The Real Exchange

In this episode, I sit down with my uncle, a first-generation immigrant whose 30+ year career as a consultant took him across the country—week after week, year after year. From early days of mainframes to the rise of the internet, he shares what it was really like to live the “road warrior” life. We talk about the tradeoffs, the relationships, and what it takes to influence without authority.What emerges isn’t a story of careful planning, but one built on curiosity, adaptability, and connecting with people. A grounded look at what actually sustains a long working life.

In this episode, Lakshmi sits down with Abiola Jeremiah to talk about building a career with intention and becoming a stronger strategic HR partner. Abby shares practical insight on shifting from being great at getting work done to focusing on results that drive the business. It’s a grounded conversation about asking better questions, taking on stretch opportunities, and shaping a career thoughtfully over time.

What happens when you choose to stay? In this episode, Lakshmi speaks with Greg Richardson about his 30-plus year journey at one company, and his rise from the freight dock to the executive team. It's a candid conversation about how patience and commitment can sometimes open more doors than moving on.