JumpStart 2 Tech Podcast

20 Episodes
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By: Vinod Akunuri

Welcome to JumpStart 2 Tech(JS2T) our podcast designed to jumpstart you into the heart of tech with insider knowledge, actionable advice, and inspiring stories. Whether you are just starting out or pivoting your career in tech this podcast is for you. Our episodes is designed for all ages whether you are in high school, college, in a profession already! Why tune in? Because I've been exactly where you are. Starting with no clear direction in tech, I faced the daunting question of "What's next?" It was through the guidance of dedicated mentors, the support of influential sponsors, and the...

A Career In Tech Sales, I Work In Big Tech at IBM - With Christopher M.
06/29/2025

In this episode, we sit down with Christopher M., a tech sales professional at IBM, to talk about what it’s really like working in tech sales at a major company. Christopher shares how he broke into the field, the skills that helped him grow, and the day-to-day responsibilities that come with working in a client-facing role at IBM.


We explore what tech sales actually involves, the misconceptions people often have, and how to build confidence when you’re just starting out.


If you’ve ever thought about working in sal...


Let’s Talk Gender, Power & Leadership — A Brutally Honest Conversation with Dawn Myers
06/25/2025

What Does 50/50 Look Like Between Men and Women?

Who Should Take the Lead? Who Should Lead? Or Should Both?


A very spontaneous episode with my friend Dawn Myers, the founder of Richualist. We talked about everything from business partnerships to relationships — and how the idea of balance plays out differently for men and women in both spaces.

Dawn brought the fire with her perspective as a female founder while I brought my lens as a male founder in the business world.

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Market Your LinkedIn And Watch Your Career EXPLODE, with Dennis Yu
06/22/2025

Dennis Yu is a globally recognized digital marketing expert and the CEO of BlitzMetrics. With over 20 years of experience building training programs and data-driven ad strategies, Dennis has worked with major brands like Nike, the Golden State Warriors, and Rosetta Stone.


He is passionate about helping small businesses grow through personal branding, local service marketing, and mentorship. Dennis has spoken in 17 countries, taught at over 700 conferences, and built a movement around empowering the next generation of marketers

Dennis LinkedIn

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Your Systems Are The Strategy: Scale Smart, Earn More Money, and Defeat Burnout, with Katie Hahn
06/16/2025

Katie Hahn is in the world of tech, systems strategy, and women’s coaching.

As Chief of Staff at GovTechCon and creator of the CLIMB Framework, she helps women shift from business chaos to consistent growth using smart, scalable systems.

In this episode, Katie opens up about her journey from burnout to clarity, how to lead without losing yourself, and why systems are the key to building a business that lasts.

If you’re a coach, creative, or tech professional ready to scale with intention, this conversation is for you.

Katie Link...


Got Hired To Track Threats Online (OSINT), With Jefferson Agyei
06/08/2025

In this episode of Jumpstart 2 Tech, we sit down with Jefferson Antwi-Agyei, a Threat Intelligence Analyst specializing in OSINT investigations, risk assessments, and social media monitoring.

From analyzing global threats to securing digital and physical environments, Jefferson breaks down what OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) actually looks like in real life and how he landed a career in this growing cybersecurity field. He shares his personal journey, the power of having a roadmap, and how Jumpstart 2 Tech became the shortcut that helped him get hired.

If you’ve ever been curious about careers in cyber threat in...


Data Engineers Run the Internet - Here’s How to Become One, With Cecelia Dickson
06/01/2025

In this episode of Jumpstart 2 Tech, we’re joined by Cecelia, a data engineer with a background in data science, AI, and software engineering. Cecelia began her journey as a Jr. Big Data Engineer in the finance industry, where she learned how to build scalable solutions for large-scale data platforms. Since then, she’s worked on everything from production-ready ETL pipelines to cloud optimization frameworks using tools like S3, Grafana, and Tableau.

If you’re curious about what data engineers actually do, or you’re trying to figure out how to start your own journey, this episode is packe...


Behind Every App Launch Is DevOps – A Career in DevOps, With Victor Grillo
05/25/2025

In this episode, we sit down with Victor Grillo to explore the vital yet often behind-the-scenes world of DevOps. If you've ever wondered how apps go from code to customer, DevOps is the engine making it possible. Victor breaks down what DevOps really is, the skills needed to succeed, and why it’s one of the most in-demand career paths in tech today. Whether you're a developer, a tech enthusiast, or someone considering a pivot into tech, this conversation will give you a clear look at how DevOps powers modern software and how you can become part of it.

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Accelerate Your Tech Career, with Vinod Akunuri
07/30/2024

Thank you, Patrick Gorman, for interviewing me on this podcast. In this episode, I share tips and strategies on how to get ahead in your tech career, drawing from my experience with JumpStart 2 Tech. We discuss the importance of navigating the tech industry effectively, building a strong professional network, crafting a standout resume, and preparing for interviews.


I also highlight how personalized career roadmaps can make a significant difference in achieving career goals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, these insights will help you take the next step with confidence. Listen...


Product or Service - With Dawn Myers
07/25/2024

With investments from Mark Cuban and Emma Grede, Dawn Myers, the founder and CEO of The Most, has made significant strides in the beauty tech industry. During her appearance on "Shark Tank," Myers presented "The Mint," an innovative hair care tool designed for textured hair. This tool aims to simplify the styling process for curly to coily hair types, making it more efficient and less product-intensive.


In this podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dawn Myers and her revolutionary product, The Mint. We'll explore the story behind the initial inspiration for her...


Work Your 9-5, Do Not Let It Work You - With Nico McNair
05/26/2024

On this episode, I speak with Nico on how various topics including: - Work your 9-5, do not let it work you - Have a passion and purpose - Behind the vision of Steve Jobs & more Subscribe and find us on all platforms:Pandora:https://lnkd.in/eJTUgxsPStitcher:https://lnkd.in/eBDA7mChSpotify:https://lnkd.in/eJ3dFszkAmazon:https://lnkd.in/edUjcSqsApple Podcasts:https://lnkd.in/e9YrECBR


Invest In Yourself Or Get Left Behind - With Mawuli Vodi
05/11/2024

Mawuli Vodi is the CEO/Owner of Financially Present. His dedication to empowering individuals to become financially savvy and present in other significant areas of their lives is truly inspiring. We discuss on understanding the tech sector, key metrics for evaluating stocks, risks and rewards, market trends, and more! Connect with Mawuli Vodi www.financiallypresent.com Schedule a Call Connect with Mawuli on LinkedIn!


How To Build, Impact, and Maintain Your Personal Brand - With Nigel Hammett
05/01/2024

On this episode, I have conversations with Nigel Hammit. Nigel has experience in speaking, personal branding, and marketing as he worked with Magic Johnson & The Lakers, Tyler Perry Studios, BET Awards, and TIP & Tiny. As a student, he opened up his own Career Development program, Resume Plug, where he wrote 500 resumes and helped 100+ people break into high-paying Tech Jobs. While at NCAT, he took advantage of every opportunity by working 4 Internships and 1 Co-Op throughout his college career, allowing him to travel the country. Nigel LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelhammett/ Vinod LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinodakunuri/ JS2...


I Am 24 Today : Stop Planning & Start Crushing Your Goals!
04/27/2024

Thank you all for tuning in to my podcast and my previous episodes. Today is my birthday! I wanted to discuss about - Recap of the Past Year - Goals and Aspirations for the Year Ahead - Lessons Learned and Words of Wisdom Continue subscribing and leave a review: Pandora:https://lnkd.in/eJTUgxsPStitcher:https://lnkd.in/eBDA7mChSpotify:https://lnkd.in/eJ3dFszkAmazon:https://lnkd.in/edUjcSqsApple Podcasts:https://lnkd.in/e9YrECBR


Is Your Cloud Secure? The TRUTH Individuals Don't Know - With Marc Lawrence
04/25/2024

Marc Lawrence, a security engineering consultant dedicated to assisting his clients in optimizing their cloud security measures and controls. His expertise in cloud security started at Palo Alto Networks where he specializes with Prisma Cloud. Marc also is the founder of Respect The Tech, a collective who provides workshops focused on IT/Cybersecurity in the DMV. Marc often speaks on his not-so-traditional journey into the tech industry. His professional experience began in 2019 with Year Up, a workforce training program where he earned his first internship with BNY Mellon. Since then, Marc spent 3 years at Freddie Mac as an Endpoint Security...


The Non-Profit Guide: How To Start, Scale, and Serve - With Dr. Willie Sanders
04/14/2024

Meet Dr. Willie Sanders, an impressive background and extensive experience in information technology and academia, particularly your passion for Cybersecurity and cyber education. Dr. Sanders leadership in networking, operations, business continuity, and technology education, coupled with your dedication to bridging the technology skills gap in disadvantaged communities through Pass IT On, Inc., is truly inspiring. Connect with Pass IT On : https://www.passitonmd.org/ Continue subscribing and leave a review: Pandora:https://lnkd.in/eJTUgxsPStitcher:https://lnkd.in/eBDA7mChSpotify:https://lnkd.in/eJ3dFszkAmazon:https://lnkd.in/edUjcSqsApple Podcasts:https://lnkd.in/e9YrECBR


The Active Duty Military and Veterans Guide To A Tech Career - With Raymond Hughes
04/10/2024

Meet Raymond Hughes, the Owner and Lead Instructor of DOD Training Center in San Diego. Mr. Hughes served in the Navy for over 20 years. He has served in various leadership roles in the Information Warfare Training Group San Diego. He has served in various leadership roles in the Information Warfare Training Group San Diego. With extensive experience in cyber securtiy and training, he is certified as an Instructor and Master Training Specialist. He has overseen the successful certification of over 200 students. His certifications include CISSP, CISM, CASP, CEH, and more. Continue subscribing on all platforms and leave a review: Pandora...


How To Transform Students From Consumers To Creators - With Andrew Pham
04/06/2024

Meet Andrew Pham the Co-Executive Director of Code In The Schools. Code In The Schools mission is to expand access to quality computer science education and building pathways from school to jobs and higher education in the Baltimore area. Andrew has been a transformation force, defining computer science education to make it universally accessible and an integral part of the curriculum. His work is driven by the belief that computer science is not just for the tech-savvy but for everyone, mirroring a new core subject that encompasses computational thinking from an early age.


The Future of Music Production Through Innovative Technologies - With Daniel Carballo
03/30/2024

Meet Daniel Carballo, the Co-Founder of HighLife Studios. HighLife Studios provide every artist with the capability of bringing their ideas to life. With state of the art technology, certified engineers, and excellent sound treatment, we can cater to any and every sound. In addition, they also curate events to create a vibrant local community.


How Artificial Intelligence Improves Work Efficiency, Transforms Business Processes, and Boosts Productivity - With Yemi Faleti
03/25/2024

Meet Yemi Faleti, Founder & CEO of Videre Worldwide. Videre Worldwide is transforming artistic expression with tailored AI solutions. From generative design to enhancing creative processes, Videre was crafted to inspire business leaders and creators, enabling to push the boundaries of imagination strategically.


Welcome to JumpStart 2 Tech - With Vinod Akunuri
03/21/2024

- Welcoming Remarks - Podcast Mission and Vision - Why This Podcast Matters - What Listeners Can Expect - JumpStart 2 Tech Business - Sneak Peek into Future Episodes - Where To Find Us - Ending Remarks