The Leap Into the Unknown: How I Learned to Fly
Santosh Kumar
Podcast Host Producer @ Between Us Storytellers | TiE Mumbai Charter Member | Speaker | Content Creation | Writer | I talk about Diversity, Climate , Gender, EdTech, Industry 4.0
It wasn’t an easy decision. Leaving a secure, full-time job—one that had taken years of hard work and dedication to build—felt like stepping off a cliff. But there was a nagging voice inside me that refused to stay silent.
It said, “This isn’t it. There’s more waiting for you.”
For months, I wrestled with the idea of walking away. I thought about stability, expectations, and the countless “what ifs.” What if I failed? What if this leap turned into a free fall with no safety net? But then, someone said something to me that changed everything:
“The leap is always scary, but it’s the only way to truly fly.”
That piece of advice planted a seed in my mind. What if they were right? What if the very thing I feared was the key to unlocking a version of myself I hadn’t yet met?
The Moment of Decision
The day I decided to leave my job wasn’t marked by fireworks or grand declarations. It was quiet, almost mundane. But it felt monumental. I remember sitting at my desk, staring at my screen, and asking myself:
“If not now, then when?”
I didn’t have all the answers. In fact, I had very few. But I knew I couldn’t ignore the pull any longer. My heart wanted to tell stories—real stories that mattered, stories that connected people. And so, with a mix of excitement and terror, I handed in my resignation and stepped into the unknown.
The Free Fall
The first few months felt like a whirlwind. Suddenly, I was on my own, with no office to go to, no paycheck to rely on, and no clear roadmap.
Starting my podcast, 'Between Us: Make Every Conversation Count..!!?', felt like jumping into the deep end without knowing how to swim. There were days when I questioned everything. Had I made a mistake? Was I chasing an impossible dream?
But amidst the doubt, there were small victories—recording my first episode, receiving feedback from listeners who said my stories resonated with them, and realizing that I was building something meaningful.
It wasn’t easy, but it was real. And that made all the difference.
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Finding My Wings
Over time, I started to find my rhythm. Each episode became a new step forward, a way to connect with people who shared my vision for impactful storytelling.
The moments of uncertainty were still there, but they began to pale in comparison to the moments of fulfillment. Hearing someone say, “Your podcast gave me a new perspective,” or “I feel less alone after listening to your story,” reminded me why I took the leap in the first place.
I was no longer just falling; I was learning to fly.
Lessons From the Leap
Looking back, here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Fear is part of the process. It doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path—it means you’re doing something that matters.
2. You don’t need to have all the answers. Clarity comes from action, not overthinking.
3. Trust your heart. When you align with what truly matters to you, the pieces start to fall into place, even if it takes time.
What I’ve Found on the Other Side
Today, I’m still on the journey. My podcast has grown, and so have I. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with incredible people, sharing stories that matter, and building something that feels authentically me.
The leap was scary—it still is, sometimes. But it was worth it. Because for the first time, I’m not just living; I’m soaring.
So, if you’re standing at the edge of your own cliff, wondering if it’s worth the risk,
I’ll say this:
Take the leap.
You’ll never know how high you can fly until you do.