175: The Importance of Self-Advocacy: Deb Dutta’s Journey from Product to Founder

Sophie Alcorn Podcast

As I sat down with Deb Dutta, the visionary behind Criya, her story unfolded like a tapestry of resilience and innovation. From her early days on an F1 visa to becoming CEO of a groundbreaking AI startup, Deb's journey is a powerful narrative of an immigrant founder's rise in the tech world.

Deb opens up about the meticulous dance of securing an EB-1A visa amidst a challenging political landscape, and how this experience honed her skills in storytelling – a tool she believes is crucial for professional advancement. This dialogue isn't just about business strategies but also the human experience of finding one's voice in the digital age and the cultural tightrope walked by those promoting their work with authenticity and poise.

The art of personal branding takes center stage as Deb shares the philosophy behind Criya, transforming how professionals can showcase their personal brand with AI's helping hand. Her insights are a masterclass in navigating the complexities of today's fast-paced digital environment, where making a lasting impression is both an art and a science. Deb discusses the balance of guiding young minds through the maze of societal judgment while encouraging them to stay true to their convictions.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Deb’s immigration story and creating Criya

• Navigating the immigration maze and productization

• Celebrating success with Paypal

• Personal branding for professional success

• Facilitating PR for aspiring applicants

• Mastering investor pitch decks

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

https://www.criya.co/

https://www.instagram.com/debduttaofficial/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deboshree-dutta/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 089: Advocating for International Startup Founders with Jeff Farrah of National Venture Capital Association

• Episode 113: How startup founders are moving to the US

• Episode 170: Strategic Expansion for Founders: Lessons from Serial Entrepreneur David Rose

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code ILTS for 20% off the enrollment fee.