Brain Box - The Leadership Podcast

In Episode 92, we dive deep into the essence of company culture and alignment with special guests Sirisha and Harish, co-authors of the acclaimed book 'Hope is Not a Strategy'. Sirisha shares her experiences from her Nehru Fulbright Scholarship at Carnegie Mellon and her insights from interning at Zappos. Harish discusses the importance of alignment in leadership, drawing from his journey with 'choose to Thinq'. They introduce the Dilemma Resolution Framework (DRF) and debunk common myths about company culture. The discussion emphasizes the deliberate effort needed to maintain and evolve a company's culture while aligning it with long-term strategies. This episode is a must-watch for founders, leaders, and anyone interested in organizational culture. Timestamps: 00:41 Meet the Authors: Sirisha and Harish 02:13 The Importance of Alignment in Leadership 04:22 Understanding the Dilemma Resolution Framework (DRF) 10:05 Balancing Short-term Wins with Long-term Goals 11:08 Debunking Myths About Culture 15:16 The Role of Founders in Shaping Culture 24:15 The Pitfalls of Copying Values 26:11 Final Takeaways for Founders

Join us for the premiere of Season 19, recorded from our new podcast studio, as we sit down with Manish Dabkara, the Chairman and Managing Director of EKI Energy. Discover the journey of transforming a company setup in a non-metro to a 1000 crore enterprise. We discuss the basics of carbon credits, and the future of the carbon market. Manish shares insights on sustainability, the impact of international agreements like the Paris Agreement, and the importance of carbon credits in achieving India's net-zero emission goals by 2070. Learn about EKI Energy's role in the industry, their collaborations, and the pressing need for global climate action. Don't miss this insightful and educational discussion! Timestamps: 00:22 Meet the Guest: Manish Dabkara 01:12 Journey to Carbon Credits 01:59 Understanding Carbon Credits 03:09 Achievements and Recognition 06:28 India's Carbon Market and Policies 14:56 Future of Carbon Markets 22:26 Conclusion and Farewell

In this Season 18 finale, award winning host & serial entrepreneur, Kaushik Bose, hosts finance veteran Iftikhar Shaikh, who brings nearly three decades of experience from leading financial institutions. The dialogue dives into complex topics like life insurance, investment strategies, asset allocation, and the impact of economic conditions on investments. Iftikhar shares valuable insights on the importance of discussing life insurance, the pros and cons of ULIPs, the principles of successful investing in stocks, and the power of compounding. Additionally, he sheds light on real estate investment, navigating economic downturns, and the significance of goal-setting methodologies like OKRs in personal and professional life. Iftikhar also explores leadership qualities and the making of leaders, concluding with profound advice for future leaders. This episode is a rich source of financial wisdom, aiming to simplify finance for the audience and encourage informed decision-making. Timestamps: 01:03 The Importance of Discussing Life Insurance 02:46 Navigating Insurance and Investment Choices 04:03 Understanding Asset Allocation and Mutual Funds 05:03 Insights into Stock Market Trading 06:26 The Power of Saving and Investment Strategies 09:26 Real Estate Investment: Timing and Strategy 12:35 Navigating Post-COVID Economic Challenges 15:07 The Dubai Experience 17:40 Implementing OKRs in Personal and Professional Life 19:58 Leadership: Traits, Development, and Advice 21:22 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Future Leaders Pls note that all views shared are his personal ones and by no means reflect his current or any past organizations that he's worked with.

In the 89th episode of "Brain Box", we have an amazing chat with guest Nimisha Morkonda, who has extensive experience in AI and data science from working with large corporations. We discuss the history, misconceptions, and current trends of artificial intelligence (AI), where she elaborates on AI's roots dating back to the 1950s, its parallels with sci-fi literature & early prosthetics development, highlighting that the ideas of manipulating devices with brain signals are not recent. The conversation shifts to the hype around AI in modern business, addressing the oversimplification of AI's capabilities and the emerging issue of AI overload, especially in education and startups. Nimisha advises startups on the practical considerations of implementing AI and discusses the ethical and privacy concerns raised by AI applications. The role of AI in manufacturing and corporate adoption is also discussed, emphasizing the need for leadership to foster AI understanding and integration. Lastly, Nimisha shares her involvement in women's empowerment through scholarships and mentorship for disadvantaged women in India, showcasing the transformative power of education and technology. Timestamps: 00:35 Demystifying AI: A Historical Perspective 04:01 The Hype and Reality of AI in Today's World 05:56 AI Overload and Its Impact on Education and Startups 08:32 Ethical and Privacy Concerns in the Age of AI 11:44 AI in Startups: Challenges and Advice 16:36 AI's Role in Manufacturing and Leadership Adoption 20:27 Bridging Academia and Industry: The Future of AI 22:13 Empowering Women Through Education and Mentorship Pls note that all views shared are her personal ones and by no means reflect her current or any past organizations that she's worked with.

Welcome to Episode 87! In this special face-to-face interview, our guest, Sudarshan Sarma, former CEO of Carz on Rent and a seasoned leader with experience in Flipkart, Google, and GM, shares profound insights into the auto industry's future and essential leadership traits. Join us as we delve into the intersection of AI and automotive innovation, discussing how AI is reshaping driving experiences, maintenance, and production logistics. We also explore the electrification landscape, debating the future of EVs and the critical considerations surrounding infrastructure, sustainability, and market dynamics, especially in India. Additionally, Sudarshan shares invaluable leadership lessons, emphasizing empathy, clarity of vision, and customer focus as essential traits for effective leadership. He underscores the importance of customer-centricity and cross-functional collaboration in driving business growth and adaptation to evolving market demands. Discover how marketing strategies have evolved from placement-based buying to audience-based targeting, leveraging AI and data insights to deliver more relevant and impactful brand experiences across diverse platforms. Tune in for an engaging discussion that traverses the realms of technology, leadership, and industry dynamics, offering actionable insights for leaders and enthusiasts alike. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Subscribe now and stay tuned for more thought-provoking episodes.

In the Season 18 curtain raiser, our host, Kaushik Bose talks with Pallavi Jha, who is the Chairperson and Managing Director of Dale Carnegie Training India, with over 21 years of experience leading their India operations. They discuss a lot about leadership (including introverted leaders), AI, and their impact on organizations. Overall, the discussion offers insight into developing strong, ethical leadership amidst technological transformations. They begin by discussing how perspectives on leadership have changed globally and in India over the past two decades. Pallavi notes impacts from globalization, technology advances, workforce demographic shifts, and India's emergence on the global stage. She debunks myths that leaders must be extroverted visionaries and says leadership is situational - we can all lead in different contexts. The discussion then touches on identifying high-potential leaders. The focus then changes to the effects and opportunities of artificial intelligence. Pallavi sees both risk and opportunity for leaders in AI's disruption of businesses and jobs. For employees, she advocates addressing fears through education, reskilling and psychological safety in change processes. For HR leaders facing new tech demands, Pallavi recommends clarity on AI uses and change management support.

Our host, Kaushik, has an insightful discussion with Sudeshna Basu Roy, CEO of Marg Business Transformation, around her journey in leadership development and change management, what drives success or failure in organization, and considerations around diversity, collaboration and flexible leadership styles. They have an insightful discussion about how they started with change management, but quickly moved to business coaching and leadership training, which helped them expand pan-India. They partnered with ProSci, an organization that provides a robust, methodical approach to change management focused on both professionalism and science. Empathy and collaboration are also emphasized as increasingly important traits for leaders to enable change. Command and control styles are less effective. Diversity, equity, and women in leadership are discussed. The need to better understand different talents and make the workplace more inclusive is noted. Allowing flexibility, work-life balance, and adapting to different needs is important for retention and effectiveness. Gender norms and stereotypes are still challenges to address.

In Episode 84, I have a very interesting chat with Sean Linehan, who is the Managing Director for the UK operations of Blue Helion, a boutique consulting firm. He has over 25 years of experience in sales, leadership, and mergers and acquisitions. Some of the key points we discuss are: - His methodology for taking sales teams from 70-110% achievement - How he tackles "Underperformance". - Organic growth vs Acquisitions - How & why cultural fit is critical post-acquisition - Micromanagement - Large / SMB customers with the intent to being acquired - The right time to hire M&A consultants

In one of my most interesting chats, I have with me Blake Hutchison, the CEO of Flippa, the leading global marketplace for buying and selling websites, online stores, and digital properties. Some of the topics we discussed: - Criticality of sales - How valuations are data-driven based on extensive transaction history across different business types and metrics; Factors like revenue, growth, costs, category are considered. - Why founders should focus on product-market fit without investor funding initially. - Traits needed for a startup founder to be successful - How mindset differs within regions globally - Managing cross-functional teams to build high-performing teams - Branding to be a very effective tool for sustainable growth through organic traffic and referrals.

One of the most interesting chats I had, where Dr. S.P. Mishra of India Career Centre, asked me vey insightful questions which actually got me thinking! This is a long one... but it's super insightful! Enjoy

This is the second webinar of the "Brain Box" Gurukul series, this time with the theme of Sustainability. In this episode, Sravan, the CEO of iGo, discusses their electric three-wheeled scooter called the BeiGo X4, designed to address sustainability beyond just emissions, focusing on safety, family needs, and women riders.Key features include active balancing assistance and a narrow tilting bridge for unprecedented stability. Sravan envisions providing the comfort of a car in a small footprint vehicle. He discusses how mobility needs to shift from private vehicle ownership to shared utilization given space constraints in cities. Sravan also talks about iGo's vision to be a technology supplier rather than OEM, enabling hundreds of brands to build vehicles on their platform for both domestic and export markets.

On the Season 16 finale & what was also our first webinar, Raymond Yeh, whose latest venture is with AI, talks about how this technology is set to disrupt life as we know it.

The Evolution of Marketing: AI, SEO & Influencers. In this episode, our host, Kaushik Bose, deep dives with Dipti Agarwal, a seasoned marketer with a track record in integrating strategy with creative and content. They delve into areas such as how to increase website visits, the power of branding, and the impact of AI on the marketing industry. Dipti offers insights on the transformation of SEO with AI and her entrepreneurial journey with Little Food Diary. She also shares her experiences working on numerous campaigns, including the award-winning Project Streedhan. Finally, the discussion sheds light on the changing dynamics of working with influencers in the social media landscape. Timestamps: 00:17 Increasing Website Visits: Strategies and Experiences 02:26 Project Streedhan: A Viral Campaign Success Story 04:53 The Reality of Viral Videos and Their Impact on Business 07:50 The Role of AI in Marketing and Job Security 11:24 Is SEO Dead? A Discussion on the Future of SEO 15:25 Entrepreneurial Journey: Founding Little Food Diary 17:56 The Evolution and Future of Influencer Marketing

Episode No. 78 is out & the guest is a serial #entrepreneur, #cio & a #cmo combination - Aka Praveen Pinto! Praveen's career is a testament to the power of adaptability and perseverance in the ever-changing landscape of #technology and #business. With over 24 years of experience, Praveen has navigated through various industries, leaving a mark in each domain he ventured into - be it Jacky's Electronics or RAKBANK or DAMAC Properties in #dubai!

On today's show, I have Justin Breen, who after 16 years as a sports journalist built his own company, authored an international best-seller & an Amazon Bestseller across 6 countries! He's currently the CEO of BrEpic Network, an invitation-only premium connecting platform which connects the visionaries on the planet.

In the opening episode of Season 16, I had the pleasure of speaking to Shyam Kesarwani, an industry veteran with two decades of experience in technology and banking. We discussed how technology has transformed over the years from starting his career in the early 2000s. Key evolutions highlighted included the rise of the internet, AI/ML and cloud computing. In banking specifically, Shyam noted the shift from solely branch-based services to fully digital and mobile banking. Emerging technologies like blockchain, cryptocurrencies and more recently chatbots like ChatGPT were also explored. It was fascinating to gain insights from Shyam on his technology journey and views on where industries may head in the coming years. The podcast provided thought-provoking discussion on both the promises and precautions of rapidly advancing technologies.

Niiamah hosts a podcast for high-performing unconventional leaders and entreprenuers (aka Outliers) who use what makes them different to make a difference. "It takes something different to lead what is coming." So, what happens when you put together two podcast hosts who want to be the change? You get one heck of a 75th episode! Niiamah & Kaushik have a completely unscripted chat where they discuss leadership through hiring, biggest leadership mistakes, criticality of failures etc. Don't miss this one!

On the latest episode from Brain Box Media's TECH TITANS, Kaushik hosts Akhil Minocha, a seasoned tech leader with over two decades of experience.across CAST Software, Persistent Systems, Intel and more.The discussion dives into the technical topics of #application modernization, #cloud migration and assessing applications' readiness for the cloud.He also provides insightful explanations of important emerging technologies like #AI, machine learning, large language models, and how APIs power many aspects of our digital lives.They discuss the promise and challenges of generative AI tools like #ChatGPT and what may come next.The role of AI in jobs and careers is also covered.For technical leaders looking to stay on top of the latest trends, this #podcast episode provides valuable perspectives on strategizing for the future of #technology.

On the first episode of "Tech Titans" by Brain Box Media,Alka Selot Asthana shares her inspiring career journeyin the telecom industry spanning over 25 years.where she helped lead the 3G revolution in India as DGM of MTNL.We discuss:- Why CDMA technology lost market share to GSM.- One of her favorite projects 'Housing for All'- Smart city projects in the private sector.For all the future women #leaders,she encourages them to believe in themselvesand not second guess their potential or abilities based on gender.Don't miss this 20 minute episode& follow us for more such #leadership #podcasts

Vandana Tolani, one of the top women leaders in wealth management, sat down for an insightful discussion on her 25+ year career in venture capital and startups. - We had a very inspiring discussion on her journey breaking barriers as a female leader in the VC world. - We discussed how dramatically the startup landscape has transformed from the 1990s, when it was still uncommon, to today's global innovators across industries. - Vandana shared her perspective on the differences between startup ecosystems in India vs. Southeast Asia, where she was based (in Indonesia) for 15 years. - When assessing founders and ideas to invest in, she emphasized the importance of the "horse before the cart" - focusing first on a founder's traits like resilience over just a promising concept. - She's also launched her new angel investment network Avinya to support underserved founders at the seed stage with small tickets and mentoring.