This Is NOT What Humility Looks Like

Ever met a leader so “humble” they practically tattoo it on their LinkedIn headline?In this episode, Paddy and I dive into the hilarious—and sometimes cringey—world of humility in leadership. We roleplay arrogant CEOs, swap LinkedIn horror stories, and break down why real humility has nothing to do with saying “humbled.” Inspired by a recent business event that left us blinking at the lack of self-awareness, we ask: can you be ambitious and modest? Come for the Gandhi impression, stay for the BS (Benson Style).IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) Coming up(00:45) Is humility in leadership just as rare as privacy on social media?(02:00) Four CEOs. One panel. Zero humility. You won’t believe what they said.(03:15) A leadership concept you’ve probably never heard of—but should.(05:15) The ‘Southpaw Maneuver’ explained... and no, it’s not boxing advice.(07:30) Gandhi goes corporate. What if Bapu was a CEO today?(10:15) You know Jack Welch. But the real hero? You’ve probably never heard of him.(12:00) What truly happens when the “great” leaders leave?(15:00) The CEO who tattooed his mantra on people’s minds (figuratively… we hope). (17:45) “Talk the walk”? A masterclass in humblebragging.(21:00) The most un-humble “humble” feedback you’ll ever hear. (23:30) Why your LinkedIn “I’m humbled” post isn’t fooling anyone. (26:45) Real humility vs. corporate cosplay—how to tell the difference.Rahul PhondkeRahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you moneyConnect with Rahul at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17Paddy RangappaPaddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty-six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/—-About the ShowThe Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.