in audacity, momentum, and trusting yourself in the moments that matter.

Why I Started Be Anomalous — and 10 Lessons That Changed My YearIn this raw and reflective solo episode, I take you behind the creation of Be Anomalous — why it exists, who it’s for, and how it became a home for people building their lives outside the lines.I share the real story behind living in the in-between: between cultures, between expectations, between who I was told to be and who I actually am. And how that experience led me to create a space for others who also feel different, ambitious, and deeply human.I also break down the purpose behind each part of the Be Anomalous ecosystem — Off Script, Under the Hood, Skin Deep, and The Debrief — and how each one is designed to support you as you grow in your identity, your work, and your sense of self.And since we’re heading into a new year, I’m sharing 10 lessons I learned from guests, books, and my own life that genuinely helped me evolve. They may sound simple, but they work — and they might be exactly what you need to hear right now.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit a mold… if you’ve felt misunderstood, underestimated, or like your path doesn’t look like anyone else’s… this episode is for you.

Mitali Saxena went from being an engineer in a male-dominated industry to launching two fashion-tech companies rooted in something the industry rarely talks about: real women and real bodies. No filters. No fluff. Just smart tech, thoughtful design, and a deep “why” centered on empowerment.In this episode, we talk about what it actually takes to leave the safe path, build from scratch, and stay soft while doing hard things. Mitali shares the unfiltered truth about fundraising as a woman in tech, what she got wrong about her first customers, and why operations (not aesthetics) almost broke her.We discuss burnout, mindfulness, and what it means to lead with empathy, especially when the world rewards hustle over healing.This isn’t just a founder story. It’s a reminder that your difference is your power, and you don’t need anyone’s permission to start where you are.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, Angela Ubias, beauty industry veteran and co-founder of Common Heir, joins me to talk about building with conviction, navigating identity in an industry built on perfection, and redefining what leadership looks like when you lead with values over validation.Angela has spent over a decade behind the scenes helping shape some of the most influential beauty brands — including Native — before launching Common Heir in 2020, a clean, sustainable skincare brand that went on to be acquired by Flamingo Estate. Now, she’s the founder of Halo Haus, an agency helping purpose-driven founders build brands that actually mean something.In this conversation, we explore what it means to stay grounded while growing fast — the realities of fundraising as a woman of color and queer founder, the lessons she learned from selling her company, and the power of leading with kindness in an industry obsessed with perfection.If you’ve ever felt like the outsider in the room — and still chose to show up anyway — this episode is for you.

At nineteen, Troy Alexander’s life took a sharp turn: a fight landed him in prison. Two years later, he walked out changed — disciplined, faithful, and determined to rebuild from the inside out.In this raw and revealing conversation, Troy shares how prison became the greatest pause of his life, how he learned to face himself through the mirror technique, and why he still wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to sit in the dark, pray, and write his goals as if they’ve already happened.We talk about masculinity, vulnerability, purpose, and the mindset that turned pain into power — and how that journey led to the creation of T3603, a brand redefining what it means for men to care for themselves and lead with integrity.If you’ve ever felt like you’re starting over, this episode reminds you that rock bottom can be the foundation for greatness.Be bold. Be real. Be anomalous.

Nicole Harvey didn’t wait for the perfect moment to start. While working full-time in tech and traveling nonstop, she built EmpowHer — a global community where women connect through honest conversations about money, health, leadership, and purpose.In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build something meaningful while balancing a career, why she’s chosen to stay self-funded, and how she’s redefining success on her own terms.If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your dream without giving up your stability — or how to keep showing up for yourself when life is full — this episode is for you.

Kara Brothers, former President of Starface, joins Be Anomalous for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, identity, and the power of finding your place when you don’t quite fit the mold.Before leading one of the most creative, culture-defining beauty brands of our time, Kara spent years at Google, where self-doubt, misalignment, and corporate politics left her questioning her abilities and her worth. She opens up about what it felt like almost to lose her confidence — and how that experience became the foundation for her next chapter.Kara shares how she rebuilt herself from the inside out — learning to trust her intuition, create her own lane, and lead with empathy, not ego. She talks about the realities of motherhood and ambition, the pressure to be everything to everyone, and how she finally learned to slow down without losing her edge.We dive into:How self-doubt can be the doorway to self-awarenessRebuilding confidence after failure and misalignmentWhat modern leadership looks like when you lead with honestyBalancing motherhood, ambition, and identityWhy slowing down can actually move you forwardThe freedom that comes with redefining success on your own termsKara’s story is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention, a reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is keep showing up, even when you’re not sure where it’s all leading.Because, as Kara says, “Life is one big experiment.”If you’re chasing an ambition, trying to figure out what makes you happy, or just learning to trust yourself again — this episode will remind you that your difference isn’t your weakness.It’s your direction.

What does it take to build a venture-backed platform that helps creators and founders launch beauty brands—without losing your values (or your mind)? In this replay, Blanka co-founder & CEO Kaylee Lieffers gets real about growing up “between worlds,” why entrepreneurship can be incubated, and how she went from consulting decks to zero-to-one product, team, and traction.We dive into the messy middle—co-founder dynamics (including building with her husband), raising an oversubscribed seed in tough markets, why Blanka chose no MOQs to truly “arm the rebels,” and the leadership shift from player to coach. If you’re building anything in public, this one hits.What we get intoThe “against-the-grain” upbringing that made entrepreneurship feel inevitableCan entrepreneurship be taught—or just incubated?From corporate frameworks to startup chaos: translating structured thinking into speedBlanka’s origin story: killing a sunscreen idea to chase the bigger problemHow to choose the right co-founders (green flags, red flags, and testing ground)Bootstrapping first, fundraising later: timing your capital so dollars have a jobProduct truths: ship a smaller MVP, build process earlier, fix signals fastWhy no minimums matter for real access—and how Blanka made it viableBeauty’s next era: archaic back-end, tech-forward future, and niche, narrative-led brandsLeading at scale: letting go, prioritizing what actually moves the needle

From PR intern to Warner Records and now VP of Brand Operations at Global Brand Equities, Kristin Turner has built a career that turns influence into infrastructure. She’s helped shape celebrity-founded brands like Gran Coramino with Kevin Hart, Mercer + Prince with A$AP Rocky, and Maison No. 9 with Post Malone — proving that star power alone doesn’t build lasting businesses.In this conversation, Kristin gets real about the evolution of her ambition, the lessons she’s learned navigating PR, music, and brand partnerships, and why detaching from outcomes is key in high-stakes industries. We dive into:Why some celebrity brands fail — and what separates the ones that scaleHow to reinvent yourself when the path ahead isn’t clearBuilding confidence as a minority voice in boardrooms and negotiationsThe balance between ambition, resilience, and letting goThis is a masterclass in turning uncertainty into opportunity — and building brands (and careers) that last.

n Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Arielle shares what it really took to walk away from Google and step into the unknown world of Hollywood — with no connections, no film school, and no clear roadmap.We talk about fear, self-trust, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing who you are — even when the world hasn’t caught up yet. From cold emails and imposter syndrome to ancestral strength and spiritual grounding, Arielle opens up about building a life that aligns from the inside out.This episode is about letting go of what you’ve outgrown — and choosing the version of yourself that’s been waiting all along.

What happens when you grow up too fast but the dream inside you refuses to die?In this powerful first part of our conversation, screenwriter Arielle opens up about what it meant to be the responsible one from a young age — the child of teenage parents, the straight-A student, the planner, the fixer. She talks about rejection from the dream school, falling into jobs that didn’t fit, and the quiet voice inside that always whispered: you’re meant to be a writer.We talk:Childhoods shaped by chaosWhat it costs to be the “mature one”Learning to play again — as adultsGetting rejected by the system, and still choosing yourselfThe messy, nonlinear road to purposeThis episode is about what it really means to come home to yourself — even if that journey takes a detour through survival, burnout, and self-doubt.Trust me, you’ll never hear a better metaphor for becoming who you really are.“I’m an adult with a briefcase… but there’s a banana inside.”

This week on Be Anomalous, we’re bringing back a conversation that hits deeper than a typical founder story. Alix Peabody didn’t just launch a wine company—she built a brand that challenged the status quo of an entire industry.She founded Bev to rewrite the rules in a space dominated by bro culture. But the journey started with something way more personal: throwing ticketed parties to fund her egg freezing. From there, Alix turned raw experience into a movement—leveraging storytelling, sisterhood, and pure hustle to carve her own lane.In this episode, Alix opens up about what most founders won’t: the loneliness, the burnout, the identity unraveling that can come after the exit. We talk intuition, resilience, and what happens when the thing you built… no longer needs you.If you’ve ever felt like you had to wear a mask to survive, or questioned who you are without your work, this one’s for you.Topics We Cover:Fundraising as a solo female founderBreaking into male-dominated industriesIntuition-led leadershipBurnout, reinvention, and life after the exitWhy knowing your “who” matters as much as your “why”Be bold. Be real. Be anomalous.

What happens when you stop waiting for the perfect moment and start building with what you’ve got?In this episode, Sai Menon sits down with Luiza Villela, a Brazilian-born food scientist and the founder of UnClassic, a company on a mission to reimagine the center of the plate, one mushroom at a time.From making vegan ice cream in a scrappy startup kitchen to navigating immigration hurdles with $500 in her account, Luiza shares how she carved her own path in the food industry with relentless purpose, clarity, and obsession. Every decision from her major at Berkeley to walking away from a role at Beyond Meat was rooted in values, not vanity.This is a raw and honest conversation about purpose, grit, and building something that truly matters. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re ready, this is your reminder: conviction > credentials.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, futurist and designer Radha Mistry joins me for a conversation that felt both deeply personal and profoundly expansive. Radha shares her journey from growing up across continents, to training as an architect, to ultimately carving a path in foresight, helping organizations imagine the world 20 years from now.We talk about questioning cultural expectations, redefining what marriage and motherhood look like, and the healing that comes from raising kids differently than you were raised. Radha’s story is about curiosity as a compass, about refusing to fit neatly into boxes, and about permitting yourself to change course, again and again.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit in, or wondered how to align who you are with the life you’re building, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to follow the blueprint; you get to create it.

Elizabeth Ahern’s career reads like a marketer’s dream, leading major campaigns for Red Bull, Carvana, and Chamberlain Coffee — but the way she got there was anything but traditional. In this candid conversation, Liz opens up about her unplanned journey to Harvard, navigating culture shock, and finding her place in high-pressure environments. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career, from corporate boardrooms to startup hustle, and the strategies that made her a sought-after brand leader.We talk career pivots, leading with purpose, building brands that resonate, and the marketing plays that actually work. Liz is generous with her knowledge, raw about the challenges, and honest about how career ambitions shift at different points in life. If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out, adapt, and thrive in a constantly changing landscape, this episode is your masterclass.

Nick Chen has built his life by trusting his instincts and betting on himself. From growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to navigating global moves, launching startups, pivoting through a pandemic, and scaling Golden Gate Fulfillment, Nick’s story is all about turning uncertainty into opportunity.In this conversation, we talk about resilience, reinvention, and what it really means to grow on your terms. Nick shares how he spotted an opportunity where others saw risk, why embracing change is key to entrepreneurship, and the lessons he’s learned building businesses rooted in values, not hype.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a life and business outside the usual playbook, this episode will inspire you to trust the pivot and define success your way

Mayssa, founder and CEO of Behave Candy, isn’t just reinventing candy — she’s redefining what it means to lead and grow as a person while building something bold.In this conversation, we go beyond business to talk about healing, finding your voice, and embracing the parts of yourself that feel like ‘too much.’ From navigating uncertainty to trusting your vision, this is an honest look at what it takes to build not just a company, but also yourself.

In this episode, we sit down with Jiwon Hong, founder of YesPlz, an AI-powered fashion discovery platform that’s rethinking how we shop online by understanding real human preferences, not just pushing trends.Jiwon’s journey spans continents and industries: from her teenage years navigating culture shock in South Carolina, to working at global giants like Samsung and Sony Music, to launching not one but two startups. Her first company failed not because she didn’t work hard, but because she built in isolation. Her second? She did it differently. She talked to users. She studied their habits. She listened, obsessively. And from that came YesPlz — a smarter, more intuitive shopping experience designed for how people actually want to shop.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sheikha Al Otaibi — first-gen college grad, co-founder of a fast-growing remote staffing startup, and Babson College’s Entrepreneur of the Year — to talk about what it really takes to build something from the ground up.Born in Boston, raised by her grandmother in South Jersey, and navigating life between her Saudi and American roots, Sheikha opens up about identity, resilience, and the hard decisions that shaped her. From interning at Jimmy Choo to launching a company that helps U.S. businesses hire top talent across Latin America, her story is one of grit, reinvention, and radical self-belief.We talk hustle culture, cold emails, cultural disconnection, money mindset, and the very real mental toll of trying to “make it.” Sheikha doesn’t hold back — and her honesty will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like the outsider in the room.If you’ve ever felt torn between expectations and your truth, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Kalsoom Lakhani, a woman who defies every box—and then builds new ones.Kalsoom is the co-founder and general partner of i2i Ventures, Pakistan’s first female-founded venture capital fund. She’s spent over a decade building the startup ecosystem in Pakistan and other overlooked markets as the founder of Invest2Innovate, launching the country’s first startup accelerator and supporting more than a thousand entrepreneurs across South Asia. She’s also a published writer, global speaker, and host of “The Comparable,” a podcast spotlighting voices from emerging markets.Born in Dubai to Bangladeshi and Pakistani parents, raised across continents, and never fully at home in any one place, Kalsoom embodies what it means to be a true third-culture kid. Her journey has taken her from international schools in Dhaka and Islamabad, to the University of Virginia, to the corridors of Washington, DC, and into the highest-stakes rooms of venture capital, where she invests in the builders and change-makers the world usually overlooks.In this episode, we dive deep into what it takes to lead as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry, the grit required to keep going through rejection and uncertainty, and the life-changing impact of building with empathy and curiosity. Kalsoom opens up about starting her first blog while working in defense contracting, fighting imposter syndrome, redefining power, and why betting on the “unusual suspects” can change the world.If you’re ready for a masterclass in resilience, cultural identity, and self-trust, Kalsoom’s story will hit you right where you need it.

In this episode of Be Anomalous, I sit down with Margaret Trainor, the visionary founder of Atmo Home—a clean home care line built on science, design, and deep intentionality.Margaret’s journey isn’t a straight path—it’s a lesson in reinvention. She moved to Germany for love, walked away from her first startup, and grappled with identity as she built Atmo from the ground up. All of this gave her clarity on what truly matters—both in business and in self.We dive into the moments that matter: surrendering a “good” idea, untangling self-worth from venture-worth, and finding alignment in work that sustains rather than depletes you. Margaret shares real-world advice—no fluff, no hype—for anyone navigating pivots, burnout, or the messy middle of building something that actually aligns with who they are.If you’re forging your own path—uncertain, unfinished, but unrelenting—this conversation is for you.Be bold.Be real. Be anomalous

What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start building what’s missing?In this episode, we sit down with Aravinda Seshadri, founder of Venturous Counsel, a startup lawyer, and an unapologetic advocate for equity in tech. Aravinda shares how she went from being the only woman of color at a big law firm… to launching her own legal practice while pregnant… to creating a workplace that actually honors balance, humanity, and purpose.We get into:How growing up as a South Asian girl in Salt Lake City shaped her fight for representationThe real reason imposter syndrome exists — and how she flipped it into fuelWhat it takes to say “no” in a culture obsessed with overworkWhy legal access is a justice issue — especially for underestimated foundersThis is not your average lawyer story. It’s a conversation about power, self-trust, and building systems that reflect our values, not just the status quo.If you’re a founder, creative, or anyone who’s been told to shrink yourself, this one’s for you.Be bold. Be real. Be Anomalous.

What does it really look like to say no—over and over—until life finally says yes back? Devreet Dulay joins us to unpack the bold, messy, and deeply intentional path she’s taken—from playing college basketball in Canada, to working multiple jobs, to breaking into tech and landing her dream role at an AI startup in San Francisco… only to walk away and build something of her own.We talk about what it means to grow up between cultures, how to hear your intuition above the noise, and why not settling is a muscle you can train. Devreet’s story is a masterclass in clarity, courage, and carving your own lane—even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else.If you’ve ever been afraid to pivot, to bet on yourself, or to turn down “good enough” in pursuit of what you really want—this episode is your permission slip.

What does it really take to start something from nothing — and stay true to yourself in the process?In this episode of Be Anomalous, we have Alix Peabody, the unapologetic founder of Bev, a canned wine brand that challenged the bro culture of alcohol and built a whole new lane for women in the industry.Alix shares the unfiltered truth behind her journey — from throwing parties to pay for egg freezing, to building a movement through storytelling, to navigating loneliness, identity, and burnout after her company’s exit.This isn’t just a founder story. It’s a human story. One about knowing your “why,” leading with intuition, and what happens when the thing you built no longer needs you.If you’ve ever felt the pressure to do it all, be it all, or keep it all together — this episode is your permission to choose yourself.Topics We Cover:Fundraising as a solo female founderBreaking into male-dominated industriesIntuition-led leadershipBurnout, reinvention, and life after the exitWhy knowing your “who” matters as much as your “why”Be bold. Be real. Be anomalous.

Mitali Saxena went from being an engineer in a male-dominated industry to launching two fashion-tech companies rooted in something the industry rarely talks about: real women and real bodies. No filters. No fluff. Just smart tech, thoughtful design, and a deep “why” centered on empowerment.In this episode, we talk about what it actually takes to leave the safe path, build from scratch, and stay soft while doing hard things. Mitali shares the unfiltered truth about fundraising as a woman in tech, what she got wrong about her first customers, and why operations (not aesthetics) almost broke her.We discuss burnout, mindfulness, and what it means to lead with empathy, especially when the world rewards hustle over healing.This isn’t just a founder story. It’s a reminder that your difference is your power, and you don’t need anyone’s permission to start where you are.

From planning weddings to launching one of the most distinct children’s retail brands in the U.S., Katherine Oyer’s story is a masterclass in bold pivots, quiet resilience, and building something beautiful from scratch. In this episode, Katherine opens up about her winding journey—from the corporate halls of Neiman Marcus to founding Francis Henri, a curated children’s boutique inspired by global travel and deep maternal instinct.We talk about the tension between ambition and motherhood, the realities of bootstrapping a business during a pandemic, and the courage it takes to walk away from safety in pursuit of something more meaningful. Katherine shows how to build your business on your terms.If you’re navigating career transitions, chasing a creative dream, or just trying to figure out how to do it all without losing yourself — this one’s for you.

What if quitting wasn’t failure, but a bold strategy for growth?In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Trotta, a founder, strategist, and visionary thinker who’s rewritten the rules of success. From growing up in a small Ohio town to navigating the worlds of fashion, tech, and climate, Natalie’s journey is anything but traditional — and that’s exactly why it matters.She shares how she turned her curiosity into a career, built a consulting practice on her own terms, and uses structure and self-awareness to stay focused while working for herself.We get into:The myth of having it all figured outNavigating pivots without losing yourselfBuilding a life that aligns with your energy and ambitionTangible tools for time management, mindset, and momentumAnd why knowing when to quit is one of the smartest things you can doIf you’re in the middle of a transition — or ready to finally bet on yourself — this one’s for you.

In this first episode of Be Anomalous, Sai Menon sits down with Kaylee Lieffers — Founder and CEO of Blanka — to talk about building dreams without a blueprint. From growing up between cultures to leading one of the beauty industry’s most innovative platforms, Kaylee shares what it really takes to trust yourself, embrace the pivots, and scale something extraordinary.If you’ve ever questioned your path, this is the conversation you need.

Gayaneh Davoodian talks about her experience growing up as an Armenian-American and how it shaped her to be an incredibly creative and talented Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur. For more information: Gayaneh Davoodian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayaneh-davoodian-39602868/ Anoma Cosmetics:https://www.instagram.com/anomacosmetics/

Miracle Olatunji is a sophomore at Northeastern University, an entrepreneur, and author of Purpose: How To Live and Lead With Impact. At 17, she founded OpportuniMe, an award-winning organization that connects youth with summer enrichment opportunities to learn about different career paths and build life and leadership skills. At Northeastern, Miracle is an accounting and finance major with a passion for entrepreneurship, technology, social impact, fashion, health & wellness, and innovation. She is an alum of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) Trek program. She’s been honored as one of The Tempest's 2019 40 Women To Watch, a Young Global Leadership Scholar, and her work has been featured in Forbes, Thrive Global, Technical.ly, BostInno, The CEO Library, Harvard Business Review, and other media outlets. She was also selected as one of America’s Amazing Teens by the AAT Project, which identifies exceptional youth who are changing the world. Miracle also hosts workshops for women and girls on the topics of building their "net worth, self-worth, and network” and was honored as an EXTRAOrdinary Woman by Boston.gov during the International Women’s Day Celebration at City Hall. Miracle was recently part of Barbie's #YouCanBeAnything #MoreRoleModels campaign aimed at closing the dream gap and inspiring women and girls around the world.

Ambernice Tolliver, a talented makeup specialist and current graduate of Marshal School of business, talks about beauty and her journey of how she evolved into the person that she is today. She talks about the products that works for her and the process of finding it. She opens up about her personal vulnerability and how she made that her strength.

Dr. Alex Abramian is a Leadership Coach & Organizational Psychologist who inspires entrepreneurs and business leaders to overcome their self-imposed limitations and amplify their leadership potential through self-awareness, goal setting, and behavior change. He received his Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology while working at Fortune 500 companies like DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal. He has experience in leadership development, organizational development, human resources, talent acquisition, and more. In addition to running his own business, Alex is an adjunct professor for graduate students helping young professionals attain the skills needed to fine-tune their expertise in Organizational Psychology, all while pursuing his own Master's Degree at USC in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

David Mason, 33 yr old Chinese- American fitness junkie, and new dad talks about growing up, changing priorities, and relating to people as the center of everything he does. Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfitjunkie/

There are a lot of myths and taboo that surrounds the word "Therapy". Anjana Raj and Sai Menon have a conversation about why they chose to go to therapy and how it impacted their life.  Listen to this episode to hear about their personal journey and common myths about therapy in different cultures.   Anjana Raj: https://www.instagram.com/anjanana/  Sai Menon:https://www.instagram.com/sai_menon/