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.

How can we learn to jump at opportunities we are given while also maintaining a strong work-life balance? This is a question that perplexes many recent graduates who are just starting their careers. In this interview, Paul addresses the idea of gap years and the fear that students face in taking a gap year. He also highlights the importance of work-life balance and how he has been integrating this into the culture of Imperva through HR. Paul even shares the strategy he used to get certain roles within human resources. This interview covers the cybersecurity industry, the human resources department, the idea of taking a gap year, how to deal with difficult managers, and so much more. Stay tuned to hear all about these!

Interviewer: Brett Hummel & Miri Chan
Videographer: Bryan Avecedo

Dive into the world of technology and leadership with Ulf Ewaldsson, the Former President of Technology at T-Mobile! In this insightful podcast episode, Ulf shares his journey from Ericson to T-Mobile, exploring the challenges and triumphs he faced throughout his career. In this conversation, Ulf discusses his perspective on leadership, adapting to diverse cultures, and how he is propelling T-Mobile to the forefront of mobile connectivity innovation. Get ready for insights on 5G technology, and the future of AI.

Entering the corporate world is scary enough by itself, but learning how to present yourself in the ‘right’ way is even more terrifying. It’s easy to feel lost and uncertain, not knowing how you come off to others, or worried that you’re making the wrong impression. So, how do you take advantage of opportunities and establish yourself well? Bentina Terry, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Company’s telecommunications subsidiaries, is here to tell you that being proactive in your career, seeking opportunities for feedback, and being observant of others and your surroundings are the keys to success. Learn how to define your personal brand, grow from every interaction, and continuously develop professionally and personally!

Learn more about the fascinating world of innovation and leadership with Kimberly-Clark's former Chief R&D Officer, Robert Long. This interview explores various topics such as the dynamic culture at Kimberly Clark, the importance of networking, and how to navigate the balance between technical expertise and business acumen. As you listen to this discussion, you'll gain crucial insights into research and development as a field as well as how long-term innovation is driven by strategic decision-making processes. Don't miss the valuable lessons on taking career risks, embracing diverse perspectives, and the pivotal role of experiential learning in a team-oriented industry.

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How do you balance curiosity, creativity, and impact in a career built to help others? In this episode, Stanford University's Dr. Peter Tass shares his unconventional journey from medicine to math, physics, and neuroscience—and how taking intellectual risks led him to pioneer more humane, less invasive approaches to brain stimulation. He reflects on the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, mentorship, and staying patient-focused even as research becomes more complex. Tune in for a deep conversation on risk-taking, creativity in science, and what it really means to build a career driven by both rigor and purpose.