Ascend Jiva
We are proud to spotlight Sonia Keshwani, a radiant force of creativity, conviction, and cross-cultural expression, in our Stories on Purpose series at Ascend Jiva Media.
Sonia’s path is a compelling fusion of art and intellect, where soulful music, powerful storytelling, and professional excellence coalesce. Though raised in a family rooted in medicine, her heart found its rhythm in music. This passion deepened after her move to the U.S., where she formally trained and fearlessly stepped into the spotlight.
From sharing the stage with icons like Shaan and A.R. Rahman to emceeing major cultural events across North America, Sonia has cultivated a presence that is both magnetic and meaningful. Her voice—on stage and off—is a testament to vulnerability, resilience, and reclamation.
Her TEDx talk, “What If It’s Just a Blip?”, is a heartfelt invitation to anyone who has ever felt paralyzed by perfectionism or silenced by self-doubt. Through it, Sonia reminds us that the moments we fear most may simply be temporary pauses—not permanent definitions. It’s a powerful nudge to show up anyway, just as we are.
As a senior product manager in tech, emcee, singer, and TEDx speaker, Sonia is not only balancing multiple identities—she is integrating them with purpose. Her voice speaks to authenticity, cultural pride, and the beauty of embracing our full selves.
✨ Step into Sonia’s story below — a soulful exploration of art, identity, and the quiet courage to begin. May it stir something true within you — your voice, your rhythm, your reason to rise.
🌿 Q1: The Crossroads of Art and Innovation
What inspired your unique path that blends your artistic journey as a singer, emcee, and TEDx speaker with your professional career in tech as a senior product manager?
I was raised in a family rooted in medicine—my father was a cardiologist—and academic excellence was strongly emphasized throughout my childhood. Yet, music was always my sanctuary. My sister and I could often be found harmonizing in the back seat of the car or singing around the house. While I always loved music, it was only after moving to the U.S. that I began pursuing it more seriously. Those early performances were humbling and revealed how much I still had to learn, which inspired me to seek formal training.
As I immersed myself more fully in the performing arts, opportunities to emcee began to arise organically. Event organizers took note of my public speaking abilities, and what initially began as occasional hosting gradually evolved into a parallel passion and profession. Over time, I was regularly invited to both perform and emcee—an experience that allowed me to fully embrace the connective, storytelling power of live events.
In tandem with this creative journey, I’ve always had a strong affinity for analytical problem-solving. With a master’s in computer science and more than a decade of experience in tech product management, I thrive in environments that stimulate my left brain just as much as the arts nourish my right. The fusion of these two realms—creativity and technology—has shaped a life that feels both dynamic and deeply fulfilling. It’s in that intersection—of music, words, and innovation—that I feel most at home.
Q2: You have an impressive portfolio in the performing arts. From performing alongside legends like Shaan and A.R. Rahman to hosting large-scale cultural events across North America, what has this journey taught you about reclaiming your voice and the power of presence?
My path through the performing arts has been one of life’s most profound teachers. Above all, it has shown me the transformative power of self-acceptance. The grace and kindness I now extend to myself are the same I would offer a dear friend. It’s about embracing vulnerability with compassion and staying grounded through both triumphs and trials.
Perhaps the most enduring lesson is the quiet strength found in consistency. I never began with lofty expectations; much of what I’ve achieved once felt out of reach. Yet, by simply showing up — day after day — small steps accumulated into meaningful milestones, gradually unveiling my own vision.
And the most surprising truth? My creative stride blossomed not before, but after becoming a parent. That chapter didn’t hold me back — it became the catalyst for growth. It taught me that the myth of the “perfect time” is just that: a myth. We often wait for the right moment, but it rarely arrives. Age and timing don’t define us. The only real barrier is the hesitation to begin.
Q3: You recently delivered a powerful TEDx Talk titled “What If It’s Just a Blip?” — what inspired this message, and what core insights about vulnerability, self-doubt, and resilience do you hope to share with your audience?For artists and professionals who often hold themselves back out of fear of not being “perfect” enough, what advice would you offer? How did you personally break free from perfectionism and begin embracing your authentic self with greater freedom and confidence?
The concept behind “What If It’s Just a Blip?” emerged from my personal struggle with self-doubt and the pervasive pressure to be perfect. For years, fear held me back—from stepping onto the stage, sharing my work, and pursuing the passions that truly inspired me. Over time, however, I came to a profound realization: many of the moments we obsess over are, in reality, fleeting blips—brief, intense experiences that feel overwhelming at the time but lose their weight in the broader context of our lives.
From this insight, I distilled two core messages for my audience:
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Feel the fear — but do it anyway.
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That moment you’re scared of. It’s probably not as defining as you think. Not even close. You’re just too zoomed in.
This message particularly resonates with those who hesitate, not due to lack of talent or capability, but because they don’t feel sufficiently “ready.” I have witnessed countless gifted individuals remain on the sidelines, while others—perhaps less polished but more courageous—step into the spotlight simply by daring to begin. My talk is an invitation to shift perspective: zoom out, extend yourself grace, and give yourself permission to start.
If you succeed, amazing.
And if you don’t? It’s just a BLIP.
Let's move on to the next one!
Have you ever noticed how a live instrumentalist often sounds more magical than a programmed track? It’s the human element—imperfection, personality, presence—that truly resonates.
Through experience, I’ve realized audiences aren’t chasing perfection—they crave genuine connection. They respond to your presence, your emotion, your energy. Minor mistakes usually go unnoticed, but how you make people feel stays with them long after.
Of course, preparation is key—what seems effortless is typically the result of intense rehearsal. Yet, once you’re on stage, the challenge is to let go and trust the moment.
For years, I struggled under the weight of perfectionism. Every slip felt like failure, proof I wasn’t enough. It took persistence, reflection, and growth to embrace a liberating truth: authenticity matters far more than flawlessness.
Q4: You’ve been a powerful voice representing the South Asian diaspora through music and emceeing. What drives your passion for cultural representation, and how do you see the arts influencing diversity and inclusion?
What drives my passion is the transformative power of the arts to break down barriers and forge emotional connections. Music, storytelling, and performance speak to something deeply universal—often beyond what words alone can convey. Representing the South Asian diaspora through my work allows me to honor our heritage while helping to shape a more inclusive cultural narrative. When people hear their language in a song or see their stories reflected on stage, it cultivates pride, fosters connection, and nurtures a true sense of belonging.
At its essence, art knows no boundaries. It transcends nationality, language, color, and caste. It remains one of the rare spaces where we are invited to show up as our full, authentic selves—and where others are invited to truly see us. It is within this shared space that diversity and inclusion move from abstract ideals to lived realities.
Q5: You balance a demanding corporate role in tech with a vibrant creative life.
What practices help you stay centered, and do you have any mantras or tips for women who are navigating multiple identities — the artist, the achiever, the dreamer?
The cornerstone for me is a clear, focused vision. Who do you aspire to be? What does your personal brand stand for? What kind of balance are you striving to cultivate? This vision acts as your North Star, helping you direct your time, energy, and choices with deliberate intention.
There is often immense pressure to excel in every role simultaneously—professional, caregiver, artist. Yet, the reality is that we all have the same 24 hours. It’s simply not feasible to perform at full throttle in every aspect all the time—and that’s perfectly okay.
What truly matters is that you make these decisions consciously rather than falling into default patterns. When you take ownership of your path, success becomes less about perfection and more about authentic alignment with your values and priorities.
Q6: You’ve won several recognitions, including Best Talent at the Global Beauty Awards, American Indian Icon 2019, and the AmPowering Women Leadership Award in Performing Arts, amongst others. How do these honors reflect your journey, and how do you hope they inspire other women?
I’m truly honored and humbled by the recognitions I’ve received. Each award is an affirmation of the work I’ve poured my heart and soul into, and I remain deeply grateful to the organizations and communities that have acknowledged my journey.
That said, my motivation has never been accolades. My journey has always been driven by an inner calling—a purpose that runs deeper than external validation. When you commit to your craft with sincerity and intention, recognition may follow, but it should never be the destination.
What sustains and inspires me most are the relationships I’ve built along the way—the clients and audiences who return because they believe in what I do, and the quiet knowledge that my work is creating meaningful impact. If my journey inspires even one woman to pursue what ignites her from within, then every step has been worth it.
Passion, when pursued with integrity, is the truest form of success.
Q7: What’s your next big dream? Whether it’s stepping onto a new stage, creating music that heals, or building something meaningful—what vision is calling you forward in this season of your life?
My next big focus is to create a lasting musical legacy through original work. I’m deeply inspired to bring a song to life from the ground up—my very own baby musica—where I write the lyrics, compose the melody, and oversee the entire production. I want it to be a piece that authentically reflects my voice, my story, and my soul.
I also look forward to collaborating with a few dream artists who have long inspired me. Performing on larger, more diverse platforms that challenge me creatively and expand my reach is a big part of this vision. For instance, I’d love to be featured on Coke Studio—a platform that not only offers global visibility but also celebrates cultural richness and artistic depth.
This season of my life is all about growth, fearless creativity, and deepening the emotional and artistic impact of my work. I’m excited for what’s unfolding.
Thank you, Sonia, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. We are thrilled to feature you in our Stories on Purpose series and look forward to witnessing all that you will create next!
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