The Daizy Project

One of the top 15 women in the world for Artificial Intelligence and the only woman from Australia on that list, Svetha Venkatesh is a powerhouse in STEM. She is an Alfred Deakin Professor with 346 publications based on her research. Her research has lead to two successful start-ups; icetana, an ASX listed company that provides AI-assisted video surveillance and TOBY Playpad, an app that provides therapy for children with autism. In 2017, Svetha was awarded the prestigious ARC Australian Laureate Fellowship for her contributions to the use of pattern recognition and experimental complexity and optimization. She is a genius in her own right and of course, her only child, Akshay Venkatesh, ended up a Fields medalist – which is akin to the Nobel Prize of Mathematics. Svetha is down-to-earth, non-pretentious and focused on making a difference.

In this episode, we discuss Svetha’s beginnings in India, the adversity she faced as a woman studying and working in STEM, her experience migrating to Australia, and her academic and research career.

View full show notes over at https://daizymaan.com/2021/06/09/svetha-venkatesh-artificial-intelligence/

Having been featured in prominent Indian media outlets – The Indian Express, India Today and Tribune India Amy Singh courageously leads campaigns for a more just world through poetry and activism. 

In this episode we discuss the importance of reclaiming public spaces through poetry and art, grief and suffering through her personal experience of an abusive relationship and the passing of her mother, problematic lyrics in modern Punjabi music and three campaigns focused on empowering women, minorities and fostering peace.

From protesting to change the name of Chandigarh’s popularly problematic Geri Route to Azaadi Route, writing letters to Lahore through the Daak Initiative and currently organising protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which discriminates against Muslims and minorities. Amy is full of soul, armed with kindness and courage she’s a potent force making a difference. She’s a rare inspiring young leader in Punjab who is committed to values of love, freedom and openness.

Ever hit rock bottom and feel like there's no way out? In this episode I share my story of finding myself in a place where I felt suffocated by the negativity of my own mind, about mental health and being so far gone that it feels like there's no hope. At 19 I ran off to the Himalayas and ended up spending 40 days in an ashram to learn how to meditate, I share how I came do this and the impact it has had on my life since. From being an atheist to becoming spiritual and living a more conscious life aligned with my values. This journey is what led me to start writing my book Quarter Life Crisis which I'm currently working on.  Feel free to send any questions to me over at daizymaan.com under contact or via Instagram / Facebook and I'll pick a couple of questions to answer during the next podcast. 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make it in an industry where you’re an outlier? Ever felt like you need to conform to “fit in”? Wondered what it takes to make it to a leadership role but still maintain other responsibilities?

Today’s guest is a phenomenal woman who has paved a unique path in a stereotypically homogenous industry of publishing and literature. She was listed as the UK 1000 most powerful people and the Guardian’s 100 BAME leaders. She’s the CEO of a company with sales of 80 million pounds and over 300 staff in the UK- Bonnier Books. Perminder Mann is someone who has worked incredibly hard.

“I’ve made it my personal mission to talk about diversity and inclusion, it starts from people who are in positions of power and influence to set an example to demonstrate that they are themselves and being authentic gives people permission to be themselves too.”  In today’s conversation with Perminder, we talk about

· How her love of books led to working in publishing and ultimately the journey to becoming the CEO

· We explore where Perminder’s pursuit of growth comes from and how it’s influenced by her upbringing by Punjabi parents.

· How having a dual identity of being Punjabi and British influenced her work ethic and decisions.

· The sense of liberation that comes with being yourself as opposed to conforming.

· The pressure we put on ourselves to be the best mother, daughter, wife and CEO and how to reconcile ambition with cultural expectations.

· Leadership – how to create a culture that’s not hierarchical, leadership that’s approachable and building trust with team members

· Advice for those wanting to enter the publishing industry or non-traditional industries.

This podcast is all about having meaningul conversations with bold entrepreneurs, leaders and change makers. I'll also explore ideas around what it means to live purposefully and with intention, why we behave the way we behave and how to understand yourself better.  In this very first episode I share an special experiment which has a profound impact of visualising the lack of diversity of our imagination when it comes to entrepreneurs.