Hosted by high school students Aarav Akella and Praneeth Vemuri, Professional Perspectives is a podcast built on curiosity, connection, and the belief that stories have the power to inspire change. Each episode features a conversation with professionals, innovators, and leaders from diverse industries: from finance, law, and entrepreneurship to sports, entertainment, and technology.
What started as a simple idea between two friends, to learn directly from people making an impact, has grown into a platform that bridges the gap between students and the professional world. Through thoughtful questions and genuine dialogue, Aarav and Praneeth uncover the personal journeys behind each guest’s success: the challenges they faced, the decisions that defined them, and the lessons they wish they’d known earlier. Whether it’s a startup founder sharing how they built something from scratch, a coach discussing leadership and resilience, or an executive revealing what drives their success, Professional Perspectives offers a rare, human look into what it takes to thrive in any field.
Aimed at high school and college students, and anyone eager to learn from experience rather than just textbooks, the podcast blends insight with authenticity. Every episode leaves listeners not just inspired, but equipped with practical takeaways they can apply to their own ambitions. If you’re curious about the world, passionate about growth, and ready to hear stories that make you think, Professional Perspectives is your front-row seat to conversations that matter.
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Hosted by high school students Aarav Akella and Praneeth Vemuri, Professional Perspectives is a podcast built on curiosity, connection, and the belief that stories have the power to inspire change. Each episode features a conversation with professionals, innovators, and leaders from diverse industries: from finance, law, and entrepreneurship to sports, entertainment, and technology.
What started as a simple idea between two friends, to learn directly from people making an impact, has grown into a platform that bridges the gap between students and the professional world. Through thoughtful questions and genuine dialogue, Aarav and Praneeth uncover the personal journeys behind each guest’s success: the challenges they faced, the decisions that defined them, and the lessons they wish they’d known earlier. Whether it’s a startup founder sharing how they built something from scratch, a coach discussing leadership and resilience, or an executive revealing what drives their success, Professional Perspectives offers a rare, human look into what it takes to thrive in any field.
Aimed at high school and college students, and anyone eager to learn from experience rather than just textbooks, the podcast blends insight with authenticity. Every episode leaves listeners not just inspired, but equipped with practical takeaways they can apply to their own ambitions. If you’re curious about the world, passionate about growth, and ready to hear stories that make you think, Professional Perspectives is your front-row seat to conversations that matter.
S2 Ep4 - In this episode of Professional Perspectives, we sit down with Giridhur Sriraman, Vice President of Product at Goldman Sachs, to explore his journey from studying at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to leading innovative financial products at one of the world’s top investment banks. Giridhur shares valuable insights on navigating the intersection of technology and finance, adapting to a fast-changing industry, and making career decisions that align with long-term growth. Whether you’re a student curious about fintech or an aspiring professional looking for direction, this conversation offers practical lessons on ambition, balance, and building a meaningful career.
S2 Ep2 - In this episode of Professional Perspectives, we sit down with Steve Reed, Creator of Experiences and top seller for the Minnesota Vikings. A lifelong fan turned professional, Steve has built a career around making every game-day unforgettable, meeting clients at the stadium, ensuring they feel valued, and creating memories that go far beyond the seats. His deep passion for the Vikings fuels everything he does, motivating him to connect fans to the team in a way that feels personal and genuine. Steve shares his unique journey into sales, his philosophy of relationship-driven selling, and why personalization is the key to building lasting client trust. He also breaks down the three keys he credits for his success: believing, keeping a Super Bowl mindset, and setting big goals with a clear plan. Listeners will also hear about his “aggressively casual” sales style and the importance he places on teamwork in driving results. Whether you’re in sales, sports, or simply looking for motivation, Steve Reed’s story is packed with insights, energy, and inspiration you won’t want to miss.
S2 Ep1 - In this episode of Professional Perspectives, we sit down with Dr. Chung, a dedicated dentist and passionate advocate for patient-centered care. With a background in biochemistry from UCSD and a D.D.S. from UCSF, Dr. Chung has built a career around making dentistry more comfortable, accessible, and personalized. We talk about his path into dentistry, the importance of continuous learning, and how he balances clinical work with leadership in the dental community. From advanced procedures like implants and tissue regeneration to building trust with patients, Dr. Chung shares valuable insights for anyone curious about healthcare, medicine, or building a career with purpose. Tune in as we explore what it really means to care for people, one smile at a time.
Season 2 is here, and we’re ready to bring you even more incredible stories and valuable insights! As we continue this journey, we dive deeper into the challenges, successes, and lessons shaping different careers. Whether you’re exploring potential paths, seeking advice, or love hearing about people’s journeys, this season is packed with fresh inspiration and practical takeaways. Join us for another season of discovery, learning, and growth—this is Professional Perspectives!
Season 1 was an incredible journey, filled with meaningful conversations and insights from a wide range of professionals. From navigating legal careers to the lessons learned in sports and real estate, we explored what it takes to succeed, grow, and find fulfillment in different paths. In this special episode, we’re reflecting on the highlights of Season 1—what we learned, the advice that stuck with us, and how these conversations have inspired us moving forward. Join us as we reflect on the first chapter of Professional Perspectives and prepare for what’s to come!
S1 Ep5 - In this episode of Professional Perspectives, we sit down with Blair Ballin, a Phoenix-based realtor with over 23 years of experience. Blair shares his journey from a frustrating first home-buying experience to becoming a trusted guide for others navigating real estate. Known for his exceptional customer service and community-building expertise, Blair talks about creating the thriving Living North Phoenix community and the importance of putting clients first. Whether you're curious about real estate, community development, or building meaningful professional relationships, this episode offers valuable insights. Tune in to hear Blair’s advice on turning challenges into opportunities and creating a career that truly makes a difference!
S1 Ep4 - In this episode, high school hosts Praneeth and Aarav sit down with legendary PGA teaching professional Mike Barnett, whose name is iconic in the Missoula golf community. From winning high school championships to competing nationally and mentoring students across the country, Mike’s journey is filled with achievements and insights. Currently teaching at The Ranch Club during summers and directing instruction at Bear Creek in Chandler, Arizona, during winters, Mike shares his path through competitive golf and elite instruction, plus his advice for aspiring players. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or just curious about the sport, this episode offers a unique perspective on dedication, skill, and the life of a golf pro. Tune in for a masterclass in passion and persistence!
S1 Ep3 - In this episode of Professional Perspectives, we sit down with Neil Hallinan, a seasoned third-generation lawyer and founder of Hallinan Law Firm. Specializing in criminal law, Neil shares his journey through the legal profession and offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of a legal career. As high schoolers exploring various career paths, we dive into the realities of law, the importance of mentorship, and what it takes to thrive in such a demanding field. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with advice for aspiring lawyers and a closer look at the world of criminal law!
S1 Ep2 - In this episode of Professional Perspective, we sit down with Mathew McCarthy, a celebrated professor known for teaching one of the largest classes in the nation. Mr. McCarthy's engaging teaching style and innovative curriculum have transformed the learning experience for thousands of students, making him a prominent figure in the academic world. As a bestselling author, he has not only shared his insights through the written word but also sparked important conversations around education, leadership, and personal growth. Join us as we explore his journey, from the classroom to the page, and discover the principles that drive his success.
Throughout our conversation, Mr. McCarthy shares invaluable lessons on navigating the complexities of academia and the professional landscape. We delve into his experiences as an educator, discussing how to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders. Whether you’re a student, an educator, or simply curious about the inner workings of higher education, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories that will challenge you to rethink your approach to learning and professional development. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that blends expertise with passion!
S1 Ep1 - In our inaugural episode of Professional Perspectives, we chat with Christopher Swiedler, an engineering director at Roblox and the author of two insightful books. Mr. Swiedler shares his journey through the tech industry, revealing how his passion for gaming led him to play a pivotal role in shaping vibrant online communities. We dive into his experiences and the skills he's honed along the way, providing a glimpse into what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
As high schoolers exploring potential career paths, we’re excited to learn from Mr. Swiedler's unique insights on community building and innovation. This conversation is filled with valuable advice for anyone considering a future in tech or creative industries. Join us as we embark on this journey of discovery, aiming to inspire the next generation of professionals!
Welcome to Professional Perspectives, We are Aarav Akella and Praneeth Vemuri, in this podcast we will dive into the world of careers and share valuable insights through in-depth interviews. Join us every Friday as we bring on a special guest for each episode. Get ready to gain valuable insights and discover new career possibilities, all while having fun! Remember, the future is yours to shape, and Professional Perspectives is here to guide you along the way. P.S., if we forgot to mention we are HS freshman gaining advice too!
Hosted by high school students Aarav Akella and Praneeth Vemuri, Professional Perspectives is a podcast built on curiosity, connection, and the belief that stories have the power to inspire change. Each episode features a conversation with professionals, innovators, and leaders from diverse industries: from finance, law, and entrepreneurship to sports, entertainment, and technology.
What started as a simple idea between two friends, to learn directly from people making an impact, has grown into a platform that bridges the gap between students and the professional world. Through thoughtful questions and genuine dialogue, Aarav and Praneeth uncover the personal journeys behind each guest’s success: the challenges they faced, the decisions that defined them, and the lessons they wish they’d known earlier. Whether it’s a startup founder sharing how they built something from scratch, a coach discussing leadership and resilience, or an executive revealing what drives their success, Professional Perspectives offers a rare, human look into what it takes to thrive in any field.
Aimed at high school and college students, and anyone eager to learn from experience rather than just textbooks, the podcast blends insight with authenticity. Every episode leaves listeners not just inspired, but equipped with practical takeaways they can apply to their own ambitions. If you’re curious about the world, passionate about growth, and ready to hear stories that make you think, Professional Perspectives is your front-row seat to conversations that matter.
