86: Become the Leader You Already Are – Without Losing Yourself, with Dr. Asha Padmanabhan Artwork

Inspired Mom MDs

Inspired Mom MDs is hosted by Cindy Van Praag, MD, wellness advocate for physician moms and proud mom of two teenagers. Episodes will cover how to identify and take back autonomy at work and home to find time for activities that invigorate you. The show will also delve into how to prioritize your own wellbeing without guilt and thrive at work and home. Cindy has over 20 years of experience in medicine and 17 years as a mom. She has extensive training in the integrative mindset and a holistic approach to wellbeing.

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Inspired Mom MDs

86: Become the Leader You Already Are – Without Losing Yourself, with Dr. Asha Padmanabhan

December 09, 2025 • Cindy Van Praag, MD • Episode 86

Find the full transcript and bonus resources at inspiredmommds.com/86.

“Am I enough to be a leader?”
If you’ve ever wondered that, you’re not alone.

So many women physicians feel pressure to be louder, tougher, or somehow “more” than they are.
But the truth is simple, we’re not taught how to lead. Not really. And that gap shows up everywhere.

You can save a life without breaking a sweat… but presenting to a room full of executives? Yipes.

So, are you enough?

My guest today says yes—absolutely yes. She says to be successful:

“You don’t have to be anything other than who you are.”

Her name is Dr. Asha Padmanabhan, a leader in anesthesiology and founder of Leadership Rx Coaching. She tackles the persistent questions so many women carry:

Why do leadership gaps persist?
How do you move through imposter syndrome?
And how do you communicate with clarity… without becoming someone you’re not?

This is leadership development for women physicians.

Guest Speaker Links:

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/ashapadmanabhan

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadership-rx-for-women-physicians/id1531236342

Email: asha@theleadershiprx.com

Text me your thoughts on the episode!

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for medical advice or care. I’m a board-certified physician, but this content isn’t connected to my clinical practice, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed here. Please always talk to your own health professional about any mental or physical health concerns. And as always, take what helps and leave the rest. Please see InspiredMomMDs.com for full legal disclaimer.

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I help physician moms take back control and prioritize what matters most so they can thrive in private practice and at home.