Career in Progress

Purnima Krishnamurthy
  • 5.0 (4)
  • CAREERS

Welcome to Career in Progress—a podcast about building the skills that build your career. If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re on a journey to grow or evolve your career—just like me. In each episode, I’ll share honest stories, practical strategies, and bite-sized takeaways to help you build your own manual of growth. You’ll also hear from inspiring guests who are actively learning, evolving, and building the skills we all need to thrive. So if you’ve ever asked yourself: What’s next? How do I grow and Where do I start?—you’re in the right place.

Episodes

  1. JAN 12

    Meerah Rajavel: Breaking Barriers- From Small-Town India to Global CIO

    How often do you get the opportunity to hear honest, direct career advice from one of the most influential women executives in the world? In this episode, I sit down with Meerah Rajavel, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Palo Alto Networks, for a deeply inspiring and refreshingly candid conversation on leadership, careers, family and navigating complexity in the AI era. This is one of those episodes you’ll want to listen to every minute- packed with wisdom for leaders, early-career professionals, and women navigating growth and barriers in tech. 🎧 Episode Chapters for easy listening:  Chapter 1: Early Career Story- Defining Moments & Learning from Mistakes Chapter 2: Leadership Skills for Large-Scale Transformation in the AI Era- Setting Clarity, Fostering Curiosity & Modeling the Way Chapter 3: Women in Leadership- Overcoming Barriers, Creating Spaces for Growth & the Confidence to Be Yourself Chapter 4: Essential Skills for Early Career Aspirants- Seek Experiences, Build Connections & Stay Curious (You Don’t Have to Know Everything!) Rapid Fire- Fun and more! So,  whether you’re • a leader looking for mentorship on leading through disruption in the AI era and career growth • an early-career professional feeling the pressure to have everything figured out, or • a woman navigating barriers and building confidence, this episode is for you. 💼 About Meerah Rajavel As CIO, Meerah leads Palo Alto Networks’ global IT organization, driving strategy and innovation at scale for worldwide teams. Prior to joining Palo Alto Networks in 2022, she served as CIO at Citrix and held senior leadership roles at McAfee, Forcepoint, Cisco, and Infosys—bringing deep, cross-industry perspective on technology and transformation. Meerah holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science & Engineering from Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Anna University (Chennai, India), and an MBA from the Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University. 🎧 Listen in. Share widely. And let me know what resonated most with you.

    41 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    Kalpana Mohan- Building the Skills for a Creative Career: When Creativity Becomes a Career

    “Talent isn’t enough to build a creative career”- this was my biggest takeaway from this very insightful conversation For the first time on the podcast, I explore a creative career path—a life in writing—with someone who embodies both craft and courage: Kalpana Mohan, award-winning author and columnist. This conversation was eye-opening because it took me into a world very different from the careers I’ve featured so far and what I learned was invaluable.  My biggest takeaways from this episode: The skills it takes to build a writing life- far beyond just talent The grit required to rise again after rejection (and there are many) The wisdom to step away when something isn’t working The discipline to stay consistent, even when inspiration ebbs The passion to wear the writer’s hat at all times- the work is never really done The need for humor and levity in no matter what you do The powerful reminder that leaning into your strengths matters just as much as chasing opportunities And pursue your passion as that is where you will shine the most!  Kalpana Mohan is an award-winning author and columnist, best known for her witty and insightful books Daddykins: A Memoir of My Father and I and An English Made in India. She writes the popular Substack newsletters Letters from Everywhere and So Much to Say, and her work has appeared in NPR, BusinessWeek Online, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, Better Homes and Gardens, and more. Her writing has earned honors including the New America Media Prize and San Francisco Peninsula Press Club awards. If you’ve ever questioned a creative calling, needed reassurance that pauses, persistence, and passion are part of every career journey, looked for ways to build grit, hoped for a story that lifts you up- or simply wanted a good laugh- this episode is for you! 🎧 Listen in. Share widely. And let me know what resonated most with you. For more details about Kalpana's class: https://events.scu.edu/osher/event/352672-in-person-only-two-indian-cities-new-delhi-and-chenna

    57 min
  3. William (Bill) Huffaker- Building the Power of Authentic Leadership: Navigating Identity in Corporate Culture

    12/01/2025

    William (Bill) Huffaker- Building the Power of Authentic Leadership: Navigating Identity in Corporate Culture

    This episode with the deeply inspiring William (Bill) Huffaker- Transformational Talent Executive, AI-Driven HR Strategist, SVP of Global Integrated Talent at Newell Brands, Board Advisor, Adjunct Professor, and Board Trustee- was one of the most heartwarming and honest conversations I’ve ever had. It’s the kind of dialogue you can only have with a leader who embodies humility, humanity, and authenticity in every breath. And a conversation that stays with you forever.  🎧 In this episode, we talk about: Owning your story and bringing your whole self to work Why growth requires discomfort How vulnerability builds trust What leadership looks like in the age of AI And a fun rapid-fire round, including interview advice for early careers and having dinner with Queen Elizabeth 👑 Learn more about my inspiring guest Bill https://www.linkedin.com/in/billhuffaker/ Let’s connect: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg⁠⁠ #CareerInProgress #Podcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #FutureOfWork #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #AITrends #Innovation #WorkplaceCulture #AIForBusiness #TechLeadership #CareerGrowth #MindsetMatters #ChangeManagement

    59 min
  4. Kailesh Karavadra: Future Ready- Skills That Shape Our Tomorrow

    10/22/2025

    Kailesh Karavadra: Future Ready- Skills That Shape Our Tomorrow

    This episode is truly close to my heart-  it captures the power of humility, heart, and humor in shaping a remarkable and purpose-driven career. Every once in a while, you meet someone who reminds you of the true power of humility, heart, and humor. I laughed, learned, and left deeply inspired through this conversation with Kailesh Karavadra — a noted Silicon Valley leader, Managing Partner at EY, and a visionary who has led EY’s Growth Market Strategy, focusing on entrepreneurs, startups, VCs, family businesses, PEs, and the Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) programs. With over 36 years at EY, Kailesh’s journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. Kailesh has served on numerous boards including the College Futures Foundation, California Chamber of Commerce (2022 Chair), EY Social Justice Fund, Valley Humane Society, and Janyaa — among many others dedicated to education, equity, and community impact. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raising funds for education in Africa, from teaching youth soccer in Mumbai to part-owning a football club, Kailesh lives every moment with purpose and adventure. In this episode, we explore questions that shape the future of work and leadership: - What are the skills that will truly matter in the next decade—and tips on how do you build them today? - Why is skill-based learning redefining how we grow and lead? - What does it mean to build your own “board of mentors and sponsors”—and how do you find them? - How do you decide which ventures are worth funding—and what drives those choices beyond returns? - And how can humor and humanity become your greatest strengths in leadership? If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a life that blends success with significance, this one’s for you! Learn more about my amazing guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaileshkaravadra/ Let’s connect: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg⁠ #CareerInProgress #PodcastLaunch #Leadership #FutureOfWork #Mentorship #EY #LearningJourney

    1h 5m
  5. Arun Trivedi: AI at Work: Trends, Mindsets, and Tools to Thrive

    09/08/2025

    Arun Trivedi: AI at Work: Trends, Mindsets, and Tools to Thrive

    We’ve had many large-scale transformations in history- but why does Artificial Intelligence (AI)  stand apart as the technology that could reshape the world? This episode is truly futuristic- packed with insights on the world of AI and what it means to the current workforce and society as a whole. To explore this, I’m thrilled to host Arun Trivedi- an AI guru, founder and host of the AI with Arun Show (available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast), and Vice President at Tech Mahindra, where he leads the Software and Platform business for North America. Arun’s inspiring career reflects his passion for shaping the future of enterprise technology and bringing leaders together to drive change and growth. 🎯 In this episode, we dive into: ✨ Emerging AI trends shaping the future ✨ Skills and mindsets to thrive in an AI-driven world ✨ Practical ways to build a culture of AI excitement for yourself and teams today ✨ Tools you can start using now to accelerate and augment yourself! This was my first time interviewing another podcaster- someone who’s had countless insightful conversations with leaders and CXOs. I’ll admit, I had a few butterflies in my stomach going in… but it turned out to be such a fun and enriching experience! 🙌 Hit play, get inspired, and let’s dive in ➡️  Learn more about my inspiring guest Arun Trivedi https://www.linkedin.com/in/aruntrivedi/ https://www.youtube.com/@AIwithArunShow Let’s connect: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg⁠ #CareerInProgress #Podcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #FutureOfWork #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #AITrends #Innovation #WorkplaceCulture #AIForBusiness #TechLeadership #CareerGrowth #MindsetMatters #ChangeManagement

    43 min

  6. 07/21/2025

    Jyotsna Vaidee: Building the skills of creativity, discipline, collaboration and storytelling that fuel not just one, but multiple thriving careers.

    Building one successful career takes perseverance. Building two? That takes vision, grit, and an extraordinary well of inspiration. In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Jyotsna Vaidee—a top tech leader and currently the Vice President of Product at Reddit. Her career spans leadership roles at industry giants like Microsoft and Google, where she helped shape products like Google Ads, YouTube, and Google Shopping. And today, she’s helping millions connect through Reddit. But that’s only half the story. Jyotsna is also an acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer, known for her award-winning productions and decades of dedication to this intricate Indian classical art form. We dive into the transferable skills that fuel thriving careers—on stage and in the boardroom. If you’ve ever wondered: How to balance life and multiple passions How creativity, discipline, and storytelling can power both art and leadership How to build a bold vision—at work or in your personal life How to overcome self-doubt with a tactile, grounded approach How to rise after setbacks—and rise stronger How to foster collaboration in high-performing teams Or just need a dose of real talk on grit, resilience, and perseverance ✨ This episode is packed with game-changing insights, practical tools, and powerful inspiration you can start using right away. Learn more about my inspiring guest Jyotsna Vaidee ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Learn more about Ananta- Jyotsana's exciting upcoming production Ananta tickets Let’s connect: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg⁠

    53 min
  7. Jacqueline Brown: Be the CEO of You: Self-Leadership, Visibility & Owning Your Voice

    07/07/2025

    Jacqueline Brown: Be the CEO of You: Self-Leadership, Visibility & Owning Your Voice

    This one is close to my heart.  I sat down with the incredible Jacqueline Brown, author of Be the CEO of You, for an honest, insightful, and deeply energizing conversation on self-leadership, visibility, and what it really means to own your voice- especially in rooms where you may feel unheard.  We talk about what it means to truly be the CEO of you-to step into your own power whether you're building confidence and leadership, re-entering the workforce after time away, identifying strengths, or just feeling stuck. If you've ever: ✨ Struggled with self-promotion ✨ Felt like you weren’t being heard ✨ Didn’t know how to create your brand ✨ Wondered how to rebuild your after being a stay at home parent ✨ Or simply wanted a fresh start with more clarity and confidence, his episode is filled with game-changing tips, practical frameworks, and inspiring ideas that you can start using right away. Timestamps & Highlights: 00:00 – Meet the incredible Jacqueline Brown + Top 3 takeaways 4:21 – Be the CEO of You: What it means and why it matters 8:41 – Confidence vs. Validation: Reclaiming your inner power 13:07 – Self-Promotion Tips: Get unstuck and show up with impact 16:33 – Speaking Up in Meetings: Pro tips to find your voice 20:17 – Visibility & Confidence: How to get started tomorrow 25:05 – Build Your Brand: Practical steps to own your narrative 29:02 – Re-entering the Workforce? How to find your strengths and create value 37:57 – “I am proud of myself”: Why saying it out loud is a gamechanger 48:46 – Rapid Fire! Top skills for aspiring executives: Listen, Connect Dots, Validate & more Hit play, get inspired, and let’s dive in Here is where you can get your own copy of Be the CEO of You Amazon Barnes & Noble Learn more about my inspiring guest Jacqueline Brown LinkedIn LinkedIn Newsletter⁠ Let’s connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/ https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/ https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg

    1h 1m
  8. Sriram Subramanian: Building the skills of standing out in interviews, experimentation in the AI era, transitioning from technologist to leader

    06/23/2025

    Sriram Subramanian: Building the skills of standing out in interviews, experimentation in the AI era, transitioning from technologist to leader

    In this episode, I will dive into essential skills and share insights to level up your technical career.  If you're just starting out, learn how to stand out in interviews, how to stay curious,and grow from a thriving technologist into an inspiring technical leader.  For those stepping into leadership, hear tips on —navigating tough difficult conversations, building a culture of experimentation in the AI era, and creating high-performing global teams. Much more. With no further adieu,  I introduce our insightful guest, Sriram Subramanian.  An accomplished engineering leader with 28 years of experience in building top-tier software products. Sriram currently is the R&D Head India at Endor Labs, he’s led global teams at top companies including Citrix, Netskope, and Juniper Networks. Sriram is known for blending startup agility with enterprise rigor. He's also a published author of two books on OpenStack networking -"OpenStack Networking Cookbook" and "Software Defined Network (SDN) with OpenStack"- and maintains an active blog at cloudbuilder.in where he shares insights on cloud computing and leadership.Sriram's expertise spans cloud security, SaaS applications, distributed systems, AI and people leadership- making him the perfect guest to discuss a technical career in progress. Openstack Networking Cookbook: https://a.co/d/2RmQCSP Software Defined Networking (SDN) with OpenStack: https://a.co/d/3qF8Fap

    1h 1m
  9. Prashanthi Ravanavarapu: Building the Skills for Simplification, Pitching for Your Next Role, and Purposeful Leadership

    06/09/2025

    Prashanthi Ravanavarapu: Building the Skills for Simplification, Pitching for Your Next Role, and Purposeful Leadership

    In this powerful and uplifting episode, I sit down with the brilliant Prashanthi Ravanavarapu for a heartfelt, insightful, and genuinely fun conversation about the tangible skills that build thriving careers. We unpack how she simplifies complex ideas, pitches for roles with impact, leads with purpose, and continuously evolves in an ever-changing world. Get ready for practical frameworks, simple tips, and inspiring ideas you can apply right away! If you're ready to grow, get unstuck, and lead with clarity- this episode is for you. Hit play and let's dive in! In this episode, you’ll learn: 00:00 Meet the incredible Prashanthi + top 3 takeaways 4:17 Struggling with complexity? A framework to simplify ideas using empathy 7:08 How a customer-centric mindset can shape your career 12:51 Do you struggle with asking for what you deserve? Here are 2 tips to get you unstuck. 23:37 Pitching for your next role: Tips, templates, and mindset shifts 33:51 Wearing multiple hats? Learn Prashanthi’s mantra for focus and flow 39:31 Reflecting on life goals: Purpose, fulfillment, and moving forward 48:50 AI is here—how to lead confidently in a tech-accelerated world 53:35 Rapid Fire! Top career skills, chaotic problem solving, inspiration & more! Learn more about my amazing guest Prashanthi Ravanavarapu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pravanavarapu/ Let’s connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/ https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/ https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg

    1 hr

  10. TRAILER

    Career in Progress - Trailer

    Welcome to Career in Progress—a podcast about building the skills that build your career. If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re on a journey to grow or evolve your career—just like me. In each episode, I’ll share honest stories, practical strategies, and bite-sized takeaways to help you build your own manual of growth. You’ll also hear from inspiring guests who are actively learning, evolving, and building the skills we all need to thrive. So if you’ve ever asked yourself: What’s next? How do I grow and Where do I start?—you’re in the right place. I’m Purnima Krishnamurthy.—and together, let’s build your Career in Progress.

    2 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Career in Progress—a podcast about building the skills that build your career. If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re on a journey to grow or evolve your career—just like me. In each episode, I’ll share honest stories, practical strategies, and bite-sized takeaways to help you build your own manual of growth. You’ll also hear from inspiring guests who are actively learning, evolving, and building the skills we all need to thrive. So if you’ve ever asked yourself: What’s next? How do I grow and Where do I start?—you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Purnima Krishnamurthy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Purnima Krishnamurthy
  • Show Website
    Career in Progress