<![CDATA[Fast Track To Cloud]]>d93e4af4-4b73-5dfe-bd16-67e54ef17daaTue, 24 Jun 2025 20:18:21 +0000Captivate.fmRaj Sahahttps://artwork.captivate.fm/ff0293a7-0537-46c4-bafe-efde01e02101/c12H594ljmzj9pkKyu5DhuuM.pngFast Track To CloudRaj SahaRaj SahaWelcome to Fast Track to Cloud—the podcast that accelerates your career in cloud technology! Whether you're prepping for an interview, mastering cloud skills, or chasing your dream tech job, we've got you covered. Get expert insights, real-world strategies, and practical tips from Raj Saha—an L7 Principal Solutions Architect at AWS, LinkedIn Top Voice, and top-selling instructor who has empowered over 250,000 students worldwide to build confidence, crack interviews, and thrive in the cloud. Ready to level up? Let's dive in!https://www.cloudwithraj.com/newsletterfalseepisodicnopodcastGet Hired at Big Tech, Good & Bad Interview, Dealing With Angry Jeff Bezos - Ethan Evans (Amazon VP)Get Hired at Big Tech, Good & Bad Interview, Dealing With Angry Jeff Bezos - Ethan Evans (Amazon VP)Ethan Evans is a former Vice President at Amazon, where he spent over 15 years driving innovation and working directly with Jeff Bezos. During his tenure, Ethan led global teams of over 800 people and helped create groundbreaking products like Prime Video, Prime Gaming, and Twitch Commerce. He has conducted over 2,500 interviews, co-developed one of Amazon’s leadership principles, and holds more than 70 patents. Ethan has even interviewed with Elon Musk and gained firsthand insights into leadership at the highest level. In this episode, we dive into topics such as:

•How to get hired at Big Tech like Amazon

•Best and worst qualities of candidates in interview

•That time when Jeff Bezos was angry at Ethan

•Jeff Bezos Vs Elon Musk

•Rapid Fire and Lord of The Rings lore with Ethan

And much more!

]]>Ethan Evans is a former Vice President at Amazon, where he spent over 15 years driving innovation and working directly with Jeff Bezos. During his tenure, Ethan led global teams of over 800 people and helped create groundbreaking products like Prime Video, Prime Gaming, and Twitch Commerce. He has conducted over 2,500 interviews, co-developed one of Amazon’s leadership principles, and holds more than 70 patents. Ethan has even interviewed with Elon Musk and gained firsthand insights into leadership at the highest level. In this episode, we dive into topics such as:

•How to get hired at Big Tech like Amazon

•Best and worst qualities of candidates in interview

•That time when Jeff Bezos was angry at Ethan

•Jeff Bezos Vs Elon Musk

•Rapid Fire and Lord of The Rings lore with Ethan

And much more!

]]>78cf24ff-cec7-41ee-a568-b77cd7c44c3dTue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -040001:09:17falsefull1131131Raj SahaGen AI Study Material, Roadmap, Impact ft. Mike Chambers (AWS AI Expert)Gen AI Study Material, Roadmap, Impact ft. Mike Chambers (AWS AI Expert)Generative AI is a big deal right now, and to help us understand it better, I brought an expert - Mike Chambers, an AI specialist developer advocate at AWS, and AWS Machine Learning Hero. We'll cover the Gen AI roadmap, study materials workshops, use cases, future trends, whether you need to learn math for Gen AI, Gen AI with open source, impact to jobs and more. Whether you know a lot about AWS but are new to Gen AI, or you're just starting out, this episode will help your Gen AI journey.

]]>Generative AI is a big deal right now, and to help us understand it better, I brought an expert - Mike Chambers, an AI specialist developer advocate at AWS, and AWS Machine Learning Hero. We'll cover the Gen AI roadmap, study materials workshops, use cases, future trends, whether you need to learn math for Gen AI, Gen AI with open source, impact to jobs and more. Whether you know a lot about AWS but are new to Gen AI, or you're just starting out, this episode will help your Gen AI journey.

]]>77692f77-641b-4dfc-9845-b31ad6835628Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -040001:14:34falsefull1121121Raj SahaCareer Progression, Growing Network, Must Have Skills - Omar Halabieh (Amazon Director)Career Progression, Growing Network, Must Have Skills - Omar Halabieh (Amazon Director)Omar Halabieh is a Director at Amazon where he leads Amazon Payments Services. He has developed a community on LinkedIn of over 50K+ like-minded professionals and has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice (Blue Badge) and ranked #1 LinkedIn Arab World Creator in Management and Leadership. In this episode, we discuss:

• Must have skills for Cloud jobs

• Growing a meaningful network you can leverage

• Influencing leaders on your ideas

• Switching from tactical to strategic thinking

And more.

]]>Omar Halabieh is a Director at Amazon where he leads Amazon Payments Services. He has developed a community on LinkedIn of over 50K+ like-minded professionals and has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice (Blue Badge) and ranked #1 LinkedIn Arab World Creator in Management and Leadership. In this episode, we discuss:

• Must have skills for Cloud jobs

• Growing a meaningful network you can leverage

• Influencing leaders on your ideas

• Switching from tactical to strategic thinking

And more.

]]>68102129-f231-448e-a027-f5d1b9ebfa7bTue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -040037:11falsefull1111111Raj SahaShe Left Microsoft & Google to Grow Her Career | Aishwarya SrinivasanShe Left Microsoft & Google to Grow Her Career | Aishwarya SrinivasanAish Srinivasan, a leading expert in AI and machine learning, discusses her journey from working at Microsoft, Google, and IBM, and leaving them to join startups. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding, how she grew her LinkedIn to over half a million followers, and tips on how freshers can get jobs. This episode is full of valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in AI and technology careers. We discuss:

  • Navigating the AI Landscape
  • Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
  • Tips for freshers getting job in this tough market
  • How leaving Big Tech was a turning point for her career

]]>Aish Srinivasan, a leading expert in AI and machine learning, discusses her journey from working at Microsoft, Google, and IBM, and leaving them to join startups. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding, how she grew her LinkedIn to over half a million followers, and tips on how freshers can get jobs. This episode is full of valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in AI and technology careers. We discuss:

  • Navigating the AI Landscape
  • Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
  • Tips for freshers getting job in this tough market
  • How leaving Big Tech was a turning point for her career

]]>eb958908-ba02-431d-b46b-2bc16b955805Thu, 29 May 2025 09:00:00 -040035:50falsefull1101101Raj SahaIs RAG Dead? Open Source Or Closed Source? What's Next after MCP - Adam Bluhm (Real World Gen AI SA)Is RAG Dead? Open Source Or Closed Source? What's Next after MCP - Adam Bluhm (Real World Gen AI SA)Join us for a deep dive into the future of Generative AI with Adam Bluhm, Senior Gen AI Solutions Architect at AWS and a leader in Gen AI innovation. In this episode, Adam shares his expertise on the next evolution of generative AI, practical strategies for getting started, open source vs closed source, MCP, A2A, RAG, Gen AI security and the real-world impact of these technologies across industries.

]]>Join us for a deep dive into the future of Generative AI with Adam Bluhm, Senior Gen AI Solutions Architect at AWS and a leader in Gen AI innovation. In this episode, Adam shares his expertise on the next evolution of generative AI, practical strategies for getting started, open source vs closed source, MCP, A2A, RAG, Gen AI security and the real-world impact of these technologies across industries.

]]>0ca34952-06bd-4a2e-9d1f-0cc1d01bb71dTue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 -040041:18falsefull19191Raj SahaHow To Join AWS, Learning Kubernetes, Gen AI - Praseeda Sathaye (Principal SA)How To Join AWS, Learning Kubernetes, Gen AI - Praseeda Sathaye (Principal SA)Praseeda is a Principal Specialist Solutions Architect at AWS. She is a Kubernetes expert, presented in many conferences in her own unique way, and also created some impactful workshops. In this episode, we discuss:

• How to join AWS

• How to learn Kubernetes

• Learning AWS

• Kubernetes and Gen AI

And more.

]]>Praseeda is a Principal Specialist Solutions Architect at AWS. She is a Kubernetes expert, presented in many conferences in her own unique way, and also created some impactful workshops. In this episode, we discuss:

• How to join AWS

• How to learn Kubernetes

• Learning AWS

• Kubernetes and Gen AI

And more.

]]>0b339087-9c84-41a3-bee7-4d28556f1538Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 -040016:42falsefull18181Raj SahaNew AWS Interview Process ExplainedNew AWS Interview Process ExplainedAmazon Web Services (AWS) interview process has changed in recent times. In this episode, we will go over the interview rounds, and tips to prepare for them.

]]>Amazon Web Services (AWS) interview process has changed in recent times. In this episode, we will go over the interview rounds, and tips to prepare for them.

]]>524f2362-95b8-45f3-89c7-a44b1194f6a2Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 -040010:19falsefull17171Raj SahaBrutally Honest Advice on Cracking Big tech in 10 MinsBrutally Honest Advice on Cracking Big tech in 10 MinsUnlock the secrets to cracking your AWS Solutions Architect interview-straight from someone who’s been on both sides of the table!

Raj, a Level 7 Solutions Architect at AWS, reveals the proven framework that helped him land his dream job at Amazon on the very first attempt-and has since guided hundreds of candidates into top tech roles. Drawing on his experience conducting 300+ interviews and mentoring thousands, Raj shares:

  • His personal journey from a third-tier college in India to designing world-scale cloud solutions at AWS
  • The exact strategies to answer technical interview questions with depth, nuance, and real-world examples
  • How to master behavioral questions by telling compelling, business-impact stories
  • The art of executive communication: how to pitch your skills to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Actionable tips on documenting wins, structuring STAR stories, and preparing for every stage of the interview

Whether you’re aiming for AWS, Google, or any big tech company, this video will help you stand out-not just as a “good” candidate, but as a “must-hire.”

]]>Unlock the secrets to cracking your AWS Solutions Architect interview-straight from someone who’s been on both sides of the table!

Raj, a Level 7 Solutions Architect at AWS, reveals the proven framework that helped him land his dream job at Amazon on the very first attempt-and has since guided hundreds of candidates into top tech roles. Drawing on his experience conducting 300+ interviews and mentoring thousands, Raj shares:

  • His personal journey from a third-tier college in India to designing world-scale cloud solutions at AWS
  • The exact strategies to answer technical interview questions with depth, nuance, and real-world examples
  • How to master behavioral questions by telling compelling, business-impact stories
  • The art of executive communication: how to pitch your skills to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Actionable tips on documenting wins, structuring STAR stories, and preparing for every stage of the interview

Whether you’re aiming for AWS, Google, or any big tech company, this video will help you stand out-not just as a “good” candidate, but as a “must-hire.”

]]>1d912ee0-c2c1-43d2-b238-53ad20c51929Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 -040009:57falsefull16161Raj SahaGet Hired at Big Tech, Good & Bad Interview, Dealing With Angry Jeff Bezos - Ethan Evans (Amazon VP)Get Hired at Big Tech, Good & Bad Interview, Dealing With Angry Jeff Bezos - Ethan Evans (Amazon VP)Ethan Evans is a former Vice President at Amazon, where he spent over 15 years driving innovation and working directly with Jeff Bezos. During his tenure, Ethan led global teams of over 800 people and helped create groundbreaking products like Prime Video, Prime Gaming, and Twitch Commerce. He has conducted over 2,500 interviews, co-developed one of Amazon’s leadership principles, and holds more than 70 patents. Ethan has even interviewed with Elon Musk and gained firsthand insights into leadership at the highest level. In this episode, we dive into topics such as:

•How to get hired at Big Tech like Amazon

•Best and worst qualities of candidates in interview

•That time when Jeff Bezos was angry at Ethan

•Jeff Bezos Vs Elon Musk

•Rapid Fire and Lord of The Rings lore with Ethan

And much more!

]]>Ethan Evans is a former Vice President at Amazon, where he spent over 15 years driving innovation and working directly with Jeff Bezos. During his tenure, Ethan led global teams of over 800 people and helped create groundbreaking products like Prime Video, Prime Gaming, and Twitch Commerce. He has conducted over 2,500 interviews, co-developed one of Amazon’s leadership principles, and holds more than 70 patents. Ethan has even interviewed with Elon Musk and gained firsthand insights into leadership at the highest level. In this episode, we dive into topics such as:

•How to get hired at Big Tech like Amazon

•Best and worst qualities of candidates in interview

•That time when Jeff Bezos was angry at Ethan

•Jeff Bezos Vs Elon Musk

•Rapid Fire and Lord of The Rings lore with Ethan

And much more!

]]>6903a9b6-a63c-4371-8ca7-6151a1ef72beTue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -040001:08:52falsefull15151Raj SahaAWS Director on Agentic AI, Gen AI TrendAWS Director on Agentic AI, Gen AI TrendIn this episode, we are chatting with Roland Barcia (Director @AWS) about impact of Gen AI on cloud jobs, acing STAR interviews at Amazon, how to communicate technical concepts strategically, upskilling, and more. Keep watching till the end of the video for Agentic AI whiteboarding!

]]>In this episode, we are chatting with Roland Barcia (Director @AWS) about impact of Gen AI on cloud jobs, acing STAR interviews at Amazon, how to communicate technical concepts strategically, upskilling, and more. Keep watching till the end of the video for Agentic AI whiteboarding!

]]>406d6e8c-450d-4950-afb9-d0dec185f585Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -040027:09falsefull14141Raj SahaFrom Google Sheets to Millions - Zuhayeer Musa (Levels.fyi Co-Founder)From Google Sheets to Millions - Zuhayeer Musa (Levels.fyi Co-Founder)In this episode, we talk with Zuhayeer Musa, co-founder of Levels.fyi, about how he built a website that helps people understand job levels and negotiate better salaries. Zuhayeer shares why he decided not to work at a big tech company and instead started his own business. He explains how he first created Levels.fyi using just Google Sheets and how the platform grew over time. We also talk about how to make decisions when you feel stuck, how AI is changing tech jobs, and ways to earn higher salaries. Zuhayeer gives tips on negotiating pay and shares some cool new features coming to Levels.fyi soon. This episode is full of helpful advice for anyone who wants to do well in their career!

]]>In this episode, we talk with Zuhayeer Musa, co-founder of Levels.fyi, about how he built a website that helps people understand job levels and negotiate better salaries. Zuhayeer shares why he decided not to work at a big tech company and instead started his own business. He explains how he first created Levels.fyi using just Google Sheets and how the platform grew over time. We also talk about how to make decisions when you feel stuck, how AI is changing tech jobs, and ways to earn higher salaries. Zuhayeer gives tips on negotiating pay and shares some cool new features coming to Levels.fyi soon. This episode is full of helpful advice for anyone who wants to do well in their career!

]]>551dbdbf-222a-4675-8905-71f5af160245Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -040036:57falsefull13131Raj SahaLayoffs, Career Progression, Working with Jeff Bezos - Ethan Evans (Amazon VP)Layoffs, Career Progression, Working with Jeff Bezos - Ethan Evans (Amazon VP)Ethan is a former VP at Amazon, where he spent over 15 years. Ethan worked with Jeff Bezos directly while at Amazon, which we will talk about, and he also interviewed with Elon Musk. Ethan led global teams of over 800 people, and invented well-known businesses and products such as Prime Video, Prime Gaming , Twitch commerce, and more. He has also taken over 2500 interviews, helped create one of the Amazon leadership principles, has over 70 patents, and currently runs a very successful newsletter, and career coaching program where he helps people advance in their career and succeed in leadership roles. In this episode, we discuss:

• Advice on getting a job and progressing on your career

• Reducing chances of getting laid off

• Growing a meaningful network you can leverage

• Learnings from working with Jeff Bezos and interviewing with Elon Musk

• Time management Vs. Productivity

And more.

]]>Ethan is a former VP at Amazon, where he spent over 15 years. Ethan worked with Jeff Bezos directly while at Amazon, which we will talk about, and he also interviewed with Elon Musk. Ethan led global teams of over 800 people, and invented well-known businesses and products such as Prime Video, Prime Gaming , Twitch commerce, and more. He has also taken over 2500 interviews, helped create one of the Amazon leadership principles, has over 70 patents, and currently runs a very successful newsletter, and career coaching program where he helps people advance in their career and succeed in leadership roles. In this episode, we discuss:

• Advice on getting a job and progressing on your career

• Reducing chances of getting laid off

• Growing a meaningful network you can leverage

• Learnings from working with Jeff Bezos and interviewing with Elon Musk

• Time management Vs. Productivity

And more.

]]>52a1b9cb-e711-4681-b919-90b7c886850dTue, 08 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -040045:52falsefull12121Raj SahaWill GenAI Destroy Data Jobs?! Sundas Khalid, Principal @ GoogleWill GenAI Destroy Data Jobs?! Sundas Khalid, Principal @ GoogleIn this episode, we are chatting with @SundasKhalid  (Principal Data Analytics @Google) about if you should be a data analyst or data engineer or data scientist, impact of AI on data jobs, switching career from non tech background to big tech, and a fun rapid fire question answer round. Keep watching till the end of the video for the Data Analyst roadmap.

]]>In this episode, we are chatting with @SundasKhalid  (Principal Data Analytics @Google) about if you should be a data analyst or data engineer or data scientist, impact of AI on data jobs, switching career from non tech background to big tech, and a fun rapid fire question answer round. Keep watching till the end of the video for the Data Analyst roadmap.

]]>32fd8235-dfe1-4043-8c3f-368effbe4df0Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:15:00 -040014:37falsefull11111Raj Saha