Podcast

Uma Thana Basalingam built a 7-figure corporate career across Asia as a senior tech executive. She walked away to build something of her own. The bravest part? Leaving her ‘successful’ identity behind to create a new one. But this time, she built from the inside out. This is a story in three acts: 1 – The Hustler. From blue-collar beginnings to becoming the most certified person in the room. Negotiating a 50% salary raise at 21. Earning 7 figures. Success meant status, titles, and never checking price tags. 2 – The Collapse. The “careerquake.” When the universe stops knocking politely. When the business card stops working. When arrogance meets Year 1 of entrepreneurship – and ego takes a hit. 3 – The Reconstruction. Redefining what a rich life really means. Learning that sponsorship is reputation currency. Realising that selling is leadership. Understanding that relevance is earned — and that if you haven’t invested in yourself in three years, you may already be falling behind. We talk about: Why embarrassment is the cost of entry The tug of war with money Why experience does NOT equal relevance Corporate arrogance meeting Year 1 in entrepreneurship What it really feels like to not be ‘important’ anymore And why the real leap is from caring what they think… to caring what you think If you’re navigating a second act – or feeling the early tremors of your own careerquake – you might enjoy this episode and get inspired. Reinvention from the inside out. From caring what they think… to caring what you think. And that, I believe, is the real brave part. This is a beautiful and very honest story and for everyone considering a transition, it is worth listening too.

What really happens after you take the leap into entrepreneurship? In this episode of The Leap Stories, I sit down with Chandrima Das for a candid conversation about what building companies actually demands — emotionally, professionally, and personally. Chandrima has lived both ends of the entrepreneurial spectrum. She built Bento, which was acquired by Grab, and later founded Teleskop, a venture she ultimately had to wind down. Along the way, she experienced the highs of rapid growth and acquisition, and the far less discussed reality of shutting a company down. We talk about: • The illusion of freedom when leaving corporate, and why founders often become their own worst bosses • Why working for yourself doesn’t automatically mean more time, especially as a parent • The emotional weight of closing a startup - and why we need more honest stories about failure • Why innovation rarely comes from incumbents, and why true customer centricity matters • Practical lessons for women founders on delegation, guilt, and letting go of the “superhero” myth • Why community often matters more than capital This is a grounded, honest episode for anyone navigating a second act, considering entrepreneurship, or already in the deep end and wondering if what they’re experiencing is normal. If you’re looking for inspiration and raw truth, this conversation is for you.

In this opening episode of The Leap, we bring together three women who each built their own venture in completely different ways—a startup founder, a brand owner, and a corporate venture builder. Together, we explore how their founder’s flame began, what held them back, and what finally pushed them to take the leap. We talk about choosing the right entrepreneurial path for your life stage, navigating self-doubt, building support systems, designing a sustainable lifestyle, and what the journey really looks like behind the scenes. Their stories offer clarity, courage, and a fresh perspective for anyone considering a second act beyond corporate. Featuring: Kopal Agarwal — the ex-banker turned teacher who returned to banking to build breakthrough ideas backed by corporate. Anumeha Bisaria — former Googler who took the high-risk, high-reward path into startup founding in learning and education. Cissy Kang — entrepreneur who bought a brand and is now shaping a new market around it. Hosted by Hester Spiegel-van den Steenhoven. If this conversation sparks something in you, explore Ladies Who Launch, The Leap Collective, or Epic Angels to take your next step.