1199: How CONVERSATIONAL UIs are the future – AND the present! w/ Yogesh Nagarkar
In this episode, we dive into the mind of Yogesh Nagarkar, the brilliant founder behind UNpkl—a next-gen network device that gives everyday users complete control over their WiFi in real time. With over two decades of experience in software and hardware development, Yogesh is bringing cybersecurity, AI, and simplicity together in one powerful, easy-to-use device.
This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur building a hardware or AI-integrated product, as well as those navigating the often-overlooked world of consumer cybersecurity.
💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business
- 🔐 Why simplifying complex tech is a massive business opportunity
- 🤖 How Yogesh integrated AI and natural language commands to transform user experience
- 📈 The strategic shift from B2B to B2C—and how to know which market to serve
- 📊 How to productize a personal pain point into a real business
- 🧠 Why AI-enabled “conversational UIs” are the future of consumer tech
- 💡 What it takes to bootstrap a hardware startup without outside funding
- 🛡️ How to position your product around the rising wave of digital privacy concerns
📝 About the Guest
Yogesh Nagarkar is a seasoned technologist and entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience building software and hardware systems. After earning his master’s in computer science and working for companies like WatchGuard in the firewall space, he developed UNpkl to bring powerful network visibility and control to everyday households. Yogesh’s passion for cybersecurity and bleeding-edge innovation is evident in his mission to give consumers the tools to truly protect their digital lives.
🎯 Yogesh’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
“Keep learning—every single day. The moment you stop learning, you’re dead in the water.”
Key Takeaways from Yogesh’s Advice:
✔ Embrace continuous learning to stay ahead of tech shifts
✔ Passion for learning will keep your momentum strong when the business gets hard
✔ Adaptability is your biggest edge in fast-changing industries like AI and cybersecurity
📢 Memorable Quotes
- “Network administration should be as easy as texting your router.” – Yogesh Nagarkar
- “We’re moving away from complicated UIs—people just want to talk to their devices.” – Yogesh Nagarkar
- “If you stop learning, you’re done. That’s true in life, and even more true in entrepreneurship.” – Yogesh Nagarkar
💡 Actionable Takeaways
- ✅ Explore how your product can simplify a complex user experience
- ✅ Don’t be afraid to enter a “boring” industry—disruption often hides in the everyday
- ✅ Leverage AI and natural language to rethink how users interact with your product
- ✅ Educate your market, especially if they don’t yet know they need your product
🔗 Links & Resources
