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What does it take to build a career in finance, become an entrepreneur, and eventually create the freedom to choose what comes next? In this episode of Unblur the Path, I speak with entrepreneur, financial expert and author Al Zdenek about finance careers, accounting, wealth management, entrepreneurship, mentorship, leadership and financial freedom. Drawing on decades of experience, Al shares practical lessons for students, young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs: how to explore career options, why mentors matter, how to understand cash flow, when to pivot, how to choose the right business partners, and why your first career choice does not have to define your entire working life. We also discuss the advice he would give his 20-year-old self, the importance of learning from setbacks, and why a successful career is ultimately about creating more choices for yourself. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:06 What does career success really mean?03:36 From geology to accounting and entrepreneurship05:27 Asking for help, mentorship and financial independence07:44 Career advice for 18–20 year olds09:47 CPA, accounting and wealth management explained12:30 Making better financial and career decisions14:38 Personal finance vs business finance17:15 Starting a wealth management company & understanding cash flow19:04 Essential skills for young entrepreneurs22:00 Selling a company after nearly 40 years25:03 Choosing business partners and preparing to sell28:28 What makes a good leader?30:03 Building Cake Club and learning to pivot36:04 Failure, reinvention and changing direction41:03 Advice to his 20-year-old self44:00 Final career advice: experiment, take risks and dream big Keywords:finance careers, career in finance, finance career advice, accounting career, wealth management career, wealth management, financial planning, financial freedom, financial independence, entrepreneurship, entrepreneur mindset, young entrepreneurs, business finance, cash flow management, personal finance, financial literacy, career advice, career guidance, career advice for students, career advice for young adults, career choices, choosing a career, career planning, career pivot, career change, mentorship, leadership skills, business leadership, Al Zdenek, Cake Club, Unblur the Path

What happens when the career you spent 20 years building no longer feels like the life you want? In this episode of Unblur the Path, I speak with Ritu, who spent two decades as a pharmacist before changing direction at 40. Her journey took her into education, charity work and the creative world. Today, she is a trustee at One Kind Act, a volunteer-led charity that has raised over £4 million, and also serves on the advisory board of the UK Asian Film Festival. We talk about what it takes to change careers later in life, how a charity grows from its earliest fundraisers, the work behind running a film festival, and why purpose does not have an age limit. Ritu also shares how One Kind Act grew from a £150 home cinema fundraiser to major events raising hundreds of thousands of pounds — and why meaningful work, contribution and creativity have made her sixties one of the busiest and most fulfilling phases of her life. This is a conversation about career reinvention, passion, volunteering, social impact, creativity and having the courage to begin again. 00:00 Introduction 01:45 What Does Passion Mean? 03:21 20 Years as a Pharmacist 04:21 Changing Careers at 40 05:38 Moving Into Education & Teaching 07:07 Finding Purpose Through Charity and Film 08:54 How One Kind Act Began 12:17 Who Does One Kind Act Help? 14:58 How Do You Start a Charity? 16:54 Building a Team, Network & Community 19:15 From a £150 Fundraiser to £320,000 21:30 How a Growing Charity Plans Ahead 23:38 Joining the UK Asian Film Festival 27:42 How Film Festivals Find & Select Films 32:29 Challenges, Creativity & Social Impact 37:59 Finding Purpose and Reinventing Life in Your 60s career change, career change at 40, career reinvention, second career, finding purpose, life after 40, life after 60, women changing careers, pharmacist career change, pharmacy career, education career, charity work, charity sector, how to start a charity, One Kind Act, nonprofit leadership, volunteering, social impact, charity fundraising, UK Asian Film Festival, Asian film festival, film festival careers, how film festivals work, British Asian creatives, creative careers, women in leadership, purpose after retirement, meaningful work, career journey, career podcast, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth

Is university the only route after A-levels? In this episode of Unblur the Path, I speak with Jenika, a Business Analyst Apprentice at BMW Group, about why she chose an apprenticeship and what the experience has actually been like. Jenika discovered apprenticeships while she was in sixth form and decided to apply without knowing whether she would even get through the selection process. Today, she is combining professional work, study and qualifications while gaining experience in financial services at BMW Group. We discuss how she approached her GCSE and A-level choices, the value of trying different activities before deciding on a career, and why work experience does not necessarily have to come from a prestigious company to be useful. Jenika also explains the apprenticeship application process, including online assessments, interviews, presentations and group interviews, and shares how she prepared herself for a highly competitive selection process. We explore: • Apprenticeships vs university• Choosing A-levels when you are unsure about your career• Work experience and volunteering for students• How to strengthen an apprenticeship application• Apprenticeship interviews and assessments• Using LinkedIn and networking as a student• Working and studying at the same time• What a Business Analyst actually does• Apprenticeship levels, qualifications and exams• Moving away from home at 18• Managing work, study, finances and independent living• Earning your first salary• Whether university may still be an option later Jenika’s experience shows why students should understand all the routes available after school before deciding what is right for them. If you are a student considering your options after GCSEs or A-levels — or a parent trying to understand apprenticeships — this episode will give you a useful first-hand perspective. Follow Unblur the Path for more conversations that help students understand careers, pathways and the choices that shape them. 00:00 Introduction01:50 Meet Jenika: Business Analyst Apprentice at BMW Group03:17 How Jenika Discovered Apprenticeships05:16 Not Knowing What Career You Want During GCSEs07:18 Why Work Experience and Volunteering Matter08:31 Choosing A-Levels and Keeping Options Open12:08 Why Jenika Chose an Apprenticeship Over University15:55 How to Strengthen an Apprenticeship Application18:59 Applications, Assessments and Interviews20:17 Starting an Apprenticeship at BMW Group23:59 What to Expect on Your First Day at Work25:43 Moving Away From Home at 1828:04 Apprenticeship Levels, Qualifications and Exams31:43 What Does a Business Analyst Do?34:26 Would Jenika Consider University Later?36:06 The Most Challenging Part of Her Journey37:17 Apprenticeship Awards, Parliament and Career Highlights39:58 Receiving Her First Salary41:26 Final Takeaways [apprenticeship vs university, university vs apprenticeship, BMW apprenticeship, BMW Group apprenticeship, business analyst apprenticeship, Business Analyst career, apprenticeships UK, apprenticeship after A levels, apprenticeship after sixth form, alternatives to university, career options after A levels, degree apprenticeship, Level 4 apprenticeship, apprenticeship application process, apprenticeship interviews, apprenticeship assessment, apprenticeship work experience, work experience for students, LinkedIn for students, networking for students, apprenticeship qualifications, apprenticeship exams, earn while you learn, financial services apprenticeship, careers for teenagers, career guidance for students, career guidance for parents, GCSE career choices, A level career choices, student careers UK, Unblur the Path, Jenika BMW]

What happens when a doctor trained in modern medicine and psychiatry begins studying Ayurveda? In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Gauri Saha of RebalanceNow, we explore how her experience in psychiatry led her towards Ayurveda, and how she now brings these different systems of understanding health together in her work. Dr. Gauri explains how Ayurveda looks at the individual through Vata, Pitta and Kapha, why she believes mental and physical health cannot be separated, and why understanding a person's constitution can offer a different perspective on lifestyle, behaviour and wellbeing. We also discuss something deeper: the relationship between health, purpose and the inner voice. Through a striking story of a successful businessman who realised he actually wanted to be a gardener, Dr. Gauri explores what can happen when the life we build is disconnected from what genuinely gives us meaning. The conversation then moves into practical Ayurveda for modern life: digestion, gut health, eating habits, water intake, sleep, circadian rhythm, Dinacharya, exercise, self-massage or Abhyanga, and why one-size-fits-all wellness advice may not work for everyone. Dr. Gauri also addresses an important question from her perspective as a medically trained doctor: How does she reconcile Ayurveda with the evidence-based approach of modern medicine? She explains why she sees the two disciplines as complementary, while also recognising where medical intervention is necessary. In this episode, we discuss: Ayurveda and psychiatry Mental health and the mind-body connection Vata, Pitta and Kapha Gut health and digestion Food and water according to Ayurveda Sleep and circadian rhythm Dinacharya — the Ayurvedic daily routine Abhyanga and self-care Purpose, hobbies and spirituality Ayurveda and scientific evidence Preventive health Why wellness should be personalised Dr. Gauri's journey also offers an important career lesson: sometimes a career does not require abandoning everything that came before. A new direction can instead deepen and expand the knowledge and experience you already have. Guest: Dr. Gauri SahaPractice: RebalanceNowPodcast: Unblur the Path with Lakshmi Seth 00:00 – Ayurveda, Psychiatry & Dr. Gauri Saha's Journey02:28 – Why She Decided to Study Ayurveda06:43 – Do You Need Sanskrit to Learn Ayurveda?07:52 – How Psychiatry and Ayurveda Complement Each Other13:34 – Mind, Body, Soul & the Ayurvedic View of Health15:00 – Can Living Against Your Purpose Affect Wellbeing?20:00 – Why Hobbies Are Not a Luxury21:12 – Spirituality, Purpose & Feeling Grounded23:48 – Why Ayurveda Is Relevant in Modern Life28:13 – What Surprised a Medical Doctor About Ayurveda34:37 – Ayurveda and Scientific Evidence37:33 – Gut Health, Food & Preventive Health41:44 – Dinacharya: The Ayurvedic Daily Routine45:01 – Sleep, Exercise, Abhyanga & Seasonal Living49:03 – Career, Health & Purpose: Closing Reflections [Dr Gauri Saha, Gauri Saha, RebalanceNow, Rebalance Now, Dr Gauri Saha RebalanceNow, Ayurveda, Ayurveda podcast, Ayurveda explained, Ayurveda for beginners, Ayurveda UK, Ayurveda and psychiatry, Ayurveda and mental health, psychiatrist Ayurveda, holistic health, integrative medicine, preventive health, mental wellbeing, mind body connection, mind body soul, gut health, gut brain axis, Ayurveda gut health, Ayurveda digestion, Vata Pitta Kapha, doshas explained, Ayurvedic body types, Ayurveda sleep, circadian rhythm, Ayurveda daily routine, Dinacharya, Abhyanga, Ayurvedic self massage, Ayurveda diet, Ayurvedic eating habits, personalised health, lifestyle medicine, modern medicine and Ayurveda, Ayurveda scientific evidence, purpose and wellbeing, spirituality and health, healthcare careers, doctor career journey, psychiatry career, studying Ayurveda, Ayurveda courses UK, career transition doctor, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth podcast, career guidance podcast Alternate SEO TitleSpotify DescriptionSpotify ChaptersSpotify SEO Keywords]

Neha Rai Mathur never planned to become a lawyer. She spent years preparing for medicine and even received an MBBS admission. But by then, a backup law entrance exam had already opened another door — and Neha chose law. More than 20 years later, she is an estate and succession-planning lawyer, helping individuals and families plan how assets, wealth and legacies pass to the next generation. In this episode of Unblur the Path, Neha takes us through what studying law is actually like, why internships matter, how law-firm placements work, the different career paths available after a law degree, and how she moved from law firms and corporate law into estate planning. We also discuss her LLM in Singapore, career progression, daily work as a lawyer, work-life balance, motherhood, financial independence and the skills students need if they are considering law. One of the strongest lessons from Neha’s journey: Plan B is not always a compromise. Sometimes it becomes the path that fits you better than Plan A ever could. This episode is especially useful for students considering law, parents exploring career options with their children, first-generation lawyers and anyone whose career has taken an unexpected turn. 00:00 Meet Neha Rai Mathur02:41 From Medicine Aspirant to Law Student06:46 What Studying Law Is Really Like10:28 Does Law Require Memorisation?16:55 Internships and Finding the Right Area of Law24:40 Getting Your First Job After Law School30:01 Career Options After a Law Degree38:12 LLM in Singapore and International Exposure42:46 Moving into Estate and Succession Planning51:35 Career Progression and the Work of a Lawyer1:01:11 Balancing Career, Motherhood and Family1:08:45 Financial Independence and Advice for the Next Generation [Neha Rai Mathur, career in law, how to become a lawyer in India, law career in India, law school India, lawyer career journey, career options after law, BA LLB careers, jobs after LLB, corporate lawyer India, litigation vs corporate law, judiciary career India, estate planning lawyer, succession planning India, estate planning India, family office lawyer, law internships India, law firm placements, LLM Singapore, studying law abroad, first generation lawyer, women in law, female lawyer India, lawyer work life balance, financial independence for women, career Plan B, Plan B success story, doctor to lawyer, career pivot, career advice for students, careers for teenagers, student career guidance, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth]

What is it really like to become a doctor — and what happens when life takes your career in a completely different direction? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi speaks with Dr Gauri, a medical doctor with nearly three decades of experience in health and wellness, including 15 years in psychiatry in the UK. Dr Gauri shares her journey from studying medicine in Bombay to taking a career break to raise her family, moving countries, requalifying as a doctor in the UK through PLAB, and eventually building a career in psychiatry. This conversation is especially useful for students considering medicine, parents supporting career decisions, overseas doctors thinking about requalifying in the UK, and anyone questioning whether it is too late to restart after a break. We discuss the reality of MBBS, medical college, cadaver labs, hospital exposure, psychiatry, burnout, work-life balance, motherhood, identity, and the courage to change direction. This is Part 1 of Dr Gauri’s journey. In Part 2, we explore how her psychiatry background led her towards Ayurveda, diet, lifestyle and preventive health. Chapters: 00:00 Preview: Doctor, Psychiatry & Ayurveda 01:33 Introduction to Dr Gauri’s Journey 02:29 From Doctor to Ayurvedic Practitioner 03:57 Why a Doctor Looked Beyond Allopathy 06:20 How Asthma Led Her Towards Ayurveda 10:04 Why Gauri Chose Medicine 13:24 Is MBBS Really Difficult? 16:47 First Day in the Anatomy Lab 21:21 Challenges of Medical Training 26:49 A Career That Did Not Follow a Straight Path 30:16 Choosing Family and Taking a Career Break 33:27 Returning to Medicine in the UK 36:00 Why Gauri Chose Psychiatry 39:10 What Psychiatry Taught Her 46:43 Burnout, Vulnerability and Changing Paths 50:15 What’s Coming in Part 2 [doctor career journey, psychiatrist career, psychiatry career, medicine career, MBBS journey, medical college experience, career break, returning to medicine, PLAB UK, overseas doctor UK, doctor requalifying in UK, women in medicine, motherhood and career, burnout in medicine, work life balance for doctors, mental health career, Ayurveda practitioner, doctor to Ayurveda, healthcare careers, career guidance for students, careers for teenagers, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth]

In Part 2 of Sai’s conversation on Unblur the Path, we explore what a career in marketing and branding really looks like. Sai explains the difference between sales and marketing, how B2B marketing works, what brand teams actually do, and why marketing is not just about making things look good. She also shares her journey across analytics marketing, digital solutions, insurance, banking and brand leadership, along with lessons on curiosity, self-doubt, learning, support systems and work-life choices. A useful episode for students, parents and professionals exploring marketing, branding or corporate career paths. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome Back to Sai’s Story00:12 – Sales vs Marketing Explained02:31 – How Sai Entered Marketing04:29 – What a Marketing Job Really Looks Like05:20 – Brand, Demand Generation and Communications08:40 – Marketing Technology and Creative Teams11:29 – Managing Marketing Across Cultures13:22 – Sai’s 14-Year Marketing Journey19:10 – Marketing Across Business Verticals22:27 – Moving into Brand Leadership22:54 – Rebranding a Global Company27:53 – Understanding the B2B Customer28:34 – Why Research Matters in Marketing30:01 – Rapid Fire: Books, Skills and Career Lessons34:30 – Reflections on Career, Self-Doubt and Support40:06 – Work-Life Balance and Career Seasons [marketing career, branding career, B2B marketing, sales vs marketing, brand strategy, business marketing, marketing jobs, corporate marketing, career growth, women in leadership, work-life balance, AI in marketing, career guidance, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth podcast]

How do you build a career when the path you planned keeps changing? In Part 1 of my conversation with Sai Natarajan, Global Head of Brand at Genpact, we trace a career journey that began with a strong interest in marketing but moved through software, pre-sales, statistical modelling, consulting and inside sales before eventually leading back to marketing and brand leadership. Sai speaks openly about choosing marketing, studying for an MBA, dealing with rejection, becoming a manager at 25, learning unfamiliar skills, returning to work after motherhood and creating opportunities by volunteering before feeling fully ready. We also discuss why you do not always need to discover one clear passion before choosing a career, how introverts can build confidence in public speaking, what an MBA really teaches beyond academics, and why building skills can matter more than constantly chasing the next promotion. This episode is especially relevant for students, MBA aspirants, young professionals and anyone trying to make sense of an uncertain career path. Part 1 ends with a question that leads directly into the next episode: what is the difference between sales and marketing? In Part 2, we explore careers in sales, marketing and brand in greater detail, including what these roles actually involve, the skills they require and how to decide whether this field is right for you. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Sai Natarajan, Global Head of Brand at Genpact02:34 – Why She Chose Marketing11:12 – Do You Need to Find Your Passion?12:50 – What an MBA Really Teaches You20:18 – How an Introvert Becomes a Confident Speaker26:47 – Her First Marketing Internship30:00 – Career Rejection and Landing the First Job38:50 – Joining Genpact and Learning a New Skill43:23 – Becoming a Manager at 2547:04 – The Power of Volunteering for Opportunities49:58 – Build Skills, Not Just Promotions52:22 – What Consulting Really Involves57:09 – Motherhood, Career Breaks and Returning to Work1:00:24 – Finding Her Way Back to Marketing [marketing career, career in marketing, MBA career options, brand marketing, Global Head of Brand, Genpact, Sai Natarajan, career journey, MBA experience, consulting career, career advice for students, career guidance, career change, finding your passion, introvert success, public speaking confidence, women in leadership, working mother career, brand leadership, Unblur the Path]

In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth continues her conversation with Deepa Kirpalani on the 11+ journey. After discussing grammar schools in the previous episode, this second part focuses on independent schools — how the exams work, how they differ from grammar school exams, what parents need to know about online assessments, written papers, creative writing, interviews, scholarships and bursaries. Deepa also explains how parents can support children emotionally during the process, especially after grammar school exams, during independent school preparation, and when final results arrive. This episode also covers how families can make the final school decision by looking beyond rankings and exam results. Deepa discusses the importance of school fit, commute, pastoral care, extracurricular opportunities, open days and involving the child in the decision. A useful episode for parents preparing for the 11+, grammar school exams, independent school entrance exams, interviews and secondary school choices in the UK. 🎁🎁 Special Bond Online Premium (CENTURY Tech) offer 🎁🎁 CENTURY Tech has shared a special offer for Unblur the Path viewers: a seven-day free trial followed by 20% off the first month’s subscription. Click the link - https://shorturl.at/Q7KJK To receive the discount code, leave a question for Deepa in the comments along with your email address. 🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: From grammar schools to independent schools00:58 How independent school exams are different02:27 Online rounds, written papers and interviews03:29 Independent school application timelines04:19 Application fees parents should know about05:00 Preparing for online independent school exams06:15 Past papers and school-specific formats06:58 Standard format papers and creative writing08:05 Why parents must research each school09:54 Independent school scholarships explained11:47 Scholarship vs bursary12:35 Preparing after grammar school exams13:21 When children need a break16:03 Round two and interview preparation18:23 What schools look for in interviews20:09 Introverted children and interviews22:06 Handling independent school results23:14 Grammar school offers vs independent school offers24:49 Choosing the right school for your child26:14 Why children should be part of the decision27:29 Emotional challenges during the 11+ journey30:23 Social media pressure on parents31:29 Handling disappointment after results34:01 What matters beyond GCSE and A-level results37:17 Open days and what parents should look for39:05 Why visiting schools early can help [11 plus, 11+, 11 plus UK, 11 plus preparation, independent school exams, independent school entrance exams, 11 plus independent schools, grammar school exams, grammar school vs independent school, 11 plus interview, independent school interviews, 11 plus scholarships, independent school scholarships, school bursaries UK, creative writing 11 plus, standard format papers, online 11 plus exams, secondary school admissions UK, UK school admissions, school open days, choosing secondary school, best school for child, 11 plus parents, 11 plus journey, Unblur the Path, Deepa Kirpalani, Lakshmi Seth ]

Is the 11+ right for every child? And are parents preparing for it in the right way? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth speaks with experienced 11+ tutor Deepa Kirpalani about the grammar school 11+ journey. Deepa explains why the 11+ is not only an exam for children, but also a process that requires parents to be informed, realistic and emotionally prepared. From choosing the right schools to understanding catchment areas, consortiums, tutors, mock exams and exam formats, this conversation gives parents a clear roadmap through the grammar school process. We discuss when preparation should begin, what groundwork children can build from Year 3, how to choose target schools, why mock scores should be treated as indicators rather than final predictions, and how parents can support their child without turning the journey into unnecessary pressure. Deepa also shares a powerful reminder: children may forget their mock scores, but they will remember how their parents supported them throughout the journey. In the next part of this conversation, we will discuss the independent school process in more detail, including applications, exams, interviews and results. A practical episode for parents beginning—or already navigating—the 11+ journey. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Is the 11+ Right for Every Child? 02:12 When Should 11+ Preparation Begin? 05:42 Should Every Child Take the 11+? 07:27 Grammar, Independent and Super-Selective Schools 11:01 Catchment Areas and Consortiums Explained 16:45 Common Mistakes Parents Make 19:29 How to Choose the Right 11+ Tutor 21:04 How Many Schools Should Parents Apply To? 25:13 School Reputation vs the Right Fit 32:55 Making the 11+ Journey Less Stressful 40:18 Subjects, Online Resources and Exam Formats 43:43 Mock Exams and Time Management 50:50 Preparing for Different Grammar School Exams 54:45 Henrietta Barnett and QE Boys Explained 59:27 Managing the Wait for Results 1:03:56 CAF Form and School Ranking 1:06:01 National Offer Day and Next Steps [11 plus, 11+ exam, 11 plus preparation, grammar school, grammar school admissions, 11 plus grammar school, 11 plus tutor, Deepa Kirpalani, 11 plus parent guide, 11 plus mistakes, 11 plus mock exams, grammar school catchment, 11 plus catchment area, school consortiums, when to start 11 plus preparation, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, 11 plus maths, 11 plus English, super selective schools, Henrietta Barnett, QE Boys, 11 plus school selection, parent pressure, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth]

SPOTIFY DESCRIPTION Can yoga become a full-time career? Can you study psychology after engineering? And what does it really take to build an unconventional career in wellness and mental health? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi speaks with Swathi, a yoga teacher and counselling psychologist, about her journey from engineering and IT to yoga teaching, psychology, counselling, and mind-body healing. Swathi explains how yoga first became part of her personal recovery, how she trained professionally as a yoga teacher, and how she later studied MSc Psychology to deepen her understanding of the human mind. She also shares the realities of freelancing, financial uncertainty, building a client network, burnout in mental health careers, and the difference between a counsellor, counselling psychologist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist. This episode is useful for students, parents, career changers, and anyone exploring careers in yoga, psychology, counselling, wellness, mental health, or holistic healing. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction01:58 Swathi’s work as a yoga teacher and counselling psychologist03:47 From engineering and IT to yoga07:59 How to study yoga professionally12:19 Life after yoga certification: training, observation and teaching14:43 Studio teaching, freelancing and building a network19:28 The real challenges: money, uncertainty and risk26:06 Yoga, science and the mind-body connection28:09 COVID, upskilling and the shift towards psychology34:01 Studying MSc Psychology after engineering38:41 Combining yoga and counselling in practice45:39 Counsellor, psychologist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist explained54:27 Advice, work-life balance and Swathi’s life mantra Listen to Swathi’s career journey on Unblur the Path. SPOTIFY KEYWORDS yoga teacher career, counselling psychologist, counselling psychology, psychology career, yoga career, yoga teaching career, how to become a yoga teacher, yoga teacher training, psychology after engineering, MSc psychology, career change from engineering, IT to yoga teacher, engineering to yoga, wellness career, mental health career, holistic healing, mind body connection, yoga and psychology, freelance yoga teacher, unconventional career, career guidance for students, counsellor vs therapist, psychologist vs psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, stress management yoga, yoga therapy, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth, Swathi yoga teacher

In this episode of Unblur the Path, Poonam Gehlot continues her inspiring career journey from nuclear engineering and systems engineering to personal growth, confidence and becoming Ms Asia Empress UK 2026. Poonam shares how she moved through the nuclear and defence industry, dealt with self-doubt, took a career break, travelled solo, learned the power of saying no, and stepped into the pageant world. This conversation is especially useful for students, parents, young professionals, women in STEM, and anyone exploring engineering careers, career growth, confidence building or personal development. We discuss nuclear engineering, systems engineering, women in STEM, career breaks, burnout, solo travel, self-doubt, public speaking, pageant journey, AI in engineering, apprenticeships vs university, and what success really means. A powerful reminder from this episode: confidence does not always come first — courage does. Chapters: 00:00 Courage, Confidence & Self-Doubt01:39 Welcome Back to Poonam’s Journey02:40 From Nuclear Engineering to Systems Engineering07:26 Desk Job vs Site Work in Nuclear Engineering09:00 Career Break, Burnout & Finding What’s Next14:26 The Power of Saying No in Your Career16:45 Overcoming Self-Doubt at Work20:12 Solo Travel, Personal Growth & Facing Fear28:59 Why Courage Comes Before Confidence31:36 Poonam’s Pageant Journey Begins36:35 The Costume Round Inspired by Her Nani39:28 Becoming Ms Asia Empress UK 202641:44 Work-Life Balance, Career Choices & Switching Companies46:29 University vs Apprenticeships in Engineering48:38 Resilience, AI & the Future of Engineering51:06 What Success Really Means53:03 Final Takeaway: Confidence Follows Courage Subscribe to Unblur the Path for honest career conversations that help students, parents and professionals make informed career decisions. [Poonam Gehlot, Ms Asia Empress UK 2026, nuclear engineer, nuclear engineering career, systems engineering, women in STEM, female engineer, defence industry career, chemical engineer, career break, burnout, self doubt, confidence building, courage over confidence, public speaking, pageant journey, South Asian women in STEM, women empowerment, career podcast, career guidance for students, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth, engineering careers, STEM careers for girls, AI in engineering, apprenticeships vs university, career growth, personal development,unblurthepath, lakshmiseth]

What does a chemical engineer actually do? And how does someone working in the UK's nuclear sector become Ms Asia Empress UK 2026? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth speaks with Poonam Gehlot, a chemical engineer, technical leader, women in STEM advocate, and Ms Asia Empress UK 2026. Poonam shares her journey from choosing chemical engineering at university to working on major projects in the nuclear industry. We discuss university applications, industrial placements, graduate careers, engineering leadership, problem-solving, and the realities of working in a highly technical field. We also explore confidence, personal growth, and why she decided to step onto the pageant stage after building a successful engineering career. Whether you're a student exploring STEM careers, a parent guiding career choices, or a professional considering a new challenge, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration. Topics covered:• Chemical Engineering• Nuclear Industry Careers• Women in STEM• University Applications & Clearing• Industrial Placements• Engineering Leadership• Problem Solving Skills• Confidence & Personal Growth• Ms Asia Empress UK 2026• Career Advice for Students [Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineer, Women in STEM, STEM Careers, Engineering Careers, Nuclear Industry, Nuclear Energy, Engineering Leadership, Technical Leadership, Graduate Careers, University Applications, Clearing UK, Industrial Placement, Career Guidance, Career Podcast, Women in Engineering, Female Leadership, Problem Solving, Personal Growth, Confidence Building, Mrs Asia Empress UK 2026, Poonam Gehlot, Engineering Management, Students, Career Advice, Unblur the Path]

What does it really take to build a career in acting? In Part 2 of this conversation with Ashwini Kinhikar, we explore her journey from Radio Jockey to actor, theatre artist, model, writer, and presenter. Ashwini shares how she completed 100 monologues in 100 weeks, landed her first acting roles, navigated auditions and agents, handled rejection, and built a creative career in the media industry. We also discuss the differences between theatre and film acting, the importance of mentors, confidence, resilience, modelling at London Fashion Week, and why waiting for validation can hold us back from pursuing our dreams. Whether you're interested in acting, media, theatre, broadcasting, or simply curious about unconventional career paths, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes of a creative profession. Topics covered:• Acting careers• Theatre vs film acting• Auditions and agents• Handling rejection• Radio presenting• Modelling and London Fashion Week• Mentorship and personal growth• Building confidence• Creative careers and media industry Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: From Radio Jockey to Actor 02:11 The Pandemic, 100 Monologues & Finding Acting 08:14 Breaking into Acting: Agents, Auditions & Rejection 20:05 Films, Theatre & Life as a Working Actor 25:39 Theatre vs Film Acting: Skills, Preparation & Mindset 32:30 Mentors, Writing & Personal Growth 42:26 London Fashion Week, Reinvention & Following Dreams 57:55 Final Reflections: Validation, Success & Life Lessons [acting career, actor, theatre actor, theatre career, film acting, acting auditions, acting agents, radio jockey, radio presenter, media career, creative careers, modelling, London Fashion Week, personal growth, career podcast, career guidance, career exploration, women in media, resilience, mentorship, Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar, storytelling, broadcasting, entertainment industry, creative professions, acting journey, career change, following your dreams, confidence building]

What does a career in radio and media really look like behind the microphone? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar shares her journey from becoming a news anchor at just 18 to building a career as a radio presenter, MC, voiceover artist, storyteller, actor, and writer. We explore the skills required for a career in media, what happens behind the scenes of a radio show, how presenters connect with audiences, the importance of communication skills, handling mistakes on air, and the role of empathy in broadcasting. Ashwini also shares a powerful story about how a message delivered during one of her radio shows helped change someone's life. Whether you're considering a career in media, radio presenting, acting, public speaking, voiceovers, or content creation, this conversation offers an honest and practical look at the profession. Topics covered: Radio presenter careerNews anchoringMedia industry insightsCommunication skillsPublic speakingVoiceover careersStorytellingConfidence buildingCareer breaks and reinventionBehind the scenes of radio🎙️ Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Ashwini Kinhikar. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ashwini Kinhikar & Media Careers 03:02 Wearing Many Hats: Actor, RJ, MC, Voiceover Artist & Storyteller 04:15 Childhood Dreams and Becoming a News Anchor at 18 06:07 The Skills Required for News Anchoring 09:45 Balancing Studies, Jobs and Media Work 12:28 Marriage, Family Life and a 13-Year Career Pause 15:16 Finding Her Way Back Through Community Anchoring 17:02 How the Radio Journey Began 19:41 What Radio Presenters Actually Do Behind the Scenes 20:55 The Radio Show That Helped Save a Life 26:11 Connecting with Listeners Through Empathy and Communication 32:09 Mistakes, Growth and the Reality of Working in Radio [media careers, radio presenter, radio jockey, RJ career, news anchor, media industry, communication skills, public speaking, voiceover artist, acting career, storytelling, broadcasting, career guidance, career podcast, women in media, content creator, presenter, anchoring, confidence, Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar, Lakshmi Seth, career exploration, career journeys, jobs explained, media professional, radio career, communication, personal growth, career change, career development]