On Path

Shikha is a Product Marketer for Growth at Slack. Previously she's been at companies like Dropbox, Uber, Thumbtack, and Sidecar. As a passionate cook, Shikha began her career in restaurant kitchens. A diagnosis of chronic anemia required a change in career. She then launched a food blog, learned the relevant skills, and made the transition to tech. From not owning a laptop to later working at the fastest growing technology companies, in this discussion we unpack her life and career journey.

Show Notes

Here are some relevant links from the conversation:
Show notes:
  • 1:18 Swimming with sharks
  • 2:42 What is product marketing?
  • 4:36 What skills are needed to be a great product marketer?
  • 6:17 Growing up in the Bay Area
  • 7:55 How Shikha keeps in touch with people
  • 9:42 Slack as a personal communication tool?
  • 10:20 From a food blog to working in tech
  • 12:56 Shikha's favorite pastry recipe
  • 13:55 Working at high-growth ventures: Uber, Dropbox, Slack
  • 14:39 Working in restaurants
  • 15:49 Internal opportunities
  • 17:14 Building internal relationships
  • 17:42 Screen-free interaction
  • 19:33 Influential people in Shikha's life
  • 20:41 Great managers
  • 21:29 How is life different than envisioned 10 years ago?
  • 22:17 What Shikha doesn't compromise on anymore
  • 24:06 Specific aspects of company culture
  • 25:16 The impact of virtual on company culture
  • 26:55 Important life lessons
  • 28:43 Juggling being a professional pastry chef with a career in tech
  • 30:32 Saying no to things to create time
  • 31:52 Calendar blocks
  • 32:50 Road trip from California to Vermont
  • 36:20 Virtual pastry classes

What is On Path ?

With the On Path podcast you'll hear the behind-the-scenes of what got professionals in the technology sector to where they are today. These are the career and life stories that aren't captured on a LinkedIn or web profile. The twists and turns. The inspirations and influences. Hosted by Vijay Viswanathan.