The Brand Called You

Amul S. Bahl, Founder, Shraddha HRD & Director, Yogic Naturals The importance of taking initiative rather than waiting for external support. The analogy of “wearing slippers instead of carpeting the earth.” Podcast Overview In this engaging episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Amul S. Bahl, an accomplished leader in HR and wellness, known for integrating Vedantic principles into business leadership and culture-building. The conversation explores defining moments in entrepreneurship, frameworks for creating high-performance cultures, the relevance of ancient Indian wisdom for modern CEOs, and the deeper messages behind Amul Bahl’s published works. From understanding consciousness and human temperament to overcoming ego and building authentic leadership, this episode offers practical and philosophical insights for professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. 00:49 | What was the turning point that inspired the journey into entrepreneurship? The importance of taking initiative rather than waiting for external support. The analogy of “wearing slippers instead of carpeting the earth.” Lord Ravana’s ten heads and twenty hands as a metaphor for using one’s abilities productively. The founding of Shraddha HRD to address the gap between being qualified and being truly capable. 03:32 | How does an engineer transition into studying consciousness and human development? The connection between engineering problem-solving and the study of consciousness. Understanding root causes as a common approach in engineering and consciousness work. The importance of making choices beyond basic desires and impulses. 05:21 | What gave Amul Bahl the confidence to introduce Vedantic principles into the workplace? Viewing Vedanta as a practical tool for everyday problem-solving rather than an esoteric philosophy. Understanding human nature through the analogy of understanding ingredients while cooking. Using inner exploration to support outward success, innovation, wellness, and product development. 07:51 | What is the framework for creating a high-performance culture? The role of self-aware leadership rooted in consciousness rather than ego. The importance of genuinely internalizing leadership principles. Using Vedantic concepts such as sattva, rajas, and tamas to understand people and align them with appropriate roles. Recognizing the contribution of every role within an organization, much like the organs of a human body. 11:04 | What remains constant about human behavior amid technological change and AI? The enduring question, “What’s in it for me?”, as a fundamental human motivator. The continued importance of personal connection and relevance in training. Why the fundamentals of human learning remain relevant despite advances in technology. 13:09 | How can business leaders understand and apply the concept of consciousness? The petrol-in-a-car analogy: consciousness is essential and neutral, but does not determine the direction of the journey. Tapping into consciousness to support continuous growth and expand leadership competence. How inward awareness can contribute to outward success and effectiveness. 16:04 | What can CEOs learn from ancient Indian wisdom that isn’t taught in business schools? Understanding the ego and the dangers of seeking external validation. The paradox that trying to appear unique through ego can ultimately make leaders more ordinary. The importance of sustained competence, humility, and moving beyond ego. Three manifestations of ego: “I am supreme,” “I alone exist,” and “I am the doer.” 19:32 | What are the core lessons from Driving Fundamentals, Living Essentials? The story behind the book, inspired by a near-accident and subsequent reflections on life. Prioritizing the engine over outward appearance, using the rearview mirror only when necessary, and focusing on the light ahead. Applying these driving metaphors to uncertainty and decision-making in professional life. 21:57 | What deeper message is offered in Rahasya of the Hanuman Chalisa? The idea that power already exists within us and can be rediscovered. Viewing the Hanuman Chalisa as a reminder of inner strength rather than simply a source of external help. Building self-motivation and resilience by recognizing one’s own inner potential. 24:17 | What is the single idea listeners should take away? The acronym CLASS: Consciousness, Love, Acceptance, and the well-being of all. The importance of inner transformation as a pathway to collective well-being. RESOURCES Learn more about Amul S. Bahl: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? The conversation explored the symbolism of Lord Ravana’s ten heads and twenty hands: when our skills and abilities are used productively, they can create something valuable for humanity; when left misdirected, those same abilities can become a burden. What are your thoughts? Share your perspective in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Amul S. Bahl is an accomplished HR and wellness leader who integrates Vedantic principles into modern business leadership and organizational culture. He explores entrepreneurship, high-performance cultures, and authentic leadership, helping leaders navigate complex professional challenges. His work connects ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary leadership, focusing on consciousness, human temperament, and overcoming ego. The post Amul S. Bahl, Founder, Shraddha HRD & Director, Yogic Naturals first appeared on TBCY.

Swati Sinha, Executive Coach & Creator of NeuroAuthority, on The Brand Called You She was the first girl in her family to attend an English-medium, co-educational school. Her visionary mother played a pivotal role in shaping her path. Podcast Overview Swati shares her remarkable journey—from being the first girl in her family to attend an English-medium, co-educational school to building a successful corporate career and eventually becoming an executive coach and founder. She explores the hidden patterns that influence leadership performance, the role of neuroscience in sustainable transformation, and why addressing deeper behavioural patterns can be more powerful than simply developing surface-level skills. Swati also discusses imposter syndrome, the challenges faced by senior leaders, the barriers women encounter on their leadership journeys, and why career and personal fulfilment do not have to be an either/or choice. 00:51 | How did attending an English-medium school shape Swati’s life? She was the first girl in her family to attend an English-medium, co-educational school. Her visionary mother played a pivotal role in shaping her path. Early experiences taught her to challenge societal expectations. These experiences laid the foundation for her personal and professional growth. 02:29 | What were the four dreams Swati promised herself? Owning a home with her own money. Achieving financial independence. Buying her first plane ticket. Supporting her parents despite societal expectations. These aspirations helped shape her journey toward independence. 04:34 | How did Swati deal with imposter syndrome? She experienced imposter syndrome at various stages of her career. She learned to set ambitious goals and challenge her own limitations. Self-questioning helped her identify what mattered most and prepare for new challenges. 06:17 | What separates exceptional leaders from competent managers? Exceptional leaders make decisions quickly and continuously improve. They learn from mistakes instead of waiting for perfection. Swati illustrates this through a psychological experiment involving pottery students. 08:26 | Why did Swati leave a high-level corporate role? She realized that professional success did not necessarily equal personal fulfilment. She wanted to create deeper impact by helping leaders succeed without sacrificing themselves. This realization led her toward executive coaching and a new professional chapter. 11:20 | What is the NeuroAuthority method? It focuses on changing underlying patterns rather than simply modifying behaviour. The approach draws on neuroscience and psychology. Its goal is to create sustainable and lasting leadership transformation. 13:15 | What does it mean to be at the top of your game but at the edge of your capacity? Swati explains the concept through Roger Bannister’s four-minute mile story. Psychological barriers can sometimes become more limiting than physical or technical ones. Leaders may need to break old patterns to successfully navigate greater levels of complexity. 15:49 | What hidden patterns are common among leaders? Fear of judgment, fear of failure, perfectionism, and the need to prove oneself can influence performance. Surface-level challenges such as communication or confidence may often be symptoms of deeper patterns. Sustainable leadership requires addressing these underlying patterns. 17:23 | What emotional challenges do senior leaders rarely admit? Senior leaders may experience uncertainty about their decisions despite their confidence and achievements. Strong belief systems and professional expectations can make it difficult to openly acknowledge doubt. 18:25 | What barriers prevent talented women from reaching leadership positions? Cultural and family-based caregiving expectations can affect career progression. Guilt and hesitation can prevent women from pursuing promotions and opportunities. A lack of role models and support systems can also create additional barriers. RESOURCES Learn more about Swati Sinha: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? What does it take to challenge expectations and create a new path? For Swati Sinha, the journey began with a bold decision by her visionary mother: becoming the first girl in her family to attend an English-medium, co-educational school. That early experience became part of a larger journey of breaking barriers, building a successful corporate career, and eventually helping leaders and women unlock their potential. Share your thoughts in the comments and help us spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Swati is an executive coach and founder who transitioned from a successful corporate career into leadership development and coaching. Her work focuses on uncovering hidden behavioural patterns that influence leadership performance and long-term transformation. She integrates neuroscience and behavioural insights to help senior leaders create sustainable personal and professional change. The post Swati Sinha, Executive Coach & Creator of NeuroAuthority™, on The Brand Called You first appeared on TBCY.

Eric Marcus, Executive Director of Making Gay History, on the Power of Storytelling Growing up in provincial New Jersey with dreams of New York theater and storytelling. The influence of Studs Terkel’s book Working and its focus on ordinary people’s lives. Podcast Overview Explore the fascinating journey of Eric Marcus, Executive Director of Making Gay History, in this engaging episode of The Brand Called You, hosted by Lisa Lipkin. The conversation explores the power of oral history, the complexities of memory and truth, the impact of intergenerational trauma, and the importance of preserving LGBTQ+ history. Eric also shares his approach to storytelling, interviewing, and bringing overlooked voices and personal experiences to a wider audience. Below is a quick-reference guide to the key questions and topics discussed in the episode. 00:08-What inspired Eric Marcus to begin collecting stories?  Growing up in provincial New Jersey with dreams of New York theater and storytelling. The influence of Studs Terkel’s book Working and its focus on ordinary people’s lives. An early realization of the value of everyday stories and overlooked voices. 02:07-How did Studs Terkel’s approach shape Eric’s oral history work?  Studs Terkel’s work inspired Eric’s approach to collecting and preserving personal stories. His collaboration with the Studs Terkel Radio Archive helped bring historical voices to new audiences. A strong emphasis on capturing authentic voices and transforming interviews into compelling narratives. 05:03-How does intergenerational trauma affect storytelling?  The idea of developing a “hyper radar” among children exposed to trauma, creating heightened awareness of moods and unspoken secrets. Eric’s reflections on growing up with mentally ill parents and navigating family secrets. The importance of breaking through secrecy and finding the courage to tell one’s truth. 08:06-What are Eric’s strategies for eliciting deep or difficult stories?  Using unexpected and personal questions rather than conventional biographical questions. Conducting thorough research to uncover unique angles, even with people who have been interviewed many times. Listening closely and following emotional threads as they emerge during conversations. 10:31-Are facts or emotions more important in oral histories?  The challenge of balancing factual accuracy with the emotional truth of personal memories. Understanding memory as a combination of lived experience, perception, and aspiration. Exploring cultural and academic differences in how truth and storytelling are interpreted. 16:34-How does the medium—audio versus print—impact storytelling?  The unique power of “noisy silence” and other subtle sounds captured through audio. Emotional nuances in a person’s voice that written transcripts cannot fully convey. The ability of podcasting to preserve and share stories with greater emotional depth and authenticity RESOURCES Learn more about Eric Marcus: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? What about the “facts”? Eric Marcus makes an important distinction: in oral history, emotional truth can be just as meaningful as factual precision. What people remember, how they experienced an event, and how they feel about it can reveal powerful dimensions of their personal stories. Do you agree that emotional honesty can sometimes matter more than perfect chronology? Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Eric Marcus is the Executive Director of Making Gay History, dedicated to preserving and sharing LGBTQ+ history through oral storytelling. He is an accomplished author, interviewer, and oral historian who brings personal experiences and overlooked voices to wider audiences. His work explores the power of memory, truth, storytelling, and intergenerational trauma in shaping historical narratives. The post Eric Marcus, Executive Director of Making Gay History, on the Power of Storytelling first appeared on TBCY.

Insights with Isha Sekhri, Founder of Isha Sekhri & Associates LLP The influence of her family, particularly her father’s successful CA practice. Her early academic interests and the role of an aptitude test in shaping her career direction. Podcast Overview In this engaging episode of The Brand Called You, Ashutosh Garg speaks with Isha Sekhri, Founder of Isha Sekhri & Associates LLP. With extensive experience in transfer pricing, FEMA, and international taxation, Isha Sekhri shares practical insights for business owners, startups, and professionals navigating complex regulatory environments in India and across the globe. The conversation explores the fundamentals of transfer pricing and FEMA, the growing importance of international tax compliance, the impact of globalization and technology, and the need for businesses to adopt a proactive approach to governance and compliance. Isha also shares valuable lessons on building a culture of ownership, developing young professionals, retaining talent, and evolving from a technical expert into an effective business leader. 00:46 | Choosing Chartered Accountancy & Finding Her Calling The influence of her family, particularly her father’s successful CA practice. Her early academic interests and the role of an aptitude test in shaping her career direction. Her gradual realization that helping founders navigate cross-border challenges was her true professional calling. 02:15 | From Traditional CA Practice to Cross-Border Advisory The differences between traditional CA practice and Big Four advisory. Her interest in cross-border advisory and M&A transactions. Building expertise through working with startups and gaining hands-on experience. 04:54 | Making Transfer Pricing Easy to Understand A simple explanation of transfer pricing: treating related-party transactions as you would transactions with independent third parties. The importance of understanding business margins and complying with applicable regulations. Why transfer pricing should not be viewed as a concern only for large companies, but as something relevant to businesses of all sizes. 05:30 | Why Transfer Pricing Matters in a Global Economy The rapid growth of cross-border transactions in an increasingly globalized economy. Why countries need mechanisms to ensure that profits are taxed fairly. Addressing the misconception that transfer pricing applies only to large multinational corporations—it can be relevant to businesses involved in related-party transactions of varying sizes. 07:07 | Demystifying FEMA for Business Owners Why FEMA is fundamentally about understanding intention and principles rather than simply navigating complex legal provisions. Key FEMA principles: Current account transactions are generally permitted unless specifically prohibited. Capital account transactions are generally permitted only when specifically authorized. Common compliance issues, including: Failure to report overseas direct investments (ODI) and foreign direct investment (FDI). Unreported loan transactions involving non-residents. 10:28 | Avoiding Costly Compliance Issues The importance of prioritizing governance and compliance from the very beginning. Seeking advice from professionals with genuine expertise in FEMA and international taxation. Why the cost of compliance is always lower than the cost of non-compliance—and how proactive compliance can save businesses time, money, and stress. 11:52 | Key FEMA Considerations When Raising Overseas Capital Understanding the difference between capital inflows, such as FDI, and loan inflows. Identifying applicable sector restrictions and following the correct legal procedures. The importance of timely compliance and proper documentation when structuring overseas funding arrangements. 13:59 | Globalization & the Changing Face of International Taxation The OECD-driven movement toward greater consistency in global tax principles. The growing use of automatic exchange of information between countries. Increasing tax transparency and how undeclared foreign assets can be identified through international information-sharing mechanisms. 16:21 | Why Documentation & Disclosure Matter The importance of maintaining proper documentation and making accurate disclosures. Keeping comprehensive records to address potential errors, questions, or tax notices. How seemingly minor oversights, such as issues related to signatory status on a bank account, can have significant consequences. 18:18 | Technology & AI in Tax Compliance How tax authorities are increasingly adopting technology and automation. The role of AI and automation in streamlining compliance, reporting, and information exchange. Why AI-generated tax or legal advice should always be verified with qualified professionals. 19:26 | Encouraging Proactive Compliance Adapting compliance strategies to clients with different levels of risk tolerance. Emphasizing the financial and operational costs of non-compliance. Helping clients understand the value of peace of mind through proactive compliance. Tailoring professional advice to each client’s individual needs and motivations. 21:36 | Building Ownership Through Empathetic Leadership Lessons in ownership and leadership learned from her mentors. Building confidence through delegation, independent thinking, and honest feedback. Balancing empathy with clear expectations and accountability. Leading with empathy while encouraging professional growth and supporting team members through personal and professional challenges. RESOURCES Learn more about Isha Sekhri: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? How can founders avoid expensive legal and compliance issues? Start with strong governance before you wire money or sign deals—not after a notice arrives. And here’s an important takeaway from Isha Sekhri: “The cost of compliance is always lower than the cost of non-compliance.” What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments and help spread these valuable insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Isha Sekhri is the Founder of Isha Sekhri & Associates LLP, with extensive expertise in transfer pricing, FEMA, and international taxation. She advises business owners, startups, and professionals on navigating complex regulatory and international tax environments. Her approach emphasizes proactive governance, compliance, and adaptability in an increasingly globalized and technology-driven business world. The post Insights with Isha Sekhri, Founder of Isha Sekhri & Associates LLP first appeared on TBCY.

Ritu Sharma, IRS Officer & Author of Shakti – Tales of Power and Promise, on the Power of the Divine Feminine Ritu Sharma shares vivid memories of growing up in a village in Haryana and experiencing rituals at her ancestral temple. She reflects on the contrast between the reverence shown toward goddesses and the roles of women in everyday life. Podcast Overview In this episode of The Brand Called You, IRS officer and author Ritu Sharma delves into the essence of her book, Shakti: Tales of Power and Promise, and her personal journey with the Divine Feminine. The conversation explores her early memories of spirituality, the origins and meaning of Shakti, the paradox of gender roles in society, and the empowering messages that ancient narratives hold for women today. 00:48 — How did growing up around an ancestral Shiva temple shape your spirituality? Ritu Sharma shares vivid memories of growing up in a village in Haryana and experiencing rituals at her ancestral temple. She reflects on the contrast between the reverence shown toward goddesses and the roles of women in everyday life. These experiences sparked her curiosity and deepened her interest in Shakti. 03:37 — What about Shakti captivated you as a young girl? Ritu Sharma recalls questioning why the names of Shakti and Shiva were always spoken together. She reflects on the contrast between the worship of the goddess and the everyday experiences of women. These observations led her to explore ideas of equality, power, and divinity. 05:11 — Why did you write Shakti: Tales of Power and Promise as a journey rather than a theological argument? Ritu Sharma describes the book as a travelogue rather than a systematic study or theological commentary. She focuses on relatable questions and firsthand experiences at various Shaktipeeths. The book explores personal doubts, cultural rituals, miracles, and the meaning of Shakti beyond academic debate. 08:19 — How do you explain the concept of Shakti to someone unfamiliar with Hindu philosophy? Ritu Sharma introduces the traditions of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. She explains Shakti as the essential dynamic energy underlying the cosmos, rather than simply a deity. She also draws connections between the idea of universal energy and concepts explored in modern science. 10:22 — Is Shakti a deity, an energy, a philosophy, or all three? Ritu Sharma explores Shakti’s evolution from a nature goddess to a central figure in spiritual traditions. She highlights Shakti’s presence in everyday life, including food, adornment, nature, and human experiences. Shakti is presented as both an energy and a philosophy that exists within everyone. 12:34 — What deeper lessons does the story of Sati hold for modern readers? The conversation explores both the apparent and hidden meanings within the story of Sati. Ritu Sharma reflects on sacrifice, societal expectations, and the transformation required to sustain cosmic order. The legend is viewed as a symbol of the goddess’s role in restoring balance and order. 15:55 — What message do you hope young girls will take from your book? Ritu Sharma emphasizes the importance of looking within and gathering one’s inner strength when facing challenges. She highlights self-empowerment, adaptability, and transformation. She encourages readers to walk alongside the goddess and discover the relevance of Shakti in contemporary life. 17:53 — How can modern women draw strength from ancient narratives without feeling constrained by tradition? Ritu Sharma distinguishes between the surface meanings and deeper messages within myths. She encourages women to seek inspiration and inner empowerment rather than follow traditional narratives literally. The goddess becomes a model for inner strength beyond ritual and superstition. 19:22 — How do you reconcile the widespread worship of the goddess with ongoing gender inequality? Ritu Sharma points out that reverence for the goddess does not necessarily translate into respect for women in society. She calls for an internal shift toward recognizing and embodying Shakti’s inner strength in everyday life. RESOURCES Learn more about Ritu Sharma: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? The story of Sati is more than mythology. On the surface, it speaks of sacrifice, conflict, and the relationship between a husband and his father-in-law. But Ritu Sharma explores a deeper lesson: profound sacrifice and transformation can play a role in restoring balance and bringing divine order. What are your thoughts on the deeper meaning of Shakti and the story of Sati? Share your perspective in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Ritu Sharma is an IRS officer and author of Shakti: Tales of Power and Promise, exploring the enduring significance of the Divine Feminine. Her personal journey reflects a deep connection with spirituality, shaped by early memories and experiences with Indian traditions. Through Shakti, she examines power, gender roles, and societal expectations, offering fresh perspectives on women’s empowerment. The post Ritu Sharma, IRS Officer & Author of Shakti – Tales of Power and Promise, on the Power of the Divine Feminine first appeared on TBCY.

Adrian Wolfberg, Author & CEO, Organizational Insight Consulting LLC Learned the importance of teamwork and role integration as a Navy mission commander. Developed a deeper understanding of team members’ roles and how to support them. Podcast Overview In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Adrian Wolfberg, author, organizational scientist, and veteran intelligence professional, to discuss artificial intelligence, leadership, and the evolving landscape of decision-making. Drawing on his unique experiences—from Navy missions to designing learning organizations—Adrian shares practical and scholarly insights into the critical intersection of human judgment and machine intelligence. 01:08 | What defining moments shaped Adrian Wolfberg’s leadership philosophy? Learned the importance of teamwork and role integration as a Navy mission commander. Developed a deeper understanding of team members’ roles and how to support them. Experienced the importance of real-time crisis communication with senior military leadership at the Pentagon. Learned how communicating critical information succinctly can save lives. Recognized the importance of understanding leaders’ “decision space” and sense of urgency. 04:13 | Why is learning a core leadership capability today? Modern problems are rarely well-defined or straightforward. People closest to the work need the ability and authority to understand and solve problems. Effective organizations should avoid over-reliance on hierarchical decision-making. Learning helps leaders question answers, reframe problems, and adapt to change. Learning is an ongoing leadership discipline, not simply a development activity. 06:08 | Who should lead when AI is involved, and why? Humans must ultimately lead because of uniquely human capabilities, including: Judgment under uncertainty Responsibility and alignment with values Contextual understanding and accountability for consequences AI excels at analysis and processing in stable scenarios, but it cannot assume accountability. Leaders must determine when AI should take the lead and when human judgment is essential. 08:17 | What is the leader’s dilemma in the age of AI? Leaders benefit from AI’s speed and analytical capabilities but risk weakening their own judgment. Unlike previous technologies, AI can function as a collaborator rather than simply a tool. Effective leadership requires collaboration between human and machine intelligence. Leadership increasingly involves orchestrating the complementary strengths of humans and AI. 11:06 | Why is judgment more valuable as AI becomes more capable? AI can generate fast and confident answers but may lack contextual understanding. Leadership requires framing problems, evaluating relevance, and weighing consequences. Leaders risk mistaking fluent AI-generated answers for wise decisions. Analysis can be delegated to AI, but responsibility for meaning, values, and alignment cannot. 13:08 | Why is “framing” a vital leadership responsibility? Framing determines priorities, key players, relationships, risks, and potential consequences. Incorrect framing can lead to fast but misguided organizational action—even with excellent AI support. Leaders must connect judgment, context, values, and action through effective framing before applying AI-generated insights. 15:07 | Why use dance as a metaphor for human–AI collaboration? Decision-making is a dynamic, ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Like a dance, leadership roles can shift between humans and AI depending on the situation. The metaphor emphasizes continuous cooperation, adaptation, and responsiveness. 17:05 | What are “hybrid problems,” and why do they require hybrid leadership? Routine problems: Problems with standardized and well-understood solutions. Hybrid problems: Problems that combine familiar and unfamiliar factors and require both technical solutions and human judgment. As situations evolve, leaders must continually align decisions and actions—something AI alone cannot accomplish. RESOURCES Learn more about Adrian Wolfberg: LinkedIn Enjoyed This Podcast? What happens when AI thinks? Adrian Wolfberg, author and former intelligence professional, argues that the central question is not simply whether AI or humans should lead—but who should lead, when, and why. What are your thoughts on leadership in an AI-driven world? Share your perspective in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Adrian Wolfberg is an author, organizational scientist, and veteran intelligence professional with extensive experience in leadership and decision-making. His career includes Navy missions and intelligence work, giving him a distinctive perspective on navigating complex and high-stakes environments. He specializes in learning organizations, organizational development, and human-centered decision-making. The post Adrian Wolfberg, Author & CEO, Organizational Insight Consulting LLC first appeared on TBCY.

Kirsten Graham, CEO of Six Figure Business Coaching, on Financial Clarity for Entrepreneurs Background in real estate, mortgages, and title agency ownership Exposure to the financial struggles of self-employed clients Podcast Overview In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Kirsten Graham, CEO of Six Figure Business Coaching, about the crucial connection between financial clarity and business success. Drawing on decades of experience, Kirsten shares actionable strategies for mastering bookkeeping, strengthening business systems, and learning to truly “love your profit.” 00:50-What sparked Kirsten Graham’s journey from real estate to empowering entrepreneurs financially? Background in real estate, mortgages, and title agency ownership Exposure to the financial struggles of self-employed clients Transition from mentoring to full-time business coaching Emphasis on systems, processes, and people to support business growth 01:56-What does “Loving Your Profit” really mean for entrepreneurs? The story behind the “Love Your Profit” program The impact of working with a proactive bookkeeper The benefits of breaking down different revenue streams Using financial information beyond tax preparation to improve profitability 03:33-What foundational mistakes do entrepreneurs make with their business structures? Lack of understanding of the rules associated with incorporation and LLCs Risks of commingling personal and business funds The importance of separating and organizing finances for legal protection 04:20-Why is knowing your “profit story” vital for business owners? Understanding the difference between revenue and profit Taking strategic control of salary and profit margins Examples of clients increasing the percentage of profits they save 05:39-Why do some high-revenue business owners still feel financially uncertain? The significant difference between revenue and take-home income The misconception that higher revenue automatically means greater financial security The importance of managing money, not just generating it 06:36-What are the biggest and most common bookkeeping mistakes businesses make? Disorganized financial records and last-minute tax preparation The claim that 93% of businesses overpay taxes due to poor record-keeping Underestimating the value of professional bookkeeping support 07:41-How can financial reports become strategic tools rather than just tax documents? Reviewing financial reports regularly with a bookkeeper Gaining insights from profit-and-loss statements and balance sheets Using financial data to plan for seasonality and make strategic investment decisions 08:47-Which three financial metrics matter most every month? Cash flow, revenue, expenses, and profit The importance of keeping expenses within a defined percentage of revenue Using financial metrics to guide sustainable business growth 09:36-How does bookkeeping transition from an administrative task to a strategic advantage? Real-time financial awareness enables calculated risks Better information supports decisions about investments and new opportunities Bookkeeping clarity provides a foundation for competitive business decisions 10:30-What is the first step in automating and systemizing a manual business? Setting up a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system Creating a structured lead-follow-up process Using automation to support consistent business growth 11:05-Where does technology end and human judgment begin in business systems? Technology is an important tool but cannot replace human judgment The value of outsourcing technology-related tasks to skilled team members The importance of having supportive, tech-savvy staff 12:07-Why is gaining two extra hours about more than productivity? Outsourcing tasks can help restore balance and create more personal time Clients can use reclaimed time for personal enrichment, rest, or other priorities Stepping away from work can create space for new ideas and business breakthroughs RESOURCES Learn more about Kirsten Graham: LinkedIn Enjoyed This Podcast? One major aha moment from this episode: failing to separate business and personal finances can create serious problems. This mistake can undermine legal protection and make it difficult to clearly understand your business’s true profitability. Get intentional about separating your personal and business finances—your future self will thank you. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Kirsten Graham is the CEO of Six Figure Business Coaching, helping entrepreneurs build financially strong and sustainable businesses. She brings decades of experience in bookkeeping, business finance, and strategic business management. Her expertise focuses on creating clear financial systems, effective processes, and stronger business operations. The post Kirsten Graham, CEO of Six Figure Business Coaching, on Financial Clarity for Entrepreneurs first appeared on TBCY.

Soyini Coke, Principal at Annona Enterprises & Host of Capitalism Done Right Raised in Atlanta and comes from a Caribbean background. A self-described free spirit and longtime meditation practitioner. Podcast Overview In this inspiring episode of TBCY’s Leaders Who Care series, Soyini Coke shares her personal journey, professional insights, and passionate advocacy for conscious capitalism. Explore her experiences, leadership philosophy, and vision for creating businesses that drive both positive impact and sustainable growth. 00:00-Who Is Soyini Coke, and What Drives Her? Raised in Atlanta and comes from a Caribbean background. A self-described free spirit and longtime meditation practitioner. Enjoys cooking Jamaican food and grew up as a nerdy, bookish child with a deep love for fantasy and science fiction. Played the viola in a youth orchestra. Studied Applied Mathematics and Economics at Harvard, inspired by the universal language of mathematics. 06:16-How Did Soyini’s Career Unfold, and How Did McKinsey Shape Her? Initially planned to pursue engineering but shifted toward business after an uninspiring internship. Joined McKinsey after receiving advice that it offered an excellent foundation in business. Worked with Fortune 20 companies, including American Express, as well as confidential clients. Her experience in South Africa, managing public-private partnerships and cost-cutting initiatives across coastal ports, proved transformative. Developed a rigorous approach to problem-solving and learned to communicate ideas efficiently. Learned the importance of clear and concise communication—often distilling ideas into three key points within thirty seconds. 16:17-What Challenges Do Women—Especially Black Women—Face in Business? Openly discusses experiencing anger and bitterness while navigating microaggressions and institutional racism as a Black woman in business. Emphasizes the importance of transforming adversity into meaningful impact and purpose. Views conscious capitalism as a framework for aligning business values with social impact and addressing inequity. 20:17-How Did Conscious Capitalism Become Central to Her Work? Focuses on mid-market companies, many of which are led by their founding teams. Launched the CEO Exclusive podcast, featuring conversations with fast-growing CEOs. Discovered conscious capitalism, a movement that integrates profitability with holistic stakeholder engagement. Created Capitalism Done Right to highlight businesses that use their platforms to create positive change. Emphasizes that conscious capitalism is not only morally compelling but can also contribute to stronger financial performance. 23:48-Why Hasn’t Conscious Capitalism Been Universally Adopted? Highlights the tension between short-term and long-term thinking, particularly among public companies. Emphasizes the need for delayed gratification to achieve long-term prosperity, something quarterly reporting can undermine. Notes that soft skills and organizational values are increasingly important for attracting and retaining top talent. 26:36-What Is the Impact of AI and Automation on the Workforce and Business Leadership? Entry-level white-collar roles are increasingly being automated. Cites McKinsey’s internal AI system as an example of technology reducing the need for analyst hiring. Raises concerns about how displaced workers will advance without traditional career pathways. Highlights the importance of upskilling, discussions around universal income, and rethinking societal and business responsibilities RESOURCES: Learn more about Soyini Coke: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? Born to Jamaican parents and raised in Atlanta from the third grade, Soyini describes herself as a “nerdy” kid at heart—with big glasses, plenty of books, and a deep love for science fiction. Add classical music, a free-spirit mindset, and a passion for cooking Jamaican food, and you get a fascinating story of individuality, ambition, and purpose. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Soyini Coke is a business leader and advocate for conscious capitalism, championing businesses that create both value and positive social impact. She brings a strong perspective on purpose-driven leadership, combining professional success with meaningful contribution. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes responsibility, sustainability, and long-term growth rather than profit alone. The post Soyini Coke, Principal at Annona Enterprises & Host of Capitalism Done Right first appeared on TBCY.

Sam Kukathas, Founder of Soul Purpose Leaders, on Transforming Leadership and Wellbeing Growing up in Canberra, Australia, surrounded by academic conversations about philosophy, political science, and the human condition The role of curiosity and intellectual rigor in shaping his interests Podcast Overview In this engaging episode of TBCY’s “Leaders Who Care” series, Sam Kukathas shares his inspiring journey from the intellectually vibrant dinner-table conversations of his childhood to founding Soul Purpose Leaders—a movement that blends philosophy, play, self-mastery, and leadership to help people transform their lives and make a meaningful impact on humanity. Below, you’ll find pivotal moments from the episode, framed as questions with key discussion points and timestamps for deeper exploration. 01:19-Who Is Sam Kukathas, and What Shaped His Worldview? Growing up in Canberra, Australia, surrounded by academic conversations about philosophy, political science, and the human condition The role of curiosity and intellectual rigor in shaping his interests Discovering the balance between his father’s scholarly influence and his mother’s expertise in play-based learning Learning the power of language and etymology through his father’s guidance 05:01-What Was Sam Like as a Child and Teenager? A passion for sports and outdoor activities Moving to the U.S. and immersing himself in diverse sports cultures Collecting sports cards and embracing a multi-sport lifestyle Reflecting on how sports built his confidence and influenced his outlook 08:03-How Did Sam’s Academic Path Influence His Purpose? Initially pursuing a philosophy degree and aspiring to become an academic like his father Navigating imposter syndrome while pursuing a doctorate in law at Oxford Struggling with mental health and perfectionism during his doctoral journey Experiencing the breakdown of old identities, which later catalyzed personal growth 11:28-How Does Sam Connect Leadership, Sport, and Humanity? Insights into the philosophy of sport and athlete autonomy Examining leadership, coaching, and the lasting imprints of sports experiences Exploring the interplay between leadership, confidence, and human development 17:09-What Is the Story Behind Soul Purpose Leaders? Evolving from The Philosophical Coach to embracing the intuitive calling to create Soul Purpose Leaders during a breathwork session Overcoming fear and embracing a new identity for his business Building a mission to guide visionary leaders in unlocking their limitless potential Discovering clarity and confidence through deep listening and acceptance 20:05-Can Suffering Be Optional? Personal stories about letting go of attachments to academic achievements Spiritual experiences that led to a new perspective on suffering The belief that suffering is not necessary for growth and that a new paradigm is possible 24:39-How Is Sam Using AI and Technology in His Work? Using AI as a co-creator and editor to support stream-of-consciousness content creation Harnessing world-class research capabilities through technology Moving beyond traditional academic constraints and embracing innovation and “no-box” thinking RESOURCES Learn more about Sam Kukathas: LinkedIn Enjoyed This Podcast? As a child, Sam Kukathas was obsessed with sports—if Wimbledon was on, he was on the tennis courts. Football, baseball, soccer, volleyball…everything except curling (apologies, Canadians!). Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Sam Kukathas is the Founder of Soul Purpose Leaders, a movement dedicated to helping individuals discover purpose and create meaningful impact. His leadership philosophy blends philosophy, play, self-mastery, and personal development to inspire transformational growth. Drawing from a childhood shaped by intellectually stimulating conversations, Sam encourages people to question assumptions, think deeply, and pursue purposeful lives. The post Sam Kukathas, Founder of Soul Purpose Leaders, on Transforming Leadership and Wellbeing first appeared on TBCY.

Roy Moëd, Founder & CEO of Lifebook Publishing, on the Power of Sharing Life Stories Growing up in South Africa, Jersey, and London Experiencing apartheid and antisemitism Podcast Overview In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY), Roy Moëd, Founder & CEO of Lifebook Publishing, shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood and unconventional career path to becoming a successful entrepreneur and the founder of a company dedicated to preserving personal and family legacies. From navigating adversity, antisemitism, and academic challenges to building businesses across industries, Roy’s life story is filled with lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the importance of valuing one’s work. The conversation also explores the inspiration behind Lifebook and how documenting personal memoirs can preserve family histories, strengthen intergenerational connections, and give people a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth. 00:22-Who Is Roy Moëd, and How Did His Early Experiences Shape His Outlook? Growing up in South Africa, Jersey, and London Experiencing apartheid and antisemitism Navigating academic challenges, including undiagnosed dyslexia Building a portfolio career through 29 jobs in six years, ranging from catering to sales 04:31-What Were the Biggest Lessons from Roy’s Unconventional Path to Entrepreneurship? Gaining a “University of Life” experience instead of pursuing a traditional university education Learning the importance of people skills and building relationships with like-minded individuals Understanding why salespeople should never have their earning potential unnecessarily capped Learning to recognize and value the true worth of a business when selling it 10:13-How Did Roy Establish and Grow His Business in the Airline Catering Industry? Co-founding the airline catering business Portions with just two people Scaling the company to 600 employees across four countries Navigating major industry crises, including 9/11, bird flu, and economic downturns Adapting the business model and embracing innovation during challenging periods Introducing early digital solutions, including product catalogues and electronic ordering systems 20:27-What Inspired the Creation of Lifebook, and How Does It Help Families? Being inspired by his desire to uplift his blind and depressed father Recording his father’s stories and discovering the emotional power of preserving family memories Realizing the importance of documenting the wisdom and experiences of older generations Embracing the idea that “when an elder passes, a whole library burns down” Developing Lifebook’s process, in which a dedicated team creates handcrafted legacy books 25:25-What Impact Does Storytelling and Preserving Memories Have on Wellbeing? Giving older adults a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth Encouraging reflection and cognitive stimulation through the process of documenting memories Helping reduce feelings of isolation and strengthening connections between generations Creating lasting family records that can bring memories and joy back to life Providing a tangible way for families to preserve and revisit important stories 33:39-How Can Companies Use Lifebook as a Meaningful Benefit for Employees? Offering a Lifetime Memoir as a retirement or milestone gift Helping employees navigate the transition into retirement while maintaining a sense of purpose and self-worth Recognizing and preserving an employee’s contributions and experiences Demonstrating an organization’s commitment to its people and their personal legacies 35:56-What Is Roy Most Grateful and Hopeful for Amid Global Challenges? Gratitude for his resilient team and their ability to grow Lifebook during the COVID-19 pandemic Seeing younger team members gain wisdom and perspective through the stories of older generations Finding hope in the generosity and willingness of people to volunteer and help others Emphasizing the importance of remembering history and documenting stories so that valuable lessons are not lost RESOURCES Learn More About Roy Moëd ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? Every success can come with setbacks. Roy Moëd experienced major challenges, including 9/11, bird flu, and economic downturns. Yet, he continued to adapt, pivot, and find new ways to move forward—outsourcing manufacturing, reducing reliance on warehouses, and navigating the many challenges faced by the airline industry. His journey is a powerful reminder that resilience, adaptability, and the ability to recognize new opportunities can make all the difference. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Roy Moëd is the Founder and CEO of Lifebook Publishing, dedicated to preserving people’s stories and family histories. His journey from growing up amid apartheid and antisemitism to building successful businesses reflects remarkable resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial courage. Roy has built and led businesses across multiple sectors, embracing unconventional career paths and learning valuable lessons from both success and setbacks. The post Roy Moëd, Founder & CEO of Lifebook Publishing, on the Power of Sharing Life Stories first appeared on TBCY.

Karen Salmansohn: Bestselling Author & Behavioural Change Expert on Creativity, Purpose, and Living a “To-Die-For” Life A childhood love of psychology and humor, fueled by reading Psychology Today and Mad Magazine. The influence of her mother, a creative actress on The Jean London Show. Podcast Overview Welcome to our recap of this engaging episode of The Brand Called You’s Leaders Who Care series, featuring Karen Salmansohn, Bestselling Author & Behavioural Change Expert. Karen shares her personal story, professional journey, lessons learned along the way, and her vision for living a meaningful and fulfilling life. 01:10-Who Is Karen Salmansohn, and What Shaped Her Creative Vision? A childhood love of psychology and humor, fueled by reading Psychology Today and Mad Magazine. The influence of her mother, a creative actress on The Jean London Show. Growing up with the belief that it was possible to build a career around creativity. 02:28-How Did Karen’s Early Experiences and Family Influence Her Path? Watching her mother perform creatively and portray unique characters, including witches. Childhood stories involving Halloween and reactions from the local community. A close family bond and a playful relationship with her older brother. 06:13-What Were Karen’s Interests and Experiences as a Teenager? A passion for writing and drawing, often choosing creative pursuits over watching television. Early acting experiences in commercials for Hersheypark and McDonald’s, as well as a role in a cult horror film. Early signs of her talent for humorous copywriting, even during her childhood acting years. 10:49-What Fueled Karen’s Career Transition from Advertising to Authorship? Beginning her advertising career at J. Walter Thompson and achieving early recognition with a Clio Award. Growing dissatisfied with advertising politics and seeking a more meaningful way to make an impact through writing. Secretly leaving her job despite her parents’ wishes and writing her first novel, which was eventually published and optioned for film. 13:43-What Were Karen’s Breakthrough Moments, and How Did Serendipity Play a Role? Visualizing success by imagining her book displayed alongside J. D. Salinger’s on a bookstore shelf. Securing her first literary agent through a spontaneous and genuinely enthusiastic conversation in an elevator at MTV. 17:56-How Did Karen Create a Viral Movement and Launch a Jewelry Line? Embracing inspirational image quotes on Facebook before the format became widely popular. Growing the page to more than one million followers. Turning that viral success into a collaboration with the Home Shopping Network to create inspirational jewelry. 23:36-What Inspired Karen’s Bestselling Book How to Be Happy, Damn It!? Wanting to make self-help more approachable for people who were skeptical of the genre. Challenging traditional publishing expectations with an edgy title, bold design, and unconventional approach. Taking creative control of the project and turning it into a bestselling phenomenon with pop-culture recognition, including an appearance in an Eminem music video. RESOURCES Learn more about Karen Salmansohn: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? Ready for an inspiring ride? Karen Salmansohn grew up devouring Psychology Today and Mad Magazine. Blend the psychology of one with the humor of the other, and you get the playful wisdom that has become the hallmark of her bestselling self-help books. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Karen Salmansohn is a bestselling author and behavioral change expert known for making personal development practical, engaging, and relatable. She combines psychology, humor, and motivational insights to help people develop healthier mindsets and create meaningful personal change. Karen’s professional journey reflects resilience, creativity, and the courage to pursue opportunities through authentic self-expression. The post Karen Salmansohn: Bestselling Author & Behavioural Change Expert on Creativity, Purpose, and Living a “To-Die-For” Life first appeared on TBCY.

Perry Atwal, Full-Time Instructor, Sauder School of Business, UBC A childhood love of psychology and humor, fueled by reading Psychology Today and Mad Magazine. The influence of her mother, a creative actress on The Jean London Show. Podcast Overview Welcome to our recap of this engaging episode of The Brand Called You’s Leaders Who Care series, featuring Karen Salmansohn, Bestselling Author & Behavioural Change Expert. Karen shares her personal story, professional journey, lessons learned along the way, and her vision for living a meaningful and fulfilling life. 01:10-Who Is Karen Salmansohn, and What Shaped Her Creative Vision? A childhood love of psychology and humor, fueled by reading Psychology Today and Mad Magazine. The influence of her mother, a creative actress on The Jean London Show. Growing up with the belief that it was possible to build a career around creativity. 02:28-How Did Karen’s Early Experiences and Family Influence Her Path? Watching her mother perform creatively and portray unique characters, including witches. Childhood stories involving Halloween and reactions from the local community. A close family bond and a playful relationship with her older brother. 06:13-What Were Karen’s Interests and Experiences as a Teenager? A passion for writing and drawing, often choosing creative pursuits over watching television. Early acting experiences in commercials for Hersheypark and McDonald’s, as well as a role in a cult horror film. Early signs of her talent for humorous copywriting, even during her childhood acting years. 10:49-What Fueled Karen’s Career Transition from Advertising to Authorship? Beginning her advertising career at J. Walter Thompson and achieving early recognition with a Clio Award. Growing dissatisfied with advertising politics and seeking a more meaningful way to make an impact through writing. Secretly leaving her job despite her parents’ wishes and writing her first novel, which was eventually published and optioned for film. 13:43-What Were Karen’s Breakthrough Moments, and How Did Serendipity Play a Role? Visualizing success by imagining her book displayed alongside J. D. Salinger’s on a bookstore shelf. Securing her first literary agent through a spontaneous and genuinely enthusiastic conversation in an elevator at MTV. 17:56-How Did Karen Create a Viral Movement and Launch a Jewelry Line? Embracing inspirational image quotes on Facebook before the format became widely popular. Growing the page to more than one million followers. Turning that viral success into a collaboration with the Home Shopping Network to create inspirational jewelry. 23:36-What Inspired Karen’s Bestselling Book How to Be Happy, Damn It!? Wanting to make self-help more approachable for people who were skeptical of the genre. Challenging traditional publishing expectations with an edgy title, bold design, and unconventional approach. Taking creative control of the project and turning it into a bestselling phenomenon with pop-culture recognition, including an appearance in an Eminem music video. RESOURCES Learn more about Karen Salmansohn: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? Ready for an inspiring ride? Karen Salmansohn grew up devouring Psychology Today and Mad Magazine. Blend the psychology of one with the humor of the other, and you get the playful wisdom that has become the hallmark of her bestselling self-help books. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Karen Salmansohn is a bestselling author and behavioral change expert known for making personal development practical, engaging, and relatable. She combines psychology, humor, and motivational insights to help people develop healthier mindsets and create meaningful personal change. Karen’s professional journey reflects resilience, creativity, and the courage to pursue opportunities through authentic self-expression. The post Perry Atwal, Full-Time Instructor, Sauder School of Business, UBC first appeared on TBCY.

George Pillari, Managing Partner of Running Fox Partners, on Embracing AI for Lifelong Success Early experiences as a young entrepreneur Advice from experienced colleagues about “growing up” as a leader Podcast Overview In this episode of The Brand Called You, George Pillari, Managing Partner of Running Fox Partners, joins host Ashutosh Garg to discuss leadership lessons from decades of experience in healthcare, insights from his book No Adult Left Behind: AI Is Learning, Are You?, and practical advice for embracing artificial intelligence in both personal and professional life. The conversation explores why AI is fundamentally different from previous technology waves, what it means to become “AI fluent,” and why everyone—especially experienced professionals—must adapt to avoid being left behind. 00:46 – What defining moments shaped George Pillari’s leadership philosophy? Early experiences as a young entrepreneur Advice from experienced colleagues about “growing up” as a leader Realization that people often act in their own self-interest—an important insight for understanding leadership 02:24 – What separates successful leaders from those who struggle? Patterns observed in distressed healthcare organizations The danger of management continuing with flawed plans or visions Example of a failed hospital transplant program caused by poor strategic judgment How boards can fail to challenge poor management decisions 04:18 – Why the book title “No Adult Left Behind”? Who is at risk of being left behind? Inspiration from the U.S. “No Child Left Behind” legislation Why adults may resist learning foundational skills because they already perceive themselves as successful The disparity in AI adoption among professionals, friends, and peers The risk faced by mid- and late-career professionals who ignore AI 06:10 – Why is AI fundamentally different from spreadsheets, email, or the internet? AI is becoming pervasive across industries, much like the internet—but with an even broader reach AI is increasingly embedded invisibly into everyday systems and processes Examples from healthcare and aviation AI as foundational “gridwork” for future tools and processes 07:11 – What is the biggest mistake executives make about AI? Treating AI as just another free tool Underestimating its capabilities and the importance of investing in AI education and resources How fear or reluctance to learn new technology can cause professionals to fall behind rapidly 08:46 – What is the simplest first step to start using AI? Use AI to evaluate and improve your LinkedIn profile or résumé Upload your documents and ask AI for specific suggestions or rewrites Use AI as a personal productivity tool to experience its immediate benefits 10:09 – What does “AI fluency” mean in practical terms? Going beyond basic search queries Providing AI with personal context to receive more relevant and tailored responses Understanding how detailed, scenario-based prompts can produce better results than simple searches 11:24 – What’s the difference between search, chatbots, and agents—and why is this critical? Search: Helps users find and retrieve information from a vast pool of sources Chatbots: Provide responses within a defined knowledge or conversational context Agents: Can perform tasks and make decisions with varying levels of autonomy Examples include booking travel and summarizing emails or news Why users need to be cautious when giving AI agents too much autonomy 15:20 – Will prompting become as fundamental as email or spreadsheets? Prompt engineering as an essential future workplace skill The value of effective prompting lies not only in technical knowledge but also in clear thinking and context Why professionals should upskill and develop this increasingly important ability 16:39 – Is recruitment now a “battle of the bots”? How AI-powered résumé screening can filter out strong candidates before human review Why applicants should use AI to optimize their résumés The continued importance of networking and building genuine professional relationships The need to balance technological skills with human connection RESOURCES Learn more about George Pillari: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? The Big Truth: AI is not like spreadsheets or email. You could choose whether or not to use those technologies, but AI is increasingly becoming woven into every job, industry, and aspect of everyday life. Ignore it, and you risk falling behind quickly. What are your thoughts on AI and the future of work? Share your perspective in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile George Pillari is the Managing Partner of Running Fox Partners, bringing decades of experience in healthcare and organizational leadership. He is the author of No Adult Left Behind: AI Is Learning, Are You?, which explores the urgent need for professionals to understand and adapt to artificial intelligence. George advocates becoming AI fluent, encouraging experienced professionals and leaders to embrace continuous learning rather than fear technological change. The post George Pillari, Managing Partner of Running Fox Partners, on Embracing AI for Lifelong Success first appeared on TBCY.

Insights from Marc Inzelstein, Author & Executive Advisor Marc brings more than 35 years of business experience and 25 years as an executive advisor and leadership coach. His father’s resilience and positive outlook after surviving the Holocaust deeply influenced his perspective. Podcast Overview In this captivating episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg welcomes Marc Inzelstein, author of Essential Leadership: Practicing L.O.V.E. in Turbulent Times. Together, they explore how embracing our shared humanity can transform leadership in today’s increasingly complex world. 00:50-What Is Marc Inzelstein’s Leadership Journey, and What Prompted Him to Write This Book? | Marc brings more than 35 years of business experience and 25 years as an executive advisor and leadership coach. His father’s resilience and positive outlook after surviving the Holocaust deeply influenced his perspective. Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning further shaped his thinking about choice, purpose, and resilience. These experiences helped Marc integrate choice, positivity, and purpose into his leadership philosophy. 03:41-What Is the Most Common Struggle Facing Leaders Today? | Staying grounded, resilient, and connected to their humanity. Navigating unprecedented levels of complexity in the modern business world. Even talented and values-driven leaders face increasingly difficult challenges. 04:40-What Is “Essential Leadership,” and How Does It Differ from Traditional Leadership? | Essential leadership focuses on connecting with our deeper human essence. Navigating complexity requires leaders to access deeper internal resources. It goes beyond conventional management strategies to focus on the human side of leadership. 05:51-Why Does Marc Use L.O.V.E. as a Leadership Framework? | Letting Go: Releasing the need to control the uncontrollable and learning to respond rather than react. Oneness: Recognizing the interconnectedness of people, teams, and organizations. Vision: Practicing conscious and disciplined aspiration beyond traditional strategic vision. Energy: Bringing a positive, grounded, and inspiring presence that influences others. 08:07How Does “Letting Go” Make Leaders Stronger? | Letting go means releasing the attempt to control what cannot be controlled. It allows leaders to shift from reactivity to thoughtful responses. Excessive control can create friction and reduce organizational effectiveness. 09:34-How Can Leaders Embrace Oneness in a Competitive Environment? | Oneness is not simply about being “nice”; it is about recognizing interdependence. Customers expect seamless experiences rather than disconnected departmental interactions. True accountability emerges when people see themselves as part of the whole. 11:21-How Is Marc’s Definition of Vision Different from Traditional Strategic Vision? | Vision is an ongoing, conscious discipline rather than simply a strategic statement. It involves being intentional about what we are “living into.” Leaders must avoid unconsciously responding from fear, stress, or pressure. 13:08-Why Is Energy a Critical Leadership Capability Today? | A leader’s presence can influence team performance before they even speak. Hope, equanimity, and positive energy become particularly important during challenging times. Marc emphasizes the significant influence a leader’s energy can have on team performance. 15:01-Why Are Organizational Changes Fundamentally Human Challenges? | Behind every strategy, process, and organizational system are human beings with emotions, fears, and aspirations. Addressing the human element is essential for successful change and execution. RESOURCES Learn more about Marc Inzelstein: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? At the heart of Marc Inzelstein’s leadership philosophy is L.O.V.E.—not simply as a feeling, but as an operating framework for organizations. Here’s what each letter represents: L — Letting Go O — Oneness V — Vision E — Energy Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these leadership insights throughout your network.Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Marc Inzelstein is the author of Essential Leadership: Practicing L.O.V.E. in Turbulent Times, exploring a more human-centered approach to leadership. He advocates leading with L.O.V.E.—listening, openness, vulnerability, and empathy—to build stronger and more meaningful human connections. Marc believes that embracing our shared humanity is essential for navigating complexity, uncertainty, and the challenges of modern leadership. The post Insights from Marc Inzelstein, Author & Executive Advisor first appeared on TBCY.

Chitra Iyer, Co-Founder & CEO of Space2Grow, on Child Protection & Social Impact A desire to take a path different from societal expectations Early involvement in community work and teaching Podcast Overview In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg interviews Chitra Iyer, Co-Founder & CEO of Space2Grow, a social impact consulting firm. With over 20 years of experience in the social sector, Chitra shares her journey of choosing social work over a corporate career and leading impactful initiatives in child protection, digital safety, and anti-human trafficking. 00:41-What Inspired Chitra Iyer to Choose the Social Sector Over a Corporate Career? A desire to take a path different from societal expectations Early involvement in community work and teaching An interest in addressing real-world poverty and inequality rather than understanding them only in theory A desire to stay close to reality and make a meaningful impact 02:44-How Does Chitra Sustain Motivation in Emotionally Demanding Fields? Viewing motivation as a daily discipline rather than simply a mood A personal anecdote from human trafficking rescue operations in West Bengal that demonstrated the resilience of survivors Witnessing hope and transformation among survivors as a continuing source of motivation 05:36-What Is Space2Grow, and What Gap Does It Fill? Introduction to Space2Grow as a social impact consulting firm Focus areas include child protection, digital safety, and anti-human trafficking Providing advisory and programmatic support to governments, philanthropic organizations, investors, and nonprofits Supporting capacity building, technical expertise, and collective impact across the sector 08:19-What Are the Biggest Underestimated Threats to Children Today? Children are digital natives with widespread access to devices, including in rural areas Parents may focus on offline threats while underestimating digital risks The need for digital etiquette, discipline, and safety awareness 09:48-What Are the Biggest Misconceptions About Child Safety? Many believe threats come mainly from strangers, overlooking the risks posed by people children already know Danger is often seen as external to the home or community, limiting prevention and timely support Families may hesitate to address abuse involving someone familiar, reinforcing the misconception that threats only come from outsiders 12:01- Where Should Parents Focus Their Concerns About Technology? Building open, non-judgmental communication with children Recognizing the role of the wider ecosystem, including parents, schools, platforms, and law enforcement, in safeguarding children Creating a safe space where children feel comfortable sharing concerns and seeking help in critical moments 13:48-How Has Human Trafficking Evolved in Recent Years? Trafficking has shifted from primarily physical methods to digital channels, with technology increasingly used to lure victims Changes have been driven by increased smartphone access and online visibility Important legal milestones include Supreme Court judgments concerning child sexual abuse material and rehabilitation rights for victims RESOURCES: Learn more about Chitra Iyer: LinkedIn Enjoyed This Podcast? For businesses, child safety isn’t just a CSR issue—it’s a core business responsibility. If you wouldn’t want your own child to be unsafe on your platform, why tolerate those risks for any child? Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these important insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Chitra Iyer is the Co-Founder and CEO of Space2Grow, dedicated to helping organizations create meaningful and sustainable social change. With over two decades of experience in the social sector, she has built a career focused on child protection, digital safety, and preventing human trafficking. Chitra chose a purpose-driven path in social work over a conventional corporate career, bringing strategic thinking and leadership to complex social challenges. The post Chitra Iyer, Co-Founder & CEO of Space2Grow, on Child Protection & Social Impact first appeared on TBCY.

Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer, Women in Governance Growing up in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War Moving internationally eight times before adulthood Podcast Overview In this inspiring episode of TBCY’s Leaders Who Care series, Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer of Women in Governance, shares her powerful journey from war-torn Lebanon to becoming a leading advocate for gender equity and corporate inclusion in Canada. Her personal resilience, experiences as an immigrant and single mother, and global advocacy for women’s leadership offer valuable lessons for both personal and systemic transformation. 01:46: Who Is Caroline Codsi? Growing up in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War Moving internationally eight times before adulthood Leaving Lebanon at 17 to pursue her education independently in Paris Learning resilience, independence, and self-belief from her family Embracing challenges that shaped her character and leadership style 05:28: How Did Caroline Break into the Corporate World in Canada? Navigating Canada’s corporate world as an immigrant Rising to become Executive Vice President at a leading medical company Founding Women in Governance to address gender inequality in leadership Recognizing that Western societies continue to face systemic workplace inequities 09:39: What Is Women in Governance, and Why Was It Founded? Responding to alarming statistics: only 12% of board seats were held by women in 2010 Developing programs for mentoring, training, and leadership development Recognizing that systemic barriers are rooted not in women’s capabilities but in workplace cultures and policies Launching the Parity Certification, modeled on rigorous audit standards such as ISO 12:25: What Is the Parity Certification, and How Does It Work? Developed in partnership with McKinsey & Company More than 150 major organizations certified across various sectors Conducting a detailed self-assessment covering more than 80 questions on hiring, retention, promotions, and pay equity Measuring progress through year-over-year benchmarking and continuous improvement Recognizing participating organizations at public gala events 17:20: How Does the Current Social and Political Climate Affect DEI in Canada and the US? Observing the backlash against DEI in the US, with some organizations retreating from previous commitments Examining the role of values and patriotism in Canada Recognizing that women influence approximately 80% of consumer purchasing decisions Emphasizing the importance of businesses maintaining genuine commitments to equity and inclusion 21:00: Why Does Diversity Matter for Business Success? Bringing essential and complementary perspectives into decision-making Guarding against groupthink and encouraging innovative solutions Improving decision-making and positively influencing financial performance Recognizing diversity beyond gender and ethnicity to include age, background, experience, and skills 25:35: What Has Caroline Learned from Speaking Around the World? Speaking in countries including Dubai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Japan, France, and Iceland Observing significant cultural differences in approaches to gender equality, from Iceland’s leadership to Japan’s continuing challenges Exchanging advocacy, ideas, and lessons with audiences around the world Emphasizing the value of experiencing and understanding diverse cultures and practices 29:09: Can Single Mothers Thrive Professionally and Raise Successful Children? Caroline’s experience as a single mother and business leader Involving her children in charitable work to foster empathy and responsibility Challenging the myth that children of working mothers are disadvantaged Encouraging single mothers to pursue both professional success and meaningful parenting while instilling strong values RESOURCES Learn more about Caroline Codsi: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? Caroline Codsi helped build a Parity Certification—a gender-equity standard developed in collaboration with McKinsey & Company. More than 150 major organizations have used the certification to measure progress, identify gaps, and drive meaningful workplace change. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Caroline Codsi is the Founder and Chief Equity Officer of Women in Governance, dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and workplace inclusion. Her journey from war-torn Lebanon to building a successful life and career in Canada reflects extraordinary resilience, courage, and determination. Drawing on her experiences as an immigrant and single mother, Caroline advocates for removing systemic barriers and creating more equitable opportunities for women in leadership. The post Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer, Women in Governance first appeared on TBCY.

Stan Chen, CEO of RecycleGO & Sinansys, on Innovation in Recycling and Supply Chains Born in Queens, New York, to Taiwanese immigrant parents His father was a nuclear engineer and math genius who built a successful business in the United States Podcast Overview The conversation focused on Stan Chen’s journey, highlighting his background, key inflection points in life, and innovative work at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and supply chains. A key theme that emerged was the importance of impact-driven leadership, leveraging technology for social good, and building resilient systems to address modern challenges. 00:44-Who Is Stan Chen and What Is His Background? Born in Queens, New York, to Taiwanese immigrant parents His father was a nuclear engineer and math genius who built a successful business in the United States Shaped by a family legacy rooted in perseverance and impact Reflected on his relationship with his older sister and the roles within his family 05:39-What Influenced Stan’s Early Interests and Education? Experienced a classic, high-achieving immigrant upbringing Pursued the violin and excelled in math and science Navigated dual cultural expectations Developed early intellectual curiosity and an entrepreneurial drive Attended Boston University’s seven-year B.A./M.D. program in medical science 11:26-How Did Travel and Cultural Reconnection Shape Stan’s Purpose? Spent time in Taiwan after college, teaching and running an English school Gained real-world entrepreneurial experience Developed a deeper appreciation for community, culture, and spiritual connection Explored quantum concepts and philosophical reflections on science and spirituality 17:13-What Was the Inflection Point That Led Stan into Sustainability and Supply Chain Technology? Drew inspiration from his father’s involvement in the recycling and scrap metal business Realized that recycling is essentially a reverse logistics supply chain Sought to transform and honour his family’s legacy through an impact-driven approach Leveraged technology to improve recycling and support a circular manufacturing process 19:39-How Do RecycleGO and Sinansys Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology for Impact? RecycleGO uses blockchain to improve traceability in recyclables and supply chain emissions Sinansys employs quantum computing to predict and mitigate supply chain disruptions, including extreme weather events and geopolitical shocks Both businesses emphasize transparency, data-driven decision-making, and resilient supply chains Their work also focuses on supporting marginalized communities that are often most affected by global disruptions 22:36-What Is the Vision for Business Models in the New Era? Modern businesses must integrate people, profit, and planet Environmental and societal externalities must be factored into business decisions A more inclusive, evolved, and responsible economic system is needed RESOURCES: Learn more about Stan Chen: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? Why Tech + Sustainability Matter Economic models often ignore environmental and social externalities, which must become central considerations in the future of business. Projects such as RecycleGO use blockchain to bring traceability and transparency to recycling, supporting climate, community, and commerce. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Stan Chen is an impact-driven leader focused on creating solutions at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and resilient supply chains. His professional journey has been shaped by key life experiences and inflection points that strengthened his commitment to innovation and purpose-led leadership. Stan advocates leveraging technology to address real-world challenges, improve supply-chain resilience, and create meaningful social and environmental impact. The post Stan Chen, CEO of RecycleGO & Sinansys, on Innovation in Recycling and Supply Chains first appeared on TBCY.

Richard Blossom, Co-Founder & CEO, Hill Tribe Organics Grew up in the woods of Connecticut, developing a strong sense of exploration and independence. Lived and worked in New York and Singapore for nearly 30 years before settling in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Podcast Overview Welcome to our latest blog recap of The Brand Called You podcast, featuring Richard Blossom, Co-Founder & CEO of Hill Tribe Organics. In this inspiring conversation, Richard shares his personal journey, professional milestones, and commitment to sustainable agriculture, social entrepreneurship, and community revitalization. 00:47-Who Is Richard Blossom, and What Shaped His Early Outlook? | Grew up in the woods of Connecticut, developing a strong sense of exploration and independence. Lived and worked in New York and Singapore for nearly 30 years before settling in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Comes from a close-knit family with three daughters and two grandsons, with the Blossom name carrying a strong sense of family pride. Demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age through summer jobs, a paper route, and selling instruction manuals at 18. 10:45-How Did His Career Path Evolve Across Major Companies? | Earned an MBA from NYU after completing his undergraduate studies at Colgate University. Began his corporate career at Kraft General Foods, gaining valuable marketing experience and building relationships through tennis. Joined Pepsi, where he worked in new product development and brand marketing during the highly competitive “Cola Wars.” Led music marketing initiatives involving major artists, including Michael Jackson. Experienced Pepsi’s strong culture of HR, mentorship, and professional development. Took on international responsibilities, including managing Pepsi Asia-Pacific and working in South Africa during apartheid. Later moved to Frito-Lay, gaining experience across logistics and beverage technology. Joined Del Monte Pacific, eventually serving on its board and taking a leadership role in major acquisitions and business growth. 23:30-What Inspired the Shift Into Sustainable Agriculture and Social Entrepreneurship? | Through his involvement with YPO, Richard developed a deeper interest in social entrepreneurship and working with young people. Became involved in Catapult, a social entrepreneurship program in Thailand focused on helping rural villages overcome poverty. The experience created a strong sense of responsibility to continue the work beyond the initial project. This ultimately led to the founding of Hill Tribe Organics, turning the lessons from the pilot project into a sustainable business model. 28:39-How Does Hill Tribe Organics Create Community Impact? | Focused on creating high-impact change by introducing organic, free-range eggs to the Thai market. Developed a model that provided families with hens and free feed while purchasing their eggs, helping them significantly increase their income. Created sustainable livelihoods that provided families with a reliable daily source of income. Empowered women farmers with greater financial independence and opportunities to support their children’s education. Began with a local community-focused model while developing opportunities to bring shelf-stable products to wider and international markets. 34:43-What Are Perfect Earth Foods and the Wawi Foundation’s Roles? | Perfect Earth Foods developed premium rice-based products, including pad thai noodles, ramen, and crackers, for international markets. The Wawi Foundation was established to expand the impact of Hill Tribe Organics across the Wawi Valley. The initiative focuses on approximately 100,000 acres and 5,000 families, with the long-term goal of transitioning the region toward regenerative organic agriculture. Together, these initiatives aim to connect farmers with stronger markets while creating sustainable economic and environmental impact. 39:44-Why Focus on Regenerative Organic Agriculture, and What Is the Vision? | Richard recognized that while organic agriculture is important, it alone may not be enough to address challenges such as climate change. The vision is to transition the Wawi Valley toward regenerative organic farming practices. The approach focuses on producing healthier food while restoring soil, ecosystems, and community resilience. Richard emphasizes market-first, branded platforms that can give farmers stronger margins and greater economic sustainability. Future plans include expanding into shelf-stable products such as coffee, cacao, turmeric, moringa, and wellness blends. RESOURCES Learn more about Richard Blossom: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? Richard Blossom’s journey began in Connecticut, where growing up “in the woods” near New York fostered independence, curiosity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. From mowing lawns and running a paper route to writing scientific manuals at 18, these early experiences helped shape the mindset that would later guide his corporate career and social entrepreneurship journey. His transition from leading global businesses at Kraft, Pepsi, Frito-Lay, and Del Monte to building purpose-driven ventures such as Hill Tribe Organics demonstrates how business experience can be transformed into meaningful community impact. What part of Richard’s journey inspired you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Richard Blossom is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hill Tribe Organics, dedicated to building ethical and sustainable agricultural businesses. He is passionate about social entrepreneurship and creating business models that generate both economic opportunity and meaningful community impact. Richard works to promote sustainable farming, responsible sourcing, and community revitalization through purpose-driven initiatives. The post Richard Blossom, Co-Founder & CEO, Hill Tribe Organics first appeared on TBCY.

Brontë Hamilton, VP, Strategy & BD at TE Connectivity Grew up on a remote farm in Western Australia, six hours from Perth and outside a small town. Reflects on how her rural upbringing developed work ethic, responsibility, and resilience. Podcast Overview Discover the inspiring journey of Brontë Hamilton, VP, Strategy & BD at TE Connectivity, on the “Leaders Who Care” series of The Brand Called You podcast. In this episode, Brontë shares powerful lessons from her journey from a remote farm in Western Australia to the global stage. The conversation explores leadership, resilience, trust, innovation, military service, women in leadership, and the evolving relationship between technology and humanity. From learning leadership through working with horses to serving in the Australian military and navigating global business, Brontë offers valuable perspectives on building trust, embracing change, developing people, and leading through uncertainty. 01:20-Who Is Brontë Hamilton, and Where Does Her Story Begin? | Grew up on a remote farm in Western Australia, six hours from Perth and outside a small town. Reflects on how her rural upbringing developed work ethic, responsibility, and resilience. Her family remains in Australia, while Brontë now lives in Zurich, Switzerland. Shares the story behind her unique name, “Brontë,” which means “thunder” in Greek. 04:24-What Lessons Did Brontë Learn from Her Childhood and Family? | Learned responsibility from an early age through farm chores and early mornings. Developed a passion for horse riding through her mother and discovered valuable lessons about leadership through working with large animals. Developed a love for reading through her mother, a librarian, gaining empathy and broader perspectives through books. Learned resilience through experiences such as learning to ride horses bareback and repeatedly getting back up after falling. 09:14-How Did Military Training and Early Career Shape Brontë’s Leadership? | Initially considered a career in law before joining the Australian Defence Force Academy. Studied Information Systems, Management, and Politics while receiving military training. Joined the Australian Army to gain education, experience, and opportunities beyond her small-town upbringing. Embraced the military ethos of “protect and serve,” which continued to influence her worldview and leadership philosophy. 13:08-What Were the Pivotal Moments in Brontë’s Military Career? | Graduated during a period when Australia was becoming involved in major international conflicts, including East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Specialized in communications and intelligence while rapidly developing technical and analytical skills. Served in Iraq during the search for weapons of mass destruction and experienced the complexity of major international decisions and collaborations. 17:42-How Did Brontë Experience and Overcome Challenges as a Woman in the Military? | Describes the physical and mental demands of military training, including the challenges faced by women in her cohort. Explains how earning trust and respect helped build strong, gender-neutral camaraderie and team spirit. Faced additional scrutiny as a minority, particularly during overseas deployments, which strengthened her resilience and confidence. Believes leadership should be evaluated based on good versus poor leadership, rather than being defined by gender. 20:48-What Are Brontë’s Perspectives on Trust and Leadership in Teams? | Genuine trust and respect are the foundations of effective leadership in both military and business environments. Challenges the perception that military leadership is simply about giving orders; effective leadership is about building cohesive, high-performing teams. Emphasizes clarity, transparency, and communication as essential to building trust and organizational performance. 24:33-How Did Brontë Transition from the Military to TE Connectivity? | Received the Chief of Army Scholarship and completed an MBA at Penn State. Highlights the importance of programs that help veterans successfully transition into civilian careers. Began a new chapter in the United States as a finance analyst at TE Connectivity. Over a 14-year career, moved across multiple roles and eventually led a major business divestment. RESOURCES Learn more about Brontë Hamilton: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? Brontë Hamilton’s journey highlights the lasting impact of military training and the powerful ethos of “protect and serve.” From Australia to Iraq and Afghanistan, these experiences shaped her approach to leadership, adaptability, continuous learning, and creating meaningful impact. What lessons from Brontë’s journey resonated most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these leadership insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Brontë Hamilton is the VP of Strategy & Business Development at TE Connectivity, where she focuses on strategy, innovation, and business growth. Her journey from a remote farm in Western Australia to military service and global business leadership has shaped her resilient and adaptable approach to leadership. Brontë draws leadership lessons from diverse experiences, including working with horses, serving in the Australian military, and leading through complex organizational environments. The post Brontë Hamilton, VP, Strategy & BD at TE Connectivity first appeared on TBCY.

How Virtual Teams Are Transforming Healthcare: Insights from Chris McShanag Addressing staffing challenges in the U.S. healthcare sector Reducing administrative burdens on practitioners and clinics Podcast Overview In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, Chris McShanag, Founder & CEO of Virtual Teammate, shares his journey and expertise in navigating the evolving world of virtual teams, AI integration, and operational challenges in healthcare. Explore how virtual models, effective delegation, and technology are reshaping the future of work and healthcare delivery. 00:41 – What problem was Virtual Teammate founded to solve? Addressing staffing challenges in the U.S. healthcare sector Reducing administrative burdens on practitioners and clinics Enabling healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care by offloading back-office tasks 01:17 – Why did Chris believe virtual teams were the future? Drawing on insights from his consulting background working with doctors and clinics Recognizing that technology was pulling practitioners away from patient interaction Identifying the need to automate and delegate administrative duties to improve healthcare outcomes 02:00 – Why does company growth often increase stress for owners? Failing to establish clear expectations and roles Highly skilled personnel handling low-value tasks, or “$100 resources doing $10 tasks” Patient dissatisfaction caused by administrative inefficiencies Physician burnout resulting from overwhelming paperwork outside clinic hours 03:02 – What are the most common operational bottlenecks in growing businesses? Challenges with insurance verification and billing in healthcare The critical importance of proper staffing and role allocation Healthcare’s unique model of often delivering services before payment is guaranteed 04:34 – How do leaders decide which tasks to delegate? Distinguishing between urgent and important tasks and urgent but less important activities Focusing personal efforts on high-value, revenue-generating work Delegating repetitive, process-driven activities such as social media and email management Aligning roles and expectations with measurable outcomes 06:49 – How do you build trust in fully remote teams? Using behavioural trait assessments, such as the Cultural Index, to improve team matching Fostering transparency and sharing productivity metrics Achieving productivity gains and significant staffing cost savings through virtual models 10:40 – How can virtual teammates become part of a company’s culture? Organizing monthly virtual team events and using gamification strategies Assigning client success managers to provide support and facilitate integration Offering benefits to gig workers to cultivate loyalty Emphasizing behavioural traits and maintaining high performance standards 10:50 – How will AI and human talent evolve together? Using AI as a productivity tool rather than a replacement, especially in healthcare Balancing AI-driven automation with essential human accountability Addressing the risks of overreliance on AI, including bias and a lack of nuance in unstructured data Recognizing AI-enabled employees as the new standard for productivity 12:48 – Can AI manage virtual teams better than humans? Using AI for productivity tracking and analytics Recognizing that human managers remain essential for nurturing talent, providing feedback, and mastering the art of management Balancing automation with human judgment to achieve effective team leadership 14:44 – Where is human judgment irreplaceable? Recognizing AI’s limitations in moral decision-making and value-based judgments Challenging automated outputs and ensuring ethical human oversight 15:16 – How can virtual teams ease pressure on healthcare systems? Helping small and independent clinics streamline their operations Providing efficient back-office support while reducing overhead costs Demonstrating impact through real-world examples, such as doubling a client’s claims-processing capacity 17:47 – Which administrative tasks are most time-consuming in healthcare? Insurance verification, billing, and claims management Patient scheduling and communication Access to global talent pools and its impact on traditional hiring models 18:09 – Which healthcare innovations are most exciting for the future? Advances in genetic and precision medicine for preventive healthcare AI’s potential to accelerate medical research and clinical trials Balancing technological advances with the essential human touch in patient care RESOURCES Learn more about Chris McShanag: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? Back-office bottlenecks can be silent killers. Think insurance verification, billing, and simply hoping to get paid. Unlike many other sectors, healthcare providers often deliver services before receiving payment, with no guarantee of reimbursement. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Chris McShanag is the Founder and CEO of Virtual Teammate, helping organizations build and manage effective remote teams. He specializes in virtual workforce models, operational efficiency, delegation, and the integration of technology to improve business performance. Chris brings particular insight into healthcare operations, exploring how virtual teams and AI can address workforce challenges and improve service delivery. The post How Virtual Teams Are Transforming Healthcare: Insights from Chris McShanag first appeared on TBCY.

Insights from Shashank Akinapalli, Senior Data Engineer at TCS Growing up in South India with a strong interest in mathematics. Studying at GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, where he gained exposure to advanced technologies and had access to a 24/7 computer lab. Podcast Overview Shashank discusses adapting to new cultures and technological changes, the challenges of migrating legacy systems, the growing strategic importance of data, and what the future holds for data professionals. Below are the key moments and learnings from the conversation. 00:50-What sparked Shashank’s passion for technology, and how did his early years shape his career? Growing up in South India with a strong interest in mathematics. Studying at GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, where he gained exposure to advanced technologies and had access to a 24/7 computer lab. Exploring database management, Unified Modeling Language (UML), and basic artificial intelligence as early as 2012. 02:05-What were the biggest challenges Shashank faced when moving to the United States? Adapting to American English and different communication styles. Understanding new cultural nuances. Connecting with international students during his master’s program to better adapt to the U.S. education and work culture. 02:56-How does Shashank differentiate between data engineering, data analytics, and data science? Data Engineering: Builds the infrastructure and pipelines that make data accessible. Data Analytics: Turns data into reports and insights to support decision-making. Data Science: Uses data, AI, and machine learning to build predictive models and uncover deeper insights. 04:15-Why has data become a strategic asset for organizations? The rapid growth of diverse data types, including structured and unstructured data, voice, and text. Real-time decision-making has become essential for business growth and fraud prevention. Data plays a critical role in sectors such as healthcare, supporting data protection and organizational resilience. 05:34-What mistakes do enterprises make when building modern data platforms? Replicating legacy architectures without redesigning them for modern cloud environments. Overlooking undocumented transformation logic and regulatory compliance requirements. Adoption varies across industries, with banking and healthcare moving more cautiously than supply chain and retail. 06:59-What are the challenges of migrating legacy systems to the cloud? Migration is not simply about transferring data; organizations must also leverage cloud-native capabilities. Building efficient, AI-enabled data architectures while maintaining strong compliance frameworks. Reducing manual interventions and moving toward real-time, automated, and self-healing systems. 08:14-How can organizations balance innovation and governance during digital transformation? Innovation and governance must work together to enable safe and sustainable growth. Modern governance includes self-monitoring, metadata management, and role-based security. Excessive regulation can stifle innovation, while weak governance can introduce significant risks. 09:35-How does data drive better outcomes in healthcare? Healthcare depends on highly accurate data to improve quality, claims management, and real-time decision-making. Poor data quality can negatively affect patient experiences and regulatory compliance. 10:18-Which industries are undergoing the fastest data transformation? Retail and supply chain are leading the adoption of modern data practices. Banking and healthcare are progressing more cautiously because of regulatory requirements and data sensitivity. Industry-specific needs and compliance requirements influence the pace of digital transformation. 10:51-Why is data governance crucial in today’s AI-driven world? Data governance is foundational to building reliable and responsible AI systems. It involves data cleansing, quality control, security, and access management. Strong governance helps organizations ensure that AI systems are built on trusted, accurate, and secure data. 11:38-How will AI change the role of data engineers over the next five years? Data engineers will move beyond traditional coding toward managing AI-enabled and predictive data pipelines. Professionals will need stronger knowledge of AI, data governance, and industry-specific compliance. Technical skills alone will no longer be enough; business understanding and adaptability will become increasingly important. 12:55-What infrastructure is needed before organizations can effectively leverage generative AI? A robust, cloud-based data architecture. High-quality metadata and well-structured data systems. Strong data governance and role-based access controls. Trusted and reliable enterprise systems to support AI applications. 13:58-What skills and mindset should young data professionals develop? Look beyond programming and develop the ability to adapt to rapidly changing technologies. Gain practical experience through real-world business cases and emerging technologies such as distributed systems and AI. Develop business and strategic thinking alongside technical expertise. Embrace continuous learning to build a sustainable and future-ready career. RESOURCES Learn more about Shashank Akinapalli: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? Why Is Data the New Oil? Data is everywhere today—not just in numbers, but also in text, audio, images, and other forms. Businesses increasingly rely on this vast and diverse data to make real-time decisions, improve operations, and prevent fraud. What are your thoughts? Share your perspective in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Shashank is an experienced technology leader with expertise in data, digital transformation, and modernizing legacy systems. He brings a strong perspective on adapting to new cultures, technologies, and evolving professional environments. Shashank focuses on the strategic importance of data and the challenges organizations face when migrating complex legacy systems. The post Insights from Shashank Akinapalli, Senior Data Engineer at TCS first appeared on TBCY.

Join Ashutosh Garg in this insightful episode of The Brand Called You as he speaks with bestselling author Dr. Lintao Lu, whose extraordinary journey took him from a mud-walled home in rural China during the Cultural Revolution to becoming a successful business leader and author in the United States. Discover how Dr. Lintao Lu’s memoir, In Through the Window, captures powerful lessons on resilience, dignity, adaptability, and finding opportunity when conventional paths are blocked. Hear about navigating adversity, cultural differences in leadership, and ancient Chinese wisdom for the modern business world. Learn why a closed door does not necessarily mean a closed future—and how parents and educators can help young people develop resilience in a constantly changing world. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring leadership stories! Get your copy of In Through the Window and discover how to find your own path, even when the door is locked.The post From Poverty to Resilience: Dr. Lintao Lu, Author of In Through the Window, on Life Lessons and Leadership first appeared on TBCY.

Dr. Lintao Lu, Author of In Through the Window, on Life Lessons and Leadership Growing up in a mud-walled home in rural China The relationship between poverty and dignity Podcast Overview Acclaimed author Dr. Lintao Lu joins Ashutosh Garg on The Brand Called You to discuss his book, In Through the Window, drawing on his experiences from rural China to boardrooms in America. This episode explores resilience, cultural adaptability, Eastern and Western leadership, and timeless wisdom for the next generation. 00:53 – How did growing up in poverty during China’s turbulent years shape Dr. Lu’s values? Growing up in a mud-walled home in rural China The relationship between poverty and dignity The powerful lesson from a hand-sewn shirt: “Poverty is a condition, but dignity is a choice” 02:58 – Navigating Global Systems: What Did Dr. Lu Learn from Living Under Communism, Studying in Europe, and Building Businesses in America? Adapting to new languages and cultures China taught perseverance and inner strength Europe instilled philosophy and critical thinking America inspired innovation and entrepreneurship Becoming a bridge between East and West 05:29 – What Does “Going Through the Window When the Door Is Locked” Mean to Dr. Lu? The door as a symbol of a conventional or inaccessible path The window as an alternative perspective and opportunity The importance of seeking new paths when doors are closed 08:06 – How Did Hardship During the Cultural Revolution Shape Dr. Lu’s Relationship with Adversity? Seeing adversity as a universal human experience Viewing hardship, hunger, and rejection as valuable life lessons Building resilience, developing a “thick skin,” and embracing unconventional paths 10:08 – Can Dr. Lu Share a Story of When Every Door Seemed Closed and How He Found His Window? Losing his job at Haier after years of achievement The challenge of starting over at age 56 Founding NAVEC Inc. and building a new market leader in HVAC tools Transforming setbacks into opportunities 12:46 – How Can Parents and Educators Help Young People Build Resilience Without Extreme Hardship? Resilience cannot be developed through lectures or forced hardship Allowing children to make mistakes and face natural consequences Being “lighthouses” rather than “snowplows” 15:16 – What Misconceptions Do Western Organizations Have About Asian Leaders? Mistaking quietness for a lack of leadership Differences between collective and individualistic communication styles Understanding that “different does not mean deficient” The importance of greater cross-cultural understanding 17:46 – What Did Poverty Teach Dr. Lu That Prosperity Never Could? Developing deep gratitude and appreciation for basic necessities Learning not to take things for granted Building character through scarcity and hardship 19:44 – Which Ancient Chinese Lesson Remains Most Relevant for Leaders Today? The I Ching’s lesson about the necessity of change when a path reaches its end The philosophy of innovation through transformation Universal human values such as love and compassion transcending generations 21:46 – What Does the Monkey King Symbolize for Dr. Lu, and How Does It Relate to Modern Leadership? The Monkey King as a symbol of transformation and adaptability The importance of agility and flexibility in a changing world Learning to overcome closed doors by finding new ways forward RESOURCES: Learn more about Dr. Lintao Lu: LinkedIn Enjoyed This Podcast? His memoir, In Through the Window, is more than a life story. It is about refusing to accept a locked door as the end. “The window is the opportunity… a different perspective. A closed door does not mean a closed future.” Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Lintao Lu is an accomplished author whose life journey spans rural China and senior leadership environments in the United States. He is the author of In Through the Window, drawing on personal experiences to explore resilience, cultural adaptability, and leadership. Dr. Lu offers a unique perspective on Eastern and Western leadership, highlighting the value of cross-cultural understanding and lifelong learning. The post Dr. Lintao Lu, Author of In Through the Window, on Life Lessons and Leadership first appeared on TBCY.

Drea Lynn, Author of Smart Quit: Cash In, Clock Out, on Career Transitions The difference between externally defined success and personal fulfillment. The importance of self-reflection in identifying what truly matters. Podcast Overview Welcome to another insightful episode of The Brand Called You, where Ashutosh Garg interviews Drea Lynn, author of Smart Quit: Cash In, Clock Out. In this episode, Drea Lynn shares her journey from a “dream career” in law and operations to entrepreneurship, the lessons she learned along the way, and her mission to help others achieve true fulfillment. 00:46 What made you realize that success and fulfillment were no longer the same? The difference between externally defined success and personal fulfillment. The importance of self-reflection in identifying what truly matters. Recognizing when discontentment may signal a need for change. 02:19 What were the hardest lessons you learned about entrepreneurship and yourself? The shift from individual achievement to collaborative success. The importance of networking and genuine connections. Building resilience through challenging experiences. Learning and growing through failure. 06:10 What is the difference between a smart quit and an emotional quit? A smart quit is strategic and planned, while an emotional quit is impulsive and reactive. Smart quitting means creating a clear transition plan instead of acting out of frustration. It also means maximizing the value and opportunities your current job offers before moving on. 09:01 Why write this book for the break room rather than the boardroom? Success is possible regardless of your starting point or educational background. Valuable opportunities and lessons can be found at every level. Anyone working toward their dreams can take action with determination and resilience. 11:49 Why is preparation the most overlooked part of a career transition? The mental transition from employee to entrepreneur. The importance of developing the right mindset before taking action. Understanding how major career changes can affect personal and family life. 13:36 How much money should someone realistically save before making a major career move? There is no one-size-fits-all amount; it depends on lifestyle, responsibilities, and risk tolerance. Drea Lynn’s approach helps readers calculate their own “runway” or “freedom number.” Intentional and personalized financial planning is essential. 15:13 What does positioning mean in practical career terms? Leveraging current workplace resources, such as education reimbursement. Building skills and networks while identifying systems and opportunities that can support future goals. Treating your job as a “real-world MBA” and learning from both its strengths and weaknesses. 16:51 What role does personal branding play in a successful transition? Your reputation and personal brand can influence long-term opportunities. Consistent and positive personal branding is especially important in service-based businesses. What people say about you when you are not in the room can shape future opportunities. 18:41 How do you know when it is time to actually pivot? Fear and uncertainty are natural parts of any major transition. Preparation through mindset development, market testing, and financial planning can help determine readiness. Taking action and treating setbacks as learning experiences are essential to moving forward. RESOURCES Learn more about Drea Lynn: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? Entrepreneurship isn’t always a fairy tale. Drea Lynn experienced six-figure debt, and one of her biggest lessons was that community can be more powerful than hustle. Genuine connections can create lasting opportunities that go beyond quick transactions. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile From Law to Entrepreneurship: Drea Lynn shares her transition from a successful career in law and operations to building her own entrepreneurial path. The Power of Smart Quitting: Explores how leaving the right career at the right time can create new opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Lessons from the Journey: Highlights the challenges, discoveries, and valuable lessons Drea gained while redefining her professional life. The post Drea Lynn, Author of Smart Quit: Cash In, Clock Out, on Career Transitions first appeared on TBCY.

Robert Wolf, MD, Author Shares His Father’s Inspiring Story of Survival and Freedom Robert’s journey from a non-writer to an author was inspired by his father’s vivid manuscript. He discusses how the manuscript evolved from paper to digital form, the loss of his parents, and his eventual rediscovery of the story. Podcast Overview In this compelling episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg explores the powerful and lesser-known history of Hungarian Jews through the eyes of Robert Wolf, MD, author of the acclaimed book Not a Real Enemy: The True Story of a Hungarian Jewish Man’s Fight for Freedom. Robert shares the remarkable journey of his father, Irvin Wolf, and reflects on his experiences of Nazi persecution and communist oppression. The conversation explores themes of survival, resilience, freedom, family, and the importance of remembering history in today’s world. 00:50 – What inspired you to finally write your father’s story? Robert’s journey from a non-writer to an author was inspired by his father’s vivid manuscript. He discusses how the manuscript evolved from paper to digital form, the loss of his parents, and his eventual rediscovery of the story. He realized that his father’s extraordinary account was too powerful to remain unpublished, particularly because of its enduring lessons and remarkable moments of survival. 02:36 – When did you realize your family’s experience was an important piece of history? The book serves as both a biography and a historical account of Hungary from the post-World War I period through 1956. Robert undertook extensive fact-checking with historians and Holocaust experts to verify the historical details. The book intertwines his father’s personal experiences with the broader historical events surrounding them. 03:44 – Who was Irvin Wolf beyond the extraordinary events? Robert remembers his father as an inspiring, resilient, and widely respected OB-GYN. His story is one of redemption, as he went on to deliver approximately 10,000 babies after surviving persecution. Despite experiencing immense suffering, Irvin Wolf remained jovial, inclusive, and free of bitterness. 05:02 – What qualities enabled Irvin Wolf to survive Nazi and communist oppression? Determination, hope, resilience, discipline, and risk tolerance played important roles in his survival. Friendship and luck also influenced his ability to overcome dangerous situations. His childhood experiences helped prepare him psychologically for the hardships he faced later in life. 06:37 – Why is the story of Hungarian Jews so important today? The conversation highlights the Holocaust, antisemitism, and genocide through the lens of Hungarian Jewish history. Robert discusses the dramatic changes in the Hungarian Jewish population before and after World War II. The historical injustices faced by Hungarian Jews continue to hold important lessons for the world today. 08:23 – What was the scale of the tragedy for Hungarian Jews in 1944? Robert connects his family’s personal experiences to Auschwitz and forced labor camps. Hungarian Jews faced widespread discrimination, including exclusion from sports teams, employment, and basic civil rights. Mass deportations, death marches, and extremely low survival odds shaped this devastating chapter of history. 10:16 – Why cover both Nazi and communist oppression? The book chronicles the family’s hardships before, during, and after World War II. Robert describes persecution under both regimes, including forbidden Jewish marriages, arrests, and torture. The restrictions and repression under communism ultimately contributed to the family’s decision to flee Hungary in search of genuine freedom. 12:02 – What similarities existed between fascist and communist systems? Antisemitism and persecution continued despite changes in political ideology and regime. Atrocities were often carried out with the involvement or cooperation of local police and government authorities. The story demonstrates how institutionalized hatred can transcend political ideology. 13:21 – Which escape best captures your father’s character? — Robert describes four daring escapes from different periods of his father’s life. His first escape demonstrates courage, resilience, and determination in the face of uncertainty and injury. His final escape reflects Irvin Wolf’s independence and his unwavering desire for genuine freedom. 15:56 – How did your parents build a new life after escaping Hungary? Robert’s parents faced the challenges of emigrating, restarting their medical careers, and learning English. Their experiences deepened their appreciation for freedom in America. They embraced multicultural friendships and worked to build a strong community around themselves. 17:51 – Why is the Hungarian Jewish experience less discussed? Larger Jewish communities in other parts of Eastern Europe have often received greater attention in historical and popular narratives. Robert discusses the limited awareness of Hungary’s Holocaust history in the United States and elsewhere. Through Not a Real Enemy, he hopes to help fill this historical gap and encourage greater understanding. 19:26 – What lessons from your father impacted your own values? Irvin Wolf inspired Robert to pursue medicine with compassion rather than focusing primarily on financial success. His father taught him the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. Robert has carried these values into his career and his efforts to educate others about Holocaust remembrance. RESOURCES Learn more about Robert Wolf: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? Imagine being kicked off the swim team, losing your family’s livelihood, and then being packed onto trains bound for Auschwitz. For Hungarian Jews like Irvin Wolf and his family, these were not distant historical events—they were devastating realities. Robert Wolf’s story reminds us of the extraordinary resilience of those who endured persecution, oppression, and displacement. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these important insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile A Story of Survival: Robert Wolf shares his father Irvin Wolf’s extraordinary journey through Nazi persecution and communist oppression. Resilience Through Adversity: Explores the courage and determination that helped a family survive some of history’s darkest periods. The Meaning of Freedom: Reflects on the importance of freedom, family, identity, and standing against oppression. The post Robert Wolf, MD, Author Shares His Father’s Inspiring Story of Survival and Freedom first appeared on TBCY.

Anant Bengani, Director & Co-Founder, Zell Education, on Bridging the Global Skills Gap Growing up in a business-oriented family with deep entrepreneurial roots Early exposure to self-funding and bootstrapping Podcast Overview Zell Education’s Director & Co-Founder, Anant Bengani, shares his journey of bootstrapping an EdTech startup, his insights into the evolving landscape of finance education, and the essential skills required for career growth in today’s world. In conversation with Ashutosh Garg, Anant explores the nuances of entrepreneurship, the relevance of global certifications, and why adaptability can be more valuable than technical expertise alone. 00:47 | What shaped Anant’s entrepreneurial mindset? Growing up in a business-oriented family with deep entrepreneurial roots Early exposure to self-funding and bootstrapping Navigating business challenges without external capital Developing the belief that entrepreneurship was a natural career path from a young age 02:42 | When did the gap in traditional finance education become apparent? Mumbai’s “junior college” ecosystem and its limited career choices The rigorous Chartered Accountancy path and its limited emphasis on soft skills Recognizing that not everyone wants to pursue traditional finance careers Identifying the potential of global finance programs for career mobility 05:09 | What parallels exist between endurance sports and building a bootstrapped business? The importance of pacing, resilience, and persistence in entrepreneurship Lessons from marathons and trekking: outlast rather than simply outpace The value of strong teams, solid foundations, and mentorship Building Zell steadily over time while focusing on long-term milestones 07:33 | Why focus solely on finance and accounting rather than broader EdTech? Deep subject-matter expertise within the founding team Limited options for commerce and management students beyond an MBA The need for application-based, globally recognized certifications for Indian students Starting in a field where the founders had strong expertise and credibility 10:23 | What misconceptions exist about global finance certifications in India? Parental preference for traditional courses such as CA and CS A gradual shift in acceptance as success stories emerge The growth of ACCA and CPA programs as evidence of changing preferences Increasing recognition that skills, not just degrees, matter in the global job market 13:38 | What do employers say is missing from graduates? The need for regular curriculum updates through close collaboration with industry The importance of intent and adaptability alongside technical skills The growing gap between employee expectations and employer requirements Joint curriculum planning with leading firms such as Deloitte and Paytm 16:39 | How will AI impact finance professionals and education? AI is likely to transform job roles rather than simply eliminate them Repetitive tasks shifting to AI while professionals focus on higher-order responsibilities The continued importance of technical accounting and financial reporting knowledge The need for continuous adaptation as AI and technology evolve 19:41 | What is more important: technical knowledge or adaptability? Technical proficiency can help you secure a job, while adaptability helps you grow and transition across domains Anant emphasizes adaptability, intent, and continuous learning as key drivers of long-term growth A real-life example demonstrating that transformation is possible at any age with strong intent 22:08 | How crucial are soft skills in finance careers today? Communication and leadership are important differentiators for career progression Soft skills are often underestimated but are essential for leadership and influence The importance of personal branding and the ability to build and lead teams Hiring practices increasingly evaluate communication, presentation, and team fit 26:26 | What does long-term success look like for Zell Education? Success measured through alumni achievements rather than enrollment or revenue alone Stories of students succeeding internationally and pursuing entrepreneurship A commitment to supporting students and helping them achieve their career goals Building a lasting institutional legacy through meaningful student outcomes RESOURCES Learn more about Anant Bengani: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? AI Is Shaping, Not Replacing, Careers AI is transforming finance by automating certain tasks while increasing the need for professionals with strong technical expertise, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Bootstrapping an EdTech Startup: Anant Bengani shares his journey of building and growing Zell Education from the ground up. Future of Finance Education: Explores how finance education is evolving and the growing importance of industry-relevant learning. Value of Global Certifications: Highlights how international certifications can strengthen career opportunities and professional growth. The post Anant Bengani, Director & Co-Founder, Zell Education, on Bridging the Global Skills Gap first appeared on TBCY.

Unleashing the Power of Quantum: Insights from Sumit Kapur, CEO of Zapata Quantum An early fascination with building things, including LEGO, Erector Sets, and programming kits. High school and college debate helped develop clear and structured communication skills. Podcast Overview In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, the conversation explores Sumit Kapur’s transformative career journey, his leadership at Zapata Quantum, and frontier innovations at the intersection of quantum computing, AI, and business value. Below is a blog-style summary highlighting the key moments and discussions throughout the episode. 01:04-What Shaped Sumit Kapur’s Unique Career Journey? An early fascination with building things, including LEGO, Erector Sets, and programming kits. High school and college debate helped develop clear and structured communication skills. At Harvard, he discovered the power of combining applied mathematics, computer science, and finance. An unconventional career path spanning investment banking, computer science, and business leadership. The importance of structured and combinatorial thinking in leadership and innovation. 07:01-How Did Sumit’s Background Enable His Impact at Zapata Quantum? Bringing financial expertise to company restructuring and strategic decision-making. Leveraging his computer science background to lead engineering initiatives. Using debate and communication skills to articulate complex quantum software applications. Drawing on experiences from Morgan Stanley, 3Degrees, Tulip AI, and Harvard Business School. 12:16-What Was Covered in Sumit’s Recent Keynote at the Quantum Tech World Conference? An overview of the quantum application landscape and the need for greater innovation in software and abstraction layers. A case study on quantum-enabled drug discovery targeting the KRAS mutation, which is associated with approximately 25% of all cancers. Major research collaborations with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the University of Toronto. A generalized approach to accelerating quantum application discovery and making quantum tools more efficient and accessible. Recognition in Nature Biotechnology as one of the journal’s top 10 papers. 17:27-What Are the Core Application Areas Zapata Quantum Is Targeting? A framework focused on problems that are classically hard, quantum-easy, and high-value. The philosophy of “fighting dragons, not lizards”—seeking difficult problems with the potential for significant societal impact. Two primary categories of quantum applications: Quantum-native: Drug discovery, materials science, batteries, and polymers, where quantum computers can address problems rooted in quantum mechanics. Quantum-mapped: Optimization in finance and logistics, simulation in defense and fluid dynamics, machine learning, and cryptography, including the risks associated with “Q-Day.” 25:09-How Is Finance Poised to Benefit from Quantum Computing? Potential applications include portfolio optimization, derivatives pricing, risk analysis, and faster simulations. Historical parallels highlight how difficult it can be to predict the most transformative applications of emerging technologies. Even incremental improvements in computational performance could have a significant impact on the financial sector. The industry may see a major wave of innovation and competitive advantage for early movers. 32:18-How Quickly Is the Quantum Industry Progressing, and What Are the Risks for Late Adopters? Acceleration is being driven by a virtuous cycle of technological breakthroughs, investment, and education. A BCG projection suggests that 90% of the advantage could go to the 10% of organizations that move early. Quantum-native applications, including chemistry and cryptography, are expected to develop alongside quantum-mapped applications. Patents, talent acquisition, and long-term intellectual property development are already underway. Organizations that delay may risk falling behind competitors that begin building quantum capabilities earlier. RESOURCES Learn more about Sumit Kapur: LinkedIn Enjoyed This Podcast? The conversation highlighted the importance of bringing ideas from different disciplines together—the essence of “combinatorial thinking.” This approach can help catalyze breakthroughs across quantum algorithms, drug discovery, financial applications, and business innovation. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Transformative Career Journey: Explores Sumit Kapur’s professional evolution and the experiences that shaped his leadership approach. Leading Zapata Quantum: Highlights his role in driving innovation and growth in the rapidly evolving quantum technology landscape. Quantum Computing & AI: Examines the convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence and its potential to transform industries. The post Unleashing the Power of Quantum: Insights from Sumit Kapur, CEO of Zapata Quantum first appeared on TBCY.

Building the World’s First Universal Photonic Quantum Computer | Dr.-Ing. Stefan Hengesbach, CEO, QuiX Quantum Childhood curiosity sparked by electronics kits and early computers Influence of his engineer father and a family rooted in engineering Podcast Overview Dr.-Ing. Stefan Hengesbach, CEO of QuiX Quantum, joins TBCY for an in-depth conversation about his journey in photonics and quantum computing, the unique advantages of his company’s approach, and the broader future of quantum technology. Explore the highlights of the episode, landmark moments in Stefan’s career, and his perspective on the global race for quantum supremacy. 01:05 | How Did Early Experiences Shape Dr. Hengesbach’s Career? Childhood curiosity sparked by electronics kits and early computers Influence of his engineer father and a family rooted in engineering Fascination with the fundamental nature of light during his school and university years Transition from mechanical engineering to advanced work in lasers and optics 06:33 | What Is the Value of the Fraunhofer Institute in a Science Career? Seven years spent learning from brilliant physicists and engineers Experience with fiber and diode lasers and application-focused projects An international internship in the US and innovative problem-solving with limited resources 08:18 | How Did the Leap into Quantum Begin? Shift from industrial lasers at TRUMPF to sales and customer-focused learning Launching a quantum startup within TRUMPF, targeting quantum sensing for automotive and other applications Realignment of the startup toward neuromorphic and optical computing and why that direction was not the right fit for Stefan 12:02 | What Makes Photonic Quantum Computing So Challenging? Differences between quantum sensing and quantum computing, including single photons versus ensembles Technical hurdles involving the need for indistinguishable single photons and skepticism about the feasibility of photonic quantum computing The importance of breakthroughs in low-loss silicon nitride integrated photonics 19:37 | How Does QuiX Quantum Stand Out Among Global Rivals? Comparison with Xanadu, PsiQuantum, and other photonic quantum computing companies Advantages of photonic quantum computing, including photon stability, scalability, and the use of telecom infrastructure Universal quantum computing through measurement-based methods versus gate-based approaches Approaches to error correction, including photon loss and indistinguishability, supported by proprietary photon-distillation technology 24:26 | What Are the Technical Innovations Behind QuiX Quantum? End-to-end loss-minimization strategies and system compactness Differentiation between continuous-variable (CV) and discrete-variable (DV) architectures Plug-and-play design for data centers and reduced dependence on massive cryogenic infrastructure 32:20 | Who Is Interested in This Technology, and What Are the Applications? Interest from financial services in applications such as portfolio optimization and Monte Carlo algorithms Partnerships with automotive and logistics industries, including Arena 2036 The race toward logical qubits for broader applications such as Shor’s algorithm, quantum chemistry, and optimization problems RESOURCES Learn more about Dr.-Ing. Stefan Hengesbach: LinkedIn ENJOYED THIS PODCAST? At Fraunhofer, Stefan Hengesbach learned the realities of building lasers in the real world—sometimes MacGyvering parts from old stereos to pulse lasers for experiments. By the end of his journey there, he was helping shape the future of laser technology with ingenuity, resourcefulness, and even a trip to RadioShack. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Photonics & Quantum Computing: Explores Stefan Hengesbach’s journey and expertise in the rapidly evolving world of photonics and quantum technology. QuiX Quantum’s Innovation: Highlights the company’s unique photonic approach to building powerful quantum computing systems. Career Milestones: Reflects on the landmark moments and experiences that shaped Stefan’s professional journey. The post Building the World’s First Universal Photonic Quantum Computer | Dr.-Ing. Stefan Hengesbach, CEO, QuiX Quantum first appeared on TBCY.

Neil Solomon, Author & Entrepreneur, on Breaking Hidden Systems for a Fulfilling Life Following conventional measures of career success early in his career Realizing the limitations of the corporate “ceiling” and the personal sacrifices it required Podcast Overview Neil Solomon, author, entrepreneur, and global investor, joins The Brand Called You to discuss his new book, The 1% Door: The Hidden Systems Costing You the Life You Could Be Living. With a career spanning engineering, franchising, and international real estate, Neil shares transformative lessons, setbacks, and the mindset shifts essential for building a fulfilling life and sustainable businesses. 01:07 – What pivotal moments shaped your journey from engineer to entrepreneur? Following conventional measures of career success early in his career Realizing the limitations of the corporate “ceiling” and the personal sacrifices it required Choosing family over career progression Discovering that excelling in corporate roles did not always lead to greater rewards, particularly with capped bonuses and continually increasing targets Transitioning into entrepreneurship, beginning with work in the food industry Embracing reinvention and allowing the “old self” to make way for growth 04:51 – What principles have remained constant across different industries? The importance of curiosity and continuous learning Recognizing that corporate structures, such as finance and human resources, often remain consistent across industries The value of acquiring profitable companies and building strong teams Allowing operational experts to manage day-to-day activities 06:07 – What has been your most expensive lesson as a business owner? Understanding the emotional and financial costs of mixing business with family Accepting that loved ones may have different visions, ambitions, and expectations 07:16 – What habit has created disproportionate results for you? The discipline of “getting out of the way” as a leader Trusting established systems rather than undermining them as the top executive Using the “shower test” by stepping away for hours or weeks to see whether systems can operate independently Using travel as a way to test and strengthen operational independence 09:35 – What separates lasting entrepreneurs from those who struggle? Persistence in the face of constant challenges, recognizing that there is rarely a completely smooth path Navigating changing circumstances, much like sailing toward a destination while dealing with unpredictable winds Understanding that evolution and adaptation are necessary, even in the largest and most established businesses 12:43 – What is “The 1% Door,” and why do so few people walk through it? It is a metaphor for the opportunities that surround us but often go unnoticed Once you train your mind to recognize opportunities, you begin seeing them everywhere Only a small percentage of people take action and “walk through the door” The book encourages readers to recognize opportunities and have the courage to act on them 15:02 – Why tell your story through stories instead of a traditional business format? Exploring legacy and the power of storytelling Connecting personal experiences with operating principles and business philosophies Creating stories that can be shared with future generations as a form of intergenerational “dinner conversation” 16:58 – What does it mean that many people live inside systems they never chose? Can you give an example? Examining the social and cultural “architectures” we inherit rather than consciously choose Using the Hamer tribe’s bull-jumping rite in Ethiopia as a powerful example Reflecting on how traditions and systems may begin with a purpose but become outdated or even absurd while continuing to persist 20:34 – What part of ourselves must “die” to achieve growth? Recognizing that previous identities and skill sets can limit future possibilities Being willing to let go of the “old you” to make room for new roles and opportunities Understanding that people closest to us may resist or fail to recognize our transformation 22:55 – After reading your book, what question should readers ask themselves? “Where do I really want to be, and who do I need to become to get there?” Understanding that change is difficult, but a strong “why” can make it possible Recognizing that there is no straight line to success and that progress begins with taking one step in the right direction Enjoyed this podcast? What is the most expensive lesson an entrepreneur can learn? For Neil Solomon, it was mixing business and family. “I found it better that the people who I love don’t join me on this part of the journey.” The cost isn’t just financial—it can be deeply emotional as well. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Global Entrepreneur & Investor: Brings decades of experience across engineering, franchising, and international real estate. The 1% Door: Explores the hidden systems and small barriers that can prevent people from living their fullest potential. Lessons from Setbacks: Shares personal experiences and failures that shaped his approach to business and life. The post Neil Solomon, Author & Entrepreneur, on Breaking Hidden Systems for a Fulfilling Life first appeared on TBCY.

Unlocking the Meaning of Life: Insights from Bryan Blakney, Therapist & Author Humans strive to meet biological and psychological needs, including certainty and significance. Our self-image is shaped by how we believe others perceive us, known as the “looking-glass self.” Podcast Overview Welcome to the latest episode of The Brand Called You, where host Ashutosh Garg sits down with therapist and author Bryan Blakney to explore human behavior, resilience, and the search for meaning. Drawing from his book Top Secret: Declassifying the Meaning of Life, Blakney shares profound stories, life lessons, and practical guidance for anyone seeking fulfillment and purpose. 00:53 | How do social psychology and clinical social work influence our understanding of human behavior and purpose? Humans strive to meet biological and psychological needs, including certainty and significance. Our self-image is shaped by how we believe others perceive us, known as the “looking-glass self.” Our environments influence self-esteem and personal development. 02:29 | What sparked your lifelong fascination with the meaning of life? Childhood experiences, including travel and early trauma, shaped his curiosity. His mother’s near-death experience influenced his perspective on consciousness. A formative story about a stolen camera and a tour guide’s selfless act revealed the paradoxes of human behavior. 05:07 | What has surprised you most about human resilience? Humans have an extraordinary ability to recover from trauma and loss. Forgiveness is a profound expression of resilience. Stories of extraordinary forgiveness demonstrate the strength of the human spirit. 06:05 | How do emotional and spiritual intelligence complement each other? Emotional intelligence can be understood through virtues and qualities of character. Spiritual intelligence involves applying these virtues to solve complex problems. Self-awareness and emotional regulation contribute to spiritual growth. Relationships thrive when qualities such as kindness, empathy, and generosity are present. 07:59 | Why did you title your book Top Secret: Declassifying the Meaning of Life? Childhood travel experiences revealed “secrets” that are not commonly understood. Observing global inequalities highlighted differences in education and opportunity. The concept of “secret” relates to sorting and sifting, reflecting how access to knowledge and insights can vary. 10:03 | What are the 9 Keys in your book designed to help people discover? They serve as guides to higher truth and consciousness. They encourage curiosity about existence and purpose. They are inspired by the idea that life is a “womb world” for discovering purpose. 11:03 | How do the 9 Keys help people navigate anxiety, uncertainty, and conflict? They encourage self-regulation, clarity, and peace by addressing deeper existential questions. Mindfulness, the first key, provides an emotional and spiritual reset, helping people gain perspective on everyday challenges. Changing the meaning we attach to experiences can transform our responses to conflict and uncertainty, supporting growth and adaptability. 12:35 | Can the 9 Keys be applied to personal life, relationships, and leadership? Yes, they can be applied across all areas of life. Qualities such as virtue and character can enhance personal relationships and leadership. True education is about drawing out our inherent gifts, strengths, and qualities. 14:04 | Which of the 9 Keys do people struggle with most today? Love, both self-love and love for others, is one of the greatest challenges. Many people struggle to see humanity as one interconnected family. Love is a decision and commitment, not merely a feeling. 15:35 | Why does humanity remain divided despite being deeply interconnected? Human nature and the foundations of life point toward unity, but ego and a lack of trust create division. A central challenge is our failure to see ourselves as one human family. Justice and equality are rooted in unity, ultimately creating a pathway toward peace. RESOURCES: Learn more about Bryan Blakney: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? What is the big idea behind his book, Top Secret: Declassifying the Meaning of Life? For centuries, wisdom and opportunity have been kept “top secret”—sorted and sifted, available only to a few. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Understanding Human Behavior: Explores the psychology behind how people think, act, and respond to life’s challenges. Building Resilience: Shares practical insights and stories to help people overcome adversity and grow stronger. Finding Meaning: Draws from Top Secret: Declassifying the Meaning of Life to explore purpose, fulfillment, and a meaningful life. The post Unlocking the Meaning of Life: Insights from Bryan Blakney, Therapist & Author first appeared on TBCY.

Insights from Sharon McLaughlin, Leadership Coach & HR and Change Leadership Advisor Change often feels like it is being done to them. A loss of control can lead to unfounded stories and assumptions. Podcast Overview In this enlightening episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Sharon McLaughlin, Leadership Coach, HR and Change Leadership Advisor, from Ottawa, Canada. Together, they delve into the intricacies of navigating change, developing leadership skills in today’s evolving workplace, and the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. 00:44 | Why do people resist change? Change often feels like it is being done to them. A loss of control can lead to unfounded stories and assumptions. Involving people and communicating clearly can help ease transitions. 01:37 | What mistakes do leaders make when communicating organizational change? Leaders often focus too much on outcomes and deadlines. They may neglect the individual transition experience. A lack of communication can create uncertainty when more communication is needed. 02:33 | Why are some organizations more adaptable than others? Organizational culture is key. People-focused cultures achieve better change outcomes. Confident and supported employees drive successful change. 03:26 | How should leaders balance empathy with accountability? Balance empathy with clear expectations and results. Guide people without relying on negative authority. Recognize that each individual experiences change differently. 04:44 | What does it mean that “meaningful change begins within”? Confidence and self-awareness are foundations for navigating change. Emotional intelligence is crucial for leading both oneself and others through transitions. 05:59 | Why do successful leaders struggle with personal or career transitions? Identity loss and a lack of preparedness can make transitions difficult. Smooth transitions are easier for those who understand their strengths and values. Struggles often stem from unexpected change and a perceived loss of control. 08:36 | What fears do leaders bring to coaching? Emerging leaders often face imposter syndrome and fear of the unknown. Moving from an individual contributor role to people leadership is a common challenge. 10:38 | How do you distinguish between a temporary setback and a signal for major career change? It begins with deep self-understanding. An accumulation of “bad days” can signal a need for reflection or change. Temporary setbacks can be distinguished from persistent dissatisfaction. 12:18 | How can leaders develop self-awareness without becoming overly self-critical? Emotional intelligence and tools like Gallup CliftonStrengths can guide self-reflection. Coaching helps clarify strengths, values, and the type of work leaders genuinely want. 14:22 | What workforce challenges does AI create for the next decade? There is a risk of losing human connection in the workplace. Leadership and coaching remain human-centric and vital. Ongoing mentoring and human guidance will remain important despite technological advances. 16:41 | What leadership capabilities matter most in today’s diverse, hybrid workplace? Emotional intelligence is paramount. Leaders must recognize and adapt to individual differences in work styles and needs. Pacing change appropriately can help prevent fatigue and disengagement. 19:14 | What does great leadership look like in a world of constant change? A human-centered and individualized approach. Visionary communication and the creation of safe spaces for dialogue. Effective pacing and planning to avoid change saturation. 21:02 | Is leadership an innate quality or a learned skill? Not all leaders are naturally great at leadership, and individual motivation varies. Leadership is a privilege, not merely a job title. Leaders must be conscious of the experience they create and the trust they build. RESOURCES: Learn more about Sharon McLaughlin: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? It’s all about culture. Organizations that focus on people first—not just outcomes—create trust and confidence. If your people are happy, they’ll make change work for you. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Leading Through Change: Helps leaders navigate workplace transitions with clarity, confidence, and adaptability. Leadership Development: Focuses on building essential leadership skills for today’s evolving work environment. Self-Awareness: Highlights understanding personal strengths, emotions, and triggers as a foundation for effective leadership. The post Insights from Sharon McLaughlin, Leadership Coach & HR and Change Leadership Advisor first appeared on TBCY.

Hunter Hastings, Managing Partner, Bialla Venture Partners Early roles in brand management taught him the importance of the customer. He focused on understanding customer needs and creating continuous value. Podcast Overview In this episode of The Brand Called You, Ashutosh Garg welcomes Hunter Hastings, Managing Partner at Bialla Venture Partners and author of Venture Mode: How to Escape the Administration Trap by Finding and Unleashing Entrepreneurial Leaders. Together, they explore how organizations can rediscover growth and profitability by focusing on customer value, reducing bureaucracy, and applying an entrepreneurial mindset at every level. 01:07: Which experiences most shaped Hunter Hastings’ understanding of entrepreneurship? Early roles in brand management taught him the importance of the customer. He focused on understanding customer needs and creating continuous value. 02:02: What are the toughest leadership challenges as a CEO? Restarting stalled companies by identifying the true customer. Navigating the “J-curve” of profitability while balancing costs and revenue. Prioritizing customer satisfaction before running out of investor funding. 03:10: What excites Hunter Hastings about entrepreneurship today? A growing age of entrepreneurship is influencing both startups and large corporations. Businesses can overcome bureaucracy by encouraging entrepreneurial leadership internally. Entrepreneurship can drive faster growth and improve customer service. 04:27: What problem does Venture Mode address? U.S. productivity growth is significantly below its potential, with many companies wasting valuable effort. Many large companies struggle to generate returns above their cost of capital, while numerous smaller companies remain unprofitable. The goal is to help stagnant companies learn from the profitable, fast-growing minority. 05:27: What is Venture Mode in a nutshell? A self-managing, customer-focused feedback loop centered on value creation. Every role is evaluated by its contribution to customer value. Bureaucratic tasks are reduced in favor of creative, adaptive, and innovative work. 06:55: How are business schools “killing” business? Business schools can preserve outdated traditions of administration and management. They may emphasize historical best practices over innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. Example: Airbnb struggled after introducing professional management but recovered by restoring strong founder involvement and reconnecting with customers. 08:54: How can leaders recognize the early signs of bureaucracy? Evaluate the company’s “distance to the customer”—employees should remain connected to customer needs. Monitor speed metrics such as time to market and the number of innovations shipped. Slower decision-making and additional approval layers can signal growing bureaucracy. 10:22: What distinguishes Venture Mode from Founder’s Mode? Founder’s Mode: Passion, commitment, and a direct connection to customers and products. Venture Mode: Embeds founder-like thinking throughout the organization, even after the founder leaves. It requires reducing unnecessary management layers and encouraging entrepreneurial thinking across the company. 12:01: Why do founder-led companies often outperform professionally managed firms? Founders often prioritize customers and work to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy. Founder-led companies can achieve stronger growth and profitability; NVIDIA under Jensen Huang is a notable example. Direct empowerment, faster decision-making, and a strong connection to the mission can contribute to their performance. 13:28: What’s the difference between value creation and value capture? Value creation focuses on identifying and solving customer needs. Value capture focuses more on internal financial outcomes, shareholder returns, and market share. Companies should prioritize value creation because it is the foundation of sustainable growth. 14:53: Why is empathy critical for entrepreneurs? Creating value requires understanding how customers think and feel. Empathy helps entrepreneurs anticipate how customers may respond to new products and ideas. Empathy can be developed and is an important part of the entrepreneurial mindset. 16:01: Why is Venture Mode especially relevant in the AI era? AI can improve the ability to identify customer needs and patterns. It can accelerate experimentation, decision-making, and innovation cycles. As AI handles more routine administrative tasks, human judgment, empathy, and passion become increasingly important. RESOURCES: Learn more about Hunter Hastings: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? Business schools can preserve decades-old management traditions that were designed for industrial-era organizations rather than today’s fast-moving, customer-driven businesses. As Hunter Hastings explains, relying too heavily on professional management and traditional MBA thinking can distance companies from their customers and entrepreneurial roots. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network.Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Entrepreneurial Leadership: Advocates for empowering entrepreneurial leaders at every level of an organization. Customer-Centric Growth: Emphasizes creating meaningful customer value as the foundation for sustainable growth. Breaking Bureaucracy: Challenges traditional administrative structures that can limit innovation, agility, and profitability. The post Hunter Hastings, Managing Partner, Bialla Venture Partners first appeared on TBCY.

Matt Soule, Co-Founder & CEO of Parallel Systems, on Innovation in Transportation Grew up fascinated by technology and engineering, playing with Legos and leading a college solar car team. Developed a strong interest in hard work and solving difficult problems through cross-country running and marathons. Podcast Overview In this insightful episode of the Leaders Who Care series, the conversation focused on the journey, vision, and impact of Parallel Systems, a company aiming to transform freight rail transportation. The discussion explored personal background, lessons from aerospace and SpaceX, and how mission-driven innovation can reshape traditional industries like rail. 01:12 | Who Is Matt Soule, and What Influenced His Path to Engineering? Grew up fascinated by technology and engineering, playing with Legos and leading a college solar car team. Developed a strong interest in hard work and solving difficult problems through cross-country running and marathons. Shared the memorable story of arriving in Los Angeles in a solar-powered car rather than by plane or a conventional car. Reflected on his close-knit upbringing in Connecticut and how his family eventually spread across different states. 08:27 | How Did Hands-On Experience Shape His Early Career in Aerospace? Started his career at Moog, attracted by its diverse technical challenges and hands-on manufacturing experience. Learned the importance of understanding how things are built before designing them. Developed what he describes as “scar tissue” from experiencing real-world manufacturing challenges firsthand. Learned valuable lessons about failure, risk, and the importance of learning through experience. 13:07 | What Major Differences Did He Find at Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman? Moved to larger aerospace companies to work on complete systems, including rockets and aircraft. Experienced a less dynamic work environment during an economic downturn, which led to feelings of boredom and uncertainty. Pursued graduate studies at USC before making a pivotal move to SpaceX after connecting with early employees. Gained insights into how strong company cultures and visionary leadership can drive meaningful innovation. 16:04 | What Was It Like Joining SpaceX in Its Early Days? Joined SpaceX after the company’s first failed Falcon 1 launch, attracted by its ambition to push technological boundaries. Despite the risks and demanding work environment, found significant personal growth and fulfillment in its high-ownership culture. Reflected on risk-taking, career decisions, and the importance of finding the right fit beyond salary or brand recognition. 20:00 | How Did the Idea for Parallel Systems Originate? Inspired by the transformative impact of mission-driven work at SpaceX. Wanted to revitalize overlooked industries and saw significant environmental and efficiency opportunities in the US rail industry. Focused on the intersection of climate, transportation, and technology. Viewed rail as the original technology industry, while recognizing the need for fresh thinking and innovation. 26:19 | What Challenges and Opportunities Exist in Freight Rail Today? Traditional US rail systems were designed around massive trains with centralized power, requiring large terminals and costly drayage—the short-haul trucking required to move freight to and from rail terminals. Rail is generally cost-competitive for longer-distance shipments, limiting its use for shorter routes. Modern logistics requires greater reliability and precise delivery windows, areas where traditional rail systems can struggle. Parallel Systems’ autonomous, self-propelled railcars aim to provide truck-like economics and greater flexibility while reducing drayage and improving service quality. 31:43 | What Stage Is Parallel Systems At Now, and What Impact Could It Have? Running active pilot programs in Georgia in the US and Western Australia, working with Genesee & Wyoming and ARC Infrastructure. Developing third-generation vehicles, with commercial rollout targeted for the following year. The business model focuses on selling its technology to railroads, which can then serve shippers such as Amazon and UPS. The broader vision is to make rail more competitive on shorter routes while reducing highway congestion and CO₂ emissions. RESOURCES: Learn more about Matt Soule: LinkedIn Enjoyed This Podcast? Several important points were raised throughout the conversation, including how a powerful mission can attract and inspire top talent. This sense of purpose was particularly evident at SpaceX, where pushing boundaries was part of the everyday culture. Despite setbacks and near-failures, perseverance remained essential to achieving ambitious goals. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Transforming Freight Rail: Exploring how Parallel Systems is reimagining traditional freight transportation through innovative technology. Aerospace Experience: Drawing on valuable lessons from aerospace and SpaceX to approach complex transportation challenges differently. Mission-Driven Innovation: Demonstrating how a clear mission can inspire breakthrough solutions in established industries. The post Matt Soule, Co-Founder & CEO of Parallel Systems, on Innovation in Transportation first appeared on TBCY.

Helena Wasserman, Co-Founder of Investors for Climate & Unstoppable Helena’s multicultural background: Italian creativity combined with Swiss-German business acumen. Growing up with a brother who faced mental health challenges shaped her desire to make the world a better place. Podcast Overview In this inspiring episode of the Leaders Who Care series, host Mark Sadovnick sits down with Helena Wasserman, Co-Founder of Investors for Climate and Unstoppable. Helena shares her journey from her multicultural Italian-Swiss upbringing to building influential climate investment networks. The conversation explores personal growth, innovation in climate investing, the role of women in finance, and the transformative power of relationships and creativity. 00:32 | Who Is Helena Wasserman? Helena’s multicultural background: Italian creativity combined with Swiss-German business acumen. Growing up with a brother who faced mental health challenges shaped her desire to make the world a better place. Her family’s experiences inspired Helena and her sisters to pursue meaningful careers across different sectors. 06:22 | How Did Helena’s Education and Early Experiences Shape Her? The influence of an inspiring chemistry teacher sparked her passion for the environment. Studying Environmental Studies at The New School and Management at the London School of Economics (LSE). Lessons from her experiences at Ashoka and the Clinton Foundation, and why she eventually chose the for-profit path. 10:05 | What Did Helena Learn from Working in Tech and Startup Acceleration? Why she transitioned to the for-profit sector to accelerate environmental impact. Key lessons from Techstars and being part of the founding team at Big Data for Humans. Insights into fundraising, building sales teams, and achieving product-market fit. Why validating product-market fit is essential before expanding into international markets. 15:53 | How Has Helena Navigated Leadership as a Woman in Finance and Tech? Her experience working in male-dominated industries. Turning underrepresentation into an advantage through differentiation and perspective. The opportunity and responsibility of helping shape the future of finance as a woman leader. 19:07 | What Are Investors for Climate and Unstoppable? Their mission is to move more capital into climate and sustainability ventures. Building a global network of more than 400 investors across 32 cities. Supporting climate entrepreneurs through fundraising, visibility, and strategic connections. Solving meaningful problems by building strong, long-term relationships. 22:06 | What Role Does AI and Technology Play? How AI enhances efficiency, decision-making, and scalability. Balancing optimism with caution to ensure technology serves humanity responsibly. 23:16 | What Kinds of Climate Investments Are in Focus? Energy transition and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Industrial decarbonization, including innovations such as sustainable cement. Biodiversity and ocean technology as promising but challenging investment areas. Current geographic focus on Europe and Asia while evaluating global opportunities. RESOURCES: Learn more about Helena Wasserman on LinkedIn. Enjoyed this podcast? Helena’s sustainability journey began with an inspiring high school chemistry teacher. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, she says, “That gave me a very clear passion,” setting her on a lifelong path toward environmental impact and climate innovation. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Profile Climate Investment Leader: Co-Founder of Investors for Climate and Unstoppable, driving innovative approaches to climate-focused investing. Multicultural Perspective: Draws on her Italian-Swiss upbringing to bring diverse perspectives to leadership and business. Champion for Women: Advocates for greater participation and influence of women in finance and investment. The post Helena Wasserman, Co-Founder of Investors for Climate & Unstoppable first appeared on TBCY.

Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri, Founder & Chief Vision Officer, Open Origin: From Global Citizenship to Regenerative Leadership The meaning of her name, Indrani, as the “Queen of the Gods” in India, and the history of her Zamindar family. The legacy of her family in Bengal and how she is “making up for lost time” through her work. Podcast Overview Welcome to our latest podcast episode featuring Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri, Founder & Chief Vision Officer, Open Origin—an inspiring global leader, filmmaker, and climate entrepreneur. In this wide-ranging conversation, Indrani shares her extraordinary journey across cultures, her work in social impact, insights into regenerative business, and her vision for a more sustainable future. 01:07 – Who is Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri, and what is the story behind her name? The meaning of her name, Indrani, as the “Queen of the Gods” in India, and the history of her Zamindar family. The legacy of her family in Bengal and how she is “making up for lost time” through her work. 02:11 – How did her upbringing inspire a passion for social justice and education? Transforming her family home in India into the Shakti Regeneration Institute at the age of 18. Founding a school in India for women and underprivileged children—her greatest source of purpose and joy. Witnessing social injustice firsthand, including the tragic loss of a childhood friend, which strengthened her lifelong commitment to social change. 03:23 – What was it like to grow up as a global citizen and bridge multiple cultures? Her multicultural background, with Indian, British, Canadian, and Jamaican roots. Feeling like an “outsider” while also feeling at home wherever she went. Early experiences volunteering alongside her mother and Mother Teresa, which instilled the values of compassion and service. 07:17 – How did she channel her early experiences into her career as a model, artist, and activist? Her “nerdy” childhood and lifelong love of learning. Beginning a modeling career to finance her dream of filmmaking and support her school in India. Approaching modeling with academic curiosity and entering the creative world with fresh eyes, largely untouched by pop culture. 13:54 – What did Indrani learn from her modeling and photography career, and how did she transition to social impact? Working alongside some of the world’s greatest artists while witnessing the systemic challenges faced by young women. Building a successful commercial career while saving resources to fund philanthropic initiatives. Collaborating with icons such as David Bowie, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga before fully dedicating herself to purpose-driven work. 19:11 – How does she approach combining economic and social impact? Recognizing the tension between commercial success and meaningful impact, and choosing work that aligns with her values. Redirecting her talents toward regenerative projects that create lasting change. Explaining why moving beyond commercial success was difficult—but essential—to solving global challenges. 21:12 – What are her perspectives on climate, ecosystem collapse, and the future of work? Understanding how climate change and ecosystem collapse disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, especially in India. Highlighting the lack of adequate media attention given to these interconnected crises. Collaborating with Indigenous leaders and Nobel Prize-winning scientists to develop sustainable innovations. 28:03 – How should business leaders adapt to a regenerative and AI-powered world? Adopting a regenerative mindset instead of an extractive one. Redefining the purpose of money by aligning economies with the well-being of people and the planet. Viewing the AI revolution as an opportunity to create new forms of purpose, fulfillment, and community. Building business models that place people at the center while creating meaningful social and environmental impact. RESOURCES Learn more about Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? Behind the glamour lies a powerful story of resilience. The tragic murder of Indrani’s childhood friend in Canada—and the systemic racism she witnessed—became a defining moment in her lifelong commitment to social justice and the importance of bearing witness. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri is the Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Open Origin, focused on advancing sustainability and systems change. She is an acclaimed filmmaker and social impact leader whose work bridges storytelling, climate action, and global collaboration. Indrani champions regenerative business models, encouraging organizations to create value while restoring communities and the environment. The post Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri, Founder & Chief Vision Officer, Open Origin: From Global Citizenship to Regenerative Leadership first appeared on TBCY.

Theadora Sauvé, Board Member, Million Peacemakers, on Youth Leadership & Legal Innovation Achievements in law, business, governance, ethics, youth peacemaking, and figure skating Academic excellence and graduating as valedictorian Podcast Overview In this engaging episode, Theadora Sauvé, an accomplished young lawyer and Board Member, Million Peacemakers, shares her journey through competitive figure skating, law, and global peacemaking. The conversation explores her educational path, the Canadian legal profession, the growing impact of AI in law, and her work empowering young people through international peacebuilding initiatives. Below are the key topics discussed, along with their timestamps. 00:09 – Who is Theadora Sauvé, and what has shaped her career? Achievements in law, business, governance, ethics, youth peacemaking, and figure skating Academic excellence and graduating as valedictorian Early leadership with Million Peacemakers Building a purpose-driven career 02:52 – What is the journey to becoming a lawyer in Quebec? Honours in Management with a Minor in Psychology at McGill McGill’s dual law program in civil and common law Quebec bar exam structure and preparation Differences between Quebec and other Canadian provinces Articling, legal clinics, and becoming an associate Opportunities to practise in select U.S. states and France 16:42 – How does a legal career progress? Career path from articling student to partner Responsibilities at each stage Compensation and performance expectations The role of partners in firm leadership and hiring 22:26 – What challenges do law graduates face? Why many graduates pursue careers outside legal practice Alternative career opportunities with a law degree The importance of resilience and adaptability 24:00 – How is AI transforming the legal profession? AI for legal research, document review, and due diligence Harvey and other legal AI tools Human oversight and ethical responsibility Improving efficiency without replacing professional judgment 24:21 – How do ethics and technology intersect in legal practice? Experience in ethics and compliance at CDPQ Confidentiality and responsible AI adoption Differences between general AI platforms and legal-specific tools 44:06 – What could advanced AI mean for the future of law? AI agents and automation in legal work The future of junior legal roles Regulatory and liability considerations Why adaptability will be essential for future lawyers 47:53 – How is Million Peacemakers empowering young people? Expanding youth initiatives globally Partnerships with organizations such as YMCA, YPO, and African youth groups Scaling peace education through the Nonflict method Building a worldwide youth movement RESOURCES: Learn more about Theadora Sauvé: LinkedIn  McGill University is the only Canadian law school that offers a fully integrated dual-degree program in Common Law and Quebec Civil Law, enabling graduates to pursue legal careers across Canada and, with additional qualifications, in jurisdictions such as New York, Massachusetts, and France. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Theadora Sauvé is an accomplished lawyer and Board Member of Million Peacemakers, dedicated to advancing conflict resolution and youth empowerment. A former competitive figure skater, she brings discipline, resilience, and a global perspective to her work in law and leadership. Theadora is passionate about the intersection of law, artificial intelligence, and the future of the legal profession, advocating for responsible innovation and access to justice. The post Theadora Sauvé, Board Member, Million Peacemakers, on Youth Leadership & Legal Innovation first appeared on TBCY.

Ronald C. Shon, President, Shon Group & Founding Partner and Co-Chairman, REDDS Capital: From Real Estate to AI—Lessons in Leadership and Innovation Learned early that there will always be people who are smarter and more accomplished, fostering humility and respect for others. Progressed from being the top student in school to studying alongside exceptional peers at Stanford and Wharton. Podcast Overview Welcome to another insightful episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY) featuring Ronald C. Shon, President of Shon Group and Founding Partner & Co-Chairman of REDDS Capital. Hosted by Stephen Ibaraki, this conversation explores Ron’s remarkable journey through real estate, venture investing, technology, and community leadership. From taking over his family business at a young age to identifying the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, Ron shares timeless lessons on leadership, innovation, investing, and lifelong learning. 03:32- What Early Life Experiences Shaped Ronald Shon’s Career?  Learned early that there will always be people who are smarter and more accomplished, fostering humility and respect for others. Progressed from being the top student in school to studying alongside exceptional peers at Stanford and Wharton. Believes that continuous learning and humility are essential for long-term success.  05:31- How Did Ron Transition into the Family Business? Took over the family investment portfolio following the sudden passing of his father. Learned valuable lessons through early mistakes, perseverance, and hard work. Shares his family’s entrepreneurial journey—from migration to Canada to building a successful real estate investment business beginning in the 1950s. 20:23- What Strategies Did Ron Use to Create Value in Real Estate?  Describes transforming a 680,000-square-foot office building in Dallas by introducing new revenue streams, including paid parking and retail space. Demonstrates how operational improvements can significantly increase asset value. Emphasizes that consistent attention to detail and incremental improvements create exceptional long-term results. 26:29- Why Does Ron Believe AI Is the Most Transformative Technology?  Identified AI as the most significant emerging technology more than a decade ago. Views AI as a powerful force for innovation and positive change rather than something to fear. Highlights the rapid evolution of agentic and self-improving AI systems. 27:50- How Are AI Companies Creating Unprecedented Value?  Discusses Nvidia’s remarkable growth from a relatively small company to one of the world’s most valuable businesses. Explains how companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic have achieved extraordinary valuations in just a few years. Illustrates why early investment in transformative technologies can generate exceptional returns.  33:07- How Is AI Transforming Everyday Life and Business? AI has become deeply integrated into daily life and business operations across industries. Examples include smartphones, search engines, smart vehicles, wearable technology, and real estate applications. Highlights the difference between the localized growth of traditional industries and the global scalability of technology companies. 37:07- What Is Ron’s Perspective on AGI and Robotics?  Believes affordable humanoid robots will become increasingly common in homes and workplaces. Expects Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) to emerge within the coming years. Emphasizes that meaningful human oversight will remain essential, even as AI capabilities continue to advance. RESOURCES: Learn more about Ronald C. Shon: LinkedIn  Enjoyed this podcast? Join us as we explore a lifetime of lessons—from building a family legacy to embracing the future of artificial intelligence—with one of today’s most accomplished business leaders. If you enjoyed this episode, share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Ronald C. Shon is the President of the Shon Group and Founding Partner & Co-Chairman of REDDS Capital. With a career spanning real estate, venture investing, and technology, he has built a reputation for identifying emerging opportunities and creating long-term value. Ronald is passionate about innovation, artificial intelligence, and lifelong learning, encouraging leaders to embrace change and stay ahead of technological disruption. The post Ronald C. Shon, President, Shon Group & Founding Partner and Co-Chairman, REDDS Capital: From Real Estate to AI—Lessons in Leadership and Innovation first appeared on TBCY.

Jaya Row, CEO of Vedanta Vision, on the Timeless Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita Sat Chit Anand is our true nature—pure existence, consciousness, and bliss. Suffering arises because we are unaware of our true self. Podcast Overview In this enlightening episode of The Brand Called You, Jaya Row, CEO of Vedanta Vision and Managing Trustee of Vedanta Trust, joins Ashutosh Garg to explore the timeless wisdom of Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita. Their conversation delves into the core concepts of self-realization, ego, karma, dharma, and their relevance in today’s fast-changing world. Below is a breakdown of the episode with key questions, timestamps, and the most profound takeaways. 00:51 – Why Do We Suffer If Our True Nature Is Bliss? Sat Chit Anand is our true nature—pure existence, consciousness, and bliss. Suffering arises because we are unaware of our true self. This inner void gives rise to desires, as we seek fulfillment through external pursuits. Lasting happiness comes from self-knowledge, not from external achievements or possessions. 02:20 – What’s the Biggest Obstacle to Self-Realization? The greatest obstacle is not ignorance or fear but becoming acclimatized to sorrow. Just as people can become accustomed to living in slums, we can become comfortable in our own “spiritual slums.” Plato’s Allegory of the Cave illustrates how people often resist accepting a reality beyond their current experience. 05:08 – Vedantic View of the Ego: Destroy It or Understand It? The ego is not something to be destroyed but to be understood. Like a bubble in the ocean, the ego is made of the same essence as the ocean itself. The ego arises from identifying with name and form (nama-rupa). It expresses itself through comparison, separation, and domination, while true knowledge reveals the oneness of all existence. 08:43 – Why Does Arjuna’s Emotional Breakdown Begin the Bhagavad Gita? Spiritual awakening often begins with a breakdown rather than enlightenment. The scriptures describe four kinds of seekers, and many begin their spiritual journey during times of distress. Arjuna’s grief becomes the catalyst for self-discovery and transformation. 10:19 – Why Is Self-Knowledge the Ultimate Solution to Human Problems? A teacher must first meet the student at their current level of understanding before guiding them to higher truths. Krishna alternates between practical guidance and profound spiritual wisdom. The Bhagavad Gita presents self-knowledge as the highest remedy for suffering, confusion, and inner conflict. 12:31 – Does the Gita Teach Detachment from Outcomes or Emotional Dependence on Outcomes? The Gita teaches both. Focus on performing the right action, knowing that outcomes are never entirely within your control. What you can control are your intentions, attitude, and present actions. Freedom comes from giving your best effort while letting go of anxiety about the results. 15:39 – What Does Krishna’s Approach to Arjuna’s Problems Teach Us About Handling Our Own Challenges? Krishna does not solve Arjuna’s problems for him—he transforms Arjuna’s understanding. We cannot change other people; we can only share knowledge and allow them to make their own choices. Lasting transformation comes from an inner shift in perspective, not from external intervention. 17:45 – Why Is the Mind Described as Both a Friend and an Enemy? The mind becomes our greatest ally when it is guided by the intellect (buddhi). Without the guidance of the intellect, the mind easily succumbs to temptation and instant gratification. Mastering the mind is the foundation of self-mastery. 18:49 – Why Does the Gita Emphasize Mastering Desires Rather Than Fulfilling Them? Desire can never be fully satisfied—fulfilling one desire only gives rise to many more. Like fire, desire grows stronger the more it is fed. The solution is to rise above desire by focusing on a higher purpose and nobler ideals. 21:40 – How Does One Discover One’s Dharma in the Modern World? Dharma encompasses duty, ethics, and, most importantly, one’s unique purpose. Discovering your dharma begins with looking within and recognizing what consistently inspires and energizes you. Regular introspection and moments of solitude help bring greater clarity to one’s purpose. 24:46 – Can Dharma Conflict with Personal Happiness? When you pursue your highest purpose, lesser desires naturally begin to fade. If lower desires persist, they can be addressed in moderation without losing sight of your higher goal. Maintaining this balance leads to both meaningful achievement and personal fulfillment. RESOURCES: Learn more about Jaya Row: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? Detach from Outcomes, Not from Effort One of the Bhagavad Gita’s most profound teachings reminds us: “You have the right to action alone, never to its fruits.” Give your best to the present moment, and let go of emotional dependence on the outcome. While results are never fully within our control, our effort, attitude, and intention always are. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these timeless insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Jaya Row is the CEO of Vedanta Vision and the Managing Trustee of the Vedanta Trust, dedicated to spreading the wisdom of Vedanta. A renowned teacher of Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita, she makes timeless spiritual principles accessible and relevant to modern life. Jaya’s teachings focus on self-realization, karma, dharma, emotional intelligence, and the practical application of ancient wisdom to leadership and everyday decision-making. The post Jaya Row, CEO of Vedanta Vision, on the Timeless Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita first appeared on TBCY.

Insights with Maneesh Taneja, Author & Financial Advisor The overwhelming amount of financial information available in India and the need to make it relatable. Maneesh Taneja’s 17+ years of wealth management experience. Podcast Overview In this episode, Ashutosh Garg welcomes Maneesh Taneja, author of 7 Steps to Financial Freedom: Simple Habits, Compounded Returns, to discuss practical strategies for personal finance, risk management, and achieving true financial independence. If you’re looking for actionable insights to cut through the noise of investing, this conversation is a must-listen. 00:56 – What Inspired You to Write 7 Steps to Financial Freedom? The overwhelming amount of financial information available in India and the need to make it relatable. Maneesh Taneja’s 17+ years of wealth management experience. The book aims to cut through the noise and provide practical financial insights. 01:45 – Why Focus on Simple Habits Over Complex Strategies? Investment success often comes down to following a few simple principles. Simplicity and discipline matter more than complexity. The importance of consistently practicing simple financial habits. 02:43 – Why Start a Financial Book with Risk? Life is fundamentally about managing risk. Every major decision—career, marriage, or investing—involves trade-offs. Readers are encouraged to recognize themselves as natural risk managers. 05:18 – What Makes Diversification the “Free Lunch” of Risk Management? It helps prevent catastrophic, life-changing financial losses. Everyday examples include not keeping all your money in one pocket and spreading investments across multiple asset classes. The limitations become evident when diversification isn’t possible, such as carrying only one passport while travelling. 06:48 – Why Don’t Investors Practice Diversification? People tend to remain within their comfort zones and invest in familiar assets. Many misunderstand the relationship between risk and returns. Diversification prepares investors for unexpected events and market uncertainty. 09:28 – Why Is Compounding Called “God’s Gift to Investing”? Compounding rewards small, consistent efforts over time. Real-life examples include learning a musical instrument, reading regularly, and investing consistently. Discipline is the key to unlocking the full power of compounding. 12:05 – Why Emphasize Emergency Funds in “Prepare for a Rainy Day”? Emergency funds help prepare for low-probability but high-impact events. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of financial preparedness. They provide stability, confidence, and peace of mind during crises. 14:38 – What Financial Shocks Are Families Most Vulnerable To? Loss of income due to job loss, illness, or the death of an earning family member. Such events can significantly disrupt monthly expenses and lifestyles. 15:07 – How Should Investors Allocate Their Money Across Equities, Debt, Gold, Cash, and Real Estate? Maintain an emergency fund covering at least six months of expenses in liquid assets. Asset allocation should reflect your life stage, financial goals, and risk tolerance. Review your portfolio periodically and seek professional advice when necessary. 16:51 – What Distinguishes a Good Financial Advisor? Experience across multiple market cycles and different portfolio sizes. Alignment between the advisor’s incentives and the client’s goals. The ability to guide clients through both the technical and emotional aspects of investing. 19:09 – Why Is Living Within Your Means So Difficult? Social and peer pressure, particularly among younger generations. The constant pursuit of consumption and status. The importance of redefining success beyond material possessions. RESOURCES: Learn more about Maneesh Taneja: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? What’s the common thread between a successful marriage, a career transition, and investing? Uncertainty. We weigh the potential rewards, hope for the best, but can never know the outcome with certainty. That’s why understanding your own risk tolerance is essential to achieving long-term financial well-being. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these valuable insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Maneesh Taneja is a personal finance expert and the author of 7 Steps to Financial Freedom: Simple Habits, Compounded Returns, dedicated to making wealth creation simple and accessible. He specializes in practical investing, risk management, and helping individuals build long-term financial independence through disciplined financial habits. Maneesh advocates cutting through investment complexity by focusing on consistent decision-making, compounding, and sustainable wealth-building strategies. The post Insights with Maneesh Taneja, Author & Financial Advisor first appeared on TBCY.

How Ela Thier, Founder of The Independent Film School Developed a passion for storytelling even before learning to speak. Used imagination as a way to shape and understand reality. Podcast Overview In this inspiring episode of The Brand Called You, Ashutosh Garg speaks with Ela Thier, writer, director, educator, founder of The Independent Film School, and author of How to Fail as an Artist. The conversation explores the art of storytelling, the emotional core of filmmaking, overcoming creative challenges, and the purpose-driven mission behind both art and life. Below are the key moments from the episode, along with their insights and timestamps. 00:48-What first inspired Ela Thier to become a filmmaker and storyteller? Developed a passion for storytelling even before learning to speak. Used imagination as a way to shape and understand reality. Was inspired by watching Mary Poppins at the age of three. Discovered her calling after organizing and directing a school play. 02:43-How did finding a purpose help Ela overcome the challenges of independent filmmaking? Independent filmmaking is inherently challenging. Joy and creativity remain the strongest sources of motivation. Having a clear purpose or a compelling “why” helps sustain perseverance. Collaborating with others often reignites inspiration during difficult times. 03:56-What were the biggest lessons from making her earliest films? Feeling stuck often results from trying to do everything alone. Creativity should extend beyond the work itself to building a creative community. Collaboration is essential for growth and progress. 04:55-Why is emotional connection so important in storytelling? Audiences seek stories that help them reconnect with their emotions. Emotional repression in society makes authentic storytelling even more meaningful. Powerful films evoke laughter, tears, hope, and genuine emotional responses. 06:08-What does it take to create a truly moving story? Storytelling is a craft that can be learned and refined. Emotional impact is just as important as technical excellence. Hope within a story creates emotional safety, allowing audiences to connect more deeply. 09:00-What is the central theme of 109 Billion Followers? Explores how relationships with parents shape present-day connections. Demonstrates how healing past wounds can strengthen current relationships. Described as a hopeful, emotionally powerful film that inspires reflection and healing. 10:55-What conversations did Tomorrow Ever After spark about society? Presents a utopian future while portraying today’s world as the true dystopia. Challenges the normalization of poverty, inequality, and exploitation. Encourages audiences to question long-held societal assumptions. 11:52-Why is the conversation around failure so important for artists? Redefines success as creating meaningful work alongside people you enjoy working with. Suggests that constant comparison distracts from genuine creativity. Emphasizes finding fulfillment in the creative process rather than external validation. RESOURCES: Learn more about Ela Thier: LinkedIn  Enjoyed this podcast? One of the key themes from this conversation is the importance of purpose. During challenging times, reconnecting with your personal mission can provide the motivation to persevere—especially in a demanding field like independent filmmaking. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Ela Thier is a writer, director, educator, and the founder of the The Independent Film School, dedicated to nurturing independent filmmakers. She is the author of How to Fail as an Artist, offering candid insights into creativity, resilience, and the realities of an artistic career. Ela specializes in storytelling, filmmaking, and helping aspiring artists develop authentic voices through emotionally compelling narratives. The post How Ela Thier, Founder of The Independent Film School first appeared on TBCY.

Jyothika Raju, Co-Founder & Program Director, ImpactAI Foundry Growing up in Bengaluru and being exposed to an engineering-driven culture Early interest in computer science and technology Podcast Overview In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, Jyothika Raju, Co-Founder and Program Director of ImpactAI Foundry, joins Ashutosh Garg to discuss her journey at the intersection of technology, policy, and social impact, and how she is empowering nonprofits to adopt AI responsibly. 00:44 – What sparked Jyothika Raju’s interest in technology, public policy, and social impact? Growing up in Bengaluru and being exposed to an engineering-driven culture Early interest in computer science and technology Volunteering with NGOs and community initiatives A desire to combine technology with public policy to create meaningful social impact 02:54 – How does Jyothika Raju define responsible and accountable AI? The rapid rise of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude has made AI an essential part of today’s technology landscape. Recognizing challenges such as bias in AI models and algorithms Three key principles of responsible AI: Honest representation of stakeholder communities Honest evaluation of AI capabilities and limitations Human-in-the-loop accountability, especially for vulnerable communities 06:12 – What did Jyothika Raju’s AI governance research reveal about the opportunities and risks of AI? Opportunities AI can make technology more accessible for NGOs with limited resources. It enables non-technical users to build websites, automate workflows, and improve operational efficiency. Risks Bias and accessibility challenges persist, particularly in the Global South. Many AI models are designed primarily for Eurocentric contexts, overlooking linguistic and cultural diversity. Deliberate action is required to ensure AI does not deepen existing inequalities. 07:56 – What lessons from the sustainability sector influence AI policy? Experience in renewable energy highlighted the importance of understanding community impact before implementing large-scale projects. Similar precautionary and proactive approaches are needed in AI policy. AI data centres require significant energy resources and can have substantial local impacts, particularly in the Global South. Technology adoption should be guided by thoughtful regulation and community engagement. 10:08 – What is ImpactAI Foundry, and what gap does it address? A two-month capacity-building program that helps NGOs adopt AI in practical and sustainable ways NGOs are paired with engineers in Bengaluru who mentor them rather than simply building solutions on their behalf. The goal is to enable nonprofits to build, own, and continuously improve their own AI solutions. The program addresses gaps in funding, technical capacity, AI knowledge, and long-term talent development. 12:57 – What are the main challenges nonprofits face in adopting AI? Limited funding and resources often mean nonprofits prioritize frontline work over AI training and technology adoption. A shortage of skilled technical talent and long-term engineering partnerships makes sustainable AI implementation difficult. Protecting sensitive data and maintaining the privacy of vulnerable communities are critical concerns. Building trust through responsible data stewardship and ethical AI practices is essential. 15:06 – What are some examples of AI tools developed through the program? Adaptive learning platforms that personalize educational content based on student responses AI-powered automation for administrative tasks and grant management Accessible data dashboards that help organizations analyze and act on field data Multilingual chatbots and other customized AI solutions designed to meet the specific needs of nonprofits 16:46 – How does ImpactAI Foundry ensure AI solutions are ethical, transparent, and useful? Every project begins with understanding organizational workflows rather than introducing technology for its own sake. The team continually evaluates whether AI genuinely saves time, money, or resources. Strong emphasis is placed on understanding stakeholders, responsible data use, and ethical implementation. The ultimate goal is to help nonprofits become self-sufficient rather than dependent on external technical support. Learn more about Jyothika Raju: LinkedIn  Enjoyed this podcast? It’s not enough to build AI. As Jyothika Raju explains, the real questions are: Who is building these AI tools? Who benefits from them? And are we unintentionally reinforcing existing biases? AI’s true potential lies in creating solutions that serve everyone—not just a privileged few. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Jyothika Raju is the Co-Founder and Program Director of ImpactAI Foundry, helping nonprofits harness AI for greater impact. She works at the intersection of technology, public policy, and social innovation, promoting responsible and ethical AI adoption across the nonprofit sector. Jyothika is passionate about building AI literacy, strengthening organizational capacity, and ensuring that emerging technologies address real community needs. The post Jyothika Raju, Co-Founder & Program Director, ImpactAI Foundry first appeared on TBCY.

Thorsten: Venture Capital Leader & Innovator | From Deutsche Telekom to the NATO Innovation Fund & Thinkstorm Ventures His parents nurtured curiosity instead of imposing rigid rules. Germany’s bulk electronics collection days sparked his passion for tinkering and innovation. Podcast Overview Welcome to our latest episode recap, where we explore the inspiring journey of Thorsten—a technology leader, venture capitalist, and hands-on builder. Discover a life driven by curiosity, cross-continental impact, and a deep commitment to investing in both technology and people. 01:04 – How did early curiosity and family support shape Thorsten’s outlook? His parents nurtured curiosity instead of imposing rigid rules. Germany’s bulk electronics collection days sparked his passion for tinkering and innovation. He learned the value of freedom, creativity, and experimentation from an early age. These experiences instilled a lifelong passion for building, breaking, and learning through hands-on exploration. 04:06 – In what ways did music and service shape Thorsten’s creativity and leadership? He was deeply involved in music, including jazz, church choir, and teaching musical instruments. He learned that true improvisation comes only after mastering the fundamentals. Music provided early opportunities to develop leadership through conducting and service. He sees strong parallels between musical creativity and engineering, entrepreneurship, and innovation. 06:35 – What were the formative experiences during Thorsten’s university years and early engineering career? He nearly left university to help build the IT infrastructure for a medical research center. He learned by designing and deploying complex IT and networking systems. These experiences reinforced the importance of respectfully challenging conventions, taking ownership, and solving problems. His civil service experience strengthened his commitment to pursuing meaningful work rather than taking the easiest path. 13:13 – How did Thorsten transition into technology leadership and venture capital in the United States? He moved to the United States in 2002 to work in technology consulting and startups. He played a key role in helping startups scale to serve enterprise customers. Writing significant customer contracts for startups helped him build strong relationships with founders and venture capitalists. He later led and expanded investment teams in Silicon Valley, particularly at Deutsche Telekom’s venture arm. He credits his investment success to exceptional founders, outstanding teams, and strong institutional support rather than individual achievement. 18:04 – What were the key lessons from leading and scaling venture capital funds? He participated in landmark investments, including Demandware, Ubiqui, and Jawbone. He received Deutsche Telekom’s Excellence Award for innovation and leadership. He believes venture capital should be rooted in service, supporting founders rather than seeking personal recognition. His transition to Next World Capital and Northgate Capital expanded his perspective from strategic acquisitions to global venture investing. He advocates teamwork, transparency, and servant leadership within an industry that is often perceived as opaque. 29:26 – How does Thorsten mentor and support the next generation of fund managers? He is passionate about mentoring emerging venture capitalists and teaching at universities. He strives to make venture capital and fund-of-funds investing more transparent and accessible. He actively supports diverse and underrepresented managers, with particular emphasis on female general partners. He believes lasting success comes from building sustainable firms rather than pursuing short-term personal recognition. He promotes “co-creation” coaching, where mentors and mentees learn and grow together. RESOURCES: Learn more about Thorsten ‘Thor’ Claus: LinkedIn  Enjoyed this podcast? When Thorsten arrived in the United States, he immersed himself in building petabyte-scale data centers—long before “big data” became a buzzword. He soon became the trusted executive writing major customer contracts for startups, forging relationships with founders and venture capitalists that would shape the next phase of his career. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Thorsten is a technology leader, venture capitalist, and hands-on builder with a career spanning innovation, entrepreneurship, and global business. He has built and scaled technology ventures while investing in founders and emerging technologies that create long-term value. Thorsten is passionate about combining technical expertise with mentorship, believing that investing in people is as important as investing in ideas. The post Thorsten: Venture Capital Leader & Innovator | From Deutsche Telekom to the NATO Innovation Fund & Thinkstorm Ventures first appeared on TBCY.

Wael Doukmak, CEO of R2L Innovations & Ahlan Inc.: From Damascus to Global Leadership and Impact Born in Damascus, Syria, in 1961 Migration journey: Syria → Canada → Athens, Georgia, USA, for graduate studies Podcast Overview In this inspiring episode of The Brand Called You, Wael Doukmak joins the Leader Who Cares series to discuss his multicultural journey, entrepreneurial drive, leadership lessons, and the evolving role of technology and AI. Wael shares his personal story, the influences that shaped his worldview, and how he is leveraging his wealth of experience to drive impact across sectors. 01:02- Who is Wael Doukmak, and what is his background? Born in Damascus, Syria, in 1961 Migration journey: Syria → Canada → Athens, Georgia, USA, for graduate studies Married with three children and two grandchildren Eldest of five siblings, with a unique relationship with his mother due to their small age gap Currently lives in Dallas; previously lived in Athens, Georgia As a child, he was a curious reader, inspired by his father’s pharmacy and a neighboring bookstore Entrepreneurial by nature, with a constant thirst for learning and discovering new things 13:31- What early influences shaped Wael’s values and leadership style? Observing his father’s generosity as a pharmacist serving the community in Damascus Developing empathy and embracing “quiet leadership”—making a difference without seeking recognition Applying these values to entrepreneurship and building businesses that create meaningful impact Understanding the responsibility that comes with employing and supporting others 09:49- How did Wael transition between different fields and roles? Began his career with backgrounds in pharmacy and computer science Prioritized continuous learning and exploring opportunities across disciplines Built and operated an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Northeast Georgia (NEGAIA) Unexpectedly taught Arabic at the University of Georgia, leading to unique translation and interpretation opportunities  16:13- How did Wael become CNN’s go-to Arabic interpreter during the Iraq War? Became well known locally for his Arabic language skills while teaching at the University of Georgia Was approached directly by CNN before the Iraq War because of his reputation as a translator Despite having no formal interpreting background, he stepped up out of a desire to help during a pivotal global event Interpreted live broadcasts and high-stakes news moments, including Saddam Hussein’s first address after the initial strikes Reflected on the responsibility of accurately conveying messages across languages and cultures 22:30- What roles did Wael play in international telecom and technology transformation? Moved to Saudi Arabia after a personal loss while exploring new business opportunities Joined Cisco on a unique contract, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2020 and the country’s telecom transformation Later joined Qatar’s telecom company, Ooredoo, where he helped scale infrastructure in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022 Observed the importance of a clear national vision and strong alignment between leadership and citizens in Qatar 34:03- How does Wael view and approach artificial intelligence today? Sees AI as a powerful tool for progress when it is used to serve people—not replace them Believes society will eventually find the right balance in using AI responsibly Highlights opportunities for AI in smart cities, healthcare, translation, and education Passionate about combining AI with language training and personalized learning experiences RESOURCES: Learn more about Wael Doukmak: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? “I felt like a sponge, thirsty for things that are new,” Wael recalls. To him, being entrepreneurial wasn’t a buzzword—it was a deep desire to discover, learn, and help. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Wael Doukmak is a multicultural entrepreneur and business leader with extensive experience driving innovation and growth across multiple industries. His global career has shaped a leadership style rooted in adaptability, cross-cultural collaboration, and continuous learning. Wael is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies, including AI, to create meaningful business value and positive societal impact. The post Wael Doukmak, CEO of R2L Innovations & Ahlan Inc.: From Damascus to Global Leadership and Impact first appeared on TBCY.

Alastair Callender, Senior Yacht Broker & Philanthropist, on Yachting, Impact, and Innovation Grew up near Chichester Harbour in southern England, spending much of his childhood on the water. Comes from a family with a strong sailing tradition spanning generations. Podcast Overview In this episode of the “Leaders Who Care” podcast, Mark Sadovnick sits down with Alastair Callender, Senior Yacht Broker at Moravia Yachting and philanthropist. The conversation explores Alastair’s lifelong passion for life on the water, his innovative approach to yacht design and sales, and how he connects the world of yachting with philanthropy to create meaningful impact. 01:15 – Who Is Alastair Callender? Grew up near Chichester Harbour in southern England, spending much of his childhood on the water. Comes from a family with a strong sailing tradition spanning generations. Developed a passion for design after hearing a yacht designer speak at his school at the age of 15. 04:32 – How Did Alastair’s Early Interests Shape His Career? Displayed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age by offering “mill pond cruises” with his brother to earn pocket money. Pursued interests in music (clarinet and bassoon) alongside sports such as rugby, tennis, and sailing. Early public performances helped build discipline, confidence, and communication skills. 07:08 – What Was Alastair’s Educational Path to Yacht Design? Attended Cranleigh School as a music scholar while also studying business. Graduated with a First-Class degree in Boat Design with Professional Enhancement from Coventry University. Gained hands-on experience at Princess Yachts, where he saw several of his designs brought to life. Spent a gap year teaching sailing and water sports in Greece. 09:51 – How Do Design, Sales, Marketing, and Branding Come Together in Yachting? Founded a yacht design studio that received multiple awards for sustainability and innovation. Transitioned into sales and marketing while continuing to leverage his design expertise. Advises clients on selecting yachts that align with their lifestyles and aspirations—from global expeditions to island-hopping adventures in the Bahamas. 11:35 – What Is the Real Impact of the Yachting Experience? Yachting creates exceptional multi-generational experiences for families, friends, and businesses. A yacht serves as a “floating private island,” offering privacy, togetherness, mental well-being, and space for inspiration. It also provides an ideal setting for business masterminds, executive retreats, and philanthropic gatherings. 15:14 – What Are Some of Alastair’s Most Memorable Client Stories? Curated life-changing experiences for clients, including a private beach fireworks celebration that left one family deeply moved. Demonstrates how thoughtfully designed experiences can create priceless memories that last a lifetime. 19:26 – How Has Technology, Especially AI, Changed Yacht Design? Advances in CAD software and artificial intelligence have dramatically accelerated the design process—from taking weeks to just minutes. AI enhances efficiency but cannot replace human creativity, intuition, or the personalised service that defines luxury yachting. Exceptional hospitality, trusted relationships, and world-class onboard cuisine remain irreplaceable. 25:22 – How Does Alastair Combine Yachting with Philanthropy? Inspired by writing his own eulogy, Alastair recognised philanthropy as his life’s purpose. Acts as a “super connector,” bringing together philanthropists, charities, and foundations to maximise collective impact. Has hosted events aboard superyachts for organisations including the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and the United Nations Foundation, supporting causes such as combating human trafficking and assisting refugees. Uses immersive experiences to connect donors with beneficiaries in meaningful and lasting ways. RESOURCES: Learn more about Alastair Callender: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? Ever wondered what it’s like to build a life around yachting—not just the luxury, but the design, relationships, and the opportunity to create meaningful impact? Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Alastair Callender is a Senior Yacht Broker at Moravia Yachting, with extensive expertise in the global superyacht industry. Driven by a lifelong passion for life on the water, he has built a career around yacht sales, design, and delivering tailored solutions for clients worldwide. Alastair combines commercial success with a strong commitment to philanthropy, using the yachting community to support charitable initiatives and create positive social impact. The post Alastair Callender, Senior Yacht Broker & Philanthropist, on Yachting, Impact, and Innovation first appeared on TBCY.

Darlene Damm, Faculty Chair & VP of Community and Impact, Singularity University Growing up in a rural town and witnessing community challenges. The influence of a neighbor connected to the Space Age and Robert Goddard. Podcast Overview In this insightful episode, the conversation explores the remarkable journey of Darlene Damm, her experiences in impact technology, and the lessons she has learned through her roles at Singularity University, Ashoka, the World Bank, and innovative startups. The discussion highlights the defining moments that shaped her career, her transition into entrepreneurship, and her vision for the future of technology and social impact. 02:00- What were the formative inflection points in Darlene’s early life? Growing up in a rural town and witnessing community challenges. The influence of a neighbor connected to the Space Age and Robert Goddard. Developing an early curiosity about social issues and a passion for adventurous thinking. 06:06- How did Darlene’s academic journey lay the foundation for her impact career? Attending Stanford despite coming from a non-traditional background. Transitioning from physics to history and embracing interdisciplinary learning. Pursuing a master’s degree in International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Expanding her global perspective through pen pals, letter writing, and a belief that there are no boundaries to learning. 10:11- What inspired Darlene to pursue social entrepreneurship through Ashoka? Helping with her mother’s pottery business during childhood. Discovering Ashoka’s concept of social entrepreneurship and systems change. Learning to address the root causes of complex global challenges.  12:36- How were Matternet and DIY Rockets founded? Gaining inspiration through Singularity University’s intensive programs. Overcoming skepticism during the early days of the drone industry. Growing Matternet into a leading provider of medical drone delivery solutions. Launching DIY Rockets as an open innovation initiative to harness global talent. 19:34- What insights did Darlene gain from scaling technology for social good? Transitioning from entrepreneur to helping others leverage technology for impact. Witnessing the democratization of technology and innovation for social good. Collaborating with organizations such as Google, Salesforce, and the World Food Program. 22:52- How does Darlene approach sustainable innovation and global partnerships? Partnering with the World Food Program through Singularity University. Developing Building Blocks, a pioneering blockchain solution for food assistance. Demonstrating how humanitarian work, entrepreneurship, and exponential technologies can work together to create meaningful impact.  25:07- What message does Darlene’s book share? Challenging the misconception that meaningful work requires personal sacrifice. Exploring how exponential technologies have made social impact more accessible. Highlighting career opportunities across sectors such as food, energy, water, and healthcare. Encouraging people from all backgrounds to pursue impactful careers. 30:00- What current projects and future technologies excite Darlene? Consulting on advanced air mobility, wildfire resilience, and fusion technology. Driving open innovation initiatives with LG Nova. Exploring how forecasting, robotics, and advanced computing are shaping the future.  36:17- Which transformative technologies does Darlene believe will redefine humanity? Biotechnology and its extraordinary potential. Humanoid robotics and society’s adaptation to automation. Predictive technologies that could reshape healthcare, economics, and decision-making. RESOURCES: Learn more about Darlene Damm: LinkedIn  Enjoyed this podcast? One concept discussed was the power of combinatorial thinking—drawing inspiration from different fields like physics, history, and tech to creatively solve tough social problems from a fresh perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Darlene Damm is a technology entrepreneur and innovation leader with experience spanning startups, global organizations, and impact-driven ventures. Her career includes leadership and advisory roles with Singularity University, Ashoka, the World Bank, and pioneering technology companies. Darlene specializes in leveraging emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration to address complex social and economic challenges. The post Darlene Damm, Faculty Chair & VP of Community and Impact, Singularity University first appeared on TBCY.

Anusha Nerella’s Journey from Self-Taught Programmer to Forbes Tech Council Member Growing up in a traditional family that prioritized education. Drawing inspiration from older siblings and real-life role models. Podcast Overview In this episode of The Brand Called You, Anusha Nerella shares her inspiring journey from a rural upbringing in India to leading innovative technology initiatives at some of the world’s top financial institutions. As a Member of the Forbes Technology Council, Senior IEEE Leader, Microsoft MVP, and ACM Practitioner Board Member, Anusha offers invaluable insights into building a successful career in technology, driving AI innovation, and shaping the future of responsible AI. 03:38 | What Were the Three Biggest Inflection Points in Your Career? Growing up in a traditional family that prioritized education. Drawing inspiration from older siblings and real-life role models. Developing resilience through consistent self-learning despite limited access to technology. 15:44 | What Was It Like Modernizing the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Platforms? Joined the USPTO in her first role in the United States, focusing on application modernization. Improved workflow automation, implemented the Solr search engine, and enhanced public trademark databases. Gained valuable experience at the intersection of technology, law, and public service. 21:06 | What Lessons Did You Learn While Building AI Systems for Global Financial Services? Integrating AI into complex legacy banking systems while managing operational risk. Using low-risk datasets to validate AI models before large-scale deployment. Combating evolving fraud through automation, phishing detection, and enhanced security measures. Accelerating digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic to better serve customers. 29:42 | What Are Your Views on Microsoft’s Latest AI Advancements and the Build Conference? Generative AI is making advanced technology more accessible to a wider audience. Responsible AI governance is essential for successful enterprise adoption. AI should augment human capabilities rather than replace human judgment. Rapid advances in AI infrastructure, including token optimization and emerging storage innovations, are expanding future possibilities. 45:24 | Are We Already Entering the Era of AGI? What Are the Implications of Autonomous AI Agents? Exploring whether today’s AI capabilities truly represent Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Maintaining operational discipline, strategic vision, and customer trust as AI systems become more autonomous. Recognizing that even self-improving AI systems require ethical oversight and human judgment. RESOURCES: Learn more about  Anusha Nerella: LinkedIn  Enjoyed this podcast? Book smarts alone aren’t enough. Real growth comes from experimenting, learning from failure, observing, and continuously improving in the real world. Building and scaling meaningful ideas requires not only hard work but also curiosity, collaboration, resilience, and relentless optimism. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these valuable insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Anusha Nerella is a technology executive recognized for leading innovative digital and AI initiatives at leading global financial institutions. She is a Member of the Forbes Technology Council, a Senior IEEE Leader, a Microsoft MVP, and an ACM Practitioner Board Member. Anusha is passionate about artificial intelligence, responsible AI, cloud technologies, and mentoring the next generation of technology professionals. The post Anusha Nerella’s Journey from Self-Taught Programmer to Forbes Tech Council Member first appeared on TBCY.

Alain Chetrit, Co-founder & Chairman Emeritus of LabConnect, on Building Purpose-Driven Communities Entered the retail and fashion industry at an early age, including launching the first Hugo Boss retail concept globally. Expanded into telecommunications following the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as well as hedge funds and investment banking. Podcast Overview In this episode of The Brand Called You, Alain Chetrit shares his remarkable journey through business innovation, philanthropy, and the creation of platforms for global impact. From pioneering the fashion retail industry to developing the Knowledge Impact Network and the YPO Knowledge Pledge Community, Alain offers a blueprint for transforming business success into purposeful contribution. 02:06 – What shaped Alain Chetrit’s multifaceted career? Entered the retail and fashion industry at an early age, including launching the first Hugo Boss retail concept globally. Expanded into telecommunications following the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as well as hedge funds and investment banking. Founded LabConnect, a global laboratory services company, where he continues to serve as Chairman Emeritus. 05:19 – How did Alain Chetrit’s journey with YPO evolve? Joined YPO in 1990 and describes it as a network of more than 39,000 business leaders across 150 countries. Served in several leadership roles, including Global Chair of YPO Gold and Finance Chair. Launched an impact-focused initiative to identify, highlight, and scale members’ contributions around the world. 07:04 – Why was the Knowledge Impact Network created, and how has it evolved within YPO? The idea originated after observing influential changemakers outside YPO at the World Economic Forum in Davos. It was established to bring together YPO members and non-members to collaborate on scalable social impact initiatives. Today, it operates through YPO’s community infrastructure, leveraging members’ expertise to address global challenges. 12:19 – What types of projects are being undertaken by the Knowledge Impact Network and the Knowledge Pledge Community? More than 25 global initiatives have been completed, including: Addressing the impact of plastics on human health. Supporting solar-powered clean water solutions for communities across Africa. Exploring AI’s impact on education and society. Piloting entrepreneurship programs for women through universities. Addressing identity and migration challenges across Africa. 25:02 – How can people engage with the Knowledge Pledge Community? YPO members: Join through the YPO Connect platform and receive community updates via WhatsApp. Non-YPO members: Submit initiatives through the Knowledge Impact Network website or connect directly with Alain Chetrit. New initiatives are reviewed for collaboration opportunities and problem-solving sprints. 30:01 – What partnerships and sponsorship models is the community seeking? Collaborating with organizations such as the World Food Programme, XPRIZE, and leading educational associations. Seeking organizational, in-kind, project-based, and event sponsorships. Building systems to measure and demonstrate impact for partners, sponsors, and stakeholders. 47:16 – What is the long-term vision for the Knowledge Pledge Community? Establish a sustainable revenue model, technology platform, and leadership succession plan. Expand the community’s capacity to support and scale more projects globally. Develop technology-enabled frameworks to measure and report real-world impact. RESOURCES: Learn more about Alain Chetrit: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? What does impact look like in action? From tackling the effects of plastics on human health and scaling solar-powered water solutions across Africa—impacting more than six million lives—to preparing education for the AI era and empowering women through entrepreneurship programs in London, this episode highlights real solutions—not just conversations. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Alain Chetrit is an entrepreneur and philanthropist known for building innovative businesses and creating platforms that drive global impact. He pioneered advancements in the fashion retail industry before expanding his focus to purpose-driven leadership and knowledge sharing. Alain is the creator of the Knowledge Impact Network and the YPO Knowledge Pledge Community, fostering collaboration among business leaders worldwide. The post Alain Chetrit, Co-founder & Chairman Emeritus of LabConnect, on Building Purpose-Driven Communities first appeared on TBCY.

Elizabeth Rosenberg, Global Marketing and Communications Advisor The influence of being a twin and her early entrepreneurial ventures, including lemonade stands. How she naturally stepped into leadership roles throughout her career. Podcast Overview In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, Ashutosh Garg speaks with Elizabeth Rosenberg, Global Marketing and Communications Advisor, about entrepreneurship, personal branding, intuitive intelligence in leadership, and the evolving dynamics of corporate culture. Elizabeth shares her professional journey, the lessons she has learned, and actionable advice for current and aspiring leaders. 00:52 – What inspired Elizabeth Rosenberg to become an entrepreneur and visionary? The influence of being a twin and her early entrepreneurial ventures, including lemonade stands. How she naturally stepped into leadership roles throughout her career. 01:24 – When did authenticity become central to her leadership philosophy? Having a strong point of view from an early stage. Learning to use authenticity and her voice to empower others and lead with confidence. 01:58 – How does she balance ambition with alignment? Why creative tension can drive innovation. The importance of context and alignment in decision-making. 02:24 – Which setbacks shaped her leadership journey? Lessons from being laid off and fired. Viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and realignment. 02:58 – Why did Elizabeth Rosenberg found The Good Advice Company? Building a business around passion, expertise, and reputation. The importance of differentiation and emotional intelligence. 03:36 – What work does she do with executives and business leaders? Personal branding for senior executives. Strategic marketing and communications advisory. 04:13 – Why do senior executives struggle with personal branding? The challenge of talking about themselves authentically. How an external perspective helps uncover compelling personal stories. 05:27 – What challenges do people face when building their personal stories? Many people overlook the stories that make them relatable. Uncovering authentic origin stories, setbacks, and defining moments creates stronger personal connections. 06:35 – What does “unfiltered good advice” mean, and how does Elizabeth Rosenberg deliver it? Telling clients what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. Prioritizing honesty over comfort to help leaders grow. 07:43 – How can executives communicate authentically without appearing performative? Focusing on three pillars of thought leadership: personal experiences, professional expertise, and passion projects. Standing out in the AI era by being relatable and genuinely human. 08:52 – What is the concept of the Chief Spiritual Officer, and how does Elizabeth Rosenberg define intuitive intelligence? Viewing practices such as meditation and tarot as tools for self-awareness and personal growth. Recognizing intuition as an innate ability that becomes increasingly valuable in an AI-driven world. 10:14 – Why is intuition becoming increasingly important in an AI-driven world? It differentiates human thinking from AI-generated insights. Institutional knowledge, critical thinking, and wisdom remain uniquely human strengths. 11:55 – Can intuition be developed as a leadership skill? Everyone is born with intuition, but many people lose touch with it over time. Life experiences often help rekindle intuitive awareness. Practical exercises and workshops can strengthen intuitive decision-making. 13:25 – How can leaders strengthen their intuitive decision-making? Pause and reflect before responding. Differentiate intuition from habitual thinking. Build trust in your natural instincts through consistent practice. 14:42 – What are the early warning signs of burnout that leaders often overlook? Burnout affects everyone differently. Listening to your body and recognizing early warning signs are essential for recovery. 15:48 – Is corporate culture evolving toward more human-centered leadership? The workplace continues to move in cycles. Organizations are once again recognizing the importance of human connection alongside technological advancement. 16:42 – What important conversations are women leaders having that the broader business world is missing? The value of building supportive communities. Open discussions about wellbeing, economics, healthcare, and life beyond the workplace. RESOURCES: Learn more about Elizabeth Rosenberg: LinkedIn  Enjoyed this podcast? What’s the most unexpected teacher of leadership? Failure. Elizabeth Rosenberg was both laid off and fired—experiences that ultimately led her toward greater alignment, resilience, and personal growth. Sometimes, your biggest breakthrough comes when you’re pushed out of your comfort zone. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights across your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Elizabeth Rosenberg is a Global Marketing and Communications Advisor with extensive experience helping leaders and organizations strengthen their brands and strategic communications. She specializes in personal branding, executive positioning, and leadership communication, enabling professionals to build authentic influence and meaningful connections. Elizabeth advocates for combining intuitive intelligence with strategic thinking to navigate leadership, entrepreneurship, and evolving workplace cultures. The post Elizabeth Rosenberg, Global Marketing and Communications Advisor first appeared on TBCY.

Richard Barnes, Founder & CEO of Select Research, on Body Volume Index (BVI) BMI, invented in 1835, does not account for body shape. Barnes’ transition from the retail clothing industry to medical research. Podcast Overview In this episode of TBCY, Richard Barnes, Founder & CEO of Select Research, shares his groundbreaking journey from retail imaging to transforming global healthcare through the Body Volume Index (BVI). Moving beyond the nearly 200-year-old Body Mass Index (BMI), Barnes highlights how BVI leverages technology, research collaborations, and machine learning to deliver more accurate health data—accessible using just a smartphone. 00:00- What is the problem with BMI, and how did the BVI journey begin? BMI, invented in 1835, does not account for body shape. Barnes’ transition from the retail clothing industry to medical research. Discovery of BMI’s limitations, especially for children. 04:00- How did Select Research transition from retail to healthcare, and what was the initial research process? Early use of full-body scanners for retail sizing. Collaboration with the UK Department of Health and the U.S. CDC. Partnerships with Emory University and the Mayo Clinic for validation. Involvement of national and international experts in mapping body composition. 07:00- What technology and data drove the creation of BVI? Use of full-body MRI scans and DEXA imaging for accurate internal measurements. Creation of the world’s largest MRI dataset for machine learning analysis. Transition from full-body scanners to smartphone-based imaging. Launch of a smartphone-based BVI app in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic. 12:00- Who supports BVI, and how is it used today? Endorsement and validation from more than 60 organizations worldwide, including the CDC, NHS, the EU, and leading universities. BVI is delivered through the MyBVI app and integrated via APIs. Growing importance in tracking the effects of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, where rapid body-shape changes occur. BVI’s value for AI-driven insights into previously unknown body correlations. 17:00- Is BVI gaining global and institutional adoption? Trials supported by the World Health Organization in Africa and India. Scalable API integration with minimal cost and extensive compatibility. The smartphone revolution enables mass adoption, with no special equipment required. 18:00- What about regulatory clearances for BVI? Classification as a general wellness product by the FDA, not as a medical device. Similar approvals from European regulatory agencies. BVI provides measurement data rather than medical diagnoses, leaving clinical decisions to healthcare professionals. RESOURCES: Learn more about Richard Barnes: LinkedIn  Enjoyed this podcast? BMI measures only height and weight—it completely ignores body shape. As a result, your health risk profile is grouped with everyone else’s, regardless of how your weight is distributed. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.   You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB  Thanks for listening!  Profile Richard Barnes is the Founder and CEO of Select Research, focused on advancing digital health innovation. He pioneered the development of the Body Volume Index (BVI), a next-generation health assessment designed to provide a more accurate alternative to the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI). Richard combines technology, research, machine learning, and global scientific collaborations to make health measurement more precise and accessible using everyday devices such as smartphones. The post Richard Barnes, Founder & CEO of Select Research, on Body Volume Index (BVI) first appeared on TBCY.

Justin Byers, Founder & CEO of Axio BioPharma Science and instruments have continued to improve, but information sharing between teams remains broken. Data transfers between organizations often lead to the loss of context, slowing progress. Podcast Overview In this episode of The Brand Called You, the conversation focused on the intricate data challenges facing the biopharma industry and how Axio BioPharma is working to transform process data connectivity and AI readiness. The discussion explored how experience in both biotechnology and cybersecurity is shaping new solutions that make critical manufacturing data more accessible, trustworthy, and actionable for the pharmaceutical industry. 00:47-What did industry experience reveal about the true bottleneck in biopharma? Science and instruments have continued to improve, but information sharing between teams remains broken. Data transfers between organizations often lead to the loss of context, slowing progress. The real bottleneck is the data layer, not the science itself. This unmet challenge inspired Axio BioPharma’s mission. 02:07-How did blending biotech and cybersecurity expertise influence Axio’s design? The team combined bioinformatics and IT security perspectives. Recognized that AI models rely on high-quality, well-integrated data. Adopted a federated, secure framework inspired by cybersecurity platforms, tailored specifically for pharma. Ensured that companies’ proprietary data remains protected while enabling interoperability. 04:56-Why is fragmented process data such a massive problem in biomanufacturing? Biomanufacturing relies on dozens of software systems, each with isolated data. These systems do not communicate, making it difficult to gain a complete operational view. Axio connects these silos by providing a unified interface and a common “data language” without creating massive, unmanageable data lakes. The goal is faster collaboration and more comprehensive process insights. 07:10-What does it mean for Axio to be a “coordination layer” for AI rather than building AI models? The value lies in making structured, high-quality data accessible to existing AI models. Many pharmaceutical companies already have sophisticated AI models but lack the quality and quantity of data required for optimal performance. Axio focuses on integrating fragmented systems so data becomes AI-ready. 08:57-Why is vendor neutrality crucial for Axio’s platform—and how is it achieved? Neutrality ensures that Axio is trusted by both pharmaceutical companies and contract manufacturers. The platform does not favor any equipment vendor or manufacturing partner. Large manufacturers attempting similar solutions struggle to maintain this level of impartiality, creating trust concerns. Axio deliberately stays out of manufacturing, preserving its independence and neutrality. 12:45-What are the biggest misunderstandings about AI readiness in pharma? Many believe that having the right AI model or team is enough. The biggest obstacle is poor, fragmented, or incomplete data. True AI readiness begins with comprehensive, well-contextualized, and comparable data. 14:25-How will improved data coordination impact process development and manufacturing? AI will drive significant improvements once it is powered by structured, high-quality data. Areas such as process scale-up and root-cause analysis of manufacturing deviations stand to benefit greatly. Proactive, real-time monitoring with AI could identify process issues before they occur, saving both time and money. 16:28-How difficult is it technically to standardize data across enterprise systems? The challenge is immense because of the diversity of systems, sites, and vendors. Every enterprise, manufacturing site, and partnership typically has its own unique IT environment. Solving this requires robust “translation layers” so information can be seamlessly understood and compared, regardless of its source. 18:18-Will biomanufacturing data networks evolve like those in finance or IT? The expectation is yes—biomanufacturing will eventually adopt neutral, shared data pipelines. These pipelines will enable secure, routine, and efficient information exchange between sponsors, manufacturers, and partners, much like financial transactions or cybersecurity networks. RESOURCES: Learn more about Justin Byers: LinkedIn  Enjoyed this podcast? The discussion explored why biomanufacturing has become so complex: dozens of specialized systems that do not communicate with one another. Imagine trying to solve a puzzle in which every team holds a different piece, but no one has the complete picture. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Biopharma technology leader brings expertise across biotechnology, cybersecurity, and digital transformation to solve complex challenges in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Through Axio BioPharma, they are advancing process data connectivity to make manufacturing information more accessible, secure, and interoperable. Their work focuses on preparing biopharma organizations for AI by improving data quality, trust, and integration across manufacturing systems. The post Justin Byers, Founder & CEO of Axio BioPharma first appeared on TBCY.