In this episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Apurva Desai, a seasoned digital technology and media executive, investor, and mentor whose career spans Silicon Valley, Asia, and the Midwest. From his early days at tech giants like Intel and Yahoo to scaling startups like Vuclip and guiding them through successful exits, Apurva’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and innovation.

Now leading Sarvian Inc., a CFO and digital transformation consultancy, and serving as a Partner at Interstate Fusion Ventures, Apurva mentors entrepreneurs, drives innovation, and bridges the gap between coastal and Midwest startups. He’s also pursuing global storytelling projects and inspiring the next generation as an instructor at UC Berkeley’s Center for Law and Business.

In this conversation, Apurva opens up about:

• The contrast between working in large corporate environments and growth-stage startups.
• Leading through uncertainty, including navigating two M&A deals that fell apart at the last minute.
• The evolving role of the CFO and the critical skillsets leaders need today.
• Building strong, collaborative team cultures that stand the test of time.
• His journey as a global storyteller and his upcoming media project.

Apurva also shares memorable anecdotes, including how he became a global “expert” on the Indian Head Wiggle, and the surprising connections between storytelling, leadership, and resilience.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an emerging leader, or someone navigating a major pivot in your career, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for embracing change, creating impact, and leading with authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience is built by embracing adaptability and recognizing when it’s time to pivot.
• Storytelling isn’t just a tool for content creation—it’s essential for leadership and team-building.
• Leaders in today’s world need to blend technical expertise with emotional intelligence to navigate complexity.

Connect with Apurva Desai:

• LinkedIn: Apurva Desai

Contact Us: Questions? Comments? Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, resources, and episodes.