Office Hours

Did you know you can negotiate for your first job? Nuwan Samaraweera, the Chief Operating Officer at P33, shares some intriguing tips on advocating for ourselves through our professional careers. He discusses everything from his realization of the value of building social capital to his journey of securing a work visa to stay in the United States. He also dives deeper into his key message of the importance of connecting with others and how to courteously leverage your network for everyone’s benefit. Tune in to hear Nuwan’s unique story and get tips that will help you in your future!

David Hornick, Founding Partner at Lobby Capital, has built a career defined by genuine relationships, long-term curiosity, and staying useful in every stage of work. In this episode, Dave talks through how to approach work when you’re early in your career and still figuring it all out. He shares how small points of connection, consistent curiosity, and helping others can open unexpected doors—and why none of those things require a title or a resume.From showing up to a professor’s office in college, to asking the right question in a boardroom, to turning a moment of shared geography into a meaningful relationship—Dave’s career is full of examples where attention and intention outperformed credentials and scale.Whether you're thinking about your first job or trying to build a more sustainable career long-term, this episode offers a refreshingly honest perspective on how to show up, stay useful, and build something real.

Have you ever thought about how important it is to have fun in college? Marc Sternberg, co-founder and managing director of A Street Capital, reminds us about the human need to have fun! He reorients us to focus on our “humanity”, shares his mindset on what impact investors should look for, and imparts his wisdom from being a “policy entrepreneur” in the Big Apple. Check out what else Marc can teach you!

Have you ever wondered how your career decisions can influence your future success? Sahir Azam, the former Chief Product Officer at MongoDB and a Partner at Index Ventures, shares his unique career journey, starting from pre-sales engineering to leading product development at a globally recognized tech company. In this episode, Sahir highlights the importance of cross-functional roles in understanding both technology and customer needs. He also discusses how his experience in pre-sales engineering helped him develop skills that contributed to his career growth and leadership. Join us as Sahir takes us through how his early career decisions shaped his path and how we can all learn to make better, informed choices to succeed in our own careers!

One of the most valuable steps in any career journey is connecting with mentors, but for many young professionals, it can be difficult to identify who is the right mentor, in any given period of time, for you.(Matt Kozlov) The Managing Director of Techstars LA, Techstars' LA-based accelerator program, has extensive experience being both a mentor and a mentee throughout his career. He is a believer in learning not only from senior executives in your field, but also from younger professionals throughout a multitude of industries. Today, we get a look into his advice for young professionals searching for the right mentors and what makes a great mentor.Interviewer: (Brett Hummel & George Liu)Videographer: (Bryan Acevedo)#promazo #mentorship #mentee #mentor #lifelonglearning #surroundingsmarts #trailblazer #network #accelerator #founders #firstjob #techstars #youngprofessional #interview

Have you ever felt unsure about your career path or wondered how to make the most of new opportunities? Luckily, Meghan Frank, CFO of Lululemon, has a fresh perspective. She shares her journey of curiosity and adaptability, offering advice on navigating imposter syndrome and building a versatile skill set. We dive into the evolving retail industry, discuss leadership styles, and uncover what makes Lululemon’s culture unique. Tune in to hear her insights on embracing growth, asking the right questions, and finding success through learning and exploration.

Leadership isn’t just about chasing titles or climbing the corporate ladder. Instead, it’s defined by how you show up for others and lead with empathy. Theresa Shea, the EVP - General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Utz Brands, learned to blend multiple skillsets to become an effective leader. Impactful leaders are those who listen, adapt, and lift others as they rise. Whether it's through emotional intelligence or mentorship, real leadership is rooted in humanity, not hierarchy, and how you get there makes all the difference.

Building a career in retail leadership takes more than just showing up. Kristin Witt, an executive leader at General Mills, shares how important it is to develop communication skills, stay curious about how the business works, and focus on building strong relationships. Drawing from her early experiences and broad career journey, Kristin explains what helped her grow and how students and young professionals can set themselves up for success. 

Have you ever felt like you’ve outgrown the path you’re on? Luis Morejon, Head of Global Workplace Operations at Uber, shares what it really takes to reinvent yourself, again and again. From aerospace to construction to tech, Luis has rebuilt his career by letting go of past identities, learning from scratch, and committing fully to change. In this conversation, he reflects on the emotional weight of career pivots, the power of starting over, and why growth often begins with walking away. Tune in to hear how reinvention isn’t a risk, it’s a strategy. We also talk about what it means to truly commit to a new industry, how to rebuild your network from zero, and why happiness (not hustle) is the real driver of performance.

What if the biggest risk is playing it too safe? Howard Friedman, CEO of Utz Brands, shares how saying "yes" to hard jobs and uncertain paths accelerated his growth. He explains why your early career is the best time to take chances and how doing difficult things builds the confidence and skills that set you apart. From learning through adversity to making yourself indispensable, Howard breaks down how to take bold steps without being too reckless. This conversation is a playbook for turning risk into opportunity, especially early in your career.

Have you ever wondered how stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors you never imagined? Laura Harshberger, the Global Information Technology Director at PPG, shares how going beyond her job description helped her develop transferable skills and build a strong professional network. From joining a nonprofit board to continuing to tune in to news and upskill, Laura demonstrates the power of seizing opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Join us to hear her inspiring journey and learn how taking intentional steps can help you stand out in today’s competitive job market!

There’s no single roadmap to building a great career—just ask Miranda Nash. She’s the former SVP of Product Management at Oracle, but her path wasn’t exactly a straight line. Miranda started in engineering, explored the startup scene, left Oracle for a while, then came back and kept growing. Her story is a great reminder that it’s okay (and even smart) to pivot, try new things, and follow what excites you. What really stands out is how she’s built her career not just on skills, but on staying curious, doing great work, and building strong relationships along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow in tech or make a big move without losing momentum, this one’s for you.

Have you ever wondered if a winding, unconventional path could still lead to success? Art Klein, the Executive Director of Digital Content and AI products at Kaiser Permanente, proves that it can. From mechanical engineering to finance, from IT operations to AI strategy, Art’s journey is a masterclass in following curiosity, embracing discomfort, and evolving through every phase of your career. In this interview, he reflects on the value of diverse early experiences, the power of listening, and why it’s okay not to have it all figured out. He shares how experimenting across roles helped him uncover his passions, how discomfort became a catalyst for growth, and why young professionals should focus on solving problems, not just polishing resumes.#promazo #reallifemba #promazoexecinterviews #kaiserpermanente #healthcarestrategy #youngprofessional #careertransparency #careerhacks #careerhelp #engineeringcareer #careerpivot #growthmindset #careeradvice #mentorship #firstjob #AIstrategy #businessleadership #nonlinearpath #problemsolving #discomfortzone #careergrowth #transformation #techleadership #futureofwork #listening #earlycareer #passion #purpose #kaiserpermanente #executivedirector #digitalcontent #aiproducts

Knowing how to think on your feet and staying open to change beats having a perfect plan every time on the road to success. Andy Biladeau, the Chief Transformation Officer at SHRM, emphasizes that your destiny isn’t determined by your qualifications on paper. Instead, your ability to navigate unexpected situations through communication and coachability are what help you get there. In a world that’s shifting faster than we can even keep up with, the most important traits to develop are those that help you adapt to these changes.#Promazo #promazoexecinterviews #career #college #networking #professionals #student #careersearch #SHRM #humanresources #HR #management #resources #workplace

Do you wonder if you can pursue your own interests in the corporate world? Have you ever worried that your successes are only going to count if they involve titles and money? Kevin Ban, who was the Executive Vice President and Global Chief Medical Officer at Walgreens, is here to tell you that knowledge and relationships are more valuable in the long-run, and help you make a difference in the world of business. He speaks from experience as a physician who transitioned from academia to the corporate world, and how it taught him the importance of listening, understanding problems, and building trust. He also shares his best advice on embracing change, preparing for future chapters of your life, and developing passions over time.#Promazo #promazoexecinterviews #career #college #networking #professionals #student #careersearch #Walgreen #education #learn #firstjob #careertransparency #careerhacks #careerhelp #careerjourney #promazocareer #execinterview #nextgenleaders #opportunities #buildtrust #askquestions #network #internet #technology #mentorship #values #companyvalues #physician #success #relationships #medicine #passion #interests #technology #growth #knowledge #change #chapters #trust #listening #advice #relationships

Should you be taking that job while you're studying in college? More importantly, how can you balance studying and working at the same time? While it can be difficult to balance school and work, doing so can allow you to gain early career experience and learn important skills utilized throughout your career journey, it can also teach life skills in prioritizing and managing time, two necessary skills for striking a healthy work-life balance. Join us with Jasmine Hoffman, the Vice President of Strategy & Operations at TechUnited, as she speaks about the invaluable skills in crisis, priority, and time management that she learned while working as a milkshake maker to an event planner, while organizing and creating time to study for her degree in Business Administration as a full-time student.Interviewer: (Brett Hummel & George Liu)#promazo #problemsolving #solutiontoproblem #proactivity #eventplanning #network #relationships #salesskills #hospitalityskills #firstjob #techunited #youngprofessional #interview

It can be scary to realize careers aren’t predictable. But, discovering them is part of the journey. Dane Bamburry, the Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture at Cox Enterprises, says that being curious and saying yes to new experiences helps you unlock different paths. By trading expectations for exploration, learning how communication shapes baths, and understanding the value of mentorship and storytelling, you’ll find yourself in the unexpected.#Promazo #promazoexecinterviews #career #college #networking #professionals #student #careersearch #CoxEnterprises #enterprise #architecture #IT #investment #design #strategy #staff #planning

Success in HR, or any career, comes down to knowing your value, building relationships, and always staying open to feedback. Natalie Rothman, the former Chief Human Resources Officer of Inspire Brands, reflects on how she’s navigated three decades in the people business with a mix of self-awareness, curiosity, and generosity. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, her advice is a masterclass in what it means to thrive in today’s workforce.#promazo #careerjourney #careerreadiness #youngprofessionals #careerinsights #humanresources #careerclarity #selfawareness #elevatorpitch #networkingtips #professionaldevelopment #relationshipbuilding #hrleadership #chro #peoplefirst #softskillsmatter #careerpathways 

Have you ever thought a military leader and business executive would be DJ’ing in their spare time? In this episode, West Point graduate and Cummings’ Chief Information Officer, Earl Newsome, shares his journey from a tech-oriented teen to an executive leader and how his love for music has helped him along the way. We dive into how military leaders and DJs strive to gain followers and move the crowd in a similar fashion - fostering a sense of belonging between the individuals, which allows freedom to dance and work as your best self. Join us as we explore how to cultivate such an inclusive environment as a leader, why it’s important to find one as an employee, and how to make the best of the in-between.#promazo #reallifemba #promazoexecinterviews #Cummins #ChiefInformationOfficer #WestPoint #youngprofessional #firstjob #careertransparency #careerhacks #careerhelp #DEIandB #BelongingCulture #InclusiveEnvironment #MovingTheCrowd #ExecutiveDJLeadership #HowToGainFollowers #PowerfulMusic #DareToChallenge

Sometimes, you grow into passion by simply saying yes to the opportunities right in front of you. Pascual Alvarez, the Managing Director of Customer Care at American Airlines, says that exploration, persistence, and curiosity are the tools that help you unlock the path you are meant to be on. We often feel pressure to feel a ‘click’ or know that something’s right, but can you ever be certain until you actually try? That’s why it’s important to stay open, stay resilient, and let your path take shape as you do.#Promazo #promazoexecinterviews #career #college #networking #professionals #student #careersearch #AmericanAirlines #travel #global #professional #services #customer #care

What is one thing students should do more of in the first six months of their first internship or job? According to Kristen Collins, the Director of Global Purchasing Operations and Technology at Autodesk, the answer is to be curious and ask questions about the why. Kristen shares that the value of having a new addition to the team is that they bring a fresh perspective, so you should never be afraid to challenge the status quo. Join us for a discussion about what it’s like to become a manager early in your career, learn how to set yourself up for success at a new company, and hear some tips when deciding when and where to pursue an MBA.#promazo #reallifemba #promazoexecinterviews #youngprofessional #firstjob #careertransparency #careerhacks #careerhelp #careeradvice #internshiptips #curiosity #askquestions

Building a career at the intersection of research, innovation, and business impact takes more than just following the rules. It takes curiosity, adaptability, and the confidence to ask better questions. Monica Dreger, the Global Head of Research and Innovation at Airbnb, shares how her background in psychology shaped her approach to insights and leadership, and how asking the right questions has helped her drive transformation at companies like Mattel, Unilever, and Airbnb. From navigating tough conversations to landing your first 90 seconds, Monica offers practical advice for anyone looking to build a meaningful career rooted in curiosity and impact.#promazo #careerjourney #careerexploration #youngprofessionals #careerinsights #careerpath #growthmindset #careerhacks #professionaldevelopment #successmindset #workexperience #personalgrowth #careertransition 

Faris Matalka, the Managing Director at Charles Schwab, unpacks his journey from his multicultural upbringing to his extensive experience in finance and managing critical strategies in this insightful interview. With a keen understanding of trading's complexities, he shares valuable insights about adaptability, strategic planning, and fostering a robust, flexible team for success.#promazo #reallifemba #realmba #promazoexecinterviews #charlesschwab #managingdirector #youngprofessional #firstjob #careertransparency #networking #careerhacks #careerhelp #value #strategy #trading #multicultural #crosscultural #international #communication #finance #adaptability #strategicplanning #teamwork

What does it take to rise through the ranks in engineering and operations? Nate Manning, the former President, Americas, of Johnson Controls, shares his journey from engineering to leading global teams at major companies like GE and Johnson Controls. He emphasizes the power of strategic networking, the importance of mentorship, and the need for ongoing personal development. Nate’s story shows how building strong relationships, taking risks, and continually learning can open doors to unexpected opportunities and accelerate your career. Whether you’re in school or just starting out, his insights will guide you toward long-term success.

Success in technology isn’t just about knowing how things work, it’s about knowing why they matter and how to communicate this in business. Shelia Anderson, the former Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Aflac, says that learning how to translate skills into real-world outcomes, connecting technical expertise with business strategy, and adaptability are what truly set individuals apart in the competitive worlds of business and technology. With change happening around us even faster than we can comprehend, we can stay one step ahead by thinking outside the box.#Promazo #promazoexecinterviews #career #college #networking #professionals #student #careersearch #Aflac #insurance #medical #coverage #finance #expenses #consumer #strategy #staff #planning #global #learn #firstjob #careertransparency

Stepping out of your comfort zone and gaining international experience could be a key to long-term growth and success in your career. In this insightful interview, Michael Glover, Chief Financial Officer of IHG, highlights the transformative impact of living and working around the world, from China to the UK and Brazil. Learn how broadening your base of experience significantly enhances your capabilities. He delves into the value of diverse roles and advises against a rushed career ascent. Don't miss Michael's emphasis on the marathon approach, encouraging individuals to understand their long-term goals and strategically accumulate varied experiences to ensure they are ready for a leadership role.#promazo #reallifemba #promazoexecinterviews #IHG #cfo #chieffinancialofficer #hotel #resort #finance #youngprofessional #firstjob #careertransparency #networking #leadership #careerhacks #careerhelp #value #internationalexperience #careergrowth #globalcareer

We’re often told to play it safe—but what if safety is the thing holding us back?  In a world where big tech feels like the default path, Vanessa Larco challenges the idea that stability is the ultimate goal. From building her foundation at Microsoft to launching startups and now investing in the next generation of founders as a Former Partner at NEA, Vanessa’s career proves that embracing uncertainty can unlock outsized growth.In this episode, we unpack how to leverage your strengths, take smart risks, and turn experience into opportunity—whether you’re curious about startups, venture capital, or simply figuring out your next move. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re choosing comfort over potential, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 

Ever wondered what people mean when they say they have fun at their job? Turns out, Nick Studer, CEO of Oliver Wyman, believes this isn’t just a bonus—it’s the key to long-term career success. In this episode, he shares why enjoying your work isn’t just about passion, but about finding an environment that challenges you, pushes you to grow, and surrounds you with people who make the journey exciting. From his own unconventional path to leadership to the advice he gives young professionals, Nick breaks down why success isn’t about a rigid plan, it’s about recognising the professional environments that are fun precisely because they value curiosity and adaptability.

There are so many different components in growing throughout your career. Whether it’s growing your relationships and network, your own individual skills, or your position in a company, personal growth is at the core of any type of career development. So how do you take advantage of these opportunities to grow? Colleen Kozak, the Chief Transformation Officer at Dynatrace, is here to tell you that pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, continuously fostering connections, and focusing on skills outside of technical ones, such as leadership and communication are the keys to benefiting from your experiences. Learn how to reach out to others effectively, identify important skills and moments, and be proactive in developing inside and outside the corporate world!#Promazo #promazoexecinterviews #career #college #networking #professionals #student #careersearch #Dynatrace #education #learn #firstjob #careertransparency #careerhacks #careerhelp #careerjourney #promazocareer #execinterview #nextgenleaders #opportunities #buildtrust #askquestions #mentorship #interview #skills

What should you really focus on in college to best prepare yourself for success? Why is empathy a need-to-have skill in the modern workforce? And what things do we need to do to be successful as mentees? Doron Bar-Caspi, the Group VP of Cloud Engineering Services at Oracle, shares advice on the importance of building soft skills, best questions to ask in your next interview, and why understanding the customer or client is a critical soft skill. Tune in to hear how he built highly-effective teams, what he looks for in young talent, and so much more.#promazo #reallifemba #promazoexecinterviews #oracle #vicepresident #vp #technology #youngprofessional #firstjob #careertransparency #careerhacks #careerhelp #cloudcomputing

Being open-minded, inquisitive, and focused on your individual career path are three things that helped Bessemer Venture Partners' Aleeza Hashmi become one of the top VC investors. In this interview, Aleeza shares her advice about switching majors in college, working at differently-sized companies, the value of a pre-MBA internship, and getting your foot in the door with VC's by building early networks.

Beginning her career journey in a time when technology was on the cusp of reshaping retail, Angie explored the early stages of digital innovation and quickly recognized the opportunity in this changing landscape. Her trajectory from the start of the first e-commerce solutions to Senior Vice President of Technology at Home Depot reflects a dedication to seizing tech's potential. In this episode, she shares guidance on career paths, adaptability, and collaborative work, inspiring professionals to navigate an ever-evolving tech industry.#promazo #reallifemba #promazoexecinterviews #homedepot #seniorvicepresident #svp #technology #youngprofessional #firstjob #careertransparency #networking #careerhacks #careerhelp #value #collaboration #teamwork #hybridwork #worklifebalance #problemsolving #dynamics #companyvalues #service #employeesfirst #collegetransition #industrychange #growth #empathy #passion #risktaking #riskmanagement

Opening your mind to a variety of career paths is no easy task in college. The reality, though, is that most professionals work outside of their degree. Having a lifelong interest in learning can open up doors you never thought you’d even consider. Rick Segal, the founder and former CEO of Rethink Capital, has used this knowledge to find immense success in a field that was foreign to him and he shares how you can use those same principles in your own career.#promazo #promazoexecinterviews #officehours #rethinkcapital #career #advice #entepreneur #development #success #openmind #opportunity #learning #howtobesuccessful

Concepts of energy, fulfillment, intentionality, or consciousness are rarely discussed in terms of career and work. However, Matt McCall, founder of Forge Capital, goes into some incredible depth on just how related the ideas are. Becoming the most energized you can be through combinations of passion, intention, and purpose can change your career from a job to a lifestyle.#promazo #promazoexecinterviews mattmccall #forgecapital #energy #fulfillment #career #advice #entepreneur #happiness #success #loveoflearning #purpose #howtobesuccessful

Being dedicated, curious, and thoughtful are three things that helped Microsoft's Hina Patel become one of the top leaders in the industry. And she's absolutely packed with knowledge about both the art and science of selling which she shares with us in this episode. In this interview, Hina also shares her advice about building a value-focused, quality network, the importance of mentorship throughout your career, and having both the curiosity and courage to take risks in your career.

It can be easy to feel as if you are trapped to solely do work related to your major as you graduate college and enter the workforce. If that were the case though, then our guest Tatiana Shalalvand likely wouldn't be where she is now working as the Investment Director at Kinnevick. Though her background in communications is unique for the venture capital space, it has afforded her with the ability to provide a distinct perspective from day to day. In this interview Tatiana talks about different leadership styles, gives some great career advice, and even has a few tips for students thinking about working in venture capitalism.

Landing your first job — and figuring out where it can lead — can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why Office Hours exists.In this episode, we’re joined by David Zinsner, Chief Financial Officer at Intel, who shares the unexpected decisions, risks, and mindset shifts that shaped his career — including becoming a CFO at just 36 years old.From betting on an underdog spin-off when everyone told him not to, to realizing that staying open-minded sometimes means coming back to what you’re best at, David breaks down what actually accelerates growth early in your career. He also shares how listening first, learning the business deeply, and writing down your goals helped him lead across multiple organizations — and ultimately step into one of the most influential finance roles in the world.If you’re a student or young professional wondering how to make smart career bets, build credibility fast, and keep momentum without having it all figured out, this conversation is for you.

Stepping outside your comfort zone and being willing to take risks can shape the trajectory of your career. In this episode of Office Hours, Marie Robinson, Sysco's former Chief Supply Chain Officer, shares how her journey from small-town Alabama to leading the world’s largest food distributor was built on adaptability and bold decisions.Marie reflects on the value of uprooting for new roles, learning in unfamiliar environments, and embracing opportunities early on—from her time in the Army to her transition into the corporate world. She emphasizes the importance of gaining diverse experiences, finding strong role models, and taking a long-term view of career growth.Listen in to learn more about career development, leadership at scale, and how taking chances can open doors you never expected.

How can we learn to jump at opportunities we are given while also maintaining a strong work-life balance? This is a question that perplexes many recent graduates who are just starting their careers. In this interview, Paul addresses the idea of gap years and the fear that students face in taking a gap year. He also highlights the importance of work-life balance and how he has been integrating this into the culture of Imperva through HR. Paul even shares the strategy he used to get certain roles within human resources. This interview covers the cybersecurity industry, the human resources department, the idea of taking a gap year, how to deal with difficult managers, and so much more. Stay tuned to hear all about these!Interviewer: Brett Hummel & Miri ChanVideographer: Bryan Avecedo

Dive into the world of technology and leadership with Ulf Ewaldsson, the Former President of Technology at T-Mobile! In this insightful podcast episode, Ulf shares his journey from Ericson to T-Mobile, exploring the challenges and triumphs he faced throughout his career. In this conversation, Ulf discusses his perspective on leadership, adapting to diverse cultures, and how he is propelling T-Mobile to the forefront of mobile connectivity innovation. Get ready for insights on 5G technology, and the future of AI.

Entering the corporate world is scary enough by itself, but learning how to present yourself in the ‘right’ way is even more terrifying. It’s easy to feel lost and uncertain, not knowing how you come off to others, or worried that you’re making the wrong impression. So, how do you take advantage of opportunities and establish yourself well? Bentina Terry, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Company’s telecommunications subsidiaries, is here to tell you that being proactive in your career, seeking opportunities for feedback, and being observant of others and your surroundings are the keys to success. Learn how to define your personal brand, grow from every interaction, and continuously develop professionally and personally!

Learn more about the fascinating world of innovation and leadership with  Kimberly-Clark's former Chief R&D Officer, Robert Long. This interview explores various topics such as the dynamic culture at Kimberly Clark, the importance of networking, and how to navigate the balance between technical expertise and business acumen. As you listen to this discussion, you'll gain crucial insights into research and development as a field as well as how long-term innovation is driven by strategic decision-making processes. Don't miss the valuable lessons on taking career risks, embracing diverse perspectives, and the pivotal role of experiential learning in a team-oriented industry.#promazo #reallifemba #promazoexecinterviews #kimberlyclark #engineering #engineer #research #r&d #development #researchanddevelopment #youngprofessional #firstjob #careertransparency #networking #networkinghacks #leadership #careerhacks

How do you balance curiosity, creativity, and impact in a career built to help others? In this episode, Stanford University's Dr. Peter Tass shares his unconventional journey from medicine to math, physics, and neuroscience—and how taking intellectual risks led him to pioneer more humane, less invasive approaches to brain stimulation. He reflects on the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, mentorship, and staying patient-focused even as research becomes more complex. Tune in for a deep conversation on risk-taking, creativity in science, and what it really means to build a career driven by both rigor and purpose.

What really makes you stand out? In this episode, Vik Sasi, CSO and Managing Director of Manhattan West, offers a candid perspective on what it means to be truly “extraordinary” in your career. He shares why it’s not enough to list generic interests, and how clearly articulating what you do better than others—backed by distinctive, real experiences—can set you apart early on. The conversation dives into self-awareness, maturity, and how to build a personal narrative that actually resonates. Tune in for honest advice for students and early professionals looking to define their edge and build impactful careers.

What's it like to work on a project to reduce algorithmic bias? Dave Burgess, Vice President of AI Infrastructure at LinkedIn, shares how his teams prioritized inclusion and reduced bias on the Pinterest platform. Dave is a bold leader who took risks early on in his career to get where he is today. Hear Dave's advice for students as they make their first major career steps!

How do you navigate an unpredictable career path and turn unexpected moments into life-changing opportunities? Hanlin Fang, the Head of Product at Airbnb, shares her journey from daydreamer to tech leader, emphasizing the power of self-learning, adaptability, and curiosity. We explore her career pivots, building resilience in a fast-evolving industry, and balancing intuition with data-driven decisions. Hanlin reveals how serendipity shaped her success, the importance of unplanned exploration, and why embracing mistakes is key to unlocking new possibilities.

Building a career in tech doesn’t happen by chance – it’s crafted through intention, adaptability, and self-awareness. Mallik Govula, the Vice President of Enterprise Technology at UPS, shares how he navigated a dynamic and highly technical career path by staying proactive, embracing change, and keeping his eye on the future. From humble beginnings in consulting to leading enterprise-scale programs at one of the world’s largest logistics companies, his story shows how owning your growth mindset is the ultimate strategy.

It can be difficult to know exactly the right career fit for you before graduating, especially when your skill set might feel too narrow. Join us with Amrit Ramesh, a Data Scientist and Venture Capital Investment Analyst at F-Prime Capital, as he dives into his experience discovering the right career for him as well as his philosophy in being flexible and free to pivot to different passions as he uncovers them. Amrit is a large proponent in growing your tree of experiences and skills early in your career, which he feels will allow someone to tackle any challenge in the future.

When it comes to being an entrepreneur, Dr. Igor Ryabenkiy truly started from ground zero. At the time he graduated from university in the former Soviet Union, it was actually ILLEGAL to be an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until 4 years after he graduated that it was finally allowed, and he seized the opportunity immediately without looking back. Decades later, Dr. Ryabenkiy is the managing partner at Altair Capital and has seen an enormous amount of success with over 20 successful exits and 300+ companies in their portfolio. In this interview, Igor shares some advice for those looking to be entrepreneurs, why he stresses the importance of international experience for personal development, along with the types of companies he thinks students should look for based on their goals or ambitions.

As a college student, there are so many paths to pursue after graduation. How do you decide what to do? The answer is by learning from others, and Madan Thangavelu, Senior Director of Engineering at Uber, joins us today to share his career path from founding his own company to earning a Master's in AI and ML. As an engineer who shifted into management, Madan has great insights on what a career in tech can look like and is eager to share his advice with our students!