Jayanthi Sundar

Wellness Coach

Founder & Functional Nutrition Coach — Thrive Gut Academy

Jayanthi Sundar is the Founder of Thrive Gut Academy and a Certified Health Coach. With a deep conviction that "you are not just what you eat... you are what your gut absorbs, digests, and trusts," she combines functional nutrition, personalized gut assessments, and science-backed microbiome testing to guide people toward a pill-free, vibrant life.

Thrive Gut Academy is built on three pillars: personalized gut reconnection through assessments and guidance, collaborative partnerships with hospitals, labs, and wellness brands, and workplace wellness solutions addressing employee burnout and focus.

Visit Thrive Gut Academy → Functional Nutrition Shorts on YouTube →

Services

Corporate Wellness Workshops

Interactive sessions designed for employee well-being, focusing on energy boost, stress reduction, and gut-brain wellness in workplace settings.

Personalized Gut Health Assessments

Individual evaluations providing customized insights that go beyond diet charts — personalized, practical, and rooted in the science of Functional Nutrition.

Gut Health Awareness Programs

Educational presentations, interactive workshops, and campaigns aimed at raising awareness and promoting proactive lifestyle changes.

Speaking: IIF – MMA Joint Program

Invited speaker at a joint initiative by The Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) and the Madras Management Association (MMA), Jayanthi spoke on "The Second Brain: Unlocking Gut Power for Peak Performance" — sharing how gut health influences stress resilience, clarity, and productivity for decision-makers and industry leaders.

Jayanthi Sundar speaking at IIF-MMA Joint Program
Jayanthi Sundar at IIF-MMA Joint Program

Gut Leadership Training — Indian Bank

Jayanthi conducted a 3-hour Gut Leadership training session for Women Managers at Indian Bank, sharing powerful insights on how gut health directly impacts leadership abilities, decision-making, and overall well-being. The session covered mindful nutrition for energy and focus, sustainable fitness routines for busy schedules, the mind-gut connection for better decision-making, and cultivating work-life harmony.

Jayanthi Sundar - Gut Leadership training for Women Managers at Indian Bank

Gut Leadership session for Women Managers, Indian Bank

Gut Leadership — Andhra Chamber of Commerce

Invited speaker at the prestigious Andhra Chamber of Commerce, delivering a session on "GUT Leadership" — exploring the connection between gut health and leadership qualities like clarity, resilience, and decision-making.

Jayanthi Sundar - Gut Leadership session at Andhra Chamber of Commerce

Thrive Gut Academy — MSME-Registered (June 2025) | 300+ women supported through the science of gut health and functional nutrition

ChampionWoman

Jayanthi is a proud member of ChampionWoman, a prestigious community where strong women lift each other higher. As a Leading Life Coach, she has inspired 1,000+ women through this platform — empowering them with confidence, career readiness, and the belief that together, women are unstoppable.

Jayanthi Sundar with ChampionWoman community

With the ChampionWoman tribe

Corporate Trainer

Empowering Professionals & Teams

Jayanthi Sundar is a seasoned Corporate Trainer, Keynote Speaker, and Life Coach who brings a unique blend of IT industry experience, communication expertise, and wellness knowledge to her training sessions. She has inspired and motivated more than 1,000 women professionals and college students through transformative programs on workplace readiness, professional communication, personal branding, grooming, and career confidence.

Her interactive, high-energy sessions deliver emotional wellbeing along with workplace productivity. She has trained professionals in India and globally, including Shanghai. Notable speaking engagements include IIF, Cognizant, Indian Bank, and the Andhra Chamber of Commerce.

Training & Speaking Areas

Women Empowerment
Leadership & Communication
Work-Life Balance
Agile & Design Thinking
Gut-Brain Wellness
Mind Mapping

"Her insights on communication, the VOICE framework and the mute leadership activity were eye-opening and helped us understand the power of presence, clarity, and non-verbal expression. She beautifully reminded us that communication is not about perfection — it's about intention."

— Centre for Transformational Leadership, KCG College of Technology
Jayanthi Sundar - Training session at KCG College of Technology

Leadership & Communication session at KCG College of Technology

Jayanthi Sundar - Corporate Training Session

Speaker

Distinguished Toastmaster — The Highest Achievement in Toastmasters International

Jayanthi Sundar has earned the prestigious Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) title — the highest educational achievement awarded by Toastmasters International. This accomplishment reflects years of dedication to mastering the art of public speaking and leadership.

As a DTM, Jayanthi has demonstrated exceptional skills in communication, mentoring, and club leadership. She continues to be an active member of the Toastmasters community, inspiring fellow members and nurturing new speakers.

Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) — Demonstrating excellence in both Communication and Leadership tracks of Toastmasters International

Jayanthi Sundar as a Speaker
Jayanthi Sundar - Best Table Topics Speaker ribbon, Dallas 2023
Jayanthi Sundar - Toastmasters in Dallas, USA 2023

Won Best Table Topics Speaker ribbon, Dallas, USA, 2023

Jayanthi Sundar - Member of Professional Speakers Association of India

Member, PSAI, 2019

Jayanthi Sundar as MC at PSAI event

MC at the PSAI event

Master of Ceremony

Jayanthi Sundar is a sought-after Master of Ceremony (MC / Emcee) known for her warm presence, impeccable timing, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. Whether it is a corporate event, a cultural celebration, or a community gathering, Jayanthi brings the right blend of professionalism and personal charm.

Jayanthi Sundar as Master of Ceremony
Jayanthi Sundar as Master of Ceremony
Jayanthi Sundar as Master of Ceremony
Jayanthi Sundar as Master of Ceremony
How to be an Anchor — YouTube Channel →

Author

Gut Leadership

Jayanthi Sundar is the author of "Gut Leadership" — a book that brings together her unique expertise in functional nutrition, corporate leadership, and personal transformation. The book explores the profound connection between gut health and effective leadership.

Drawing from her diverse experiences as a corporate trainer, functional nutrition coach, and Distinguished Toastmaster, Jayanthi presents a compelling case for why leaders must pay attention to their gut — both literally and figuratively. "Gut Leadership" is a testament to her belief that true leadership begins with self-care and awareness.

Jayanthi Sundar with the Tamil edition of Gut Leadership

Gut Leadership

A groundbreaking book that bridges the gap between gut health science and leadership excellence. Discover how nurturing your gut can transform your ability to lead, decide, and inspire.

Artist

Bharatanatyam — A Lifelong Passion

Jayanthi Sundar is a trained Bharatanatyam artist and Master of Fine Arts (MFA), carrying forward a lifelong passion for this ancient Indian classical dance form. Bharatanatyam is not just a performing art for Jayanthi — it is a spiritual practice, a discipline, and a way of life.

Her training in Bharatanatyam has enriched every other facet of her life — from the grace she brings to the stage as an emcee, to the discipline she applies in her professional career, to the mindfulness she channels into her wellness practice. Dance remains at the heart of who she is.

Jayanthi Sundar - Bharatanatyam Performance ▶ Watch

Bharatanatyam Performance

Jayanthi Sundar - B Grade Artist at Podhigai TV Doordarshan ▶ Watch

B Grade Artist at Podhigai TV, Doordarshan

Jayanthi Sundar - Dance on Bharathiyar Song ▶ Watch

Dance on Bharathiyar Song

Jayanthi Sundar - Dance for a Hindustani Devotional Song ▶ Watch

Dance for a Hindustani Devotional Song

Jayanthi Sundar - Dance at Toastmasters International Conclave ▶ Watch

Dance at Toastmasters International Conclave

Jayanthi Sundar - Arangetram 1983

Arangetram, 1983

Jayanthi Sundar - Bharatanatyam
Jayanthi Sundar - Bharatanatyam performance
Jayanthi Sundar - Dance program at Meylon, France

Dance program at Meylon, France

Jayanthi Sundar presenting a paper at Kalaikaveri College of Fine Arts

Paper presentation at Kalaikaveri College of Fine Arts

Jayanthi Sundar receiving memento from Sri Nalli Chinnasami Chetty at Mudhra Anniversary

Memento from Sri Nalli Chinnasami Chetty, Mudhra anniversary, 2011

Jayanthi Sundar being felicitated by Guru Padma Subramaniam

Being felicitated by Guru Padma Subramaniam

Jayanthi Sundar with her Guru Chitra Visweswaran

With Guru Chitra Visweswaran

Jayanthi Sundar with Guru Chitra Visweswaran and Sri Visweswaran

With Guru Chitra Visweswaran and Sri Visweswaran

Dinamalar newspaper review of Jayanthi Sundar's dance performance

Dance performance review in Dinamalar

Carnatic Vocal Music

Jayanthi is a trained Carnatic vocalist, having learnt from Sri Neyveli Ganesh (grandson of the legendary Alathur Brothers) and Smt Ranjani Chander (daughter of Bombay Balamani). Music, like dance, has been a lifelong companion that adds depth and melody to everything she does.

Jayanthi Sundar - Carnatic Vocal Performance ▶ Watch
Jayanthi Sundar - Devotional Song at Houston, 2023 ▶ Watch

Devotional song at Houston, 2023

Media

Doordarshan & All India Radio

TV Interviewer — Doordarshan

Jayanthi Sundar has been a TV Interviewer on Doordarshan, India's national public television broadcaster. Conducting interviews on the country's most prestigious television network is a testament to her communication skills, poise, and ability to engage with a wide range of personalities and topics.

Interview with Guru Smt Chitra Visweswaran - Part 1 ▶ Watch

Guru Smt Chitra Visweswaran (Part 1)

Interview with Guru Smt Chitra Visweswaran - Part 2 ▶ Watch

Guru Smt Chitra Visweswaran (Part 2)

Jayanthi Sundar interviewing Dance Maestro C.V. Chandrasekar on Podhigai TV ▶ Watch on YouTube

Interview with Dance Maestro C.V. Chandrasekar on Podhigai TV

Science Speaker — All India Radio

Jayanthi Sundar has been a science speaker on All India Radio (AIR), India's national public radio broadcaster. Her talks brought scientific concepts to a wide audience across the country, accessible on medium wave radio and car radios alike.

"Please listen to my science talks... in All India Radio... today and Saturday.... if you have a radio with medium wave... else use a car radio.... your feedback most welcome..." — Jayanthi Sundar, December 2017
Jayanthi Sundar - All India Radio Science Talks
Jayanthi Sundar - Science Talk at All India Radio

Tech Leader

18 Years at Cognizant

Jayanthi Sundar spent 18 years at Cognizant serving as a Scrum Master, Project Manager, and Team Leader. She built an all-women team that became a benchmark for collaboration and performance within the organization.

Her extensive experience in the software industry forms the backbone of her versatility — enabling her to bridge technology with wellness, communication, and leadership. This rare combination makes her uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges faced by today's professionals.

Jayanthi Sundar at Cognizant

At Cognizant, Chennai

Jayanthi Sundar at Cognizant China

At Cognizant, China

About Jayanthi

The Person Behind the Roles

Jayanthi Sundar with husband Sundararaman

With her ever-supporting husband, Sundararaman

Academic Qualifications

Jayanthi's academic journey reflects her insatiable curiosity and commitment to continuous learning. Her qualifications span the sciences, the arts, and specialized wellness certifications.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

A postgraduate degree in Fine Arts, reflecting Jayanthi's deep engagement with the arts and her academic commitment to creative expression.

Chemical Engineering

An engineering degree that provided a strong technical foundation, launching her IT career and later her understanding of functional nutrition science.

Recipient of the Suman Sharma Award from The Institution of Engineers (India) for being the topper among women candidates.

Certifications

Certificate in Functional Nutrition

A specialized certification that forms the scientific backbone of Thrive Gut Academy, validating her expertise in personalized nutrition, gut health assessments, and evidence-based wellness interventions.

Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)

The highest educational achievement in Toastmasters International, recognizing excellence in both communication and leadership.

Chemical Engineer + Master of Fine Arts + Functional Nutritionist + DTM — A rare combination that defines the uniqueness of Jayanthi Sundar

Book Jayanthi

Available for keynote speaking, corporate training, wellness workshops, emceeing, and life coaching engagements.

Connect on LinkedIn →

Chennai, India | Available for in-person and virtual engagements worldwide