Do you ever feel that creeping sense of dread on Sunday afternoon, knowing Monday is just around the corner? What if that feeling extended beyond Sundays—what if it filled your whole week? Would you have the courage to walk away, or would you stay, hoping things will improve? My guest today asked herself these very hard questions.
In today’s episode, I chat with Suguna Chunduri, a thought leader, advocate, nonprofit founder and generally great human being. Suguna walked away from a successful career in big pharma and healthcare, deciding to find out what truly brings her joy. Together, we explore how to stop, reassess, and make changes that honor who you really are, not just who you think you should be.
If you’ve ever felt like a square peg in a round hole, or found yourself checking all the boxes but still feeling unfulfilled, this conversation will resonate. Suguna’s journey of self-discovery, her search for “fit,” and her willingness to ask the hard questions inspired me to rethink my own priorities. You’ll hear about the importance of finding your tribe, whether that’s your family, friends, or colleagues, and the powerful role they play in helping you reclaim your confidence and happiness.
Key Lessons:
The Power of Fit: Identifying when a role or environment doesn’t align with your values and strengths—and finding the courage to move on.
Building a Support System: Why family, friends, and mentors are essential to overcoming self-doubt and making meaningful changes.
Regaining Confidence: Strategies for letting go of negative beliefs and rebuilding your confidence when it’s been shaken by external pressures.
Finding What Makes You Happy: Steps you can take today to rediscover what truly brings you joy, outside of societal expectations.
About Suguna Chunduri:
Suguna Chunduri is a distinguished thought leader and speaker who passionately advocates for education, innovation and accessibility in healthcare globally. Through her work, she promotes cultural education and insights that inspire and transform communities.
As an accomplished global executive, Suguna boasts over 20 years of leadership experience in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and multinational corporations. She has demonstrated remarkable success in achieving sustained and unprecedented growth across diverse U.S. markets. Suguna excels in P&L leadership, general management, market access, and product launches, consistently driving superior outcomes.
Renowned for her ability to lead cross-cultural teams, Suguna has a proven track record of creating patient-centric programs, forging strategic alliances, and managing medical affairs across various therapeutic areas on a global scale. Her expertise and strategic vision have been instrumental in transforming healthcare landscapes.
Suguna is also distinguished for her thought leadership, serving on various boards, engaging in public speaking, and providing advisory roles. She is a champion of strategic partnerships, patient advocacy, and engagement, continuously striving to improve healthcare outcomes and foster a more inclusive and ethical industry.
Episode Notes:
[00:00] - Introduction and Personal Journey
[02:31] - The Struggle with Job Fit
[04:43] - Personal Reflections and Family Support
[14:35] - The Importance of Managerial Relationships
[29:31] - Strengthening the Empathy Muscle
[30:37] - Embracing Authenticity in Leadership
[31:53] - The Confidence of Age
[33:01] - Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
[34:16] - Living for Yourself
[35:35] - Navigating Career Transitions
[37:11] - Rediscovering Passion and Purpose
[39:06] - The Power of Positive Relationships
[40:52] - Making Difficult Decisions
[42:55] - Reflecting on Personal Well-being
[53:23] - Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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