The Migrant Mentor
By Dr Khimji Vaghjiani & Suraj Vaghjiani
Episode 11: How Victoria Built Products People Love, Burned Out and Turned That Into Her Life's Work
Victoria Colombato left home at 18. No plan. Just courage.
What followed was a decade across 6 continents - leading growth teams at Mercado Libre and MURAL, learning how to build products people genuinely love by understanding not just systems, but people.
Then burnout hit. And the version of success she'd built stopped feeling like her own.
She tried everything. Therapy. Journaling. Breathwork. Nothing stuck.
Then she found hypnotherapy - and for the first time, something actually shifted.
In this episode we learn how Victoria rebuilt her identity from the inside out, what burnout really looks like when you're winning on paper, and how that journey became Tabula Rasa; a business helping high-achievers navigate their own moments of transition. This one went places we didn't expect.
Connect with Victoria:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriacolombato/
Episode 10: What No One Tells Migrants About Confidence - Shiv on Communication and Identity
From a shy, bullied kid to finding his voice as a migrant in Australia and amassing millions of views, Shiv’s journey wasn’t built overnight. Arriving as an international student with English as a second language, he struggled with confidence, identity, and belonging.
After knocking on 8,000 doors in sales, he learned the real rules of confidence and human connection. In this episode of The Migrant Mentor Podcast, we explore storytelling, self-belief, and why the most powerful communicators focus on being interested, not just interesting.
Episode 9: Building Chatkazz - The Values That Shaped a Restaurant Empire on the World Stage with 28,000+ Reviews
What if the man washing your dishes today… became the founder of Australia’s most-reviewed Indian restaurant tomorrow?
That’s the journey of Dharmesh Rangparia, who arrived in Sydney on a student visa with a borrowed curry recipe and a dishwashing job. Today, he’s the co-founder of Chatkazz - a street food empire with six buzzing locations, 250+ dishes, 40+ chefs, and 28,000+ reviews.
Praised by leaders and powered by purpose, Dharmesh is proving success isn’t just about food - it’s about resilience, culture, and staying true to your roots.
https://www.chatkazz.com.au/
Episode 8: Science, Identity & Resilience – Dharmica Mistry’s Journey to Innovation
From a eureka moment in the lab to pioneering a revolutionary breast cancer detection test, Dr. Dharmica Mistry’s journey is one of science, resilience, and breaking barriers. As a migrant navigating cultural identity and imposter syndrome, she co-founded BCAL Diagnostics, proving that science is about impact. Now a leader in medtech, she’s championing women in STEM and paving the way for future generations.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on innovation, identity, and chasing dreams.
Dharmica's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharmicamistry/
Episode 7: How Nikhil Turned $3K into a $5M Wealth-Building Journey?
In Episode 7 of The Migrant Mentor, I sit down with my close friend and one of the sharpest minds in finance, Nikhil Sreedhar. Imagine starting with just $3K as a teenager and growing it into a $5M portfolio—that’s Nikhil’s story. From his middle-class roots to becoming an investment powerhouse, Nikhil opens up about his journey, the mentors and life lessons that shaped him, and the financial strategies that anyone can apply, no matter where they’re starting.
Together, we explore what makes the wealthy tick, the value of financial literacy, and Nikhil’s own three-bucket philosophy for balancing health, wealth, and relationships. Whether you’re wondering how to take your first investment steps or looking for inspiration to fuel your own entrepreneurial path, Nikhil shares practical, honest advice that’s within reach for everyone.
Check out Nikhil’s current venture, Handle Properties, here, or follow their Instagram @handle.properties for top real estate tips and investment strategies.
Connect with Nikhil on LinkedIn to stay updated on his latest projects and insights.
Episode 6: 6 Countries, 6 Degrees, 6 Businesses – A Forbes 30 Under 30 Journey
This isn’t just a story about success—it’s about overcoming self-doubt, embracing diversity, and turning every obstacle into an opportunity. Max’s journey is filled with lessons on perseverance, leadership, and the power of believing in your own potential.
In this episode of The Migrant Mentor Podcast, we dive deep into Max’s extraordinary life. Raised across six cities in France, Max’s story is a rich blend of cultures, challenges, and ambition. From studying at elite institutions like Sciences Po and the University of Chicago to advising governments in Africa, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Max’s leadership as Managing Director of Flash Coffee Indonesia earned him a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia. Now, he’s tackling the world of fintech, having raised AUD 1 million for his startup in Australia.
Tune in to be inspired by Max’s resilience, his transformative leadership, and the belief that no matter where you start, your story can make a global impact.
👉 Join The Migrant Mentor Community and connect with entrepreneurs like you! 👉Connect with Max on LinkedIn 👉 Explore Upworth: Your home for mastering personal finances.
Episode 5: How Did a Shy Kid from Pune Become a Formidable Entrepreneur?
In this episode, we sit down with Neil Kulkarni, a once-shy kid from Pune who transformed his life after moving to Australia. Neil's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of success. From navigating the challenges of a new country to overcoming a life-changing injury, Neil has emerged as a confident and ambitious entrepreneur. Join us as we explore how Neil harnessed the lessons from his mentors, including his Army father, to rise beyond limits and blaze his own trail in the world of business.
Episode 4: How Shani Overcame Cancer While Building a Passive Income
Welcome back to The Migrant Mentor Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to bring you the extraordinary journey of Shani Raja. From his humble beginnings as a trade journalist to becoming a senior editor at the Wall Street Journal, Shani's story is a testament to relentless pursuit and passion. Shani has earned his place as one of the world’s top-ranked writing instructors, empowering countless aspiring writers globally. But his journey isn't just about professional accolades. As a cancer survivor, Shani has faced down life's toughest challenges with grace and resilience. His battle with cancer was not only a test of physical strength but a profound spiritual journey that transformed his outlook on life and work. I've personally experienced the magic of Shani’s Udemy course, 'Writing With Flair: How To Become An Exceptional Writer,' and it revolutionized my approach to communication.
https://shaniraja.com/
Episode 3: Roy Cooke’s Path from Sri Lanka to $100M in Funding
Episode 2: From$0 to $48M, How Navneesh Built an IT Powerhouse
Navneesh shares his path from a humble garage setup in India to leading a successful IT consulting firm in Australia. With expertise in automation, he discusses writing best-selling books on Test Automation, becoming a sought-after speaker, and scaling his businesses to employ over 300 professionals.
Discover the challenges he faced, the importance of innovation, and how mentorship and cultural values played a crucial role in his success. This episode is packed with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone looking to make a significant impact.
Tune in to get inspired by Navneesh's incredible story of resilience, innovation, and success.
