Sleep, Success & the Subtle Body—The Nightly Rituals of Grounded Leaders Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s leadership hygiene. In this episode of The Grounded Leader, host Sweta Vikram unpacks why insomnia is more than a personal struggle—it’s a leadership crisis. Drawing from both Ayurvedic wisdom and modern science, we explore how poor sleep depletes ojas (your vitality), disrupts your subtle body, and derails your ability to make wise, grounded decisions. You’ll learn why high-achievers are e...

What happens when a high-achieving entrepreneur hits burnout, questions everything, and decides to rewrite the rules of success? On today’s episode of The Grounded Leader, I sit down with Paula Routon—a former co-founder of a thriving packaging prototyping business—who courageously walked away from the boardroom and into the healing world of Ayurveda. Paula’s journey didn’t begin in balance. At the height of her career, she found herself burnt out, unwell, and disconnected. The turning point?...

🎙️ Podcast Description In this episode of The Grounded Leader: Ayurvedic Wellness for Leaders Who Want to Succeed from a Place of Balance, I sit down with April Jarrett, Executive Director at ACDN, who brings over 15 years of experience in operations management and strategic planning. April is a champion of whole-person leadership—one that values balance, self-awareness, and the courage to step away in order to return stronger. Our conversation centers on why solo trips aren’t just leisure—th...

Ayurvedic Nutrition for Mental Clarity and Better Decision-Making If your brain feels foggy by 3 p.m., if you find yourself staring at your fridge wondering why you opened it, or if you’ve been making decisions you later regret—it might not be your willpower at fault. It could be your gut. In this episode of The Grounded Leader, we explore how Ayurvedic nutrition can sharpen your focus, boost your mental clarity, and support smarter, more intuitive decisions. You’ll learn why what’s on your p...

What if productivity isn’t about cramming more into your day—but aligning your energy with what truly matters? In this episode of The Grounded Leader, I sit down with Ayurvedic Doctor, Lindsey Scarlata Woodruff—an award-winning brand strategist turned Doctor of Ayurveda—to explore how the ancient science of Ayurveda reframes time management. We unpack how syncing your schedule with your natural doshic rhythms (rather than your to-do list) can revolutionize your energy, focus, and leadership. ...

The Back-to-Busy Trap: How to Avoid Burning Out Before Fall Does late August feel like slamming your foot on the gas? One moment you’re savoring summer; the next, your calendar is overflowing, and your energy feels scattered. That’s what I call The Back-to-Busy Trap—the cultural push to “make up for lost time” by jumping back into a frenzied pace. In this episode of The Grounded Leader, we explore why this seasonal shift feels so jarring—and how Ayurvedic wisdom can help you transition into f...

Is burnout your default setting? In this powerful episode of The Grounded Leader: Ayurvedic Wellness for Leaders Who Want to Succeed from a Place of Balance —host Sweta Vikram challenges the toxic narrative that burnout is a sign of commitment or success. From sleepless nights to simmering irritability, Sweta breaks down how burnout shows up differently for each Ayurvedic dosha—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—and why high-performing leaders are especially at risk. Through personal stories and ancient ...

In this episode of The Grounded Leader: Ayurvedic Wellness for Leaders Who Want to Succeed from a Place of Balance we explore why Ayurveda and mindfulness aren’t just “nice-to-haves” — they’re essential frameworks for modern leadership. In a world that glorifies speed, productivity, and mental overload, leaders need a deeper operating system. One that aligns the body, mind, and purpose. Enter: Ayurveda and mindfulness. We’ve been conditioned to lead from the neck up. Focus on results. Stay pr...

What happens when the body—after years of whispering—finally yells “no”? In this deeply personal and powerful premiere episode, host Sweta Vikram shares the story behind The Grounded Leader. From climbing mountains in Central Europe to being confined to a couch, from receiving awards to being put on the cancer watch list—Sweta reveals the physical, emotional, and spiritual unraveling that forced her to redefine success, leadership, and well-being. This is more than a health story. It’s a lead...

In this powerful opening episode, Sweta Vikram introduces The Grounded Leader—a podcast at the intersection of Ayurvedic wisdom and modern leadership. She explores why traditional markers of success like KPIs and productivity often come at the expense of your well-being, and how your nervous system, sleep, digestion, and emotional resilience are just as critical to your leadership impact. You’ll learn how Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old science of life, offers personalized tools to help yo...