The Altered perception(TAP) is a show about dissecting the journeys of successful people and the path they took to reach their destination. Allowing you to gain a new perspective in your journey to be successful and overcome everyday hurdles to reach your goals.
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Who has the real agency—humans or AI? In this episode of The Altered Perception Show, host Gaurav sits down with Preyas Joshi, Global Product Leader at Amazon and 12-year AWS veteran, to dive into the power struggle between people and intelligent machines. Together, they unpack what responsible AI means, how guardrails shape agentic systems, the importance of data grounding, and the evolving role of agent orchestration across industries. From open source debates to future innovations in robotics and wearables, discover practical insights and ethical challenges as Preyas shares strategies for organizations and individuals to adapt, build proprietary technology, and integrate AI responsibly in a fast-changing world—no matter your technical background.
00:00 Introduction
00:11 The Importance of Data and Proprietary Technology
00:33 Human Imperfection and AI Expectations
00:48 The Context-Aware Robot
00:57 Customer Retention Strategies
01:22 Welcome to the Altered Perception Show
01:27 Guest Introduction: Preyas Joshi from Amazon
03:22 Understanding Responsible AI
04:27 The Importance of Grounding in AI
08:13 Open Source vs. Closed Source AI Models
11:19 The Risks and Safety of AI Models
17:04 The Role of Governance in AI
19:06 Introduction to RAG and Agentic AI Systems
25:43 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Productivity
29:26 Learning and Adapting to AI
35:27 Snap Dev: An Example of Agentic AI
43:40 Implementing AI Policies in Different Industries
44:50 The Importance of Organizational Design in AI
45:11 Challenges and Failures in AI Implementation
47:00 Experimentation Mindset in Machine Learning
48:27 Educating Organizations on AI
49:17 AI in Non-Tech Industries
51:18 Data Strategy and Proprietary Data
54:13 Building vs. Buying AI Solutions
55:37 Agent Orchestration Systems
01:07:24 Future of AI: Memory and Embodiment
01:11:18 Responsible AI in Wearables and Robotics
01:19:37 The Philosophical Debate on AGI and ASI
01:24:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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We've been told the future is all about code and algorithms, but what if the biggest breakthroughs in AI, electric vehicles, and space travel are actually waiting on a physical revolution? What if the next great bottleneck isn't compute, but the very materials we use to build our world?
This week on The Altered Perception Show, we're joined by Dr. Pradyumna Gupta, a PhD in material science and founder of Infinite Lab—the "Uber of material testing." Dr. Gupta delivers a masterclass on why the next generation of technology will be defined by materials science. He argues that the current silicon-based world is hitting a hard physical limit, and the race is on to find the "wonder materials" that will unlock our future.
In this episode, you will discover:
Why silicon alone can’t sustain the next wave of AI
How diamond, graphene, and 2D materials could change chips forever
The role of photonics in unlocking faster, more energy-efficient AI models
Why gallium nitride and silicon carbide are already reshaping EVs and power electronics
How material science could enable safer, longer space missions
The intersection of cutting-edge science, AI infrastructure, and human exploration
00:00 Introduction
00:28 The Role of Material Science in Innovation
01:28 Welcome to the Altered Perception Show
01:38 Meet Dr. Gupta
02:15 The Importance of Material Science in AI
05:17 Infinite Lab: The Uber of Material Testing
09:06 Challenges and Innovations in Material Testing
19:46 The Future of Space and Aerospace Materials
27:35 Betting on the Next Decade's Key Materials
34:03 Exploring Carbon and Silicon in AI Chips
34:26 The Heat Dissipation Challenge in AI Hardware
35:51 Diamond as a Thermal Conductor
37:33 Future Materials for AI and Technological Systems
38:57 Photonics: The Future of Computing
44:55 The Role of Material Science in Various Industries
46:17 The Future of Batteries and Energy Storage
50:14 Hydrogen as a Fuel Source
52:34 The Evolution of Electric Vehicles
56:56 The Importance of Material Science in AI and Beyond
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Step into a world where intuition meets everyday decision-making ✨. With 17 years of experience in tarot, our guest Patricia Scibek shares how this ancient practice isn’t about predicting the future, but about helping people find clarity, confidence, and direction in their lives. From breaking the myths of “fortune telling” to showing how tarot acts as a mirror to your inner self, this conversation explores how you can use intuition as a practical tool for career, relationships, and personal growth 🌿.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
✨ Tune in and unlock the wisdom within — your next chapter might just begin here. Cheers!
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What’s the real difference between a startup that gets funded and one that fades away? Is it the idea? The timing? The tech? Or something else entirely?
This week on The Altered Perception Show, we pull back the curtain and get the unfiltered truth. We're joined by Pablo Castro, Managing Partner at OneSixOne Ventures, who shares the investor's side of the story—a perspective built from funding 28 companies and witnessing countless pitches. Pablo reveals that what VCs really want isn't a perfect product or a flawless pitch deck; it's a specific set of traits and a radically different approach to building.
This episode is your official playbook. We break down the actionable strategies and mindset shifts that separate the top 1% of founders from the rest.
Inside the Playbook, you will learn:
If you’re ready to stop guessing what investors want and start building a company they can't ignore, this episode is your essential guide.
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Is the AI revolution all hype? We're flooded with news of god-like models and dystopian fears of job replacement, but what if we're missing the real story?
This week, we're joined by Karthik, a General Manager of Data & AI at Microsoft, who pulls back the curtain on the AI gold rush. He argues that the race for bigger models is overshadowing the real challenge: bridging the massive gap between technological power and tangible, real-world value. If AI is the engine, he explains, then high-quality data is the fuel and human partnership is the driver—and right now, we're running on empty.
In this episode, you will learn:
This isn't just another talk about algorithms. It's a strategic playbook for anyone looking to navigate the next decade of technology. Tune in to understand where the real opportunities in AI lie—and how to seize them.
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Step into a conversation steeped in flavor, culture, and imagination. We begin with the rich history and origins of tea — from ancient Pu-erh traditions to the myths around caffeine and detox brews — guided by special guest Jeannie Liu, founder of Seattle’s iconic Miro Tea, a café that has redefined tea culture in a city of coffee. Since 2007, Miro Tea has become a community hub and award-nominated destination, celebrated for its ethical sourcing, curated tea collections, and a legacy of nearly two decades in the global tea scene.
From there, our dialogue flows into the realms of dreams, consciousness, and the possibilities of AI in shaping awareness. We explore how cultivating refined taste and beauty isn’t just about tea — it’s about designing brands, products, and experiences that truly resonate.
A journey across leaves, minds, and aesthetics, this episode blends the wisdom of tradition, the curiosity of innovation, and the artistry of living well — all steeped to perfection. So pour yourself a cup, sit back, and enjoy the episode.
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In this episode of The Altered Perception Show, we dive deep into the future of storytelling with John Gauntt — Creative Director of the Seattle AI Film Festival and host of the Culture and Code podcast. From AI-powered filmmaking that gives independent creators a global stage, to the craft of writing stories that move people beyond the tech, John shares how AI is transforming creativity without replacing the human heart behind it.
🎬 Discover how the Seattle AI Film Festival is bringing together filmmakers, technologists, and dreamers from 22+ countries.
🖋 Learn why mastering storytelling and writing will set you apart in the AI era.
🌍 Hear powerful examples — from African history brought to life, to Hollywood-level visuals on a laptop.
Whether you’re a creative, a techie, or just AI-curious, this conversation will challenge how you see the future of film, art, and human connection.
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What if your phone, watch, or laptop had its own AI brain — smart enough to help you anywhere, even offline? In this episode, we sit down with Shelby Heinecke, Senior AI Research Manager at Salesforce and PhD in Mathematics, to explore the future of AI agents, on-device AI, and why small models could make a big difference.
We cover:
Shelby also shares career insights for aspiring AI researchers, her take on the timeline to AGI, and why 2025 might be the “Year of the AI Agent.”
Whether you’re an AI enthusiast, a builder, or just curious how the tech in your pocket is evolving, this episode is packed with insights (and a few laughs) you won’t want to miss.
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Join us as we dive into an insightful conversation with Ryan Alli, Lead Product Designer at Uber. In this episode, Ryan shares his journey from mechanical engineering to product designing and management, emphasizing the importance of user-centric design. Learn about the evolving roles of product designers and managers in the era of AI, strategies for building impactful products, and the significance of balancing data-driven approaches with emotional design. Whether you're a startup enthusiast, a product manager, an aspiring product designer, or a curious about AI's impact; this discussion offers valuable insights into the future of product development and management.
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In this mind-bending and insightful episode, we sit down with Srijan Sharma, who have got tremendous experience in quantum mechanics and quantum computing, to explore the fascinating—and often counterintuitive—world of quantum science. Whether you’re a curious learner or just want to finally understand what a qubit, superposition, entanglement is, this conversation has something for everyone.
We begin with Srijan’s journey into quantum physics, learning what drew himto the field and how he in layman's terms explain complex ideas to non-scientists. From there, we unpack the strange principles of quantum mechanics, like superposition and entanglement, and why they matter in the real world.
The episode dives deep into the world of quantum computing, explaining how it differs from classical computing, what makes it so powerful, and where it's actually being used today. We talk about real-world applications in fields like cryptography & encryption, agriculture, aerospace and medicine, data storage as well as common misconceptions and hype surrounding the tech. More importantly, he gives us the glimpse into how quantum computing will change how we understand computers and largely how universe actually works and will provide countless use cases and possibilities in the coming years. Sit back, sip a tea and Enjoy the episode!
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In this episode, we dive into an engaging discussion with Abhi, the co-founder of Platter and Copycat. Abhi shares his journey from working at Zoom to bootstrapping his own startups that use AI to revolutionize the restaurant industry. He talks about the challenges of working with Platter, a service enabling restaurants to have an online brand without hefty commissions or maintenance issues. Abhi explains how AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, play a role in automating processes and scaling operations. He also shares insights on generating startup ideas, the hurdles in building a product, and the future of AI and AGI. This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about AI, startups, and the tech world.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 The Concept and Challenges of Platter
05:29 AI Integration in Platter
09:18 Early Startup Ventures and Lessons Learned
16:51 Ideation and Pivoting Strategies
25:34 AI's Impact and Future Potential
30:57 The Future of AI in Execution and Ideas
31:46 AI Agents and Their Impact on Software Development
34:07 The Shift in SaaS Companies and Localized Software
36:30 The Role of AI in Creative Industries
48:21 The Path to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
56:14 The Future of Robotics and AI Integration
58:24 Looking Ahead: AI Innovations in 2025-2026
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In this episode, join us as we chat with Axel Reichwein, the co-founder and CEO of Product Map. Axel discusses his journey from aerospace engineering to founding an AI startup that revolutionizes how we understand and document code. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in the LLM AI space, the future of AI in coding, and what it takes to build a successful startup. Discover how Product Map's innovative solution is changing the way developers and managers interact with complex code bases. Don't miss Axel's insights into AI's role in enhancing coding efficiency, ensuring cybersecurity, and maintaining software integrity. Tune in for an exciting and informative discussion!
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In this episode, host Gaurav interviews Aruna Virappan, Group Engineering Manager at CH Robinson, discussing the impact of AI on supply chain logistics. Aruna shares her extensive experience in the IT industry, her journey from India to the US, and various roles she has undertaken. They delve into the benefits of AI, machine learning, and IoT in logistics, as well as challenges faced in the industry. Aruna emphasizes the importance of staying curious and continuously learning to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
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In this podcast episode, Vaibhav Gupta, CEO and co-founder of Boundary, shares his journey from early life in India and the U.S. to his current role founding an AI startup. Vaibhav describes his serendipitous introduction to coding, his educational background, and influential internship experiences at companies like eBay. He details his transition from roles at Microsoft and Google, where he learned valuable lessons in coding and product development, to founding a coding bootcamp focused on teaching C++ for job readiness. Vaibhav discusses his eventual move to developing Boundary, a company creating BAML, a programming language improving the reliability of machine learning models. He emphasizes the importance of building developer-friendly tools and describes the challenges and motivations of being a startup founder. Vaibhav also shares insights on the future of AI and coding, highlighting the shift towards more intuitive and reliable software development supported by advanced AI tools.
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In this jam-packed episode of The Altered Perception, we explore the dynamic world of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Kevin Carroll, the BIM Director at MKA and a seasoned architect who’s been working in the industry since the late ’80s. Kevin breaks down what BIM really is—beyond just lines and layers—and explains how “drawing once” can save firms enormous amounts of time and resources. He recounts how he transitioned from pen-and-paper drafting to early 3D modeling and quickly became a fervent advocate of digital workflows.
You will get an insider’s look at how BIM shapes modern construction projects, the crucial role of collaboration among architects, engineers, and contractors, and how IPD (Integrated Project Delivery) aims to cut through the red tape (and lawsuits) by bringing everyone together in one “big room.” Plus, Kevin takes a peek into the not-so-distant future where AI and machine learning could supercharge everything from annotation to generative design. Whether it’s streamlining repetitive tasks or offering real-time clash detection, AI stands poised to make the leap from hype to a day-to-day reality.
If you’re ready to discover how the construction industry is rapidly transforming—and how AI is set to push its evolution even further—then this episode is a can’t-miss. Kevin’s decades of experience and passion for “drawing it once, building it right” offer invaluable insights for architects, contractors, coders, and anyone curious about the next frontier in the built environment.
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Join us as we dive deep into the world of AI and filmmaking with Matisse Tolin, the creative director at Austin AI Film Festival. With over 15 years in the film industry, Matisse shares his journey from screenwriting in Los Angeles to pioneering AI filmmaking. Discover his experiences, insights, and the potential impacts of AI on the film industry. Matisse also discusses the ethical considerations and future prospects of AI technology in storytelling, along with his exciting plans for the upcoming Austin AI Film Festival. This episode is a must-one for anyone passionate about the intersection of technology and creative arts.
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Join us for another episode of The Altered Perception(TAP) show, as we talk with Zoheb Malik from Ontario, Canada, about front-end development, software engineering, and the transformative power of AI. Zoheb shares his journey from a childhood fascination with computers to becoming a self-taught software engineer, opting out of a traditional master's degree path. He discusses the evolving role of AI in front-end development, the significance of user experience, and the promising future of voice-activated systems. Learn about the latest advancements in AI, the importance of adaptability, and why prompt engineering is crucial for all professionals.
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In this episode, we sit down with Heba Dwikat to explore her inspiring journey from Palestine to the US, her experiences in the healthcare tech industry, and her venture into starting her own company, Noor. We delve into her background in industrial and systems engineering, her transition to product design, and the challenges she faced as a woman in tech. Heba shares valuable insights on user experience, the role of AI in healthcare, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us for a deep dive into Heba’s path of turning challenges into opportunities and her vision for innovative learning.
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Hello Friends, in this episode we interview author of the book 'AI for Social Good', Rahul Dodhia. A psychologist-turned-AI expert, who discusses the history of AI, its current state, and its future trajectory. Key topics include the AI "winters" and subsequent booms driven by technological advancements, the ethical implications of AI development, and the crucial role of responsible data usage and regulation. Rahul emphasizes the infancy of AI and the urgent need for mindful development to prevent negative societal consequences. He also touches upon the transformative potential of quantum computing and its implications for AI's future. The interview concludes with a call for diverse perspectives in AI development and training data to avoid perpetuating biases. Hope you enjoy this episode. Cheers
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In this episode, we explore the art of being present in the moment. We all know the feeling of being distracted or stressed out, but how can we learn to stay focused and engaged with the world around us? Join us as we discuss the benefits of mindfulness, and why it's so challenging to stay present in today's world. We'll share practical tips and a relatable story to help you become more present in your daily life. Don't miss this episode if you're looking for ways to reduce stress, increase productivity, and find more joy in everyday moments.
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In today's episode, we will talk about the most hyped up technology in last 2 months: chatGPT. In this episode we will cover the following topics:
I want to be upfront and share that I used chatGPT for the script of this episode to show how powerful it is. I didn't use it for everything, but took what i thought be beneficial to share and added my flavor to it. Believe it or not, it has the potential to replace chat apps like what's app, messenger etc; as well as search engines like google, safari, edge etc.
That said, I hope you gain some value out of this episode and enjoy listening.
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Part 3:
In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Gerald H. Pollack. Dr. Gerald is a scientist recognized worldwide as a dynamic speaker and author. He received the 1st Emoto Peace Prize and is a recipient of the University of Washington's highest honor, the Annual Faculty Lecturer Award. He is founding Editor-in-Chief of the research journal WATER and Director of the Institute for Venture Science. Dr. Pollack's (award-winning) books include: The Fourth Phase of Water (2013), and Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life (2001).
https://www.pollacklab.org/
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Part 2:
In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Gerald H. Pollack. Dr. Gerald is a scientist recognized worldwide as a dynamic speaker and author. He received the 1st Emoto Peace Prize and is a recipient of the University of Washington's highest honor, the Annual Faculty Lecturer Award. He is founding Editor-in-Chief of the research journal WATER and Director of the Institute for Venture Science. Dr. Pollack's (award-winning) books include: The Fourth Phase of Water (2013), and Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life (2001).
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Part 1:
In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Gerald H. Pollack. Dr. Gerald is a scientist recognized worldwide as a dynamic speaker and author. He received the 1st Emoto Peace Prize and is a recipient of the University of Washington's highest honor, the Annual Faculty Lecturer Award. He is founding Editor-in-Chief of the research journal WATER and Director of the Institute for Venture Science. Dr. Pollack's (award-winning) books include: The Fourth Phase of Water (2013), and Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life (2001).
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Hola friends, in today's episode we are joined by Sung Woo Kim. Sung has an innate desire to learn about different fields, he has worked in tech and music industry, he also have background in eastern history/culture and easter healing techniques. In this episode he shares how he tried varies field to learn and discover about himself, his roots and passion. He shares insight into overcoming fear and trying different skills to know what motivates you. Also, he shares his experience working in 6 different start-ups, what it takes to have a successful start-up along with the importance of trust in business.
All that said, hope you guys enjoy the episode as much as I did and gained some value out of it.
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Hellooo guys, in today's episode we are joined by Sara McMahon. Sara has been teaching improv for last 8 years at Unexpected Productions in Seattle. She also conducts several seminars and workshops for Amazon, couples, young kids etc. And she has a background in theatres. In this episode, she shares her insights into the world of Improv and it's benefits in everyday life. One thing is certain, she is very entertaining and you'll learn about it when you listen the episode. With that said, sit back, relax and enjoy the episode.
If you would like to learn more about Sara and would like to contact her, please do so through the below links:
IG @saramacpapercuts
www.saradelighted.com
www.unexpectedproductions.org
Additional links:
https://www.npr.org/2022/10/19/1129907651/improv-can-build-confidence-heres-how-to-apply-it-to-your-everyday-life
https://www.alexjhughes.com/blog/2019/10/16/how-i-used-improv-as-a-growth-hack-to-become-a-better-public-speaker
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In today's episode, we are joined by Rebecca Levant. Rebecca owns four locations of Armistice coffee in Seattle area. She is a successfully entrepreneur, a strong and confident person; an inspiration to all the young women and really anyone who would like to accomplish their goals and pursue their passion.
In the episode, she talks about her childhood, all the hardships she went through at a very young age while still maintaining an optimistic perspective. She also shares some tips on how to be successful in coffee business, and how taking the risk to fulfill your dream and keeping the big picture in mind are two very important secret to success.
That being said, I hope you guys enjoy the episode.
https://www.instagram.com/armisticecoffee/
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Hi friends, in today's episode we are joined by Simon Manning.
Simon has a very interesting background. He started from Architecture industry and moved towards AR/VR. He also owned a start up which focuses on practical application of AR/VR in the field of Architecture and Construction. In this episode, he shares a lot of insights into designing, fabrication & 3D modeling. He also talks about AR/VR and the potential integration with AI in the field of Architecture and Construction.
That being said, I hope you guys enjoy the episode.
Hi guys, Welcome to the snack pack.
In this series, I will share some brief tips that is helping me and might help you towards your goals and living a meaningful life.
In today’s episode I talk about acceptance. Specially, how can we accept ourself as who we are, plus accept others as who they are.
So sit back, relax and enjoy the episode.
Hi Guys, today’s episode is different.
I am pretty sure you know people in your life who are in a state of flow. Or maybe you yourself have experience the state of flow; meaning when you are doing a task that you enjoy doing, you are in the zone, completely immersed, completely focused, the surrounding things and people starts to blur, you can’t track time. It feels like no time has passed by, but actually you are sitting in that state of flow for 5-6 hours. In a way, time is slowing down, your sense of self starts to disappear. All you think about is the task at hand and to accomplish your goal. But here’s the problem, this experience doesn’t occur all day, everyday and not with all the tasks. It happens only with the task you like doing, and consciously and subconsciously choose to perform. So the question then arises:
how can you be in this state of flow, when YOU want to and choose to be in? Irrespective of the environment you are in or all the distractions that you face. And when you get into this state, how can you remain for longer, with intense concentration, until you have reached a milestone. This episode will explain just that and help you towards your goals.
So sit back, relax and enjoy the episode.
In today's episode we have Tessa Peters with us. Tessa studied agroecology and has a PhD in plant breeding and plant genetics. She currently works in Land Institute as a Director of Crop Stewardship. We talked about her journey from having a physics major to working on a ship, mapping the ocean floor. And how she ended up in agriculture industry, working in organic farming and seed system. This was a really fun discussion. I hope you enjoy the episode.
Here's the link of Land Institute where Tessa works: https://landinstitute.org/
In this episode, we are joined by Roger Lorenze. Roger is a commercial real estate broker in Seattle. He has been in real estate industry for over 20 years now. He shares his tips on how to survive and thrive in Real estate industry, plus how to be a good salesperson in any industry and art of being decisive in life. This was a fun discussion, hope you guys enjoy the episode.
In today's episode(part 2), we are joined by Carolyn Janette & Phil Ryan. We will dive deep into their background, some tips on travelling and how they ran and sold their travel business in 2019. So sit back, relax and enjoy the episode.
In today's episode(part 1), we are joined by Carolyn Janette & Phil Ryan. We will dive deep into their background, some tips on travelling and how they ran and sold their travel business in 2019. So sit back, relax and enjoy the episode.
In this episode, we are joined by Jeannie Liu, who is a successful entrepreneur, being in the business profession since she was a child . This episode is about her journey which started from washing dishes at the age of 12 to now, where she runs a very popular and top rated community driven tea café and an online store in the heart of Ballard, Seattle.