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The only podcast where you learn from artists, sages, techies and children - and everyone in between.
What makes the stories on Ready Set Do podcast real, relatable, and actually useful is that they aren't selling you lottery tickets they already won with.
Instead, we show you the first few steps they took- so you can find your own way forward. No spoon-feeding, ever.
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How To Stick To Culture-Centered Nutrition (& Why It Matters for NRIs) - w/ Neha
Episode 85
Sunday, November 23, 2025 • Duration 52:25
Are you an NRI, student, or expat living in the USA who feels sluggish, bloated, or heavier despite "eating healthy"?
You are not alone. Millions of Indians move abroad and immediately switch to a diet of salads, cold sandwiches, and protein bars, thinking they are making better choices. Yet, the "Freshman 15" turns into the "expat 20," and gut health issues skyrocket.
In this deep-dive episode, we uncover the uncomfortable truth: The American definition of "healthy" might be destroying your gut.
We explore the concept of Diaspora Nutrition—the bridge between where you live and where you come from. This isn't just about nostalgia; it's about biology. We discuss why your body craves the warm, cooked, spice-rich foods of your ancestors and how the hyper-processed nature of the US food supply chain (even the "organic" stuff) differs vastly from what you grew up with.
We cover everything from the science of the Indian gut to the logistics of finding authentic ingredients in an American city.
If you are tired of feeling lethargic and want to reclaim your energy without giving up the foods you love, this episode is your blueprint.
🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The "Healthy" Food Trap: Why substituting dal-chawal for cold salads might be wrecking your digestion.
Sourcing Secrets: How to find authentic, chemical-free Indian ingredients in the US (beyond just the local Patel Brothers).
The Cost of Nutrition: Breaking down the math—why investing in quality food now is cheaper than healthcare costs later.
Meal Prep for Busy Professionals: Practical, time-saving tips to cook traditional meals while managing a 9-to-5 or grad school schedule.
Community & Culture: Why food is about more than calories—it's about identity and community building in a foreign land.
Join the Conversation:Are you team "Salad" or team "Sabzi"? Let us know in the Q&A below! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate us 5 stars and share this with a friend who is struggling with their diet in the US.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro + Background
(03:08) Understanding Traditional Indian Nutrition
(10:21) The Journey of Diaspora Nutrition
(16:52) Sourcing Authentic Indian Foods in the USA
(24:09) Health Benefits of Sourcing Local Foods
(24:55) Cost and Value of Quality Nutrition
(26:52) Nutritional Choices and Their Impact
(29:02) Success Stories in Nutrition
(33:37) Cultural Relevance in Dietary Practices
(37:02) Bridging Traditional and Modern Nutrition
(40:15) Meal Prep Tips for Busy Individuals
(45:56) Vision for Diaspora Nutrition
(47:26) Overcoming Challenges in Building a Community
How To Take The Most Meaningful Vacation of Your Life - w/ Kimberly
Episode 84
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 • Duration 41:05
Most people take trips to relax. Beaches. Cocktails. Photos for Instagram. This conversation is not about that kind of trip. This is about the kind of travel that changes what you think a vacation is for. It is about showing up in a small community somewhere in the world and leaving it a little better than you found it. That idea sits at the center of GlobeAware, a nonprofit that builds one week volunteer programs where anyone can contribute to real projects run by local communities.
My guest today is Kimberly-Haley Coleman, the founder of GlobeAware. Two decades ago she built an organization around a simple question. What if everyday people could experience a new country in an honest way and also serve the people who live there. Not as a savior. Not as a tourist with a camera. Just as a fellow human who is ready to help.
In this episode Kimberly opens up about how GlobeAware started and what it takes to keep an organization like this alive. We get into the practical side of things. How do you choose projects that matter. How do you avoid the trap of voluntourism. What happens when volunteers show up and do not know the culture. What about safety, logistics, and the fact that people are literally paying to do work. We speak about her favorite projects from across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. We talk about the program in India where volunteers work shoulder to shoulder with local women. They cook, fix, build, teach, and play with children. That connection is the whole point. You arrive as a stranger and in seven days you feel like part of a family.
There is also a real business challenge here. Running a volunteer organization is not a feel good hobby. There are coordinators on the ground. There are safety rules. There are governments to work with. There is the constant pressure to maintain dignity in the communities you serve. Kimberly shares how she has stayed committed even when it was hard to find funding or when people misunderstood the mission.
If you have ever wondered how to travel with purpose, this will help. If you have thought about taking a week off and giving your time to something bigger, you will hear the truth about what that looks like. It is not glamorous. It can be uncomfortable. It is also deeply joyful. That is why so many volunteers return home feeling different. They learn that a break from routine does not have to be a break from meaning. It can be the most meaningful trip of your life.
How To Break Into Technical Program Management at Amazon (& Big Tech) - w/ Madhur
Episode 75
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 • Duration 49:02
How do you break into one of the most competitive tech careers, navigate interviews at Amazon, and prepare for a future shaped by AI—all while still in school? This episode is packed with insights for aspiring Technical Program Managers (TPMs), international students, and anyone eyeing top-tier roles in tech.
We kick things off with the day-to-day life of a Technical Program Manager—what the role actually looks like beyond the buzzwords. From managing complex projects to aligning cross-functional teams, you’ll get a realistic picture of what makes TPMs so critical inside companies like Amazon.
The conversation then shifts to the skills that define TPM success: communication, stakeholder management, and the ability to turn ambiguity into structured execution. Meri emphasizes what students can start doing from their very first semester to build an edge, including the kinds of projects, internships, and habits that recruiters actually value.
We also talk strategy around academics—choosing electives, writing scholarship essays, and even knowing when it’s okay to drop a course—because success isn’t just about grinding; it’s about smart decision-making that sets you up long term.
The episode gets tactical with job hunting in 2025 and beyond. How do you stand out when applications are skyrocketing? We explore the nuances of shortlisting, what Amazon (and other FAANGs) really look for, and how unconventional paths—like starting as a Business Analyst—can still land you in TPM roles.
A highlight of the discussion is the Amazon loop interview process. We break down behavioral questions, the infamous Bar Raiser round, and practical hacks to stay calm under pressure. You’ll hear why rushing to answer is a mistake, how to pace yourself, and how to prepare stories that resonate with interviewers.
We then pivot to how AI is transforming technical roles. Far from replacing humans, AI is becoming a tool TPMs can leverage—whether it’s automating repetitive tasks or augmenting decision-making. Understanding this shift could be the single biggest differentiator for future TPMs.
How To Organize The Biggest In-Person Event For Skilled Indian Immigrants in The US
Episode 74
Monday, August 11, 2025 • Duration 32:06
What does it take to create the largest gathering ever for skilled Indian immigrants in the United States? In this episode, we sit down with the visionary behind the Open Atlas Summit 2025, a groundbreaking event designed to connect, empower, and celebrate the Indian professional diaspora in America.
We start with the origin story—how the idea for the Open Atlas Summit was born, and the gap it aims to fill in the immigrant professional community. From there, our guest walks us through the intricate planning and logistics required to make an event of this scale a reality. You’ll hear firsthand what it’s like to secure high-profile keynote speakers, the strategies behind attracting the right voices, and how to align them with the summit’s mission.
But this isn’t just about big names—it’s about audience engagement. We explore why crafting an interactive, participatory experience is critical for creating lasting impact, and how innovative programming is being woven into the summit to keep attendees involved from start to finish.
The conversation dives into one of the most ambitious parts of the summit: the job fair. We unpack the challenges of designing a job fair that truly serves skilled immigrants, including how to get employers on board, ensure meaningful connections, and navigate visa-related complexities.
Behind the scenes, there’s also a story of team building and volunteer coordination. Our guest shares how she’s assembling a network of passionate contributors—both on the ground and virtually—who believe in the mission and are willing to put in the hours to make it happen.
The summit’s marketing strategy gets a spotlight too, with a discussion on the role of influencers and content creators in amplifying the event’s reach. Learn how strategic partnerships with digital voices can translate into real-world turnout and engagement.
We also highlight the innovative features and experiences planned for attendees—elements designed to make this summit more than just a conference, but an unforgettable milestone in the community’s history. Think immersive networking opportunities, skill-building workshops, and cultural showcases that celebrate identity alongside professional growth.
How To Get Started With Building Agentic AI Solutions/Applications - w/ Meri
Episode 73
Thursday, August 7, 2025 • Duration 39:15
Agentic AI isn’t just hype—it’s the future of how intelligent systems will work. In this episode, we dive deep with Meri, an engineer and educator at the forefront of this next-gen paradigm. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually build agentic AI applications—beyond the flashy demos—this is your starting point.
Join Meri's Agentic AI workshop: https://maven.com/agent-lab/agent-engineering-bootcamp?promoCode=EARLY30
Meri kicks off with a refreshing and opinionated take on the current state of AI development. From the over-polished social media demos to the often-misunderstood definition of "agentic," she lays down the truth with clarity and conviction. This episode cuts through the noise, grounding the concept of agentic systems in the real-world practice of software engineering, automation, and modular design.
We explore how to get started with agentic AI even if you're not at a top-tier research lab. What tools are accessible? What architecture patterns actually scale? And how do you structure projects that simulate autonomy without falling into the trap of overengineering? Meri breaks it all down, with an emphasis on practical projects that help you learn by doing.
Whether you’re fresh out of a bootcamp or already working in data or ML, this conversation is a goldmine. We talk about success stories of those who transitioned from traditional software or data analytics into the AI field, and how agentic thinking reshaped their path. You'll also hear Meri’s honest take on AI coding assistants, how to use them effectively, and when not to.
We also go under the hood on how Meri’s cohort-based programs are structured—from time investment to project outcomes—and why graduates succeed when they focus on long-term thinking, not just flashy outputs. She shares hard truths about career development, the common mistakes people make when trying to break into AI, and what truly matters in your portfolio.
How To Leverage a European Masters Degree To Help New Markets Expansion for Tesla (Launching Tesla in India POV) - w/ Supra
Episode 72
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 • Duration 52:18
How does studying in Europe prepare you for launching one of the most innovative companies in a country as complex as India? In this dynamic episode, we sit down with Supra, a global strategy professional who helped expand Tesla into new markets, including India. From landing a role at Tesla in the Netherlands to navigating the multifaceted challenge of launching in India, Supra brings a front-row perspective on transformation, compliance, and cultural agility.
We begin with Supra’s journey as an international student in Europe—what sparked the move, how he adapted, and the raw truth behind studying and job-hunting abroad. Spoiler alert: language barriers can be brutal. But buried in that struggle is also a cheat code that Supra reveals for standing out and thriving in the EU job market after your master’s degree.
The conversation then shifts into high gear as we talk about his time at Tesla—how he cracked the role, what “transformation” really means at a company like Tesla, and how he got involved with strategic planning for Tesla’s India entry. Supra breaks down the hidden challenges: navigating India’s compliance ecosystem, dealing with air quality concerns, and balancing global flexibility with local constraints. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to operationalize a global brand in a country with entirely different regulations, expectations, and realities—this section is gold.
We also dig deep into the cultural dynamics that influence the success or failure of international expansions. From the difference in work cultures between the EU and the US to how Tesla had to adapt its internal processes for the Indian market, Supra gives a masterclass on the human side of strategy.
The episode is also a blueprint for international students. Supra doesn’t just share his success—he shares his systems. Whether you’re considering a European master’s, dreaming of working at Tesla, or looking to launch operations in emerging markets, Supra’s final advice offers clarity and confidence. His closing thoughts are especially valuable for students navigating unfamiliar geographies, unsure whether their degree will translate into real impact.
How To Be an Intl Student - w/ Gurasis
Episode 71
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 • Duration 43:27
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Gurasis Singh, the host of My Thick Accent podcast, to explore the layered experience of being an immigrant navigating identity, voice, and belonging in a new country. Gurasis opens up about his early days in Canada—where his accent often made him feel invisible or misunderstood—and how those challenges shaped his self-perception and personal growth.
We talk candidly about the emotional toll of being judged for how you sound. From microaggressions to internalized self-doubt, Gurasis shares relatable stories of adapting to a new culture while resisting the pressure to completely change who he is. This leads us to a critical question: Should you change your accent to fit in? Gurasis offers a grounded and honest take on this dilemma—one faced by millions of immigrants worldwide.
The episode also traces the origin story of his podcast My Thick Accent—a show born out of a need to reclaim identity and spotlight voices often pushed to the margins. We discuss the podcast's mission, the feedback it's received, and how it’s become a space for healing, empathy, and celebrating accents as a part of one's heritage—not something to fix.
Gurasis reflects on the importance of community and conversations in reshaping public narratives. We discuss how his show challenges preconceived notions and helps listeners find representation and strength in shared stories. These conversations have not only impacted listeners but have also been transformative for Gurasis himself, as he continues to evolve alongside his platform.
For aspiring podcasters and creators, this episode is filled with raw insights on the challenges of growing and scaling a podcast. Gurasis opens up about the behind-the-scenes work—from content burnout and guest management to figuring out the right format and staying true to your voice. He also shares how social media has been a double-edged sword—powerful for growth, yet overwhelming in its demands.
We talk about what it means to trust your gut in content creation, how to navigate tricky guest dynamics, and the art of balancing consistency with experimentation. Gurasis offers real talk about dealing with self-doubt as a creator, why it’s okay to evolve your format, and how to sustain your momentum when you're building something that truly matters.
How To Forge A Career in Mechatronics - w/ Shivam
Episode 70
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 • Duration 38:55
In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the world of Mechatronics Engineering with Shivam, a passionate engineer who stumbled into this interdisciplinary field by accident—but never looked back. Whether you're a student exploring engineering specializations or a tech enthusiast curious about how mechanical systems, electronics, and software come together, this conversation is a must-watch.
Shivam shares how a combination of curiosity and unexpected academic choices led him to pursue Mechatronics—a field that blends mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer science into one powerful domain. We break down what mechatronics really means, how it compares to traditional engineering branches like mechanical or electrical, and why it's gaining so much global relevance.
We also dive into Shivam's academic journey at NYU (New York University), where he pursued his Master’s in Mechatronics. He opens up about the challenges of studying abroad as an international student, how NYU’s curriculum blends theory and hands-on practice, and the broader academic culture that shaped his technical and professional growth.
Job prospects for Mechatronics engineers are evolving fast, and Shivam gives us a comprehensive look at the kinds of roles available in today’s job market—from robotics and automation to product development and AI integration. He shares practical advice on how to prepare for job interviews, what employers are really looking for, and how to stand out in a competitive hiring landscape.
We also explore the impact of AI on mechatronics, including how intelligent systems are transforming the field and creating demand for hybrid skill sets. Shivam explains how machine learning and embedded systems are increasingly embedded into the design of modern robotic systems, and why adaptability is the most valuable skill you can develop.
How To Crack Machine Learning Interviews (Microsoft & Walmart Sr Data Scientists POV) - w/ Nirmal & Karun
Episode 69
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 • Duration 52:22
In this episode my guests are Nirmal Budhathoki and Karun Thankachan. Nirmal is a Sr Data & Applied Scientist at Microsoft & Karun is a Sr Data Scientist at Walmart. We go over the incredible life-changing job-landing advice these two have shared with 1000s of mentees around the application process, what to expect, and how to prepare for ML interviews. Also, they've teamed up to write the book Decoding ML Interviews, which is an incredible one-stop shop for 100 expertly curated machine learning questions, and of course, their solutions.
Check out Decoding ML Interviews: https://onlyoneoutlier.gumroad.com/l/decodingML
In the high-stakes world of machine learning interviews, success hinges on more than technical know-how—it’s about showing how you think, adapt, and learn. In this episode of Ready Set Do, I sit down with Nirmal Budhathoki, Senior Data & Applied Scientist at Microsoft, and Karun Thankachan, Senior Data Scientist at Walmart. Between them, they’ve mentored thousands of candidates and distilled their insights into the book Decoding ML Interviews, a one-stop guide to 100 expertly curated machine learning questions and solutions.
From the first minute, Nirmal and Karun reframed interviews as collaborative problem-solving sessions rather than adversarial tests. They stress that interviewers want to see your analytical process—how you break down a question, communicate trade-offs, and arrive at a solution. Adopting this mindset transforms nervousness into curiosity and helps you engage your interviewer in a genuine dialogue.
A balanced study plan is key. Divide preparation into three pillars: foundational theory (probability, statistics, linear algebra), algorithmic coding (data structures, dynamic programming, graph algorithms), and system design (end-to-end ML pipelines and scalability). By rotating focus among these areas each week, you mirror the multi-stage format used by top tech companies.
How To Break Into Product Management Without Any Prior Experience - w/ Jackie
Episode 68
Thursday, July 3, 2025 • Duration 36:57
In this episode featured not-Guru is Jackie Henning. Jackie is a Product Manager at Cylinder and thru her content, has helped hundreds of aspiring PMs break into Product Management. We go over the exact steps anyone willing to break into PM can take, whether you're a student or a working professional - including actionable tools and resources to facilitate your transition.
Think product management is a velvet-roped lounge guarded by Stanford MBAs and ex-consultants with polished slide decks? Surprise—it’s more like an indie music venue with a bouncer who only checks whether you’ve actually played a set. In this episode I hand you a four-step, field-tested blueprint for cracking the product-management code without prior experience, corporate pedigree, or a single day in “Associate PM” purgatory.
Before recruiters even skim your résumé, they’re hunting for one signal: Have you built and shipped something that solved a real problem? We unpack the mental flip—from “I want a PM title” to “I solve user pain on deadline”—that separates career tourists from true builders. Think of this as the moment Neo sees the Matrix. After the switch flips, networking feels less like begging and more like swapping war stories.
Still juggling lectures, labs, or a 9-to-5 that smells nothing like product? Good. Campus hackathons, low-code Chrome extensions, and weekend API mashups are your new resume bullets. We dig into why a scrappy side-project—even one cobbled together in Notion and Figma—outshines a spotless GPA, and how to spin that story so talent partners at Meta, Microsoft, or the hot new SaaS startup have to call you back.
Generative AI isn’t coming for your job; it’s coming for your excuses. We walk through the exact toolkit—ChatGPT for lightning-fast PRDs, Maze for no-code user tests, Chisel for backlog triage, plus a sprinkle of Zapier and Midjourney for polished mockups—that compresses a month of product grunt work into a single Saturday sprint. Master the stack and you become a one-person product squad, ready for whatever 2025 (and the next algorithm update) throws at you.
We roast the rookie moves that tank otherwise promising candidates: resume buzzword-soup, writing “passionate about innovation” without evidence, and attaching a 42-slide deck no one asked for. We even tackle the awkward truth about AI-generated specs: if ChatGPT can spit out your entire product brief, you’ve written the wrong brief.
Search terms people use to find interviews like this include volunteer abroad, ethical volunteering, meaningful travel, volunteer vacation, GlobeAware review, and community service trips. If you found this episode because of one of those searches, welcome. My goal is that you learn something real, feel something real, and maybe take action after listening.
Listen in. Consider where you might go next. Not to escape. To serve. To connect. To feel alive in a new place while making someone else’s life a little easier. That is what this conversation is about.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro + background
01:51 GlobeAware and Its Mission
03:25 The Essence of Meaningful Volunteering
07:14 Kimberly's Journey to Globaware
09:59 Project Examples and Community Engagement
12:58 Challenges in Managing a Volunteer Organization
15:34 Is it fun or like man vs wild?
19:49 Volunteer Experience and Safety Concerns
23:15 Cultural Sensitivity and Practical Advice for Volunteers
26:20 Balancing Work and Free Time in Volunteer Programs
28:48 Global Reach: Exploring Project Locations
30:14 Adapting to Local Needs: Projects in India
32:28 Recruitment Strategies for Volunteer Leaders
35:01 The Future of Globaware: Expanding Awareness
38:57 Finding Joy in Service and Everyday Life
Threaded throughout is a bigger theme: adaptability. From facing rejections to reframing career pivots, the episode shows how resilience and perspective can turn setbacks into stepping stones.
This episode is a must-listen for:
Students aiming for Amazon, Microsoft, or other big tech TPM roles
International students navigating scholarships, electives, and career prep abroad
Early professionals curious about career pivots into program management
Tech aspirants who want to understand how AI will reshape their roles
If you’ve ever wondered how to get from classroom to career, crack Amazon’s toughest interviews, or position yourself for long-term success as a Technical Program Manager, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and an actionable roadmap.
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro + Background 02:11 A Day in the Life of a Technical Program Manager 05:44 Key Skills for Success in TPM Roles 09:06 Start doing this from the FIRST semester for TPM roles 11:10 How to write scholarship essay 12:14 Choosing the right electives 16:04 its okay to bail on electives 17:46 How to get shortlisted for jobs in 2025 23:28 Journey to Amazon: Business Analyst turned TPM? 27:36 Loop Interview Process + Hacks 29:05 How to Answer Behavioral Questions 30:55 The Loop Interview Experience 32:20 Navigating The Bar Raiser 37:12 How to Prepare for Loop Interviews 39:41 Do NOT rush to start answering 41:41 Rejected for Analyst, but offered TPM? 44:40 Leveraging AI in Tech Roles
Of course, none of this happens without financial backing. We dive into the sponsorship model, the realities of fundraising, and the balance between maintaining event integrity and satisfying sponsor expectations.
The conversation closes on a powerful note about community and shared experiences—why this summit is more than an event, but a platform to build connections that will last long after 2025. It’s about creating a space where skilled Indian immigrants can see themselves, their value, and their future reflected on a global stage.
This episode is perfect for:
Skilled immigrants in the US looking for opportunities and community
Event organizers curious about large-scale conference planning
Employers seeking to connect with top Indian talent in America
Anyone interested in the intersection of culture, career, and community building
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro + Background 02:07 The Genesis of Open Atlas Summit 2025 04:48 Planning and Logistics of the Event 07:51 Securing Keynote Speakers 10:40 The Importance of Audience Engagement 13:38 Navigating the Job Fair Challenge 16:34 Building a Supportive Team 22:26 Event Planning and Volunteer Coordination 24:16 The Role of Influencers and Creators 26:10 Innovative Conference Features and Experiences 30:11 Financial Insights and Sponsorships 34:01 The Value of Community and Shared Experiences
Ask ChatGPT
But this isn't just about starting. It’s about sustainability and adaptability. Meri openly talks about her lack of interest in GenAI fads, and instead champions a deeper vision—where multi-modal AI combined with agentic principles unlocks entirely new levels of autonomy, creativity, and problem-solving.
The episode wraps with sharp insights into the importance of adaptability in AI careers, especially in a rapidly changing ecosystem. Whether you're chasing your first AI project or planning to build tools that simulate human agency, this conversation gives you frameworks, mindset shifts, and technical direction to start strong—and keep evolving.
This episode is perfect for:
Engineers and developers wanting to get into AI
Bootcamp grads looking for practical project ideas
Data professionals transitioning into intelligent automation
Builders tired of GenAI fluff, and ready to create durable systems
Anyone curious about agentic AI, multi-modal models, and real-world applications of intelligent agents
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro + Background
02:28 Meri's Hot Take on AI Development
04:27 Real-World AI Engineering vs. Social Media Demos
06:23 Understanding Agentic AI
09:09 Getting Started with Agentic AI Development
11:02 The Importance of Practical Projects
14:14 Break Into Data: Success Stories and Bootcamp Insights
17:08 The Role of AI Coding Assistants
19:26 Cohort Structure and Time Investment
21:41 Project Outcomes and Graduate Success
23:04 Common Pitfalls in Career Development
26:58 Meri does not care about GenAI
30:35 Multi-modal AI x Agentic AI = MAGIC
33:37 The Importance of Adaptability in AI Careers
This episode is perfect for:
International students navigating European education and job markets
Professionals interested in Tesla, electric vehicles, and emerging market expansion
Entrepreneurs and operators launching tech products in India
Anyone exploring cultural agility, compliance, and transformation in business
Tune in for insights that connect the classroom to corporate boardrooms—and European strategy rooms to Indian launchpads.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro + Background
01:58 Journey to Europe: An International Student's Tale
07:31 Naman's B-school experience abroad
12:16 Navigating Finding Jobs in Europe – Languages suck
17:20 The cheatcode to excelling in EU after your MS
22:13 Cracking Tesla role in the Netherlands
24:21 What exactly is transformation?
27:30 Planning for Tesla launch in India
28:51 Navigating Indian Compliance
29:49 Air Quality Challenges in India
33:30 Flexibility in Work Culture
35:30 Tesla Launch: How Culture Dictates Success
38:35 Work culture in EU vs USA
40:43 The Impact of Tesla's Launch in India
43:21 Collaboration Across Cultures
46:05 Supra's tip for international students
The episode ends with heartfelt advice for new immigrants—a reflection that ties together everything we’ve discussed: the courage to be yourself, the strength in your story, and the quiet power of owning your accent, your voice, and your space.
If you've ever felt like an outsider, struggled with your accent, or wondered how to amplify underrepresented stories—this episode will resonate deeply. And if you're building something from scratch—be it a podcast, a personal brand, or a new life in a new country—Gurasis’s journey will leave you inspired.
Timestamps:
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro + Background 02:18 Gurasis's anecdotes re: his accent in canada 04:23 Dealing with feeling invisible due to accent 07:23 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Identity 10:23 Should your change your accent to fit in? 13:14 The Birth of 'My Thick Accent' Podcast 16:19 Breaking Stereotypes and Preconceived Notions 19:24 The Role of Community and Conversations in Change 22:09 Listener Impact and Personal Anecdotes 25:15 Challenges with growing and scaling a podcast 31:16 The Power of Social Media 32:11 Navigating Podcast Guest Dynamics 32:11 The Challenges of Content Creation 32:11 Trusting Your Gut in Podcasting 33:38 Evolving Podcast Formats and Seasons 39:03 Advice for New Immigrants
For those wondering what life looks like on the job, Shivam walks us through a typical day in the life of a Mechatronics Engineer. From design meetings to hands-on testing, he illustrates how diverse and dynamic this career path can be. He also emphasizes the importance of real-world experience—internships, projects, and even personal tinkering—as the true differentiator in the field.
Of course, no engineering journey is complete without setbacks. Shivam candidly shares some of the challenges and failures he's encountered, and how they shaped his problem-solving mindset. These moments offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating uncertainty or hitting roadblocks on their technical journey.
We wrap up the episode with actionable, thoughtful advice for aspiring engineers. Whether you're still in high school choosing your path, already in university, or thinking about grad school abroad, Shivam’s perspective offers clarity and motivation.
This episode will resonate with:
Students curious about mechatronics and robotics
International students exploring engineering programs abroad
Engineers navigating career transitions
Anyone fascinated by the intersection of hardware, software, and intelligence
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations that explore the real stories behind cutting-edge careers. Your next big decision might just start here.
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro + Background 02:07 How Shivam accidentally got into Mechatronics 04:04 What is mechatronics? 07:01 Experience at NYU 10:01 Job Prospects in Mechatronics 15:51 Interview Process and Expectations 22:03 AI's Impact on Mechatronics 24:23 A Day in the Life of a Mechatronics Engineer 27:56 The Importance of Hands-On Experience 30:39 Challenges and Failures in Engineering 34:28 Advice for Aspiring Engineers
Platforms like LeetCode remain indispensable for coding practice. Karun recommends a progressive roadmap: start with easy array and string problems, advance to medium-level tree and two-pointer challenges, then tackle dynamic programming and graph questions. Aim for consistency—solving three to five problems weekly and revisiting past questions to reinforce patterns.
Real-world projects set you apart. Nirmal advises building end-to-end ML applications—whether in NLP, computer vision, or time series forecasting. Document your journey on GitHub or your personal blog, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your narrative. Quantify impact with metrics like accuracy improvements or latency reductions to make your achievements tangible.
Why does Decoding ML Interviews stand out? It categorizes questions into probability, ML theory, coding, system design, and behavioral case studies, each with in-depth walkthroughs. The living code notebooks on GitHub ensure examples stay current, and planned annual updates keep pace with emerging techniques like transformers and diffusion models.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro + Background 02:11 Structure of Machine Learning Interviews 06:40 Leetcode for Technical Screens 10:03 Building a Strong ML Foundation as a Student 15:24 Relevance of Projects in Interviews 21:06 Types of Qs in Decoding ML Interviews 26:20 Some FAQs in ML Interviews and Their Solutions 30:37 Future-Proofing the Book 33:30 The Importance of Code Examples 35:04 Nirmal & Karun Pick Their Fav ML Questions 38:55 Leveraging AI for Interview Preparation 42:08 Creative Approaches to Using AI Tools 45:44 The Value of Mock Interviews 48:21 Why You Should Get the Book
Finally, we gaze past the hype cycle. Will LLMs draft every user story? Probably. Will that kill the PM craft? Only if your entire value prop is formatting JIRA tickets. We explore the human skills—storytelling, prioritization under chaos, ethical decision-making—that no model can replicate, and why doubling down on them now will future-proof your career.
Whether you’re an engineering undergrad itching to ship something real, a marketing analyst tired of “report-monkey” purgatory, or a side-hustler angling for your first full-time PM role, this episode is your practical, no-fluff guide to breaking into product management without prior experience—and thriving as AI rewires the playbook.
All my links: readysetdopodcast.comJackie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinehenning/
Timestamps:(00:00) Background + Intro (02:25) Jackie's Hot Take on Breaking Into PM (05:26) Advice for Aspiring PMs – The Threshold Concept (08:20) Gaining Product Experience as a Student (10:41) Why Hands-On Experience Matters (13:13) Building Your Own Product (15:56) Leveraging AI Tools for Product Development (22:47) Common Pitfalls in Product Management (25:15) The Future of PM in the Age of AI (33:40) Outro + Gratitude
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