Beyond Hard Skills

Rick Sarkar
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Careers
  • Updated Biweekly

Step into the transformative realm of 'Beyond Hard Skills' with your host, Rick Sarkar, where we unravel the enigma of professional success. Join us on this odyssey of eloquence and expertise as we decode the art of communication and master the elusive world of soft skills. It's not just a podcast; it's your passport to a realm where charisma meets competence, and where professionals evolve into captivating communicators. Tune in, level up, and transcend the boundaries of conventional success with 'Beyond Hard Skills.

  1. 1d ago

    Beyond Technology: Understanding the Consumer in the Digital Age

    In this episode of Beyond Hard Skills, Rick Sarkar speaks with Akhil Chityal, a technologist and digital transformation leader with 17+ years of experience across digital commerce, consumer products, AI, data, and analytics. They explore how businesses can better understand changing consumer behavior, turn insights into meaningful digital experiences, and leverage technology to transform the way brands connect with their customers.

    Beyond Technology: Understanding the Consumer in the Digital Age

  2. Sep 19

    Reinventing Yourself: From Starting Over to Leading in the Age of AI

    What does it take to start over, build a career from scratch, and keep reinventing yourself along the way? In this episode of Beyond Hard Skills, Rick Sarkar speaks with technology and product leader Sree Arja about her journey from India to the U.S., navigating career transitions, leadership, resilience, and the human skills that shaped her success. They also explore AI, fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and the lessons Sree hopes to pass on to the next generation.

    Reinventing Yourself: From Starting Over to Leading in the Age of AI

  3. Aug 29

    Investing, Leadership & the Power of Clear Thinking

    In this episode, Rick Sarkar sits down with Pawan Khatri to explore what lies beyond technical expertise in finance. They discuss investment mindset, navigating uncertainty, sustainable investing, leadership, communication, and the skills young professionals need to build meaningful careers in a changing financial world.

    Investing, Leadership & the Power of Clear Thinking

  4. Aug 29

    Finding Your Voice: Identity, Leadership & the Courage to Belong

    In this episode of Beyond Hard Skills, Rick Sarkar speaks with Urmi Hossain about finding your voice, embracing identity, and leading authentically. From Toastmasters and public speaking to authorship, mentorship, and empowering women of colour, Urmi shares how confidence and self-awareness can transform both careers and lives. Together, they explore belonging, cultural identity, and the power of using your voice to create space for others.

    Finding Your Voice: Identity, Leadership & the Courage to Belong

  5. Aug 15

    Beyond Words: Communication, Connection & Building with Purpose

    What if communication isn’t just about speaking well, but about thinking clearly, building trust, and helping people believe in an idea? In this episode of Beyond Hard Skills, Rick Sarkar sits down with Bratin Mukherjee to explore how communication has shaped his journey across technology, global careers, entrepreneurship, and creativity. They discuss the connection between writing and thinking, building alignment, creating belief, and communicating ideas that move people to action.

    Beyond Words: Communication, Connection & Building with Purpose

  6. Jul 25

    Beyond AI: Staying Human in an Intelligent World

    In this episode of Beyond Hard Skills, Rick Sarkar sits down with Dr. Radhakrishnan KG (Dr. RK), entrepreneur, AI strategist, founder of WebNamaste, and expert in Generative Engine Optimization, to explore how professionals can thrive in an AI-driven world without losing the qualities that make them uniquely human. Dr. RK shares his perspective on treating AI as a powerful partner rather than a replacement, explaining how individuals and businesses can use automation, generative AI, and intelligent systems to amplify creativity, productivity, and innovation. From building AI-first businesses to maintaining authenticity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, this conversation uncovers why the future belongs not to those who fear AI, but to those who learn to collaborate with it intentionally.

    Beyond AI: Staying Human in an Intelligent World

  7. Jul 11

    Beyond Code: How Communication, Visibility & Growth Shape Successful Tech Careers

    In this episode of Beyond Hard Skills, Rick Sarkar sits down with Deepika Ramamoorthi, Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft, to explore the often-overlooked skills that shape long-term career growth beyond technical expertise. Deepika shares her journey of building large-scale systems, growing as an engineer, mentoring others, and learning how communication plays a critical role in creating visibility, influence, and leadership opportunities. From navigating the transition from individual contributor to impactful professional to understanding the importance of authentic self-expression, this conversation highlights why great work alone is not enough, communicating that impact is equally important.

    Beyond Code: How Communication, Visibility & Growth Shape Successful Tech Careers

  8. Jun 26

    Beyond Personality: How Introverts Can Build Confidence, Communication & Leadership

    In this episode of Beyond Hard Skills, Rick Sarkar sits down with Krishna to explore how personality does not define potential and why communication is a skill that anyone can develop. Reflecting on over 15 years of professional experience, Krishna shares how stepping beyond his comfort zone and embracing continuous learning helped him grow from an introvert into a confident communicator and leader. The conversation explores the importance of building confidence without losing authenticity, developing a personal communication style, and navigating uncertainty with curiosity and resilience. Krishna emphasizes that effective leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about creating meaningful impact through consistent growth, adaptability, and authentic communication. He encourages young professionals to challenge their own limitations, embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth, and invest in communication skills that will help them lead with confidence, regardless of their personality type.

    Beyond Personality: How Introverts Can Build Confidence, Communication & Leadership
See All (31)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Step into the transformative realm of 'Beyond Hard Skills' with your host, Rick Sarkar, where we unravel the enigma of professional success. Join us on this odyssey of eloquence and expertise as we decode the art of communication and master the elusive world of soft skills. It's not just a podcast; it's your passport to a realm where charisma meets competence, and where professionals evolve into captivating communicators. Tune in, level up, and transcend the boundaries of conventional success with 'Beyond Hard Skills.

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Sarkar
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Beyond Hard Skills