Embark on an insightful journey into the heart of entrepreneurship with a special masterclass led by Shantanu. Dive deep into the intricacies of Anveshan, a trailblazing ghee and oil company reshaping India's cold-pressed oils market. Join Shantanu as he peels back the layers of Anveshan's dynamic business model, uncovering the secrets behind its rapid growth and market dominance. Gain exclusive access to insider tips, innovative strategies, and real-world insights that are guaranteed to inspire and empower aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or a budding startup enthusiast, this masterclass promises to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and fuel your path to success. Perfect for anyone looking to build a successful D2C business in India, this masterclass is your ticket to entrepreneurial excellence.

In this in-depth episode, we're joined by Manu Chandra, Founder and Managing Partner at Sauce.vc, a venture capital fund known for its strategic investments in game-changing startups like Hocco Ice Creams, The Whole Truth Foods, and Perfora, among others. Alongside Ankit Chona, the visionary founder behind Hocco Ice Creams, we embark on a deep dive into the dynamic world of India's consumer goods industry. From uncovering the intricacies of the burgeoning ice cream market to exploring the disruptive strategies employed by emerging brands like Hocco and The Whole Truth Foods, we unravel the behind-the-scenes insights driving Sauce.vc's investment decisions. Get ready for a compelling discussion that navigates the intersections of entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment, shedding light on the untold stories behind some of India's most successful consumer brands.

In this episode of the BarberShop, Shantanu Deshpande engages in a candid conversation with Varun and Ghazal Alagh, the visionary co-founders of Mamaearth. Prepare to be inspired as they unravel the fascinating narrative behind the inception of their personal care brand, sharing the original insights that propelled Mamaearth to meteoric heights. Varun and Ghazal delve into the intricate details of their multi-year odyssey, marked by relentless perseverance and unwavering determination. From humble beginnings to a staggering valuation of 10,000 crores, their story is a testament to the power of passion and innovation in the world of entrepreneurship. They offer invaluable insights gleaned from their own experiences. Discover the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped Mamaearth into a household name, resonating with consumers across the country.

Embark on a spirited and captivating journey with Shivam Ginglani, the visionary founder of Woodsmen, as we revisit the aftermath of his Raiser's Edge episode. In this exclusive follow-up, join Shantanu Deshpande and esteemed guests Pradeep 'Beer' Gidwani (Ex-MD, Fosters, Redbull Asia & Carlsberg India) and Suhasini Sampath (Co-founder, Yoga Bar) as they delve into the current landscape of Woodsmen. Explore the intriguing dynamics of the alcohol industry, gain valuable insights into the business's evolution since its last appearance, and witness a spirited conversation with seasoned experts. It's an episode filled with industry wisdom, entrepreneurial tales, and the unique charm of the Barbershop! 🥃🎙️✨

Dive into the dynamic world of NOISE with founders Gaurav and Amit Khatri as they unravel their journey, starting from selling phone covers to emerging as formidable competitors against tech giants like APPLE and Samsung. Discover the secrets behind their success and how strategic collaborations, including one with Bose, have propelled NOISE to the forefront of the wearable gadgets market. Shantanu explores the entrepreneurial saga that transformed NOISE into a leading player in the industry in this captivating episode.

Dive into the extraordinary life of an early innovator, Anupam Mittal, as he shares the narrative of his fascinating journey. From early milestones that propelled him to multimillionaire status in his 20s to becoming a discerning judge on Shark Tank India, Anupam unveils the intriguing chapters of his life. 🔍 Uncover the layers of Anupam's story, the hurdles he overcame, and the defining moments that crafted his path. Explore the strategic foresight that led him to invest in early-stage start-ups in India, and the insights that led him to create Shaadi.com, Mauj Mobile and more! 💼 This compelling episode is a treasure trove of insights from Shark Anupam Mittal, offering profound perspectives on the dynamics of business and investing in India. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious about the world of innovation, this conversation promises an enriching exploration into the heart of success and foresight.

In this enlightening episode of Raiser's Edge, join Shantanu as he sits down with the visionary entrepreneur Mudit Vijayvergiya, the brain behind the success stories of Curofy and SBNRI. A graduate from IIT Delhi's 2013 batch, Mudit shares the riveting tale of his entrepreneurial journey, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and victories that come with founding and selling a startup at the age of 28. As the conversation unfolds, delve into the intricate details of Mudit's innovative ideas that have powered his businesses, gaining invaluable insights into the strategies and philosophies that drive successful ventures. The discussion goes beyond the entrepreneurial realm, touching upon the significant role of NRIs in India and the unique solutions offered by SBNRI, catering to a myriad of needs, from banking and taxation to investment and real estate. This episode promises a captivating exploration of entrepreneurship, filled with anecdotes, lessons, and the vibrant spirit that fuels Mudit's ventures. Join us for an enriching dialogue that spans across industries, unveiling the fascinating stories behind the creation and growth of impactful startups.

Welcome to The Barbershop's newest series, Uncut Gems! 🌟 In our premiere episode, we sit down with Akhil Gupta, VP at Treebo as well as Sidharth Gupta, CEO & Co-founder at Treebo to dive into the untold stories of startup heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Discover Akhil's incredible journey, his pivotal role in building Treebo from the ground up, and the lessons he has to impart about resilience and leadership during challenging times.

In this week’s episode of Barbershop, Sunil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of RSH Global, Parent Company of JOY Personal Care, shares his insights on the dynamic landscape of Indian Businesses!In this episode, we unravel the secrets of sustaining a legacy business in India, explore the evolving landscape of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, and delve into why India stands at the brink of an innovation explosion.Sunil Agarwal shares insights on navigating the nuances of FMCG businesses, the challenges and opportunities presented by modern trade, and his perspectives on why the quick commerce trend might not be the golden ticket for everyone.From FMCG insights to the perils of quick commerce, this conversation is a deep dive into the future of the industry. Don't miss out on this enlightening dialogue!Coming Up! 0:00:00 - 0:01:23Introduction and Sunil’s First Business and Introducing Skin Care products 0:01:24 - 0:12:30Growing a Business in 80’s-90’s 0:12:31 - 0:15:35Sunil’s Learnings from Risks and Failures 0:15:36 - 0:18:43D2C revolutionising Skin Care products in Indian Market 0:18:44 - 0:23:15Distribution Difficulties and Retailer Economics 0:23:16 - 0:29:45JOY’s Growth 2004 onwards 0:29:46 - 0:32:57Identifying Categories and Bottom Boxing Technique 0:32:58 - 0:37:26Importance of Focus in Growing a Business 0:37:27 - 0:41:33Homegrown Professional Business and Working with family 0:41:34 - 0:43:57JOY’s Online Trade and Maximum Profit during Covid-19 0:43:58 - 0:51:09General Trade v/s Modern Trade v/s Online Trade 0:51:10 - 0:53:40Will Quick Commerce survive in India? 0:53:41 - 0:58:25Sunil’s Spirituality Journey and Vision for JOY 0:58:26 - 1:11:00Diversification of Assets 1:11:01 - 1:18:25What’s next for JOY? 1:18:26 - 1:24:10Sunil’s Advice for Budding Entrepreneurs 1:24:11 - 1:31:32

In today’s episode of Barbershop, we're excited to have a conversation with Venky Balasubramanian, Co-Founder and CEO at Plivo, who is a tech wizard and serial entrepreneur, who a remarkable individual with a journey that encompasses everything from coding as a teenager to entrepreneurship in various fields.He share his unique experiences of building and selling AMIBO robots, running a momo business, working in telecom businesses across the globe, and the challenges and triumphs of starting and turning their own SaaS company, Plivo, profitable with $50 Million+ annual revenue in under four years.Join us as we explore these diverse and inspiring stories, filled with personal anecdotes, professional insights, and plenty of laughter.Here's how the conversation unfolds :Coming Up!: 0:00:0 - 0:01:17Introduction and back to Venky’s teenage life: 0:01:18 - 0:06:04Venky’s first Start Up: 0:06:05 - 0:13:43Venky’s college life and founding “Robonence”: 0:13:44 - 0:17:52Venky’s introduction to Corporate life and Startup culture: 0:17:53 - 0:19:41Starting a Momo outlet and Clout Kitchen: 0:19:42 0:27:15Why did Venky quit his job?: 0:27:16 - 0:29:42Moving to “Huawei” and teachings from Chinese Corporate Culture: 0:29:43 - 0:39:14Freelancing, Consulting and meeting Michael(co-founder of Plivo): 0:39:15 - 0:51:16Plivo’s Business Story SIMPLIFIED!: 0:51:17 - 1:04:09The principle of Reticular Activation: 1:04:10 - 1:05:56Fund raising for Plivo: 1:05:57 - 1:15:21Building values and culture at Plivo: 1:15:22 - 1:20:16Venky’s vision for Plivo: 1:20:17 - 1:23:22Venky’s advice for budding Entrepreneurs: 1:23:23 - 1:25:35

Dive into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship in this exclusive conversation at the Bombae Pad. Shantanu Deshpande engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Ruchi Kalra, co-founder of highly successful ventures OfBusiness & Oxyzo. Shantanu and Ruchi discuss working at McKinsey, Ruchi's journey into the startup world, running a business with a partner and many other things! There's a highly interesting audience QnA as well! Gain valuable insights into Ruchi's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she navigated, and the strategies that propelled her businesses to success. This interview offers a glimpse into the real-world experiences of scaling and managing thriving enterprises. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the nuances of startup life. Here’s how the conversation unfolds : Coming Up!: 0:00:00 - 0:01:25Introduction: 0:01:26 - 0:03:20Ruchi Kalra's journey at Oxyzo: 0:03:21 - 0:05:34Building "Company first" value: 0:05:35 - 0:09:11Sharing success with Employees: 0:09:12 - 0:16:12The baggage of success and fear of failure: 0:16:13 - 0:21:14Ruchi's way of dealing with self-doubt: 0:21:15 - 0:25:00Ruchi's working dynamics with life partner: 0:25:01 - 0:31:00Most humbling moment for Ruchi Kalra at Oxyzo: 0:31:01 - 0:36:56Self-learning and finding mentors: 0:36:57 - 0:43:18Being vulnerable about problems and turning a hardship into a learning: 0:43:19 - 0:50:19Culture, communication and vision at Oxyzo: 0:50:20 - 0:55:09Building a business and achieving milestones: 0:55:10 - 1:00:35Ruchi Kalra's Words of Wisdom: 1:00:36 - 1:06:55How to shift from "Advisory" to "Execution"?: 1:06:56 - 1:11:54Advice for budding entrepreneurs: 1:11:55 - 1:16:50Difference between traditional business and startup: 1:16:51 - 1:21:27B2B v/s B2C: 1:21:28 - 1:23:43 Importance of Consultancy in businesses: 1:23:44 - 1:27:28Challenges faced by Ruchi Kalra: 1:27:29 - 1:30:44Technology integration in business: 1:30:45 - 1:36:39Prioritizing tasks on daily basis: 1:36:40 - 1:39:46Building brands without experience: 1:39:47 - 1:43:35Conflicts-Resolutions as Co-founders and Life Partners: 1:43:36 - 1:46:22Growing a Startup: 1:46:23 - 1:50:10

Embark on an insightful journey with Shantanu and Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Funds! Leading a financial services giant with a staggering 1.2 Lakh Crore AUM, Radhika delves into the intricacies of managing public capital and reveals insights about how Indians spend their money. Her narrative unfolds with remarkable moments, from pioneering achievements like selling her first hedge fund at 24 to seamlessly balancing the demands of being CEO with the joys of motherhood. This episode is a panoramic view of Radhika's exceptional career, touching upon milestones, challenges, and the nuances of being a woman at the helm. Join us for a captivating conversation that captures the essence of leadership, resilience, and the unique journey of a trailblazing CEO.Here’s how the conversation unfolds: Introduction: 00:00 - 01:48 Radhika's favourite podcaster: 01:49 - 04:17 Two Indias: 04:18 - 11:07 Middle Class around the world: 11:08 - 13:01 The transition of India's economy: 13:01 - 19:01 How Indian youngsters are managing money and building brands: 19:02 - 41:23Radhika’s investment process: 41:24 - 56:30The importance of investment!: 56:31 - 1:01:57Radhika's journey as a mother and a CEO: 1:01:58 - 1:11:30Being a woman in the corporate world: 1:11:31 - 1:24:05The art of being a CEO: 1:24:06 - 1:33:10Radhika's advice for viewers: 1:33:11 - 1:35:32

Welcome to the Finale episode of Bombay Shaving Company’s Razorpreneur Challenge, a two month long journey in which participants from across India competed to sell the maximum number of razors and become winners of India’s largest sales and entrepreneurship challenge.Meet our winners: Thomas, Dipti, Rahull, Santhosh, Puneeth, Mahesh, Harsh, Abhinav, Dharampal, and Krishna! They represent the main idea of the challenge, which is that the sales skillset is the most important to cultivate if one wants to become an entrepreneur! More than a fancy business degree, our winners showed us that sometimes, all you need is the charisma and enthusiasm to take to the streets. Join us for an insightful discussion as we delve deep into the core of selling fundamentals, exploring what it truly means to be a salesperson in today's dynamic business landscape, and understand these unique individuals and their unique stories.With Shantanu Deshpande (Founder, Bombay Shaving Company) and Aditya Sehgal (Ex Global COO, Reckitt) interacting with our winners, get ready to uncover invaluable insights, strategies, and anecdotes from these trailblazing entrepreneurs who have mastered the art of persuasion and drive in the world of sales.Introduction: 0:00 - 0:58Shantanu and Adi discuss the Razorpreneur Challenge: 0:59 - 18:30Welcome Razorpreneurs!: 18:31 - 21:59Razorpreneurs look back on their journeys: 22:00 - 55:15Understanding credit, wholesale markets, & other business essentials: 55:16 - 1:07:54Shantanu speaks about his on-ground sales experience: 1:07:55 - 1:08:52Concluding advice: 1:08:53 - 1:12:24

Dive into the intricate world of private equity with Nishant Sharma and Sunish Sharma, the dynamic duo behind Kedaara Capital, India's premier homegrown private equity fund. In this enlightening episode, we explore not only the nuances of private equity but also unravel the secrets behind Kedaara's successful investments in renowned brands like Manyavar, Lenskart, and Vishal Megamart.From focusing on people and culture in organizations to insights into effective leadership and team management, the founders share invaluable experiences and lessons learned along their journey.Join us as we navigate through the Indian business landscape, discussing what makes a product thrive in the Indian market and gaining profound insights into the future of the country for the next decades. Get ready for an engaging conversation that goes beyond finance, touching on the essence of building successful enterprises and contributing to India's economic growth. Don't miss this exclusive peek into the world of private equity and the visionary minds shaping it. Subscribe and stay tuned for an episode that promises to be both educational and inspiring!Introduction: 00:00 - 2:05 Why building a cohesive culture is important: 2:06 - 10:56 Fatherhood as an inflection point in Nishant and Sunish’s careers: 10:57 - 17:55 The Initial journey, How and Why Kedaara was formed: 17:56 - 39:39 Kedaara’s first deal: 39:40 - 47:09 The essential philosophy of doing business: 47:10 - 52:10 Working with investors: 52:11 - 1:06:25 Working as a team, investing in people’s success & wisdom of building great partnerships: 1:06:26 - 1:21:50 What makes a founder stand out & how Kedaara evaluates founders: 1:21:51 - 1:37:25 Nishant, Sunish & Shantanu discuss leadership, organization & the myriad challenges of running a company: 1:37:26 - 2:01:10 Building for a new, Digital India, “Democratizing Aristocracy” & creating great products: 2:01:11 - 2:20:22 Why Nishant & Sunish are bullish on India: 2:20:23 - 2:25:32 Conclusion: 2:25:33 - 2:27:35

Dive deep into the fascinating world of grocery retail in India with our special guest, Damodar Mall, the visionary CEO of Reliance Grocery Retail. In this exciting episode, we explore the intricate art of selling effectively to today's discerning shoppers, diving deep into the modern retail landscape in the country. Discover why Damodar Mall describes a Smart Bazaar as a 'swayamvar' of offerings, putting forth a unique perspective on how modern consumers choose their products. Gain unparalleled insights into the strategies and tactics that can transform your sales game. We'll navigate the ever-evolving grocery landscape in India, unraveling the latest trends and challenges in this dynamic industry. Join us for this illuminating discussion that promises to reshape your approach to sales and retail!Introduction: ⁠00:00⁠ - ⁠2:40⁠Retail is a “theater of choice”: ⁠2:41⁠ - ⁠7:41⁠Creating for Supermarket India! : ⁠7:42⁠ - ⁠19:58⁠Building out mithai for modern retail: ⁠19:59⁠ - ⁠33:46⁠Taking bets and stories of innovation: ⁠33:47⁠ - ⁠39:30⁠Are consumers becoming more conscious?: ⁠39:31⁠ - ⁠43:52⁠The landscape of modern retail in India: ⁠43:53⁠ - ⁠1:00:00⁠Mr. Mall’s journey, pivot towards entrepreneurship & how Smart Bazaar was created: ⁠1:00:01⁠ - ⁠1:18:44⁠Writing books & being a ‘Supermarketwala’: ⁠1:18:45⁠ - ⁠1:30:00⁠Mr. Mall’s advice: ⁠1:30:01⁠ - ⁠1:40:22⁠Smart Bazaar walk through: ⁠1:40:23⁠ - ⁠1:58:33

Welcome to a power-packed masterclass on sales and entrepreneurship like no other! In this exclusive Roundtable video, we have assembled a league of extraordinary minds who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also mastered the art of effective selling. Join us for an insightful discussion as we delve deep into the core of selling fundamentals, exploring what it truly means to be a salesperson in today's dynamic business landscape. Our distinguished panel of RazorGurus includes: 🎤 Shantanu Khosla: Vice Chairman, Crompton Greaves 🎤 Tanmay Bhat: YouTuber, Comedian, Investor 🎤 Vani Kola: Managing Director, Kalaari Capital 🎤 Arjun Purkayastha: Senior VP, Reckitt 🎤 Vivek Gambhir: Chairperson, boAt lifestyle 🎤 Rohit Kapoor: CEO, Food Marketplace Swiggy Get ready to uncover invaluable insights, strategies, and anecdotes from these trailblazing entrepreneurs who have mastered the art of persuasion and drive in the world of sales. But that's not all – we're also here to unveil the exciting details of the much-anticipated Razorpreneur Challenge, set to launch tonight! Want to be part of this revolutionary challenge that could change the course of your entrepreneurial journey? Seize the opportunity to learn from the best, hone your selling skills, and put them to the ultimate test in the Razorpreneur Challenge. Don't miss out on this extraordinary conversation that could redefine your approach to sales and propel your entrepreneurial aspirations. Be sure to tune in, get inspired, and get ready to be a part of the Razorpreneur movement that's set to shake the entrepreneurial world! 🏆 Exciting rewards await you: 🎙️ Top 10 get the chance to be featured on the Barbershop, along with guaranteed seed funding and a shot at pitching for 1 Cr funding for your start-up! 🧠 Receive mentorship from the RazorGurus. 💰 Unleash kickass cash rewards and unlock incredible internship opportunities with Bombay Shaving Company. Don't miss out on this epic chance! 🚀 Ready to take the first step towards becoming an exceptional Razorpreneur? Sign up now for the Razorpreneur Challenge and unlock your potential like never before. The future of selling starts here – are you up for the challenge? 💼🔥 SIGN UP FOR THE RAZORPRENEUR CHALLENGE HERE: https://bit.ly/rzp-yt Introducing Razorpreneur 00:00 - 5:33 The fundamentals of selling: 5:33 - 16:44 How selling has evolved over the ages: 16:45 - 28:13 Selling in the digital age: 28:14 - 41:31 Understanding the consumer and the art of selling: 41:32 - 1:02:10 How to be authentic while selling & understanding consumer motivations: 1:02:11 - 1:15:15 Never Have I Ever cried after a client meeting 1:15:16 - 1:23:37 Never Have I Ever dated/married a customer/client: 1:23:38 - 1:27:50 Launching Razorpreneur & Shantanu’s sales pitch!: 1:27:51 - 1:38:07 RazorGurus give feedback on Shantanu’s pitch: 1:38:08 - 2:02:25 Shantanu pitches again!: 2:02:26 - 2:05:00 Concluding advice: 2:05:01 - 2:07:47

Join us for a compelling episode of the Barbershop as we sit down with Suhasini Sampath, the co-founder of Yoga Bar. In this candid conversation, we delve into the fascinating world of building a business in FMCG. Suhasini shares her insights and challenges in creating a successful brand in the health food space, and we explore the unique strategies and innovations that propelled Yoga Bar to prominence, resonating with health-conscious consumers across the nation. We discuss the remarkable acquisition by ITC, and the accompanying intricacies of navigating partnerships and collaborations in the dynamic business landscape. We also venture into the personal realm, delving into Suhasini's experience of working with family and the fine balance one has to strike between personal and professional relationships. Her candid reflections offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs who navigate the challenges of intertwining family and business dynamics.⚡️ Get ready for an inspiring and insightful episode as we uncover the behind-the-scenes stories, trials, and triumphs of building in the healthy foods category in India!🌟 Introduction 00:00 - 3:44 The Initial Idea: 3:45 - 9:58 Why building healthy food is hard: 9:58 - 22:18 Making calculated decisions about the brand: 22:19 - 22:01 Perfecting the product: 22:01 - 26:09 Building a great food company 26:10 - 29:25 More on Yoga Bar’s journey: 29:25 - 38:42 Playing the long game: 38:43 - 42:00 Legacy matters & ITC acquisition: 42:01 - 48:30 Running a business with family 48:31 - 54:34 More on negotiations & acquisition/ people who helped in Yoga Bar’s journey 54:35 - 1:05:22 The ITC acquisition process 1:05:23 - 1:13:34 What does it take to build a business? 1:13:35 - 1:15:05 What Suhasini learnt about herself during her journey 1:15:06 - 1:20:40 What’s next for Suhasini & thoughts on entrepreneurship: 1:20:41 - 1:28:15 Women in entrepreneurship & Concluding Advice: 1:28:16 - 1:37:39

This week, get ready for an extraordinary episode of the Barbershop as we bring you an exhilarating live shoot from the Bombae Pad! Join us as we embark on an insightful journey into the intricacies of early-stage fundraising alongside three remarkable women: Prachi Pawar, VP at Peak XV; Nikita Khanna, Founder of Moxie; and Twinkle Uppal, Founder of Hoop. In this episode, we delve deep into the core aspects of raising the first round capital for your business. These exceptional entrepreneurs generously share their expertise, experiences, and hard-earned wisdom with a vibrant audience of dynamic women from the startup ecosystem. Brace yourself to be inspired as we unravel the secrets of securing funding and unveil priceless firsthand insights. Understand the importance of finding the perfect founder-investor match, a crucial element that paves the way for long-term success. Gain invaluable knowledge on organizing your cap table effectively, ensuring that equity distribution aligns with your vision and future growth; and learn the importance of being on the same wavelength with your business' investors, building strong partnerships based on shared goals and values. Prepare to be captivated by the electrifying energy of this episode as we empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and inspiration they need to navigate the complex world of early-stage fundraising. Unlock the key to funding success and embark on your own entrepreneurial journey with confidence and conviction. Introduction: 00:00 - 1:40 How do you choose the right time to raise capital?: 1:41 - 9:17 What percentage of your personal savings would you put into your business? 9:18 - 13:12:51 What to look for in a founder?/ raising from different kinds of angels: 12:52 - 19:50 How big is your anti-portfolio? 19:51 - 22:07 Choosing your investors: 22:08 - 32:00 How does a click happen with a founder?: 32:01 - 41:52 What are some deal breakers for investors & founders?: 41:53 - 51:32 Risk appetites in the funding ecosystem/ funding benchmarks : 58:26 - 1:01:03 Can your business idea be copied? 1:01:04 - 1:06:28 Warding off burnout 1:06:29 - 1:09:32 Handling rejection 1:09:33 - 1:10:50 Making a decision about founders: 1:10:51 - 1:12:38 What if the investor starts running my business? 1:12:39 - 1:14:50 Building in alcohol/ Do you need an MBA?: 1:14:51 - 1:18:12

Join us on The BarberShop for a captivating conversation with Suraj Moraje, a trailblazing figure in the business world. As the First McKinsey Senior Partner from India elected in Europe and former CEO of Quess Corp Limited, India's largest corporate employer, Suraj brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table. In this episode, we uncover Suraj's incredible journey, from his prestigious corporate career to his current role as a philanthropist and founder of the Eka program. Delve deep into discussions about the ever-evolving global political landscape, the dynamics of economic growth, and the future of work. Prepare to be enlightened as Suraj shares his unique insights and perspectives, offering valuable takeaways not just for entrepreneurs & industry professionals, but anyone eager to understand the forces shaping our world today. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode on The BarberShop podcast. Tune in now! 🎙 Introduction: 00:00 - 12:34 The Eka Program: 12:35 - 21:16 The World As We Know It & How It Is Changing: 21:16 - 33:34 Labour, Productivity, Management: 33:35 - 39:33 How Can We Get The India Story Right?: 39:34 - 48:25 Jobless Growth & The Future of Work 48:26 - 55:36 The Rules are Changing, the World Economy, Geopolitics: 55:36 - 1:02:00 Post 2050, Aspiration & Wealth in India, Diversity 1:02:01 - 1:15:07 Community and Urban Democracy 1:15:08 - 1:22:47 Working at McKinsey, Quess 1:22:48 - 1:38:38 Valuation & The Public Markets: 1:38:39 - 1:50:18 Suraj’s current work & plans for the future & feeling lucky: 1:50:19 - 1:56:59 Suraj’s Concluding Advice 1:57:00 - 2:00:59

Join us for an insightful episode of The Barbershop with Shantanu as we sit down with Ankit Agrawal, the CEO and founder of InsuranceDekho. In this engaging conversation, Ankit takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, sharing his experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Discover how he made the bold transition from the world of banking to the dynamic startup ecosystem, (including returning to India and taking a paycut to work at a startup!) overcoming challenges and ultimately, carving a path to success. Gain exclusive insights into the founding and growth of InsuranceDekho, a disruptive player in the insurance industry. Explore the mindset of an ambitious entrepreneur and learn from Ankit's unique perspectives on innovation, leadership, and building a thriving community and business. Introduction 00:00 - 4:04 What is Insurance & Our Social and Cultural Understanding of it 4:05 - 15:20 Early Roots of Entrepreneurship: 15:20 - 36:20 Coming back to India & working at MoveInSync 36:20 - 38:38 Founding InsuranceDekho, Ankit’s Journey, Thoughts on Being a Founder: 38:38 - 50:52 Entrepreneurial Gospel: 50:52 - 1:03:58 Culture is Important 1:03:58 - 1:11:24 0-1 Journey & New Era of Entrepreneurship: 1:11:24 - 1:18:00 The Cricket Analogy 1:18:00 - 1:21:55 What is the Long Game? Creating Impact 1:21:55 - 1:28:00 The Importance of Education: 1:28:00 - 1:32:53 Concluding Advice: 1:32:53 - 1:38:52