Shameless Careers

Hosted by Varia Pechurina

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Oct 2026

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About the show

A podcast about:1) How to figure out what you REALLY want to do 2) How to choose between corporate / startups / entrepreneurship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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59 recent

October 5, 202633 min

58: From Lawyer to AI Founder: Is AI Making Entrepreneurship More Accessible?

As AI reshapes knowledge work, does entrepreneurship become more accessible? Tatiana brings a rare perspective to this conversation: she began her career as a corporate lawyer, became a repeat tech founder, while also pursuing AI research at the University of Oxford. Her work on large language models began before the launch of ChatGPT, giving her a first-hand view of the technology’s evolution from an emerging field of research to a force reshaping professional work. In other words, she’s experienced this shift from three sides: knowledge worker → AI researcher → entrepreneur. Tune in to hear us discuss: 1. How AI is changing the value of knowledge and expertise 2. Why AI is lowering the barriers to starting a business 3. Why easier to build ≠ easier to build a defensible business 4. Why domain expertise matters even more in the AI era 5. The joys and trade-offs of entrepreneurial life ================================= #ArtificialIntelligence #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfWork #AIEntrepreneurship #AIFounder ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. © Shameless Careers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 3, 202646 min

57: Forget the Career Ladder - Meet the Career Backpack | Career Pivot to Startups and Entrepreneurship

The career ladder is simple: see the next promotion. Climb towards it. But in the latest episode of Shameless Careers, Nadine Gisdon - who went from finance to fintech and now runs a business in the tokenization space - shares a different way to think about building a career: the Career Backpack. The idea? Don't optimise JUST for your next title. Optimise for the skills and experiences that compound over time. Sometimes that means: - A lateral move instead of an upward one - Going back to education - Taking a pay cut to enter a faster-growing industry Less linear. More uncertain. The upside? - More career optionality - A greater sense of adventure - A richer, more distinctive set of skills that's far harder to replicate And the best part is: you don't need a career pivot to start building your Career Backpack. It can be as simple as worrying less about your next title and putting more energy into getting involved in projects that will strategically grow your skills, network, and perspective. Because in a world that's changing faster than ever, the most important question might no longer be: "When is my next promotion?" It might be: "What skills and experiences am I adding to my Backpack today to make my career future-proof?" ================================= ✅ Stay connected with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ ✅ Stay connected with Nadine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-gisdon-8094338b/ ================================= #CareerPivot #Entrepreneurship #CareerBackpack #CareerChange #StartupCareer #CareerAdvice #CorporateToStartup #CareerDevelopment #FutureOfWork #fintech ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. © Shameless Careers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 29, 202636 min

56: How to Get Promoted Fast Without Sacrificing Your Life | Amazon Leader's Framework

I’ve always been curious about what creates the greatest career leverage - both when you're climbing towards a senior leadership role and once you get there. And I’ve never heard anyone explain it more clearly than Michael Erhard, a senior leader at Amazon, in this episode of the Shameless Careers podcast. Michael built teams from zero to 50+ people, scaled engineering and automation portfolios from $1M to $3.3B, and was promoted four times in under six years into global leadership roles. In our conversation, he breaks it down in a super clear and structured way: 🔥What actually gets you promoted to senior leadership (it's simple: there are three things you need to start doing alongside your core responsibilities) 🚀How to multiply your impact as a leader once you get there - without sacrificing your health, family, or personal life After this conversation, the roadmap will be clear. The only thing left is to put it into action. What has been the single biggest factor in getting promoted for you? Please share in comments ================================= ✅ Stay connected with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ ✅ Stay connected with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-erhard/ ================================= #GetPromoted #CareerGrowth #Leadership #CareerAdvice #LeadershipDevelopment ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 202641 min

55: She Left Banking → Built Startups | How to Transition Into Early Stage Companies

Imagine you have three more years to live - what would be your next career move? That’s the question the guest of the latest Shameless Careers episode, Winsie Chen, asked herself after three people she knew unexpectedly passed away. At the time Winsie had a promising career: 10 years in banking in Singapore, a CFA, a great network, and a clear banking career path. Deep down, though, she knew finance was no longer fulfilling - and that she still had a dream of moving to London. So - after asking herself the question above - she bought a one-way ticket to Europe: without a job (or a plan), deciding that she would simply. figure. it. out. In this conversation we talk about: ✅ What is it really like to give up a decade of investment in your career path ✅ How she realised finance had run its course - and what gives her meaning instead ✅ How Winsie thought that all she could do was “spreadsheets” - until she realised how much value she could bring to early-stage startups ✅ Why standard job applications to startups didn’t work - and what worked instead ✅ The dramatic difference between career and comp trajectories in corporate and early-stage startups ✅ How stand-up comedy made her more comfortable with failure - and bigger life decisions This episode brings up a question: What is risk? Doing the craziest career move possible - just like what Winsie did - or spending your limited time on an autopilot, once you’ve realised your previous career has lost its meaning? Would love to hear your take on it in comments! ================================= #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #TakeTheLeap #PersonalGrowth #FounderStory #WomenInBusiness #CorporateToStartup ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 7, 202624 min

54: Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Watch This Before You Quit

One of my favourite episodes yet on the Shameless Careers podcast is out - with Karim Chedid, Managing Director and Investment Strategy Lead, EMEA. We discuss a refreshingly simple - but shockingly profound - idea for this day and age: “If you find yourself having doubts about your career track, you’d be surprised by HOW MUCH can be done within your exact current seat to make it feel closer to 100% fulfilling”. Why? So often, at the very first sign of dissatisfaction, the human mind jumps to: “BIG CHANGE IS NEEDED. URGENTLY.” When, in fact, the opposite is needed - take a “microscope,” and patiently investigate: “What is it, SPECIFICALLY, that is missing right now?” And more often than not, that one thing is surprisingly fixable from right where you are: ✅Changing how you do your job (e.g. bringing in more creativity and storytelling, just like Karim did) ✅Seeking out new experiences and exposure (taking on new projects, joining company boards) ✅ Etc. etc. And EVEN if a bigger change is needed, at least you will know what it is exactly that you are looking for. Einstein once said (and we trust Einstein): “If I had one hour to save the world, I would spend 55 minutes defining the problem and five minutes solving it.” So why not listen to him - and to the tips from Karim and myself on this podcast episode :) ================================= #CareerGrowth #CareerFulfillment #PurposeAtWork #CareerAdvice #LeadershipMindset ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 9, 202623 min

53: How to Network to Grow Your Career (Without Feeling Fake or Awkward)

Want to get better at networking without feeling fake, awkward, or salesy? In this episode of Shameless Careers, an executive and career coach Jeremy Cline shares practical networking strategies that actually work - whether you're looking for new opportunities, growing your career, or expanding your professional circle. We break down how to approach networking events with confidence, how to start meaningful conversations, how to follow up effectively, and the simple question that can instantly expand your network. In this episode: • How to network without asking for a job • Simple conversation starters that work • How to build genuine professional relationships • Networking mistakes most people make • How AI can help you find the right people • The most powerful networking question you should always ask If networking has ever felt uncomfortable or forced, this episode will completely change how you think about it. 🔔If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help more professionals discover Shameless Careers. ================================= Stay connected with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ Stay connected with Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjcline/ ================================= #networking #careergrowth #careeradvice #jobsearch #networkingtips #professionaldevelopment #careersuccess #personalbranding #leadership #selfimprovement #careertips #professionalgrowth #businesspodcast #successmindset ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 22, 202633 min

52: From High Performer to Senior Leader: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

The biggest mistake high performers make after becoming senior leaders? They keep doing instead of leading. This is exactly what I unpacked in the latest episode of the Shameless Careers podcast. I spoke with David Feld - executive coach to leaders at JP Morgan, Ford, Schroders, Fidelity, and BNY Mellon - about the mindset shifts that separate strong operators from strong leaders. Here are the ideas that stayed with me most: • Why personal brilliance stops being the main metric at senior level • Why continuing to "do" becomes the hidden career trap • A simple way to identify which actions actually drive results • Why “thinking time” is not a luxury - but a leadership necessity • Why people decisions often matter more than business decisions • Why overconfidence can quietly become your biggest career risk Honestly? This conversation alone probably saved me years of trial and error. If you're in (or aiming for) senior leadership, this episode is full of practical ideas you can apply immediately. ================================= Stay connected with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ Stay connected with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfeld-coaching/ ================================= #Leadership #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #CareerAdvice #LeadershipSkills #HighPerformers #growthmindset ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 25, 202632 min

51: How to Become a Startup Advisor Without Quitting Your Job | Fractional Work Guide

Many corporate professionals want to break into the startup ecosystem - but quitting their job feels too risky. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to. And yes - you can get paid to do it. In this episode of Shameless Careers, we explore fractional work - the fast-growing model where senior professionals advise startups alongside their full-time roles, earn premium day rates, and build multiple income streams (often combining cash and equity). I’m joined by Roei Samuel - investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Connectd, one of the UK’s fastest-growing platforms connecting experienced professionals with high-potential startups. After building and exiting his company, RealSport, in a multi-million-pound acquisition, Roei began advising startups and realised there needed to be a smarter way for corporate leaders to transition into startup advisory. That’s how Connectd was created. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What fractional work really means - and how to become a startup advisor ✅ How it can future-proof your career (even in the age of AI) while helping you explore your next move ✅ Why fractional is no longer just 'career cushioning' - but a strategic career move for ambitious professionals ✅ The real numbers: typical fractional executive day rates - and how to increase your upside through startup equity ✅ Whether corporates support side advisory roles (often, they do) ✅ How to actually get started - and why Connectd can be a powerful entry point 🔥JOIN CONNECTD - LINK FOR PROFESSIONALS https://landing.connectd.com/uk-referral-page-been-referred?connector_name=40G3WW 🔥JOIN CONNECTD - LINK FOR STARTUPS https://landing.connectd.com/uk-startup-been-referred?connector_name=40G3WW If you’re curious about advising startups, building a portfolio career, earning beyond a single salary, or staying close to innovation without leaving your job - this episode is your roadmap. ============================= #FractionalWork #StartupAdvisor #FutureOfWork #PortfolioCareer #CareerChange #ShamelessCareers #Startups #FractionalExecutive #AIAndJobs #careerfreedom ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. © Shameless Careers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 18, 20260 min

Quick ask: if you are a regular listener, lets connect! (details below)

Hi guys, I am planning episodes for 2026, and would LOVE to hear from you if you are a regular listener! (Specifically, would love to connect with you and ask why you are listening to Shameless Careers, what resonates with you most and what you would like to hear more of) Please get in touch if you would be up for a chat - my insta account is below (just drop me a message there): Instagram: shameless_careers Looking forward to hearing from you! Best, Varia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 9, 202642 min

50: How to Get Into Y Combinator and Build a Biotech Company from Scratch

🚀 How do you actually get into Y Combinator - and what does it really take to build a venture-backed startup? In this episode, I sit down with Miroslav Gasparek, CEO & co-founder of Sensible Biotechnologies (a Y Combinator-backed biotech company) and a member of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list. Miro shares the unfiltered truth about getting accepted into Y Combinator after multiple attempts, what YC really looks for in founders, and why building a startup is far harder - and more meaningful - than most people realise. In this conversation, we break down: - How to get into Y Combinator (what actually matters vs. fluff) - What YC partners look for in founders and ideas - The biggest mistakes that kill startups early - What it REALLY takes to build a venture-backed startup - beyond skills and talent - Why startup life can feel like torture (and why founders still choose it) - How to stay resilient under extreme pressure - and why failure is not a career killer - Why true fulfilment isn’t status, awards, or press If you’re: ✔️ Applying to Y Combinator ✔️ Building or thinking about a startup ✔️ Raising venture capital ✔️ Curious what separates successful founders from everyone else - this episode is for you. 👍 If you liked this episode - please do share it with a friend and rate it on your favourite podcast platform. I would really appreciate it! ================================= ✅ Stay connected: 👉 With me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/ 👉 With Miroslav: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miroslavgasparek/ ======== #YCombinator #StartupAdvice #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #YCStartup #StartupMindset #Founders #BiotechStartup #DeepTech #YCApplication #RaisingCapital ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided. © Shameless Careers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.