S2 E81: I was the First CEO but also the First Employee of the Company ft. Anupam Arun

The xMonks Drive

What if life was simply a summary of your experiences?
In this heartfelt conversation, Gaurav and Anupam take you on a journey filled with life’s profound truths, leadership lessons, and the beauty of embracing uncertainty.
From navigating the highs and lows of life to scaling a company from scratch, Anupam shares his real and raw story—complete with moments of doubt, imposter syndrome, and ultimately, growth.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
🔸 How impermanence shapes our greatest joys and struggles.
🔸 The incredible journey of being the first CEO of Ventura—and the unexpected challenges that came with it.
🔸 Why unlearning is just as important as learning in today’s fast-changing world.
🔸 The secret to being a great leader (hint: it starts with being human).
🔸 And the magic of childlike wonder and the glorious uncertainty of tomorrow.
This isn’t just about leadership or success—it’s about being human, evolving, and finding meaning in the unexpected.
So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready for an inspiring ride. This episode is packed with stories, insights, and reflections that might just change how you see your own journey.
What resonates most with you? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

🔗 Connect with us:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334
Website: https://xmonks.com

Chapters

1. Rediscovering Leadership Through the Lens of Childhood (00:00:00)

2. Parenting with Trust and Values: A Father's Journey (00:05:00)

3. Presence, Purpose, and Perseverance: Lessons in Leadership and Parenting (00:10:00)

4. Resilience, Purpose, and Patience: The Journey to Success (00:15:00)

5. Leadership: The Journey of Inner Awareness and Patience (00:20:00)

6. Balancing Individual Growth with Organizational Success (00:25:00)

7. The Urgency of Execution and the Art of Letting Go (00:30:00)

8. Leadership Lessons and Insights on Fire in the Belly (00:36:00)

9. Leadership Fit and Imposter Syndrome in Hiring (00:42:00)

10. Leadership Lessons on Insecurity, Teamwork, and Tough Decisions (00:46:00)

11. Leadership, Humility and the Journey of Growth and Giving Back (00:51:00)

12. Embracing Glorious Uncertainty in Leadership (01:03:00)