Rerouted

Nicholas Karamanian

Welcome to Rerouted, the podcast where host Nicholas Karamanian interviews unique guests to explore their uncommon and non-linear career paths. We discuss the highs and lows, the critical moments, and the key skills and lessons learned that have shaped the journey. Whether you're looking for a career pivot, the start of your path, or just an interesting story, this podcast is the place for you.

  1. MAR 4

    From Finance, to Computer Science Doctorate, to Financial Advisor with Dr. Adam Link

    RATE AND FOLLOW In this conversation, Nicholas Karamanian interviews Dr. Adam Link and discusses his journey from a finance background to the tech industry, detailing his experiences in investment banking, founding a startup, and transitioning to a management role at Coinbase. He discusses working through imposter syndrome, and how it influenced his decision to pursue advanced degrees. Dr. Link also talks about founding Fireweed Capital, his investment philosophy, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. He emphasizes the value of job hopping early in one's career and the importance of networking and personal connections. Fireweed Capital: https://fireweedcapital.com/ Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com Email: nick@reroutedpod.com Instagram: @rerouted_pod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rerouted-podcast/ Keywords finance, technology, startup, education, imposter syndrome, Coinbase, Fireweed Capital, investment philosophy, work-life balance, career advice Takeaways Dr. Link transitioned from finance to tech, highlighting the importance of adaptability. His startup experience taught him valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and luck. Imposter syndrome can be a motivating factor for personal growth and education. Advanced degrees helped Dr. Link gain confidence in his expertise. He emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive work environment. Dr. Link's investment philosophy focuses on active management tailored to individual risk tolerance. Balancing work and family life is challenging, especially with children. Networking and personal connections are crucial for career advancement. Job hopping can lead to valuable experiences and opportunities early in one's career. Dr. Link encourages embracing flexibility and pursuing passions in one's career. Sound Bites "I failed out and I'm proud of that." "Imposter syndrome is not a bad thing." "Enjoy the lack of responsibilities."

    52 min
  2. FEB 18

    From Investment Banking and AmeriCorps to Morning Brew with Kaila Lopez and Kyle Hagge

    In this conversation, Nicholas Karamanian speaks with Kaila Lopez and Kyle Hagge from Morning Brew about their diverse career paths, the importance of experimentation in early careers, and the value of finding purpose in work. They share insights on navigating the job market, the impact of parenthood on career perspectives, and the lessons learned from hosting a career podcast. The discussion emphasizes the significance of networking, personal growth, and the evolving nature of work in today's world. Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com Email: nick@reroutedpod.com Instagram: @rerouted_pod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rerouted-podcast/ Per My Last Email Podcast: https://www.permylastemailshow.com/ Takeaways This is a very full circle moment for me. You can find purpose in a lot of fields. It's never been easier to experiment. You don't need to get everyone in the world. I think it's a good reminder to stay humble. You can do a bunch of stuff and see how you react. I think the real answer is somewhere in the middle. You should be able to find some purpose in your career. I think it's a great question. I want to know your Mount Rushmore of episodes. Keywords career advice, podcasting, early career, job market, purpose in work, experimentation, media industry, personal growth, networking, professional development Chapters 00:00 Navigating Early Careers: Experimentation and Growth 04:16 The Importance of Nonlinear Career Paths 06:45 Finding Your Fit: The Role of Early Experiences 09:31 The Power of Experimentation in Career Development 12:39 Leveraging Company Reputation for Career Growth 14:57 The Intersection of Media and Education 17:35 The Role of Brand Recognition in Career Advancement 20:46 Recovering Perfectionism: A Personal Journey 23:40 Balancing Ambition and Well-being 25:22 The Journey to Self-Acceptance 25:42 The Birth of Per My Last Email 27:34 The Evolution of the Podcast 29:28 Opportunities and Growth 31:10 The Value of Conversations 33:26 Fatherhood and Career Perspectives 36:03 Critical Thinking in Careers 40:03 Finding Purpose in Work 43:59 Advice for Early Career Professionals

    55 min
  3. JAN 21

    From Planning Weddings to Founding BobaTalks with Jeff Nguyen

    FOLLOW, RATE In this conversation, Jeff shares his journey from struggling in college to becoming a recruiter at Amazon and founding BobaTalks, a nonprofit aimed at mentoring students. He discusses the challenges he faced, the importance of finding one's North Star, and how his experiences shaped his desire to help others. Jeff emphasizes the balance between personal and professional life, and the need for a personal code to navigate career paths. He also reflects on the impact of BobaTalks on his career and offers advice for students navigating their own paths. Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com Email: nick@reroutedpod.com Instagram: @rerouted_pod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rerouted-podcast/ Jeff's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvngyn/ EWB-UIUC Website: ewbuiuc.org Keywords career advice, mentorship, recruiting, BobaTalks, Amazon, personal development, college struggles, public speaking, online presence, student support Takeaways Jeff's journey includes struggles in college and early career. He transitioned from a tech support role to recruiting at Amazon. Finding his North Star involved helping students and giving back. BobaTalks was founded to mentor students and provide career advice. Navigating conflicts of interest is a challenge for Jeff. BobaTalks has significantly impacted his career and perspective. Balancing personal life and professional responsibilities is difficult. Jeff encourages students to embrace their unique paths and timelines. Building a meaningful online presence requires authenticity and consistency. It's important to have a personal code to navigate career decisions. Sound bites "I want to help students feel less lost." "I want to help students the most that I can." "I want to make LinkedIn feel more accessible." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jeff's Journey 02:27 College Experience and Early Career Struggles 07:13 Transitioning to Recruiting at Amazon 11:37 Finding His North Star 14:41 The Birth of BobaTalks 20:15 Balancing Recruitment and Mentorship 25:55 Personal Growth Through BobaTalks 28:14 Managing Time and Energy 32:16 Navigating Career Changes and Identity 34:49 The Philosophy Behind Mentorship 37:48 Future Aspirations and Career Goals 39:38 Building Communities and Seeking Help 42:36 Crafting a Meaningful Online Presence 48:27 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 59:41 Final Thoughts and Advice for Career Navigation

    57 min
  4. JAN 14

    From Doctor to AI for Healthcare Innovator: Fuyuto Miyake

    In this conversation, Nicholas Karamanian speaks with Fuyuto Miyake, a resident physician focused on integrating AI into healthcare systems. They discuss Fuyuto's journey from medical school to developing innovative AI tools, his experiences at a hackathon, and the impact of social media on his career. Fuyuto shares insights on managing multiple projects, the importance of policy in healthcare, and his vision for the future of medicine, emphasizing the need for community-centric approaches and sustainable healthcare solutions. Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com Email: nick@reroutedpod.com Instagram: @rerouted_pod LinkedIn: Rerouted Fuyuto LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuyuto-miyake-md/ Fuyuto X: https://x.com/FuyutoMiyake?s=20 Keywords AI in healthcare, innovative solutions, medical technology, healthcare systems, career paths, hackathon, social media impact, time management, policy in healthcare, future of medicine Takeaways Fuyuto Miyake is a resident physician focused on AI in healthcare. He believes technology can help fix systemic healthcare issues. Curiosity and problem-solving are key to learning programming. Participating in hackathons can showcase skills and ideas. Social media can significantly enhance professional visibility. Networking can lead to unexpected career opportunities. Policy is crucial for implementing effective healthcare solutions. AI will play a transformative role in future medicine. Community-level data can drive healthcare improvements. Sustainable healthcare systems require innovative city planning. Sound bites "AI tools to improve healthcare systems" "Triage is very important" "My posts reached around 500,000 impressions" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fuyuto Miyake 01:04 Journey into Medicine and AI 04:31 Hackathon Experience and Triage Application 06:40 Impact of Social Media and Networking 10:07 Current Projects and Future Aspirations 18:28 Policy, AI, and the Future of Medicine

    27 min
  5. JAN 7

    How to Make and Sell a Consumer Product with Abdullah Ikram

    In this episode, Nicholas Karamanian interviews Abdullah Ikram, a university student and entrepreneur who transformed his personal experience with back pain into a successful business by designing an orthopedic pillow. Abdullah shares his journey from identifying a market need to navigating the complexities of product design, manufacturing, and marketing. He emphasizes the importance of trust in supplier relationships, the challenges of balancing academic responsibilities with entrepreneurial ambitions, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in business. Abdullah also discusses his future aspirations and the potential for market expansion beyond the UAE.Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com Email: nick@reroutedpod.com Instagram: @rerouted_pod LinkedIn: Rerouted Product Link: https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B0C85PYM29?ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_RXV1SEFTC7DEPXE5J79C Keywords entrepreneurship, orthopedic pillow, manufacturing, marketing, university student, business challenges, product design, Amazon FBA, UAE, back pain Takeaways Abdullah turned his personal struggle with back pain into a business opportunity. He designed an orthopedic pillow specifically for people with back pain. The journey of entrepreneurship involves making mistakes and learning from them. Finding a reliable manufacturer is crucial for product success. Abdullah emphasizes the importance of trust in supplier relationships. Marketing strategies must adapt to different cultural contexts. Balancing academic responsibilities with business ambitions is challenging but essential. Setting deadlines for business goals helps maintain focus and direction. Collaboration with established entities can enhance credibility and market reach. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to entrepreneurial success. Sound bites "Comparison is the thief of joy." "You need capital to start off with this." "You have to document the whole thing." Chapters 00:00 The Birth of an Idea: From Pain to Product 03:25 Designing the Solution: The Creation Process 06:22 Manufacturing Insights: Collaborating with Factories 08:49 Navigating the Market: Finding the Right Audience 11:37 Logistics and Fulfillment: The Amazon Model 14:44 Growth Challenges: Learning from Experience 17:31 Building Trust: The Importance of Reputation 20:25 Future Directions: Setting Goals and Deadlines 26:53 Exploring Market Differences: UAE vs. US 29:34 Navigating Logistics and Market Entry 34:23 The Importance of Local Knowledge in Business 37:26 Balancing Academia and Entrepreneurship 42:11 Funding Your Business: Lessons Learned 44:44 Starting Your Entrepreneurial Journey 46:00 The Importance of Continuous Improvement 47:50 Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Challenges

    48 min
  6. 12/10/2025

    Tech Sales, to Product, to All-In Startup Founder of Learvo: Aneesh Ramamoorthy

    Follow, Rate, Like, Subscribe! Summary In this conversation, Aneesh discusses his journey as a startup founder and the mission of Learvo, an education technology company aimed at making learning more engaging and personalized. He shares insights from his first startup experience, the transition from sales to product management, and the importance of customer discovery in building a successful product. Aneesh also addresses the challenges of recruitment in startups, the impact of AI on education, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com Email: nick@reroutedpod.com Instagram: @rerouted_pod LinkedIn: Rerouted Aneesh's Email: aneesh@learvo.com Learvo: learvo.com Takeaways Learvo aims to make learning fun and motivating for students. Customer discovery is essential for validating startup ideas. Recruitment is a continuous process in startups. Adaptability is crucial for navigating the startup landscape. AI will play a significant role in the future of education. Perseverance is key to overcoming challenges in startups. Competition can drive innovation and improvement. Experimentation is necessary for growth and success. Understanding different learning modalities can enhance education. Seek diverse perspectives and advice to inform your journey. Sound bites "Experimentation is vital for growth." "Seek advice from various perspectives." "Find what motivates you and follow it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Learvo and Its Mission 02:45 Aneesh's Startup Journey: From College to Entrepreneurship 06:12 Transitioning from Sales to Product Management 09:03 The Impact of College Experiences on Startup Ideas 12:09 Navigating the Job Market: Breaking into Product Management 14:50 The Importance of Customer Discovery in Startups 17:49 Recruitment Challenges in Early-Stage Startups 21:05 The Origin Story of Learvo 23:50 Building a Product: From Ideation to Customer Validation 27:01 Lessons Learned in Product Management 29:55 Adapting to Evolving Technology in Startups 39:07 Navigating Startup Challenges 40:43 The Startup Lifestyle: Work-Life Balance 43:08 The Future of Education: Evolving Classrooms 51:31 Advice for Aspiring Startup Founders 57:51 Finding Purpose in Career Choices Keywords Learvo, education technology, startups, customer discovery, product management, entrepreneurship, AI in education, recruitment challenges, startup advice, future of learning

    58 min
  7. 11/19/2025

    Odd Jobs, to Dental Hygiene, to HR: Angie Stacey

    Follow, Rate, Like, Subscribe! In this conversation, Angie Stacey shares her inspiring journey from being a dental office manager to her current roles at Brunswick, highlighting her late entry into college, the challenges of balancing family and education, and her growth in the HR field. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, setting boundaries, and pursuing fulfillment in both personal and professional life. Website: https://www.reroutedpod.comEmail: nick@reroutedpod.comInstagram: @rerouted_podLinkedIn: Rerouted Takeaways Angie transitioned from a dental office manager to HR roles at Brunswick. She started her college education later in life after being laid off. Balancing family responsibilities with education was a significant challenge. Angie graduated with a 3.9 GPA while raising a child and working. She learned the importance of self-advocacy in her career. Angie emphasizes that money isn't everything in choosing a career. She encourages others to seek fulfillment in their work and life. Curiosity is a key trait for successful interns. Setting boundaries and learning to say no is crucial for well-being. Angie's journey reflects the importance of support from family and mentors. Keywords career journey, HR, education, work-life balance, personal growth, internships, dental hygiene, Brunswick, self-advocacy, life lessons Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Brunswick Corporation 01:14 Angie's Early Career Journey 04:30 Transitioning to College and Dental Hygiene 08:26 Challenges and Triumphs in Dental Hygiene School 11:53 Starting a Career in Dental Hygiene 15:49 Navigating Changes in the Dental Office 17:47 The Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Hygiene 21:40 Transitioning to Brunswick Corporation 23:07 Exploring New Opportunities in HR and Education 25:27 Navigating Career Development and Education 28:55 Reflecting on Past Challenges and Support Systems 30:29 Transferring Skills from Dentistry to HR 32:38 Learning to Say No and Setting Boundaries 34:34 Validation in Career Transitions 36:29 Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace 39:08 Looking Back: Would You Change Your Path? 41:42 Keys to Success for Interns 45:49 The Competitive Landscape of Intern Recruitment 48:40 Final Thoughts on Fulfillment and Career Satisfaction 50:47 Empowering Your Career Journey

    51 min

About

Welcome to Rerouted, the podcast where host Nicholas Karamanian interviews unique guests to explore their uncommon and non-linear career paths. We discuss the highs and lows, the critical moments, and the key skills and lessons learned that have shaped the journey. Whether you're looking for a career pivot, the start of your path, or just an interesting story, this podcast is the place for you.