Dr. Sadhna Bokhiria

Dr. Sadhna Bokhiria (not an MD – much to her parent’s dismay…) learned at a very young age there are only three potential career paths for an over-achieving child of rigid Indian parents… Doctor… Lawyer… or Major Disappointment… She chose the latter (and took it up a notch) by majoring in Shakespearean Studies.

Now she may not be an MD…She certainly has no regard for the law…but there is never an iota of disappointment when it comes to Sadhna.

She is a 2021 honoree of Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award, a Tedx Speaker, and a Global Delegate for the American Express Leadership Academy.

In partnership with Banner Health, Mayo Clinic, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Sadhna owns and operates housing facilities for patients traveling to Arizona in order to obtain cancer treatment.

Her research on the psychosocial factors that impact survivorship in cancer patients was published in partnership with the University of Arizona’s Cancer Center.

This research led her to begin exploring the ways in which laughter impacts healing in cancer patients, which later inspired her research on stand up comedians.

In her spare time (as if she has any) she is the host of LeaderVoices – a podcast created in association with American Express & Arizona State University that showcases leaders and their infinite ability to change the world.

Sadhna’s guests have included experts on Premenstrual Syndrome, Global Nonprofit Leaders, Stand Up Comedians, and entertainment icons such as comedian, writer, and actor John Cleese and his daughter Camilla Cleese.

Her Tedx titled, “Comedy is No Joke” explores the relationship between humor and intelligence and has been viewed more than 100,000 times.

While writing her dissertation, Sadhna interviewed over 600 comedians and saw more than 1000 performances.

Her research explores the ways in which humor impacts psychology, physiology, resilience, and leadership. It supports the notion that humor is intelligence.

Sadhna lives in Arizona with her family and enjoys reading, working out, and live comedy.