Career in Progress

About Career in Progress

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.

Publisher

Purnima Krishnamurthy

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Jun 2025

Latest episode

12 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Jan 2026

   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, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/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.

2. 

   22 Dec 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalpana-mohan-57a2963/), 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 (https://kalpanamohan.substack.com/) and So Much to Say (https://kalsomuchtosay.substack.com/), 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

3. 

   1 Dec 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.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/) ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/) ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg) #CareerInProgress #Podcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #FutureOfWork #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #AITrends #Innovation #WorkplaceCulture #AIForBusiness #TechLeadership #CareerGrowth #MindsetMatters #ChangeManagement

4. 

   22 Oct 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaileshkaravadra/)— 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.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/) ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/) ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg) #CareerInProgress #PodcastLaunch #Leadership #FutureOfWork #Mentorship #EY #LearningJourney

5. 

   8 Sept 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aruntrivedi/)- 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.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/) ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/) ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg) #CareerInProgress #Podcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #FutureOfWork #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #AITrends #Innovation #WorkplaceCulture #AIForBusiness #TechLeadership #CareerGrowth #MindsetMatters #ChangeManagement

6. 

   21 Jul 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmcdbrown/) Learn more about Ananta- Jyotsana's exciting upcoming production Ananta tickets (Learn more about Ananta- Jyotsana) Let’s connect: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnima-krishnamurthy-0299978/) ⁠https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/careerinprog/) ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@CareerInProg)

7. 

   7 Jul 2025

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

   Author Jacqueline Brown discusses self-leadership and owning your voice with host Purnima Krishnamurthy, offering tips and frameworks for building confidence and creating a personal brand in this interview.

8. 

   23 Jun 2025

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

   Engineering leader Sriram Subramanian shares insights on standing out in technical interviews, building a culture of experimentation in the AI era, and transitioning into leadership, in an interview.

9. 

   9 Jun 2025

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

   Prashanthi Ravanavarapu discusses simplification techniques, effective pitching strategies, and purposeful leadership with Purnima Krishnamurthy in this interview, providing listeners with actionable career development insights.

10. 

    5 Jun 2025

    Career in Progress - Trailer

    Host Purnima Krishnamurthy introduces Career in Progress, a podcast offering honest stories and practical strategies for listeners to actively learn, evolve, and build career-thriving skills; this is a trailer.

Who has been a guest on Career in Progress

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jacqueline Brown
• Sriram Subramanian
• Prashanthi Ravanavarapu

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

19

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Career in Progress

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Career in Progress