Episode 03
Rahul Bhagat
The Cold Emails That Opened Unexpected Doors
AI & Technology Leader at Amazon
A conversation about unexpected opportunities, the people who shape our journeys, leadership in the age of AI, and why building a meaningful life matters more than following a perfect career plan.
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About this episode
What if success isn't about having your entire future figured out, but about staying curious and making the most of unexpected opportunities?
In this episode of Rewinding Success, Reva Desai sits down with Rahul Bhagat, an AI and technology leader at Amazon, to rewind his journey from growing up in Nagpur, India, to earning his PhD at the University of Southern California and spending 17 years building a career in technology.
Rahul reflects on the small decisions that changed his trajectory—from sending cold emails to professors and discovering a passion for natural language processing to overcoming the challenges of moving to a new country. He shares how mentors helped shape his career as both a researcher and a leader, and what he's learned about building teams that create meaningful impact.
Throughout the conversation, Rahul discusses the future of artificial intelligence, the importance of human judgment, and why curiosity, humility, and investing in others are essential qualities of leadership. He also shares advice for students navigating uncertainty, finding mentors, and building their own paths.
Ultimately, his story challenges the idea that success must follow a carefully planned route—and reminds us that meaningful relationships and personal growth matter just as much as professional achievements.
The rewind
Before there was a plan, there was curiosity.
Rahul accompanied friends to explore a GRE preparation class. That visit eventually led him to apply to graduate programs in the United States. In graduate school, cold emails to professors and an interest in natural language processing helped open a new direction.
Key themes
- Curiosity
- Mentorship
- Artificial Intelligence
- Leadership
- Career Exploration
- Personal Growth
- Resilience
- Human Connection
- Lifelong Learning
- Finding Opportunities
- Purpose & Fulfillment
- Redefining Success
Ideas to keep
- 01
You Don't Need the Entire Path Figured Out
Success can emerge from taking meaningful steps forward, even when you cannot see the final destination.
- 02
Curiosity Creates Opportunity
A simple cold email, an interesting class, or the willingness to ask a question can open unexpected doors.
- 03
Mentors Can Change Your Trajectory
The right mentors do more than share knowledge. They recognize potential, create opportunities, and help others grow.
- 04
Great Leaders Invest in People
Leadership isn't about being the smartest person in the room. It's about helping others do their best work.
- 05
AI Still Needs Human Judgment
As artificial intelligence becomes more capable, human values, responsibility, and critical thinking remain essential.
- 06
Small Decisions Can Have Lasting Consequences
Opportunities that seem insignificant today may become defining moments later in life.
- 07
Success Extends Beyond Your Career
Relationships, family, friendships, and the impact you have on others are essential measures of a meaningful life.
“I would probably worry less about having the whole path figured out and planned out.”
Rahul's Journey
Childhood — Nagpur, India
Grows up surrounded by family, close friendships, academics, and cricket. Develops values of hard work, generosity, and meaningful relationships.
Teenage Years — Discovering Possibilities
Focuses on his education and dreams of becoming an engineer, without knowing where his career will eventually lead.
College — Choosing Computer Science
Chooses to study computer science despite having limited prior experience with computers, influenced by his interest in mathematics and the field's future potential.
A Chance Encounter — The Path to America
Accompanies friends to explore a GRE preparation class, eventually leading him to apply to graduate programs in the United States.
Graduate School — University of Southern California
Moves from India to Los Angeles. Works in a cafeteria to help cover expenses, adapts to life away from home, and develops an interest in natural language processing.
A Defining Mentor — Professor Edward Hovy
Connects with a professor whose guidance opens opportunities in AI research. Works in his lab, becomes a research programmer, and eventually pursues a PhD.
Joining Amazon — Research Meets Industry
Begins a career at Amazon, applying his background in natural language processing to real-world technology problems.
Growing into Leadership
Learns from longtime mentor Srikant Thirumalai and transitions from an individual contributor to leading increasingly large technology teams.
Today — Leading AI & Search at Amazon
Works on complex problems in language, search, and artificial intelligence while continuing to invest in people, mentorship, and responsible technology.
Lessons from Rahul
Rahul's story reminds us that success rarely follows a perfect plan. Sometimes, it begins with a small decision: taking an unfamiliar class, reaching out to someone you admire, or pursuing an opportunity without knowing exactly where it will lead.
From his childhood in India to his career in artificial intelligence, curiosity and mentorship have remained central to his journey. But perhaps the most meaningful lesson is that success isn't simply defined by professional accomplishments. It's defined by the relationships we build, the people we help grow, and the choices we make along the way.
His journey reminds us that you don't need to know every step of your future. You just need the curiosity and courage to take the next one.
Keep exploring
Another story to rewind.
Why He Left Corporate Life to Build Character
The turning point
Sensei Holeman left corporate work to build Karate West and help students develop character, not just martial arts skills.
Changing Careers Without Losing Your Values
The turning point
Bela moved from accounting into healthcare, with his values guiding the career decisions along the way.
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