Sophie Alcorn Podcast

Roshni Chalani, a brilliant wireless engineer turned career coach, captivates us with her inspiring journey from India to the United States, breaking free from conventional expectations like early marriage. Her story is filled with strategic brilliance, as she shares how she used financial logic to win her family's support for her education abroad. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on the power of persistence, strategic communication, and courage to shake off cultural norms and pursue one’s dreams. Roshni Chellani is a wireless engineer by day, a career coach, and a 24/7 content creator. From Apple to MediaTek, she has helped build the tech that connects us and now helps people connect to their dream careers. With 10+ years in the U.S. and 7,000+ mentees, Roshni brings real stories and strategies that create change. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * Roshni Chalani's inspiring journey from India to the US, defying cultural norms for education and independence. * Strategic communication with family using financial logic to gain support for studying abroad. * Insights into job-hunting strategies at tech giants like Google and Apple, emphasizing self-belief and networking. * The reciprocal nature of mentorship, highlighting curiosity and persistence as key to career growth. * Navigating job searches during layoffs with proactive strategies and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. * Embracing AI as a tool for continuous learning and staying relevant in the tech industry. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/immigration-law-for-tech-startups/id1497746915]. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshnichellani/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshnichellani/]  Topmate Link: Let's talk 1:1 [https://topmate.io/roshni_chellani] Email: growth@roshnichellani.com [growth@roshnichellani.com] Alcorn Immigration Law: * Subscribe [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/788fed606c] to the monthly Alcorn newsletter * Sophie Alcorn Podcast: * Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees [https://www.alcorn.law/immigration/016-e-2-visa-for-founders-and-employees/] * Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/019-australian-visas-including-e-3/] * Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/020-tn-visas-and-status-for-canadian-and-mexican-citizens/] * Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/d823a42847] * Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/56ccd401fc]

Unlock the secrets behind the rapid evolution of robotics with Anshuman Kumar, head of hardware at Matic Robots, as we dissect what makes a robot more than just a machine. Discover how modern marvels, from everyday tools to cutting-edge autonomous vehicles, are reshaping our lives. Anshuman shares the technological breakthroughs that are fueling this transformation, revealing the vital roles that GPUs, AI, and a blend of mechanics, electronics, and algorithms play in creating robots capable of perceiving and interacting with their surroundings like never before. Anshuman Kumar is the Head of Hardware at Matic Robots, where he pioneered the mechanical design for Matic - the world’s first truly autonomous, private, and perceptive floor cleaning robot. Previously, he was a key engineer at Tesla Motors, resolving critical reliability and scaling challenges for the Model S and Model 3 traction inverters. With a Master’s in Product Design from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi, Anshuman also founded and led the Carnegie Mellon Hyperloop team to be awarded in the SpaceX Hyperloop competition.  In this episode, you’ll hear about: * Exploration of the robotics spectrum from simple tools to complex autonomous vehicles. * Technological breakthroughs in AI, GPUs, and algorithms driving robotic advancements. * The role of cameras and computer vision in enhancing home robotics and ensuring privacy. * Matic Robots' innovative on-device processing to address privacy concerns in consumer robotics. * Cultural and market dynamics explored through a roti-making appliance's success in the US. * Importance of curiosity and tackling unglamorous problems in the startup and tech industry. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/immigration-law-for-tech-startups/id1497746915]. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshuman-kumar/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshuman-kumar/]  Website - https://maticrobots.com/ [https://maticrobots.com/]   Contact: anshuman@maticrobots.com [anshuman@maticrobots.com] ; anshumankumar.iitd@gmail.com [anshumankumar.iitd@gmail.com] Matic Website :  https://maticrobots.com/ [https://maticrobots.com/] Hardware Nation Episode : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoUnXZg0Wb0&t=249s&pp=ygUVaGFyZHdhcmUgbmF0aW9uIG1hdGlj [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoUnXZg0Wb0&t=249s&pp=ygUVaGFyZHdhcmUgbmF0aW9uIG1hdGlj] Matic Privacy : https://maticrobots.com/blog/why-matic-is-the-most-private-and-secure-robot-vacuum/ [https://maticrobots.com/blog/why-matic-is-the-most-private-and-secure-robot-vacuum/] Matic Mopping : https://maticrobots.com/blog/the-magic-behind-matics-mopping/ [https://maticrobots.com/blog/the-magic-behind-matics-mopping/] Matic Sweeping : https://maticrobots.com/blog/why-matic-brushroll-is-different/ [https://maticrobots.com/blog/why-matic-brushroll-is-different/] Alcorn Immigration Law: * Subscribe [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/788fed606c] to the monthly Alcorn newsletter * Sophie Alcorn Podcast: * Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees [https://www.alcorn.law/immigration/016-e-2-visa-for-founders-and-employees/] * Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/019-australian-visas-including-e-3/] * Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/020-tn-visas-and-status-for-canadian-and-mexican-citizens/] * Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/d823a42847] Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/56ccd401fc]

Join Sophie in welcoming Doug Rand, a visionary in the realm of innovation and immigration policy, to explore the unique journey that led him from the world of evolutionary biology to the corridors of the White House. Doug shares his fascinating transition from scientific research to entrepreneurship and policy-making, shedding light on the pivotal role of his work under the Obama administration in modernizing employment-based immigration, especially the H-1B program. His story underscores the significance of civil servants and their behind-the-scenes efforts in shaping global talent mobility. Co-Director of the Talent Mobility Fund, Doug Rand is a startup founder, immigration expert, and policymaker who trained as an evolutionary biologist. He served as Senior Advisor to the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services from 2021–2025 and as Assistant Director for Entrepreneurship in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy from 2010–2017. As an entrepreneur, he was the co-founder and president of Boundless, and the co-founder and CEO of Playscripts, Inc In this episode, you’ll hear about: * Doug Rand's transition from evolutionary biology to a key role in U.S. immigration policy * Modernization of the H-1B program and its impact on global talent mobility * Biden administration's changes allowing startup founders to qualify for H-1B visas * Extension of employment authorization documents to address backlog issues * Challenges and opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs in the U.S. * Importance of issuing more green cards to retain top AI talent in the U.S. * Collaborative potential between government and startups to support innovation and immigration policy Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/immigration-law-for-tech-startups/id1497746915]. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-rand/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-rand/] Website - https://welcomingthefuture.substack.com/ [https://welcomingthefuture.substack.com/] https://www.talentmobility.fund/ [https://www.talentmobility.fund/] https://welcomingthefuture.substack.com/p/a-modern-melting-pot-for-scientists [https://welcomingthefuture.substack.com/p/a-modern-melting-pot-for-scientists] USCIS Impact: 2021–2025 [https://web.archive.org/web/20250118023338/https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-impact-2021-2025] Options for Noncitizen STEM Professionals to Work in the United States [https://web.archive.org/web/20250119135106/https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/options-for-noncitizen-stem-professionals-to-work-in-the-united-states] Options for Noncitizen Entrepreneurs to Work in the United States [https://web.archive.org/web/20250120184649/https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/options-for-noncitizen-entrepreneurs-to-work-in-the-united-states] https://archivemacropolo.org/interactive/digital-projects/the-global-ai-talent-tracker/ [https://archivemacropolo.org/interactive/digital-projects/the-global-ai-talent-tracker/]  https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/outreach-tools/local-governments [https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/outreach-tools/local-governments]  https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/most-of-americas-most-promising-ai-startups-have-immigrant-founders/ [https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/most-of-americas-most-promising-ai-startups-have-immigrant-founders/]  https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/information-for-employers-and-employees/options-for-nonimmigrant-workers-following-termination-of-employment [https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/information-for-employers-and-employees/options-for-nonimmigrant-workers-following-termination-of-employment]  Alcorn Immigration Law: * Subscribe [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/788fed606c] to the monthly Alcorn newsletter * Sophie Alcorn Podcast: * Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees [https://www.alcorn.law/immigration/016-e-2-visa-for-founders-and-employees/] * Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/019-australian-visas-including-e-3/] * Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/020-tn-visas-and-status-for-canadian-and-mexican-citizens/] * Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/d823a42847] Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/56ccd401fc]

Isabelle is the Head of the Startup Battlefield Program at TechCrunch, where she leads the sourcing and selection of 200 game-changing, early-stage companies each year to showcase at TechCrunch Disrupt. Before this, she managed a global startup accelerator, helping hundreds of startups from countries like Japan, South Korea, Italy, and Spain expand to the U.S. Isabelle is passionate about supporting women founders and was recognized by the World Trade Organization for launching an accelerator program that brought women entrepreneurs from Spain to the U.S., winning the International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * Behind the scenes with Isabelle Johannessen, head of TechCrunch Startup Battlefield, exploring the selection of 200 innovative startups for TechCrunch Disrupt. * Insights into the rigorous selection process and the global reach of the program, emphasizing diversity with nearly 50% international founders. * The evolution of Startup Battlefield from Battlefield 20 to featuring 200 startups, showcasing groundbreaking innovations. * The importance of perfecting pitch presentations, leveraging AI, and engaging with top-tier VC judges. * Tips for startup applications, focusing on progress towards KPIs, realistic business models, and market readiness. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/immigration-law-for-tech-startups/id1497746915]. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-johannessen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-johannessen/] Website - https://techcrunch.com/apply [https://techcrunch.com/apply] Alcorn Immigration Law: * Subscribe [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/788fed606c] to the monthly Alcorn newsletter * Sophie Alcorn Podcast: * Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees [https://www.alcorn.law/immigration/016-e-2-visa-for-founders-and-employees/] * Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/019-australian-visas-including-e-3/] * Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/020-tn-visas-and-status-for-canadian-and-mexican-citizens/] * Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/d823a42847] Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/56ccd401fc]

Haseeb Awan, CEO of Efani Secure Mobile, protects celebrities and high-net-worth individuals from phone hacking. A Y Combinator alumnus and telecom engineer, he also co-founded a major Bitcoin ATM network. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Hulu.  Haseeb’s journey from Pakistan to the United States is nothing short of extraordinary. Picture this: a student in Canada accidentally finds himself in the U.S. after a sleepy bus ride to Niagara Falls. This unexpected detour led to a whirlwind of immigration challenges, including a revoked visa. Yet, through sheer perseverance and determination, Haseeb managed to secure a green card via the prestigious EB1A category—a testament to the resilience needed on the path to the American dream. He then embarked on an adventurous road trip from Toronto to San Francisco, marking the beginning of his successful entrepreneurial endeavor as the CEO of Ifani Secure Mobile. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * Haseeb Awan's journey from Pakistan to the U.S., facing unexpected immigration challenges and eventually obtaining an EB1A green card. * Thoughts on the significance of U.S. citizenship, including voting and freedom of expression. * Observations on Silicon Valley's culture of innovation and support for entrepreneurs. * The power of community and ambition in achieving dreams, shown by Hasib's success as CEO of Efani Secure Mobile. * The importance of strategic immigration and recruiting global talent for U.S. competitiveness. * Highlighting the opportunities in the U.S. for dreamers, despite challenges and high living costs in the Bay Area Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/immigration-law-for-tech-startups/id1497746915]. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/haseebawan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/haseebawan/] Website - haseebawan.com [http://haseebawan.com/] efani.com [http://efani.com/] https://stevenpressfield.com/books/ [https://stevenpressfield.com/books/]  Alcorn Immigration Law: * Subscribe [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/788fed606c] to the monthly Alcorn newsletter * Sophie Alcorn Podcast: * Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees [https://www.alcorn.law/immigration/016-e-2-visa-for-founders-and-employees/] * Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/019-australian-visas-including-e-3/] * Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/020-tn-visas-and-status-for-canadian-and-mexican-citizens/] * Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/d823a42847] Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/56ccd401fc]