Indian Business Podcast
Thinkschool
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or simply curious, tune in to the "Indian Business Podcast", where we delve deep into the dynamic world of business, politics, and beyond. In each episode, we bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and professionals from diverse backgrounds to engage in candid conversations about the intricacies of the business landscape, to share their insights, experiences, and perspectives on pressing issues shaping India's future.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or simply curious, tune in to the "Indian Business Podcast", where we delve deep into the dynamic world of business, politics, and beyond. In each episode, we bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and professionals from diverse backgrounds to engage in candid conversations about the intricacies of the business landscape, to share their insights, experiences, and perspectives on pressing issues shaping India's future.
The ₹100 Crore Brand Playbook | How India’s First Consumer VC Picks Winners at Zero Revenue
एपिसोड
👉 Check Odoo - https://www.odoo.com/r/LT9J 👉 Insurgent Brand Workbook: https://forms.gle/Gbh85kq1YuD9JCZ98 👉 Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions: https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communi... 👉 Who would you like to see next on The Indian Business Podcast: https://forms.gle/37daEPEy7mAzhvv29 👉 Follow Our Guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepakishahdadpuri 👉 Video Introduction Why do some consumer brands become household names while thousands of others disappear, even with great products and millions in funding? And how does an investor spot the next Sula, Epigamia or Bombay Sweet Shop before the rest of the market catches on? In this episode, Deepak Shahdadpuri, Founder of DSG Consumer Partners, breaks down what makes a brand truly irreplaceable, why founders should focus on their first 1,000 customers instead of trying to capture all of India, and why a business can die with the gross margins it is born with. In this episode, you'll learn: - The 4-stage framework every successful consumer brand must cross: Awareness, Trial, Repeat and Scale. - The secret behind building a brand that customers refuse to replace, even when competitors offer alternatives. - Why India's next big consumer brands may come from categories that already exist in the West but are still unexplored in India. - Why you don't need 1.4 billion customers to build a ₹100 crore business. - The 3 financial benchmarks DSG uses to identify genuinely successful and capital-efficient consumer businesses. - Why founders who solve problems they personally experience often outperform those chasing large market opportunities. - The biggest red flags Deepak looks for before investing in a founder, including the personality traits that can make or break a business. - Why AI search could completely change how consumers discover brands, and why Reddit communities may become critical for brand visibility. Chapters: 00:00 - Why India's New Generation Is DUMPING Its Parents' Brands 04:01 - Why Customers Will REPLACE Your Brand Without a Second Thought 12:11 - Why Do Most Brands FAIL at This Stage 17:14 - Why Launching Against Amul and Nestlé Isn't as CRAZY as It Sounds 20:20 - Indians Pay DOUBLE for Imported, Then Call Indian Brands Expensive 27:43 - Why Getting COPIED by a Giant Is Secretly Good News 31:02 - Why HUL and Marico Would Rather BUY Your Brand Than Build One 39:00 - Why Investors IGNORE Your Pitch Deck for the First 30 Minutes 42:46 - Ideas Are CHEAP: What Makes Customers Fall in Love With a Brand 46:25 - The One Number That Decides If Your Brand Lives or DIES 49:35 - The Growth TRAPS That Sink Brands Right When They Take Off 54:44 - Where India's Next Big Brands Are HIDING! 1:08:34 - The Red Flags That Get Even Passionate Founders REJECTED Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, startup founder, investor or simply curious about how India's next generation of consumer giants will be built, this episode offers a rare look inside the mind of one of India's most experienced consumer investors. Must-Watch Episodes - 1. I burnt 300Cr to teach you this | 6 Powerful Steps to Build a 1000 Cr Beauty Brand https://youtu.be/3Qms7gUSTj4?si=5_klxdQ4D-LhiHVG 2. Laws of Hype Creation : How Comet engineered Hype to build 167 cr Sneaker brand? https://youtu.be/CSiNS9566Vk?si=394vBwSKAP1pLXOm 3. Super You's EPIC ₹100 Crore Blueprint: INSANE Marketing SECRETS Nobody Talks About! https://youtu.be/G8UK7WcdF1Y?si=CZwi2Hcy7Y6-G21P 4. 100x Your Brand in 60 Minutes with These PROVEN Tactics https://youtu.be/H088ypbYuDw?si=qlhQqzNIn2CxyQZF 5.Start a Business With No Money | Eric Ries’ Guide for First-Time Founders https://youtu.be/eErcrQQHzg4?si=B7A5_sJvdp1J_vF4 #DeepakShahdadpuri #DSGConsumerPartners #ConsumerBrands #IndianStartups #VentureCapital #BrandBuilding #StartupIndia #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #ThinkSchool #IndianBusinessPodcast #D2CBrands
👉 Check Odoo: https://www.odoo.com/r/SJg7 👉 If you are interested in exploring Crystal Property Group's luxury real estate projects in Sri Lanka, get in touch with their team for investment enquiries: hello@cpg.lk and +94772292202 👉 Who would you like to see next on The Indian Business Podcast: https://forms.gle/37daEPEy7mAzhvv29 👉 Follow Our Guest Instagram: CPG - https://www.instagram.com/cpgsrilanka... TOG - https://www.instagram.com/theonegroup... The Six - https://www.instagram.com/thesixwelig... Website: CPG - https://cpg.lk/ TOG - https://www.theonegroupofhotels.com/ Facebook: CPG - https://www.facebook.com/share/1FFvDW... TOG - https://www.facebook.com/share/1DADQn... The Six - https://www.facebook.com/share/1M6zNv... Video Introduction Can you buy a $1.3 million holiday home in Sri Lanka and earn an 8% annual return in US dollars? Most people buy a second home for lifestyle and real estate for returns. But what if you could get both from the same property?In this episode of The Indian Business Podcast, we travel to Sri Lanka to meet Kumar Sangakkara, cricket legend, Rajasthan Royals coach and real estate entrepreneur, to understand how he's building a luxury real estate business through Crystal Property Group. From selling six ultra-luxury beachfront villas for an average of $1.3 million each to generating an 8% net annual yield for investors, Kumar reveals the business model behind his unusual real estate bet. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. The Build, Sell & Operate Model: How to sell a luxury property to an investor and continue earning by managing it. 2. The 8% Dollar Return: How The Six generates rental income for investors while allowing them to use their villas as holiday homes. 3. Why Sri Lanka Could Be the Next Real Estate Opportunity: The tourism boom, scarce beachfront land and the gap between perception and reality that investors could exploit. 4. How to Build Luxury Real Estate During an Economic Crisis: How Crystal Property Group navigated COVID-19, political turmoil, currency depreciation and rising construction costs without abandoning its commitments. 5. The $400,000 Entry Point: How Kumar's upcoming projects target different categories of luxury property investors, from beachfront suites to wellness resorts. 6. The Risks Indian Investors Must Understand: Currency depreciation, property titles, ownership structures, regulatory restrictions and the importance of choosing the right developer. 7. The Cricket Legend's Mindset: Kumar's lessons on coaching, curiosity, humility, growth mindset and why you should seek knowledge, not just education. If you're an Indian investor looking beyond traditional real estate markets, this episode explores a question worth considering: Could Sri Lanka offer the rare combination of a luxury second home, rental income in US dollars and long-term capital appreciation? Chapters 00:00 Could Your Next Investment Be a Beach House? 02:01 What Does a $1.3 Million Beach Villa Look Like? 07:23 How Do You Develop Taste That Money Can’t Buy? 10:46 A Dream Home or an Investment? Show Me the Numbers 13:16 Why a Cricket Legend Entered the Real Estate Business 14:04 Would You Invest When Everyone Else Is Leaving? 16:46 How Do You Find a Location People Will Pay For? 21:14 The Property Rule Most Buyers Get Backwards: Location Before Returns 27:23 Is Your Picture of Sri Lanka 15 Years Out of Date? 35:28 What Does $400,000 Buy You on the Beach? 41:34 What Happens to Your Investment When the Currency Falls? 44:19 Biggest Red Flag you Should Know before Investing 46:26 What If Your Holiday Home Paid You to Own It? 49:15 Sri Lanka vs Dubai: What Is the Actual Investment Case? 52:46 Beyond Cricket and Business: Sangakkara's Real Ambition
👉 Check Odoo - https://www.odoo.com/r/qDm 👉 Looking for a Sales job with a 12 LPA package? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/aGxk4yQaU8BuSB4s9 👉 Fill out this form to hire the top sales talent in the country: https://forms.gle/v74TmWTn4j8bVPZt7 👉 50 Cr. Sales Engine Workbook: https://forms.gle/B1jQhyxfzrEGvfaU7 👉 Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions:https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communi... 👉 Who would you like to see next on The Indian Business Podcast:https://forms.gle/37daEPEy7mAzhvv29 👉 Follow Our Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saadsells?u... 👉 LinkedIn: / saad-khaj. . Video Introduction Why do some businesses blame their salespeople when the real problem is the entire sales system? In this episode, Saad breaks down the system behind it, from creating an offer people actually want to buy to generating leads, qualifying them, running the sales call, handling objections and finally closing the deal.The surprising part? According to Saad, sales may be the last thing you should fix. If your offer or distribution is broken, even a great salesperson can only do so much.In this episode, you'll learn: 1. The Offer Stack that can turn a generic service into something people actually want to buy 2. Why “We help you grow your business” is a terrible offer and how specificity changes pricing 3. How organic distribution + paid ads + brand work together to create a predictable sales engine 4. Why responding to a lead within 5 minutes can completely change the sales funnel 5. The “Gates of Hell” framework for qualifying a prospect before you ever pitch 6. How asking “why?” repeatedly can uncover what a prospect actually wants 7. The belief-breaking question → proof → pitch framework used inside the sales call 8. Why the best salespeople sometimes need to stop talking to close the deal 9. How to handle “too expensive” and other objections using information collected during discovery 10. Why tracking every leak in the funnel can increase revenue without changing your sales pitch If you've ever wondered, how to build a sales engine that can scale a service business to ₹50 crore, and why fixing the salesperson is often the wrong place to start, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 - If You Had 6 Months to Make Money, Do This 02:16 - How to Build a ₹50 Crore Business With Just Two Offers 03:02 - The No.1 Sales Problem You Haven't Identified 08:45 - How Make Your Price Look Ridiculously Cheap 12:39 - Why a Money-Back Guarantee Kills Your Margins 16:49 - Foolproof Method which gets you insane margin 20:27 - Why 50% of Leads Saying Yes Means You're Too Cheap 26:39 - How to Cut Your Cost Per Lead by 10x 34:47 - How You Can Double Your Revenue Without Touching Sales 40:50 - Why the First Five Minutes Decide Every Sale 47:10 - Take Every Client Through the Three Gates of Hell 1:06:00 - Why You Should Never Say Your Price First 1:21:54 - The One Hire That Stops Clients Complaining Publicly
👉 Video Introduction Your startup can have 10,000 customers and STILL have zero Product-Market Fit.In the age of Meta ads, vanity metrics and AI, it has never been easier to convince yourself that your startup is working.But according to Eric Ries, the creator of the Lean Startup, most founders are measuring the wrong things.In this episode, we sit down with Eric Ries to break down what actually separates a startup with real Product-Market Fit from one that is simply buying growth, why Anthropic chose to move slower than OpenAI, and why some of the world's biggest companies are built around engines of growth that most founders completely ignore.From fake PMF and vanity metrics to hiring, culture, mission, customer validation and the skills every 21-year-old needs in the AI era, this conversation is a masterclass in building companies without fooling yourself.In this episode, you'll learn:- How Meta ads can make a startup look like it has Product-Market Fit when it doesn't- The exact metrics Eric Ries uses to separate real growth from vanity metrics- The 3 Engines of Growth that can determine whether a company actually scales- Why Amazon has made one of the most important startup metrics almost impossible to measure- Why hiring for "culture fit" can secretly create groupthink- Eric Ries' biggest startup mistake and how it cost years of work and millions of dollars- The 3 skills every 21-year-old should build in the age of AI
What if the fastest way to get a job, validate a business idea, or reach a billion-dollar company is simply picking up the phone?Most people think cold calling is spam. Saad argues it can be one of the most powerful business skills you can have because, with the right approach, you can reach people who would otherwise be almost impossible to access.In this episode, we sit down with Saad, a salesman and sales trainer who has spent over a decade studying how people buy, to break down the psychology, strategy, and mechanics behind high-level sales and cold calling.You'll discover:• Why a $20,000 cold-calling exercise saved a company nearly $500,000 by proving its business idea was wrong before it invested heavily.• Why cold calling may be the fastest way to get a job, including how Saad got a job offer after just his third cold call.• The 30-second rule that determines whether a cold call survives, and why most salespeople lose before they even start pitching.• The "Old Friend" opening that makes strangers ask YOU who you are instead of immediately hanging up.• Why the person asking questions controls the conversation, and how salespeople use questions to move prospects toward a decision.• The "Value Delta" that makes selling dramatically easier, and why the best salespeople aren't really taking money from customers.• The four pillars of tonality, and how changing them can completely change how a prospect feels.• How to handle "too expensive" and "we don't have the budget" objections by discovering what the objection actually means.• The BANT framework, Budget, Authority, Need, and Timeline, that separates genuine prospects from people who are merely interested.• Why saying "When do you want to get on a call?" is a mistake, and the tiny change that makes it easier for prospects to actually commit.If you've ever wondered how the best salespeople make strangers listen, uncover what customers actually want, and turn a cold call into a business opportunity, this episode is for you.Watch the full episode and learn how to master the art of cold calling, sales, customer research, and persuasion.
How do you get someone to reveal what they really think, without forcing them to say it?Most people think negotiation is about speaking better, arguing harder or having the perfect counteroffer. Chris Voss believes the real skill is getting the other person to talk, and knowing exactly what to listen for.In this episode of The Indian Business Podcast, Chris Voss, former FBI lead international kidnapping negotiator and author of Never Split the Difference, breaks down the negotiation techniques he used with hostage takers, bank robbers and terrorists, and explains why the same skills can help you negotiate a salary, close a deal, handle conflict and even deal with people at home. His book has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide.In this episode, you'll learn:1. The 2 negotiation skills Chris Voss says everything revolves around: mirroring and labeling, and how repeating just a few words can make people reveal information they never intended to share.2. How mirroring helped expose a third bank robber during a Chase Manhattan Bank hostage situation3. How “what” questions uncover problems while “how” questions force the other side to think about implementation.4. How labeling emotions can reduce conflict instead of escalating it5. The negotiation trick that works when someone is ghosting you: 6. Why you should stop trying to make people say YES7. How Chris Voss spots different types of liars, and accommodating personalities tend to behave under pressure.8. Why silence after a label can completely change a negotiationIf you've ever wondered how FBI hostage negotiators get people to cooperate, reveal information and change their position without force, this conversation shows how those same principles can transform the way you negotiate at work, in business and in everyday life.
👉 Check Odoo: https://www.odoo.com/r/qM47👉 Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions:https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communi...👉 Who would you like to see next on The Indian Business Podcast:https://forms.gle/37daEPEy7mAzhvv29👉 Follow Our GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j1berger/👉 Video IntroductionCan you make a boring product go viral with less than $1,000?Most brands think virality requires a huge marketing budget, an exciting product, or a genius advertising campaign. But Jonah Berger spent nearly 20 years studying thousands of brands, and found that word of mouth isn't random, luck, or chance. There is a science behind why people talk and share.In this episode, we sit down with Jonah Berger, Wharton Professor and author of Contagious, to reverse-engineer how ordinary products can generate extraordinary word of mouth.In this episode, you'll learn:1. The 6 psychological triggers that make people talk about and share anything2. How a blender generated 200M+ views and 700% higher sales with just $503. Why making something viral may actually be the WRONG goal4. How KitKat used coffee to create a trigger that increased sales by over 30%5. Why a boring 80-year-old's corn trick became a viral video6. How to make people remember your product without spending millions on advertisingChapters00:00 - Why Do Boring Products Go Viral?3:21 - Interesting Brands Get ZERO Extra Word of Mouth5:54 - The Secret Framework Behind Everything That Goes Viral7:36 - How the Ugliest Ad Ever Made Grew Sales 700%11:10 - Your Ad Should Never Be About You14:22 - Sell Chips Like a Hermès Bag18:36 - Your Brain Cannot Ignore a Broken Pattern19:10 - Why Chasing Virality Backfires22:50 - An 80-Year-Old Out-Marketed the Professionals25:15 - The Oldest Marketing Trick Still Working27:41 - How to Make Boring Water Worth Talking About32:33 - The Ad That Only Works One Day a Week35:54 - The Chai and Biscuit Trick That Makes You Impossible to Forget38:07 - How to Own a Trigger With Almost $044:48 - How to Sell a Pen Without Talking About the PenIf you've ever wondered why some products become impossible to ignore while others disappear despite millions spent on advertising, this conversation reveals the psychology behind what makes people talk, share, remember and ultimately buy.
In this episode, you'll discover:Has India really delivered on the 2014 promise? The BJP's case for poverty reduction, infrastructure, digital payments and welfare, and the opposition's counter using unemployment, savings and rural wage data.Why India's demographic dividend could become a demographic disaster if the country doesn't create enough productive jobs before the population starts ageing.The uncomfortable education problem: More IITs, AIIMS, MBBS seats and higher-education enrolment, but are Indian students actually becoming employable?Why paper leaks and police brutality expose a bigger question: Is the government reacting quickly enough, or should a government of 12 years have built systems that prevent these failures altogether?The manufacturing paradox: India has attracted investment, expanded infrastructure and entered sectors like semiconductors, so why hasn't manufacturing's share of GDP reached the target set in 2014?Can India really de-risk itself from global shocks? From the Russia-Ukraine war to Middle East disruptions, how vulnerable is India's growth model to events outside its control?The biggest debate of all: When two sides can produce a statistic to counter almost every statistic, how do we actually measure whether a country is progressing?This isn't a debate about whether the BJP has done everything right or everything wrong.It's a debate about a much harder question:After 12 years in power, what should India's benchmark for success actually be?Watch the full debate and decide for yourself who made the stronger case for India's future.Chapters -Evaluating the BJP governance record after 12 years in power. Understand the current political climate and actual performance metrics.This video provides a critical look at the long-term impact of 12 years of BJP leadership in India. If you are following Indian political analysis, this breakdown examines whether the ruling party is still in its honeymoon phase or if it has entered a new stage of governance maturity.We assess the trajectory of the current administration by moving beyond standard narratives. By focusing on the 12 years of BJP tenure, we clarify the shift from initial promises to current government performance. This session is designed for anyone seeking an objective perspective on modern Indian political evaluation.Subscribe for weekly political analysis breakdowns, and comment below on which policy area you want us to cover next.00:00- 12 Years of BJP: Progress or Propaganda5:21 - Opening speech: BJP Spokesperson9:10 - Opening Speech: Opposition Spokesperson12:05 - Is the BJP open to criticism?15:08 - Is the Police Brutality Real or not?29:42 - Is India failing its students?29:46 - Is India Failing its Students?36:09 - Is India Facing a Job Crisis!37:18 - Is Government Education System Failing?42:57 - Can India become Rich before it becomes Old45:30 - Is "Make in India" Failing47:02 - Do Global Supply Shock Justify Manufacturing Slowdown53:14 - Is Indian infrastructure getting worse or better?01:05:13 - India's Shocking doctor shortage crisis01:12:00 - Why is the trade decifict increasing?01:16:28 - Closing speech
India is getting fatter, sicker and more diabetic every year.And now, one injection promises to change everything.GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are being called a medical breakthrough. They can reduce appetite, accelerate weight loss and help patients control obesity and diabetes.But critics believe these drugs could become a capitalist disaster. One that profits from unhealthy lifestyles while exposing millions of Indians to risks we still do not fully understand.So, is Ozempic a miracle drug or a dangerous shortcut?On one side is Jitendra Chouksey, Founder of FITTR. He believes obesity must primarily be tackled through lifestyle changes and questions the safety, regulation and long-term use of GLP-1 drugs.On the other side are Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, one of India’s leading bariatric surgeons, and Arjun Garewal, a fitness consultant. They believe GLP-1 can transform lives when prescribed to the right patients and combined with proper nutrition, exercise and medical supervision.One drug. Two opposing sides. A decision that could affect millions of Indians.Miracle or disaster? Watch the debate and decide for yourself!
Most businesses don't have a revenue problem.They have a visibility problem. They're unknowingly leaving crores of rupees on the table because they don't know what their data is trying to tell them.In this episode, we sit down with Gayatri Agrawal, Founder of AI-native service provider Altrd, to understand how businesses can use ChatGPT and Codex to uncover hidden customer insights, identify revenue leaks, make better business decisions, and build AI workflows that deliver measurable business outcomes.In this episode, you'll learn:1. The 30-day AI playbook that can save businesses crores of rupees2. How ChatGPT and Codex can uncover hidden customer insights and revenue leaks3. Why most companies fail at AI transformation despite investing heavily in AI4. How to make better business decisions using AI instead of relying on guesswork5. How AI can automate SOPs, analyze operations, and even monitor factory floors through CCTV6. The biggest AI adoption mistakes founders make - and how to avoid themIf you're a founder, CXO, operator, marketer, or simply curious about how AI is changing the way businesses operate, this episode will change the way you think about AI and business growth!Chapters0:00 Intro1:51 What's Revolutionary About ChatGPT & Codex?2:47 The AI Mistake Costing Businesses Crores3:51 The Framework That Finds the Right AI Problem6:14 3 Hidden Costs of Building AI11:42 The 5-Step AI Blueprint14:08 AI Watched 32 CCTV Videos... Here's What Happened32:25 Where Do Founders Overestimate AI?34:08 The 30-Day AI Playbook to 10x Your Revenue36:04 Golden Rule Before Going to Any AI Company37:25 AI Found ₹20 Cr Worth of D2C Insights47:08 ChatGPT 5.6 Does a Live Flight Check-In Remotely51:40 ChatGPT Runs the Interview and Coaches Gayatri53:48 Closing Thoughts for Founders
Most people think the space industry is all about rockets.But the real opportunity lies in everything that happens after a rocket reaches space.In this episode, we sit down with Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-Founder & CEO of Skyroot Aerospace to understand why India is entering one of the biggest technological revolutions of our lifetime, how private space companies are changing the economics of space, and what the future of the global space economy looks like.In this episode, you'll learn:- Why the space industry is much bigger than just launching rockets- How Skyroot is building India's next-generation space technology- Why launch costs are falling faster than ever before- Why ISRO became the foundation for India's private space revolution- The biggest opportunities for founders and engineers in the space economy- What India's role will be in the trillion-dollar global space industryIf you're a founder, engineer, student, investor, or simply curious about the future of technology, this episode will completely change how you think about space, innovation, and India's role in the next industrial revolution.
Check out Oddo: https://www.odoo.com/app/ecommerce?utm_campaign=ecommerce9-thinkschool&utm_source=YouTube-description&utm_medium=influ-mkt 👉Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions :https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/👉 Who would you like to see next on The Indian Business Podcast: https://forms.gle/37daEPEy7mAzhvv29 👉Video Introduction In this episode, we sit down with Tarun Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO of PEP Brands, the company behind two of India's most recognised D2C beauty and personal care brands, mCaffeine and HYPHEN.Over a decade of building, Tarun has seen it all - the capital-efficient grind, the mistakes that cost hundreds of crores, the pressures of a hypergrowth market, and the discipline it takes to come out profitable on the other side.This is one of the most honest, detailed conversations about building a consumer brand in India that we've ever had on this podcast. Tarun has never gone this deep before, and it shows.What you'll learn in this episode:1. Why Capital Doesn't Build Great Consumer Brands and What Does2. The ₹300 crore worth of mistakes PEP Brands made so you don't have to3. How mCaffeine was built to ₹100 crore with just ₹15 crore in capital4. If Tarun had to start a brand from scratch today, what it would be and why5. How to think about brand building vs. marketing spend in BPC6. The unit economics framework every D2C founder needs to understand7. Why India's beauty and personal care market is heading toward ₹50,000 crore and which brands will win8. What Tarun looks for when building teams, culture, and the next generation of leaders at PEP BrandsWhether you're a founder, an operator, an investor, or just someone trying to understand how India's D2C economy really works, this one is for you.Know Our GuestTarun Sharma is the Co-Founder & CEO of PEP Brands, one of India's most consequential D2C founding stories.Under his leadership, PEP Brands built mCaffeine into an experiential and performance-driven personal care brand that started with India's first caffeinated skincare range and grew into one of the country's most loved D2C brands.He also co-founded HYPHEN, a science-backed, solution-oriented skincare brand addressing real skin concerns like pigmentation, acne, and barrier care, which has become one of the fastest-growing D2C skincare brands in the country.A decade into building, PEP Brands has grown over 100% year-on-year, is cash flow positive, and stands among the top D2C face care and body care companies in India.Tarun is widely regarded as one of the definitive voices on what it actually takes to build a consumer brand in India.Check out mCaffeine: https://www.mcaffeine.com Follow them on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mcaffeineofficial?igsh=czZ3b2wwbzAxc2hz Check out HYPHEN: https://letshyphen.com Follow them on IG: https://www.instagram.com/letshyphen?Follow Tarun: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarunsharma88/?hl=en Chapters00:00 Intro03:04 My ₹300 Crore Mistake03:41 Biggest Misunderstanding of the Beauty & Personal Care Category15:01 How Numbers Lie About Growth and Bankrupt You26:14 The Best Method of Market Research33:41 How to Find a Gap in the Hyper-Competitive Beauty & Personal Care Market39:19 How to Validate Your Idea in Under ₹50,00044:48 The Secret to Epic Packaging49:01 The Perfect Pricing Framework58:18 Is Quick Commerce the Worst Channel?1:02:42 When to Kill Your Product1:11:00 The Hidden Trap of Repeat Rate1:13:03 Best Books & Resources for BPC1:16:10 My Honest Confession
What if India's biggest startup opportunity isn't AI, fintech, or quick commerce, but the country's fastest-growing elderly population?While most brands are busy building products for Gen Z and Millennials, millions of senior citizens with enormous disposable income remain one of the most underserved consumer segments in India.In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we sit down with Adarsh, MD and Founder of Primus Senior Living, to uncover India's rapidly growing Silver Economy and why it could become one of the biggest business opportunities of the next decade.We unpack some of the biggest lessons behind building for India's senior citizens, including:• Why the Silver Economy is India's biggest untapped market• The three biggest causes of early mortality among senior citizens• Why most children unknowingly care for their parents the wrong way• Massive startup opportunities in elder care, healthcare, housing, travel, and lifestyle• How to build products that seniors actually want to buy• The science behind Blue Zones and healthy agingWhether you're an entrepreneur, founder, marketer, or simply someone who wants to understand and care for their parents better, this conversation is packed with insights that will completely change the way you think about business, aging, and the future of India.Let's get started.
What does it really take to build a brand that can compete with global giants?Most people believe it's all about having deep pockets, celebrity endorsements, or a massive marketing budget. But Utkarsh, Founder of Comet, believes the biggest advantage isn't money. It's understanding your customers better than anyone else.In this episode, we unpack some of the biggest lessons behind building a modern consumer brand, including:• Why global sneaker brands struggle to win over Indian consumers• How Comet built a premium brand from scratch• The psychology behind pricing, branding, and customer loyalty• What founders get wrong while building consumer businesses• The future of Indian brands in a global marketWe also dive into Utkarsh's journey from Bain and Hotstar to Kellogg School of Management, and why he chose to leave a successful corporate career to build Comet.Along the way, he shares practical insights on product design, storytelling, distribution, hiring, and building a brand that customers genuinely love.Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, founder, or simply someone interested in business and branding, this conversation is packed with actionable lessons that will change the way you think about building products, brands, and businesses. Check out Odoo: https://www.odoo.com/r/5bM 👉Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions :https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ 👉 Who would you like to see next on The Indian Business Podcast: https://forms.gle/37daEPEy7mAzhvv29Check out Comet: https://www.instagram.com/thecometuniverse/?hl=en
Imagine two graduates getting their first job on the same day.Both are equally smart. Both work equally hard.Both earn roughly the same salary.Fast forward 15 years.One of them becomes financially independent, builds an incredible network, and is sought after by every company in the industry. The other is stuck, worried about layoffs, struggling to get promoted, and wondering where things went wrong.What caused this difference? According to Ashwin DameraHarvard Business School graduate and Founder of Emeritus the answer has very little to do with your first salary and everything to do with the career decisions you make in the years that follow.In fact, Ashwin argues that your first salary can become a ₹3.6 crore trap if it pushes you to optimize for short-term income instead of long-term career capital.In this episode, we break down: • Why so many high-performing professionals feel stuck in their 30s • How AI is changing the rules of career growth• Why networking matters far more than most people realize • The career mistakes that could cost you crores• How to build Career Capital, Brand Capital, and Social Capital • A framework for building a career that compounds for decades. Whether you're a student, a young professional, a manager, or someone worried about staying relevant in the age of AI, this conversation could completely change the way you think about work, wealth, and long-term success.Let's get started.
Most people talk about passion.Very few people spend 30 years obsessively pursuing it.In this episode, we sit down with Vikas Khanna, Michelin-star chef, entrepreneur, author, filmmaker, and founder of Bungalow, one of New York's most sought-after Indian restaurants.From arriving in America with almost no money to building a globally celebrated restaurant, Vikas shares the story of how passion, purpose, and relentless dedication shaped his extraordinary journey.In this episode, we discuss:• How Vikas Khanna built one of New York's most talked-about restaurants• Why passion matters more than talent in the long run• The difference between serving food and creating unforgettable experiences• How rejection, setbacks, and personal struggles shaped his success• Why hospitality is one of the most underrated advantages in business• What young entrepreneurs can learn from a lifetime of pursuing excellenceIf you're a founder, creator, operator, or someone chasing an ambitious dream, this episode will change how you think about passion, perseverance, and building something that truly lasts. Watch the full episode now! 👉Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions :https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ 👉 Who would you like to see next on The Indian Business Podcast: https://forms.gle/37daEPEy7mAzhvv29 👉 Follow Vikas Khanna Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vikaskhannagroup/
Most founders think sales is a people problem.Hire more salespeople.Generate more leads.Close more deals.But what if a 2-person team could generate more than 1000 enterprise opportunities every month using AI?In this episode, we sit down with Tanay Kothari, Co-Founder of Wispr Flow, to understand how AI is quietly rewriting the rules of enterprise sales.In this episode, you'll learn:• How WisprFlow generates 1000+ enterprise opportunities every month• Why customer discovery is becoming the most important skill in modern sales• How AI agents can identify and qualify high-intent prospects automatically• Why traditional sales teams are being replaced by AI-powered workflows• How founders can build a scalable sales engine without hiring a large team• What the future of B2B sales looks like in an AI-first world• And most importantly, how to combine AI with human judgment to close more deals than ever beforeIf you're a founder, operator, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode will change how you think about sales, growth, and customer acquisition in the age of AI.
Most founders think AI is just another tool you plug into your stack. But what if it is already transforming how marketing gets built, tested, and scaled at India’s biggest banks?In this episode, we sit down with Kedar Ravangave, Head of Marketing, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd former Amazon leader, and one of the few executives in India actively deploying AI agents at enterprise scale across: Awareness, Performance, 1-on-1 Personalised marketing interventions at scale. Today in this episode, he breaks down one of the most important shifts happening in business today:- Why automation and AI agents are NOT the same thing- How simple inputs can now turn into creatives and campaign-ready outputs in minutes- And how AI is reshaping entry-level roles, while making subject matter expertise more valuable than everIf you are a founder, marketer, operator, or executive building in the AI era, this episode will change how you design and scale.Watch the full episode now!
Most founders believe that if you build a great product, growth will follow.But what if the real game is not growth?What if it is getting people to come back again and again?In this episode, we sit down with Nir Eyal, former professor at Stanford University, early angel investor in Canva, and a New York Times bestselling author of:• Hooked• Indistractable• Beyond BeliefHe breaks down one of the most important ideas in business:- Why 90 percent of startups fail even with great products- Why you can buy growth but you cannot buy engagement- And how the world’s biggest companies build habits using psychologyAt the center of it all is a simple idea The Hook Model:TriggerActionVariable RewardInvestmentA four-step loop that explains how products go from being used to becoming habits.From habits vs routines to belief systems that control behavior, this episode will change how you think about products, motivation, and your own life. If you are a founder, operator, or creator building for consumers, this episode will change how you design and scale
Video Introduction:Everyone wants to become a content creator today, but the real question is: do creators actually earn well? Can you make ₹1 crore at 22 through content creation?In this episode, we break down the reality of the creator economy with industry professionals Viraj Sheth (Co founder & ceo) Monk Entertainment, Ayush Wadhwa (Founder, Owled Media), and Aryan Anurag (Co Founder) Binge Labs. These are leading agency founders who work closely with top creators, founders and brands, acting as a bridge between the two. They have helped scale creators, secure brand deals, and build sustainable income streams.What you will learn:Can a 22-year-old realistically earn ₹1 crore through contentIs content creation a sustainable career in 2026Passion vs strategy in content creationWhy niche creators often earn more than creators with large but generic audiencesHow brand deals work and how creators are evaluatedThe role of YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter) in building a careerThis episode is for aspiring creators, founders building a personal brand, and businesses planning their content strategy. If you want to understand how the creator economy really works.
Mumbai is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.But the real question is this. Is it actually creating wealth or trapping capital?In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we sit down with Vishal Bhargava, Founder of BHK Voice and one of the most credible voices in Indian real estate.Unlike brokers or builders, Vishal is not incentivised to sell anything. His insights come from data, on ground research, and sharp analysis.A year ago, when he decoded Gurgaon’s real estate market on our podcast, his predictions turned out to be incredibly accurate as the market corrected soon after.And now, he turns his attention to Mumbai.In this episode, we break down• Why Mumbai homes are so expensive• The biggest problems in Mumbai’s real estate market• Why luxury housing may be more hype than reality• A clear framework to identify the next multibagger locations• Investment opportunities from 2 crore to 10 crore plusWhether you are planning to buy your first home, upgrade your lifestyle, or simply want to understand where the market is headed, this episode will completely change how you look at Mumbai real estate.Watch till the end.
Most people think insurance is boring.But what if this “boring” business is actually one of the biggest wealth machines in the world?In the 1970s, Warren Buffett made a decision that changed everything.Instead of investing in factories or oil companies, he invested in a struggling insurance company.That single move went on to build an empire sitting on $100+ billion in cash, powered by one simple idea, the insurance playbook.And today in India, Varun Dua, founder of Acko, is applying a similar playbook to disrupt a broken industry.In this episode, he breaks down how insurance really works, beyond policies and premiums, and reveals why it can be one of the most powerful businesses if done right.We spoke about:• How ₹1 insurance turned into a ₹800 crore business• The real math behind insurance and how companies make money• How Acko reduced costs by going direct to consumer• The role of data, underwriting, and behavioral insights in pricing riskIf you are an entrepreneur, operator, or someone who wants to understand how money really works behind the scenes, this episode will completely change how you look at insurance. ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=q
Ansh Mehra is the Founder at the Cutting Edge Group, and has trained global enterprises in UAE & India on AI and Automations. He’s also represented India at the Global Prompt Engineering Championship 2025. Ansh is also the official instructor for OpenAI Academy as well, where he teaches the basics of Prompt Engineering in Hindi & English. He’s competed at MIT, Harvard and Microsoft Imagine Cup as a student and also judged Stanford TreeHacks.His organisation, The Cutting Edge School has trained teams for The Economic Times, The Times of India, Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Holdings, Lenskart, Reliance Digital, HP, Intel and many other global brands. They were also awarded the Best AI Educator of the Year by Economic Times Edge as well. His cohorts have been attended by professionals across 55 countries. His online courses have students from age 8 to 89!His profiles have a following of more than 800K+ audience of AI Learners and Developers across social media. Check him out 👉 https://instagram.com/anshmehra.inAbout The Cutting Edge School:The Cutting Edge School is one of India's most trusted brands for Enterprise Trainings on AI & Automations. CES has trained teams for The Economic Times, The Times of India, Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Holdings, Lenskart, Reliance Digital, HP, Intel and many other global brands. They were also awarded the Best AI Educator of the Year by Economic Times Edge as well. ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=q
Agri land in India is one of the most misunderstood yet powerful wealth creators.In this episode, Mayank Agarwal, a land aggregator, Real estate consultant and founder of Edstate Learning, explains why land is the raw material of real estate and how the right investment can generate 5X, 10X, even 50X returns.But heres the catch...he explains, most people lose money not because of luck, but because they don’t know how to evaluate land.This conversation covers:• How to read regional plans and zoning maps• What 7/12 records and mutation entries mean• How to identify the right land without even visiting it• 3 hotspots in Maharashtra that can deliver multifold returnsIf you have ever considered investing in real estate or want to understand how the ultra-rich multiply their wealth through land, this episode will fundamentally change how you approach property investment. Watch the episode now! ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=q
In this episode, Ankit Agarwal, a Harvard Graduate and Co-founder of Mesa School of Business, breaks down the harsh realities of today’s job market, what actually works, what doesn’t, and why most career advice is outdated.Mesa School of Business is a truly new-age MBA school built for the realities of today’s fast-moving business world. If you want to do an MBA that actually turns you into an entrepreneur, Mesa School of Business is built exactly for that.This isn’t an MBA focused on memorising frameworks or chasing conventional placements. Mesa trains you to think like a founder. Identify real problems, validate ideas, make sharp decisions, and execute fast. The learning is hands-on, industry-led, and rooted in first-principles thinking, so students graduate not just with a degree, but with the mindset and skill set to build businesses from scratch.So if you want to become an entrepreneur apply to Mesa School of Business.In this episode, We talk about jobs vs startups, salary ceilings, skill leverage, and the real trade-offs people avoid discussing.Most importantly, Ankit shares a clear, practical playbook on how someone can realistically work towards a ₹1 Crore per year before the age of 30, without hype or false promises.If you’re in your 20s and confused about careers, this episode is for you.
Today, we are joined by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India.He is at the center of India’s push to build strategic technology capabilities and is leading some of the country’s most critical infrastructure and manufacturing initiatives.In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we discuss why the world is becoming bullish on semiconductors, how chips have turned into a geopolitical and economic necessity, and where India stands in the global semiconductor value chain.This is a must-watch conversation to understand why semiconductors have become the most critical industry for the global economy and national power.Let us know what you think of this conversation in the comments!
Most people believe the rich don’t pay taxes. But the truth is far more interesting.In this episode, we sit down with Divakar Vijayasarathy, who is a chartered accountant with a keen interest in international taxation, history and psychology and author of Don't Just Pay Taxes, about how taxes actually work and why the wealthy legally structure their finances to reduce taxes.From famous cases like Donald Trump paying almost zero taxes to the strategies used by successful entrepreneurs, this conversation reveals the real logic behind taxation.We spoke about: • Why the wealthy structure their income differently • How governments actually encourage certain behaviors through tax policies • The frameworks entrepreneurs use to legally reduce taxes • And why understanding taxes can completely change how you build wealthIf you are an entrepreneur, professional, or someone who wants to understand how money, business, and taxes really work, this episode will completely change your perspective.Watch the episode now!
Family businesses are the backbone of the Indian economy. Yet, most of them don’t survive beyond one or two generations.In this episode, Rajiv Talreja, founder of Quantum Leap, has spent close to 2 decades helping India's MSME owners grow beyond survival. He is engineering an ecosystem that is turning small and mid-sized businesses into sources of pride, recognition, and strength, because they’re truly the backbone of India’s economy..This conversation reveal challenges inside family-run companies from leadership struggles and succession battles to hiring professionals and building systems that allow the business to run without constant founder involvement.If you come from a family business or plan to join one, this episode will fundamentally change how you think about building and scaling it.Watch the episode now!
Health insurance is sold as financial security. But most people discover the truth only during a claim.In this episode, Pawan Kumar Rai, Co-founder of Ditto Insurance, breaks down how medical insurance is mis-sold, what really decides claim success, and what buyers should actually focus on.This conversation goes beyond premiums and policy documents.It explains what really decides outcomes. This episode will fundamentally change how you look at health insurance.
Video IntroductionAfter 40 years of discussions, delays, and political battles, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project in Mumbai is finally moving forward.But is this the right model for Dharavi?In this episode of Indian Business Debate, two experts go head-to-head on one of India’s most controversial urban decisions. Meet Ghulam Zia, Senior Executive Director at Knight Frank India. He believes this model is the most practical solution to a long-standing human crisis.Opposing him is Hussain Indorewala, urban planning professor and columnist. He argues that this redevelopment model could lead to serious long-term consequences for the city. One project. Two visions. You decide which model is right and which model is wrong!
Today, we are joined by Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India.As the country’s top economic policymaker, he brings deep, first-hand insight into India’s growth story at a time of global uncertainty and shifting economic cycles.In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we discuss India’s macroeconomic trajectory, global conflicts, inflation, inequality & unemployment, and what truly drives long-term national prosperity.This is a must-watch conversation to understand how India is navigating a complex global economy and what it will take to sustain growth over the next decade.
Gen Z drinks 28% less alcohol, but takes 50% of all personal loans. They hold just 4% of total bank deposits, yet drive the biggest consumption shift India has ever seen.To understand this massive shift, we sat down with: Sameer Shetty, Head of Digital Business & Transformation, Axis Bank Madhivanan Balakrishnan, CEO of Apollo 24|7 Akhil Gupta, Co-founder of NoBroker If you’re building a brand, scaling a startup, or trying to decode the behaviour of the 'New' Indian consumer, this conversation will change how you look at the market.
Manish Chowdhary started with a ₹6.5 crore debt. It was a moment that could have ended everything. Instead, he repaid the debt and built WOW Skin Science into a household name.In this chat, Manish doesn't hold back. He talks about the viral hits and the science that made their brand stand out. He also gets honest about the massive losses that followed their success.We discussed: Spotting trends before they blow up. The "Reboot Strategy" to fix a business. Mistakes every D2C founder should avoid. What it actually takes to build a brand that lasts. If you want to know how a brand scales, fails, and evolves, dont miss this episode!
How do you sell fragrance online and still build a ₹200+ crore brand? In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, I sat down with Adil Qadri, Founder & Owner of Adil Qadri Perfumes, to understand the real business behind perfumes.From starting with online experiments to building a brand with 40+ stores, Adil breaks down:- How perfumes are actually made - Why most fragrance brands fail to find product-market fit- The truth about premium pricing, packaging psychology, and compliments- Amazon vs Shopify for Indian D2C founders- Why Cash On Delivery, is painful but still unavoidable in India- Lessons from Shark Tank and working with Vineeta SinghIf you’re a founder, operator, or brand builder, this episode will change how you look at consumer businesses.►►Check out Think School: https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass
In this episode of Indian Business Podcast, I speak with Manav Garg, Founder of Together Fund, the VC backing some of India’s fastest-growing AI startups, including Emergent, which scaled to $15M ARR in just 90 days.In this conversation, we discuss- Why most AI startups are being built on negative gross margins Why apps will fade and agents will own users The mental models VCs use to spot hard, non-obvious problems early Why India might be the most underrated AI market globally If you’re building, investing, or trying to make sense of where AI is really headed, this conversation will change how you think.⭐️ Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions: https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/
In this episode of The Indian Business Podcast, we sit down with Arindam Paul, the founding team member who helped transform a simple household appliance into a tech-enabled, design-first consumer movement. We spoke about:• How Atomberg discovered a hidden white space in a commodity category• Why BLDC motors became their breakthrough technology• How selling to Gujarat’s ceramic factories changed everything• How Amazon became their biggest growth engine• How listening to customers led Atomberg to a design-first revolution• What founders get wrong about consumer research• The team needed to build enduring consumer brands Watch this episode to understand how curiosity and execution can turn a supposedly ordinary product into an extraordinary brand! Check out Zero to Scale:
In today’s episode, we sit down with Ananth Narayanan, Founder & CEO of BRND.ME, the man who has consistently cracked white spaces in some of India’s toughest D2C categories. From spotting an unexpected opportunity in peanut butter to turning MyFitness into a breakout success with 22% of India’s market share, Ananth explains how deep consumer insight, razor-sharp execution, and a data-led playbook helped him challenge legacy giants. He also breaks down how he expanded into perfumes, why ingredient-led brands are the future, and what it truly takes to build products people trust and love. He shares the biggest mistakes founders should avoid, the qualities of the first 10 hires that determine a company’s destiny, and the mindset needed to build brands that endure. If you’re a founder, operator, creator, or someone dreaming of building India’s next global brand, this episode is a masterclass in Brand building!
In this episode of the Think School Podcast, we sat down with Darpan Sanghvi, the founder of The Good Glamm Group, India's first content-to-commerce unicorn. From the early success of MyGlamm to facing a staggering ₹600 crore loss, Darpan opens up about the mistakes, the lessons, and the reinvention that followed. At its peak, Good Glamm Group was valued at more than ₹7000 crores, but what followed was one of the most dramatic falls in Indian startup history. Darpan had to make the toughest decision of his life - shutting down a massive empire he had built from scratch. In this raw and honest conversation, he reveals what went wrong, how he dealt with the pressure from investors, employees, and the media, and most importantly, how he's rebuilding from the ashes with hard-earned wisdom and a completely new playbook. ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
In this episode of The Indian Business Podcast, we sit down with Nikunj Biyani, Co-Founder of SuperYou, the brand that generated ₹100 crore in just six months in one of India’s most competitive FMCG spaces. From protein bars to baked chips, SuperYou has redefined what “better-for-you” snacking means in India. Nikunj shares how he turned years of FMCG experience into one of the fastest-growing consumer brands in the country, why India’s next disruption lies in legacy food categories like biscuits and namkeen, and how partnering with Ranveer Singh shaped SuperYou’s bold, high-energy brand identity. We break down everything from the science of taste and category innovation to brand design philosophy and how to build a mass brand that stands for something. From the psychology of guilt-free indulgence to the real economics behind product development, this episode is packed with lessons for every entrepreneur, creator, and brand builder. If you’ve ever wondered how to crack India’s new-age FMCG market, this is your playbook straight from the man behind one of its most successful brands. Watch this Intriguing yet simple conversation now! ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
From a scrap trader to a ₹2 lakh crore empire, how did a boy from Bihar build one of India’s biggest companies? In this episode of The Indian Business Podcast, we sat down with Anil Agarwal, the founder and chairman of Vedanta Resources, one of the world’s largest natural resource conglomerates and the first Indian company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange. We talk about:- His journey from Bihar to Bombay? -How did Vedanta become the first Indian company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange? - Is Make in India failing? - The truth behind the 2018 Tuticorin incident - How did Dhirubhai Ambani influence his vision? - The key lessons he learned about money, risk, and perseverance - Why does he choose not to return to India? Watch this episode to see how hard work and conviction can turn far fetched dreams into reality. ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
What if India’s biggest problem could become its biggest opportunity?In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we dive into India’s electricity crisis and why it could actually turn into a trillion-dollar opportunity.We break down the power sector, from blackouts and DISCOM losses to smart meters and solar energy. Ayush Sinhal (Founder, Kimbal), Arvind Kothari (Founder, Niveshaay & Equity Investor), and Vivek Jain (Founder, Action Tessa & Equity Investor) join us to explain why India’s electricity system is broken and what can be done to stop losses that cost roughly 2% of the country’s GDP.Here’s what we talk about in this episode: Why India still faces power cuts even with surplus electricity Why DISCOMs are losing money and what’s wrong with the grid How smart meters could save lakhs of crores The story of Kimbal: From a small startup to an energy-tech leader Why the energy sector could be India’s next trillion-dollar opportunity Watch how, India’s biggest energy crisis could spark its next trillion-dollar revolution! ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
In this episode of The Indian Business Podcast, we dive into the incredible journey of Saurabh Munjal, the founder of Lahori Zeera, one of India’s fastest-growing FMCG brands. What started as a small-town experiment has now become a national sensation, taking on beverage giants such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Parle.Saurabh reveals how Lahori Jeera navigated GST hurdles, built a powerful distribution network, and launched the iconic ad campaign that made Lahori Zeera unforgettable, all without celebrity endorsements.Packed with insights on pricing psychology, product innovation, and cultural branding, this episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand how Indian entrepreneurs are redefining FMCG by building profitable brands rooted in local tastes and identities. ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
India is being celebrated across headlines as a $4 trillion economy. But is that the whole truth? To uncover this, we sat down with Dr. Arun Kumar, one of India’s most outspoken economists, a retired JNU professor, and the author of landmark books on black money, GST, and public policy. For over four decades, he’s been warning about cracks in India’s economy that very few dare to talk about. And in this conversation, we spoke about: Is India really a $4 trillion economy or just a $2.5 trillion illusion?Did demonetisation bring India’s economy to a permanent standstill?Is GST actually helping businesses, or destroying micro-enterprises?Can MSP and APMC reforms save India’s farmers or sink us further?Where is India’s economy truly heading in the next decade? ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we sat down with Varun Dubey,He is a former Apollo CRO, is now building SuperHealth Hospitals to fix healthcare in India. With zero wait times, transparent pricing, and patient-first care, SuperHealth is redefining how hospitals work.In this episode, he shares his journey and vision for the future of healthcare. Together, we uncover the dark truths of India’s healthcare system from unethical hospital practices and broken business models to the urgent need for a trust-first, patient-centric approach. Varun shares how Superhealth is reimagining hospitals with zero wait time, transparent pricing, and compassionate care. Packed with eye-opening insights and a bold vision to open 100 hospitals in the next five years, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone curious about the future of healthcare in India. ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we dive deep into one of the hottest debates in India today: Mumbai Real Estate. Why is Mumbai more expensive than Manhattan? Is it truly a goldmine or just a bubble fuelled by black money and hype? To answer these, we sat down with real estate expert Ravi Kewalramani, who breaks down everything from rental yields and capital appreciation to the future of Mumbai 3.0 and Navi Mumbai. We explore why luxury buyers pay crores for location value, how flipping really works in India, and why redevelopment and slum rehabilitation could reshape the city’s future. If you’ve ever wondered where to invest - South Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, or the next big hub, this conversation gives you the framework to decide. Packed with practical insights, warnings about fraud, and step-by-step investment strategies, this is a must-watch for anyone curious about India’s most expensive real estate market. ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we sat down with Arjun Vaidya (founder of Dr. Vaidya’s) and now a leading investor at V3 Ventures. From bootstrapping an Ayurvedic legacy brand and facing rejections, to scaling during the D2C boom and exiting in a ₹144 Cr deal, Arjun shares raw lessons from the founder’s side of the table. He then flips the lens as an investor, breaking down how pitches are actually evaluated, what “Right to Win” really means, and why product-market fit is the ultimate game-changer. Along the way, he dives into the myths of fundraising, the importance of vibe-matching with investors, and common mistakes founders make while chasing growth. Packed with frameworks, case studies, and honest insights, this conversation is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, operators, and anyone who wants to understand the future of Indian consumer brands. ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we sat down with Anupam Mittal (founder of Shaadi. com) and one of the most popular Sharks on Shark Tank India who takes us deep into the world of startups, investing, and founder mindset. From breaking down why valuations are often misunderstood, to explaining the realities of dilution, exits, and anti-dilution clauses, Anupam reveals what truly matters when building a company that lasts. He shares candid insights on what separates missionaries from mercenaries, why India’s mergers and acquisitions ecosystem is still evolving, and how he evaluates entrepreneurs beyond just their pitch. Along the way, he opens up about his own hiring frameworks, the importance of unnamed reference checks, and how leaders should handle arrogance, egos, and team dynamics. Packed with wisdom from one of India’s most experienced entrepreneurs and investors, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone serious about startups and the business of building legacies. ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we sit down with Anshul Gupta, the co-founder of Wint Wealth, a platform revolutionizing access to bonds for retail investors in India. The conversation is a masterclass in personal finance for Indians in their 30s, covering how to build a solid financial foundation with term insurance, health insurance and emergency funds, even if you missed these steps in your 20s. Anshul breaks down common money traps from over-leveraging on home loans to chasing unrealistic multi-bagger returns and offers a balanced portfolio strategy mixing equity, fixed income, gold and real estate. He explains why equity returns are tied to India’s nominal GDP growth, why spousal income parity impacts household harmony and how bonds have evolved into an accessible, reliable fixed-income option through platforms like Wint Wealth. For anyone navigating rising family expenses, planning for retirement or simply seeking stability in volatile markets, this episode is packed with practical, no-nonsense insights. ►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr
►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr About the episode: In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, Bollywood legend Aamir Khan takes us inside the world of cinema, revealing how he blends powerful storytelling with commercial success. From his early “Gurukul” style training in filmmaking to shaping masterpieces like Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots, and Dangal, Aamir shares what it takes to make movies that move people and rule the box office. He opens up about the craft of editing, the importance of audience testing, and why chasing excellence always outweighs chasing fame. With candid stories from casting rooms, behind-the-scenes challenges, and lessons learned from decades in the entertainment industry, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the business and art of filmmaking from one of India’s most respected actors and producers. If you love cinema and want to understand the mindset that creates timeless hits, this is an unmissable episode.
►Think School’s flagship Communication course with live doubt sessions : https://thethinkschool.com/sp/communication-masterclass/ ►Follow Think School Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkSchool ►Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethinkschool?igsh=NWg2ZXRyZmdsM2ds&utm_source=qr About the episode: In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we sit down with Kunal Shah, founder of CRED, to explore what truly sets high performers apart. We dive deep into his hiring philosophy, how to identify exceptional talent, what to look for beyond resumes, and why those who can explain clearly often lead better. Kunal also shares why the ability to articulate ideas is often a better predictor of success than raw intelligence, and how teaching what you learn creates compounding clarity. The conversation also unpacks the connection between learning and scaling, and why some of the smartest minds fail to grow simply because they can’t communicate. This is a rare masterclass in hiring, clarity, and building high-performance teams, straight from one of India’s sharpest founders.