Ever wondered what it takes to build enterprise-grade software from scratch—in the middle of a global crisis?

In this episode of The Priyanka Shinde Podcast, Priyanka sits down with Dipti Desai, CEO and Co-Founder of Crstl, a modern B2B commerce network helping brands, retailers, and logistics partners connect on a single digital platform.

Dipti shares her journey from product leadership roles at startups and global enterprises to founding Crstl in the thick of COVID-19. She opens up about the lessons behind building “minimum sellable products,” balancing vision with flawless execution, and leading with grit and empathy in a rapidly evolving AI era.

What you’ll learn:

• Why “Minimum Sellable Product > MVP” when launching in enterprise markets.
• How COVID led to the idea for Crstl.
• The power of execution — and why ideas mean little without a sound hypothesis.
• The leadership values that drive resilient, high-trust startup teams.
• Why hiring for traits like curiosity and judgment beats hiring for skills alone.
• What the next 3-5 years hold for specialists and generalists as automation reshapes work.

Whether you’re an early-stage founder, a B2B operator, or a product manager learning to scale, this conversation offers grounded, actionable insight on building in uncertain times.

⏱ Timestamps

0:00 – Intro
4:00 – The Leap to Entrepreneurship: What Sparked the Idea for Crstl
5:18 – Starting a Company in the Thick of COVID
20:20 – From MVP to MSP: Why the Bar Is Higher in B2B
27:37 – 1% Inspiration, 99% Execution — But Get Your Hypothesis Right
31:36 – The Power of Community and Support in the Founder Journey as Female Founder
39:30 – Hiring for Grit, Curiosity & Judgment

42:35 – Future of Work: Specialists vs Generalists in the AI Era
45:35 – Let Some Fires Burn: How Founders Stay Focused

Connect with Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diptidesai/

Company: https://www.crstl.ai/

Send us a message

😎 Subscribe to The Priyanka Shinde Podcast for more fascinating conversations.
----------------------------------------------
📌 Follow:
Priyanka Shinde on LinkedIn
Priyanka Shinde's Facebook Page
Priyanka Shinde's Instagram Feed
Priyanka Shinde's Youtube Channel

----------------------------------------------

Work with Priyanka Shinde
Read her Book - The Art of Strategic Execution

▶ About the Priyanka Shinde

I am an AI Product Leader and Execution Strategist with a proven track record of building, scaling, and delivering AI-powered innovations. With experience at Meta and Cruise, I have helped businesses leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and real-world impact. As an Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Author, I am passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and product teams to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
From developing cutting-edge AI solutions to mentoring the next generation of innovators, my mission is to bridge the gap between technology and execution—empowering businesses to thrive in the AI-driven future.

From Meta to a Portfolio Career: A Product Leader on Thriving in the AI Revolution

In a world of constant change and ambiguity, how do you build a career that's not just successful, but also fulfilling and resilient? In this episode of The Priyanka Shinde Podcast, host Priyanka Shinde sits down with Julia Stefani, ex-Chief Product Officer at Treasure Financial, for a deep dive into the strategies that have guided her remarkable career.

Julia, a seasoned product and business leader with experience at giants like Meta and in the fast-paced worlds of fintech and crypto, shares her unique approach to career development—viewing each step as a "use case" to be solved. She reveals her internal process for navigating career pivots, from engineering to technical program management and product leadership.

In this episode, you will learn:
- The #1 Skill for the Future
- The Portfolio Career
- From Big Tech to Startups
- Financial Independence for Women

Connect with Julia and check out her ventures:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliastefani/
• https://www.swolta.com/
• https://www.bunglo.co/

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Key Themes
3:45 - Julia's Career Strategy & Pivots
9:30 - How to Navigate New & Unfamiliar Roles
12:26 - Lessons Learned from Big Tech vs. Startups
16:34 - The Framework for Building Trust
21:14 - The Portfolio Career & Entrepreneurial Journey
29:12 - Defining a "Portfolio Career"
32:35 - Treating Your Career Like a Series of "Tests"
38:10 - Why AI is the Most Important Skill for the Future
43:05 - Time Management & Financial Independence
48:46 - The Importance of Financial Independence for Women
53:35 - Advice for Women on Finance & Self-Belief
57:31 - The #1 Thing Julia Had to Unlearn in Her Career
1:00:12 - Advice for Designing a More Flexible, Self-Directed Life
1:02:28 - Final Thoughts

Send us a message

😎 Subscribe to The Priyanka Shinde Podcast for more fascinating conversations.
----------------------------------------------
📌 Follow:
Priyanka Shinde on LinkedIn
Priyanka Shinde's Facebook Page
Priyanka Shinde's Instagram Feed
Priyanka Shinde's Youtube Channel

----------------------------------------------

Work with Priyanka Shinde
Read her Book - The Art of Strategic Execution

▶ About the Priyanka Shinde

I am an AI Product Leader and Execution Strategist with a proven track record of building, scaling, and delivering AI-powered innovations. With experience at Meta and Cruise, I have helped businesses leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and real-world impact. As an Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Author, I am passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and product teams to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
From developing cutting-edge AI solutions to mentoring the next generation of innovators, my mission is to bridge the gap between technology and execution—empowering businesses to thrive in the AI-driven future.

Meta VP Prasad Bhandarkar on Leaving Safe Careers, Pivoting to Data Engineering, and Leading in the AI Era

Are you feeling stuck in your tech career? Wondering if you should make that risky jump to a new technology or a different role? In this episode of The Priyanka Shinde Podcast, we're joined by Prasad Bhandarkar, the Vice President of Reality Labs (AR/VR) Engineering at Meta.

With over three decades of experience, Prasad shares his incredible journey from a technical role at Tata Motors , through an MBA from IIM Lucknow , to pivotal leadership positions at Adobe and Meta.
- Why prioritizing learning over money is the key to long-term success.
- The hidden risks of inaction and why making hard calls is crucial for growth.
- How to know when's right time to transition in your career.
- The surprising feedback that transformed Prasad’s career trajectory at Adobe.
- Valuable leadership lessons on scaling teams from dozens to over 300 people.
- How to navigate decision-making with imperfect information.
- Prasad's perspective on the future of AI, AR/VR, and their impact on jobs.

Beyond technology, Prasad shares how his training as a classical Hindustani musician and his practice as a certified executive coach have shaped his leadership style.

Whether you're an engineer, product leader, or anyone navigating the fast-paced tech landscape, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you elevate your leadership and execution skills.

Connect with Guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasadbhandarkar/

Timestamps:
3:53 - Career Beginnings: Defining Moments at Tata Motors and The Decision for an MBA.
12:16 - The Big Pivot: Transitioning from Program Management to Engineering at Adobe.
20:45 - The Leadership Skill That Doesn't Scale Easily.
25:25 - The Surprising Challenges of Leading Senior, Brilliant Teams.
29:40 - How to Make Critical Decisions with Incomplete Information.
34:26 - Navigating "Loneliness at the Top" & Building a Support System.
40:34 - A Practical Guide to Creating Psychological Safety in Your Team.
45:25 - Hiring Senior Leaders: What to Look For Beyond the Resume.
49:45 - The Future of Technology: AI, AR/VR, and Their Societal Impact.
1:05:24 - Beyond

Send us a message

😎 Subscribe to The Priyanka Shinde Podcast for more fascinating conversations.
----------------------------------------------
📌 Follow:
Priyanka Shinde on LinkedIn
Priyanka Shinde's Facebook Page
Priyanka Shinde's Instagram Feed
Priyanka Shinde's Youtube Channel

----------------------------------------------

Work with Priyanka Shinde
Read her Book - The Art of Strategic Execution

▶ About the Priyanka Shinde

I am an AI Product Leader and Execution Strategist with a proven track record of building, scaling, and delivering AI-powered innovations. With experience at Meta and Cruise, I have helped businesses leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and real-world impact. As an Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Author, I am passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and product teams to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
From developing cutting-edge AI solutions to mentoring the next generation of innovators, my mission is to bridge the gap between technology and execution—empowering businesses to thrive in the AI-driven future.

Is Artificial Intelligence the game-changer for achieving superior clinical outcomes and revolutionizing patient care? This episode of The Priyanka Shinde Podcast features an insightful conversation with Anish Patankar, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Oncology Software at Elekta, hosted by Priyanka Shinde.

Anish, an expert in cloud, AI, and data-driven healthcare, delves into how technology can simplify complex medical challenges to improve lives. We explore:

- The critical role of AI in boosting adoption of new technologies for better clinical outcomes and aligning with stakeholder incentives.
- How AI processes vast patient data to enhance treatment recommendations and access to care.
- Strategies for personalizing patient care, especially in complex fields like oncology.
- AI's impact on reducing physician burnout through innovations like ambient listening for clinical notes.
- Overcoming challenges in AI adoption within the highly regulated healthcare industry.
- The significance of real-world evidence generated by AI in validating treatments.
- Addressing healthcare disparities between urban and rural areas with technology.
- Common pitfalls for health tech companies in AI.
Join us to understand the future of AI in oncology and healthcare, and how to ensure the best tools are effectively and equitably deployed. If you're passionate about AI's role in transforming medicine, this episode is unmissable.

Connect with the guest :
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anishpatankar/

Timestamps:
00:00-00:53= Intro
00:53-02:50 = Meet the guest
02:50-05:08 =Tell us little bit more about Elekta and your role
05:08-16:12 = What did you do in healthcare at the beginning?
16:30-21:37 =What are the challenges in this AI adoption?
21:37-29:35 =What can AI provide in terms of, what will work for a patient or not?
29:35-33:35 = Talking about urban areas versus rural area healthcare access gap
33:35-40:44 =How to operate in the constraints that are there for from the environment perspectives?
40:44-44:20 = How AI took after 2022 and all of these startups came up?
44:20-45:37 = Innovation in healthcare what would it be you
45:37-46:29 = What do you think is like the one mindset that they need to succeed in this i

Send us a message

😎 Subscribe to The Priyanka Shinde Podcast for more fascinating conversations.
----------------------------------------------
📌 Follow:
Priyanka Shinde on LinkedIn
Priyanka Shinde's Facebook Page
Priyanka Shinde's Instagram Feed
Priyanka Shinde's Youtube Channel

----------------------------------------------

Work with Priyanka Shinde
Read her Book - The Art of Strategic Execution

▶ About the Priyanka Shinde

I am an AI Product Leader and Execution Strategist with a proven track record of building, scaling, and delivering AI-powered innovations. With experience at Meta and Cruise, I have helped businesses leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and real-world impact. As an Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Author, I am passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and product teams to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
From developing cutting-edge AI solutions to mentoring the next generation of innovators, my mission is to bridge the gap between technology and execution—empowering businesses to thrive in the AI-driven future.

In this special episode of the Priyanka Shinde Podcast, we’re joined by Nitin Aggarwal — a visionary AI leader and Generative AI expert shaping the future of technology and marketing at Microsoft.

With over a decade of experience at the intersection of artificial intelligence, innovation, and enterprise strategy, Nitin has led transformative initiatives at tech giants like Microsoft and Google, using AI to drive meaningful impact across industries. As the current head of Generative AI at Microsoft, he is pioneering next-gen marketing platforms powered by cutting-edge AI.

✨ Global AI Thought Leader & Strategist
✨ Head of Generative AI at Microsoft
✨ Former Strategic AI Leader at Google
✨ Published Researcher in AI & Data Science
✨ Keynote Speaker on AI Innovation & Impact

Get ready for a thought-provoking deep dive with Nitin Aggarwal as we explore the future of Generative AI, marketing transformation, and the real-world applications of artificial intelligence that are changing how we live and work.

Connect with the guest : - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntnaggarwal/

Timestamps:
00:01–01:12 – Intro
01:12–03:18 – Meet the Guest
03:18–10:40 – Guest's Journey & Background
10:40–15:30 – Advice for Beginners & Experts Using AI Tools
15:30–18:38 – Innovation: What’s Really Happening
18:38–23:02 – AI vs. Hiring: What’s the Right Move?
23:02–30:22 – How to Prepare Yourself for the Future
30:22–35:12 – AI Agents: Where We're Headed
35:12–43:25 – Implementing AI: Innovation in Action
43:25–44:50 – What's Next in AI? Guest’s Outlook
44:50–45:27 – Closing & Thank You
----------------------------------------------
🌟 Join The host Priyanka Shinde and the guest Nitin

Send us a message

😎 Subscribe to The Priyanka Shinde Podcast for more fascinating conversations.
----------------------------------------------
📌 Follow:
Priyanka Shinde on LinkedIn
Priyanka Shinde's Facebook Page
Priyanka Shinde's Instagram Feed
Priyanka Shinde's Youtube Channel

----------------------------------------------

Work with Priyanka Shinde
Read her Book - The Art of Strategic Execution

▶ About the Priyanka Shinde

I am an AI Product Leader and Execution Strategist with a proven track record of building, scaling, and delivering AI-powered innovations. With experience at Meta and Cruise, I have helped businesses leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and real-world impact. As an Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Author, I am passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and product teams to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
From developing cutting-edge AI solutions to mentoring the next generation of innovators, my mission is to bridge the gap between technology and execution—empowering businesses to thrive in the AI-driven future.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Priyanka Shinde Podcast, we welcome Ibrahim Bashir — a seasoned product executive, cross-functional tech leader, and one of the sharpest minds in the world of software innovation and organizational scaling.

With nearly 25 years of experience creating transformative software, Ibrahim has led product and engineering teams at some of the most influential tech companies — including Amazon (Kindle), Twitter, Box, and most recently Amplitude, where he served as VP of Product.

Known for his unique blend of strategic vision and operational rigor, Ibrahim is passionate about building high-performing teams, launching category-defining products, and scaling systems that drive real impact. He's also a powerful voice in the tech ecosystem through his Substack newsletter, where he shares lessons on leadership, product thinking, and repeatable success.

✨ 25-Year Veteran of Software & Product
✨ Former Exec at Amazon, Twitter, Box & Amplitude
✨ Thought Leader on Team Building & Product Scaling
✨ Substack Author & Acclaimed Industry Speaker
✨ Expert in Cross-Functional Leadership & Product Strategy

Get ready for a deep dive into modern product leadership, scaling outcomes, and what it really takes to lead in tech today. Ibrahim brings a wealth of knowledge, humility, and practical advice you won’t want to miss!

Connect with the guest : - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahimbashir/

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:10 — Intro

01:10 – 02:47 — Meet the Guest

02:47 – 08:38 — What Are You Working on Now?

08:38 – 10:35 — Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

10:35 – 15:40 — What Inspired You to Start?

15:40 – 19:47 — Top 2-3 Skills for Becoming a Manager

19:47 – 25:30 — Keys to Success & Common Patterns

25:30 – 36:13 — How to Plan & Prioritize Effectively

36:13 – 42:45 — What Truly Motivates People?

42:45 – 50:38 — Biggest Surprise or Insight Learned

50:38 – 55:13 — Favorite AI Tools & Their Impact

55:13 – 56:34 — Final Thoughts & Thank You

----------------------------------------------

🌟 Join The host Priyanka Shinde and the guest Ibrahim

Send us a message

😎 Subscribe to The Priyanka Shinde Podcast for more fascinating conversations.
----------------------------------------------
📌 Follow:
Priyanka Shinde on LinkedIn
Priyanka Shinde's Facebook Page
Priyanka Shinde's Instagram Feed
Priyanka Shinde's Youtube Channel

----------------------------------------------

Work with Priyanka Shinde
Read her Book - The Art of Strategic Execution

▶ About the Priyanka Shinde

I am an AI Product Leader and Execution Strategist with a proven track record of building, scaling, and delivering AI-powered innovations. With experience at Meta and Cruise, I have helped businesses leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and real-world impact. As an Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Author, I am passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and product teams to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
From developing cutting-edge AI solutions to mentoring the next generation of innovators, my mission is to bridge the gap between technology and execution—empowering businesses to thrive in the AI-driven future.

Master Tech Leadership for 2025: Learn key strategies for Engineering Management.
Building Influence in Software teams, navigating AI's impact, and fostering Team Growth.

In this episode of the Priyanka Shinde Podcast, Priyanka sits down with renowned tech leader, coach, and instructor, Irina Stanescu (author of the "Caring Techie" newsletter), to explore building influence, understanding AI's role, and cultivating high-performance teams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Building genuine influence and career reputation.
- The role of emotional intelligence for "Caring Techies."
- Managing teams effectively, especially with remote/hybrid shifts.
- How AI is reshaping engineering roles and what leaders must do.
- Why investing in people skills is non-negotiable.

Are you an aspiring or current engineering leader looking to elevate your skills? Or perhaps an engineer aiming to grow your influence and navigate career challenges? This conversation is packed with actionable insights! Irina shares her powerful "Pyramid of Influence" framework, strategies for effective communication, and crucial mindset shifts needed to thrive in tech.

📌 Connect with Guest (Irina):
Website: https://irinastanescu.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irinastanescu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironmissy/?hl=en
Twitter: https://x.com/thecaringtechie

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
3:02 - Irina Stanescu: Journey into Tech and Leadership
6:44 - The Drive to Create Broader Impact Through Coaching
9:17 - Shaping Leadership Styles and Key Lessons
13:27 - Frameworks for High-Performance Teams and Influence
19:00 - Common Challenges for Engineers and Leaders
21:42 - Navigating the Evolving Tech Landscape for Managers
25:30 - The Power of Mindset Shifts
29:25 - Current Trends in Tech Team Operations and Management
36:51 - The Impact of AI and Automation on Engineering Teams
44:02 - Future Excitement and Evergreen Skills
47:07 - Final Advice for Aspiring Engineering Leaders
47:43 - Conclusion
----------------------------------------------
🌟 Join The host Priyanka Shinde and the guest Irina Stanescu

Send us a message

😎 Subscribe to The Priyanka Shinde Podcast for more fascinating conversations.
----------------------------------------------
📌 Follow:
Priyanka Shinde on LinkedIn
Priyanka Shinde's Facebook Page
Priyanka Shinde's Instagram Feed
Priyanka Shinde's Youtube Channel

----------------------------------------------

Work with Priyanka Shinde
Read her Book - The Art of Strategic Execution

▶ About the Priyanka Shinde

I am an AI Product Leader and Execution Strategist with a proven track record of building, scaling, and delivering AI-powered innovations. With experience at Meta and Cruise, I have helped businesses leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and real-world impact. As an Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Author, I am passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and product teams to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
From developing cutting-edge AI solutions to mentoring the next generation of innovators, my mission is to bridge the gap between technology and execution—empowering businesses to thrive in the AI-driven future.

In this exciting episode of the Priyanka Shinde Podcast, we’re joined by Ravi Mehta—a visionary product leader, advisor, and entrepreneur who has shaped some of the world’s most iconic consumer tech products.

With leadership roles at companies like Tinder, Facebook, TripAdvisor, and Xbox, Ravi brings decades of experience building products that millions love. Today, as Co-Founder and CEO of Outpace, he is revolutionizing how people learn, grow, and accelerate their careers. A former Executive-in-Residence at Reforge, Ravi also played a key role in crafting top-tier programs for product leaders globally.

✨ Former CPO at Tinder and product leader at Facebook, TripAdvisor, and Xbox
✨ Co-Founder and CEO of Outpace—reshaping career growth and learning
✨ Executive-in-Residence at Reforge, shaping Product Leadership and Strategy programs
✨ Active advisor and investor in next-gen consumer tech startups

Get ready for an inspiring conversation as Ravi shares deep insights on product innovation, leadership, personal growth, and the future of learning in a fast-evolving world!

Connect with Ravi Mehta : - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravimehta/?ref=ravi-mehta.com

----------------------------------------------

Podcast Timestamps:

00:00–01:00 — Intro

01:00–03:10 — Meet the Guest

03:10–04:40 — Guest’s Background

04:40–07:40 — Biggest Career Challenges

07:40–10:05 — Key Career Decisions

10:05–12:55 — Toughest Career Transitions

12:55–21:10 — Best and Worst Career Advice

21:10–30:45 — Shaping Product Strategy Through Experience

30:45–39:30 — Career Advice for Growth

39:30–49:05 — Tips for Managers and Product Managers

49:05–50:35 — How to Split $100 Between Strategy, Execution, and Leadership

50:35–52:21 — Closing and Thank You

----------------------------------------------

🌟 Join The host Priyanka Shinde and the guest Ravi Mehta

Send us a message

😎 Subscribe to The Priyanka Shinde Podcast for more fascinating conversations.
----------------------------------------------
📌 Follow:
Priyanka Shinde on LinkedIn
Priyanka Shinde's Facebook Page
Priyanka Shinde's Instagram Feed
Priyanka Shinde's Youtube Channel

----------------------------------------------

Work with Priyanka Shinde
Read her Book - The Art of Strategic Execution

▶ About the Priyanka Shinde

I am an AI Product Leader and Execution Strategist with a proven track record of building, scaling, and delivering AI-powered innovations. With experience at Meta and Cruise, I have helped businesses leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and real-world impact. As an Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Author, I am passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and product teams to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
From developing cutting-edge AI solutions to mentoring the next generation of innovators, my mission is to bridge the gap between technology and execution—empowering businesses to thrive in the AI-driven future.