Cost to Company is a brand new podcast by The Ken. We tell you how your workplace is changing before you hear it on slack. Hosted by Sneha Vakharia and Shreevar Chhotaria, each week Cost to Company brings to you a fresh narrative, told from multiple perspectives, around significant but underreported aspects of our work lives. You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts.

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As the EV space picks up pace in India, so is the fuel behind it all: charging. And big players like Tata Power and Jio-BP are pushing their weight to establish themselves in the budding infrastructure. Add to it all, an all-electric cab fleet operator BluSmart is scaling and paving the way for broader charging infrastructure. But with both charging biggies making big moves, who really has the upper hand in the foreseeable future?   Stories originally reported by   Seetharaman G: ‘Low margins, high stakes: The Tata Power foundation to Tata Group’s electric empire’   Olina Banerji, Sruti Sonal: ‘EV rivals Tata, Jio-BP supercharge BluSmart’s India expansion plans’   Hosts: Anushka Chhikara, Olina Banerji.   Produced by Nithin Shamsudhin, editing by Rajiv CN, music by Sameer Rahat of Baqsa Studios.   Write to us on podcast@the-ken.com

Ola Electric has tried to replicate the Tesla story in India. With a lofty vision to convert all two-wheelers sold in India to electric by 2023, has Bhavish Aggarwal bit off more than he can chew? Delayed delivery dates, angry customers, senior leaders quitting—what’s going on at Ola Electric?   Story originally reported by Olina Banerji, with COO and author of The Nutgraf Praveen Gopal Krishnan.   Produced by Nithin Shamsudhin, editing by Rajiv CN, music by Sameer Rahat of Baqsa Studios.   Credits: Links Watch: Founder Bhavish Aggarwal On How Ola Is Building The World's Largest Scooter Factory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go0fHmJeydw&t=43s Ola's COO & CFO Steps Down From The Firm Ahead Of IPO Plans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM-mXvNpl1w Ola's Arun Srinivas, COO & global chief marketing officer, quits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kv19pZvsgA Many Colours. All Green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CzqUt0u1yI Ola Electric Scooter Delivery Bad News - Delayed once Again For 1 month Now from 15th December: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOzjWyB5Uao OLA Future Factory Flooded  | OLA Scooter Delivery Delayed | OLA S1 S1 PRO Delivery Delay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r63gHUOhWkQ

Stoa school is riding on the wave of cohort based courses in online learning with the promise of getting a business education, a salary hike, a job at a shiny startup and the confidence to hold your own in a room full of MBAs. But taking a look at the business and its courses, it’s unclear just how it all works as a system. While some fellows have a serendipitous success story with the disruptor, is one year old Stoa really ready to challenge the decades-old MBA system?   Story originally reported by Olina Banerji ‘Stoa School’s open challenge to the IIM MBA’ Read it for free: https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/   Hosts: Anushka Chhikara & Olina Banerji.   Guests: Raj Kunkolienkar, co-founder of Stoa.  Stoa fellows: Aashutosh Joshi, Adithi*, Ankit Ruparel, Pranav Manie (*name changed to retain anonymity).   Music and editing by Sameer Rahat of Baqsa Studios.   Share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com

A relationship manager has to make 20 calls, generate 8 leads and convert 5 of those to sell banking products. Daily. What was fundamentally set up to strengthen a relationship between a customer and their bank, the role has become a sales-heavy channel. And when RMs are  subject to high targets and rampant abuse, mis selling becomes the mainstay. So when a 70 year old is sold life insurance, and the relationship manager behind it is under pressure to meet their targets, we need to take a step back and assess the need for the role.    Story originally reported by Arundhathi Ramanathan. Access it for free on https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/   Hosts: Anushka Chhikara & Olina Banerji.   With anecdotes from former relationship managers Satheesh and Vijay (names changed to retain anonymity).   Music and editing by Sameer Rahat of Baqsa Studios. Are you a relationship manager who connected with this episode? Write to us on podcast@the-ken.com

The pandemic has seen a boost in online shopping across India, and Reliance backed Ajio is no stranger to that. But it’s not just good timing and luck that has brought it neck-to-neck with market leader Myntra. The company has been fixing bugs and building strengths to rise the ranks and holds the promise of toppling Myntra from its throne. But that’s not the end of the road for Ajio, they want to become omni-present in Indian retail and their strategy for it goes deep.   Story originally reported by Pranav Balakrishnan. Subscribe and read the story here: https://the-ken.com/story/how-reliances-ajio-went-from-fashionably-late-to-flavour-of-the-season/    Hosts: Olina Banerji, Rohin Dharmakumar.   Music and editing by Sameer Rahat of Baqsa Studios.   Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! Share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com   Source of external audio snippets Demystifying Omnichannel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWEWYV5NUHs&t=2094s Reliance Industries AGM 2021: Mukesh Ambani's Address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3XNf70Mx5E Myntra vs Ajio | comparison between Myntra and Ajio in hindi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MrqT8U-f_I Myntra vs Ajio| 5 Main differences which everyone should Know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYRK3Mqnioo Sonam K. Ahuja x AJIO Big Bold Sale | July 1-5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUdCSmU2bLY

Remember those neighbourhood aunties with their side-hustle of selling women’s apparel to their social circle? E-commerce company Meesho built a tech-layer over that and has risen to dominance in India’s tier-2 and below cities. The multi-million dollar industry known as social commerce is set to grow to twice the size of all e-commerce in India, and Flipkart wants to get in on the action. The giant is sending its own fleet to fight for what Meesho has, and then some. It’s a battle for dominance and we’re taking you right to the centre of the action.   Story originally reported by Bhumika Khatri and Pranav Balakrishnan. Read the full story for free: the-ken.com/podcastoffer/   Hosts: Anushka Chhikara, Olina Banerji.   Guests: Lakshmi and Prakash, resellers on Meesho.   Translation assistance: Smrithi Shetty, Renu Chhikara.   Music and editing by Sameer Rahat of Baqsa Studios.   Share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com

When smallcase began operations in 2015, it took the retail investment world in India by storm. Investors flocked to the service for their intuitive and idea-based stock bundling options. Now, smallcase finds itself at the top of the market that has only grown in popularity, but the environment around it is changing. With new competitors gaining momentum, partnerships changing faces and the imminent threat of a price war, what will smallcase do to maintain its lead in the space it has created?   Story originally reported by Jaspreet Kalra. Access it for free: the-ken.com/podcastoffer/   Hosts: Anushka Chhikara and Olina Banerji.   With guest Zeeshan Mhaskar, retail investor.   Music and editing by Sameer Rahat of Baqsa Studios. What bundles do you swear by? Email us at podcast@the-ken.com

Open Network for Digital Commerce or ONDC is the Indian government’s alternative to the American “laissez-faire, completely market-driven model”. It aims to be seller-first and consumer-focussed and to shift power away from the e-commerce giants. But many stakeholders bring many problems and if not solved, the network might end up creating many more.   Story originally reported by Arundhati Ramanathan. Want to dive deeper into this story? Access it for free: https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/   Hosts: Anushka Chhikara and Olina Banerji.   Music and editing by Sameer Rahat of Baqsa Studios.   Psst share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com

Disney+ Hotstar is India’s largest streaming platform, a feat that is largely owed to its prized licensing of the IPL, the cricketing tournament makes up 50% of its ad revenue. But the company is working to reduce its dependence on cricket, and with that come ambitious strategies and plans.    Story originally reported by Munsif Vengattil. Want to dive deeper into this story? Access it for free: https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/   Hosts: Olina Banerji and Rohin Dharmakumar.   Music and editing by Sameer Rahat from Baqsa Studios. Psst share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com

LIC is the Indian government’s crown jewel as far as public sector undertakings go. The 65-year-old insurance behemoth has grown as part of India’s history and has found a home in all economic households across the country. Its IPO, set to launch soon, will be yet another milestone. But as a state-owned entity, going public will not be easy—it will bring fundamental changes to the forefront.   Story originally reported by Seetharaman G and Anand Kalyanaraman: https://the-ken.com/story/why-india-shouldnt-repeat-irctcs-valuation-misstep-with-lics-ipo/   With guest Professor Srinivasan R, Professor of Strategy at IIM-Bangalore.   Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKenWeb Psst are you going to buy the LIC IPO? Tell us on podcast@the-ken.com

800 million vaccine doses is almost half of what India needs to vaccinate its entire adult population by the end of 2021. So why, and how, did they disappear in a span of 3 weeks from the centre’s list of vaccines needed for the drive? And with a third wave looming, what will it take to protect the population against the continued wrath of COVID-19?   Stories originally reported by Maitri Porecha and Seema Singh.   With guest Gagandeep Kang, virologist and professor at CMC Vellore. India’s vaccine shortfall grows as Sputnik V struggles to launch: https://the-ken.com/story/vaccine-sputnik-v-india/ Covid Taskforce, let’s get real on vaccines. It’s time for plan B: https://the-ken.com/story/covid-taskforce-lets-get-real-on-vaccines-its-time-for-plan-b/    Related episode: https://the-ken.com/unofficial-sources/inside-adar-poonawallas-plan-to-global-vaccine-domination/  Music and editing by Sameer Rahat from Baqsa Studios Check out our special podcast offer for you: https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKenWeb Psst share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com

In IT companies, contrary to popular belief, employees have cooled towards their old office spaces. What's replaced is an unholy mash-up of WFH work-cations where the formerly loyal worker bees have now set up side hustles and moonlight for other gigs in their spare time. All of this is changing the fabric of work relationships like never before. How will companies survive the brewing storm? This episode is based on a two-part story by Arundhati Ramanathan and Olina Banerji: Part 1: Longer WFH hours, more work, but how productive are you anymore? https://the-ken.com/story/longer-wfh-hours-more-work-but-how-productive-are-you-anymore/ Part 2: The art and science of making hybrid work work in India https://the-ken.com/story/making-hybrid-work-work-india/    Hosts: Anushka Chhikara, Olina Banerji Guests: Sahil Mathur, Senior Vice President, HR & Culture at InMobi; Shiv Agrawal, Managing Director at ABC Consultants, Sameer Mohan, Product Marketing Manager at Fisdom.   Music and editing by Sameer Rahat from Baqsa Studios Special offer for our podcast listeners: https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKenWeb Psst tell us about your ideal workplace on podcast@the-ken.com

Beauty is not just about make-up anymore. The rise of the “feel-good” economy mirrors the rise of two skin and hair care brands from India. WOW Skin Science and Mamaearth have had different growth trajectories, but together they’re crafting a whole new skincare routine for the world– a confluence of hip ingredients and age-old DIY remedies. Their essence builds the concept of I-Beauty, but will they make it big in the global market?   Story originally reported by Bhumika Khatri: https://the-ken.com/story/mamaearth-wow-skin-and-the-indian-skincare-glow-up/ Hosts: Anushka Chhikara, Olina Banerji. Music and editing by Sameer Rahat from Baqsa Studios. Special offer for our podcast listeners: https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKenWeb PSST share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com Audio excerpts taken from YouTube channels Hyram, thecozyvibe, Michu, Mamaearth India.

The Indian streaming space is filled with over 40 OTT streaming platforms, all trying to capture and sell to niche audiences. Enter Amazon Channels--a new feature by Prime Video that will unite the fractured ecosystem, and put regional/niche OTT channels onto its own platform. The deal will put these channels in front of millions of subscribers. But in turn, Prime is seeking its pound of flesh.  If Amazon pulls this off, it stands to become India’s unparalleled streaming giant. Story originally reported by Munsif Vengattil and Pranav Balakrishnan https://the-ken.com/story/amazon-prime-video-channels-everything-streaming-store-india/  Hosts: Anushka Chhikara, Olina Banerji. Music and editing by Sameer Rahat from Baqsa Studios. Special offer for our podcast listeners: https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKenWeb PSST share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com

The pandemic has flipped the economics of private hospitals, in both large and small cities in India. While they have been scrambling to provide Covid care to hundreds and thousands of patients in the past year, their earnings have taken a massive blow. Hospital chains need to fundamentally shift their business models to address COVID as a force to be reckoned with over the years, rather than a temporary problem to be fixed. They’re experimenting with different ventures to survive in a time when going under is just not an option. Story originally reported by Ruhi Kandhari https://the-ken.com/story/covid-forces-manipal-narayana-health-to-re-examine-their-hospital-mathematics/ Hosts: Anushka Chhikara, Olina Banerji Guests: Dr Shuchin Bajaj, co-founder of Ujala Cygnus hospitals, Viren Shetty, Executive Director of Narayana Health Music and editing by Sameer Rahat from Baqsa Studios Special offer for our podcast listeners: https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKenWeb PSST share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com

The Serum Institute of India has been at the center of vaccine production for COVID-19. But as the second wave crashes down on the country, an export ban via the Indian central government has put the company in a tough spot, with CEO Adar Poonawalla even fleeing to London. SII is at a point where it no longer holds the promise of production monopoly, and must expand to newer geographies and technology to strengthen its position as a global biotech company.   Story originally reported by Seema Singh https://the-ken.com/story/adar-poonawallas-bid-to-vaccinate-serum-institute-against-all-threats/    News clips sourced from NDTV.   Hosts Anushka Chhikara Olina Banerji   Music and editing by Sameer Rahat from Baqsa Studios. Special offer for our podcast listeners: https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/ Follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKenWeb Psst share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com

The past year has been hard for both students and educators alike across government and private schools in India. WIth lack of access to tech and internet, inability to complete syllabus, blows to social learning, and many more challenges, students are faced with serious learning gaps. The need now is for remediation programmes to address loss of learning and to mitigate their effects over the trajectory of students’ education.   Story originally reported by Olina Banerji https://the-ken.com/story/lessons-indias-lost-school-year/    Hosts Anushka Chhikara  Olina Banerji   Guests   Natasha Joshi of Nilekani Philanthropies Sumeet Mehta of LEAD School Sridhar Rajagopalan of Educational Initiatives Music and editing by Sameer Rahat from Baqsa Studios. Donate to help fight Covid-19: https://donate.indiacovidresources.in/  Follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKenWeb Psst share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com

The National Stock Exchange is the most popular exchange in India, seeing 95% of all market activity. Being the first exchange in India to be hosted online, the once disruptive entity is facing constant glitches and outages. Factoring this in, the Securities Exchange Board of India seeks to break up its dominance, with a much criticised move. Story originally reported by Anand Kalyanaraman How India’s National Stock Exchange turned from solution to problem https://the-ken.com/story/how-nse-india-turned-from-solution-to-problem/   Stonks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E1M8f3PYQ8    Hosts: Anushka Chhikara  Olina Banerji   Guests: Anand Kalyanaraman, staff writer Debashis Basu, Moneylife Nithin Sasikumar, editor of Beyond the First Order Sarthak Mishra, student trader   Music and editing by Sameer Rahat from Baqsa Studios.   Special offer for our podcast listeners: https://the-ken.com/podcastoffer/ Follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKenWeb Psst share your feedback with us on podcast@the-ken.com