(Note: parts of this blog was written interacting with various AI entities: ChatGPT, Google Search, Gemini, Perplexity, etc. I and every effort has been made to verify and validate claims made by AI. I am responsible for the below content written in my name. Fal Sarkar).

Watch the interview with Sid Senthilkumar

on the Fal Sarkar Channel on YouTube

or Fal Sarkar @ LinkedIn.

Purpose, Passion & Pursuit: Finding Fortune in Innovation

The story of Sid Senthilkumar feels timeless.

Like generations before him, Sid came to San Francisco to in pursuit of a dream, driven by passions, fueled on by curiosity, and drawn to the creative pulse of the City. His journey isn't about chasing success, but finding opportunity in the infrastructure that makes innovation possible.

While many are conditioned to pursue fortune, wealth, and fame, Sid became fascinated by what keeps the system running: the people, spaces, and culture that supports the City's start-up ecosystem.

I am very interested in how the infrastructure of the environment in SF (San Francisco) supports startups and other innovative people. I noticed that as an engineer, as a technologist, I'm told to follow the start-ups and these structures and become successful a specific way. But I noticed that there's a lot of people on the sides supporting these startups, supporting the infrastructure to keep these people going and keep these innovations flowing. 

As an intern on the Biopunk Floor at the Frontier Tower, a vertical village for frontier technologies,

Sid brings a rare mix of humility and curiosity - showing how immersion, community, and persistence can turn frustration into an opportunity.

Immersion Over Isolation

After completing his Masters degree in computational biology, Sid was sending resumes from Texas and hearing little back. "It felt impersonal," he said. "I didn't see what the field was doing. It was alienating."

So he made a momentous decision: to put himself in the middle of things.

I think there's a lot to say about putting yourself in the middle of a system, rather than expecting it to bring things to you in the form of like a formal career opportunity or things like that, right?

We tend to underestimate how important it is to be in the middle of these communities to make these connections. And to meet these people.

Through Twitter (now X), Sid connected with innovators like Elliot Roth of the Biopunk Community Lab. Moved to California, and began volunteering - building shelves, helping with events, asking questions, and learning from everyone around him. Slowly, proximity tured into opportunity.

Turning Proximity into Opportunity: Networking As a Way of Life

When I asked Sid for his networking advice, he didn't hesitate.

Always connect one event to the next.

Networking, he explained, isn't about isolated encounters. It's a chain reaction. Each interaction should lead to another - a conversation, an event, or a collaboration.

Sid also talked about the importance of curiosity. "Intimidation is natural," he said, "but it can lead to curiosity."

By showing humility, he earned trust and access to people far more experienced. That blend of courage, humility, and confidence opened doors. Even to histing an event when his mentor couldn't make it.

A strong combination of courage, humility, and confidence. 

Some CareerCOACH Lessons for Early Career

As a Career Coach, I meet many recent grads who are anxious, overqualified, and underemployed. They scroll endlessly through job boards but rarely find roles that fit their skills or values. Sid's story offers a roadmap to break out of that loop.

1. Start early - intern often

• High School and College internships build credibility and momentum. Even unpaid roles can lead to pivotal opportunities. 

2. Adopt a continuous learning mindset

• Real learning happens beyond the classroom. AI and automation mean skill sets expire faster than degrees. So stay curious through side projects, certifications, online courses, YouTUbe, and exploration.

3. Work with a coach or mentor

• A coach helps you uncover what drives you, sharpen your story, and navigate interviews and networking strategically.

4. Leverage your network - and your parents' network

• Most jobs come through introductions, not applications. Learn to use Influence Networking, reach out through family , professors, coaches, neighbors, and mentors.

5. Go where the action is

• Whether physically or digitally, place yourself in the center of innovation, and change. Being in the room, or even the right online community, matters.

Moving Things Along

Since the time we shot this interview, Sid has found a job!

In a job market defined by volatility, his story reminds us that adaptability, curiosity, and community are still the most reliable currencies. 

We underestimate how important it is to be in the middle of these communities - to make these connections and meet these people.

For every recent graduate doom scrolling through job listings and rejection emails, there's the takeaway.

Don't wait for opportunity to come to you. Step into the flow of innovation, and connect one event to the next!

A Note to Parents, Grandparents and Mentors - Gift a CareerCOACH

If you have a young person in your life - a son, daughter, niece, nephew, or grandchild, or even kids in your neighborhood - who's job searching, but also seems to be searching for some direction in today's uncertain job market, here's an opportunity to invest in next steps in their future. 

Unfortunately, not everything one needs to know is taught in school or college, and for careers, there are coaches. 

I, and a team of others, offer a free 45-minute Career Alignment Session designed with the high school or college senior, recent grads, and early career entry into the world of work. 

• Learn how to craft a powerful resume, and LinkedIn profile. Learn strategies and tips to develop an online professional persona, one that stands out.
• Get coaching on networking, public speaking, interview prep, and confidence and self-esteem building. Learn how to network through family, friends, and other adults in their lives.
• Get assessed using DISC, and other personality and behavioral assessments that identify core strengths and motivations. Help the youg person develop the tools for self-evaluation, understanding their weaknessess, coming into the power of their strengths.
• Build a realistic roadmap that connects passion, purpose and opportunity through Passion & Purpose workbooks and deep-dive discussions with certified specialists.

Parents (grand parents, etc) are welcome - encouraged - to join the session(s)

The right guidance, right timing, and right intentions at the right moment can change to course of a life and career!

Sign up your Early Career, Recent Grad, Young Person for their free 45-minute Alignment Call:

//calendly.com/falsarkar/45-minute-free-career-alignment-meeting

Read more stories like Sid's and others on the Fal Sarkar CareerCOACH Blog!