Meta VP Prasad Bhandarkar on Leaving Safe Careers, Pivoting to Data Engineering, and Leading in the AI Era
Are you feeling stuck in your tech career? Wondering if you should make that risky jump to a new technology or a different role? In this episode of The Priyanka Shinde Podcast, we're joined by Prasad Bhandarkar, the Vice President of Reality Labs (AR/VR) Engineering at Meta.
With over three decades of experience, Prasad shares his incredible journey from a technical role at Tata Motors , through an MBA from IIM Lucknow , to pivotal leadership positions at Adobe and Meta.
- Why prioritizing learning over money is the key to long-term success.
- The hidden risks of inaction and why making hard calls is crucial for growth.
- How to know when's right time to transition in your career.
- The surprising feedback that transformed Prasad’s career trajectory at Adobe.
- Valuable leadership lessons on scaling teams from dozens to over 300 people.
- How to navigate decision-making with imperfect information.
- Prasad's perspective on the future of AI, AR/VR, and their impact on jobs.
Beyond technology, Prasad shares how his training as a classical Hindustani musician and his practice as a certified executive coach have shaped his leadership style.
Whether you're an engineer, product leader, or anyone navigating the fast-paced tech landscape, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you elevate your leadership and execution skills.
Connect with Guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasadbhandarkar/
Timestamps:
3:53 - Career Beginnings: Defining Moments at Tata Motors and The Decision for an MBA.
12:16 - The Big Pivot: Transitioning from Program Management to Engineering at Adobe.
20:45 - The Leadership Skill That Doesn't Scale Easily.
25:25 - The Surprising Challenges of Leading Senior, Brilliant Teams.
29:40 - How to Make Critical Decisions with Incomplete Information.
34:26 - Navigating "Loneliness at the Top" & Building a Support System.
40:34 - A Practical Guide to Creating Psychological Safety in Your Team.
45:25 - Hiring Senior Leaders: What to Look For Beyond the Resume.
49:45 - The Future of Technology: AI, AR/VR, and Their Societal Impact.
1:05:24 - Beyond

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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.