{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F92c72d80-cb31-4680-ac5f-3d260fd127f8","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"Embracing Vulnerability & Leadership in Tech with Balki Kotarapu\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/92c72d80-cb31-4680-ac5f-3d260fd127f8\"></iframe>","title":"Embracing Vulnerability & Leadership in Tech with Balki Kotarapu","description":"In this episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we dive deep with Balki Kotarapu, a fractional CTO and mentor who has led tech teams through intense growth, scaling companies from millions to tens of millions. Balki shares how vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and mental health awareness have become his superpowers in leadership. We explore why true strength isn't about having all the answers but about building trust, admitting gaps, and working through challenges together. This conversation unpacks lessons from high-stakes tech environments, the toll it takes on mental health, and the balance needed to thrive as both a leader and human. A must-listen for founders, tech leads, and anyone navigating leadership with authenticity.\nAbout Balki Kotarapu: Balki Kotarapu is a seasoned fractional CTO, entrepreneur, and mentor with a proven track record of scaling startups and building high-performance teams. Having raised over $150 million and developed AI products for Fortune 100 companies, Balki\u2019s leadership style is grounded in vulnerability, clarity, and emotional intelligence. He is passionate about reshaping toxic tech cultures and fostering environments where both people and products succeed.\nKey Takeaways:\n\n\nWhy vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness.\n\n\nThe hidden cost of overwork in high-stakes tech roles.\n\n\nHow balancing personal and professional life boosts leadership performance.\n\n\nThe role of emotional intelligence in solving technical bottlenecks.\n\n\nInsights on reshaping toxic work cultures to prioritize well-being.\n\n\n\u00a0\nConnect with Balki: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balki\n\u00a0\nWant to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM \u2013 Send me a message on PodMatch:\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nTune to all our 15 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik\n\n\nSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/\n\n\nJoin Community: https://nas.io/healthymind\n\n\n\u00a0\nStay Tuned And Follow Us! \u2022 YouTube \u2013 https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife\u2022 Instagram \u2013 https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod\u2022 Threads \u2013 https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.pod\u2022 Facebook \u2013 https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind\u2022 LinkedIn \u2013 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster\n#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/75d1fd94-b981-4db9-8d2c-62e0cb4bc74a/lixfg9y8bkdk92vanxdi7hauq6o2.jpg"}