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Devin: What is your superpower?

Deepak: Ability to “send the elevator back down” for others.

For many young professionals, navigating the early years of their careers can feel overwhelming. Developing a career out of a job is a challenge, especially when support from employers is often minimal. In this interview, Dr. Deepak Bhootra, founder of RISEUP@work, shared details about his innovative platform designed to help 21- to 30-year-olds build thriving careers.

Deepak, who has spent 15 years as an ICF-certified coach and holds a doctorate in job satisfaction and organizational commitment, explained the gap he’s aiming to fill. “Fifty years ago, HR would say, ‘Yes, it’s my responsibility to build your career.’ Today’s HR says, ‘Building your career is your responsibility.’ That is a huge difference in the employment contract,” he observed.

RISEUP@work provides young professionals with tools, coaching, and a structured environment to navigate career progression. Deepak likened the platform to a “mega mall,” where users can find guidance on everything from preparing for a performance review to managing emotions at work. He emphasized that the experience, not just the technology, is key to success. “It’s not an app. It’s a consumer experience that helps you manage your career professionally,” he said.

One of the motivations for creating RISEUP@work came from watching his two sons enter the workforce. Despite their academic success, they faced challenges similar to those Deepak encountered decades earlier. “The economic impact of making bad decisions at work is immense, but the psychological impact is just as painful,” he shared. RISEUP@work aims to address these challenges early, helping users avoid costly mistakes and achieve compounding career success over time.

Deepak also discussed raising capital for the platform through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder. He believes this approach aligns with his mission, empowering the very people he seeks to serve to support the project.

RISEUP@work is more than a tool—it’s a transformative experience for young professionals. By providing affordable guidance and fostering a community, Deepak is offering a lifeline to those navigating the complexities of early career development.

tl;dr:

Deepak Bhootra shares his vision for RISEUP@work, a platform to guide young professionals.

He highlights how career development is now a personal responsibility rather than an employer priority.

RISEUP@work offers tools, coaching, and a community to help users avoid mistakes and grow.

Deepak explains his empathy-driven mentorship philosophy, helping others rise to their potential.

The episode concludes with details on RISEUP@work’s crowdfunding campaign and how to get involved.

How to Develop Empathy-Driven Mentorship As a Superpower

Deepak’s superpower is his ability to “send the elevator back down” for others. This phrase, as he describes it, means creating opportunities for others to rise and succeed while maintaining a focus on personal growth. “My job is to make sure I keep sending that elevator back down to bring future leaders to the top,” Deepak shared. His empathy stems from the guidance he received in his career, and he is committed to helping others experience similar growth.

One of Deepak’s most inspiring examples of using his superpower involves a former colleague. This individual was undervalued and overlooked due to perceived weaknesses. Deepak focused on their strengths, helping them build confidence and refine their communication skills. After two years of mentorship, this person secured a role at Amazon, grew into a leadership position, and eventually became a strategic advisor for RISEUP@work. This full-circle success story exemplifies Deepak’s commitment to lifting others.

Tips for Developing Empathy-Driven Mentorship:

Identify the potential in others by focusing on their strengths rather than perceived weaknesses.

Provide actionable guidance rather than charity—help individuals take ownership of their growth.

Create a structured, supportive environment where people can develop skills over time.

Celebrate the success of those you mentor and learn from their achievements.

By following Deepak’s example and advice, you can make empathy-driven mentorship a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Deepak Bhootra (he/him):

Founder, RISEUP@work

About RISEUP@work: RISEUP@work (RISEUP AT WORK LLC) is a career growth platform designed to help professionals thrive after they get the job. While most tools focus on resumes and job searches, RISEUP focuses on what happens next, like navigating promotions, workplace dynamics, career transitions, and long-term professional growth.

By combining coaching frameworks, community support, and AI-powered tools, RISEUP helps individuals gain clarity, make better career decisions, and build sustainable success without burnout.

Our mission is to make career growth more intentional, measurable, and accessible for professionals worldwide.

Website: riseupatwork.com

Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/riseupatwork

Other URL: wefunder.com/riseupatwork

Biographical Information: Dr. Deepak Bhootra is a leadership coach, author, and entrepreneur with more than three decades of global leadership experience across multiple industries and continents.

Throughout his career, he has coached and mentored more than 1,500 professionals, helping them navigate career transitions, leadership challenges, and long-term professional growth. He is the author of multiple books on leadership, career development, and personal transformation, including the framework behind RISEUP.

Dr. Bhootra founded RISEUP to address a gap he repeatedly observed: people are taught how to get hired but rarely how to grow once they are inside organizations. His work focuses on helping professionals build clarity, confidence, and sustainable career momentum in an increasingly complex and AI-driven workplace.

LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/deepakbhootra

Personal Twitter Handle: @drdeepakbhootra

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