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 Genpact
02:34 – Why She Chose Marketing
11:12 – Do You Need to Find Your Passion?
12:50 – What an MBA Really Teaches You
20:18 – How an Introvert Becomes a Confident Speaker
26:47 – Her First Marketing Internship
30:00 – Career Rejection and Landing the First Job
38:50 – Joining Genpact and Learning a New Skill
43:23 – Becoming a Manager at 25
47:04 – The Power of Volunteering for Opportunities
49:58 – Build Skills, Not Just Promotions
52:22 – What Consulting Really Involves
57:09 – Motherhood, Career Breaks and Returning to Work
1:00:24 – 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.

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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.

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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 Introduction
01:58 Swathi’s work as a yoga teacher and counselling psychologist
03:47 From engineering and IT to yoga
07:59 How to study yoga professionally
12:19 Life after yoga certification: training, observation and teaching
14:43 Studio teaching, freelancing and building a network
19:28 The real challenges: money, uncertainty and risk
26:06 Yoga, science and the mind-body connection
28:09 COVID, upskilling and the shift towards psychology
34:01 Studying MSc Psychology after engineering
38:41 Combining yoga and counselling in practice
45:39 Counsellor, psychologist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist explained
54:27 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-Doubt
01:39 Welcome Back to Poonam’s Journey
02:40 From Nuclear Engineering to Systems Engineering
07:26 Desk Job vs Site Work in Nuclear Engineering
09:00 Career Break, Burnout & Finding What’s Next
14:26 The Power of Saying No in Your Career
16:45 Overcoming Self-Doubt at Work
20:12 Solo Travel, Personal Growth & Facing Fear
28:59 Why Courage Comes Before Confidence
31:36 Poonam’s Pageant Journey Begins
36:35 The Costume Round Inspired by Her Nani
39:28 Becoming Ms Asia Empress UK 2026
41:44 Work-Life Balance, Career Choices & Switching Companies
46:29 University vs Apprenticeships in Engineering
48:38 Resilience, AI & the Future of Engineering
51:06 What Success Really Means
53:03 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 career
• News anchoring
• Media industry insights
• Communication skills
• Public speaking
• Voiceover careers
• Storytelling
• Confidence building
• Career breaks and reinvention
• Behind 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]