The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans

Innovating Global Supply Chains at Estée Lauder with Sowmya Gottipati

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans

Show Notes

Taking chances and learning from new experiences can lead to incredible personal and professional growth. Embracing change and stepping out of one's comfort zone are keys to continual success.

On this episode, I’m joined by Sowmya Gottipati, Head of Global Supply Chain Technology of Estée Lauder Companies, for an inspiring discussion on her journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Key Takeaways:

(00:53) The importance of taking risks and avoiding life on autopilot. (05:10) The need to constantly seek growth and learning. (07:27) The challenges of adapting to new environments during childhood. (12:45) The significance of pursuing higher education abroad. (21:30) The role of supportive parents in career development. (25:30) The desire to break traditional molds and seek freedom. (30:10) Embracing new opportunities at Estée Lauder. (35:20) The impact of creating a culture of joy in the workplace. (42:00) The complexities of holding both an Indian and American identity. (47:55) Encouraging more women in technology and leadership roles. (51:45) Avoiding career plateaus and seeking continual growth. (54:30) Blending Indian and American cultures for future generations.

Resources Mentioned:

Sowmya Gottipati - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sowmyagottipati/

Estée Lauder Companies - https://www.elcompanies.com/

Columbia Business School - https://business.columbia.edu/about-us

Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

#Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

More from The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans

Jul 28, 2026

What does it take to improve healthcare for millions while staying true to your values? In this episode of Indianness, Sanjay Puri speaks with Dr. Meena Seshamani, physician, healthcare leader, and public servant, about her journey from the daughter of Indian immigrants to shaping healthcare policy at the highest levels. She reflects on leadership, public service, her Indian heritage, and the importance of empathy in creating meaningful change. A thoughtful conversation on purpose, resilience, and making a lasting impact.

Jul 28, 2026

From the Golden Temple in Amritsar to the House of Lords in Westminster, Baroness Sandy Verma's journey is one of resilience, service, and breaking barriers. In this episode of the Indianness Podcast, she joins Sanjay Puri to reflect on growing up in Britain during decades of racial tension, her family's entrepreneurial legacy, her path into politics, and becoming the first South Asian woman to sit on the front bench of the UK Parliament. An inspiring conversation about identity, leadership, and creating opportunities for future generations.

Apr 30, 2026

In this episode, Sanjay Puri speaks with Rahul Roy Chowdhury, former CEO of Grammarly and one of the key leaders behind Google Chrome. From Calcutta to Silicon Valley, Rahul shares a non-linear journey shaped by curiosity, bold pivots, and building products that impact billions.

Apr 13, 2026

Bhaskar Chakravorti’s journey spans St. Stephen's College, Bell Labs, McKinsey & Company, and The Fletcher School at Tufts University — shaping global thinking on AI and digital transformation. In this episode, Bhaskar Chakravorti shares insights on policy, “Small AI,” and why real change goes beyond logic into human context. A sharp, thoughtful take on the future of technology, economies, and decision-making.

Mar 10, 2026

On this episode of the Indianness Podcast, host Sanjay Puri speaks with Bhaskar Chakravorti about his remarkable journey from Delhi to global academia and policy. From Bell Labs and McKinsey & Company to building the Digital Evolution Index at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, he reflects on technology, leadership, and global change. Chakravorti also shares why digital inclusion and “Small AI” could shape the future of emerging economies like India. A conversation on mentorship, contextual intelligence, and bridging ideas with real-world impact.

See all episodes →