Breaking the Mold: Leading Boldly with the Limitless Mindset with Uma Subramanian

Hey Trailblazers! Tiffany and Jordan are back with an episode that’s going to shift the way you think about leadership, mindset, and owning your story. This week, we sat down with Uma Subramanian, founder of Limitless Leaders and former Microsoft powerhouse, to talk about what it really means to be limitless in your career.

Uma walks us through her early days trying to blend in at Microsoft and how hiding her strengths actually held her back. That didn’t last long, though. Once she dropped the mask and embraced her full self, things started to shift. “Your work doesn’t speak for itself. You have to speak for it.” That one hit hard. And trust us, she has plenty more where that came from.

We dig into how mindset plays a major role in what you allow yourself to do or dream of doing. Uma breaks down the shift from scarcity to abundance and how that mental pivot helped her lead big projects and build global teams. She also shares a moment that changed everything, and it involves walking her dog and realizing, “Wait. I’ve been limitless all along.” She even shares her 5S formula to get there: See, Serve, Stretch, Shine, Sustain.

Of course, we couldn’t end the convo without touching on mentorship. Uma credits her success to the mentors who helped her rise and the support system that kept her grounded. “If you don’t shape your own narrative, someone else will,” she says, and that’s a reminder we all need.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:11) Embracing authenticity and dropping the mask

(3:59) Why bold voices in tech matter

(4:57) The urge to constantly change ourselves to fit in

(5:49) Uma’s mindset journey inspired by Think and Grow Rich

(8:41) Limitless leadership and why it’s available to everyone

(12:16) Why advocating for your own work matters

(13:13) Owning what’s in your control in a challenging system

(16:11) How to stop thinking small

(18:11) Uma’s 5S framework for becoming limitless

(24:16) How networks carry impact forward

(25:18) Why networks only work when you show up and invest

(27:18) The missing link in community growth

So what would happen if you stopped waiting and started owning it? Hit play to find out how to lead with purpose, stretch outside your comfort zone, and finally realize you’ve been limitless the whole time. Subscribe and share this one with someone who needs a confidence reset. Let’s go, Trailblazers.

About Uma Subramanian

Uma Subramanian is the Founder and CEO of The Limitless Leaders, where she helps mid-career tech professionals grow into strong, effective leaders. She brings over two decades of experience, including 20 years at Microsoft. Uma designs coaching programs focused on leadership mindset, communication, and strategic growth. She is certified in executive coaching, behavioral analysis, and advanced leadership training.

Connect with Uma:

LinkedIn

Website

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Jordan’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.