55: She Left Banking → Built Startups | How to Transition Into Early Stage Companies

55: She Left Banking → Built Startups | How to Transition Into Early Stage Companies

Imagine you have three more years to live - what would be your next career move? That’s the question the guest of the latest Shameless Careers episode, Winsie Chen, asked herself after three people she knew unexpectedly passed away. At the time Winsie had a promising career: 10 years in banking in Singapore, a CFA, a great network, and a clear banking career path. Deep down, though, she knew finance was no longer fulfilling - and that she still had a dream of moving to London. So - after asking herself the question above - she bought a one-way ticket to Europe: without a job (or a plan), deciding that she would simply. figure. it. out. In this conversation we talk about: ✅ What is it really like to give up a decade of investment in your career path ✅ How she realised finance had run its course - and what gives her meaning instead ✅ How Winsie thought that all she could do was “spreadsheets” - until she realised how much value she could bring to early-stage startups ✅ Why standard job applications to startups didn’t work - and what worked instead ✅ The dramatic difference between career and comp trajectories in corporate and early-stage startups ✅ How stand-up comedy made her more comfortable with failure - and bigger life decisions This episode brings up a question: What is risk? Doing the craziest career move possible - just like what Winsie did - or spending your limited time on an autopilot, once you’ve realised your previous career has lost its meaning? Would love to hear your take on it in comments! ================================= #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #TakeTheLeap #PersonalGrowth #FounderStory #WomenInBusiness #CorporateToStartup ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

54: Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Watch This Before You Quit

One of my favourite episodes yet on the Shameless Careers podcast is out - with Karim Chedid, Managing Director and Investment Strategy Lead, EMEA. We discuss a refreshingly simple - but shockingly profound - idea for this day and age: “If you find yourself having doubts about your career track, you’d be surprised by HOW MUCH can be done within your exact current seat to make it feel closer to 100% fulfilling”. Why? So often, at the very first sign of dissatisfaction, the human mind jumps to: “BIG CHANGE IS NEEDED. URGENTLY.” When, in fact, the opposite is needed - take a “microscope,” and patiently investigate: “What is it, SPECIFICALLY, that is missing right now?” And more often than not, that one thing is surprisingly fixable from right where you are: ✅Changing how you do your job (e.g. bringing in more creativity and storytelling, just like Karim did) ✅Seeking out new experiences and exposure (taking on new projects, joining company boards) ✅ Etc. etc. And EVEN if a bigger change is needed, at least you will know what it is exactly that you are looking for. Einstein once said (and we trust Einstein): “If I had one hour to save the world, I would spend 55 minutes defining the problem and five minutes solving it.” So why not listen to him - and to the tips from Karim and myself on this podcast episode :) ================================= #CareerGrowth #CareerFulfillment #PurposeAtWork #CareerAdvice #LeadershipMindset ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

53: How to Network to Grow Your Career (Without Feeling Fake or Awkward)

Want to get better at networking without feeling fake, awkward, or salesy? In this episode of Shameless Careers, an executive and career coach Jeremy Cline shares practical networking strategies that actually work - whether you're looking for new opportunities, growing your career, or expanding your professional circle. We break down how to approach networking events with confidence, how to start meaningful conversations, how to follow up effectively, and the simple question that can instantly expand your network. In this episode: • How to network without asking for a job • Simple conversation starters that work • How to build genuine professional relationships • Networking mistakes most people make • How AI can help you find the right people • The most powerful networking question you should always ask If networking has ever felt uncomfortable or forced, this episode will completely change how you think about it. 🔔If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help more professionals discover Shameless Careers. ================================= Stay connected with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ Stay connected with Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjcline/ ================================= #networking #careergrowth #careeradvice #jobsearch #networkingtips #professionaldevelopment #careersuccess #personalbranding #leadership #selfimprovement #careertips #professionalgrowth #businesspodcast #successmindset ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

52: From High Performer to Senior Leader: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

The biggest mistake high performers make after becoming senior leaders? They keep doing instead of leading. This is exactly what I unpacked in the latest episode of the Shameless Careers podcast. I spoke with David Feld - executive coach to leaders at JP Morgan, Ford, Schroders, Fidelity, and BNY Mellon - about the mindset shifts that separate strong operators from strong leaders. Here are the ideas that stayed with me most: • Why personal brilliance stops being the main metric at senior level • Why continuing to "do" becomes the hidden career trap • A simple way to identify which actions actually drive results • Why “thinking time” is not a luxury - but a leadership necessity • Why people decisions often matter more than business decisions • Why overconfidence can quietly become your biggest career risk Honestly? This conversation alone probably saved me years of trial and error. If you're in (or aiming for) senior leadership, this episode is full of practical ideas you can apply immediately. ================================= Stay connected with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ Stay connected with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfeld-coaching/ ================================= #Leadership #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #CareerAdvice #LeadershipSkills #HighPerformers #growthmindset ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

51: How to Become a Startup Advisor Without Quitting Your Job | Fractional Work Guide

Many corporate professionals want to break into the startup ecosystem - but quitting their job feels too risky. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to. And yes - you can get paid to do it. In this episode of Shameless Careers, we explore fractional work - the fast-growing model where senior professionals advise startups alongside their full-time roles, earn premium day rates, and build multiple income streams (often combining cash and equity). I’m joined by Roei Samuel - investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Connectd, one of the UK’s fastest-growing platforms connecting experienced professionals with high-potential startups. After building and exiting his company, RealSport, in a multi-million-pound acquisition, Roei began advising startups and realised there needed to be a smarter way for corporate leaders to transition into startup advisory. That’s how Connectd was created. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What fractional work really means - and how to become a startup advisor ✅ How it can future-proof your career (even in the age of AI) while helping you explore your next move ✅ Why fractional is no longer just 'career cushioning' - but a strategic career move for ambitious professionals ✅ The real numbers: typical fractional executive day rates - and how to increase your upside through startup equity ✅ Whether corporates support side advisory roles (often, they do) ✅ How to actually get started - and why Connectd can be a powerful entry point 🔥JOIN CONNECTD - LINK FOR PROFESSIONALS https://landing.connectd.com/uk-referral-page-been-referred?connector_name=40G3WW 🔥JOIN CONNECTD - LINK FOR STARTUPS https://landing.connectd.com/uk-startup-been-referred?connector_name=40G3WW If you’re curious about advising startups, building a portfolio career, earning beyond a single salary, or staying close to innovation without leaving your job - this episode is your roadmap. ============================= #FractionalWork #StartupAdvisor #FutureOfWork #PortfolioCareer #CareerChange #ShamelessCareers #Startups #FractionalExecutive #AIAndJobs #careerfreedom ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. © Shameless Careers ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.