The Career Starter Kit
The Career Starter Kit
Podcast Description
Where industry leaders help you go from new hire to high performer.
Imagine if you could have a corporate leader as an onboarding buddy to your career. You could ask them the big questions about how to grow fast. You could ask them tips on how to navigate everyday work situations - how to disagree with your manager or give a crisp leadership update?
That's The Career Starter Kit.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show focuses on career development, workplace dynamics, and personal growth, with episodes exploring topics like effective communication with managers, career risk-taking, and the importance of curiosity in professional success.
Where industry leaders help you go from new hire to high performer.
Imagine if you could have a corporate leader as an onboarding buddy to your career. You could ask them the big questions about how to grow fast. You could ask them tips on how to navigate everyday work situations – how to disagree with your manager or give a crisp leadership update?
That’s The Career Starter Kit.
Amit Banda, Director of Product Management and Finance at Amazon, was one of Amazon India's first finance employees, where he shaped foundational innovations like Cash-on-Delivery and built the country's first fulfillment center. Today, Amit leads global finance product teams into the future of finance through AI-driven automation.
In this episode, Amit shares:
• Why finance isn't the approval police—it's about spotting blind spots and enabling smarter bets for business teams
• The simple yet powerful ”see it, fix it” mindset Amit leveraged to pivot from finance to product management
• How to use the writing things down technique to clear misunderstandings with partner teams and strengthen collaboration
If you've ever wondered how to get work done with partner teams or truly partner with finance, this episode is for you.
In The Career Clinic, Amit answers your real career questions like:
• How do I get approvals from Finance without getting blocked?
• My manager has favorites—how can I still get seen?
• How do I handle a boss who micromanages?
…and so much more.
Some takeaways:
1. Finance isn't there to say no—they’re there to help make smarter business decisions
🗣️ ”The role of finance is not approvals; it’s spotting blind spots, helping the business measure the right metrics, and making sure our experiments are disciplined.”
2. See it, fix it: The ownership mindset to career growth
🗣️ ”Don’t wait for someone else to solve a problem you see—step up, write down your solution, and take ownership. This is how opportunities open.”
3. Conflicts with other teams aren't setbacks—they're chances to align
🗣️ ”Before escalating, pause and clearly write down each team's perspective. When you write things down, you understand each other better. You'll be surprised how often misunderstandings clear up just by writing each of your POVs down.”
4. Good collaboration starts before problems do
🗣️ ”Bring other teams into the loop early. Agree together on goals and milestones so everyone feels involved, not like they're just checking boxes.”
5. The best way to build influence is to walk in other teams' shoes
🗣️ ”Spend real time with your colleagues from other teams. The better you understand their day-to-day challenges, the more you'll genuinely help each other.””
6. Your peer network is your strongest hidden asset
🗣️ ”Meet your peers once a quarter or even once in 6 months or once a year. Make a list, calendar it and make the effort to meet. You don’t know who will be where in 10 years, you don’t know who can help you how in 10 years.”
Where to find Amit Banda:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitbanda
In this episode, we cover:
01:46 – From Big Bazaar to Entrepreneur to Amazon: How I Landed My First Big Break
07:37 – Role of Finance: Not just looking at numbers, but driving better business bets
10:53 – Every Role is a Building Block—Why Breadth Pays Off Later
22:02 – How Peer 1:1s Can Secretly Boost Your Career
24:50 – How Finance can be Strategic Partner (not just Budget Approver)
26:16 – How to Quickly Understand the Business as a New Team Member
29:26 – How to Work Smarter with Your Finance Team (Even if Numbers Aren't Your Thing)
31:36 – What Every Young Professional Should Know About Money & Budgets
32:51 – How to Get Your Ideas Approved by Finance (Without Friction)
36:50 – How Finance Helps Business Balance Risk & Growth
39:08 – Promotions, Growth, and the 40-Year Career Marathon
42:29 – The Career Clinic: How Do I Get Work Done with Partner Teams?
47:46 – How Do I Get Credit Without Sounding Petty?
50:10 – My Manager Has Favorites—What Do I Do?
51:49 – How Do I Say No Without Damaging Relationships?
54:33 – Is Visibility Overrated? How to Stand Out the Right Way
57:45 – Fast Track: Habits, Mistakes, and Mindsets for Career Success
Referenced:
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson https://www.amazon.in/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Amazing/dp/0091816971/
Editing and production: GreyLabs Media
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