Suchi Sairam shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Suchi, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When was the last time you felt true joy?
This afternoon, I felt true joy simply watching birds at the feeder outside my home office window.
An entire ecosystem and “society” played out before me – cooperation and competition, big birds trying to bully smaller ones, some taking the peaceful route and eating only what had fallen to the ground. Some birds were completely unbothered by others around, others creating a situation when there previously wasn’t one. I watched gatherings and solitary visitors, playful antics, and moments of quiet satiation. I wasn’t invested in any outcome, other than ensuring the feeder was full in the morning. But witnessing a day in their lives unfold, with all the rhythms and little dramas, filled me with pure delight.
These moments remind me joy can come from simply observing life in motion.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an arts entrepreneur, artist, teacher, and creator. I find it challenging to separate who I am from what I do – in the best way. Humility and gratitude ground me, while chronic curiosity keeps opening doors and ideas flowing.
I founded my dance studio and company, Kala Vandanam, in 2002, where Bharatanatyam (South Indian classical dance) is my medium. Over time, I realized my core mission is developing grounded, well-rounded people through the arts. My work blends the arts, science, leadership, and the mind-body connection.
Because I believe in doing serious work without taking yourself too seriously.
In recent years, I’ve expanded my creative path, writing children’s books (Dancing Deepa, Singing Surya Dreams to Dance), building arts-inspired merchandise, being a voice over artist, and developing corporate team-building and leadership development programs through art.
I also created the Quiet Ambition project, where I write and speak about “quiet ambition” – the work of pursuing values-aligned ambitions to make an impact and leave a legacy.
As a recovering rule-follower with perfectionist tendencies, creating my own path seemed out of the question. Fortunately, I learned to get out of my own way. My “secret sauce”? Synthesizing disparate interests, experiences, and talents to create a path I’m delighted to travel every day.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe bonds break when…
… self-absorption prevents us from seeing another’s perspective
… there’s a lack of gratitude or genuine interest in one another
… imbalance tips too far toward taking rather than giving.
Assumptions about how easy someone else’s life is can also quietly erode connection. I believe everyone has a story, and everyone is navigating some battle (even if we can’t see it or imagine it).
Restoring bonds requires reversing these patterns, including practicing curiosity, gratitude, empathy, and generosity. But it also takes a leap of faith, a willingness to reach out, rebuild, or start fresh.
Connection is a conscious act. Many times, the smallest gestures help rebuild what was lost.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self setting boundaries is not selfish or rude. It’s not a rejection of others, or disrespectful when done with intention and care.
Setting boundaries is a gift to your future self.
Saying no when you need to, protecting your time and energy, and honoring your own needs creates space to grow, thrive, and show up fully for the people and projects that truly matter. Boundaries are an act of care, for yourself and those around you.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that if I kept my head down, worked hard, and produced high-quality work, it would automatically be recognized, appreciated, and rewarded. And those rewards defined success.
I was naive to think those efforts alone were enough. I’ve learned you also have to communicate your impact, share the story of the work, and help others see its value.
Where I was wrong? For years, I let others define what “success” looked like. Titles, money, and status didn’t feel like success when they cost me freedom, headspace, or alignment with my values. True success, I’ve realized, is self-defined. Claiming the right to define it for myself has been the real reward.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I don’t hope for one single story about me, but for many small ones, each told by someone whose path I quietly crossed. Maybe I offered encouragement or guidance when they doubted themselves, a nudge toward a dream, a listening ear, or support in a difficult time.
I hope those moments mattered; not because anyone owed me something in return, but because they felt seen and cared for.
If people remember me, I’d want it to be as someone who helped spark a culture of quiet ambition—pursuing excellence without needing recognition, giving when you have something to give, and staying true to your values.
And I’d hope they’ve passed that spirit forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: suchisairam.com | kalavandanam.com
- Instagram: @suchisairam, @kalavandanam
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/suchisairam
- Twitter: @suchisairam
- Youtube: @kalavandanam
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/suchisairam-vo
Image Credits
Bill Cameron
Minnesota Star Tribune (Renée Jones Schneider)
