WHR 3.223: From Hollywood to Home Office – How Steven Puri Built a Happiness-Driven Company

Finding Focus and Freedom with Steven Puri
WHR 3.223: From Hollywood to Home Office – How Steven Puri Built a Happiness-Driven Company

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim chats with Steven Puri, Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company. Steven shares his journey from producing Hollywood blockbusters like Independence Day and Star Trek to building a tech company that helps remote workers reclaim their time and joy. He reveals how listening to real user feedback transformed his focus app, how failures in early ventures shaped his leadership, and why his mission now is rooted in happiness, not hustle. This conversation dives deep into tenacity, parenting, AI, and the evolving meaning of work.

Who is Steven Puri?
Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company. His mission is to help millions of remote workers focus better, work smarter, and ultimately live happier lives. Before launching Sukha, Steven had an impressive career in both film and tech—starting out as a newscaster, then a software engineer, and eventually producing CGI effects for Oscar-winning films. He served as a senior executive at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, managing major franchises like Die Hard and Star Trek. Today, from his home base in Austin, TX, he’s focused on using technology to create a more mindful and balanced remote work experience.

Connect with Steven Puri:
Website: https://thesukha.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpuri

Host Contact Details:
Website: https://workathomerockstar.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/workathomestar
Email: [e-mail]

In this Episode:
At 00:41, Steven shares the origin of the Sukha Company, including how a user’s feedback inspired its name and mission.
At 06:57, he opens up about walking away from Hollywood to rediscover purpose and fulfillment through tech.
At 12:00, he talks about how tenacity—not talent—was the key to long-term success, both in film and entrepreneurship.
At 15:06, Steven offers insight into raising a child with values and freedom to explore their passions.
At 22:09, the conversation turns to AI and the philosophical question of truth in a digital world.
At