How “Shark” Amit Jain Plans To Build 20 Unicorns Out Of Jaipur With His Brother Anurag The BarberShop With Shantanu podcast

23:20

Is organisational loyalty outdated, or are we asking the wrong questions? This week, on the latest episode of ‘The Bridge’, Shantanu engages in a thought-provoking discussion with leaders from both sides of the generational spectrum. On the one hand, Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO at SBFC Finance Ltd.) and Luis Miranda (Former Bank Treasurer at HDFC and Ex-CEO at IDFC) share valuable insights on why internal promotions, career patience, and organisational commitment remain the bedrock of professional success. On the other hand, Ishaan Gulati (Chief of Staff to CEO at Rebel Food) and Arshi Gupta (Senior Associate, Investments at Singularity AMC), the Gen Z voices, reflect on how they view career progression with their fast-moving approach to work and the gig economy. Tune in for a raw, honest conversation about: - Why does career patience and internal promotions still matter? - The unspoken pressure of choosing the “dream career”. - How Gen Z’s approach to job hopping is reshaping workplace norms. For those eager to understand what’s driving these shifts, this latest episode provides all your answers. Tune in and share your thoughts in the comments. Also, don’t forget to let us know what topics you’d like to see on The Bridge next! Navigate your way through these chapters 00:00 Coming up 00:52 Introduction 01:38 Organisational loyalty: a two-way street? 02:42 Founders on organisational loyalty 04:56 Role of self-interest in job-switching vs commitment 08:00 Loyalty: from promotion to retention to trust 14:47 Jobs: situationship or relationship? Gen Z’s FOMO decoded 19:30 Rise of JOB culture & Gen Z lost in Career Choices 21:09 What senior leaders look for in hiring 22:28 Closing thoughts…

The BarberShop with Shantanu

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⁠⁠2 CEOs vs 2 Gen Zs | The Bridge S1E2: Is Personal Branding Really Necessary? 29:15

6 days ago29:15

29:15

Thank you for the overwhelming response to Episode 1 of The Bridge! We absolutely loved reading your comments, your thoughts, reflections, and even disagreements made it clear: We need more conversations like these. So, here we are back with Episode 2. This time, we’re asking: IS PERSONAL BRANDING NECESSARY? Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with “being seen”? Why does every Gen Z feel the need to show up online all the time? And is that visibility actually translating to value? Joining Shantanu this time are two sharp Gen Z voices, Avani Rathore (Entrepreneur, Ex-BCG) and Goutami Rane (Senior Account Executive at Ogilvy), who’ve built their presence in the digital world and understand the trade-offs that come with it. Across the table are Revant Bhate (Co-Founder & CEO, Mosaic Wellness) and Kaushik Mukherjee (Co-founder & COO, SUGAR Cosmetics). Two seasoned founders who’ve built iconic brands from scratch without ever turning themselves into a ‘brand’. Together, they unpack what personal branding really means today, beyond LinkedIn carousels and viral reels. Tune in for an honest debate on: 1. Does Gen Z value visibility over actual value? 2. Can your LinkedIn presence really get you promoted? 3. Where’s the line between authenticity and performance? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Tune in now to hear both sides of the debate and rethink how we show up in the world of work. Navigate your way through the chapters 00:00 Coming up 01:00 Introduction 02:06 Views of Gen Z on Personal Branding 03:45 The gap between the true self and the public persona 06:59 The role of branding in starting a career 08:25 Employee views on Personal Branding 11:52 Promoting online presence vs. valuing offline skills 14:28 The importance of storytelling in building a brand 18:42 How social media impacts personal branding 19:08 Recruitment parameters based on personal brands 22:27 The reality and effort behind personal branding 25:41 Founders on using podcasts to boost growth 27:54 Closing thoughts…

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2 CEOs vs 2 GEN Zs | The Bridge S1E1: Is hustle culture killing India's next generation? 31:26

10 days ago31:26

31:26

Is hustle culture quietly killing India’s next generation? Is Gen Z actually giving up at their jobs for reasons evident but often unsaid? Where really is this gap and why is it important to fill it? Next season of the Barbershop is not a season, it’s a completely different story. A whole new setup, a mix of old and new voices, unfiltered views, and debates that often make it out of these leaders’ LinkedIn's, onto the news! 😂 Only this time, we don’t have a 1:1 setup, we have a round table. Joining Shantanu are Vidit Dugar (Chief of Staff at Bombay Shaving Company) and Gauri Bansal (Product and Strategy at Spotify), on the one side. Ambitious. Sharp. Super switched on. They represent India’s blue-eyed Gen Z at workplaces. Sitting on the other side are Radhika Gupta (MD & CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund) and Damodar Mall (CEO, Reliance Retail). Two veterans who made it to their CXO roles in their early thirties, all with patience, clarity, and grit. This is not a podcast, it’s a debate. Someone’s got to start it! Where aspirational Gen Zs meet inspirational leaders. Tune in for a brutally honest conversation on: - Are Gen Z an employer's nightmare? - The 9-to-5 job was made for people who worked in factories. So why are we still working like that? - Why does every Gen Z worker feel like they are underpaid? - Why comparison is the key recipe for unhappiness. So, on this note, dear Gen Zs, this is for you. YOU are the hero of this show. Here it is. The wait is over. This platform is now officially yours. Talk to us, drop a comment and tell us if you’d like to be a part of the next bridge debate. 🙌🏻 Navigate your way through: 00:00 Coming up 0:55 What is ‘The Bridge’? 2:03 Hustle culture through Gen Z’s lens 5:23 Senior leaders on generational clashes and hustle culture 9:57 The truth about time and work quality 14:40 Gen Z on no fixed hours and transforming digital life 17:22 Women and hustle culture 20:14 Generations on grind: accountability, rewards, hard work, and purpose 24:08 Hustle culture and mental health struggles 27:02 Backstage performers vs. Frontstage seekers 30:41 Closing Thoughts…

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Alok Sama on Being SoftBank CFO, Masa's investment style, India & AI, CEO Superpowers & more 1:18:35

24 days ago1:18:35

1:18:35

What if playing it safe is the real courage in entrepreneurship? In Barbershop’s latest episode, Shantanu sits down with Alok Sama (Writer & Investor) to explore what truly makes a CEO great. It’s not just about flashy risks, but staying humble and adapting as things change. How Alok brought his first book ‘The Money Trap’ to life, and how getting a degree in Master of Fine Arts, from NYU at 58 proves that growth has no age. Key Takeaways: - Leadership is as much about humility and adaptability as bold risks. - AI and disruptive tech are shaking things up, but also raise questions on creativity and originality. - India’s startup scene faces unique socio-economic challenges alongside fresh growth chances. - How and why to go back to school if you feel a passion strongly. So, Alok’s story exhibits that sometimes fortune favours the unexpected. Join us, and maybe you will see your professional path a little more differently in the aftermath. Also, if you’d like to join our next conversation as live audience, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98 Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming Up 01: 17 Introduction 2:30 Top CEOs in Alok’s views 7:44 Comparing CEOs' operating styles: global vs Indian leaders 11:14 Billionaire behaviour: insecurity or personal quirk? 14:40 How do visionary CEOs adapt and grow? 17:30 From Instagram to ChatGPT: Alok on AI 24:44 Top CEO behaviours: founder vs manager? 31:11 Alok on Indian founders and tech evolution 42:53 Alok’s take on the tariff situation 44:00 Indian conglomerates in US: capital drives disruption? 49:31 India’s middle class: unemployment and consumption issues 53:35 Risk-taking: entrepreneur or investor, Alok? 58:27 Alok on MFA, writing, and nonfiction passion 1:03:06 Money Trap duration and AI’s originality threat/His Book journey length and AI vs originality 1:07:48 Living and investing: Alok’s India perspective 1:18:14 Closing Thoughts…

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How Is Ankur Warikoo Scaling a ₹70 Cr EdTech Company & Making ₹4.5 Cr in Book Royalties? 1:46:19

4 weeks ago1:46:19

1:46:19

What if you could build your epic career without the fear of failing? In a world chasing speed, Warikoo advises people to try everything, experience it all, until the path becomes clear. In Barbershop’s latest episode, Shantanu chats with Ankur Warikoo (Entrepreneur and Bestselling Author), who deeply talks about personal growth and mindset shifts on career development. He shares his journey about scaling a 70 Cr education empire, ‘WebVeda’, with 100% refundable courses, and yet, it’s thriving effortlessly. In this episode, Warikoo explains that content isn’t just about reach, it’s about the trust you build over time. So, if he, being a well-known social media personality, gives content half a day a week and crushes it, why can’t you find your survival options? There’s no fluff at all in this conversation, just very actionable steps and real talk about life, purpose and bootstrapping your dreams. Key Takeaways: - What resilience and long-term thinking look like in business. - How AI is quietly transforming course dubbing and content clean-up. - What fuels his three income engines: content, community, and investing - What if playing it smart could also be playing it bold? Tune in, and maybe you will see your path a little differently. Hope this episode inspires you to go “all in” with your idea! And if you’d like to join our next conversation live, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98 Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming Up 1:07 Introduction 2:03 The source of inspiration behind Ankur Warikoo’s content 4:51 Using knowledge and optionality to assess risk in career decisions 08:57 The power of consistent content and its role in trust-distributed perspectives. 16:01 How evolving content helps trust to shape consumer behaviour in low-trust societies 21:09 Understanding market dynamics and changing views on careers, income, and investments. 32:21 Easy loans, less accountability, AI cutting productivity and rising consumption across all layers. 41:00 Older Folks on money stress and Impact of AI on knowledge workers 47:50 Quick commerce vs. Offline profit: Ideal time strategic sales choices 57:27 Warikoo's views on commercial real estate in prime areas surged 59:16 Exploring Warikoo’s authorship path and the growth of his Ed-tech initiative 1:08:38 The role of AI in content creation and WebVeda’s setup 1:13:44 Warikoo's investment propaganda and vision 1:15:21 Role of Warikoo Crew and Warikoo Partner in zero-tech project management 1:21:19 Warikoo’s solo entrepreneurial story and strategic investment tips 1:29:27 A chat on books Shantanu and Ankur have read and key takeaways from Ankur’s 4th book. 1:42:08 Closing Thoughts…

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Purplle Founder on ‘Beauty for Bharat’, Taking on Nykaa, Making Acquisitions Work, and More 1:24:01

6 weeks ago1:24:01

1:24:01

To build a business, you should always have your feet on the ground and eyes on the stars. A mindset Manish Taneja has carried from the narrow lanes of Faridabad to build a ₹10,000 Cr beauty giant. In this episode, Shantanu sits down with Manish Taneja (CEO & MD of Purplle.com ) for a raw conversation about the unseen side of entrepreneurship. Growing up in Tier 2 India, Manish never had the blueprint but just a dream to build big. And in 13 years, he turned that fascination into Purplle, a brand that has redefined beauty in India. From taking bold bets on acquiring big brands like Faces Canada and Carmesi to choosing long-term value over viral trends, this is a story of perseverance, principles, and playing the long game. Key takeaways from the episode: - Why it’s crucial to not chase trends but build with purpose. - What are the mistakes every founder often makes in the beauty space? - What is the role of AI in shaping the future of brand building? - If you’re still playing it safe, you’re probably holding yourself back. Hope this episode inspires you to go “all in” with your idea! And if you’d like to join our next conversation live, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98 Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming Up 01:25 Introduction 01:50 Backstory of Purplle and their initial challenges 10:57 Business Cash Flow and Employee Growth at Purplle 13:25 Market Evolution and Capital Raising Milestones 21:00 Role of Investors and Purplle’s First Product to many more 27:10 Strategic Brand Acquisitions and Reshaping the market 30:51 Effectiveness of Data Usage and Geographic Customer Targeting 34:40 Revenue Margins and Sales Channel Insights 36:30 The Impact of Offline and Quick Commerce on Sales 39:16 Growth of the Beauty and Personal Care Industry 44:13 Innovation, New Product Categories, and Avoiding Trend-Chasing 49:45 The Role of AI in Brand Building 54:58 Understanding Market Dynamics and Capital Flow 1:02:02 Industry Evolution and the Power of Content Creation 1:05:03 A 13-Year Journey of Investor Relations and Key Success Stories 1:09:24 Manish’s Perspective on Building Startups 1:17:40 Closing Thoughts…

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Scaling a ₹1000 Cr GenZ fashion brand with The Souled Store and XYXX 1:20:06

7 weeks ago1:20:06

1:20:06

If there’s no existential doubt, it’s not an early-stage business. Because you're just figuring it out, one bold risk at a time. In this episode Shantanu is joined by Vedang Patel (Co-Founder of The Souled Store) and Yogesh Kabra, (Founder of XYXX Apparels) for a raw and honest conversation on what it really takes to start up. As a bootstrapped company, Vedang started with just ₹5 lakhs and a big dream. On the other hand, Yogesh started up in a 250 sq. ft. room in Surat. But Now? These founders have built a 1000Cr empire. Key Takeaways from the episode: •⁠ ⁠How a customer-first mindset shapes everything, from product to brand. •⁠ ⁠What should you know before building a clothing brand for women? •⁠ ⁠Why “mental freedom” from your investor can often be more powerful than just financial backing. This is a story of building something of your own with the right people by your side. Tell us in the comments: What’s the wildest risk you’ve taken to build your dream? And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98 Navigate the episode 00:00 – Coming Up 01:10 – What Are Business Models and Market Trends? 04:13 – Why Being Honest About Business Numbers is Important 07:01 – Problems in the Clothing Industry 09:59 – How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market 13:08 – What Customer Retention and Acquisition Costs Really Mean 16:02 – How Good Products Keep Customers Coming Back 19:08 – How Fashion Trends Change and How to Keep Up 22:16 – A New Look at the Underwear Market 25:16 – Wrapping Things Up and Looking Ahead 26:49 – Why Average Order Value (AOV) is Important for Sales 29:20 – How to Market Your Brand and Keep People Interested 32:09 – The Problems with Quick Commerce in Clothing industry 35:14 – Why Consumers Return Stuff in Online Shopping 38:18 – How to Build and Market Your Brand Creatively 41:55 – Is Business Success About Luck or Strategy? 49:22 – Moving Your Business from Offline to Online 52:17 – How Luck and Your Attitude Impact Success 54:00 – Finding the Right Investors and Why They Matter 59:22 – How We Think About Money 01:03:03 – The Mindset of Thriving vs. Just Getting By 01:07:16 – The Excitement of Growing Your Business 01:14:01 – Closing thoughts…

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MakeMyTrip’s Investor Sanjeev & Founder Deep Talk About Building ₹10000 Cr Travel Company 1:21:44

8 weeks ago1:21:44

1:21:44

Some companies almost don’t make it, until they do. MakeMyTrip could’ve been one of them. In this episode, Shantanu Deshpande is joined by Deep Kalra (Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip Limited) and Sanjeev Aggarwal (Co-Founder, Fundamentum, Helion and Daksh), one of MMT’s early investors. Kalra and Aggarwal uncover the real behind-the-scenes of building one of India’s most iconic travel companies. This Investor-Founder bond isn’t just about travel. It’s about the courage to stick around when the road gets rough. Let us know in the comments: What’s the toughest phase your startup has survived and how? And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98 Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming up 01:09 Introduction 07:55 Relationship insights between founders and investors 08:38 Foundation of Make My Trip 13:28 How Sanjeev and Deep met 15:36 Sanjeev’s view on Makemytrip Founders 16:44 Tough time Prior 2005 21:52 What are the commonalities among founders? 27:34 Deep’s perspective on Sanjeev’s contribution in IPO board 33:33 The entry of fragmented market 39:38 The great vs an average board meeting 47:56 Reasons for the decline VC and entrepreneurship 56:43 Digitalisation impacts on business opportunities 59:32 Roles of professional high-quality management 01:04:56 Importance of governance training to run a company 01:08:29 Role of quick commerce 01:13:05 Key role of product genesis 01:15:09 Closing thoughts…

The BarberShop with Shantanu

15 weeks ago1:57:35