From her family’s refugee background to her acceptance at Harvard Law School, Abby shares the personal journey that shaped her transition into adulthood in this episode of The Grown-Ups Are Talking. She reflects on growing up in London, moving to the U.S., and navigating the uncertainty of figuring out who she is and what she wants. Through stories of education, identity, and shifting dreams—from a love of theater to a pursuit of law and podcasting-- with many unknowns still to come—Abby explores how we make sense of adulthood when the path forward isn't always clear. She also opens up about the origins of the podcast, its mission to facilitate honest conversations and encourage self-reflection, and the power of community in helping us feel less alone as we grow up.

In this episode, Abby introduces a new segment called 'Question Time', where she addresses listener questions about adulting. The conversation covers pivotal themes such as career transitions, the challenges and rewards of moving abroad, and the importance of networking in professional growth. Abby shares personal anecdotes and practical advice, encouraging listeners to embrace change and seek opportunities for personal and professional development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction from LA: A New Segment Begins

02:38 Navigating Career Pivots: When to Stay or Go

11:26 The Journey of Moving Abroad: Independence and Growth

25:27 The Importance of Networking

26:05 Shifting Mindset: Networking as Relationship Building

27:15 Leveraging Existing Connections

27:36 Effective Online Networking

30:10 In-Person Networking Strategies

32:45 Maintaining Networking Relationships

33:32 Networking Do's and Don'ts

Links Mentioned

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2025/04/26/how-some-americans-have-found-a-clever-new-way-to-move-abroad/
• https://open.spotify.com/episode/7rBOS1SqyylJHB8eBKTVs9?si=7526f1fac7764240

In this conversation, Abby Thayananthan speaks with Al Zdenek, a wealth advisor, about the importance of personal finance for young adults. They discuss how to define financial success, manage your first paycheck, the significance of emergency funds, and the difference between good and bad debt. Al shares practical advice on credit cards, common financial mistakes, and the importance of financial literacy. He also introduces Cake Club app, an app designed to help young people manage their finances effectively.

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00:00 Introduction to Personal Finance Challenges

07:39 Al Zdenek's Journey into Wealth Management

13:34 Defining Financial Success in Your 20s

20:40 Navigating Career Choices and Financial Stability

25:56 Practical Steps for Managing Your First Paycheck

27:49 Navigating Financial Independence

31:03 Mastering Credit Card Management

34:16 Understanding Debt: Good vs. Bad

39:16 Preparing for Graduate School Debt

43:18 Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy

48:36 Introducing Cake Club: A Financial Tool