In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and leadership, there are individuals who carve out unique paths, blending passion, experience, and purpose.
Today, we step into the world of Soundari Mukherjea, a solopreneur whose journey unfolds through the lens of Soundbytes11—a Leadership Consultancy specializing in Business Storytelling, Culture Building, Personal Branding, and Future Work Skills.
With a rich background spanning over 30 years in Finance, Operations, Banking, and Entrepreneurship, Soundari offers a tapestry of insights and experiences. Read on as we explore her daily rhythms, delve into her motivations, and glean wisdom from a professional journey that resonates with purpose and authenticity.
Some excerpts from our conversations:
Let's dive right in. Can you start by telling us about your journey as a solopreneur and what inspired you to start Soundbytes11?
Well, the journey has been quite a ride.
After over three decades in Finance, Operations, Banking, and Entrepreneurship with various organizations, including Unilever and ANZ, I decided to embark on a new adventure.
Soundbytes11 was born out of my passion for leadership, storytelling, culture building, personal branding, and future work skills. The goal is audacious but clear—to help leaders and teams drive business outcomes, build personal brands, and foster a more human work environment through the power of storytelling.
That sounds fascinating! With such a diverse background, how do you manage to wear so many hats—from Visiting Faculty to Hacking HR panelist to Director of charitable foundations?
It's all about variety and purpose.
I believe in shaping a portfolio career that spans consulting, advising, teaching, coaching, and mentoring—what I like to call my C.A.T.C.H. phrase.
Each role adds a different flavour to my professional life, and it's immensely fulfilling to contribute to various spheres. Besides, being part of initiatives like The Amber Foundation EMPOWER program and Women in Entrepreneurship allows me to engage with meaningful causes.
Impressive! Now, moving on to your morning routine. It seems like you've found a balance between personal and professional activities. How do you set yourself up for a productive day?
Morning rituals are crucial. I start early, relishing my coffee and staying connected with my global network through WhatsApp. My mornings involve a mix of reading newspapers, playing Wordle, and diving into creative work.
Following Andrew Geczy's idea of a yearly scorecard, I've adapted my version—C.A.T.C.H., which guides my varied career aspects. And yes, experimenting with no-meeting Fridays is my latest attempt at intentional scheduling and serendipitous connections!
Your approach to productivity is inspiring. How do you manage your afternoons and maintain energy levels throughout the day?
Afternoons can be challenging, especially around 3 pm. I combat energy dips with black coffee, short breaks on LinkedIn or YouTube, and, on occasion, a rejuvenating power nap. Managing solo work versus client interactions requires different energy levels, and understanding that balance is key to staying productive.
Your days seem dynamic and varied. Now, let's talk about evenings. How do you transition from work mode to personal time, given the blurred lines of a home office?
Transitioning can be tricky, especially with global time zone differences. Yet, the flexibility of a solopreneurship allows me to switch on and off based on my focus and commitments. It's all about delivering value for clients while enjoying personal pursuits—be it playing tennis or doing pottery, reading, or having dinner with my husband.
Balancing work and personal life can be challenging. Any tips for women professionals trying to navigate this delicate balance?
Absolutely. My advice would be to organize your home resources to reduce dependencies, communicate openly with your family, and establish clear boundaries, especially when working from home. Recognize the importance of life stages and energy fluctuations—invest in the early years, and follow your compass, not your clock. And always remember, it's okay to let a few plastic balls drop if it means safeguarding those precious glass balls.
Wise words! Now, looking back at your journey, can you share a memorable moment or achievement that truly made it all worthwhile?
One of the most fulfilling moments was receiving a message from a senior leader I coached on Business Storytelling. He created a vision board during leadership training, attributing his skills to our sessions. Seeing the impact in action, where I contributed to someone's growth and creativity, truly made my day and validated the path I've chosen.
Lastly, any parting thoughts or reflections on your journey as a solopreneur?
I feel blessed to have a portfolio career, defining success on my terms. For women professionals, especially in India, where societal pressures can be overwhelming, remember to change the "rules" and steer your journey mindfully. Living life on your own terms, away from imposed measures, can make a world of difference.
In the tapestry of Soundari's solopreneurial journey, we find a narrative woven with intentionality, adaptability, and a commitment to purposeful living. Her ability to seamlessly balance diverse roles, coupled with disciplined routines and a portfolio career mindset, offers valuable insights for aspiring professionals, especially women seeking equilibrium in their personal and professional spheres.
Soundari's story encourages us to redefine success on our own terms, embrace the ebb and flow of life stages, and approach our careers with a sense of purpose. Ultimately, her narrative serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a life where professional success aligns harmoniously with personal fulfillment.
