Fast-track your career by following your Curiosity, Leaning into Your Strengths: Apoorva Maheshwari, Head of Marketing, Bestseller, India

Master Cross-Functional Collaboration: Amazon Director (Finance & Product), Amit Banda

Amit Banda, Director of Product Management and Finance at Amazon, was one of Amazon India's first finance employees, where he shaped foundational innovations like Cash-on-Delivery and built the country's first fulfillment center. Today, Amit leads global finance product teams into the future of finance through AI-driven automation. In this episode, Amit shares: • Why finance isn't the approval police—it's about spotting blind spots and enabling smarter bets for business teams • The simple yet powerful "see it, fix it" mindset Amit leveraged to pivot from finance to product management • How to use the writing things down technique to clear misunderstandings with partner teams and strengthen collaboration If you've ever wondered how to get work done with partner teams or truly partner with finance, this episode is for you. In The Career Clinic, Amit answers your real career questions like: • How do I get approvals from Finance without getting blocked? • My manager has favorites—how can I still get seen? • How do I handle a boss who micromanages? …and so much more. Some takeaways: 1. Finance isn't there to say no—they’re there to help make smarter business decisions 🗣️ "The role of finance is not approvals; it’s spotting blind spots, helping the business measure the right metrics, and making sure our experiments are disciplined." 2. See it, fix it: The ownership mindset to career growth 🗣️ "Don’t wait for someone else to solve a problem you see—step up, write down your solution, and take ownership. This is how opportunities open." 3. Conflicts with other teams aren't setbacks—they're chances to align 🗣️ "Before escalating, pause and clearly write down each team's perspective. When you write things down, you understand each other better. You'll be surprised how often misunderstandings clear up just by writing each of your POVs down." 4. Good collaboration starts before problems do 🗣️ "Bring other teams into the loop early. Agree together on goals and milestones so everyone feels involved, not like they're just checking boxes." 5. The best way to build influence is to walk in other teams' shoes 🗣️ "Spend real time with your colleagues from other teams. The better you understand their day-to-day challenges, the more you'll genuinely help each other."" 6. Your peer network is your strongest hidden asset 🗣️ "Meet your peers once a quarter or even once in 6 months or once a year. Make a list, calendar it and make the effort to meet. You don’t know who will be where in 10 years, you don’t know who can help you how in 10 years." Where to find Amit Banda: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitbanda In this episode, we cover: 01:46 – From Big Bazaar to Entrepreneur to Amazon: How I Landed My First Big Break 07:37 – Role of Finance: Not just looking at numbers, but driving better business bets 10:53 – Every Role is a Building Block—Why Breadth Pays Off Later 22:02 – How Peer 1:1s Can Secretly Boost Your Career 24:50 – How Finance can be Strategic Partner (not just Budget Approver) 26:16 – How to Quickly Understand the Business as a New Team Member 29:26 – How to Work Smarter with Your Finance Team (Even if Numbers Aren't Your Thing) 31:36 – What Every Young Professional Should Know About Money & Budgets 32:51 – How to Get Your Ideas Approved by Finance (Without Friction) 36:50 – How Finance Helps Business Balance Risk & Growth 39:08 – Promotions, Growth, and the 40-Year Career Marathon 42:29 – The Career Clinic: How Do I Get Work Done with Partner Teams? 47:46 – How Do I Get Credit Without Sounding Petty? 50:10 – My Manager Has Favorites—What Do I Do? 51:49 – How Do I Say No Without Damaging Relationships? 54:33 – Is Visibility Overrated? How to Stand Out the Right Way 57:45 – Fast Track: Habits, Mistakes, and Mindsets for Career Success Referenced: * Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson https://www.amazon.in/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Amazing/dp/0091816971/ Editing and production: GreyLabs Media [https://www.instagram.com/greylabsmedia/]

Building a 10x Career: Tapojoy Chatterjee, VP Product at Swiggy

Tapojoy Chatterjee is Vice President and Head of Product at Swiggy Food and Dineout Experiences. Before Swiggy, he spent nearly a decade at Amazon, where he helped build the Amazon Ads business in India, launched miniTV, and even holds a US patent. In this rich, candid conversation, Tapojoy shares: * His 3-step playbook to stay ahead of paradigm shifts like AI * The 4 habits that quietly compound into career breakthroughs * Using side projects as powerful tools to bridge skill gaps * Exactly what it takes to get promoted—whether you're at a lean startup or a layered org If you want to learn what it takes to build a 10X Career, this episode is for you! In The Career Clinic, Tapojoy answers your questions about cross-functional collaboration and execution, providing clear frameworks to tackle tricky workplace like: * How to unblock projects when the other team won’t budge * How to say no at work without sounding defensive * How to update leadership the smart way * How to hold peers accountable without ruining relationships Some key takeaways: * Raise your hand before you think you’re ready: From his first school computer class to product management at Amazon—Tapojoy didn’t wait for perfect readiness. He jumped in, learned fast, and delivered. * Compound curiosity into a career advantage: Intentional, curiosity-led learning from side projects and observation is as powerful as formal training. * Build a bias for execution: Credibility comes from consistent delivery—track records matter. * Take intentional career bets: Be deliberate about placing smart bets on growing trends. Early risk-taking has limited downside, but exponential upside. * Master saying no (and yes): Protect your energy by learning to decline clearly, transparently, and kindly—show trade-offs clearly. * Promotions differ by company size: Understand that promotions in startups rely heavily on your direct impact with founders, while large orgs demand cross-functional visibility and wide stakeholder support. * Reflection is a career accelerator: Don’t wait for annual reviews. Regular self-reflection (weekly or daily) sharpens judgment and growth. In this episode we cover: Referenced: * The CEO Factory by Sudhir Sitapati https://amzn.in/d/akQtm8F * The Lean Product Playbook by Dan Olsen https://amzn.in/d/hThFJrP * Only the Paranoid Survive by Andy Grove https://amzn.in/d/2t6mAlC * The Power of Moments by Chip Heath & Dan Heath https://amzn.in/d/iYbL9yk Editing and production: GreyLabs Media https://www.instagram.com/greylabsmedia/ Recording: https://riverside.fm/

Turning a Rough Start into a Remarkable Career: ex P&G Vice President, Priyamvada Srivastava

Priyamvada Srivastava, former Vice President & Country Manager at Procter & Gamble, is an ICF certified leadership coach. Priya started her career at P&G after pivoting from academia to sales, and faced a tough first year that fundamentally reshaped how she approached her work. In this episode, Priya candidly shares: • Why her first year was a disaster: the critical conversation she never had with her manager (but you should) • The three habits of top-performing new hires: based on Priya's years leading P&G’s new hire onboarding • Why your manager is one of three people in life you don’t get to choose—and practical steps to make that relationship thrive If you’re transitioning from student life to working life, or if your career didn’t start the way you hoped, this episode is for you. ________________ In The Career Clinic, Priya answers your career questions on how to manage your manager, including: • The "ways of working" conversation every new hire must have—setting clear goals and expectations from day one • The three-bucket method for giving smart updates: show what’s under control, where you need some guidance, and where you're completely blocked • 4 steps to managing your manager …and so much more Some key takeaways: 1. Doing well in school doesn’t prepare you for doing well at work: “I knew how to ace exams. I didn’t know how to align with a manager.” 2. Not aligning with your manager can undo your effort: “I thought hitting the target was enough. But I’d never even had a goals discussion.” 3. Be open to hard truths—feedback isn’t judgment: “I tell my manager: Don’t sugarcoat it. I’ll feel bad for 30 seconds, then I’ll get better.” 4. Fear of judgment holds you back more than getting judged ever will “If you don’t speak, they’ll still judge you—just without context.” 5. Your manager is one of three people in life you don’t get to choose—so make the equation work: “Don’t wait for them to change. Adapt to their style to get what you need: goals, feedback, teaching, resources.” 6. Use the three-bucket method to give updates that build trust: What’s on track (just FYI); Where you need input; Where you’re blocked and need help 7. Get your hands dirty to learn fast: “Spend less time on Excel. Be on the ground. Go where the action is.” ________________ Where to find Priyamvada Srivastava: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyamvada-srivastava ______________ Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Priyamvada Srivastava (02:49) Choosing her field: From academia to sales (04:25) Prep Mode on: How to land your dream job (06:25) My first year was a disaster—here’s what I learned (10:25) Your manager: single most important relationship atwork for young professionals (14:25) “This is what you’re not good at” – when feedbackhits you (21:43) Three habits of high-impact new hires (24:25) FJPs: Tool to focus on most impactful work (24:25) Courage at work: “If you don’t ask, the answer isdefinitely no” (29:09) Work-life integration starts with your calendar (32:33) Last in my batch to get promoted: what it taught me (34:55) Why Priya left a VP role to become a coach (37:20) The Career Clinic: your questions, Priya'sadvice (37:35) The “ways of working” chat every new hire shouldhave (38:06) Updates your manager actually wants: The 3-bucketmethod (41:28) Don’t freeze in meetings—here’s what to say (43:10) Leadership reviews without the panic spiral (45:20) Learning to grow at work: how to go about it (49:32) Fast Track: Rapid-fire insights to bookmark (52:30) Book and blog recommendations ______________ More from The Career Starter Kit: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCareerStarterKit Newsletter: https://thecareerstarterkit.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareerstarterkit/ Submit your career queries to The Career Clinic: https://forms.gle/MYC9XmpqeF5MUJbe8 ____________________ Production and Editing: https://www.instagram.com/greylabsmedia/ Recording: https://riverside.fm/

Early career growth: Smart Bets on Rocketships and taking ownership - Lessons from Amazon Product Director Vikram Deshpande

Vikram Deshpande, Director of Product Management at Amazon. Vikram started his career with a coveted consulting job at BCG—and then walked away from it to join a then seed-funded startup called Flipkart as one of its first 120 employees. In this episode, Vikram shares: * Why he left a safe, prestigious job for a risky bet and how he knew it was the right rocketship to ride * How he turned down Flipkart’s first offer andupskilled to lead an entirely new function at the time, Digital Marketing * Why ownership is the mindset that shapes the right behaviours for early career growth If you’re wondering how to grow your career with AI changing everything—this episode is for you. In The Career Clinic, Vikram responds to your careerqueries with mindset shifts like: * Leadership reviews aren’t exams—they’re a way tosurface your toughest problems to leadership and get more hands-on deck * Tough feedback isn’t judgment on the past year—it’sinput to help you grow for the next 20 * Escalation isn’t blame—when done responsibly, it’sabout problem-solving …and more shifts you can actually use at work Some takeaways 1. Take smart risks early—when the downside is low Vikram left a dream job at BCG to join a then-up-and-comingFlipkart. His bet? A strong trend (eCommerce), a product that solved a real problem and founders he connected with. 🗣️ “It’s important to take a bet on a trend when you have conviction that it’ll play out. Worst case, you course-correct. Early in your career, the risk is limited—and thoseexperiences really stand out.” 2. If you don’t know something, learn fast and show upanyway He turned down Flipkart’s first offer but returned two weekslater, having taught himself digital marketing. 🗣️“I said: I don’t know this. They said: Take two weeks, come back and tell us what you’d do. And so I did. I picked up everything I could, came back two weeks later, presented the plan – and that’s how I got the role.” 3. Act like it’s your own business—and you’ll grow faster An ownership mindset drives all the right behaviours forgrowth. 🗣️“Am I just doing the job, or am I also looking around the corner to what we can do better? Ownership means you run it like it’s your own money deployed. That focusses you on the right problems, you’ll care about the user and you’rewilling to make short term trade-offs, and stay the course to see the goodness in the long term.” 4. Career growth isn’t just promotions—it’s also aboutlearning Early in your career, success feels obvious: the salary, theDay Zero job, the next promotion. But over time, the people who grow fastest are often the ones who take the time to build new skills that pay off big later 🗣️“The path to promotion is fastest if you build one muscle and prove that you are better than anyone else on that vector. If you take time to pick up that extra skill, it may slow you down for a cycle; but cut to 2-3 years later, you’ll be better placed for that next big opportunity.” 5. The one-way vs. two-way door test for making decisions Before taking a decision, pause and ask yourself: Can I reverse this later? If yes, it’s a two-way door—walk through, learn quickly, and adjust as needed. If the cost of reversal is high, then pause, prep, and proceed with care. 🗣️“Two-way doors are easy to reverse. You can test and learn. If it’s a one-way door, you deliberate a whole lot more before deciding.” 6. Want to learn something new? Bake it into your job If you want to learn something, the sure-shot way is toraise your hand for an extra project or assignment. Instead of carving extra time, carve learning into your current scope. 🗣️“If I want to learn ML—I’ll sign up for the project, find a mentor, and made it part of my goals.” Where to find Vikram LinkedIn: Vikram Deshpande [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikram-deshpande-ab564310/] More from The Career Starter Kit Subscribe to Newsletter [https://thecareerstarterkit.substack.com/] Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thecareerstarterkit/] Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anakapur/]   Production & Editing: GreyLabs Media [https://www.instagram.com/greylabsmedia/] Venue: Crukces Studio [https://crukces.com/]

Fast-track your career by following your Curiosity, Leaning into Your Strengths: Apoorva Maheshwari, Head of Marketing, Bestseller, India

Apoorva Maheshwari is the Head of Marketing at Bestseller India—the company behind fashion-forward brands like Jack & Jones, Vero Moda, ONLY and Selected Homme. Over the past 15 years, she’s built a standout career at Procter & Gamble, Accor, Zivame, and now Bestseller—by playing to her strengths, following her curiosity, and taking intentional bets. In this episode, Apoorva shares: * How she carved her own path—by being clear on what she didn’t want to do and following her curiosity to discover what she did * Why following your joy (like loving ad jingles!) can be a career clue * Her 4-step playbook to fast-start in any role * The workplace myth she no longer believes that someone else will carve your growth path for you * And why building a solid reputation is the #1 Networking hack This episode is for anyone trying to figure out what they’re good at—and how to turn that into a real career advantage. In The Career Clinic, Apoorva answers career questions from young professionals: * How to push back on unrealistic goals * How to build your network beyond your manager * What to do if you feel too nervous to speak up in meetings And so much more… Some Takeaways 1. Follow your curiosity—it’s a signal, not a detour. Apoorva didn’t have a rigid career plan, but she did have clarity on what didn’t excite her (finance, policy) and an instinctive pull toward advertising and brand-building. She followed the joy of watching ad breaks, paid attention to what lit her up. 🗣️“You have to follow the signals… unless you’re a fish trying to climb a wall, you won’t know you’re meant to swim.” 2. Be intentional about your growth— don’t wait for it tobe handed to you Apoorva emphasized the importance of self-directed growth. Waiting passively for a manager or org to pave your path leads to frustration. Instead, she suggests maxing out what you can do in a role—and then initiating the conversation about what’s next. 🗣️“You have to speak up for yourself. Growth doesn’t happen at a point in time—it happens over time, and you have to put it on the table.” 3. Your reputation is your best networking tool. Apoorva’s not a fan of transactional networking. Instead, sherecommends showing up with consistency. 🗣️“Be known for what you do. Let your word, actions and intent, align. That alignment builds your reputation, and reputation builds your network.” 4. Your work is only as meaningful as the intention youbring to it. Apoorva reflects that meaning at work isn’t something handed to you—it’s something you create. 🗣️“Your work will have just as much meaning as you put into it. Be intentional. Take pride in what you do. And strive for that.” Where to find Apoorva LinkedIn: Apoorva Maheshwari [https://www.linkedin.com/in/apoorvamaheshwari/] More from The Career Starter Kit Subscribe to Newsletter [https://thecareerstarterkit.substack.com/] Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thecareerstarterkit/] Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anakapur/]   Time Stamps 00:00 Introducing Apoorva Maheshwari 02:55 Early Years: From SRCC to MICA 03:55 You don’t need a perfect plan. Just follow your signals 07:20 Learning the ropes at P&G 10:23 Figure out your strengths by trying many things early 10:55 From college to corporate: Basics you need to know 12:17 Playing to your strengths: Choosing categories where brand matters 14:42 4 step play-book at fast start in any role 16:21 Confidence is built by doing hard things repeatedly 16:45 Own your growth: How to max out your role 17:55 Zivame: What a start-up experience can teach you 19:30 Start-up + Post-maternity – It takes a village to make it possible 21:15 The Career Clinic 22:09 How do I push back on unrealistic goals? 23:25 How do I build my network beyond my manager? 24:46 I feel too nervous to speak in meetings. What should I do? 27:05 Fast Track: Tips, hacks and mindset shifts 34:05 Final Takeaway: Your work is only as meaningful as the intention you bring to it Recording: Riverside.fm Editing and Production: GreyLabs Media [https://www.instagram.com/greylabsmedia/]