Main Street Minds: Success Beyond Limits with Amish Munshi

In this episode of The Mainstreet Minds Podcast with Amish Munshi, we sit down with Jayanth Kumar, a dynamic force in the world of tech and entrepreneurship. From earning degrees at IIT Bombay and UCLA to building system architectures at Amazon, Jayanth shares his journey of taking risks, staying curious, and following passion over predictability.
Jayanth dives into his latest venture, Turl Street Group, a startup bringing data-driven intelligence to real estate and capital markets. He also discusses his two books, including System Design on AWS, a comprehensive resource for tech professionals looking to master real-world system architecture.
You’ll also hear about his philosophies on risk-taking, his favorite tech hacks, why he believes system design is a “disciplined art,” and how he manages to balance creativity, coding, and caring for stray animals.
Key Takeaways:
The power of taking early-career risks
Jayanth’s unique career path from big tech to startup leadership
Real-world applications of Gen AI in real estate tech
How system design principles can create large-scale masterpieces
Why technical professionals should take control of their careers and finances
Jayanth's personal website to reach - https://jaykmr.comTurl Street Group's website (https://turlstreetgroup.com)Turl Street Group's (TSG) first product - Gathergov (https://gathergov.com)
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In this episode, Amish Munshi welcomes Michael Kris, a seasoned developer and robotics engineer with nearly two decades of experience in tech, leadership, and startups. Michael shares his journey from coding games as a teenager to leading innovation in humanoid robotics for logistics and warehouse automation. He dives deep into what makes autonomous systems work, the real-world challenges they face, and the future of robotics and self-driving cars.
Amish and Michael explore critical ideas around engineering ethics, real-time systems, and the human dynamics that shape careers in tech. Michael also opens up about his passion for mentoring others, building community connections, and his initiative to create a job-matching tool for the tech world.
Key Topics:
The evolution of robotics and real-time AI systems
The human factors behind autonomous vehicle development
How to navigate your career in tech and build meaningful relationships
Tips for anyone looking to get started in robotics, AI, or engineering
The importance of mentorship, networking, and helping others
 
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In this episode, Sai Harsha Vinay Kudikala shares a journey that’s both personal and powerful—from growing up in Hyderabad, India to becoming a senior software engineer at Geico in the U.S. Sai reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his passion for tech, from his early experiences with HTML and Java, to working in data governance, and embracing challenges during layoffs. He also opens up about improving his mental and physical health, the power of networking, and his mission to stay grounded in fundamentals despite rapid advances in AI.
Whether you're an aspiring tech professional or just someone navigating life's curveballs, Sai's story is full of real-world insights, motivation, and practical tips you don’t want to miss.
What We Cover:
Sai’s early spark in tech and his passion for learning
The importance of data governance and working in the “data police” space
How AI bias and guardrails affect our digital future
Lessons from getting laid off and landing a new role in just weeks
Building discipline through fitness, social media management, and continuous self-growth
 
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From dreaming of becoming a writer to leading groundbreaking tech innovations, Lee Williams has traveled an unexpected and inspiring path. In this episode of Mainstreet Minds, host Amish Munshi sits down with Lee to explore his incredible journey—from coding at UC Berkeley to holding C-suite roles at global tech firms like Palm and Nokia.
Lee shares how a college guidance counselor nudged him toward software development, leading to his early work on operating systems and some of the very first smartphones and tablets. He opens up about the importance of bridging the gap between technical and business teams, and how that became the foundation for his leadership style. You'll also hear Lee’s take on AI's current wave, the rise of "reasoning" in artificial intelligence, and what’s coming next in human-AI interaction.
Whether you're starting your tech career or looking to stay ahead of industry trends, this episode is packed with insight, real talk, and plenty of wisdom from someone who’s been at the forefront of multiple tech revolutions.
Guest Bio:Lee Williams is the founder of Edelleye, a forward-thinking technology agency focused on product innovation, marketing tech, and helping companies scale with purpose. Lee has held executive roles including SVP, CTO, and COO, and previously led product innovation at Palm and Nokia. He is also Vice Chair at Elder Wisdom Circle, an organization providing anonymous advice to people across the globe.
 
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In this episode of The Mainstreet Minds Podcast, host Amish Munshi sits down with Steve Soto, the CTO of The Breezy Company, to talk about his journey in technology, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Steve shares his experience of selling his first software as a teenager in 1979, navigating the waves of technological evolution, and how he now helps businesses establish their authority online.
From the challenges of staying relevant in digital marketing to the impact of AI on industries, Steve provides a wealth of insights on how businesses can leverage technology for growth. He also discusses his approach to investments, the future of tech careers, and the importance of adapting to industry shifts.
Key Takeaways:
How Steve's early passion for technology led to a lifelong career in tech and entrepreneurship.
The mission behind The Breezy Company and how it helps businesses maintain a strong online presence.
The evolving landscape of digital marketing and why B2B companies should shift focus to LinkedIn.
AI's role in customer service and how it’s transforming industries.
Steve’s investment philosophy and why he bets on himself.
Advice for those starting a career in tech and how to stay ahead of the curve.
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In this episode of The Mainstreet Minds Podcast, we sit down with Dharmesh Shah to explore his incredible journey in the tech industry. From launching a consulting firm in India to leading a $55 million business unit in the U.S., Dharmesh shares his insights on career growth, leadership, and navigating the fast-changing world of technology.
Dharmesh opens up about the challenges of managing a consulting business, transitioning into product-driven roles, and adapting to industry changes. He also reflects on his decision to move to the U.S. for career and family reasons, offering valuable lessons on balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities.
We dive into the evolving landscape of IT, the importance of continuous learning, and how AI is shaping the future of software engineering. Dharmesh also shares his thoughts on financial management—how tech professionals should think differently when it comes to investments and wealth-building.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a tech leader, or someone looking for career inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice.
 
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Michael Kolbrener joins The Mainstreet Minds Podcast with Amish Munshi to share his 25-year journey in financial services technology. From working in local banks to leading consumer lending tech at Bank of America, Michael has seen it all. Now, as a fractional CTO at Architectero, he helps startups and mid-market companies tackle technology strategy, innovation, and pain points.
In this episode, Michael and Amish discuss:
The evolution of tech from the 90s to today, from connectivity to AI.
How businesses struggle with integrating different technologies and overcoming data silos.
The benefits of having a fractional CTO versus an in-house CTO.
Key lessons for startups on tech strategy, budget, and revenue generation.
How financial planning differs from the fast-paced nature of tech.
Michael also shares insights on career growth, work-life balance, and financial stability, offering practical advice for those in the tech industry.
 
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In this episode of The Mainstreet Minds Podcast, Amish Munshi sits down with Malur Narayan, a seasoned technologist and entrepreneur, to explore his journey through the world of AI, machine learning, and startup innovation.
Malur shares his early experiences in AI—long before it became the buzzword it is today—discussing how he transitioned from academia to industry, making impactful contributions at companies like Bell Northern Research and Nortel. His problem-solving mindset led him to develop innovative tools, and now, as an entrepreneur, he's tackling one of the biggest challenges in material science and advanced manufacturing.
We discuss:
How Malur got started in AI and machine learning in the early 90s
His transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship
The importance of taking calculated risks in business and finance
His latest venture, which helps companies discover new applications for advanced materials
Insights on financial planning, career growth, and the future of tech innovation
 
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In this inspiring episode, Avinash Dwivedi joins Amish Munshi to share his remarkable journey from a corporate career in India and the U.S. to building his path to financial freedom. Discover the mindset and strategies behind his success, and how he’s helping others achieve their financial goals.
Expanded Description
Avinash Dwivedi, founder of ZestStockMirror and a seasoned investor, advisor, and financial strategist, sits down with Amish Munshi on The Mainstreet Minds Podcast. With over two decades of experience spanning corporate India and America, Avinash shares how his early aspirations evolved into a successful entrepreneurial journey.
From starting small with a $500 investment portfolio to scaling his businesses and achieving financial independence, Avinash emphasizes the importance of learning, calculated risks, and mentorship in building wealth and freedom.
In this episode, you’ll hear Avinash's unique insights into:
His life-changing career moves, including the moment a tablet sparked his passion for investments.
The importance of diversifying income and investments for long-term success.
Advice for young professionals on taking risks and starting early.
How to plan for financial freedom and define success for yourself.
Avinash also shares why happiness and purpose are at the heart of his journey, offering valuable takeaways for anyone seeking to balance personal fulfillment with financial growth.
 
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What does it take to thrive in the ever-changing world of technology while juggling work, family, and personal well-being? In this episode, Amish Munshi speaks with Kabi Pankaja, a seasoned tech professional with over 25 years of experience, about his incredible journey navigating the complexities of the tech industry and life itself.
Kabi shares his insights on staying relevant in the fast-paced world of tech, from learning to adapt to new technologies like AI to balancing career growth with personal priorities. He reflects on the importance of mindfulness, the lessons learned from investing in real estate and stocks, and the value of focusing on self-improvement rather than external comparisons.
Key Takeaways:
How to maintain work-life balance and prioritize health in a demanding career.
The evolution of technology, from client-server systems to AI.
Strategies for smart investments in real estate, stocks, and beyond.
Why comparing yourself to others hinders personal growth.
 
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