The Path to Leadership Starts with Courage, Not a Job Title w/ Itishree Swain

The Path to Leadership Starts with Courage, Not a Job Title w/ Itishree Swain

In this heartfelt and unflinchingly honest conversation, Fearless Career Moves host Richa Bansal sits down with Itishree Swain—a marketing executive, first-gen immigrant, and mother—to explore what it truly means to build a resilient, values-aligned career in today's fast-paced world. Together, they unpack the realities that ambitious professionals rarely talk about: the unspoken hustle culture among immigrants, the fear that comes with visa-based job insecurity, and the pressure to prove yourself while parenting and pivoting. But this episode goes beyond job titles and cultural expectations. Richa and Itishree explore how strategic visibility—not just hard work—is key to sustainable career growth. They share how to navigate intentional career breaks, overcome the stigma attached to them, and show up powerfully as both professionals and parents. With moments of humor, clarity, and raw reflection, this episode is a reminder that you are more than your job—and your story is still being written. If you've ever questioned your worth during a transition, or wondered how to make space for ambition and joy, this one's for you. The views and opinions shared by our guest, are their own and do not reflect those of any organizations, employers, or associations they are affiliated with. All insights are shared in a personal capacity. Hit the "Follow" button so you don't miss an episode! Love this podcast? Write a review and give it a 5-star rating! Connect with Richa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richabansal10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richabansal10/] https://www.instagram.com/pinkcareers_/ [https://www.instagram.com/pinkcareers_/] https://www.facebook.com/pinkcareers [https://www.facebook.com/pinkcareers] Apply for Personalized Coaching Visit www.pinkcareers.com [https://www.pinkcareers.com/] and sign up for The Fearless Hire: A proven step-by-step process to help you go from being undervalued to in-demand and command $200K - $500K dream offers. Connect with our Guest With over 12 years of experience across media agencies and ad-tech platforms like Meta and Impact Tech, Itishree brings deep expertise in marketing strategy, measurement, and cross-channel growth. As an immigrant and working mom, she offers a unique lens that blends data-driven impact with lived experience. https://www.linkedin.com/in/itishreeswain/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/itishreeswain/]

Overcoming self-doubt and cultural expectations to build a career you love w/ Harpreet Kaur

In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Richa Bansal sits down with Harpreet Kaur, a first-generation product leader at Microsoft, to unpack the layered experience of navigating imposter syndrome as a woman of color in tech. Richa dives deep into the internal struggles high-achieving women often face—especially in male-dominated environments—and guides the conversation toward actionable strategies Harpreet has used to stay grounded, authentic, and visible in her career. Together, they explore how microaggressions, self-doubt, and cultural expectations intersect, and why building a strong personal brand is more than a career move—it's a form of self-preservation. Harpreet opens up about the courage it takes to lead with authenticity and how she's continued to evolve in an industry shaped by constant disruption and AI transformation. If you've ever questioned whether you belong—even when your résumé says you do—this episode offers both resonance and relief. Richa asks the questions we all need answers to, and Harpreet delivers hard-earned wisdom with clarity and heart. The views and opinions shared by our guest, are their own and do not reflect those of any organizations, employers, or associations they are affiliated with. All insights are shared in a personal capacity. Hit the "Follow" button so you don't miss an episode! Love this podcast? Write a review and give it a 5-star rating! Connect with Richa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richabansal10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richabansal10/] https://www.instagram.com/pinkcareers_/ [https://www.instagram.com/pinkcareers_/] https://www.facebook.com/pinkcareers [https://www.facebook.com/pinkcareers] Apply for Personalized Coaching Visit www.pinkcareers.com [https://www.pinkcareers.com/] and sign up for The Fearless Hire: A proven step-by-step process to help you go from being undervalued to in-demand and command $200K - $500K dream offers. Connect with our Guest Harpreet Kaur is a visionary product leader at Microsoft and the founder of Why Blend In, a movement empowering diverse talent to lead boldly. A TEDx speaker and top 10 visionary entrepreneur (MSN, 2024), she's spent 20+ years building inclusive teams, mentoring rising leaders, and proving you were never meant to blend in. https://www.linkedin.com/in/harpreetkaurs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/harpreetkaurs/] https://whyblendin.com/ [https://whyblendin.com/]

How Women in Energy Can Build Purpose-Driven Careers w/ Yogashri Pradhan

In this episode of the Fearless Moves Career podcast, host Richa Bansal interviews Yogashri Pradhan, an award-winning engineer in the oil and gas industry. They discuss Yogashri's career journey, her motivations for staying in the energy sector, the importance of self-advocacy, and how to build a personal brand on LinkedIn. The conversation also touches on overcoming imposter syndrome and defining personal success beyond societal expectations. The views and opinions shared by our guest, are their own and do not reflect those of any organizations, employers, or associations they are affiliated with. All insights are shared in a personal capacity. Hit the "Follow" button so you don't miss an episode! Love this podcast? Write a review and give it a 5-star rating! Connect with Richa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richabansal10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richabansal10/] https://www.instagram.com/pinkcareers_/ [https://www.instagram.com/pinkcareers_/] https://www.facebook.com/pinkcareers [https://www.facebook.com/pinkcareers] Apply for Personalized Coaching Visit www.pinkcareers.com [https://www.pinkcareers.com/] and sign up for The Fearless Hire: A proven step-by-step process to help you go from being undervalued to in-demand and command $200K - $500K dream offers. Connect with our Guest Yogashri Pradhan is a trailblazing Production Engineer shaping field development across the Delaware and Midland Basins. Named to Hart Energy's 40 Under 40 and honored by UT and SPE, she's as sharp in the field as she is in the boardroom—with a Booth MBA to prove it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogashripradhan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogashripradhan/] IG: yogashripradhan X: yogashripradhan YouTube: YoshiPradhan Website: yup1126.com [http://yup1126.com/]

Empowering the Next Generation in Cybersecurity w/ Arthi Vasudevan

In this episode of the Fearless Career Moves Podcast, Richa Bansal interviews Arthi Vasudevan, a technology leader with over 16 years of experience in cybersecurity and product management. Arthi shares her journey from engineering to cybersecurity, her experiences in male-dominated industries, and the importance of vulnerability in leadership. She discusses her passion for educating children about online safety through her book series, Cyberama, and her journey to delivering a TEDx talk. Arthi emphasizes the need for intentional action, understanding one's value, and the importance of asking for help in pursuing one's mission. The views and opinions shared by our guest, are their own and do not reflect those of any organizations, employers, or associations they are affiliated with. All insights are shared in a personal capacity. Hit the "Follow" button so you don't miss an episode! Love this podcast? Write a review and give it a 5-star rating! Connect with Richa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richabansal10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richabansal10/] https://www.instagram.com/pinkcareers_/ [https://www.instagram.com/pinkcareers_/] https://www.facebook.com/pinkcareers [https://www.facebook.com/pinkcareers] Apply for Personalized Coaching Visit www.pinkcareers.com [https://www.pinkcareers.com/] and sign up for The Fearless Hire: A proven step-by-step process to help you go from being undervalued to in-demand and command $200K - $500K dream offers. Connect with our Guest Arthi is a powerhouse tech leader driving innovation across IoT, cybersecurity, and digital strategy. She's a TEDx speaker, GRIT award winner, and author of Cyberama, a cyber safety series that's reached 3,500+ kids and families. https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthi-vasudevan-71a70a6/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthi-vasudevan-71a70a6/] https://cyberama.org/ [https://cyberama.org/]

Women Can Have It All: A New Perspective for Ambitious Women w/ Dr. Priya Iyer

In the inaugural episode of the Fearless Career Moves podcast, host Richa Bansal engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Priya Iyer about the multifaceted concept of 'having it all' for women. They explore the importance of defining personal success, the necessity of support systems, and the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family life. Priya shares her journey from the oil and gas industry to tech, emphasizing the significance of curiosity, initiative, and the right partnerships in achieving career goals. The discussion also addresses common myths surrounding career transitions and the value of mentorship, ultimately encouraging women to pursue their ambitions unapologetically. The views and opinions shared by our guest, are their own and do not reflect those of any organizations, employers, or associations they are affiliated with. All insights are shared in a personal capacity. Hit the "Follow" button so you don't miss an episode! Love this podcast? Write a review and give it a 5-star rating! Connect with Richa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richabansal10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richabansal10/] https://www.instagram.com/pinkcareers_/ [https://www.instagram.com/pinkcareers_/] https://www.facebook.com/pinkcareers [https://www.facebook.com/pinkcareers] Apply for Personalized Coaching Visit www.pinkcareers.com [https://www.pinkcareers.com] and sign up for The Fearless Hire: A proven step-by-step process to help you go from being undervalued to in-demand and command $200K - $500K dream offers. Connect with our Guest Dr. Priya Iyer a scientist-turned-technologist whose career spans rocket science, energy innovation, and cutting-edge AI infrastructure. https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyariyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyariyer/]