A Cancer Survivor's Guide to Better Decision-Making

Before her diagnosis in 2014, Somani operated with the precision typical of her background in tech and consulting. Raised by immigrant parents who emphasized hard work, she viewed life as a series of problems to be solved through logic and planning. That framework shattered when she discovered a lump shortly after her daughter’s traumatic NICU stay. Despite initial medical dismissals, the diagnosis proved to be an aggressive malignancy requiring chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, and reconstruction.

In the face of profound uncertainty, Somani realized that data could not dictate her personal path. She shifted her focus toward identifying which outcome she could live with most peace of mind, a philosophy she codified in her book, The Path of Least Regret. Her five-phase framework encourages individuals to process emotions—such as fear, ego, and guilt—rather than suppressing them to reach a purely analytical conclusion. By identifying what truly aligns with their values, people can navigate difficult crossroads with greater clarity. Today, Somani applies this mindset beyond her health, using regret as a forward-looking compass for her career, parenting, and personal relationships.