22. Lakshmi Narayanee: Leaving Amazon for Creativity, Joy, and Wonder

Lakshmi Narayanee is a Career Breaker.

After a successful career in big tech, including nearly a decade at Amazon, Lakshmi found herself feeling disconnected and uninspired. Despite being on a promising career trajectory, she knew something needed to change. So, she made the bold decision to take what she calls a "slowbatical," an intentional break to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with herself

Her journey began with a one-way flight to Bali, where she embarked on an "Eat, Play, Love" adventure. There, she leaned into rest, creativity, and human connection, and gave herself permission to just be. Eventually, Lakshmi went back to Amazon to see if a break was enough or if she needed a complete shift, and that experiment confirmed it was time to leave.

Now living in Brooklyn, Lakshmi is building something entirely new—a digital movement rooted in creativity and play.

In this episode, Lakshmi opens up about managing anxiety when stepping away from the familiar and how creativity can be a powerful antidote to loneliness. Plus, she leads a playful exercise to help spark wonder and imagination.

Tune in to hear Lakshmi’s inspiring story of curiosity, reinvention, and building a life on her own terms. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Lakshmi.

Notes:

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/ Lakshmi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshminarayanee/

/ Lakshmi on Instagram: once.upon.a.grid

/ Connect with Adriane | Email: [email protected] or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/

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