The Hustle Chapters

Hosted by Phani Sai Ram M

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Mar 2025

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About the show

Have you ever wondered how Successful Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders always seem to make the right decisions? "The Hustle Chapters" is your ultimate guide to understanding the Science of Decision-Making in the Technology and Business Worlds. Join us as we sit down with some of the brightest minds in the industry to break down the strategies and tactics behind their most critical decisions. We explore every aspect of decision-making to help you make smarter choices and achieve greater success. Tune in to "The Hustle Chapters" and join the elite ranks of decision-makers in tech and business.

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25 recent

March 1, 2025Episode 2320 min

The Duolingo Handbook: Building a 100-Year Brand

Welcome to an inside look at Duolingo! This episode dives into the heart of what makes Duolingo tick, drawing from key principles and practices outlined in the Duolingo handbook.Here's a taste of what's covered:The Mission and Culture: Discover Duolingo's mission to provide the best education in the world and make it universally accessible, shaped by a unique culture born from experimentation and a passion for learning.Core Principles: Explore the five key principles that guide Duolingo's decisions and operations. These principles aren't just aspirational but are lessons learned through experience.Taking the Long View: Learn why Duolingo prioritizes long-term user retention over short-term gains, focusing on building a "forever product". This includes making strategic decisions about advertising, investing in teaching quality, and setting proficiency standards.The Green Machine: Understand Duolingo's unique approach to building things, emphasizing staffing with great people, defining success, setting guardrails, building feedback loops, executing with urgency, and doubling down on what worksMaking It Fun: Discover how Duolingo uses gamification, design, and a quirky brand to make learning enjoyable and engaging7.... The discussion also highlights the importance of characters like Duo in creating an emotional connection with learners.Shipping It: Find out how Duolingo maintains a rapid pace of experimentation and improvement, shipping new versions of its apps weekly and running hundreds of experiments10. The episode also covers the concept of "clock speed" and the importance of ruthless prioritization.Show, Don't Tell: Learn how Duolingo emphasizes data-driven decision-making and clear communication, prioritizing results over opinions. The episode also touches on the use of TL;DRs and prototypes. Raising the Bar: Explore Duolingo's commitment to excellence in all areas, from product and design to hiring and culture18.... This includes maintaining high standards for quality, assigning ownership, and giving candid feedbackThis episode is powered by Google’s NotebookLM, which helped us aggregate insights and structure this conversation. And if you’re curious to go deeper, check out The Duolingo Handbook directly — handbook.duolingo.com

February 22, 2025Episode 2227 min

Ep22: Mridula Kidiyur: From Big Four Consulting to Product Management at Walmart — Lessons in Leadership and Finding Your Passion

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from consulting to product management—and find your dream role along the way? In this episode, I sit down with Mridula Kidiyur, now a Product Manager at Walmart, to explore her inspiring career journey from India to New York, her eight years at a Big Four consulting firm, and how she discovered her passion for technology-driven impact. From navigating career pivots to finding her footing in product management, Mridula shares the challenges, lessons, and wins that shaped her path.What You’ll Learn👉 The art of career transitions: How Mridula identified her passion for product management and successfully pivoted from consulting.👉 Stakeholder management: Tips on building strong cross-functional relationships and driving alignment across diverse teams.👉 Decision-making lessons: Why chasing job titles isn’t enough and how to determine where your true passion lies.👉 Insights on product vs. program management: The key differences and why owning outcomes matters in product roles.Why Listen?This conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone navigating a career pivot, aspiring to break into product management, or looking to thrive in high-stakes roles. Mridula’s story is proof that finding your passion and honing relationship-building skills can lead to a fulfilling career.About Mridula:An immigrant-turned-product leader, Mridula started her career in financial consulting before taking the leap into the technology world. Now at Walmart, she’s helping define and deliver impactful solutions for consumers while staying grounded in her passion for technology and empathetic leadership.Connect with Mridula:Find her on LinkedIn (Mridula Kidiyur) to learn more about her work and career journey!

June 6, 2024Episode 2116 min

Ep21: 13-Year-Old Entrepreneur Abhishek Shanbhag on Creating Bizzlearn - Financial Literacy for Kids

In this special episode, I sit down with the remarkable Abhishek Shanbhag, a 13-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Bizzlearn, a pioneering financial literacy platform for kids. Dialing in from Ashburn, Virginia, Abhishek shares his inspiring journey of starting Bizzlearn, which aims to educate children aged 10 to 14 about finance through a gamified learning experience. Listen as Abhishek discusses his early entrepreneurial ventures, the motivation behind creating Bizzlearn, and how he balances school, sports, and running a company. He also talks about his consistent LinkedIn presence, his aspirations to stay in the field of entrepreneurship, and his admiration for iconic figures like Warren Buffett. This episode is filled with insights on leadership, time management, and the importance of financial education for young minds. Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation with one of the youngest CEOs making a significant impact in the world of finance. Connect with Abhishek on LinkedIn

March 17, 2024Episode 2027 min

Ep20: From Engineer to PM to Product Coach/Entrepreneur: The PM Skill Gap You Didn't Know You Had and How to Fix It? | Priyanka's Silicon Valley Dream

In this episode, we delve into Priyanka Upadhyay's inspiring journey from Engineer to Product Manager and currently a Product Coach @Stanford and Founder of a Coaching & Training business, Product-with-Pri. Uncover the often-overlooked PM skill gaps and learn Priyanka's proven methods for closing them. From her early days grappling with the complexities of electrical engineering to her pivotal move to the U.S. and the realization of her Silicon Valley aspirations, Priyanka's story is a testament to the power of determination and strategic career planning. Discover: Identifying and Overcoming Key PM Skill Gaps: Priyanka reveals the essential skills many PMs miss and offers actionable advice on how to acquire them. Navigating Career Transitions: Learn strategies for moving across roles, industries, and even continents, as Priyanka did on her way to success. The Role of Mentorship and Coaching: Understand the impact of seeking out mentors and coaches, as well as Priyanka's transition into coaching others based on her diverse experiences. Building and Launching Your Own Products: She also shares her insights on the importance of hands-on experience through building actual products, even for non-developers. Whether you're contemplating a leap into product management or seeking to elevate your existing PM career, this episode with Priyanka offers a roadmap filled with practical tips, motivational advice, and the insider knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic world of tech. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachpri Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProductwithPri/ Book a free 1:1 call with Coach Pri to discuss your career or leadership challenges - https://www.criya.site/productwithpri/p/1dc4074c-62fb-4b91-8f52-a68e61f15c6d Subscribe to Priyanka's Newsletter https://productwithpri.beehiiv.com/subscribe

March 10, 2024Episode 1927 min

Ep19: The Untold Truth About PM Careers: Ameya's 15-Year Journey (Netflix, Salesforce)

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from business analyst to engineering to leading the charge as a product manager? Meet Ameya Joshi, our latest guest on "The Hustle Chapters," who shares his 15-year journey from coding to customer-centric product management. Here is what we discussed: Ameya's transition, highlighting his evolution from a business analyst to a seasoned PM over 15 years. Popularity vs. Execution: Discussion on the rising appeal of product management roles, emphasizing execution and user adoption as crucial factors over mere product development. Advice for Aspirants: Ameya's insights for aspiring PMs on building domain expertise through self-education and the significance of communication/storytelling skills for success. Navigating Challenges: Exploration of the competitive nature of breaking into product management roles and strategies for demonstrating cultural fit during interviews. Empowering Insights: A compilation of questions and themes from Ameya's outreach to aspiring PMs, offering guidance on starting and excelling in the PM field. Connect with Ameya on LinkedIn Schedule a chat: Ameya on Calendly If you are not able to see link: https://calendly.com/talk-to-ameya/chat-with-ameya

February 26, 2024Episode 1827 min

Ep18: From Architecture Dreams to Product Manager: Khelan Modi's Journey into the Heart of Tech (Microsoft PM)

Welcome, Hustlers, to another empowering episode of The Hustle Chapters, where we uncover the stories behind the innovators shaping our future. Today, I'm thrilled to present the story of Khelan Modi. Dive deep with me into Khelan's transformative journey from aspiring architect to a Product Manager at Microsoft, revealing the passion, pivots, and insights that define success in the tech landscape. The Pivot from Architect to Technologist: Discover how a single course and sibling advice shifted Khelan's career aspirations from architecture to technology, leading him to the exciting world of computer science and product management. Internship Insights: Khelan shares pivotal experiences from his internships at Walmart and Microsoft, where he embraced product management roles, uncovering his knack for bridging the gap between technical challenges and innovative solutions. The Essence of Product Management: Learn about the thrill and challenges of being a PM, where every day is a quest to solve complex problems without a predefined path, requiring a blend of creativity, technical understanding, and strategic vision. The Future of Product Management: Khelan discusses the evolving landscape of product management, emphasizing the need for a balance between specialized knowledge and soft skills, and cautioning against chasing the PM title for the wrong reasons. Advice for Aspiring PMs: Get actionable advice from Khelan on how starting small side projects can be a game-changer for aspiring PMs, offering hands-on experience with defining visions, prioritizing features, and understanding user needs.

January 23, 2024Episode 1758 min

Ep17: Bosky Mukherjee (Product Coach & Founder): Pioneering Inclusivity in Tech through PMDojo - A 20-Year Journey

Join us in this exhilarating episode of 'The Hustle Chapters' as we delve into the mind of Bosky Mukherjee, a trailblazer with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry and the visionary behind PMDojo (pmdojo.me) Here's the sneak peak of this episode: Engineering's Radical Shift: Unveiling the transformation from traditional problem-solving to today's tech frontiers. The Product Management Surge: Exploring the growing allure and impact of product management in the tech world. PMDojo's Inclusive Vision: Bosky's personal crusade to champion diversity and inclusivity in tech through PMDojo. AI's Impact on Product Management: Insights into how AI is redefining skills and trends in product management. Career Mastery Tips: Bosky's ultimate advice for aspiring product managers to excel in their professional journey. Bosky Mukherjee's journey is not just about technology and leadership; it's a beacon of inspiration for anyone looking to make a mark in the product world. Tune in, absorb, and get ready to transform your hustle with wisdom from one of the best in the business! Connect with Bosky: linkedin.com/in/bosky Find PMDojo here: www.pmdojo.me I would love to hear your feedback or if you have a story to share, please reach out to me: linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam

November 19, 2023Episode 1621 min

Ep16: The 3 Pillars of Product Management with Manoj Suryadevara - Strategies, Execution, Leadership

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Manoj Suryadevara, a seasoned Product Management expert from Walmart, to dissect the 3 fundamental pillars of successful product management: Strategy, Execution, and Leadership. Manoj, with his wealth of experience, takes us through each pillar, sharing real-world examples and actionable insights. Learn how a well-crafted strategy forms the backbone of product development, the nuances of efficient execution, and the critical role of leadership in steering products to success. This episode is not just a conversation but a masterclass, offering invaluable lessons for both budding and experienced product managers. We'll also delve into how these pillars interplay in complex tech environments and their impact on customer-centric product development. Manoj’s journey exemplifies the transformation from a technical role to a product visionary, making this a must-listen for anyone aspiring to excel in the Product Management domain. Tune in to gain a holistic understanding of what it takes to build and grow impactful products in today's fast-paced tech landscape. Connect with Manoj (Guest) Connect with Phani (Host)

November 2, 2023Episode 1514 min

Ep15: From Chemical Engineering to Product Manager-Turned Founder: A 15-Minute Insightful Journey with Prashant Mahajan (Founder of Zeda.io)

Join us for a quick 15-minute journey with Prashant Mahajan, the Founder of Zeda.io, as he shares his incredible transition from Chemical Engineering to becoming a Product Manager-Turned Founder. In this insightful episode, you'll discover: The secrets behind Prashant's unconventional career path, and how it led to his remarkable success. Pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable insights for your own career. Key lessons he's learned, from product management to founding a startup, that you can apply to your own journey. Tips and advice for navigating career transitions, embracing challenges, and seizing opportunities. Top 3 actionable qualities that every aspiring Product Manager should embrace. If you're looking to unlock the secrets to a successful career transformation, gain inspiration, or find practical advice for your professional journey, this episode is a must-listen. Click play now to embark on this insightful 15-minute adventure with Prashant Mahajan. Connect with Prashant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashantmahajan31 Try Zeda: https://zeda.io Connect with me to join as a Guest Speaker or for sharing your feedback: linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam

October 16, 2023Episode 1429 min

Ep14: From Indian Army to Software Engineer to Founder @ S30 - with Jaspinder Singh's Inspiring Story : Training Students to Crack FAANMG SWE & Data Scientist Interviews

In this captivating episode of The Hustle Chapters, we delve into an extraordinary journey with Jaspinder Singh, the founder of S30. Join us as he shares his incredible transformation from a career in the Indian Army to a successful path in Software Engineering. Discover the insights and strategies he's developed at S30 to prepare students for the challenging world of FAANMG Software Engineering and Data role interviews. What is S30? S30 is a platform that trains students and working professionals with end-to-end recruitment support including networking with alumni, Resume and LinkedIn profile preparation. We unravel the remarkable origin story of S30, a game-changer in the realm of DS & Algo interview preparation. Discover what makes S30 truly unique as we delve into their exceptional approach, where success metrics are defined not by the number of enrollees, but by the incredible success rate of students landing tech jobs, with a staggering 60% securing positions at FAANMG companies every year. Join us as we explore S30's innovative methodology that structures the learning of Data Structures and Algorithms in a way that sets them apart. You'll gain a profound understanding of how they've cracked the code to preparing students for the most coveted positions in tech. But that's not all – this episode takes a glimpse into the future of software engineering and interviews. We emphasize that problem-solving skills remain at the forefront, enduring the test of time even in the face of AI and evolving technology. Prepare to be inspired and informed as we embark on this enlightening journey into the heart of tech interview preparation, with S30 as our guide. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and knowledge, a must-listen for anyone aspiring to thrive in the ever-evolving world of software engineering and tech interviews. Use "THEHUSTLECHAPTERS" coupon code to get $100 discount when you apply to S30: https://www.thes30.com/apply Reach out to Jaspinder at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaspindersingh1