Brain Box - The Leadership Podcast

Welcome to Episode 97 of "Brain Box - The Leadership Podcast"! In this insightful conversation, host Kaushik is joined by Niven Postma, a globally recognized expert in leadership, organizational politics, and culture. Niven has held executive positions since the age of 29, including CEO of the Business Women’s Association of South Africa, and is the author of "If You Don’t Do Politics, Politics Will Do You".In this episode, Niven shares her journey from being “allergic” to office politics to becoming a leading voice on the subject. She unpacks the myths and realities of organizational politics, discusses how leaders can navigate power and influence ethically, and offers practical advice for thriving in today’s complex workplaces - including hybrid and remote environments.Whether you’re a new manager, a seasoned executive, or simply interested in understanding the hidden dynamics of organizations, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples. Plus, Niven shares her thoughts on psychological safety, tough empathy, and the critical role of culture in shaping leadership success.Subscribe to our newsletter & get more valuable insights straight to your inbox: https://www.brainbox.net.in/gurukulTimestamps:00:01 – Introduction to Niven Postma00:25 – Niven’s background and leadership journey00:47 – Why focus on organizational politics?01:46 – Book, lectures, and PhD01:53 – Are there organizations without politics?02:20 – The spectrum of organizational politics03:51 – AI and the future of organizational politics04:40 – Leadership and unavoidable politics05:16 – Navigating politics ethically05:45 – Redefining office politics06:34 – Positive and negative sides of politics07:53 – Using politics as a crutch08:22 – Missed opportunities in leadership09:09 – Sponsor message09:42 – Getting things done vs. selling your soul11:11 – Adapting leadership strategies to environments13:10 – Tough empathy in leadership14:37 – Psychological safety and leadership16:24 – Sponsor message16:48 – Hybrid work and organizational politics18:24 – Advice for leaders in hybrid settings18:59 – Changing organizational culture19:54 – Final advice for navigating new organizations20:34 – Closing thoughts & outroNiven's LinkedIn course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/navigating-organizational-politics-as-a-senior-leader/navigate-organizational-politics#Leadership #OrganizationalPolitics #NivenPostma #BrainBoxPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #OfficePolitics #CorporateCulture #HybridWork #WomenInLeadership #EthicalLeadership #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #CareerAdvice #branding #marketing #sales #outreach #salestraining #pr #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #founder #personalbranding #officepolitics

In the season 20 premiere, the show features Manish Mohta, Managing Director of Learning Spiral, known for his extensive entrepreneurial experience. The discussion revolves around his diverse business interests in steel abrasives, thermal power generation, and AI-driven data factories. Manish shares his mission of creating scalable impact through various ventures, including Learning Spiral's focus on secure and scalable online assessments. He highlights the significance of enhancing IT infrastructure in educational institutions to provide them 'digital superpowers.' The conversation extends to the future of AI in remote proctoring, the role of big data in education, and the evolution of EdTech. Manish also shares practical examples of successful digital transformations in educational assessments, emphasizing the need for impactful and ethical EdTech practices.Timestamps:00:23 Manish Mohta's Diverse Entrepreneurial Journey01:23 The Mission Behind Learning Spiral02:39 AI and the Future of Remote Proctoring07:21 Big Data and Analytics in Education09:16 The Future of EdTech and Online Education11:21 Impact of Learning Spiral on Public Sector Education14:00 The Story Behind the Name 'Learning Spiral'14:49 Final Thoughts and Future Contributions to EdTech16:13 Conclusion

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Philip Kurian, CEO of Ricago, as we dive deep into the art of business transformation, the evolving landscape of compliance, and the future of leadership. Philip shares his journey from steering turnarounds at global organizations like Pearson and ETS to leading Ricago’s mission of making compliance a strategic advantage. We discuss:✨ The key ingredients for turning around underperforming businesses✨ How to drive innovation in both startups and large enterprises✨ Why traditional leadership practices are being replaced by empowerment and adaptability✨ The story behind Ricago’s new “Re-Define Tomorrow” branding✨ How compliance can become a growth enabler, not just a cost✨ The importance of data security, privacy, and proactive compliance in the age of AI✨ Why giving back to society is essential for modern leaders✨ Philip’s single most important advice for emerging leaders and entrepreneursTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The Fight Against Friction and Gravity00:27 – Meet Philip Kurian: Transformative Leader & CEO of Ricago01:09 – Turning Around Underperforming Businesses: Key Ingredients02:07 – Building Teams, Strategy, and Celebrating Success04:16 – Managing Finances and Communication04:31 – Aligning Roles, Rewards, and Embracing Change05:04 – Startups vs. Big Companies: Driving Innovation06:24 – Outdated Leadership Practices and Modern Alternatives09:44 – Ricago’s New Branding: “Re-Define Tomorrow”11:17 – Making Compliance a Strategic Advantage12:53 – Data Security, Privacy, and Balancing Innovation14:45 – The Future of Compliance: Predictive, Proactive, and Integrated16:49 – Giving Back: Alara Residential Center and Social Responsibility19:38 – Advice for Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurs21:07 – Closing RemarksWhether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about innovation and impact, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with transformative leaders!#Leadership #Compliance #Innovation #Podcast #BusinessGrowth #Ricago#branding #marketing #sales #outreach #salestraining #pr #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #founder #personalbranding

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Anakh Sawhney, the 16-year-old founder and CEO of Rice Kids (youngest in our 98 episodes so far) - a global nonprofit that has already served over 71,000 meals to children and families battling hunger worldwide.Anakh shares her journey of launching her first food drive at age nine, overcoming challenges as a young leader, and building a movement that bridges cultures and redefines what youth can accomplish. We discuss the realities of leadership at a young age, the importance of motivation, and the power of community in driving change.Whether you’re passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, or simply love stories of bold visionaries making a difference, this conversation will leave you inspired.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of changemakers!Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:28 – Rethinking leadership and age01:15 – Meet Anakh Sawhney & Rice Kids02:00 – The origin story: “No one sleeps hungry”03:10 – Overcoming challenges as a young founder05:00 – Balancing school, life, and leadership07:37 – COVID-19: Lessons and impact09:53 – Building partnerships and community11:27 – Navigating cultural divides12:00 – Vision for the future13:00 – Final thoughts & inspiration#Leadership #YouthEmpowerment #Nonprofit #Inspiration #RiceKids #AnakhSawhney #SocialImpact #pr #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #founder #personalbranding #podcast #age #youngfounder

In this episode, we delve deep into the concepts of transformation with Lior Arussy, one of the world's leading customer experience and business transformation experts. Lior shares insights from his latest book, 'Dare to Author,' and discusses how shifting your mindset from victimhood to heroism can reshape your personal and professional narratives. Join us for a conversation loaded with actionable strategies, inspiring stories, and expert advice on sales, marketing, and thought leadership.Timestamps:01:01 Meet Lior Arussy: A Customer Experience Expert01:38 The Genesis of 'Dare to Author'03:27 The Importance of Authoring Your Life Story04:44 Understanding Victimhood and Change06:00 Cultural and Societal Influences on Victimhood07:58 Identifying and Overcoming Limiting Narratives12:04 Practical Examples of Transformation14:24 The Power of Listening and Asking Questions20:35 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways- Subscribe for more episodes on leadership, marketing, and personal growth.#Leadership #Podcast #ThoughtLeadership #branding #marketing #sales #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #founder #personalbranding

Join us in this riveting episode as we welcome Teresa Agovino, the first social entrepreneur on our show, who has dedicated her career to promoting sustainable tourism across the globe. Discover Teresa's inspiring journey as an environmental engineer who started her career with the United Nations, working on water treatment projects in Africa, and later expanding her efforts to South America and Asia. Learn about her philosophy on reducing environmental footprints and creating positive social impacts. Teresa also shares her experiences with various NGOs, the complexities of volunteering, and her upcoming move to India to continue her work in sustainable tourism. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about sustainability, travel, and making a difference in the world. Timestamps: 00:21 The Footprint Philosophy 01:36 Journey as an Environmental Engineer 04:23 Sustainable Tourism and the United Nations 07:16 Challenges in Volunteer Associations 12:50 The Call to India 16:12 Sustainability Certifications in Tourism 19:53 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode, we host Ratna Viswanathan, the first Indian CEO of the social impact organization, Reach To Teach, funded by the Larry Ellison Foundation. Ratna shares her experience transitioning from a 21-year career in civil service to leading significant changes in the development and education sectors. She discusses the importance of community engagement, designing for scale, and fostering partnerships with government entities. Ratna emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both government and social enterprises, shares valuable insights on improving education in low-resource environments, and highlights the importance of passion, patience, and flexible policies within the social sector. With a mission to drive substantial impact, Reach2Teach has already positively affected the lives of 8.2 million students in India. Timestamps: 00:59 Ratna Viswanathan's Career Journey 03:06 Challenges and Insights in Government and Development Sectors 04:33 Focus on Education Sector and Community Building 07:27 Scaling Education Initiatives 15:30 Leadership and Management in Social Enterprises 23:47 Advice for Aspiring Social Impact Enthusiasts 26:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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