Interview Kickstart has been shaping careers for nearly a decade, with some of our team members growing alongside us from day one. IKatalyst celebrates these pivotal journeys of growth and a relentless pursuit of excellence. In this edition, we shine the spotlight on Shashi Bhushan Kumar, our esteemed Group Product Manager, whose contribution and dedication to IK are truly remarkable. Below is his inspiring story:
Shashi Bhushan Kumar, Group Product Manager and instructor at Interview Kickstart, shares his dynamic journey of growth, challenges, and milestones. From his early days as IK’s first Indian instructor to now leading the New Programs Team, Shashi reflects on his experiences, the company culture, and how Interview Kickstart has contributed to his professional and personal success.
How did you first hear about Interview Kickstart, and what drew you to the company?
I first came to know about Interview Kickstart through a reference check. A colleague of mine, Ankit, had joined IK, and during the process, the team reached out to me. That’s when the conversation started, and they eventually offered me an opportunity to join as a Product Manager and instructor.
I was excited because it aligned with two things I loved—teaching and product management.
What was your interview process like?
The interview process was unique. I was interviewed by Sreejit (VP Operations) and Soham (Co-founder), and they suggested that I conduct two demo classes, each lasting four hours, for real learners. Their feedback became a key part of the evaluation.
The process helped me showcase my passion for teaching and also understand IK’s focus on quality and learner experience.
Tell us about your journey so far. How has your role evolved?
When I joined Interview Kickstart in January 2021, I came on board as a Product Manager and instructor. At that time, IK was still a relatively small organisation with only around 40 employees and one primary course—Masterclass. My early days were spent teaching daily classes while also supporting content development and product initiatives. Being the first Indian instructor was a unique experience, but I focused on building trust with learners, and it worked out well.
As IK grew, so did my role. In 2022, I was promoted to Senior Product Manager, which came with greater responsibilities. That year brought its challenges as the company faced a difficult time due to market conditions. We had to navigate tighter budgets, time constraints, and limited resources, which required us to work smarter and deliver results efficiently.
By 2023, IK was expanding into new spaces. I was part of the launch of courses in AI/ML, which focused on teaching the subject from scratch instead of just interview preparation. These courses were a huge success and marked a turning point for the company. Toward the end of the year, we began hiring again, which felt like a positive step forward.
This year, in 2024, I was promoted to Group Product Manager. Now, I lead the New Programs Team and oversee a team of 15 people. It’s an exciting phase as my team continues to create and improve new courses while experimenting with new business strategies. It’s been a journey filled with learning, growth, and milestones that I’m proud to look back on.
What does your day today look like as Group Product Manager?
As the Group Product Manager leading the New Programs Team, a significant part of my day revolves around working with instructors and ensuring the quality of our courses. Interview Kickstart works with over 300 part-time instructors, many of whom are senior engineers at leading companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft. My team’s primary responsibility is to onboard and train these instructors, provide feedback, and improve the overall teaching quality and course content.
The process doesn’t end with onboarding. We also continuously gather feedback from our learners and use it to enhance the courses. If instructors need additional support to make their teaching more interactive and engaging, we step in and retrain them, ensuring our courses meet the highest standards.
While I used to take classes daily during my initial days at IK, my current role requires me to focus more on leadership and strategy. I still take one additional class a week, though, because teaching is something I truly enjoy. However, most of my day is now spent collaborating with my team, aligning on goals, and working closely with instructors to improve their effectiveness in the classroom.
You mentioned being the first Indian instructor at IK. Did that add any pressure?
At the time, IK primarily had U.S.based learners, so my class timings were a bit unconventional—often from 10 PM to 2 AM or early mornings. Soham and the team were upfront that it was an experiment, as they weren’t sure how learners would respond to an Indian instructor.
However, I never let it bother me. I focused on doing my best, and the feedback from learners was overwhelmingly positive. I’m glad it worked out and paved the way for more Indian instructors at IK.
How would you describe Interview Kickstart’s culture?
The culture at IK is one of ownership and trust. Everyone here takes accountability for their tasks and sees them through to completion. Leadership gives you the freedom to execute your ideas and take calculated risks. Mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, not failures.
The performance evaluation process is incredibly transparent. Goals and metrics are clearly defined, so there’s no ambiguity about expectations. You’re recognised for the work you do, and growth is entirely meritbased.
Another standout aspect is the supportive environment. Whether it’s leadership, peers, or interns, everyone collaborates and helps one another succeed.
What are some highlights or proud moments in your journey?
There have been several moments that stand out during my time at IK. One of the most rewarding experiences has been working with senior industry experts who serve as instructors for our courses. Many of them are top engineers and leaders from companies like Google and Meta, and collaborating with them has been a fantastic learning opportunity. I’ve not only gained technical knowledge but also learned valuable insights about project management, leadership, and scaling products effectively.
Another highlight has been witnessing the success of our learners. Many of them have shared their stories about how IK’s courses helped them crack interviews and secure roles at top tech companies. Knowing that I played a part in their professional growth is incredibly fulfilling and motivates me to do even better.
On a personal front, I’ve grown as a leader and manager. I’ve learned how to manage people, balance project timelines and budgets, and improve processes—all while ensuring quality isn’t compromised. These milestones have shaped me both professionally and personally, making my time at IK truly memorable.
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The most challenging phase for me was in late 2022 to early 2023, when the company went through a difficult time due to external market conditions. During this period, we had to manage with tighter timelines, reduced budgets, and limited resources, which significantly increased our workload. However, I look back on this phase as one of immense learning. It taught me how to prioritise tasks better, work more efficiently, and achieve results despite constraints.
More recently, managing a larger team of 15 members and collaborating with part-time instructors has brought its own challenges. Since these instructors are senior professionals working at top companies, they don’t report to us directly. Aligning them with our goals and providing constructive feedback can be tricky.
What I’ve learned through this experience is the importance of listening. Instead of just sharing feedback over email, I make it a point to set up calls where I explain the context, hear their perspective, and collaboratively decide on the next steps. This approach makes the feedback process smoother and ensures everyone is aligned.
How has remote work impacted your life?
Working remotely has been a blessing. It has allowed me to:
-Save on rent by working from my hometown in Bihar for two years.
-Avoid commuting, saving both time and energy.
-Work from beautiful locations like Shimla and spend more time with family.
The flexibility to structure my work hours is another major advantage. For example, team members like Harshita, who have children, can work around their schedules.
What advice would you give to someone joining IK?
If you’re looking for rapid career growth, exciting challenges, and the chance to work alongside top minds in the industry, Interview Kickstart is the place to be. The remote setup gives you unmatched flexibility, and the supportive culture ensures you thrive both personally and professionally.
Shashi Bhushan Kumar’s journey at Interview Kickstart is a story of passion, growth, and perseverance. From being an instructor to leading a growing team, Shashi’s experience reflects the opportunities IK offers to those who are ready to take ownership, embrace challenges, and grow.
