Aashna Doshi, a 23-year-old former Google software engineer based in New York City, left her job in May 2024 to pursue an AI startup. The decision came after she built relationships with tech leaders through her podcast, "0 to 1," which she co-hosted while still employed at Google.
Doshi initially took a risk to secure her Google role, turning down an earlier offer for a California-based position to wait for a New York opportunity. She accepted a software engineering role in New York two months later, in April 2024.
While enjoying her time at Google, Doshi sought a more creative outlet beyond coding. She launched the "0 to 1" podcast in early 2025 with a co-host, focusing on personal journeys in tech. The podcast's name reflects the idea of learning from the transition from "zero" to "one"—where someone starts versus who they become.
The podcast helped Doshi build connections with founders and executives, ultimately influencing her decision to leave Google. She described the transition as scary but necessary, as staying felt even riskier than leaving.