In this episode, I talk with Neelam Patel, who left a 22-year tech executive career to follow her passions for poetry, dance, and performance. We dive into the risks and rewards of creative self-advocacy, how joy and anger can guide personal transformation, and what it really means to rebuild a life around authenticity. If you’ve ever felt the pull between convention and creativity, this conversation will inspire you to reclaim your own voice.

Featured in this episode:

• Neelam's Instagram account @dancewithneelam
• Neelam's website: tailoredpoetry.com
• Neelam's book: Burning It Down: Dancing Through the Rubble
• Jamie's 1:1 executive coaching practice: https://www.jamieleecoach.com/apply

Timestamps:

1. [00:00] — Introduction and Neelam’s background: Jamie Lee opens the episode, introduces Neelam Patel, and they discuss Neelam’s journey from tech executive to poet and artist.
2. [04:21] — Tech career and personal transformation: Neelam describes how improv and creative pursuits influenced her growth (and promotions) in the tech world.
3. [10:47] — Risky conversations and work-life negotiation: Neelam shares stories of honest, risky conversations at work, including advocating for her creative needs.
4. [34:36] — Anger as an ally: Neelam and Jamie discuss the power of anger, addressing repression, shame, and channeling anger into advocacy.
5. [48:04] — Life after “burning it down” and current work: Neelam gives an update on her creative career, including her dance residency and ways listeners can connect with her (Instagram, website).

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