Friends are often called our chosen family and for good reason. At their best, they become our strongest support system, shaping not just our lives but our careers as well. However, meaningful friendships don’t happen by chance. They’re built with intention, vulnerability, and effort.

In the second part of their conversation on friendship, Aravind Mallipudi and Tanuja Ramchal explore what it takes to go beyond superficial interactions and build & sustain friendships in adulthood.

Here's what's covered:

• Staying open in friendships and how to take emotional risks and express yourself authentically, even when the fear of rejection and possibility of disappointment is present
• Following your interests and why engaging in activities that bring you joy can lead to satisfying and meaningful friendships
• The importance of examining how you're showing up, and confronting the expectation that any one person (or a job) can meet all of your needs
• Engaging with people in a fast-paced city like New York [hint: it requires you slowing down enough to be intentional]
• What makes friendships last & the qualities that allow friendships to stand the test of time, including showing up for the people you value even when it's inconvenient

Friends are often called our chosen family and for good reason. At their best, they become our strongest support system, shaping not just our lives but our careers as well. However, meaningful friendships don’t happen by chance. They’re built with intention, vulnerability, and effort.

In this episode, Aravind Mallipudi and Tanuja Ramchal draw on their own friendship, which started early in their career and spans two decades, to explore what it means to show up intentionally in friendships, whether we’re strengthening long-standing bonds or looking to build new ones.

Here's what's covered:

• Building friendships that are not just enduring but deeply fulfilling
• How to stay connected and grow through differences and disagreements (and knowing when to let go)
• Why self-awareness may be the most underrated skill in lasting friendships
• Prioritizing friendships in a demanding world and deciding who belongs in your inner circle
• The nuances of navigating friendships at work given the rules of professional conduct

Networking is often seen as a chore. But what if networking could be a way to build community rooted in depth and intentionality?

In this episode, Betty Durverger, Deputy Director of SEEK Baruch, shows us that the most powerful network is often the one we already have. She shares how she deeply connects with the people already in her circle.

Here's what's covered:

• A simple step you can take to make a memorable impact and truly stand out in your relationships

• Mastering the art of listening to understand (not just to respond) and how learning this skill allows you to relate more genuinely with others

• How the word "networking" can trigger fear and how to shift your perspective so relating to others become second nature

• How leading with vulnerability creates the space for others to show up more authentically

• Practical ways to find opportunities for meaningful connection