Shameless Careers

Varia Pechurina
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

A podcast about:1) How to figure out what you REALLY want to do 2) How to choose between corporate / startups / entrepreneurship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 9 APR

    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 for more information.

    23 min

  2. 22 MAR

    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 for more information.

    34 min

  3. 25 FEB

    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 for more information.

    33 min

  4. 18 FEB

    Quick ask: if you are a regular listener, lets connect! (details below)

    Hi guys, I am planning episodes for 2026, and would LOVE to hear from you if you are a regular listener! (Specifically, would love to connect with you and ask why you are listening to Shameless Careers, what resonates with you most and what you would like to hear more of) Please get in touch if you would be up for a chat - my insta account is below (just drop me a message there): Instagram: shameless_careers Looking forward to hearing from you! Best, Varia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 min

  5. 9 FEB

    50: How to Get Into Y Combinator and Build a Biotech Company from Scratch

    🚀 How do you actually get into Y Combinator - and what does it really take to build a venture-backed startup? In this episode, I sit down with Miroslav Gasparek, CEO & co-founder of Sensible Biotechnologies (a Y Combinator-backed biotech company) and a member of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list. Miro shares the unfiltered truth about getting accepted into Y Combinator after multiple attempts, what YC really looks for in founders, and why building a startup is far harder - and more meaningful - than most people realise. In this conversation, we break down: - How to get into Y Combinator (what actually matters vs. fluff) - What YC partners look for in founders and ideas - The biggest mistakes that kill startups early - What it REALLY takes to build a venture-backed startup - beyond skills and talent - Why startup life can feel like torture (and why founders still choose it) - How to stay resilient under extreme pressure - and why failure is not a career killer - Why true fulfilment isn’t status, awards, or press If you’re: ✔️ Applying to Y Combinator ✔️ Building or thinking about a startup ✔️ Raising venture capital ✔️ Curious what separates successful founders from everyone else - this episode is for you. 👍 If you liked this episode - please do share it with a friend and rate it on your favourite podcast platform. I would really appreciate it! ================================= ✅ Stay connected: 👉 With me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ 👉 With Miroslav: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miroslavgasparek/ ======== #YCombinator #StartupAdvice #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #YCStartup #StartupMindset #Founders #BiotechStartup #DeepTech #YCApplication #RaisingCapital ⚠️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 for more information.

    42 min

  6. 15 JAN

    49: Burned Out, Bored Out, or Lost Your Spark? How to Find What You Really Want to Do

    Ok guys, this is an episode I could not wait to share with you - especially at the start of the year, when so many of us are making big (and small) career resolutions. This conversation is all about how to figure out what you REALLY want to do - when you’ve done everything “right”, but still feel that something is missing. I’m joined by two brilliant executive coaches who both had high-flying careers in finance before stepping into their coaching journeys: - Tatiana Poliakova - Partner at Adaptaa, former Managing Director at Nomura, and author of the upcoming book "Intensity as a Superpower" - Daria Ibrulj - Founder of FireUp Coaching, and former Investment Banker and private equity investor In this episode, Tatiana and Daria openly share: - What it’s like to achieve everything you set out to achieve - yet slowly realise you’ve lost your spark (and we go deep into why this happens) - The messy, honest journey of figuring out who you are beyond the fancy title you once dreamed of - plus practical tools you can actually use - The biggest challenges of stepping off a prestigious, “successful” path: identity and financial fear Why do I love this conversation so much? Because it shows - so clearly - how our societal narrative of “just be successful and you’ll be happy” is a massive oversimplification of human fulfilment. And this episode gives you a glimpse of how much more there really is. ================================= ✅ Values exercise with Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/ ✅ Stay connected with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ ✅ Stay connected with Tatiana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatiana-poliakova-11837515/ ✅ Stay connected with Daria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daria-ibrulj/ ================================= #burnout #careerclarity #findyourpurpose #careeradvice #lostyourspark #boredatwork #successfulbutunfulfilled #careercoaching #highachievers #careerpivot ⚠️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 for more information.

    51 min

  7. 23/12/2025

    48: From Corporate to Startup: The Real Financial Trade-Offs - Is It Worth It?

    What REALLY happens when you leave corporate stability for startup chaos? This Shameless Careers episode is one of our most honest yet - unpacking what it really costs (and offers) when you make the leap. Guest: Damien Kopp, who spent 11 years at Accenture before jumping to a startup that wasn’t what he expected - and eventually becoming an entrepreneur. We unpack: - What can prompt people to jump from a stable corporate role into startups - Why Damien no longer thinks that corporate jobs are safe - An absolutely critical startup due-diligence step - that most people skip - The harsh truth about equity and taking big pay cuts when moving to a startup - Why “startups = freedom” is only half the story - And why, if you feel stuck, doing nothing can be the worst career move ================================= ✅ Stay connected with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ ✅ Stay connected with Damien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damienkopp/ ================================= #LeavingCorporate #StartupVsCorporate #CareerChange #CareerPivot #StartupReality #FinancialTradeOffs #StartupEquity #Entrepreneurship #CareerAdvice #FounderLife #FutureOfWork #WorkLifeFulfillment ⚠️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 for more information.

    46 min

  8. 14/12/2025

    47: You Don’t Need a Big Plan - Just the Next Breadcrumb to Find Your Purpose | Katerina's story

    So many people struggle to find what they really want because they believe they need a grand career plan. But the truth is - you don’t. All you need is to follow the breadcrumbs: your intuition, that sense of the next step that feels right at the time - one small step at a time. In other words, you have to walk the path to understand the path. This episode with Katerina Joannides is a powerful example of doing exactly that. Katerina began her career at a world-class global architecture studio, working with clients like Google. She then took a bold leap to join a brand-new boutique practice founded by the former Architectural Director of Soho House (the studio didn’t even have a name when she joined). After a rollercoaster of intense learning - but also burnout - she made an even braver move: leaving London behind to move to Spain, reconnect with herself, freelance, and explore what she truly wanted to do. Every breadcrumb eventually led her to launching her own creative agency - the next chapter of her career, and work she is genuinely excited about. We also talked about: ✨ The comparison between corporate and startup life - the advantages and trade-offs of each path ✨ How to make the most of freelancing experience ✨ What it’s like - emotionally - to start your own business when no one knows you exist (spoiler alert: that anonymity is also a massive advantage) Enjoy! Did you know exactly what you wanted to do early on, or did you have to “follow the breadcrumbs”? ------------------------------------------------------- ✅ Stay connected with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ ✅ Stay connected with Katerina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerina-joannides/ ✅ Katerina's creative agency: https://fuente.studio ------------------------------------------------------- #FindYourPurpose #CareerChange #FollowYourIntuition #CreativeCareers #BurnoutRecovery #FreelancingLife #CreativeEntrepreneur #ShamelessCareers ⚠️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 for more information.

    41 min
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About

A podcast about:1) How to figure out what you REALLY want to do 2) How to choose between corporate / startups / entrepreneurship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Varia Pechurina
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Varia Pechurina
  • Show Website
    Shameless Careers