Conversations with Poorvi Mehta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Poorvi Mehta.

Poorvi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
At age six, I migrated from Gujarat, India, to the United States, eventually moving and being raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was a challenging time for my family, as my parents worked tirelessly with two jobs to make ends meet so we could have a better life. 

As a child, I always wondered what I would be when I grew up. The parental pressures kept pushing me toward the stereotypical Asian jobs in medicine, law, or finance, but I always wanted something different for myself. On family road trips, we would drive past tall, glistening buildings. Upon seeing them, I daydreamed about one day owning my corporation and not just working but creating something impactful.

Unfortunately, life and its obligations always seemed to get in the way of my dreams. I decided to pursue a career in technology and was thriving, but I felt internal dissatisfaction. I always felt like something was missing. Later in life, I took the risk of switching gears and have now embraced my other passions.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life doesn’t always go the way we think. We grow up surrounded by depictions of love in storybooks and movies, believing that one day we’ll experience our fairy tale ending. We imagine growing up, marrying our soulmate, having children, and accomplishing everything before turning 30. Unfortunately, the realities of life are seldom taught or discussed. We aren’t prepared for the challenges ahead because dwelling on the negative is discouraged – the belief that negative thinking attracts negative outcomes.

 

In my 30’s, my fairy tale ended when I broke off my engagement to someone who wasn’t right for me. After this, I went on a downward spiral that took years to recover. I felt like I was failing in both my personal and professional life. Far too many women have also fallen trapped to an arbitrary timeline with the expectation that if you do not achieve specific goals by a certain age, you have failed in your role as a woman. The challenge is to not feel like a failure or disappointment when you choose a different road for yourself, intentionally or unintentionally.

When I was ready to date again, I was completely lost and out of touch with the ever-changing dating scene. Texting was the new norm, along with ghosting, breadcrumbing, etc.

After a few years of dating and rebuilding friendships, I decided to start a podcast to lean into this new feeling of being lost in life. The podcast was a great way to connect with others feeling similar dissatisfaction and became therapeutic for me and my listeners.

In 2019, I launched “That’s What We Said,” a podcast where I discuss various aspects of human relationships. Over time, the podcast gained traction and led to an invitation to join Rukus Avenue Radio, the world’s most listened-to South Asian digital podcast network, reaching 9 million monthly listeners.

Another aspect of my life that I have had to contend with is the challenges that come with being a woman in the tech industry. In numerous instances, I have dealt with discrimination, been overlooked for promotions, received a lower salary than less qualified individuals, and have been subjected to condescending treatment. Obviously, things like this are not limited to the tech field; unfortunately, women deal with it daily. Like many other women, I have had to overcome and rise above it by recognizing my true value. In many instances, I have not taken a dream job that offered a salary less than I was worth, or I have resigned from jobs where a promotion was given to a less qualified individual. It always felt like a heart-shattering setback, but I refuse to settle for anything less than what I deserve.

My aim is to inspire women by emphasizing the significance of recognizing and asserting their worth. Knowing your value is paramount to achieving success and creating positive change. I want to encourage them not just to accept the status quo and cry silently but shout their worth and make it heard!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In elementary school, I received an exciting opportunity to participate in a holiday play. Stepping onto the stage with scripted lines for the first time, I experienced a mix of exhilaration and apprehension. The joy I derived from performing fueled my desire to explore this art form further. However, living in an area where the opportunities for acting were limited, I found myself compelled to put my acting aspirations on hold. Despite this setback, my love for the craft persisted, patiently awaiting the chance to resurface when the circumstances would allow.

In the meantime, I decided to pursue another interest: Technology. In the ’90s, the technology field was still relatively new, and I was captivated by its intricacies. I embarked on a journey that led me to attain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, followed by two Master’s degrees—a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master’s in Information Security.

Armed with my Master’s in Information Security, I delved into the realm of forensic investigation, becoming one of the few women to excel in the field of Cybersecurity. Today, I hold a senior program management position within a prominent tech company. Harnessing my technological skills, I have ventured into entrepreneurship by founding my startup, which focuses on delivering an interactive online shopping experience. The beta launch of this venture is slated for later this year.

After years of immersing myself in the tech industry, I felt a persistent pull toward my creative roots. Relocating to Los Angeles for work led me to venture back into acting and entertainment. I now have a podcast titled “That’s What We Said,” with 70+ podcast episodes, https://www.thatswhatwesaidpodcast.com).  I am also proud to say that I have been in three short films, multiple commercials (Intel, Macy’s, etc.), and an episode on a court tv show. These endeavors marked a significant milestone as I discovered myself coming full circle, seamlessly merging my technological expertise with my enduring passion for the performing arts.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
One of the biggest risks has been not taking the path that was laid out for me and pursuing interests outside the norm. I have dipped my toes into an industry that rewards youth, pedigree, and appearance. Despite that, I do bring resilience and an unyielding attitude which has led me to small steps toward progress.

Today, I take pride in not confining myself to a single category but instead branching out into multiple areas. Now, I eagerly embark on diverse adventures, ranging from improv and stunt classes to acting, podcasting, and public speaking. I wholeheartedly pursue my passions and refuse to let natural constraints such as gender, age, or ethnicity hold me back.

Shifting my mindset has been an ongoing journey of self-reflection and self-acceptance. I want others to know that age, gender, and ethnicity don’t have to define us.

This is just the beginning for me. I am still exploring all that life has to offer. I will persevere towards helping others and continue to follow my motto, “Never leave a stone unturned.” One day I hope to fulfill that dream of creating something impactful… a legacy that will define my growth and evolution.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poorvieverywhere/

Image Credits
Dexter Brown
J.Cole