Reinvention, Ambition, and Laughter: Zarna Garg Joins DIG In

In March, as we recognize women’s achievements and leadership, PMG welcomed comedian and bestselling author Zarna Garg for a candid and often hilarious virtual fireside chat as part of our ongoing ‘DIG In’ speaker series.

Joining us during her “Million Dollar Excuses” tour, Zarna described herself in simple terms: an immigrant mom who decided, later than most, to build something of her own. Before stand up, her life included leaving India as a teenager after refusing an arranged marriage, putting herself through college and law school in the United States, and spending 16 years as a stay-at-home mom raising three children.

The session was moderated by Ryan Vardeman, one of the leaders of PMG’s Culture of Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity committee and a member of the PMG Parents ERG. When Ryan asked Zarna which version of herself would be most surprised by where she is now, she laughed, because she thought, probably all of them.

Zarna spoke openly about wanting a sense of independence during her years at home and how humor became a survival tool long before it became a profession. It was her children who challenged her to try an open mic. She approached it practically, as she does most things, and decided to treat comedy as a business. Her product would be her jokes, and she treated comedy not as art, but as a way to deliver value to the people who paid to attend her shows.

Throughout the conversation, she reflected on the expectations placed on women across cultures, especially around ambition and money. She did not shy away from discussing being the primary breadwinner in her household, and she uses humor to make conversations about financial independence and agency more accessible.

In a month dedicated to highlighting women’s progress, Zarna’s story was a reminder that success does not have to follow a traditional timeline. Reinvention is possible, ambition can evolve, and it’s never too late.

We’re grateful to Zarna for joining ‘DIG In’ and the encouragement she gave to our team.