#2: Redefining Tech Education In AI-First World with Interview Kickstart CEO Ryan Valles

The Priyanka Shinde Podcast | Strategy | Execution | Leadership

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In this special episode of the Priyanka Shinde Podcast, we welcome Ryan Valles—Founder & CEO of Interview Kickstart, a pioneering platform that’s transforming how software engineers and AI professionals upskill and accelerate their careers.
With over 25,000 alumni and 700+ instructors from top tech giants, Together Ryan and Soham Mehta (Founder and CPTO) have built the largest US-focused training ecosystem for advanced tech talent. Their mission? To bridge the gap between raw potential and world-class technical excellence.
Before Interview Kickstart, Ryan worked at Accel Partners, supporting some of India’s most prominent consumer internet startups. He has also served as the CEO of a major e-commerce company and built a global career in consulting and private equity across the US, UK, South Africa, Australia, and India.
Outside the boardroom, Ryan is a passionate sportsman and a skilled musician—playing both guitar and piano.
🎯 In this episode, we explore:

• How Interview Kickstart is redefining tech education
• The secret to scaling a successful ed-tech company
• Lessons from investing and leading in fast-growth startups
• The future of AI, software careers, and talent development
• Personal insights on leadership, resilience, and reinvention

🔹 Get ready for a power-packed conversation with Ryan Valles as we dive into entrepreneurship, ed-tech innovation, and building the future of tech talent!
📌 Connect with Ryan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanvalles/
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00:00 – Intro
01:05 – Meet the Guest: Ryan Valles
03:15 – What are you currently working on?
06:50 – The story behind founding Interview Kickstart
10:00 – What skills really help in a job?
21:00 – Key focus areas of Interview Kickstart
22:23 – Challenges in growing a business
23:00 – The journey so far
28:22 – Company values and culture
30:40 – Goals for the next 6 months
32:28 – Building impactful products
34:38 – Scaling Interview Kickstart: Key success factors
46:24 – The role of luck in business
47:42 – Measuring success at Interview Kickstart
52:00 – Navigating the changing tech landscape
59:00 – Exciting trends & future opportunities
1:09:00 – What happens when

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▶ About the Priyanka Shinde
I am an AI Product Leader and Execution Strategist with a proven track record of building, scaling, and delivering AI-powered innovations. With experience at Meta and Cruise, I have helped businesses leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and real-world impact. As an Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Author, I am passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and product teams to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
From developing cutting-edge AI solutions to mentoring the next generation of innovators, my mission is to bridge the gap between technology and execution—empowering businesses to thrive in the AI-driven future.