It can be easy to feel as if you are trapped to solely do work related to your major as you graduate college and enter the workforce. If that were the case though, then our guest Tatiana Shalalvand likely wouldn't be where she is now working as the Investment Director at Kinnevick. Though her background in communications is unique for the venture capital space, it has afforded her with the ability to provide a distinct perspective from day to day. In this interview Tatiana talks about different leadership styles, gives some great career advice, and even has a few tips for students thinking about working in venture capitalism.

Landing your first job — and figuring out where it can lead — can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why Office Hours exists.

In this episode, we’re joined by David Zinsner, Chief Financial Officer at Intel, who shares the unexpected decisions, risks, and mindset shifts that shaped his career — including becoming a CFO at just 36 years old.

From betting on an underdog spin-off when everyone told him not to, to realizing that staying open-minded sometimes means coming back to what you’re best at, David breaks down what actually accelerates growth early in your career. He also shares how listening first, learning the business deeply, and writing down your goals helped him lead across multiple organizations — and ultimately step into one of the most influential finance roles in the world.

If you’re a student or young professional wondering how to make smart career bets, build credibility fast, and keep momentum without having it all figured out, this conversation is for you.

Stepping outside your comfort zone and being willing to take risks can shape the trajectory of your career. In this episode of Office Hours, Marie Robinson, Sysco's former Chief Supply Chain Officer, shares how her journey from small-town Alabama to leading the world’s largest food distributor was built on adaptability and bold decisions.

Marie reflects on the value of uprooting for new roles, learning in unfamiliar environments, and embracing opportunities early on—from her time in the Army to her transition into the corporate world. She emphasizes the importance of gaining diverse experiences, finding strong role models, and taking a long-term view of career growth.

Listen in to learn more about career development, leadership at scale, and how taking chances can open doors you never expected.