Nuclear Engineer to Ms Asia Empress UK 2026 | Poonam Gehlot on Courage, Confidence & Career Break

Nuclear Engineer to Ms Asia Empress UK 2026 | Poonam Gehlot on Courage, Confidence & Career Break

In this episode of Unblur the Path, Poonam Gehlot continues her inspiring career journey from nuclear engineering and systems engineering to personal growth, confidence and becoming Ms Asia Empress UK 2026. Poonam shares how she moved through the nuclear and defence industry, dealt with self-doubt, took a career break, travelled solo, learned the power of saying no, and stepped into the pageant world. This conversation is especially useful for students, parents, young professionals, women in STEM, and anyone exploring engineering careers, career growth, confidence building or personal development. We discuss nuclear engineering, systems engineering, women in STEM, career breaks, burnout, solo travel, self-doubt, public speaking, pageant journey, AI in engineering, apprenticeships vs university, and what success really means. A powerful reminder from this episode: confidence does not always come first — courage does. Chapters: 00:00 Courage, Confidence & Self-Doubt 01:39 Welcome Back to Poonam’s Journey 02:40 From Nuclear Engineering to Systems Engineering 07:26 Desk Job vs Site Work in Nuclear Engineering 09:00 Career Break, Burnout & Finding What’s Next 14:26 The Power of Saying No in Your Career 16:45 Overcoming Self-Doubt at Work 20:12 Solo Travel, Personal Growth & Facing Fear 28:59 Why Courage Comes Before Confidence 31:36 Poonam’s Pageant Journey Begins 36:35 The Costume Round Inspired by Her Nani 39:28 Becoming Ms Asia Empress UK 2026 41:44 Work-Life Balance, Career Choices & Switching Companies 46:29 University vs Apprenticeships in Engineering 48:38 Resilience, AI & the Future of Engineering 51:06 What Success Really Means 53:03 Final Takeaway: Confidence Follows Courage Subscribe to Unblur the Path for honest career conversations that help students, parents and professionals make informed career decisions. [Poonam Gehlot, Ms Asia Empress UK 2026, nuclear engineer, nuclear engineering career, systems engineering, women in STEM, female engineer, defence industry career, chemical engineer, career break, burnout, self doubt, confidence building, courage over confidence, public speaking, pageant journey, South Asian women in STEM, women empowerment, career podcast, career guidance for students, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth, engineering careers, STEM careers for girls, AI in engineering, apprenticeships vs university, career growth, personal development,unblurthepath, lakshmiseth]

Pave your way into the Nuclear Industry | Chemical Engineer to Pageant Queen

What does a chemical engineer actually do? And how does someone working in the UK's nuclear sector become Ms Asia Empress UK 2026? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth speaks with Poonam Gehlot, a chemical engineer, technical leader, women in STEM advocate, and Ms Asia Empress UK 2026. Poonam shares her journey from choosing chemical engineering at university to working on major projects in the nuclear industry. We discuss university applications, industrial placements, graduate careers, engineering leadership, problem-solving, and the realities of working in a highly technical field. We also explore confidence, personal growth, and why she decided to step onto the pageant stage after building a successful engineering career. Whether you're a student exploring STEM careers, a parent guiding career choices, or a professional considering a new challenge, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration. Topics covered: • Chemical Engineering • Nuclear Industry Careers • Women in STEM • University Applications & Clearing • Industrial Placements • Engineering Leadership • Problem Solving Skills • Confidence & Personal Growth • Ms Asia Empress UK 2026 • Career Advice for Students [Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineer, Women in STEM, STEM Careers, Engineering Careers, Nuclear Industry, Nuclear Energy, Engineering Leadership, Technical Leadership, Graduate Careers, University Applications, Clearing UK, Industrial Placement, Career Guidance, Career Podcast, Women in Engineering, Female Leadership, Problem Solving, Personal Growth, Confidence Building, Mrs Asia Empress UK 2026, Poonam Gehlot, Engineering Management, Students, Career Advice, Unblur the Path]

From Radio Jockey to Actor: The Reality of Acting, Theatre, Auditions & Rejection with a Radio Jockey turned Actor

What does it really take to build a career in acting? In Part 2 of this conversation with Ashwini Kinhikar, we explore her journey from Radio Jockey to actor, theatre artist, model, writer, and presenter. Ashwini shares how she completed 100 monologues in 100 weeks, landed her first acting roles, navigated auditions and agents, handled rejection, and built a creative career in the media industry. We also discuss the differences between theatre and film acting, the importance of mentors, confidence, resilience, modelling at London Fashion Week, and why waiting for validation can hold us back from pursuing our dreams. Whether you're interested in acting, media, theatre, broadcasting, or simply curious about unconventional career paths, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes of a creative profession. Topics covered: • Acting careers • Theatre vs film acting • Auditions and agents • Handling rejection • Radio presenting • Modelling and London Fashion Week • Mentorship and personal growth • Building confidence • Creative careers and media industry Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: From Radio Jockey to Actor 02:11 The Pandemic, 100 Monologues & Finding Acting 08:14 Breaking into Acting: Agents, Auditions & Rejection 20:05 Films, Theatre & Life as a Working Actor 25:39 Theatre vs Film Acting: Skills, Preparation & Mindset 32:30 Mentors, Writing & Personal Growth 42:26 London Fashion Week, Reinvention & Following Dreams 57:55 Final Reflections: Validation, Success & Life Lessons [acting career, actor, theatre actor, theatre career, film acting, acting auditions, acting agents, radio jockey, radio presenter, media career, creative careers, modelling, London Fashion Week, personal growth, career podcast, career guidance, career exploration, women in media, resilience, mentorship, Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar, storytelling, broadcasting, entertainment industry, creative professions, acting journey, career change, following your dreams, confidence building]

The Reality of Working in Radio | Conversations with a Radio Jockey

What does a career in radio and media really look like behind the microphone? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar shares her journey from becoming a news anchor at just 18 to building a career as a radio presenter, MC, voiceover artist, storyteller, actor, and writer. We explore the skills required for a career in media, what happens behind the scenes of a radio show, how presenters connect with audiences, the importance of communication skills, handling mistakes on air, and the role of empathy in broadcasting. Ashwini also shares a powerful story about how a message delivered during one of her radio shows helped change someone's life. Whether you're considering a career in media, radio presenting, acting, public speaking, voiceovers, or content creation, this conversation offers an honest and practical look at the profession. Topics covered: * Radio presenter career * News anchoring * Media industry insights * Communication skills * Public speaking * Voiceover careers * Storytelling * Confidence building * Career breaks and reinvention * Behind the scenes of radio 🎙️ Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Ashwini Kinhikar. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ashwini Kinhikar & Media Careers 03:02 Wearing Many Hats: Actor, RJ, MC, Voiceover Artist & Storyteller 04:15 Childhood Dreams and Becoming a News Anchor at 18 06:07 The Skills Required for News Anchoring 09:45 Balancing Studies, Jobs and Media Work 12:28 Marriage, Family Life and a 13-Year Career Pause 15:16 Finding Her Way Back Through Community Anchoring 17:02 How the Radio Journey Began 19:41 What Radio Presenters Actually Do Behind the Scenes 20:55 The Radio Show That Helped Save a Life 26:11 Connecting with Listeners Through Empathy and Communication 32:09 Mistakes, Growth and the Reality of Working in Radio [media careers, radio presenter, radio jockey, RJ career, news anchor, media industry, communication skills, public speaking, voiceover artist, acting career, storytelling, broadcasting, career guidance, career podcast, women in media, content creator, presenter, anchoring, confidence, Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar, Lakshmi Seth, career exploration, career journeys, jobs explained, media professional, radio career, communication, personal growth, career change, career development]

Antarctica, Everest & the Psychology of Extreme Exploration | Satyarup Siddhanta | Part 2

In Part 2 of my conversation with mountaineer and explorer Satyarup Siddhanta, we venture into some of the most remote places on Earth. Satya shares what it is really like to ski towards the South Pole, climb volcanic summits, survive in Antarctica, manage fear in extreme environments, and make critical decisions when resources are limited. We also discuss the realities of funding expeditions, the lessons mountains teach about resilience, the role of parents in supporting unconventional dreams, and why exploration is ultimately about personal growth rather than records. Whether you are interested in mountaineering, adventure, leadership, resilience, or simply pursuing ambitious goals, this conversation offers insights that extend far beyond the mountains. Topics covered: • Antarctica and the South Pole • Volcanic summits around the world • Expedition planning and survival • Fear, resilience and risk management • Everest and extreme mountaineering • Funding large dreams • Personal growth through adversity • The mindset of an explorer Guest: Satyarup Siddhanta Host: Lakshmi Seth Podcast: Unblur the Path Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:34 Antarctica: A World Without Life 05:06 Alone on the Way to the South Pole 08:20 The South Pole Was Not What I Expected 13:13 Chasing Volcanoes Around the World 15:43 Exploring Mountains No One Has Climbed 21:53 How Explorers Survive in Extreme Conditions 29:28 Why I Started Winners and Achievers 34:31 The Truth About Funding Big Dreams 40:35 What Mountains Taught Me About Life 47:55 The Day I Thought My Dream Was Over 54:20 Dream Big. Then Chase It. [Satyarup Siddhanta, Antarctica, South Pole, Mount Everest, mountaineering, exploration, adventure, extreme sports, volcanic summits, resilience, mental toughness, leadership, personal growth, survival stories, adventure travel, expedition planning, risk management, Guinness World Record, explorers, mountaineer podcast, Indian mountaineer, overcoming fear, inspiration, life lessons, outdoor adventure, endurance, dream chasing, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth, motivation podcast]