Chetana Deorah - From Silicon Valley to Soulful Design

Episode notes

Chetana Deorah explores what it means to step off the career treadmill , rediscover creativity beyond metrics , and build a life rooted in connection, community, and courage —sharing why the most meaningful design often begins within . ====== Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Growing Up in a Sheltered Business Family 00:30 – Welcome and Introduction 02:11 – Meet Chetana Deorah 03:24 – Opening with a Poem by Sri Aurobindo 04:30 – Leaving Silicon Valley and Returning to India 07:30 – Life and Purpose in Auroville 12:00 – Yoga as Union, Not Just Asana 13:34 – Leaving India to Resist Cultural Norms 17:38 – The Marriage Path She Refused 20:16 – Her Father’s Rebellious Influence and Strength 25:00 – Seeing India Change While Living Abroad 29:00 – Asking: “Is There Another Ladder to Climb?” 33:01 – From Busyness to Learning How to Do Nothing 42:54 – Creativity and Community Projects in Auroville 50:00 – Rethinking Money, Growth, and Human Unity 57:30 – Lessons From Silicon Valley on Bravery and Growth ====== Who is Chetana Deorah? Chetana Deorah is a seasoned design leader, educator, and community builder whose career bridges tech, creativity, and social impact .