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Aligned Ambition with Pooja V.

by Pooja Venkatraman

Hi! I’m Pooja – I’m a double Harvard grad, ex-BCG consultant, and now a writer, thought leader, and executive coach.I help high achievers tackle stress productivity, performance and purpose so they can fulfill their biggest ambitions and unleash their fullest potential……without sacrificing their sanity, their relationships, their authenticity, or their paychecks.Let’s build the life and career you actually want – one that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.Book a free consult call to discuss working together: https://poojavcoaching.com/contact

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Episodes

  1. Feeling behind is an operating model problem – not an efficiency problem

    Register for my free training, How to Stop Feeling Behind here: https://forms.gle/LeKsHFJa5CcrBTiH8

  2. Training: How to Stop Feeling Behind

    Do you wake up every day feeling like you’ve been shot out of a gun? Pumped full of adrenaline for everything you need to get done? And then spend all day constantly running from thing to thing? And do you get to the end of the day, and all you want to do is RELAX… Except…you can’t? Because your...

  3. 332. The Car Honk Method for getting more done and staying in flow 🚗 📣

    If you can interpret a car honk, you can do this ——— Free coaching consult: https://poojavcoaching.com/contact Client testimonials: https://poojavcoaching.com/testimonials-page Table of contents: https://poojav.substack.com/p/welcome-to-your-brains-bff ——— 👋 Hi! I’m Pooja – an executive coach…

    more

  4. 338. The 4 kinds of self-doubt + The quick & dirty solution to each

    They are: 🤨 🧇 🤼 😡 ——— All the resources I mention in the podcast: Setting Deliberate, Defined, Doable, and De-Conflicted expectations: https://poojav.substack.com/p/the-simple-fixable-trigger-behind Choose 3 words: https://poojav.substack.com/p/a-super-quick-clarity-shortcut-choose 5 quick...

  5. 290. You don’t have a confidence problem. You have a metrics problem.

    ❌ Affirmations ✅ Metrics update Free coaching consult: https://poojavcoaching.com/contact Client testimonials: https://poojavcoaching.com/testimonials-page Table of contents: https://poojav.substack.com/p/welcome-to-your-brains-bff

  6. 439. The biggest mistake high achievers make that inadvertently caps their performance (part 7)

    Hello! I know I just kicked off the 3 Misconceptions About Building Your A+ Career and Life series, and I promise I will get back to it soon! But I also have so many exciting things that I am working on for you guys, that I need a bit of time to focus on that. So for the next few weeks, we'll be...

  7. 438. The biggest mistake high achievers make that inadvertently caps their performance (part 6)

    Hello! I know I just kicked off the 3 Misconceptions About Building Your A+ Career and Life series, and I promise I will get back to it soon! But I also have so many exciting things that I am working on for you guys, that I need a bit of time to focus on that. So for the next few weeks, we'll be...

  8. 437. The biggest mistake high achievers make that inadvertently caps their performance (part 5)

    Hello! I know I just kicked off the 3 Misconceptions About Building Your A+ Career and Life series, and I promise I will get back to it soon! But I also have so many exciting things that I am working on for you guys, that I need a bit of time to focus on that. So for the next few weeks, we'll be...

  9. 435. The biggest mistake high achievers make that inadvertently caps their performance (part 4)

    Hello! I know I just kicked off the 3 Misconceptions About Building Your A+ Career and Life series, and I promise I will get back to it soon! But I also have so many exciting things that I am working on for you guys, that I need a bit of time to focus on that. So for the next few weeks, we'll be...

  10. 432. The biggest mistake high achievers make that inadvertently caps their performance (part 3)

    Hello! I know I just kicked off the 3 Misconceptions About Building Your A+ Career and Life series, and I promise I will get back to it soon! But I also have so many exciting things that I am working on for you guys, that I need a bit of time to focus on that. So for the next few weeks, we'll be...

  11. 431. The biggest mistake high achievers make that inadvertently caps their performance (part 2)

    Hello! I know I just kicked off the 3 Misconceptions About Building Your A+ Career and Life series, and I promise I will get back to it soon! But I also have so many exciting things that I am working on for you guys, that I need a bit of time to focus on that. So for the next few weeks, we'll be...

  12. 430. The biggest mistake high achievers make that inadvertently caps their performance (part 1)

    Hello! I know I just kicked off the 3 Misconceptions About Building Your A+ Career and Life series, and I promise I will get back to it soon! But I also have so many exciting things that I am working on for you guys, that I need a bit of time to focus on that. So for the next few weeks, we'll be...

  13. 501. 3 misconceptions about building your A+ career and life (part 1)

    Misconception #1 about building your A+ career and life as a high achiever: An A+ career and life = Corner office, C-suite title at a Fortune 500 company, millions of dollars, and a front-page NYT obituary when you die. Truth #1 about building your A+ career and life as a high achiever: An A+...

  14. 500. The Career Advice Harvard Never Taught – an interview with the BRAVE Southeast Asia podcast

    For my 500th (!) podcast episode, I have a super fun treat for you all – I am sharing an interview I did recently on the BRAVE Southeast Asia podcast with my HBS classmate, Jeremy Au! We go in full depth into my own career journey (I don’t think I’ve ever shared it in so much detail before). We...

  15. 499. How the 20 min clarity tool I use with clients completely changed my approach to dating

    In the last few episodes, I’ve been talking a lot about the 20 minute clarity tool that I use with clients to help them get crystal clear on what they WANT. What their ideal lives look like. The true variables that they are solving for. What the POINT of life and work and everything is –…

    more

  16. 498. Building the life and career you actually want is cringe af

    This week, I want to tell you about a subtle mental blocker that keeps high achievers stuck and confused about their next career step… And ultimately prevents them from building the lives and careers they actually want. That blocker is… “Going for what I REALLY want…feels cringe af.” What if I...

  17. 497. 5 reasons why high achievers end up in misaligned careers (and lives)

    You know what misalignment feels like – that daily friction of dissatisfaction, unfulfillment, restlessness, anxiety, or general “something-feels-off-ness.” You know something has to change. But you can’t seem to put your finger on what it is – or gather enough courage, clarity, or conviction to...

  18. 496. Why it’s so hard for high achievers to talk to their friends & family about what to do next in their careers

    When you’re in a career transition, the people around you will inevitably ask, “So what do you want to do next?” And even though they’re SO well meaning and just want to help… Those conversations often make you feel worse instead of better. In this episode, I break down 4 reasons why that…

    more

  19. 495. To build a burnout-free career: Stop trying to do a good job

    When I say “stop trying to do a good job,” I do NOT mean “coast, relax, slack off, or just phone it in.” I know that you are ALLERGIC to ever doing that – because me too! I once fired a therapist for telling me to “just relax.” So when I say “stop trying to do a good job,” I mean: STOP solving…

    more

  20. 494. 3 lessons every burnt out high achiever can learn from my dad

    My parents are not the stereotypical Asian immigrant parents. And my dad has created a lot of traditional success for himself…in an untraditional way. So this (day after) Father’s Day, let’s take a look at what high achievers that are “traditionally successful in a traditional way” can learn from...

  21. 331. 5 quick career experiments you could do this week (part 5)

    I am recovering from a nasty flu this week, and recording a new podcast episode just wasn't on the cards. So instead, we'll be revisiting one of my most popular series from the past - 5 quick career experiments you could do this week! One experiment will drop each day this week. Happy...

  22. 330. 5 quick career experiments you could do this week (part 4)

    I am recovering from a nasty flu this week, and recording a new podcast episode just wasn't on the cards. So instead, we'll be revisiting one of my most popular series from the past - 5 quick career experiments you could do this week! One experiment will drop each day this week. Happy...

  23. 329. 5 quick career experiments you could do this week (part 3)

    I am recovering from a nasty flu this week, and recording a new podcast episode just wasn't on the cards. So instead, we'll be revisiting one of my most popular series from the past - 5 quick career experiments you could do this week! One experiment will drop each day this week. Happy...

  24. 328. 5 quick career experiments you could do this week (part 2)

    I am recovering from a nasty flu this week, and recording a new podcast episode just wasn't on the cards. So instead, we'll be revisiting one of my most popular series from the past - 5 quick career experiments you could do this week! One experiment will drop each day this week. Happy...

  25. 327. 5 quick career experiments you could do this week (part 1)

    I am recovering from a nasty flu this week, and recording a new podcast episode just wasn't on the cards. So instead, we'll be revisiting one of my most popular series from the past - 5 quick career experiments you could do this week! One experiment will drop each day this week. Happy...

  26. 326. 5 quick career experiments you could do this week (intro)

    I am recovering from a nasty flu this week, and recording a new podcast episode just wasn't on the cards. So instead, we'll be revisiting one of my most popular series from the past - 5 quick career experiments you could do this week! One experiment will drop each day this week. Happy...

  27. 493. The 3 types of high achiever burnout

    When high achievers feel burnt out or dissatisfied with their careers, their first question is usually: What should I do NEXT? But I think it’s very important to first ask: What’s not working NOW? Because if you don’t correctly diagnose that… You run the risk of making a change and feeling…

    more

  28. 492. 5 key career mistakes high achievers make (part 5)

    We’re at the final installment of our five-part series! In the last four episodes, we’ve covered… Mistake #1: Not being clear on what you want and not owning it. Mistake #2: Trying to “arrive” or “make it.” Mistake #3: Focusing on your weaknesses vs. investing your strengths. Mistake #4: Not...

  29. 491. 5 key career mistakes high achievers make (part 4)

    If you’re a high achiever in a prestigious job that is making you feel burnt out, disillusioned, or disconnected… But you can’t walk away because you don’t know what you’d do next… You’re probably making one of these 5 career mistakes. And it’s making you feel stuck where you are and confused…

    more

  30. 490. 5 key career mistakes high achievers make (part 3)

    High achievers are AMAZING at focusing on their weaknesses and TERRIBLE at focusing on their strengths. That sounds like a good thing – until you realize that it leads you to build a weakness-based strategy for your career, instead of a strengths-based strategy. And a weakness-based strategy…

    more

  31. 489. 5 key career mistakes high achievers make (part 2)

    If you’re a high achiever who knows SOMETHING has to change in your career… But you’re stuck in figuring out exactly WHAT that change is, and what you want to do next… You’re probably making one of these 5 career mistakes. And it’s keeping you spinning in circles, instead of moving forward with...

  32. 210. Deciding what to do next is only the beginning

    You need clarity, AND you need this Book a free consult call here: https://poojavcoaching.com/contact ——— What my clients have to say… “I realized that I wasn’t alone in a lot of my situations. In fact, what I was going through was very common. And that there were tools and I could use to get out...

  33. 488. 5 key career mistakes high achievers make (part 1)

    If you’re a high achiever who worked really hard to build your career, and you thought you’d feel successful, happy, and fulfilled by now… But instead, you’re feeling stressed, dissatisfied, and like something’s not quite right… You’re probably making one of these 5 key career mistakes. You…

    more

  34. 210. Deciding what to do next is only the beginning

    You need clarity, AND you need this Book a free consult call here: https://poojavcoaching.com/contact ——— What my clients have to say… “I realized that I wasn’t alone in a lot of my situations. In fact, what I was going through was very common. And that there were tools and I could use to get out...

  35. 487. The top 5 challenges high achievers face when they get promoted

    When you get promoted, there are 5 key skills you need to succeed at your new level. NONE of them are “be good at the core job.” Being good at the core job is table stakes. What you need to succeed are 5 NEW skills (or 5 skills that you’ll be spending significantly more time on than before). For…

    more

  36. 486. The real reason why high achievers burn out

    The most important thing, when you’re trying to cure or avoid burnout, is to understand what CAUSES burnout. Because the last thing you want to do is change your job and overhaul your life…only to find yourself burnt out again 6-12 months later. High achievers think burnout is caused by long…

    more

  37. 485. The closer you are to traditional success, the harder it is to find fulfillment

    If you’ve achieved some measure of external success, but something still feels “off” in your career, this podcast episode is for you. Achieving the things you’ve worked so hard for – and then finding yourself unhappy or unfulfilled on the other side is…confusing. You wonder: Have I done something...

  38. 484. How to do something you don’t want to do

    Have you ever made a grand plan to do a big project over several days…only to find yourself scrambling at the last minute to get it done? Or told yourself you’ll get up early to work out…only to hit snooze six times the next morning? Or even promised you’ll stop working late in the evenings and...

  39. 483. How to know when it’s time to invest in a coach: a 7 point checklist

    This week, I’m making something publicly available for the very first time. Normally, you have to get on a consult call with me to hear about this… But I decided to release it out into the world for everyone to see. It is: My 7 point decision making checklist for whether or not to invest in a...

  40. 482. What if it’s just not possible to build the career you want?

    I want you to imagine all the elements of your A+ career. The title. The compensation. The trajectory. The hours. The day-to-day work. The location. The fit with the rest of your life. Chances are, within 3 seconds of even STARTING to imagine that A+ career… Your brain shut you down and said,...

  41. 481. How to declare a major in your career (especially if you’re a generalist)

    Many high achievers hit a point in their career where they feel the need to “declare a major.” They’ve done a variety of things so far. They feel like a general problem-solver. But they also feel like, as they progress in their career, “I’ve done a lot of things, and I can do anything!” is not…

    more

  42. 480. How to emotionally survive a stretch opportunity

    The only way to progress in your career is to do things you’ve never done before – aka, sign up for stretch opportunities. Stretch roles and projects are the rocket fuel that can power your career forward…and the trial-by-fire that can burn you out. Whether you’re holding yourself back from…

    more

  43. 479. Why high achievers feel MORE certain in their career paths when they’re younger, and less certain when they’re older

    There’s this common (but rarely spoken about) phenomenon that a lot of high achievers experience partway through their careers. They USED to have so much clarity, certainty, and conviction about their career path. They thought hard. They tried different things. They did all the assessments. And...

  44. 478. Don’t celebrate your success. Analyze it.

    Most high achievers are allergic to celebrating their successes. At best, celebrating feels corny and fake. It feels like something you “should” do, like your gratitude journal. (And then you feel kind of bad for not doing it.) At worst, celebrating feels dangerous. Resting on your laurels will...

  45. 477. 5 terrible reasons to aim for the C-suite

    Tomorrow (Feb 18), executive coach Megan Porter and I kick off a three-part series for the HBS Women’s Association called Charting Your Course to the C-Suite. Register here: www.hbswa.org/csuiteFeb2026 But before you get busy charting your course to the C-suite… I want you to make sure that you...

  46. 476. 5 unintuitive things my parents did to raise two daughters with four Ivy League degrees

    Okay, one thing I want to tell you before I let you loose to listen to this week’s podcast episode. This episode is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to hear from two women who have actually done this… Come to my workshop: Intergenerational Wisdom for High Achieving Moms It’s a fireside…

    more

  47. 475. You can be ambitious about anything

    This week’s podcast episode is about ambition — and what happens when the things you want to be ambitious about no longer fit into a narrow, career-only definition. I talk about: Why ambition doesn’t disappear when you stop wanting the corner office and the C-suite job How to redirect ambition...

  48. 474. Don’t confuse status with purpose

    This episode is about why it’s so hard to get clear on what you actually want, especially as a high achiever. I talk about: How subtle peer pressure distorts your true desires Two questions that help you separate what you want from what looks impressive How to work with status consciously instead...

  49. 473. 5 ways to toggle your brain from a stress state to a flow state

    You don’t see the world as it is. You filter reality through the state of your nervous system. That’s why this week’s podcast episode zooms in on stress. I talk about: Why the headspace you’re in is more important than what you do The two broad categories your thoughts & emotions fall into –…

    more

  50. 472. Me Problem vs. Process Problem

    In this episode, I talk about the productivity and performance side of aligned ambition. Specifically, I introduce a distinction that comes up all the time in my work with clients – and that I use constantly in my own life: Me Problem vs. Process Problem This distinction matters any time…

    more
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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Hi! I’m Pooja – I’m a double Harvard grad, ex-BCG consultant, and now a writer, thought leader, and executive coach.I help high achievers tackle stress productivity, performance and purpose so they can fulfill their biggest ambitions and unleash their fullest potential……without sacrificing their sanity, their relationships, their authenticity, or their paychecks.Let’s build the life and career you actually want – one that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.Book a free consult call to discuss working together: https://poojavcoaching.com/contact

HOSTED BY

Pooja Venkatraman

CATEGORIES

business careers

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Aligned Ambition with Pooja V. have?

Aligned Ambition with Pooja V. currently has 634 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Aligned Ambition with Pooja V. about?

Hi! I’m Pooja – I’m a double Harvard grad, ex-BCG consultant, and now a writer, thought leader, and executive coach.I help high achievers tackle stress productivity, performance and purpose so they can fulfill their biggest ambitions and unleash their fullest potential……without sacrificing their...

How often does Aligned Ambition with Pooja V. release new episodes?

Aligned Ambition with Pooja V. releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 634 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.

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Who hosts Aligned Ambition with Pooja V.?

Aligned Ambition with Pooja V. is created and hosted by Pooja Venkatraman.
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