Ever taken the “sensible” path… and realised it wasn’t actually your path?

This week, we’re joined by Krishana — founder of Kasa Café and host of the Kasa Connect podcast — who did exactly that. After ditching a classic corporate career (and even turning down a shiny AI startup), Krishana took a leap into hospitality to build something far more aligned: a café rooted in community, connection, and purpose.

We talk about what it really takes to back yourself when comparison is loud, the resilience needed in the brutal early months of hospitality, and how burnout, competition, and outside noise forced Krishana to double down on her strengths — turning Kasa into a hub for events, conversations, and community.

💭 TOP TAKEAWAYS

• Choosing alignment over status (even when it’s risky)

• Having conviction in a world of constant comparison

• Navigating burnout, setbacks & the early days of building something new

• Letting go of external pressure to find your real USP

• Why community can be your biggest competitive advantage

If you’ve ever felt pulled between what looks good on paper and what actually feels right — this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us for more:

TikTok → ⁠⁠@notonmycvpod⁠⁠
Instagram → ⁠⁠@notonmycvpod⁠⁠

This week, Maya and Olivia sit down with Dinushi — a former fintech co-founder turned product lead at JPMorgan Chase, and a product mentor at BrainStation (and on TikTok: @thenewproductmanager).

Dinushi’s career hasn’t followed a straight line. From studying medicine, to accidentally co-founding a fintech startup, to now building AI-driven products inside one of the world’s biggest banks — her path has been shaped by curiosity, taking chances, and saying yes before feeling “ready”.

In this episode, we get into what it’s really like finding startup energy inside a corporate giant, transitioning between careers, and building a role that blends product, tech, and impact. We also talk mentoring in tech — why you don’t need 20 years of experience to start, and how becoming a mentor early can shape your own growth just as much as others’.

💭 TOP TAKEAWAYS

• Career transitions & finding the right work environment
• Finding startup pace and ownership inside a corporate environment
• What working in product actually looks like day-to-day
• Becoming a mentor earlier in your career — and why it matters
• The realities of relocating to the US — visas, mindset, and balance

This episode is honest, insightful, and full of perspective for anyone figuring out their next move — without a perfectly mapped-out plan – and interested in product and tech.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple.

Follow us now for more:TikTok → @notonmycvpod

Instagram → @notonmycvpod

This week, Maya and Olivia sit down with someone very special — family, super-fan, and one of the most dynamic (yet ridiculously humble) people in the startup game.

Rohan Bedi has built his entire career inside high-growth startups: from leading sales and marketing straight out of uni, to shaping strategy in data & AI, to joining a pre-seed AI startup where he rose to COO. And because “chill” clearly isn’t in his vocabulary, he’s now the CEO of an AI consulting startup — while advising YC-backed Lightdash on GTM operations.

If you’re curious about how to progress quickly in startups, deal with the tough moments, make an impact, and navigate the world of AI — all while seeing what startup life really looks like behind the glossy LinkedIn updates — this episode is for you. 

TOP TAKEAWAYS

• What it’s actually like joining a startup straight out of university 
• The highs, lows, and chaos behind scaling startup
• Navigating high-pressure moments and how to approach tough decisions  
• Betting on AI: how conviction drives bold career leaps and real impact 
• Moving fast without losing sight of your values 
• Dropping ego and prioritising output over recognition

This one’s honest, energising, and packed with real talk about building, leading, failing, pivoting, and choosing the life you want — even when it means stepping into the unknown. 

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us for more: 

TikTok → ⁠⁠@notonmycvpod⁠⁠ 

Instagram → ⁠⁠@notonmycvpod

Ever hit every milestone you thought would make you happy… and still felt that quiet “so what?”

This week, we’re joined by Selena — born in Italy, lived in 7 countries, and now working in sales at Amazon — to unpack the moment she realised that a perfectly planned life still wasn’t a fulfilling one.

Together, we break down the difference between having a plan and having a purpose — and why chasing timelines won’t satisfy you if they’re not aligned with who you are at your core.

We get into the messy middle of it all: mental breakdowns, therapy, vulnerability, and the wake-up calls that force you to finally stop running on autopilot.

💭 TOP TAKEAWAYS

• Why a perfect plan won’t make you happy if it lacks purpose

• What it feels like to be out of alignment (and how to recognise it)

• How self-awareness can rebuild your sense of direction

• Letting go of timelines and choosing what actually matters

• How purpose fuels motivation more sustainably than hustle ever could

If you’ve been chasing achievement without asking why — this one’s for you.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us for more: 

TikTok → ⁠@notonmycvpod⁠ 

Instagram → ⁠@notonmycvpod

Ever wondered what it really takes to go freelance, build a brand from scratch, and grow online without burning out? 

This week, Maya and Olivia sit down with Leonora Gomes — founder, content creator, and creative all-rounder — to talk about the highs, lows, and learnings behind starting a business and running a social media agency.

From working with dream clients like Molton Brown and CocoMelt to managing burnout and learning how to work with family, this one’s packed with honest truths and great advice for anyone trying to make their mark online. 

TOP TAKEAWAYS

• How to go freelance and find your first clients 
• Building a brand and community that actually connects 
• Staying creative (and sane) when social media is your job 
• Going all in on yourself and realising your true calling
• Lessons from starting a business and pivoting to a digital agency 
• Social media tips that actually work in 2025

If you’re figuring out your next move, growing a business, or just obsessed with social media strategy — this one’s for you. 

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

 Follow us for more:
 TikTok → @notonmycvpod
 Instagram → @notonmycvpod

Ever looked at someone doing what you dream of — and felt that sting of envy?

This week’s guest, Anushi, knows that feeling all too well. A full-time lawyer and podcast host, she shares how she turned that envy into action — and what it really takes to build something from scratch while juggling a demanding career. 

TOP TAKEAWAYS

• Why perfectionism keeps us from starting the things we love
• How to turn envy into motivation instead of comparison
• The realities of running a side hustle while working full-time
• Staying committed when motivation fades
• Finding fulfilment in passion projects (not just productivity)

If you’ve been sitting on an idea, waiting for the “right time” — this one’s your sign to just start. 

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out Anushi's podcast, @every_muse_, to hear the stories of magical women!

Follow us for more:

TikTok → @notonmycvpod

Instagram → @notonmycvpod

This week we’re joined by Imogen Leslie — a community builder, creative all-rounder, and straight-talker who’s just entered her very own Eat Pray Love era.

After building thick skin starting her career in tech recruitment, Immy transitioned into sales at a retail tech company, and most recently worked across all functions at Dream Factory — a creative studio for scaling brands. She also runs a Supper Club on the side (because of course she does) and has just quit her job to travel around Australia. 

This one’s for anyone who’s navigating tough times at work, figuring out their next career move or wanting to take that first small step towards their dream.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• How sales teaches you resilience 
• Character-building from joining a startup (even the non-sexy ones) 
• Finding the common thread across all your career chapters 
• Taking imperfect leaps and trusting your gut 

 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us for more:

 Instagram → @notonmycvpod
 TikTok → @notonmycvpod

Maya and Olivia kick off Season 2 with a chaotic, unfiltered catch-up on their very non-hot-girl summers. From unexpected life changes to health drama (and a dash of hypochondria), they share the highs, lows, and messy middles of keeping it together when life feels anything but polished.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Reassurance that it’s okay not to be okay
• Why high-functioning depression isn’t always visible
• Fresh perspective on navigating career shifts and life transitions
• Reframing setbacks as part of growth
• Why acceptance is sometimes the most productive move

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us for more:

TikTok → @notonmycvpod

Instagram → @notonmycvpod

Maya and Olivia wrap up Season 1 with an honest, lighthearted reflection on their podcasting journey and the inspiring conversations they've had so far. Covering all the chaos of getting started to the lessons, laughs, and unexpected moments along the way.

They revisit the biggest takeaways from their incredible guests — covering everything from navigating early career moves to staying true to yourself — and share the behind-the-scenes reality of launching a podcast, rom-com moments and all.

A funny, unfiltered, and useful recap to celebrate Season 1 and all the growth that came with it :)

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

07:00 Rapid Fire Round (with a twist)

19:35 Not On My CV Playbook: Learnings from our Speakers

34:09 BTS: Realities of Building Not On My CV

41:25 Reflecting on our Podcasting Journey

Maya and Olivia sit down with Siena, the founder of the FIGS community, to discuss the intricacies of building a successful community, the importance of meaningful connections (and how to build them), and what it takes to be your own boss.

Siena shares her journey from struggling with dating apps to creating a thriving Queer community and offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of making your side hustle your main hustle.

Tune in for a conversation filled with hilarious anecdotes, practical advice, and a focus on pursuing your passion.

00:00 Intro

07:43 Introducing Siena

09:46 This or That: Rapid Fire Round

16:03 Themes & Deep Discussions

16:23 Meeting New People and Making Connections

27:00  Launching over Endlessly Ideating (& Building a Community 0 to 1!)

32:42 Community Building - The Day Job

34:34 Pivoting & Finding Product-Market-Fit

41:12 Turning your Side Hustle into your Main Hustle

48:46 Signs you should Be Your Own Boss