January 21, 2025

412. Daddy's Legacy, Purdue Brilliance, and Powering Energy Kirti Chintalapudi

1 hour 1 minute

"Growing up with that name, I always felt like my destiny was to be famous in some way."

"Organization is like a huge strength of mine."

"I do want to scale this business into more sustainable alternative energy."

Kirti Chintalapudi joins Reena Friedman Watts in an insightful episode of the Better Call Daddy podcast, where they explore the intersections of engineering, family legacy, and personal growth.

Kirti, an engineer and Purdue alumna, shares her unique journey from working in the semiconductor industry to joining her father's oil and gas business. Her story is one of adaptability, passion for sustainability, and the drive to expand her family's business into new realms.

In this episode, Kirti opens up about her experiences at Purdue University, where she found her voice and passion for sustainability, even leading the Boiler Green Initiative. She reflects on her transition from semiconductors to oil and gas, highlighting the cultural and industry-specific adjustments she's made along the way. Kirthi also discusses the importance of organization in her work and how her upbringing and educational background have shaped her career path.

The conversation delves into the differences between Silicon Valley's fast-paced environment and the more traditional, relationship-focused oil and gas industry. Kirti shares her aspirations to expand her family's business into sustainable energy and pharmaceuticals, while also exploring her cultural roots through a potential podcast on Hindu mythology. Reena's father, Wayne Friedman, adds his wisdom, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, communication, and the legacy of father-daughter collaboration. He praises Kirti's ambition and her ability to blend personal and professional interests, highlighting the show's core message of family connection and personal growth.

(00:00) Reena Friedman Watts hosts the Better Call Daddy podcast with her dad

(02:10) Is there any story behind your name or significance? Yes, there is

(04:39) You went to Purdue and worked on some interesting projects

(07:08) Organization is a huge strength of mine as an industrial engineer

(14:08) There are a low number of women engineers in Purdue's graduating class

(19:55) There's a huge emphasis on relationship building in oil and gas

(24:54) Working with my dad has been very interesting. We have a very close relationship

(29:00) Despite being focused on oil and gas, Al is passionate about sustainability

(34:01) How did you pick Purdue? That is such a good question. I'd applied to a bunch of schools

(40:19) Going back to Purdue is a special place for me. It's changed so much

(43:32) Do you think Purdue alumni connections could help your business in Texas

(46:21) You were born in Dubai and grew up in Oman

(48:16) Flying back from India to Oman was such a culture shock

(48:41) What did you learn on your trip to India about Hindu festivals

(54:36) What do you think your dad's favorite part about working with you is

Connect with Kirti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirti-c/

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:

- Website: bettercalldaddy.com

- LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts

- Twitter: @reenareena

- Instagram: @Reena Friedman Watts

- Instagram Podcast: @bettercalldaddypodcast

Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, cultural exploration, and the powerful bond of family. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who values personal growth and the wisdom of family connections.

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By Reena Friedman Watts

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