In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Vikas Soni, a scientist and entrepreneur working at the intersection of plasma medicine, cancer biology, and space technology. Dr. Soni shares his journey from growing up in one of India's most competitive scientific environments to co-founding JivaJet alongside Dr. Anmol Taploo, who I interviewed earlier this season.

What stands out about Dr. Soni's story is how he balanced his artistic passions with his love for science. Growing up surrounded by some of the best scientists and facing intense academic pressure, he initially considered careers in acting and art before his grandfather's cancer diagnosis shifted his focus toward biomedical research. His experience shows that you don't always have to choose between creativity and science, but instead can find a way to combine both passions.

Dr. Soni offers honest insight into the challenges of being an international entrepreneur in the US, including having to step down as CEO of his own company due to regulatory restrictions. Despite these obstacles, the work he's doing at JivaJet is genuinely amazing. He describes how his team is using plasma technology to treat aggressive brain tumors and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, while also developing applications for space exploration like wound healing in microgravity and enhancing plant growth for future Mars missions.

Episode Outline

(00:44) Dr. Soni's background and journey from India to Washington, D.C.

(04:04) Growing up in a competitive scientific research township in Mumbai

(10:05) The differences between college applications in India vs. the US

(12:14) Key mentors and influences throughout his academic journey

(19:17) The science behind plasma's effects on plant growth and seed germination

(21:51) How plasma technology could revolutionize wound healing in space

(23:53) How entrepreneurship has transformed his approach to space medicine

(28:42) Advice for international entrepreneurs facing regulatory obstacles

(30:38) Advice for the next generation who want to pursue STEM entrepreneurship

Connect with Dr. Vikas

• Connect with Dr. Soni on LinkedIn
• Learn more about JivaJet

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• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode, I’m joined by Molly Sullivan, Director of Corporate Development at Space Tango, a company that enables research and manufacturing in space. Molly’s journey from biomedical engineering to the commercial space industry shows how oftentimes, the right job comes from being open to non-linear paths and following unexpected connections.

Molly shares how her athletic background shaped her approach to her college and beyond. Playing multiple sports taught her to be adaptable, competitive, and willing to try new things, which she says inspired her to explore different internships and career paths early on in college.

Molly’s advice for anyone trying to break into space or biotech is to stay patient and persistent. She emphasizes that the unexpected detours that she’s taken have been extremely valuable. Even though it might not seem like it on the surface, her experience in technical roles, business development, and legislation all contribute to her success at Space Tango. Molly’s story is an important reminder that when you follow your passions and creativity, the right opportunity will come along.

Episode Outline

(00:57) How Molly got interested in STEM in high school

(01:44) The link between sports and business skills

(05:22) College experience and focusing on tissue engineering

(07:17) How biomedical engineering principles apply across industries

(09:29) The business of biotech

(11:54) Discovering the connection between tissue engineering and space

(14:57) What Space Tango does and the evolution of Molly's role there

(17:01) Breaking into competitive industries and having patience

(18:38) Advice for finding the right fit in STEM careers

Connect with Molly

• Connect with Molly on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Space Tango

Connect with Andrew

• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Anmol Taploo, an aerospace engineer and co-founder of JivaJet, a company developing plasma propulsion engines for satellites. Anmol shares how he went from studying gas turbine engines in New Delhi to pioneering technology that could revolutionize how satellites operate in low Earth orbit, all while facing significant skepticism from the aerospace community.

Anmol’s path to plasma propulsion started with childhood conversation with his aunt, a NASA scientist who worked on the Challenger spacecraft. Those discussions about space exploration and the possibility of life beyond Earth sparked an interest that eventually led him to focus on how to use air as a propellant for satellite engines at extremely low altitudes. When he first presented his ideas at conferences five years ago, researchers would literally laugh at him, but he persisted because he saw how it could positively impact the increasing levels of “space junk” and limited capabilities of traditional satellites.

Anmol’s perspective of entrepreneurship is that the hustle always pays off, even when the path isn’t clear. It’s also important to surround yourself with people who believe in you and your ideas, especially when skeptics get loud. For anyone considering starting a business, Anmol’s story proves that a clear vision and persistence can transform “crazy” ideas into reality.

Episode Outline

(00:21) Anmol's background and path from New Delhi to George Washington University

(05:20) India's competitive education system and choosing engineering track

(14:16) Aerospace industry restrictions and internship experiences

(16:20) Co-founding JivaJet and commercializing PhD research

(22:04) Developing air-breathing plasma engines for low Earth orbit

(25:33) Transition from scientist to entrepreneur mindset

(30:45) Advice on persistence, hard work, and believing in yourself

Connect with Anmol

• Connect with Anmol on LinkedIn
• Learn more about JivaJet

Connect with Andrew

• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Robert Price, Chief Technology Officer of CleanJoule, a full performance sustainable aviation fuel company. Robert breaks down his unconventional educational journey, sharing how he dropped out of high school during his junior year to enroll at the University of Utah, completing his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in just three years. He emphasizes that there isn’t just one path to success in STEM, and sometimes taking risks can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Besides hitting certain higher education milestones, Robert emphasizes that success in STEM and entrepreneurship requires total dedication. If you’re looking for a traditional 9-to-5 job, it’s not the field for you. Robert’s advice is to understand the kind of life you want before choosing a specific field. He’s also honest about the limitations that exist in traditional science without a PhD, which is an exciting opportunity to become the world expert on a specific topic, but requires years of hyper-focus and research.

Robert encourages students to pursue their passion, but shares that, in his experience, it’s important to be realistic about competitive fields where only the top fraction of people succeed. One of the best things anyone can do before committing to a college major is to talk with people working in that field who can show you what the day-to-day job looks like. It’s even more helpful if you can do a workplace visit or an internship for hands-on experience before choosing a major.

Episode Outline

(00:21) Robert's background and current role at CleanJoule

(02:57) Exposure to defense manufacturing through Boy Scouts and Lockheed Martin

(07:46) Robert’s unique college journey

(14:17) An overview of Robert’s PhD in pharmaceutical chemistry and research focus

(17:45) Transition from academia to biotech entrepreneurship

(22:16) Dual-use technology for commercial and defense applications

(27:24) Regrets and career reflections

(33:28) What to consider for high-level STEM careers

(37:47) Misconceptions about entrepreneurship

(39:28) Advice for aspiring STEM entrepreneurs

Connect with Robert

• Connect with Robert on LinkedIn
• Learn more about CleanJoule

Connect with Andrew

• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode, I'm joined by Ajay Batish, a technology entrepreneur who has built multiple successful companies throughout his career. What stands out about Ajay's story is his journey from a curious child who loved taking things apart to becoming an innovative business leader who's spent over 20 years building and growing technology companies.

What I found most interesting about our conversation was Ajay's unique perspective on engineering as a creative profession. He emphasizes how engineering isn't just about technical skills - it's about problem-solving and innovation, making it a solid foundation for entrepreneurship. His experience at Apple, where he learned that technology should focus on its human impact, shaped his approach to building companies that make a meaningful difference.

Ajay also shares valuable insights about the reality of entrepreneurship, explaining that rather than being your own boss, every customer becomes your boss, but the key is to embrace the unpredictability of running a business. Plus, he offers guidance for young people exploring their careers, including the importance of finding mentors and building a personal "board of directors" to support your journey.

Episode Outline

(01:18) Growing up as a "latchkey kid" and developing independence

(03:07) Balancing family expectations with personal interests in engineering

(05:03) Ajay’s self-taught journey into computer programming

(06:45) Why Ajay chose the University of Waterloo and what his co-op experiences in college taught him

(14:11) Choosing to learn from mistakes instead of regretting them

(19:54) Developing problem-solving and creative skills that overlap in engineering and business

(21:37) Career and college advice for teenagers

Resources Mentioned

How to Have a Great Career by Larry Smith

Connect with Ajay

• Connect with Ajay on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Incapsulate

Connect with Andrew

• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode, I'm joined by Monica Bisgaard, an educator, child advocate, and consultant who has a unique perspective on working with young people. What stands out about Ms. Bisgaard's story is how her own experiences with limiting expectations in school shaped her dedication to supporting students and helping them discover their potential.

What I found most interesting about our conversation was Ms. Bisgaard's emphasis on giving young people time and space to figure things out. Unlike many adults who push for decisions about college and careers, she strongly believes in taking time to explore different interests and possibilities before committing to a path. Ms. Bisgaard's take on education and career planning is refreshing. She talks about how important it is for young people to follow their own interests rather than others' expectations.

Ms. Bisgaard also shares advice for anyone interested in working with children in a therapeutic setting and simple ways they can see if it’s a good fit for them. Plus, she reflects on how people's views on therapy have changed over the years and why it's so important to find a therapist you really click with.

Episode Outline

(00:00) Ms. Bisgaard's background in education and psychology

(01:02) Growing up in an Air Force family and experiencing different communities

(06:04) Dealing with limiting expectations in school and pushing past them

(11:18) Finding her way to psychology after exploring other paths

(15:37) Advice for students feeling pressure about their future

(19:36) The impact of supportive parents on career choices

(21:23) Breaking down misconceptions about therapy

Connect with Monica Bisgaard

• Connect with Ms. Bisgaard on LinkedIn

Connect with Andrew

• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode, I'm joined by Uros Joksimovic, Founder of Washingtonian Luxury Limousine, a luxury transportation business owner in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Uros shares his journey from growing up in Serbia to building a successful business in America, highlighting the importance of patience, resilience, and continuous learning.

What stands out about Uros' story is his perspective on education and entrepreneurship. Despite his current career being different from his college degree, he emphasizes how every class contributed to shaping who he is today. Uros also shares how his parents' dedication to their small grocery store in Serbia instilled in him an appreciation for business ownership and the hard work that goes into being a successful entrepreneur.

Uros offers honest insights about the challenges of starting a business, particularly as an immigrant adjusting to American systems and culture. Plus, we talk about the impact of the pandemic on his business and the valuable lessons learned about financial stability and adaptability.

Episode Outline

(00:18) Uros' background and move to America

(03:15) College education and its lasting impact

(06:20) Entry into luxury transportation services

(08:36) Cultural adjustment challenges in America

(12:14) Pandemic impact and financial lessons

(14:02) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

(16:24) Overcoming setbacks and building mental strength

Connect with Uros

• Follow Washingtonian Luxury Limousine on Instagram: @washingtonian.luxury
• Learn more about Washingtonian Luxury Limousine: washingtonianluxury.com

Connect with Andrew

• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

This podcast is produced by The Wave Podcasting: thewavepodcasting.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Curry, a magician and mentalist based in Washington, D.C. Brian offers a unique perspective on an unconventional career path and highlights the importance of passion, adaptability, and hard work - lessons that are valuable no matter what field we end up in.

What strikes me most about Brian's story is the support he received from his parents. Unlike many of us who feel the need to pursue traditional careers, Brian had the freedom to explore his passion for magic. But, as a student, he still dealt with plenty of internal pressure to excel academically and prove himself.

Brian's take on college is refreshing. He talks about how higher education taught him to genuinely enjoy learning. It's not just about the grades; it's about developing a curiosity that extends beyond the classroom.

In our conversation, Brian and I also cover the less glamorous side of being a professional magician. He doesn't sugarcoat the challenges: inconsistent income, wearing multiple hats, and the pressure of essentially running your own business. But, his passion for performing makes it all worthwhile, which is something to think about as we consider our own career paths.

Episode Outline

(02:30) Brian's childhood and early interest in magic

(08:15) College experience and choosing a career path

(14:45) Misconceptions about being a professional magician

(19:20) Advice for aspiring magicians and getting started in the field

(23:50) Realities of a magic career - challenges and rewards

(27:40) Balancing passion with parenting and life advice

Connect with Andrew

• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Connect with Brian

• Follow Brian on Instagram
• Learn more about Brian’s show: A Good Liar

Additional Resources

• Vanishing Inc.
• Penguin Magic

This podcast is produced by The Wave Podcasting