This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it take to lead in an industry that tells you you don’t belong?

In this powerful conversation, Siddhi Joshi, CEO of Emos UAE, shares how she broke barriers, built the region’s top relocation company, and created space for women to lead boldly.

From emotional intelligence to Gen Z leadership hacks, she drops real-world insights you can apply today—whether you're managing a team or building one from scratch.

We also dive into how she scales culture with intentional themes like “License to Question” and why she believes human connection is the ultimate leadership edge.

If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible in your leadership, this episode is your permission slip.

You can find Siddhi Joshi at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddhijoshiemovers/
• https://emoversuae.com/

In the interview, Siddhi shares

• "Leadership is not about serving content—it's about shifting the context."
• "I was told logistics wasn't a space for women. So I built a team of all-female packers instead." – Siddhi Joshi
• "You don’t need industry experience to lead—you need vision, courage, and emotional intelligence."
• "My father led without boundaries. I’ve made that philosophy my legacy too." – Siddhi Joshi
• "Micromanagement is out. Clear goals and empowered teams are the future."
• "Gen Z doesn’t want a boss—they want a partner in growth. Adapt or get left behind."
• "Leadership isn’t about knowing it all. It’s about creating the space for others to shine."
• "We introduced a company theme: 'License to Question.' Because culture changes when conversations change."
• "Emotional intelligence isn’t soft. It’s the hardest, most human edge in leadership today."
• "If you want to lead, get personal. Understand your people beyond their job titles."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it take to grow a company from a basement startup to a 400-person powerhouse?

In this episode, Bidhan Baruah, co-founder and COO of Taazaa Inc., shares how he chose leadership not as a position, but as a mindset—grounded in empathy, accountability, and bold vision.

We dive into how he spends 70% of his time in one-on-ones, why balancing psychological safety with performance matters, and how he’s future-proofing his business through AI.

If you're a leader feeling stuck or navigating change, this conversation is a practical and inspiring nudge forward.

Tune in to be reminded that you can lead with heart, and still build something extraordinary.

You can find Bidhan Baruah at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bidhanbaruah/
• https://www.taazaa.com/

In the interview, Bidhan shares

• “Leadership is a choice—and Bidhan Baruah chose courage over comfort when he left the safety of a stable job to build a company from a basement.”
• “Empathy isn't a buzzword for Bidhan—it’s a strategy. He spends 70% of his time in 1:1s to build trust, reduce attrition, and create loyalty.”
• “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to ask the hard questions while making people feel safe to do the same.”
• “In a world rushing toward AI, Bidhan is not just adapting—he’s educating. Because future-proofing means teaching before transforming.”
• “Culture isn’t created by accident. It’s built moment by moment—in how you listen, how you lead, and how you show up for your team.”
• “From off-roading to running a 400-person tech company, Bidhan thrives at the edge of risk and precision. That’s where real growth lives.”
• “True leadership is being willing to step into the unknown—with empathy in one hand and accountability in the other.”
• “If you want to build something that lasts, start by understanding your people—not just their skills, but their stories.”
• “AI might be the future, but leadership remains deeply human. That’s Bidhan’s secret: embracing both.”
• “Choosing leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about taking ownership, staying curious, and committing to continuous reinvention.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it really take to lead with both courage and clarity in today’s chaotic business world?

In this episode, Craig Dunham, CEO of Voltron Data, shares raw and practical lessons from the trenches—from making tough career pivots to leading teams through high-stakes acquisitions.

He talks about the power of directness, why transparency beats politeness, and how routine and self-care fuel high-performance leadership.

If you’ve ever struggled with balancing empathy and honesty, or felt overwhelmed by shifting priorities, this conversation is your compass.

Tune in to discover how choosing leadership—again and again—isn’t about perfection, but about presence, priorities, and purpose.

You can find Craig Dunham at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigadunham/
• https://voltrondata.com/

In the interview, Craig shares

• "Leadership is a conscious choice—it’s about stepping into discomfort, not away from it."
• "You can be direct and transparent without being harsh. Honesty builds trust when it's delivered with empathy."
• "The most transformative growth often follows the most difficult decisions."
• "Being a repeat CEO doesn’t make the job easier—it just sharpens your ability to prioritize and stay even-tempered."
• "I’ve learned that switching contexts rapidly—without losing focus—is a leadership muscle you have to build over time."
• "Taking care of your body and mind isn't optional. It’s the foundation of sustainable leadership."
• "In a noisy market, clarity of mission and message is what makes a company stand out."
• "As your company grows, your leadership must evolve. What got you here won’t get you there."
• "Leadership is less about knowing all the answers, and more about being willing to navigate uncertainty with integrity."