Unheard with Saloni

Brichaya Shah Shrestha, CEO & Founder of Drift Beyond, is a leader in digital learning, creating personalised learning experiences for all learners. She also serves as the Director of Digital Learning at Kennesaw State University. She has more than 20 years of experience in her field. Her passion for teaching and learning helps promote innovation in technology-enhanced learning. In this episode she shares, The digital learning and education industry Her formula of you, me & us Building high performance teams using emotional intelligence

Dr. Sunnie Joshi is the CEO of Nepal Coffee Company and she holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and Computational Science. She previously worked as a Data Scientist at the World Bank and an Assistant Professor at Temple University. In this episode she talks about: Embracing her passion for mathematics and its universal applicability in various fields. Academia to Enterprise: Charting a Diverse Career Path Revitalising a longstanding family business Parenthood, Career & Well being: Striking the Balance

Menuka Gurung is the co-founder of  Duluwa Outdoors and Duluwa Talks where they bring out travel stories of women travellers from around the world and curate outdoor activities by women for women. She is a feminist activist with over 7 years of experience supporting women's leadership, mentorship, community engagement and communication.  In this episode she shares about Empowering women through travel  Seizing Opportunities: A Journey of Empowerment and Exploration Importance of mentorship for women

Preeti Adhikary is the Founder of The Great Nepali Diaspora, a non-profit community of global Nepali talent that aims to nurture connection, collaboration, and camaraderie. In less than two years, this community has grown to over 2,000 members & 50 chapters worldwide.  She has over 17 years of diverse experience in tech startups, banking, and nonprofits.  In this episode she shares about: The reasons behind the success of TGND Strategies for scaling TGND and maintaining its momentum Potential areas where the diaspora can contribute to and benefit from local initiatives. Tips on networking and personal branding

Abhilkeha Jain is Partner, Head of Sales -UK, Ireland & Middle East at BlueBay Asset Management. In the past she has worked with Invesco, Pimco, Deutsche Bank & UBS. In this episode she talks about: Resilience & Perseverance Inspiration from Indian joint family dynamics Her Transformative migrant edge

Karvika Thapa is a Tech Entrepreneur. Her companies Kimbu Tech & Simjung are International Software Companies provides IT Solutions and Outsourcing services. She is also the Executive Director at V.S. International College, Nepal. In this episode she talks about:  How and why she started Kimbu tech Creating an ecosystem for the industry to flourish Working in the education space to create a  labour competitive edge

Roja Kiran Basukala is the Deputy Director at Nepal Telecommunication Authority & Founder /Vice President at the Center For Cyber Security Research and Innovation, Nepal. She is a strong advocate for women in ICT & received the Nepalese National ICT Excellence Award 2079. In this episode she shares: NTA's evolution and her role in the organisation. Balancing the challenges of motherhood in a workplace with few women⁣⁣⁣ Why NTA culture stands out among Nepalese government organizations

Moushumi Shrestha is a Social Entrepreneur and the Director of Shreenagar Agro Group specializing in the Poultry, Livestock, and Aquaculture sector in Nepal. She is the founder of Shree Kisan Innovation Hub, which serves as an information sharing platform for the agriculture community to empower farmers through knowledge. In this episode she talks about: How her background in development has molded her into an exceptional entrepreneur Building sustainable agriculture ecosystems Her strategy of Farm, Feed & Food

Yazma Rajbhandary is the CEO , Principal Architect & founder of Kalap architects a firm dedicated to marrying art and architecture in hopes of providing a new dimension to Nepali architecture. In the past she has worked with Meinhardt (Singapore) Pte. Ltd as a technical Director. In this episode she talks about: How she navigates client conflicts, Her approach to managing imposter syndrome, Building a sustainable company that outlast her

Sneh Rajbhandari has extensive experience in development, sustainability, public affairs, and strategic communications. She currently heads the Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability for Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal . She also co-founded Gulaafi- a beauty and wellness startup & is on the board as a director for Curves and Colors, a creative technology company. In this epsiode she talks about: The magic of networking Top tips on effective communication Her work across various sectors including development, private enterprise and public sector

Prakriti Gautam is the founder and CEO of Khetipati Organics. She works in the eastern hills of Nepal with small and marginalized horticulture farmers and local youths providing them with economic opportunities and financial stability. Determined to fight against food wastage, her company works with over 1000 farmers across 5 districts and specializes in dehydrated organic fruit powders, high-altitude spices and ready-to-eat meals.In this episode, Prakriti shares invaluable insights on:Raising funds in NepalBuiding a business from the ground upEncouraging dreams within her team

Kritika Rathi is the Co-Founder & Chief Content Strategist of One Four Seven a company that delivers creative solutions through strong consumer insights with its headquarters in Delhi. In the last few years, they have worked with over 150 brands out of which 60 have been startups and 20 of those are now unicorns! In this epsiode, Kritika shares:- How she finds mentorship in books & podcasts- The role of AI in the future of content creation- Metrics her company is obsessed about

Introducing "Unheard with Saloni," the podcast where inspiration meets practical advice from the most brilliant and successful women in Nepal and beyond. Join host Saloni Sethia every week as she dives deep into the lives and careers of extraordinary women, uncovering their secrets to success. Have you ever wondered how other accomplished women tackle their professional and personal challenges? Saloni has, and she's bringing those answers to you. In each episode, she fearlessly asks her guests the tough questions, exploring their strategies, mindsets, and lessons learned along the way. From thriving in the workplace to navigating life's obstacles, these women share their invaluable insights. "Unheard with Saloni" aims to inspire and empower more women to believe in their own potential, to break barriers, and to defy the odds. Whether you're seeking career guidance, personal growth, or simply a dose of motivation, this podcast is your go-to resource. Don't miss a single episode! Tune in every Tuesday as Saloni Sethia unlocks the secrets of success with her exceptional guests. Subscribe now to embark on a journey of inspiration and discover how you, too, can defy the odds and make it. Get in touch: salonisethia@gmail.com IG: salonisethia, unheardwithsaloni Linkedin: salonisethia

Dr. Prativa Pandey, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Technology and Herveda Botanicals, is a researcher and science entrepreneur. Her research is focused on the value addition of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) of Nepal. She returned to Nepal in 2015 after a decade of research and industrial experience in the US and Singapore leading research teams and supporting technology transfers. She has published several research reports, articles and holds three US patents. She also co-founded Daayitwa, Nepal Public Service Fellowship in 2012 and is an advisor at Nepal Leadership Academy (NLA). She has co-founded two platforms for women scientists and youth scientists, Women Scientists Forum Nepal (WSFN) and Young Scientists Forum Nepal (YSFN). This episode is available in two parts and this is the second and final part of the conversation. In this episode, she shares: How she deals with imposter syndrome. The similarity between relationships and bank deposits. How saying no is crucial to managing time.

Dr. Prativa Pandey, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Technology and Herveda Botanicals, is a researcher and science entrepreneur. Her research is focused on the value addition of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) of Nepal. She returned to Nepal in 2015 after a decade of research and industrial experience in the US and Singapore leading research teams and supporting technology transfers. She has published several research reports, articles and holds three US patents. She also co-founded Daayitwa, Nepal Public Service Fellowship in 2012 and is an advisor at Nepal Leadership Academy (NLA). She has co-founded two platforms for women scientists and youth scientists, Women Scientists Forum Nepal (WSFN) and Young Scientists Forum Nepal (YSFN). This episode is available in two parts & this is the first part of my conversation with her. In this episode, she shares: Importance of making a football field before playing football How she inculcates ownership in her partners What she looks for when she is hiring

Kreeti Shakya is a designer and a creative entrepreneur. She is the founder of Kazi Studios & brands such as Allare, Alchi & creator of board games such as Samrajya, Jatra and many more. In this episode, Kreeti Shakya shares: Working with her partner what led to her having her first baby at 36 How changing the way her company priced her services positively impacted the whole industry

Deepshikha Garg has worked in engineering, investment advisory consulting, sales, strategy and is currently working at the strategy team of Google Search. During the span of her career she has moved countries from Nepal to Japan to US to India and has finally settled down in the US. In this episode, Deepshikha shares: how she went from Kathmandu University to working at Google. her secret to success how books are an investment for her

Dr.Subhadra Karki is an Ayurvedic Gynaecologist, only one amongst less than 10 in Nepal and is currently a Government consultant doctor at Naradevi Ayurveda Hospital in Kathmandu. She also teaches wellness & self care. In this episode, Dr. Subhadra shares, Why Ayurveda is relevant today How to thrive in a long distance relationship How our “Prakriti” (nature) determines what is healthy for us

Mridula is an Educationist, a Parenting Coach & Co-founder of Grooming Tales. Grooming Tales is a vocational education institute for children, where children are taught in an exciting and activity based approach. She is a passionate learner & loves to research child behaviour and development & regularly writes columns on this subjects as well. In this episode, Mridula shares: The importance of constantly learning Hacks to find time for yourself when you have young children What makes her tick

Alpa Shakya began her career began in audit, finance, and accounting, and transitioned successfully to operations, procurements, and management. She has over two decades of work experience in various sectors such as the hospitality industry, travel and tourism, medical research and services, events, and even in development organisations. In 2012, she founded GO Nepal, a business with a vision to provide professional support to individuals, local and foreign corporates, small and medium enterprises, start-up business ventures as well as not-for-profits and charitable foreign entities that wish to work in Nepal. GO Nepal has a diverse portfolio of clients including beed Management, Tai Ping Carpets in Hong Kong, Baabuk Shoes in Switzerland, Everest Bank in Nepal, Timro Concept Store in Nepal, Child Aid Network in Germany, Evoke Café and Bistro in Nepal, 6 Degree Academy for Women and many more In this episode, Alpa shares: Her secret to successful work relationships What does the word BIG mean to her How to survive as as introvert

Upasana Poudel is the youngest and only female CEO in the Nepalese Insurance industry. She worked in India for more than a decade across different sectors like manufacturing, telecom and insurance before she decided to move back. After joining United insurance she has turned the company around and made it enter the 100 Crore Club. In this episode, Upasana shares: what led to her returning to Nepal after working for a decade in India the importance of a company culture the one thing that is most important for success

Shubhangi Rana is a civil engineer by profession and entrepreneur by passion. She currently works as the Engineering Officer at CDM Smith, for their Nepal Reconstruction Engineering Services program funded by USAID. She is the co-founder of Pad2Go, a social enterprise that promotes menstrual health management in Nepal in a holistic manner. She has been listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 list of 2020, as one of the social entrepreneurs from Asia & is also a member of the Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub. In this episode, Shubhangi shares Including men in the conversations about menstruation The Importance of having a co founder Running the company on the side while pursuing her higher education

Grace Rauniyar is a trader in the Nepal Stock Exchange. She is the youngest representative of the Nepal Investment Forum. She's the cofounder of investing with Grace & imparts financial literacy to women, queers and the youth. In this episode, Grace shares: Her experience with trading in the Nepal Stock Exchange. Inculcating a habit of saving Questions you want to ask yourself before investing money

From joining the Prime Life insurance Board at 24, to becoming a member of the Board of Laxmi Bank at the age of 26, to pioneering private equity in Nepal and leading Global Equity Fund at 34, Swati Roongta Agarwal has distinguished herself in the male-dominated financial sector of Nepal. In this episode Swati shares - How she kickstarts her morning - How she balances her personal and professional life - How she moves forward despite conflicts in teams - The role of courage in her life

Vianet had only 35 employees when Sewa Pathak joined Vianet as a CFO. Since then, the company has grown to 1500 employees and Sewa has grown to take over the role of CEO and a mother of two children. In this episode, Sewa shares: - How she uses curiosity as a tool to overcome the gender bias - The importance of mentors when scaling up - The need for a mindset change in hiring as companies become larger - Where she finds confidence in her decisions

Shiwani Neupane wrote her first book , Monika: Pieces of Perfect when she was 22 years old and the book became an instant hit with the youth in Nepal. She is currently writing her 3rd book and also hosts her podcast Safalata ani Sangharsha . Besides these, Shiwani started a fintech company in Nepal, Lenden, which she sold in early 2022. In this episode, Shiwani shares: What drove her to right her first book On being entrepreneurial How she finds inspiration for her writing

Seema Golchha is a Standup comedian and the only Ventriloquist of Nepal. She was an In-house Comic at Canvas Laugh Club, India for 2 years and has been performing regularly in Nepal and outside. In this episode, Seema shares: The habit that she has continued since she was 9 year old How her age and gender sometimes work to her advantage How she is able to justify her lifestyle and frequent travels to herself and her family

Latika Golyan is a serial entrepreneur with first-hand experience in various businesses including Manufacturing, Retail, Hospitality, Construction, Agriculture and FMCG. She is the founder of Mato which promotes 100% local produce procured from the farmers of Nepal by educating and enabling them to produce goods without any added preservatives. Currently, she is the MD and Chairman of ‘Made In Nepal Pvt Ltd.' and ‘ Lekali Corp Pvt Ltd.' Made In Nepal Pvt Ltd is an e-commerce market place which promotes products made in Nepal globally. In this episode, Latika shares: - Details about her “holy hour” every morning that energises her - How she uses visualisation to make things happen - How she even schedules her free time to be effective - How she had to stop her father from adopting a son

In a single lifetime, Preeti Adhikary has mastered multiple careers, including in the industries of venture capital, AI, consulting, energy, and banking, while being a parent and while completing two Masters degrees. In this episode, Preeti shares: How she uses a calendar to get things done, even on weekends Why she has switched industries so many times How to find good mentors What her most impactful investment has been in the past few years

In October 2020, Mannsi Agarwal burst into fame in Nepal when her video, 7 reasons to never ever travel to Nepal, a love letter to Nepal, became popular and garnered more than 5 million views. But that was just one innings amongst many, some of the others being a corporate trainer, a baby photographer, and a TV show host. In this episode, Mannsi shares: What success means to her, and what has made her successful How she stays updated on the latest social media creation trends What inspired her to change careers How there are different kinds of risks