Pathfinders Podcast

In this episode of Pathfinders features host Vijayan Swaminathan is in conversation with Trevor Muir, Former CEO of Surepoint Group, Founder of UNIC Speak. Trevor is a seasoned Entrepreneur, Speaker and Thought Leader. He shares a profound personal experience that led to a significant transformation in his life. He reflects on a moment of crisis that forced him to confront his emotions and reassess his definition of success, emphasizing the importance of mental health and self-reflection in leadership and personal growth.

🔑 Key Highlights

💼 Success doesn’t guarantee happiness or fulfillment

🌱 Crisis and adversity can spark p...

#ChangeJourney #CuriosityLeads #PerspectiveShift #GoWithTheFlow #AuthenticConnections #PathfindersPodcast #KarliGrove #Transformation #EmbraceChange #ExploreNewHorizons

The episode of Pathfinders features host Vijayan Swaminathan in conversation with Karli Grove, founder of Kantency Consulting. Karli discusses her philosophy on organizational change, emphasizing subtle, human-centered transformation over drastic shifts and highlighting the importance of listening, curiosity, and asking the right questions. She reflects on how her small-town upbringing, experiences in big cities, and a personal health crisis shaped her awareness of humanity in workplaces.

Karli also shares her transformative travel experiences, including time in New Zealand and Southeast Asia, where she learned resilience...

In this episode of Pathfinders, Vijayan Swaminathan sits down with ever versatile and hospitality executive Chris Yeung to explore his journey from growing up in Edmonton to leading in one of the city’s key industries. Chris opens up about navigating cultural expectations, redefining success, and the importance of curiosity in shaping a meaningful career. The conversation digs into modern challenges—from rising societal pressures to shifting ideas about home ownership, politics, and social media—and highlights how creativity, purpose, and community can guide the next generation forward.

🔑 Key Highlights

In this inspiring conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Lasse Joergensen explore the journey of transformation through authenticity, vulnerability, and storytelling. 🌱 From navigating entrepreneurship to finding balance between materialism and purpose, Lasse shares how embracing honesty and humanity can lead to deeper connection, growth, and meaning in life.

✨ Key Points

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Daveed Henriquez sits down with Vijayan Swaminathan to share his journey from El Salvador to Canada, highlighting how culture, community, and mentorship shaped his life and career in the lighting industry. They discuss how lighting influences human experience and how cultural values affect communication and business relationships.

Our hashtag at Williams Engineering is “WE Brighten Lives”. It's our purpose. It's our story.

Key Points:

Alex Marr in conversation with Vijayan Swaminathan, distills decades of experience into timeless lessons that reshape how we think about selling and leadership. His insights reveal that great sales come from understanding people, not just processes.

"You're not selling a car, you're not selling a photocopier, you're not selling AI widget or an AI solution. What you're selling is trust and peace of mind." - Alex Marr

⚠️ Content Warning

This episode includes discussion of deep emotional struggles and personal trauma. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is finding things difficult, please reach out for support — you’re not alone. 💛

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In this deeply honest conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan sits down with Christopher Friesen, an emotional intelligence coach who helps me...

In this episode Preet Dhaliwal and Vijayan Swaminathan, explore how education can shape a sustainable future. Preet shares insights on shifting mindsets, embracing empathy, and preparing students for tomorrow.

✨ Key themes:

A conversation about reimagining education to create a more conscious, connected world.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tweetteacher/

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In this inspiring episode, Vijayan Swaminathan sits down with internationally acclaimed artist 🎨 Giselle Denis to explore her creative journey, the power of live painting, and the deep connection between art, nature 🌿, and humanity. They discuss how purpose emerges through fear, the value of community, and the emotional essence behind authentic expression. From daily rituals 🧘‍♀️ to the evolving role of AI in art 🤖, the conversation reveals the soulful layers of Giselle’s process—culminating in a rapid-fire glimpse into her artistic mind.

Key Themes:

✨ Trust your gut

🖌️ Create daily, like it's oxygen

💬 Art is a universal language

Summary

In this lively exchange, Jake Bruun shares his journey through tech, reflecting on lessons, challenges, and joys along the way. Together with Vijayan Swaminathan, they dive deep into software development, community, and life philosophies — blending technical insights with personal wisdom and humor.

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In this powerful conversation, Karley Cunningham—former pro athlete turned brand strategist and founder of Big Bold Brand—joins Vijayan Swaminathan to unpack how branding is far more than marketing: it’s a leadership act. 💡

They explore how entrepreneurs can accelerate clarity, embody authenticity, and lead with purpose using Karley’s SureFire Method. From the mental fitness of movement to the soul of business ethics, this episode is rich with insights for modern founders navigating growth and change.

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👉Follow our guest Karley Cunningham

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karleyc...

In this conversation, Praveen Kumar Bouna takes us through his journey from software developer to educator — from his early days at Honeywell to building a career in Singapore and beyond.

We dive into:

✨ The power of networking & mentorship

💡 Why practical skills matter more than theory

⚙️ Outsourcing vs. building in-house

📚 The rise of open source & creating online courses

💰 Lessons on patience, saving, and long-term growth

Praveen’s story is packed with insights for anyone navigating tech, entrepreneurship, or education.

🎧 Tune in to the full episode!

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Summary

In this engaging conversation, Mike Mack shares his journey from a small-town farm boy to the founder of X5 Management, emphasizing the importance of aligned teams, effective communication, and leadership qualities. He discusses his early career in banking, the evolution of leadership over the years, and the significance of soft skills in today's business environment. Mike also reflects on the purpose behind his work, the role of writing in his journey, and the impact of influence versus persuasion in leadership. In this conversation, Mike Mack and Vijayan Swaminathan explore various aspects of leadership, including the significance...

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In this conversation, Prateek Sanjay shares his transformative journey from a finance-focused career to becoming a fundraising expert for startups. He discusses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the importance of emotional intelligence in securing investments. Prateek emphasizes the need for a shift from traditional metrics-driven approaches to more relatable, emotionally-driven outreach strategies. He also reflects on his family's entrepreneurial background and how it shaped his perspective on business and fundraising. In this conversation, Prateek Sanjay and Vijayan Swaminathan explore various themes surrounding entrepreneurship, human connection, and the complexities of personal and professional networks. They discuss...

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In this engaging conversation, Santeri Aramo shares his diverse journey from a multicultural upbringing in Finland and Spain to his entrepreneurial ventures in Bali. He discusses his experiences in management consulting, the fashion industry, and luxury watches, highlighting the challenges and insights gained along the way. Santeri also reflects on personal sacrifices, including donating a kidney to his mother, and the impact of COVID-19 on his career. He delves into the future of spatial computing and the potential of the spatial internet, emphasizing the importance of innovation and purpose in life. In this conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan...

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In this engaging conversation, Ken Gee shares his multifaceted journey from a child of immigrants to a successful entrepreneur, broadcaster, and community builder. He discusses his early life, the development of his communication skills, and his lifelong passion for horse racing. Ken emphasizes the importance of effective communication in both personal and professional realms, offering valuable insights and tips. He reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and the recognition he received, including the Premier's Award of Excellence. The discussion also delves into his experiences in the logistics industry and his impactful role at...

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In this conversation, Brad Warren shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur and the visionary behind Invisible Empire. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building multiple businesses, the pivotal moments that led to his transformation, and the impact of COVID-19 on his entrepreneurial journey. Brad emphasizes the importance of authenticity, the philosophy behind his business model, and the value of embracing failure as a learning tool. He reflects on the nature of success and happiness, and how personal experiences shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Brad Warren explore the themes...

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Sidharth is an Indian American Tech Entrepreneur based in The United States. In this engaging conversation, Sidharth shares his journey as an Indian American, discussing his advocacy for immigration reform and Hindu rights. He reflects on his upbringing in Nigeria, providing insights into the cultural dynamics of the region. The discussion then shifts to the complex India-Pakistan relationship, exploring historical tensions and potential paths to peace. Finally, Sidharth critiques the US immigration system, emphasizing the need for reform to attract global talent and maintain competitiveness against countries like China. In this conversation, the...

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In this conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Adam Dymitruk delve into the transformative power of event modeling in software architecture, particularly in the context of AI advancements. Adam shares insights on how event modeling serves as a bridge between business and technology, facilitating collaboration and clarity. They discuss the evolving role of AI in programming, the importance of managing scope creep, and the future of event-driven architecture. Adam emphasizes that effective communication and understanding of system design are crucial for successful software development, especially in large, polyglot teams. In this conversation, Adam Dymitruk and...

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In this conversation, Arjan Noordhoek shares his journey from a privileged childhood in the Netherlands to becoming a pioneer in software development and event modeling. He discusses his early interests in electronics and programming, the challenges he faced starting a business at a young age, and the dynamics of corporate politics. Aryan emphasizes the importance of risk management in decision-making and advocates for an outcome-driven approach in software development, moving away from traditional solution-based thinking. He introduces event modeling as a transformative tool for organizations, highlighting the need for a shift in mindset...

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In this episode of Pathfinders, host Vijayan Swaminathan interviews Carmen Leibel, a former news anchor and health reporter who has transitioned into public speaking education through her initiative, Project Five. Carmen shares her journey from childhood aspirations to overcoming challenges in her broadcasting career, her experiences as a health reporter, and the misconceptions surrounding the media industry. She discusses her motivation to help the next generation of communicators and the impact of her work on the community. In this conversation, Carmen shares her journey from a newsroom career to creating impactful public speaking...

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In this engaging conversation, Jesus Arroyave, founder of Photonic Access, shares his journey from a curious child in Bogota to an innovative engineer in the access control industry. He discusses his early life, education, and the challenges he faced while pursuing his passion for electronics. Jesus highlights his entrepreneurial spirit, the inception of Photonic Access, and his vision for the future of access control, emphasizing the role of AI and innovative technologies in enhancing security systems. In this conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Jesus Arroyave explore the innovative landscape of access control systems, focusing...

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In this episode of the Pathfinders podcast, host Vijayan Swaminathan and co-host Bryan Hayes engage with Colin Harms, a visionary entrepreneur known for his blue sky thinking and innovative approach to business. Colin shares his journey from humble beginnings in the hospitality industry to becoming a successful entrepreneur in real estate and beyond. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, embracing challenges, and fostering a culture of creativity and ambition. The conversation explores Colin's insights on leadership, personal growth, and the evolving landscape of business, highlighting the opportunities available in today's...

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In this conversation, Sanjeev Sharma shares his remarkable journey from Indian Railways to SpaceX, highlighting his passion for engineering and innovation. He discusses his early life, education, and the challenges he faced in the public sector, particularly in Indian Railways. Sanjeev reflects on the differences between the Indian and US rail systems, the importance of pursuing one's passion, and the evolution of his career. His insights serve as inspiration for budding engineers and those navigating their own career paths. In this conversation, Sanjeev discusses his career journey and the common theme of pursuing...

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In this conversation, Bryan Hayes and Vijayan Swaminathan explore the transformative potential of Voice AI technology with Convrzn. They demonstrate real-world applications of voice intelligence, showcasing how it can streamline business communications, enhance customer interactions, and improve operational efficiency. The discussion covers the challenges businesses face in managing customer inquiries, the importance of personalization, and the future of work with AI. They also delve into the funding and development of their product, emphasizing the need for scalable solutions in various industries. The conversation highlights the innovative capabilities of Voice AI, including its ability to handle different...

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In this episode of the Pathfinders podcast, host Vijayan Swaminathan interviews Binesh Kumar, a technical project lead at Atom Power. They discuss Binesh's journey from his early life in India to his passion for engineering and technology, particularly in the fields of IoT and embedded systems. Binesh shares insights on the impact of engineering on society, the importance of first principles thinking, and his experiences at Atom Power, where they are innovating in power distribution technology. The conversation also touches on grid safety, cybersecurity, and the global push for sustainability in energy. In...

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In this conversation, Khurram Khalil shares his journey from a technologist to a successful entrepreneur in the fintech space. He reflects on his experiences as an immigrant in Canada, the transformation of the Canadian financial landscape, and the challenges posed by risk aversion. Khurram discusses the importance of mentorship, the evolution of technology in business, and his aspirations to contribute positively to society. He also compares the financial scenes in Canada and the US, highlighting the differences in innovation and investment culture. In this engaging conversation, Khurram Khalil and Vijayan...

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In this conversation, Nils Pihl, CEO of Auki, shares his journey from Sweden to China and discusses the rapid advancements in robotics and augmented reality. He emphasizes the significance of China's development, particularly in Shenzhen, as a hub for innovation. Nils explores the future of autonomous vehicles, the need for decentralized networks, and the importance of making AI accessible to the physical world. He also highlights the DePIN movement as a transformative approach to infrastructure and economic collaboration. In this conversation, Nils Pihl and Vijayan Swaminathan explore the complexities of decision-making in society...

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In this episode, Vijayan Swaminathan interviews Martin Dilger, CEO of Nebulit GmbH, who shares his extensive experience in the software industry and discusses the challenges of software development, the importance of event sourcing, and the future of event-driven architectures. Martin emphasizes the need for effective communication and planning in software projects and introduces his Accelerate Program designed to help teams adopt event modeling and event sourcing methodologies. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI in software development and the role of user experience in creating effective software solutions. In this conversation...

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In this engaging conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Michelle Sami Wehbe explore the intricate world of international marketing, focusing on the importance of cross-cultural understanding, the challenges faced in different markets, and the misconceptions that often arise in marketing strategies. Michelle shares her personal journey through various countries, highlighting how cultural nuances shape marketing approaches. The discussion also delves into the costs associated with building products versus marketing them effectively, emphasizing the need for thorough research and understanding of target markets to create successful marketing campaigns. In this conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan...

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In this episode, Bryan Hayes shares his journey to founding ElevateX Sales, emphasizing empathy, resilience from the 2008 crisis, and core values that guide his work. Joined by Vijayan Swaminathan, they discuss AI and blockchain in commercial real estate, political impacts on the market, and personal anecdotes on leadership and humor. They highlight the importance of global connections, fitness, curiosity, courage, and handling rejection in sales. This conversation also explores the evolving nature of success, the value of authenticity, and concludes with rapid insights on personal freedom and humor in professional life.

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In this episode, software pioneer Dave Thomas shares his extensive journey through the tech industry, discussing his early experiences, key influences, and the evolution of software engineering. He emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, collaboration, and continuous learning in tech. Dave also reflects on essential readings for aspiring engineers, the balance of multiple roles, and the significance of experience in education. He provides insights into navigating personal and professional life, his proudest technical achievements, and the current role of object-oriented technology in software development. 

In this conversation, Dave discusses the evolution of programming languages, the c...

In this engaging conversation, Kelly Kennedy shares his journey from a sales background to becoming a successful entrepreneur and podcast host. He discusses the importance of business development, the challenges of adapting to change, and the significance of curiosity and authenticity in building relationships. Kelly emphasizes the need for flexibility in business strategies and the value of learning from failures. He also highlights the rewards of helping clients and the impact of genuine connections in the business world. In this engaging conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Kelly Kennedy explore the multifaceted world of entrepreneurship, discussing the inspiration behind starting a...

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In this engaging conversation, Naman Pandey shares his multifaceted journey from growing up in Kolkata to becoming a technology consultant and podcast host. He discusses the role of podcasts in modern society, the impact of mainstream media, and the pressures of academic expectations. Naman reflects on his experiences in engineering education, the influence of the internet, and the financial aspects of pursuing a master's degree in the US. He also introspects on the challenges faced by the 90s generation, including rising costs and inflation, while emphasizing the importance of personal growth and financial...

Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. We are not asking for anyone to make any financial decisions based on this conversation. 

In this engaging conversation, Adam O'Brien, a passionate advocate for Bitcoin, shares his journey and insights into the world of cryptocurrency. He discusses the importance of self-custody, the systemic challenges posed by fiat currencies, and the potential of Bitcoin to empower individuals and promote financial independence. Adam emphasizes the need for education and understanding of Bitcoin's principles, as well as the importance of decentralization in creating a better financial future. T...

Adam Dymitruk, the creator of event modeling, discusses his background in software development and his journey from early programming experiences to event sourcing and event modeling. He highlights the importance of software design and the need to bridge the gap between technical and business teams. Adam also explains the concepts of behavior-driven development and specification by example, and how they contribute to effective communication and collaboration in software development. He emphasizes the value of event modeling in describing system behavior and its compatibility with event sourcing systems. In this part of the conversation, Adam Dymitruk discusses his experience during...

Thrilled to launch our next episode, features the inspiring Tamanna Ramesh, a food scientist-turned-strategic leader and career coach. Tamanna’s journey from India to the U.S. is a powerful story of determination and ambition. After securing over $135,000 in scholarships and grants, she rose to a leadership role in the food science industry, overcoming significant challenges along the way, including navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration process.

✨As the founder of Spark Career Services, Tamanna is now dedicated to empowering underrepresented individuals in STEM fields. Her passion for empowerment and providing crucial supp...

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Vijay Pravin Maharajan, an award-winning Data Scientist and Entrepreneur, whose journey from a town in Tamil Nadu, India, to becoming a global tech leader is nothing short of remarkable. 🌍✨

In this conversation, Vijay shares his experiences working with top corporations like Volkswagen and Siemens, and his insights into the rapidly evolving fields of data science and blockchain technology. As the founder of bitsCrunch, a cutting-edge blockchain analytics firm, Vijay is at the forefront of securing the blockchain ecosystem and driving innovation in the tech world.

We...

Join us as we sit down with Spider Campos, a versatile expert with experience across multiple sectors and roles. Specializing in cloud application development on the Azure platform, Spider combines technical excellence with refined interpersonal skills. Discover his journey, insights, and an exploration of Vertical Event Sourcing Architecture (VESA) in our latest episode. And, did we mention he's also a great musician? 🎶 Tune in to learn more!

Check out:

Medium: https://medium.com/@iocloudsystemsMedium: https://medium.com/@iocloudsystems/vertical-event-sourcing-and-domain-driven-design-ddd-in-azure-with-cosmos-sql-and-databricks-a8875dba45c5

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Lin...

In this episode of Pathfinders, we’re joined by Atal Agarwal, a visionary who journeyed from the academic halls of IIT Kharagpur to the competitive world of U.S. tech and beyond. Not only has he mastered the incredible Ironman Championship, but he also founded OpenSphere, a company dedicated to empowering immigrants. Tune in as Atal shares the highs and lows of his remarkable journey, offering a blend of inspiration and practical advice for navigating life’s complex pathways.

Check out:

https://OpenSphere.AI

Foll...