Episode 15: Anchored in Giving: How Service Shapes Leaders

In this heartfelt episode of The Grounded Leader, host Sweta Vikram sits down with Priya Ramteke, a professional leader whose journey beautifully intertwines career success with compassion and service.

At a time when leadership is often defined by metrics, titles, and outcomes, Priya reminds us that true fulfillment comes from giving back. Be it through her volunteer work teaching yoga to underprivileged children or donating her time and services in other ways, Priya has discovered how acts of service can quiet the ego, cultivate empathy, and strengthen the very qualities that make us better leaders.

Together, Sweta and Priya explore how service nourishes purpose, how privilege can be used consciously, and why generosity of spirit may be the most sustainable form of leadership in our fast-paced world.

✨ Key Takeaways

1. Service transforms the self before it transforms others. Giving back is not just an act of generosity—it’s a path toward deeper self-awareness and humility.
2. Leadership is energy management. Teaching yoga to children helped Priya reconnect with stillness, balance, and compassion—qualities she brings back to her professional life.
3. Privilege comes with responsibility. Awareness of opportunity can inspire meaningful action when paired with empathy and intention.
4. Boundaries sustain generosity. Priya shares how she maintains healthy limits to ensure that giving doesn’t lead to depletion.
5. Fulfillment is born from connection. Success feels richer when it is rooted in purpose, presence, and the wellbeing of others.

🎧 If this episode inspired you, take a moment to reflect on how you can give back this week — whether it’s mentoring, volunteering, or simply showing kindness.

💫 Share this episode with a colleague or friend who leads with heart.
💫 Subscribe, rate, and review The Grounded Leader wherever you listen — your support helps us reach more leaders who value purpose, balance, and authenticity.

✨BIO

Priya Ramteke, Head of Learning at NMAJS, brings over 26 years of experience in education — including 17 years in IB schools in India and nine in England. In her current role, she leads curriculum and instructional leadership across both the Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme, with a strong focus on making transitions enriching.

As both a certified yoga teacher and an active IBEN educator, she brings a unique lens to her work — one that integrates well-being and mindfulness into the way schools use data, ensuring that learning remains holistic and human-centered.

If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here.

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Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs.