Aarna's News | Inspiring and Uplifting Stories of Women In STEM

Aarna's News | Inspiring and Uplifting Stories of Women In STEM

By Aarna SahuEducation
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Aarna's News | Inspiring and Uplifting Stories of Women In STEM episodes

  • 051 Lauren Green: Adapting to Change & The Power of Initiative

    Join us as we delve into the world of business operations with Lauren Green, a talented Business Analyst at PayPal. Discover the power of resourcefulness as Lauren shares her insights and experiences in this dynamic field. Explore the myth-busting realities and ever-changing nature of business operations. Gain practical advice on networking, problem-solving, and personal growth. Get inspired to unlock your own resourcefulness and excel in the exciting world of business operations.

    Contact Us:

    • https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews
    • https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/
    • 23 min
    • 050 Kirthiga Reddy: Success Beyond the Cookie-Cutter: From Engineer to Executive

      Welcome to Episode 50!! Thank you so much for being a part of Aarna's News and listening to this thriving platform in bridging the gender gap in STEM!

      If you're a person who constantly thinks these 2 questions...

      1. How can I navigate my career path in a way that aligns with my passions and aspirations?
      2. What strategies can I employ to overcome challenges and setbacks in my professional journey?
      3. Then fear not, for this episode is truly one to be heard!

        In this captivating episode of Aarna's News, we dive into the extraordinary career journey of Kirthiga Reddy. From her early days in a Silicon Valley HPC company to becoming the first female Investment Partner at SoftBank Vision Fund, Kirthiga's story is filled with remarkable accomplishments and unexpected turns. Tune in as she debunks the myth of a cookie-cutter formula for success, shares valuable insights on embracing career twists and turns, and emphasizes the power of a supportive network. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to carve your own path towards success. Don't miss this empowering episode of Aarna's News!

        Resources Mentioned:

        • How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
        • How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
        • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
        • Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
        • The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion by Elle Luna
        • Contact Us:

          • https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews
          • https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/
          • 35 min
          • 049 Mercedes Soria: From Paper and Pencil to Artificial Intelligence & Learning in the Digital Age

            How can individuals stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in the ever-evolving field of technology? What are some effective ways to overcome challenges and obstacles in a technology career?

            Join us on Episode 49 of Aarna's News as we feature the incredible Mercedes Soria, Executive Vice President and Chief Intelligence Officer at Knightscope. In this captivating episode, Mercedes shares her inspiring journey in the world of technology, breaking barriers and defying stereotypes along the way. Discover the power of curiosity and adaptability in the fast-paced tech landscape, and gain practical tips to overcome challenges and excel in a technology career. Get ready to be motivated and empowered by Mercedes's story of resilience and determination. Tune in now to Aarna's News and let's bridge the gender gap in STEM together!

            Resources:

            • Grace Hopper Convention
            • Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom
            • The Singularity Is Nearer by Ray Kurzweil
            • Contact Us:

              • https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews
              • https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/
              • 34 min
              • 048 Nicole Alonso: Navigating the Startup World: The Inspiring Journey of a Young Tech Entrepreneur

                What does it take to transition from being a college student to a successful tech entrepreneur? How can you navigate the complex and ever-evolving tech industry?

                In this episode, we delve into Nicole's remarkable career journey, starting from her early fascination with neuroscience and her surprising discovery of a passion for coding. As she shares her story, listeners will gain insights into the pivotal moments that changed the trajectory of her life. Nicole's experience defies conventional expectations and serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike. Through her guidance, listeners will gain practical strategies to navigate the startup world and thrive in the tech industry.

                Join us as we explore the vital factors that propelled Nicole from a college student to a successful co-founder and CTO. From the power of decision-making to the significance of embracing feedback and building a strong network, Nicole reveals the insights that have shaped her professional journey. Through her experiences, listeners will discover the transformative impact of self-awareness, continuous learning, and taking calculated risks.

                Resources:

                • The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness by Eric Jorgenson
                • Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
                • Contact Us:

                  • https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews
                  • https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/
                  • 36 min
                  • 047 Alekhya Pochiraju: From Lab Coats To Leading The Bioengineering Landscape

                    In this episode of Aarna's News, host Aarna Sahu sits down with Alekhya Pochiraju, the Senior Clinical Product Development Lead at Genentech, a renowned figure in the field of bioengineering. Alekhya shares her fascinating career journey, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in the ever-evolving bio-technology industry. She debunks common myths about her profession and emphasizes the diverse career paths available. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the future of personalized medicine, the role of biomarkers in cancer therapeutics, and the power of networking and building a community. Join us for an inspiring conversation that challenges stereotypes and encourages aspiring professionals to pursue their dreams in STEM. Tune in to Episode 47 of Aarna's News to hear Alekhya's expertise and advice that can help shape your own career path in the field of the Sciences.
                    What You'll Learn:

                    1. The importance of lifelong learning and adaptability.
                    2. The value of networking and building relationships with professionals in similar fields.
                    3. The diversity of career paths in bio-technology and the existence of other fields within the niche.
                    4. Contact Us:

                      • https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews
                      • https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/
                      • 28 min
                      • 046 Sukrutha Bhadouria: Struggling ≠ Failing, Engineering Leadership and Gender Diversity in Tech

                        In this inspiring episode, we dive into the world of engineering leadership and gender diversity in the tech industry with our special guest, Sukrutha Bhadouria. As the Director of Engineering at Salesforce and the Chief Technology Officer at Girl Geek X, Sukrutha is a passionate advocate for changing the world for girls and promoting gender diversity in technology. Join us as Sukrutha shares her remarkable career journey and the importance of enjoying your studies or work to excel in your chosen field. She debunks the myth that expertise is always a prerequisite for success and encourages taking risks to pursue a path that brings true happiness. Get ready for invaluable insights and advice on navigating the tech industry, seizing opportunities, and leveraging your strengths. Tune in to this episode to gain inspiration and practical tips from Sukrutha Bhadouria's wealth of experience and leadership in engineering. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that aims to eliminate the gender gap in STEM fields and uplift women in tech!
                        What You'll Learn:

                        1. It's important to enjoy and have a positive attitude towards your studies or work.
                        2. It's okay to pivot and take risks in your career.
                        3. Expertise is not always a prerequisite for success.
                        4. Resources Mentioned:

                          • The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Hardcover
                          • Contact Us:

                            • https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews
                            • https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/
                            • 32 min
                            • 045 Dhana Bala: Navigating the Tech Landscape & Embracing Change

                              Welcome to Episode 45 of Aarna's News, where we bring you inspiring stories of remarkable women in STEM. In today's episode, we have a very special guest, Dhana Bala, the Chief Technology Officer at PacerPro. Dhana is an engineering leader with a wealth of experience in architecting and delivering distributed software systems for prominent corporations like Deep Sentinel, Illumio, Aruba Networks, and Motorola. Emphasizing that it's never too late to change your passions and that it's okay for your interests to evolve over time, she encourages individuals to prioritize their passions over job security and to make adjustments in life to pursue what truly drives them. Join us as Dhana shares her wisdom and experiences, offering a unique perspective on career development, the pursuit of passions, and breaking gender barriers in the world of technology. This episode will inspire and motivate you to embrace change, follow your passions, and strive for success in the STEM fields.

                              What You'll Learn:

                              1. Pursue new opportunities by being open to new experiences and embracing change in order to adapt to new challenges.
                              2. Why you should still prioritize your passions in the midst of job security.
                              3. The importance of staying updated with technological advancements.
                              4. Resources Mentioned:

                                • Return on Character by Fred Kiel
                                • Moral Intelligence by Fred Kiel
                                • Contact Us:

                                  • https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews
                                  • https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/
                                  • 35 min
                                  • 044 Karthika Purushothaman: Prioritizing Goals & Finding Balance and Success in Tech Careers

                                    In this episode of Aarna's News, host Aarna Sahu welcomes Karthika Purushothaman, Vice President of Engineering at Gander, to share her incredible journey in the technology industry. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing goals, continuously learning and developing one's skillset, and investing in meaningful relationships within the workplace. As a passionate advocate for women in technology, Karthika's contributions extend beyond her professional achievements. She serves as a Tech Advisor to Cambodia through the Tech2Empower program, empowering women-based NGOs with technology tools and techniques. Karthika has also inspired students at the Harpswell Foundation and actively participates in tech training sessions conducted by WAKE. Tune in to Aarna's News and get ready to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Karthika Purushothaman, Vice President of Engineering at Gander.

                                    What You'll Learn:

                                    1. The importance of continuous learning and skill development.
                                    2. The value of building relationships and finding supportive colleagues.
                                    3. The importance of prioritizing your goals and being honest with yourself about your career choices.
                                    4. Resources Mentioned:

                                      • Masters of Scale by Reid Hoffman
                                      • Digital Age by Eric Schmidt
                                      • Contact Us:

                                        • https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews
                                        • https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/
                                        • 18 min
                                        • 043 Sonar Thekdi: Finding Success Beyond the Box & Building Your Own Personal Brand

                                          Join us as we explore the inspiring career journey of Sonar Thekdi, Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Google Core. In this episode, Sonar shares valuable insights on trusting instincts, building a strong network, and embracing continuous growth.

                                          Discover how Sonar's instinct-driven approach led her to solve complex problems by bringing people together. Learn the importance of mentors, sponsors, and a diverse network for career success. Challenge gender stereotypes as Sonar emphasizes the support women can provide each other, while also valuing male mentors.

                                          Uncover the power of curiosity and continuous learning in navigating the ever-changing professional landscape. Embrace the idea of unlearning and relearning to adapt and thrive. Get inspired to dream big and strive for the impossible as Sonar shares her experiences and lessons learned.

                                          Join us on Aarna's News as we dive into Sonar Thekdi's remarkable career journey, offering actionable insights for those navigating uncharted paths, building networks, and embracing personal and professional growth.

                                          What You'll Learn:

                                          1. Trust your instincts & pursue uncharted paths.
                                          2. Build a diverse network & seek mentorship early on.
                                          3. Be curious and embrace continuous learning.
                                          4. Resources Mentioned:

                                            • Radical Candor by Kim Scott
                                            • Contact Us:

                                              • https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews
                                              • https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/
                                              • 37 min
                                              • 042 Harita Yenisetty: Breaking Barriers & Embracing Failure

                                                In this empowering episode, host Aarna Sahu interviews Harita Yenisetty, an accomplished Engineering Leader passionate about driving innovation in the tech industry. Harita shares valuable insights on embracing failure, the importance of coaching and mentorship, achieving work-life balance, and debunking common myths about gender representation in tech. Join us for an inspiring conversation that will equip you with actionable advice and motivate you to succeed in STEM. Listen now to unlock your full potential in STEM today.

                                                What You'll Learn:

                                                1. The importance of embracing failure. It's a skill to expand one's horizons in different areas and is an opportunity to learn and grow rather than being something to be afraid of.
                                                2. The need for coaching and mentorship to support individuals in their career journey.
                                                3. Balancing personal and work commitments via prioritizing what is important, setting boundaries, and learning to say no when necessary.
                                                4. Resources Mentioned:

                                                  • Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
                                                  • Lead Dev Podcast
                                                  • HBR Women at Work Podcast
                                                  • Contact Us:

                                                    • https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews
                                                    • https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/
                                                    • 31 min

                                                    About Aarna's News | Inspiring and Uplifting Stories of Women In STEM

                                                    From the publisher's feed

                                                    Hosted by Aarna Sahu, Aarna's News is a collection of stories from brilliant women themselves in the STEM industry--that is, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and everything in between.…