How Indian Roots, Bullying and Academic Excellence Shaped White House Leadership with Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of Brown University School of Public Health and Former White House COVID-19 Coordinato
The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian AmericansShow Notes
On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator and Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. Dr. Jha shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small village in Bihar, India, to being asked by the President of the United States to join his administration. He also opens up about facing racism in high school and how support at Columbia University helped shape his dual identity and career.
Key Takeaways: (03:01) Dr. Jha’s childhood memories in Bihar. (08:51) The great unknown of moving to Canada. (17:11) The move to New Jersey and the harsh reality of facing racism. (19:25) Facing a high school teacher who told him to change his name. (25:47) Learning to embrace both his Indian and American identities. (38:59) The President’s invitation to join the White House as COVID-19 Response Coordinator. (40:00) The privilege of working in the West Wing as an Indian immigrant. (41:25) The value of building and maintaining meaningful relationships. (42:34) Why service is one of the most enriching experiences in life.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Ashish Jha - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashish-jha-b9aab41/
Columbia University - https://www.columbia.edu
Brown University School of Public Health - https://graduateprograms.brown.edu/graduate-program/public-health-mph?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=MPH&utm_content=traffic&creative=613468509292&keyword=brown%20university%20masters%20in%20public%20health&matchtype=b&network=g&device=c&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwreW2BhBhEiwAavLwfLqUIDqHZqKhWapyYPIskdsJHEW872WYuwCVEI0U4PObifvPrFTEdxoCRUIQAvD_BwE
Harvard Medical School - https://hms.harvard.edu
University of Toronto - https://www.utoronto.ca
World Health Organization (WHO) - https://www.who.int
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.