The Unshackled Interview with Soundarya Balasubramani

Mitch Albom’s heartwarming reconnection with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, after 18 years is a moving story of mentorship, wisdom, and the power of human connection. When Mitch met Morrie again, the latter was in the final six months of his life, battling ALS. This story, documented in Tuesdays with Morrie, continues to inspire people worldwide. It reminds us of the invaluable role mentors play in shaping our perspectives and helping us navigate life’s challenges.

Similarly, many of us have mentors like Rajesh, who, despite battling Parkinson’s, continues to inspire those around him. This parallel highlights the enduring impact of mentorship, even in the face of adversity.

The Indian Community Podcast: Unveiling Soundarya’s Journey

The Indian Community Podcast recently featured a remarkable guest, Soundarya Balasubramani, founder and CEO of Unshackled. Her journey from India to the U.S. is a testament to resilience, passion, and transformation. After completing her Master’s at Columbia University, she joined Salesforce as a product manager but soon realized corporate life was not her true calling. Instead, she ventured into publishing and community building, helping talented immigrants secure talent visas and, more importantly, their freedom.

Her journey is not just about transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship; it is about overcoming challenges, navigating the complex visa system, and ultimately obtaining the O-1 extraordinary visa. As an author, community leader, LinkedIn Top Voice, and now an angel investor, Soundarya is dedicated to helping immigrants “unshackle” their potential.

Unshackled: A Journey to Freedom

Soundarya’s book Unshackled is a powerful testament to the idea of breaking free from limitations. The name itself resonates deeply with many immigrants who struggle with visa constraints, career shifts, and personal aspirations. She recalls the moment she decided to quit her job at Salesforce after receiving confirmation of her H1B transfer approval—an experience that filled her with an overwhelming sense of freedom.

This moment is relatable for many immigrants who experience a similar sense of liberation upon gaining permanent residency or securing opportunities that allow them to follow their true passions.

The Story Behind the Name: Soundarya vs. Pooja

One intriguing aspect of Soundarya’s journey is her name. While her official name is Soundarya, many people, including her family, still call her Pooja. The origin of this name traces back to her older brother, who named her Pooja when she was born, inspired by a childhood crush with the same name. Over the years, the name Pooja stuck within her family and close circles, while her official name remained Soundarya.

Interestingly, when she moved to the U.S., she introduced herself as Pooja because it was easier for Americans to pronounce. However, as her professional identity grew, she chose to stick with Soundarya, the name most people associate with her work and achievements.

Embracing a Multifaceted Career: From Engineering to Entrepreneurship

Soundarya’s career trajectory is anything but linear. She started as a gold medalist in chemical engineering, transitioned into product management at Salesforce, became a published author focusing on immigration, and is now an entrepreneur and angel investor. When people hear about her diverse background, some label her as “fickle-minded” for not sticking to a single field. However, she sees it differently.

For a long time, she struggled with self-doubt, questioning whether she should focus on one area. The societal pressure to specialize often made her feel unfocused. However, she later realized that her ability to pivot and excel in multiple fields was not a weakness but a strength. Very few people can transition between careers and achieve success in a short time. Instead of seeing herself as unfocused, she now embraces the label of a polymath—someone who thrives in multiple disciplines.

Lessons from Mentorship and Personal Growth

Soundarya’s story, much like Mitch Albom’s reconnection with Morrie, highlights the importance of mentorship, resilience, and self-discovery. Just as Morrie imparted life lessons that changed Mitch’s perspective, Soundarya’s journey offers valuable insights for immigrants, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking freedom and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Importance of Mentors: A good mentor can provide guidance, wisdom, and emotional support, shaping the course of our lives.
2. Breaking Free from Limitations: Whether it’s immigration constraints or societal expectations, overcoming obstacles leads to true freedom.
3. Embracing Change: A non-linear career path is not a weakness—it’s a testament to adaptability and resilience.
4. Finding Your Identity: Whether it’s a name or a career choice, staying true to oneself is the key to success and fulfillment.
5. The Power of Storytelling: Sharing experiences through books, podcasts, and communities can inspire and empower others facing similar challenges.

Both Tuesdays with Morrie and Soundarya’s journey in Unshackled teach us that life is about constant learning, growth, and embracing change. Whether through reconnecting with a mentor or forging our own paths, we all have the power to shape our destinies. Soundarya’s story is a reminder that success is not defined by a single path but by the courage to pursue what truly matters.

For those seeking inspiration, mentorship, and empowerment, her work serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. As we navigate our own journeys, let’s remember to reconnect, unshackle ourselves from limitations, and embrace the limitless possibilities ahead.