PODWalk with Radhika Zaveri

Today, I am thrilled to have on the show, my friend, Ajay Chauhan, Executive director at Parle Products based in Mumbai, India; a third-generation leader from Parle Products — the company behind Parle-G, the world’s best-selling biscuit brand (in volume). We’ll talk about what it takes to build a century of trust with Ajay Chauhan.Three big takeaways stand out for me today — first, legacy isn’t inherited, it’s reinvented. Ajay showed us that tradition only thrives when it adapts.Second, trust is the ultimate marketing strategy. Parle-G didn’t need to chase trends — it earned love by being there, consistently, for everyone.And finally, premium doesn’t have to mean exclusive. Parle’s story proves that growth and inclusivity can go hand in hand.Thank you for listening to PODWalk, we would love it if you subscribed to us to listen to the next new podcast recording.  It is your subscriptions and ratings that keep this podcast going strong. 

Today on the show we have Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President and Chief Product Officer at Southwest Airlines, where he has led the charge of building products and building loyalty experiences that help the airline win more customers and drive growth. His marketing foundation was shaped by iconic brands like Dr Pepper, Pizza Hut, and PepsiCo, giving him a sharp lens on how brands earn both attention and trust.And outside of work, you might find him running a race, exploring Napa or New York, or cheering on his Mustang at SMU.In this episode, Jonathan and I will dive into how experiences, AI, and smart product design work together to create lasting customer loyalty—with real examples of what loyalty looks like at Southwest Airlines and what it means for today’s consumers.Key Takeways from my conversation with Jonathan today:Loyalty is felt, not earned"It’s the little wins—smooth check-ins, fun touches, thoughtful surprises—that make customers keep coming back- not just rewards or points—but for the experience"Smart tech, personal touch"Use AI to simplify complex tasks and deliver tailored experiences, but combining that technology with empathy to keep the human connection aliveProducts level up logically" Build products with benefits that make sense step by step. Each upgrade should feel obvious and worth it—step by step, customers see why moving up makes sense.

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Valerie Freeman, serial entrepreneur, talent pioneer, co-founder, & CEO of BravoTECH - whose bold mantra “How hard can it be?” has fueled game-changing ventures. Inducted into multiple Halls of Fame and honored with lifetime achievement awards, Valerie’s relentless curiosity and commitment to ethical leadership have positioned her, and the talent she champions to stand out as market-ready in every era.Key Highlights from the podcast:  Say Yes, Then Figure It Out:“How hard can it be?” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a mindset of bold action. Whether switching industries or launching a new venture, success often starts with the willingness to try, even before you feel fully ready.Curiosity and Energy Are Career Superpowers:Staying relevant across decades and industries takes more than knowledge—it takes curiosity to keep learning and energy to keep moving. These are the real differentiators in both leadership and longevity.Market-Ready Means Future-Ready:The most hire able and successful professionals aren’t static—they position themselves through experimentation. From learning AI tools to taking on new challenges, constantly evolving your skill set is the new résumé.

Welcome to today’s episode! I’m thrilled to be joined by Sherry Graziano, Head of Digital, client experience and Marketing - a forward-thinking leader at Truist Bank who’s helping shape the future of banking through innovation, empathy, and purpose-driven strategy.From evolving brands, to pioneering digital experiences to strengthening generational collaboration, Sherry Graziano brings a unique lens to what modern leadership and marketing looks like in financial services leading to unstoppable impact.Three key takeaways from Sherry todayClarity Comes from Knowing What You’re NotSherry reminded us: it’s just as important to define what your brand doesn’t stand for as what it does. Boundaries bring focus—and focus fuels growth.Purpose Drives PositioningWhen your purpose is clear, your message, market fit, and value proposition all align. That’s how brands move from being one of many to the one that matters.Relationships Builds Trust. Trust Builds Confidence.People don’t just buy what you sell—they believe in why you do it. When you lead with care, you earn trust. And when you earn trust, growth becomes unstoppable.

Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with Michael Fisher—former CEO of Cincinnati Children's, civic leader, founder and recently grandparent; someone whose leadership has always been guided by values, not just vision.From healthcare, entrepreneurship to community service, Michael’s journey isn’t just a “TO DO list to build resumes” —but rather has a “TO-BE list to build legacy” and a roadmap for how purpose can shape systems, teams, and lives. Let’s walk through his winding way together.”Three key takeways from this podcast are:Purpose Leads. Culture Lives.Purpose sets the direction—a clear why that anchors behavior, decisions, and strategy. Culture brings that purpose to life through everyday actions and shared values.It’s a Dynamic Duo—One Holds the Other Accountable.When purpose and culture are in sync, they build trust, clarity, and relevance. Break that alignment, and a brand risks losing its identity and credibility.Doing Builds a Résumé. Being Builds a Legacy.In our personal purpose pursuit, it’s easy to focus on achievements. But real impact comes not just from what we do, but from who we are—consistently, purposefully, and visibly.

The guest today is David McKillips, the CEO of Chuck E. Cheese. At a moment when the brand faced bankruptcy and a global shutdown, David stepped in with a vision—not only to stabilize the business but to reimagine what this iconic family entertainment brand could become.From bold innovation to honoring legacy, today’s episode is a masterclass in crisis leadership, purpose-driven strategy, and turning challenge into opportunity. What strikes me most about David is his passion to learning and he lives by his mantra, #neverstoplearning which has served him well as he has turned around Chuck E Cheese to relevancy.A couple highlights from our talk todayFrom navigating bankruptcy and a global pandemic to modernizing a beloved brand without losing its soul, David has shown us that legacy and innovation don’t have to be at odds—they can power each other when guided by purpose.For our listeners, especially those just starting their own leadership or marketing journeys, David’s insights offer an important reminder: that the past is a platform—not a prison—and that reinvention is possible when you respect what people remember while boldly building for what’s next.And perhaps one of the most powerful takeaways from today’s conversation is the importance of never stopping learning—no matter your title, industry, or stage in your career. David’s approach shows that curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve are not just assets—they’re essentials in leading lasting change.”

This podcast is with Ramesh Srinivasan, Sr. Partner at McKinsey, and the Dean of the Bower Forum, McKinsey’s program for CEO learning and a co-author of the bestselling book the Journey of Leadership – How CEOs learn to lead from the Inside Out.  What strikes me most about his recent work is that it is a fantastic summary of the inner journey of getting to excellence as a leader and yes, we all can be leaders in anything we do – such a relevant topic for all.For long we have spoken about leadership, we have thought of it as an opportunity to inspire others; with many Cs…conviction, courage, confidence.  Today we will talk about another C, caring as we do a deep dive into the human attributes of being a purposeful leader with my guest Ramesh Srinivasan.Some highlights discussed in this podcast:The purpose of purposeFor People to Care, Show Them You CareThings that come in the way, can become the wayRamesh has co-authored the book along with senior partners at McKinsey to discuss the power of caring, an emotion often reserved for friends and family and its influence on how people lead their lives.

It is a true privilege to welcome a leader whose influence extends far beyond the walls of academia—Dean Matthew Myers, the ninth dean of the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.Dean Myers is not only a respected academic but also a visionary whose career reflects a lifelong dedication to bridging the worlds of global business and higher education. Before joining SMU, he made his mark in the corporate world, at Merrill Lynch and IBM Argentina, where he brought strategic insight to industries ranging from engineering to agriculture.With a Ph.D. from Michigan State University and a Master's in Business Studies from the University of South Carolina, Dean Myers has spent decades shaping the minds of future business leaders. Under his leadership, the Cox School has continued to grow as a hub for excellence, opportunity, and forward-thinking education.But perhaps what defines Dean Myers most is his legacy—not just as a dean, consultant, or scholar, but as a mentor, builder, and advocate for meaningful business education. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Gina, and are proud Mustang parents of their twin daughters, Carlisle and Winston, symbolizing the deep ties he holds to the SMU community.

This is a special podcast and a special day with special guests; two SMU students graduating in 2025.  I have on the show Jude Lugo, is a student entrepreneur and founder of Lecture Logger, which is a student success and attendance tracking app. Jude is a business major at SMU Cox and serves on SMU's Board of Trustees as the Student Trustee. He was one of two Cox students featured in the Poets & Quants Best and Brightest Business Majors publication.Co-hosting the show with me today is BBA Outstanding Marketing Major Award recipient, Avery Zolfahari.  One thing they both have in common is their quiet confidence, fearless curiosity and unforgettable personalities. The Edwin L. Cox School of Business is an American business school that is part of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. 

Shar Dubey and Mandy Ginsberg former CEOs of Match.com and legends in consumer technology, friends who have supported each other professionally and personally and now serve on some of the most interesting boards. Shar Dubey grew up in India, graduating at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, she was the only woman metallurgical engineer that year.  She then came to the United States and graduated with an MS from Ohio State University and then moved to Dallas to work at Texas Instruments and later i2 technologies. Shar then joined Match Group where she served in multiple roles taking took the helm as CEO in 2020, succeeding her friend, Mandy Ginsberg.  After stepping down a few years ago, Shar remains a director of Match Group and on the board of directors at Fortive, Naspers Ltd. Prosus Group and Operating Partner at Advent International. Mandy Ginsberg grew up in Dallas where she still lives with her family.  After graduating from Berkley in California and subsequently obtaining an MBA from Wharton, Mandy returned to Dallas and joined Match Group serving in many capacities to become the CEO in 2017, stepping down in 2020 for personal reasons. Amongst her many accomplishments at Match, Mandy is known for promoting equal pay between men and women. She now has taken all that experience to serve on several diverse boards including Uber, thredUP, Flo Health Inc., Universal Music Group and as an operating partner at Advent International with her friend, Shar Dubey. Key Takeaways:Really spend time understanding your consumer - anywhere and everywhere.How to build a brand that Gen Zs love?How to build a culture that is inspired by an aligned leadership with purpose.

Sonia Vora, on “you don’t change the world for what’s on a spreadsheet, you change the world because of the  impact on individual lives.”My conversation with Sonia Vora, CHRO at the Gates Foundation was about Vision, Mission, Purpose and how it all relates to talent.  The Gates Foundation's mission, driven by the goal of improving global health, reducing poverty, and expanding educational opportunities, comes with many challenges.  To solve these complex issues at global levels, Sonia talked about how having a talent philosophy, and a clear purpose becomes a constitution to shape culture internally and drive behavior externally.The Gates Foundation, a global philanthropic organization, works to improve lives and promote equity, focusing on global health, global development, and U.S. programs that address education and economic opportunity. We discussed Highlights from the conversation:What makes the Gates Foundation successful? A Bold Vision Sets you part, Personalization Approach within a Scaled operation and ability to listen not just sell.What do you look for in Talent? Knowledge is NOT enough; Collaboration and Communication is key to inspiring others to followDoes Purpose drive Culture? People are not inspired by spreadsheets but rather inspired by the work they are a part of and the impact they make on livesDo you want an AI manager? OK you will have to tune in to listen to this one…

With 30 years of global business experience, Sheryl Adkins-Green combines strategic insights, financial acumen, and values-based leadership to deliver topline and bottom-line results in competitive environments. She brings a consumer-centric perspective to building brands, transforming organizations and leading successful teams.  She has excelled as a senior operating executive in the CPG, financial services, beverage and beauty industries, most recently serving as the Chief Experience Officer of Mary Kay Inc.. Sheryl gained significant experience working across a broad range of geographies and cultures, including Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. She is known for her passion for developing talent, leading change and creating value.Couple highlights from the conversation: Legacy is what people remember. It starts by understanding what you want them to remember and then giving them that experience consistently.  It’s an honor and a previous responsibility to champion the legacy of a brand and its timeless values.Memorable experiences are specific. They are personal and when it’s personal it makes people believe that they are heard and seen.  It makes them feel important. And when people feel understood, everything else falls in place.Seek first to understand, before being understood. 

In this episode, Purpose Matters | Parkland Health,  I interviewed Michael Horne, CEO of Parkland Health Foundation. Collaborating with Parkland Health Foundation & ENP Media a special podcast was created as a reminder to start the year thinking of health.In this special feature on #PODWalk, my conversation with Michael A. Horne CEO at Parkland Health Foundation on the #purpose of a public hospital foundation and why consider investing in it was eye opening!Is Public Health Complex? AbsolutelyStats? AstoundingWorth understanding? More than I had hopedWhy? Helps us all even if I don’t use the systemThe conversation showed me how critical it is to addresses inequities, work collaboratively for meaningful change – not just for public health but all spaces where purposeful and impactful advocacy counts.Conversation takeaways:#Equity is Essential: tackling systemic inequities is costly, but can’t be ignored… it impacts us ALL#SystemsThinking is critical: breaking down how systems influence efficient and effective outcomes, and finding innovative solutions#CommunityCollaboration is king: Real progress is meeting the users where they are by teaming with community partners and offering outpatient services#Data-DrivenStrategy: figuring the root-causes for upstream and downstream problem solvingMichael talked about a vision where Access to Care is as easy as going to the ATM Machine, where we don’t even think about it. Let’s hope that we continue to find ways to make that dream come true.

On this episode, we have Joseph Loretto, an audit partner at Grant Thornton of nearly 25 years. He is also a member of the firm’s Partnership Board, a devoted mentor to many of his colleagues, and a longtime volunteer with the Association of Latino Professionals for America. He grew up in Oak Cliff, the son of two immigrant parents from Guatemala. Joseph continues giving back to the city of Dallas in many ways, and though he has travelled the planet and served exciting companies on multiple continents, he’ll never forget where he came from.   3 key lessons from this episode:- 1. Mentoring is the best way to paying it forward. 2. Be good at what you do, and Be good at Relationship Building:   3. Patience, Respect and Openness to diversity of thought.

Do you think about making moments matter for your loved ones during the holidays? Marjon Henderson thinks about it 365 days of the year.  In this episode, I interviewed Marjon Henderson, V.P. of Brand Experience at Neiman Marcus, a luxury store across the United States.  Neiman Marcus pledges fashion, quality, and unparalleled service maintaining a close relationship with their customers, vendors and associates alike.  Vogue has called Neimans, "Texas with a French accent." In our discussion we spoke about what it takes to make moments matter to the customers; making them precious, memorable and full of surprise. Marjon spoke about why its not "just" shopping at Neimans rather a memory to be cherished, how the experience starts from the time you park your car to taking selfie's in the store. It's not just an experience for some rather can be shared with many in our lives through a box of chocolate to a fanstasy gift worth millions.  I had the pleasure of walking the store with Marjon who has practically grown up at Neimans with 20+ years of service starting as an intern and now running their Brand Experience.  

Zubin Mehta, Finance/Pre-Med student at SMU, TEDX Speaker Lauren Ciborowski, Data Analytics/Pre-Law student at SMU, Member of Pre-Law Scholars program Duncan Yozzo, Data Analytics/Supply Chain student at SMU, Leader in Mustang Band  This episode is a conversation with Lauren Ciborowski, Duncan Yozzo and Zubin Mehta , all juniors at SMU COX, who over the years have struck me as having a solid point of view, knowing their purpose and living their values. They talk about key influences in their life, what shaped their decisions and what they have learned about themselves in college.  This conversation has made me feel like I am around the kitchen table just having a chat over pizza.  Key takeaways: Zubin talked about Practice, Practice, Practice: consistency is key to good communication. And if you want people to care, then show them you care. Duncan: Gen Z knows when they are being marketed to and will push back unless marketers are genuine in their marketing Lauren spoke about how one of the hardest challenges is when you say yes to many things, learning to prioritize and focus is key learning in college. #SMU #CollegeLife #GenZ #Leadership #CommunicationSkills #SelfDevelopment #ValuesDriven #TEDx #PreLaw #FinanceStudent #DataAnalytics #SupplyChain #MustangBand #LifeLessons #FocusAndPrioritization #GenuineMarketing #HigherEducation #PurposeDriven

Warren Tranquada is president and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, a 10-acre performing arts campus in the Dallas Arts District that is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this fall. Warren has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University in Montreal. In this episode, Warren discussed 3 key takeaways: The purpose of the performing Arts is telling stories that help make better sense of the world. Warren talked about how the arts helps build empathy, creativity, and fits tightly into today’s learning skills helping understand complex issues and see business with a fresh lens. More is More: Warren’s belief is that if you can reach more people, you can be more successful in achieving your mission. More with Less: He talked about how the center has to be something to someone on every day of the week; targeting a unique group from day to day on anemic resources; means strategically planning collaboration, and programming to get more with less. The Performing Arts Center is one of the top performing arts centers in the nation, providing iconic venues for Broadway, opera, ballet, theater, concerts, dance and more. The Center also provides impactful arts education and community programs to thousands of students and families each year. #ArtsAndEmpathy #StorytellingThroughArts #BuildingCreativity #MoreIsMore #MoreWithLess #PerformingArtsCenter #DallasArtsDistrict #ArtsEducation #ImpactThroughArts #CulturalLeadership

Today I am joined by Emmy-nominated, award-winning former war reporter, Mandy Clark has more than 20 years of experience in top-tier newsrooms including CBS, NBC, CBC and Sky News. Beyond conflict zones, her current affairs documentary work has taken her across the globe to cover stories on climate change in Greenland, human rights in China, and elections in Zimbabwe. She is now the Managing Editor at ENP Media, a London based production company founded by experienced news and documentary professionals to create content that is unique, engaging and effective.3 Key Take-ways Make them Care: Mandy summarized the essence of her focus in story telling….  “Making them care.”  She spoke about how Humans connect with Humans; and that stories create an emotional connection.  Next time you give it a try --Humanize the stories you tell and touch hearts to make them care. Like a Diamond: Structure is a product of good storytelling. As Mandy gave us a 101 in storytelling, she shared a framework that mimics the shape of a diamond. Start small, grow and then return to the original small point.  Next time you are story telling – give it a try. Picture someone in your head:  When we try to connect to humans; we try to get into their bloodstream, so the question is who we are trying to engage with?  Mandy had a great solution. Picture someone in your head. And often if that someone is least likely to be “moved” by your story, you will find the most compelling conviction points to “move them” #StorytellingTips #JournalismInsights #EmotionalConnection #MandyClark #EngageYourAudience #HumanizeYourStories #CompellingContent #CreativeStorytelling #NewsroomExperience #DocumentaryFilmmaking #MakeThemCare #PublicSpeakingTips #ContentCreation #MediaProduction #EffectiveCommunication #ConflictReporting #StorytellingFramework #EngagingStories #CommunicateWithImpact

With sports on our mind this Summer, I had the pleasure of interviewing @kellie fischer, CFO of the Texas Rangers, the 2023 World Series Baseball Champions on the potential and power of attitude.A long time ago a mentor said, “Make the CFO your friend,” and it stuck with me throughout my career.  My new friend, @kellie Fischer, shares the same attitude and spirit of collaboration, bringing synergy between marketing and finance.  CFO at the Rangers since 2005, Kellie has an impressive background not only working through tumultuous times there but also through celebrations/wins, a successful partnership with Globe Life and has had unique opportunity to oversee Finance, HR, IT and legal operations bringing an extraordinary perspective to understanding collaboration.3 key takeaways from the conversation Be a joy to be around, your technical skills only go so far. Kellie talked deeply about the importance of attitude and how that matters when you are on a team.  Think about what that means to you and how you can better connect with others. Are the CMO and CFO friends? Kellie spoke about collaboration and that you really can’t go far without having trust.  If you don’t have a great relationship between brand and finance – make that change because it is fundamental to you and your company’s success.  Finance Stability is a brand differentiator.  When watching baseball, you may not think of financial terms apart from perhaps ticket prices. Kellie’s talk helped us appreciate how sound financial leadership is a differentiator in the marketplace. If you enjoy our podcast, please subscribe to ..... #TexasRangers#WorldSeriesChampions#WorldSeriesBaseballChampions#TexasBaseball#Fanexperience#ethicalmarketing#ethicsinbusiness#collaborationiskey#winningbusinessattitude

AI in Innovative Solutions and Healthcare with Dr. Ruben Amarasingham If I don’t know AI, am I going to fail? This is a question many of us wrestle with. Dr. Ruben Amarasingham, a physician, founder, and lover of art, says, “Be the domain expert first, and figure out how AI applications will help enhance your domain.” In this episode of #PODWalk, join me as I sit down with Dr. Amarasingham to discuss the transformative role of AI in healthcare and beyond. Dr. Amarasingham, MD, MBA, has a fascinating journey from literature, coding, and science to founding Pieces Technologies, Inc., a healthcare solution specializing in clinical decision sciences. His personal mission, “Helping Those Who Help Others,” guides his work, from his MD at UTSW to his MBA and post-doctorate in biomedical informatics at Johns Hopkins. Key Takeaways: Medicine and Passion: As a mother of a pre-med student, I was curious about his choice of medicine despite the high burnout rate. Dr. Amarasingham's answer about the “golden age of medicine” and his evolution from physician to founder reassured me. AI and Domain Mastery: As a professor of New Product Innovation at SMU Cox, I wanted to know, “If I don’t understand AI, am I going to fail?” Dr. Amarasingham’s advice to be a master of your domain first and then leverage AI applications was enlightening. Patient-Physician Experience: As a patient, I explored how Pieces Technologies is enhancing the patient-physician interaction, allowing more meaningful dialogue and empowering patients with information. This delightful conversation covers diverse perspectives and thought-provoking insights, perfect for marketers, technologists, new AI learners, or anyone curious about healthcare. Tune in for an enriching discussion with monikers like detective to experiential junkie aptly describing Dr. Amarasingham. Pieces website link: https://piecestech.com/ Hashtags: #DiversePerspectives #DiversityInThought #DiverseTeachingMethods #MBA #AIinHealthcare #AIinInnovation #TeachingPodcast #PODWalk #HowToSwitchCareers #SwitchingCareers #HealthcareInnovation #AIApplications #PatientEmpowerment #ClinicalDecisionSciences Mentions: @PCCI @PieceTechnologies @UTSW @smucox