Beyond Titles by Suraj Nangia

Stalked, Harassed & Broke: The Unfiltered Reality of Starting in Indian Fashion - More from fashion voices -    • Is AI Killing Creativity? Mandira Wirk Exp...  

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“Fashion looks glamorous. The business behind it is brutal.”India’s fashion industry is a ₹100B+ market, but the reality of building a fashion business is far from runway lights and celebrity endorsements. In this episode of Beyond Titles, we dive deep into the Indian fashion industry, fashion business challenges, and creative entrepreneurship with Mandira Wirk, founder of Mandira Wirk Designs.

From her journey at the London School of Fashion to building an independent label in India, Mandira shares the untold realities of the fashion business in India — including design theft, cash flow struggles, rotating capital, buyer pressure, and the constant tension between creativity and commerce. She opens up about surviving a stalking incident, navigating legal gaps before cyber laws, and rebuilding after the devastating MG1–MG2 Mall demolition that wiped out her business overnight.

Mandira Wirk is a leading Indian fashion designer and founder of Mandira Wirk Designs LLP. With over 25 years in the industry, she has built a respected independent label known for blending femininity with strength, while navigating the complexities of the Indian fashion ecosystem without external backing.

Key Takeaways

• The real business of fashion: cash flow, inventory, and survival

• Why most fashion brands fail despite strong creativity

• The impact of design copying and weak IP protection

• Lessons from commercial failures like Paris Fashion Week

• How to build and sustain a brand without external funding

• Rebuilding after losing everything overnight

• AI in fashion and the future of design & commerce

• Redefining success beyond glamour and recognition

#BeyondTitles #IndianFashion #FashionBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CreativeEntrepreneur #FounderStories #WomenInBusiness #BusinessOfFashion #Podcast #StartupIndia

Timestamp:

00:00 – 01:29 Trailer

01:30 – 02:45 Indian Fashion Industry Reality: Inside the $100B Market

02:46 – 03:40 From London School of Fashion to India

03:41 – 04:30 Starting Out: Working with Rina Dhaka

04:31 – 06:00 Stalking, Safety Risks & Career Setbacks

06:01 – 07:10 Legal Struggles Before Cyber Laws

07:11 – 08:10 Starting an Independent Fashion Label

08:11 – 09:10 Opening the First Workshop in Shahpur Jat

09:11 – 10:10 Harassment While Building a Fashion Business

10:11 – 11:10 Resilience & Hard Lessons from the Industry

11:11 – 12:10 Market Shift: Traditional to Indo-Western Fashion

12:11 – 13:00 Fashion Education: Pearl Academy & London

13:01 – 14:20 Design Philosophy: Power, Femininity & Identity

14:21 – 15:40 First Big Break: Bridal Asia Success

15:41 – 16:55 Creativity vs Money: The Business Conflict

16:56 – 18:00 Fashion Finance Basics Every Designer Must Know

18:01 – 19:15 Failure at Paris Fashion Week

19:16 – 20:20 Seasonal Trends, Buyers & Commercial Pressure

20:21 – 21:20 Self-Funding & Rotating Capital Reality

21:21 – 22:30 How a Fashion Collection Is Built

22:31 – 23:40 Celebrity Endorsements: What Really Matters

23:41 – 24:50 Meeting Malaika Arora & Celebrity Relationships

24:51 – 26:00 External Funding: Pros & Cons

26:01 – 27:10 Why Fashion Students Must Learn Finance

27:11 – 28:20 Real Estate Challenges: The Dhan Mill Story

28:21 – 29:40 Global Recognition of Indian Fashion

29:41 – 30:40 Backstage Chaos Nobody Sees

30:41 – 31:50 Criticism, Social Media & Mental Strength

31:51 – 33:10 Gender Bias in the Fashion Industry

33:11 – 34:20 Labour Issues & Legal Threats

34:21 – 35:20 Standing Your Ground in a Male-Dominated Space

35:21 – 36:40 MG1 Mall Demolition: Losing Everything Overnight

36:41 – 37:30 Rebuilding After Business Collapse

37:31 – 38:30 Fashion Weeks: Career Impact Explained

38:31 – 39:40 Last-Minute Fixes Before the Runway

39:41 – 40:40 Working with Clients & Artisans

40:41 – 41:50 IP Theft & Design Copying in Fashion

41:51 – 43:00 Spirituality, Balance & Inner Strength

43:01 – 44:00 Responsibility Towards Employees & Livelihoods

44:01 – 45:30 AI in Fashion: Design, Productivity & E-commerce

45:31 – 46:00 Rapid Fire: Fashion Rules Rewritten

46:01 – 47:10 Trends to Leave Behind

47:11 – 48:00 Alternate Careers: Law to Fashion

48:01 – 48:40 Looking Up to Anamika Khanna

48:41 – 49:40 Myths of the Glamorous Fashion Life

49:41 – 50:30 Legacy, Success & Keeping the Fire Alive

50:31 – 50:40 Closing Remarks

Binge all Beyond Titles episodes here:    • The Untold Story of Bollywood's Top Makeup...  

Are Big Four Firms Too Complex to Govern? A CEO's Honest Answer -    • Stop calling it a failure - Do this instea...  

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“Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about navigating complexity when systems are under pressure.”

What does it really take to lead at scale — when decisions impact thousands of people, complex institutions, and public trust?

We explore the realities of leading in professional services, why large organisations struggle with governance as they scale, and what leaders must rethink in a world that is changing faster than institutions can adapt.

In this episode of Beyond Titles, I sit down with Nader Haffar, former CEO of KPMG Lower Gulf, for a candid and deeply insightful conversation on leadership, governance, and building organisations that endure.

This is not a conversation about positions or headlines.

It’s about how leadership actually works inside large systems — where growth, power, and accountability collide.

Nader Haffar is a seasoned global leader with over 35+ years of experience across the United States and the Middle East.

He served as the CEO of KPMG Lower Gulf, where he led the firm through a period of significant transformation and growth, including a 55% increase in revenue.

Over his career, he has built and scaled consulting practices, advised governments and large institutions, and led complex organisations through both growth and turbulence.

Today, he focuses on shaping better leaders, stronger governance systems, and future-ready organisations.

Key Takeaways

Why leadership is about judgment, not authority

How governance must evolve as organisations scale

Why large organisations often struggle with complexity and internal alignment

The real reason large-scale transformations face resistance

How partnership models create both strength and hidden risks

Why integrity and trust are the most valuable leadership assets

When leaders should step aside — and why it matters

Are Big Four firms becoming too complex for traditional governance?

Why continuous learning and adaptability are critical for long-term success

️ Why You Should Watch This Podcast

If you are a:

CEO, founder, or business leader

Consultant or part of a professional services firm

Entrepreneur building at scale

Or someone navigating leadership in complex environments

This conversation will give you a clear, grounded perspective on leadership beyond titles — focused on systems, people, and long-term impact.

Call to Action

Watch the full episode and share your biggest takeaway in the comments

Subscribe to Beyond Titles for more conversations on leadership, governance, and building institutions that last

Share this with someone building or leading at scale

Timestamp:

00:00 Trailer

01:25 Introduction

02:49 Horse Riding & Leadership Discipline

04:50 Power of Mentorship

10:23 Engineering Path into Consulting

12:59 First Consulting Assignment That Changed Everything

22:37 Becoming CEO of KPMG

25:51 Scaling KPMG’s Consulting Practice

29:19 Leading Across Cultures in Global Organisations

31:49 Leadership Beyond Titles and Power

34:45 Why Large-Scale Transformation Faces Resistance

38:38 Nader’s Opinion on the Abraaj Case

42:00 Are Big Four Firms Becoming Too Big to Fail?

56:01 Knowing When Leaders Must Step Aside

59:35 Biggest Learning After Stepping Down as CEO

01:00:56 Leadership Is Vision, Not Operations

01:04:21 One Leadership Principle That Never Changes

01:05:56 Rapid Fire with Nader Haffar

01:11:14 Outro

#BeyondTitles #Leadership #Governance #SurajNangia

#NaderHaffar #ProfessionalServices #BigFour

#BusinessPodcast #LeadershipAtScale #CXOLeadership

#Consulting #InstitutionBuilding #middleeastbusiness

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Beyond Titles - Inspiring conversations where Suraj Nangia goes beyond success, roles, and headlines to uncover the human stories, turning points, and inner battles that shape extraordinary journeys.

Binge all Beyond Titles episodes here:    • The Untold Story of Bollywood's Top Makeup...  

Subscribe & join the Beyond Titles community: -    / @suraj_nangia  

New episodes. Real conversations. No filters.

Saudi Arabia's Quiet Startup Ecosystem - Watch more Founders Playlist -    • How AI is transforming the Hajj pilgrimage...  

“Saudi Arabia isn’t changing slowly… it’s rewriting the rules in real time.” What if everything you thought you knew about Saudi — its pace, its people, its ambition — is already outdated?

In this episode of Beyond Titles, I sit down with Gagan Arora, Partner at Maven Insights and former consultant at BCG & Bain, to unpack the real story of Saudi Arabia’s transformation — beyond the headlines, beyond the hype.

This is not a surface-level conversation.

We go inside Saudi boardrooms, giga-projects, and decision-making rooms to understand how a nation is moving faster than most organisations can comprehend — and what that means for the future of business, consulting, AI, and global talent.

From the rise of NEOM to the shifting power dynamics of global consulting firms…

From the role of AI in national transformation to the mindset that drives execution at scale…

This episode is a masterclass on how Saudi actually works.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE

Why Saudi Arabia is one of the most important transformation markets globally

What NEOM really represents — beyond the hype

How decisions in Saudi happen in days, not months

Why global consulting firms don’t automatically win anymore

The truth behind the “PowerPoints vs Execution” gap

How AI is being embedded into national systems — not just discussed

Why global talent is moving from London, New York, and Europe to Riyadh

The cultural and leadership shifts driving Saudi’s growth

What founders, CEOs, and professionals can learn from the Kingdom

Gagan Arora is a Partner at Maven Insights, with prior experience at BCG (London) and Bain & Company (Middle East).

Having worked across the UK and Saudi Arabia, Gagan brings a rare dual perspective — combining Western consulting frameworks with on-ground experience of Saudi’s rapid transformation.

He has advised on large-scale strategic and operational initiatives across sectors, giving him a front-row seat to how ambition turns into execution in one of the fastest-moving regions in the world.

Timestamp

00:00 – Trailer: From UK consulting to Saudi’s transformation journey

01:07 – Introduction

01:52 – Leaving a stable UK consulting career for Saudi Arabia

04:38 – Conviction over consensus: How decisions move fast

08:13 – Why PowerPoint doesn’t win projects—narrative does

09:24 – Is “Wasta” still relevant in modern Saudi Arabia?

10:36 – The biggest global misconception about Saudi Arabia

13:37 – Transformation Gagan witnessed after moving to Saudi

16:06 – When a 6-month project becomes 2 months in Saudi

19:00 – What exactly is NEOM?

22:59 – Is Saudi’s transformation commercially & culturally sustainable?

25:36 – Accountability shift: Results over slides

29:40 – Why Saudi is no longer a “quick money” market

32:47 – Startup reality: Saudi’s quiet momentum

36:20 – Saudi’s AI push: Fixing data before intelligence

40:52 – Language, localisation & Arabic-first systems

47:27 – How outsiders perceive Saudi Arabia

49:30 – Rapid fire with Gagan Arora

51:10 – Final takeaway: How Saudi reshaped Gagan’s leadership mindset

If you’re a:

• Founder or entrepreneur exploring global markets

• Business leader tracking geopolitical and economic shifts

• Consultant or operator curious about the Middle East

• Professional interested in AI, transformation, and future economies

Then this episode will change how you see Saudi Arabia — and where the world is headed next.

If this conversation challenges your perspective,

Share it with someone who needs to understand where the future is being built

Follow Beyond Titles for more deep-dive conversations

Drop your thoughts in the comments — what surprised you most about Saudi?

#SaudiArabia #Vision2030 #NEOM #MiddleEast #Riyadh #GlobalBusiness #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork #Consulting #Leadership #EmergingMarkets #Innovation #BeyondTitles #podcast

 Healthcare & Innovation

The Real Reason Infertility Rates Are Skyrocketing - more on Healthcare conversations -  • Can AI actually replace your doctor? #AI #...  

“We celebrate innovation everywhere… so why are we still uncomfortable when it comes to creating life through IVF?”

In this episode of Beyond Titles, we sit down with Dr. Saarthak Bakshi to unpack one of the most important yet least talked about topics in India — IVF, fertility, and the stigma surrounding it.

From failed startups to building one of India and Nepal’s leading IVF chains, this is a conversation that goes beyond entrepreneurship. It dives deep into the emotional, social, and ethical realities of fertility treatment — why IVF is still taboo, what couples actually go through, and how science, hope, and societal pressure collide.

We also explore modern choices like egg freezing, the truth behind IVF success rates, what happens when treatments fail, and how the fertility industry is evolving in India.

Dr. Saarthak Bakshi is the CEO & Co-founder of RISAA IVF, a leading fertility chain across India and Nepal. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, TEDx speaker, and angel investor (Neos Angels), he has backed 30+ startups while building a purpose-driven business in one of the most sensitive and misunderstood sectors — fertility and reproductive healthcare.

Key Takeaways

Why IVF is still considered taboo in India

The emotional reality behind failed IVF cycles

Egg freezing: empowerment or false security?

What most people misunderstand about fertility treatments

Ethics, regulations, and the future of IVF in India

Lessons from failure, entrepreneurship, and building with purpose

If this conversation made you think differently about IVF, fertility, or societal mindsets — share it with someone who needs to hear this.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Beyond Titles for more real conversations beyond the surface.

Timestamp:

00:00 - 01:03 Trailer

01:04 - 02:26 Meet Saarthak Bakshi

02:27 - 07:14 Breaking conventional path: chosing entrepreneurship over a medical career

07:15 - 10:09 Building RISAA IVF with his mother

10:10 - 14:23 The stigma around IVF 

14:24 - 19:11 Rising infertility: careers, stress & delayed parenthood

19:12 - 22:09 IVF success rates & emotional turmoil behind treatment

22:10 - 25:36 Identity stigma: fake names, secrecy & marriage breakdowns

25:37 - 28:40 Nepal expansion: running a government IVF program

28:41 - 30:48 RISAA’s value proposition: empathy + science

30:49 - 32:17 Scaling clinics through compassion, not volume

32:18 - 38:18 IVF vs Surrogacy vs Adoption

38:19 - 44:27 AI, artificial wombs & future of reproduction

44:28 - 46:58 Rise of egg freezing & fertility preservation

46:59 - 52:59 Ethical boundaries for “designer babies” & Preventing embryo mix-ups

53:00 - 57:16 Investing in startups: leveraging innovation to improve IVF outcomes

57:17 - 58:20 Hypothetical Shark Tank pitch: care vs guarantees

58:21 - 01:04:06 TED Talks: Startup lessons from failures

01:04:07 - 01:07:30 QnA with Dr. Saarthak Bakshi

01:07:31 - 01:13:26 Final message: Parenthood is a right, not a secret. IVF should be normal.

01:13:27 - 01:13:27 Outro

We spoke about:

Why IVF is still viewed with hesitation and judgment

The emotional reality couples face when treatments fail

Egg freezing, late parenthood, and the silent pressures on women

What really happens behind the scenes of fertility clinics

How hope, stigma, science, and ethics collide in this space

#IVF #Fertility #BeyondTitles #SaarthakBakshi #InfertilityAwareness

#EggFreezing #WomenHealth #HealthcareIndia #BreakingTaboos

#Entrepreneurship #StartupIndia #PurposeDriven #fertilityjourney 

The speaker shares his journey from considering medicine to establishing an IVF business, driven by a desire for a lasting legacy rather than just a career. He discusses the significant challenges and potential for blame in the IVF journey, highlighting the high stakes involved in an infertility venture. This conversation explores the unique business ideas and entrepreneurial spirit required in the fertility center industry.

Binge all Beyond Titles episodes here:  • The Untold Story of Bollywood's Top Makeup...  

Meet Girish Vanvari, a visionary CA-turned-entrepreneur who transformed setbacks into stepping stones . His journey takes him from big corporate halls to building Transaction Square from scratch, purely on courage, belief, and hard work. In this open and honest conversation, Girish talks about early setbacks, what those moments taught him, how leadership really works and why Big 4 partners are turning into salespeople. He also shares the emotional and difficult moment of leaving a top role at KPMG to chase his dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

Girish also speaks about how new technology will change the advisory world, why he’s betting on India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities, and the thought process behind a possible IPO. You even get a glimpse of what a normal day in his life looks like.

Timestamp

0:00 – 1:06 - Trailer

1:07 – 2:12 - Meet Girish Vanvari

2:13 – 5:17 - How a CA rank-holder failed in finals & what it taught him

5:18 – 7:13 - Girish’s advice to young aspirants upon failure

7:14 – 9:11 - From Arthur Andersen to National Tax Head of KPMG

9:12 – 10:17 - Are Big 4 Partners Becoming Salespeople?

10:18 – 13:24 - Quitting KPMG to build a firm from scratch

13:25 – 16:02 - Why Girish registered Transaction Square so long back

16:03 – 18:38 - Toughest thing when Girish left KPMG & started Transaction Square

18:39 – 21:46 - Diversification of Transaction Square: Strategy or necessity?

21:47 – 23:20 - Why more Big 4 leaders are turning entrepreneurs

23:21 – 26:03 - Will Transaction Square go public (IPO)?

26:04 – 28:56 - Why culture changes after a company goes public

28:57 – 30:40 - Why Girish is targeting Tier 2 or Tier 3 cities

30:41 – 34:51 - How AI will affect the business advisory industry

34:52 – 36:16 - Global strategy for Transaction Square

36:17 – 38:10 - Girish’s view on India’s own Big 4 firms

38:11 – 40:04 - A day in the life of Girish Vanvari

40:05 – 43:23 - Scaling Transaction Square: People, technology & culture

43:24 – 49:57 - Q&A with Girish

49:58 – 50:08 - Outro

#GirishVanvari #TransactionSquare #entrepreneurship #StartupIndia #charteredaccountantcourse #cajourney #businessleadership #leadershiplessons #failuretosuccess #indianentrepreneurship #big4firms #kpmgindia #consultinglife #AdvisoryIndustry #careermotivation #inspirationdaily #businessgrowth #aiinbusiness  #futureofwork #ipojourney #indiabusiness #successstories #motivationforcas #professionalgrowth #businesspodcast #entrepreneurlife #foundersjourney #corporatelife #startupmindset ‪@Suraj_Nangia‬

Binge all Beyond Titles episodes here:    • The Untold Story of Bollywood's Top Makeup...  

Meet , Dr. Mansi Mukherjee - Dubai’s trusted dermatologist who brings truth, science, and ethics back into beauty.

In a city where beauty meets billions, luxury clinics rise on every corner, and social media filters blur reality, there’s one voice that brings clarity - Dr Mansi Mukherjee. With over 20 years of transforming lives, not just faces, she stands as one of Dubai’s most trusted dermatology experts.

In this candid and unfiltered conversation, we explore the truth behind an industry that is as fascinating as it is, at times, dangerous.

What we uncover in this episode:

• Why Dubai became the “Beverly Hills of the Middle East”

• The emotional and psychological impact of restorative treatments

• The truth about Botox, fillers, technique vs product, and what really works

• Clinics vs salons , why science matters more than machinery

• Global beauty bias, fairness myths & the psychology of skin

• Why ethical doctors must sometimes say no

• Complications, reversibility & patient safety

• Ageing gracefully vs medical enhancements

• Sunscreen myths, social media misinformation & dermatology facts

• Technology, AI & the future of regenerative medicine

• Treating celebrities vs everyday clients and the misconceptions around both

This isn’t just another beauty conversation. It’s a truth-telling session about modern aesthetics: the science, the risks, the emotions, and the future.

Stay till the end for a fast-paced Rapid Fire with Dr Mansi and her final message: Be informed. Be individual. Be yourself. Your skin deserves the truth.

If you have any questions about skin or treatments, feel free to reach out on Instagram:

Dr Mansi Mukherjee: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mansisum...

Anara Clinic: https://www.instagram.com/anaraclinic...

For more details, visit their website: https://anaraclinic.com

Timestamp:

00:00 - 01:11 Trailer

01:12 - 02:10 Introduction

02:11 - 04:15 The Journey Begins: Childhood Dream to Medicine

04:16 - 05:54 Transforming lives: The emotional impact of restorative treatments

05:55 - 08:41 Advice for Young Doctors: Do It Right, Learn It Right

08:42 - 13:13 Treating Every Skin Type: the science, structure and beauty

13:14 - 17:35 The Myth of Fairness: Beauty, Psychology & Global Skin Bias

17:36 - 19:16 Reclaiming medical ethics – Saying ‘no’ when it’s the right thing

19:17 - 22:08 The Business of Medicine: When Ethics meet corporate pressure

22:09 - 25:08 Dubai: The Beverly Hills of the Middle East

25:09 - 26:30 Why beauty treatments are often psychological

26:31 - 29:34 Aesthetic clinics vs salons – Why science matters more than machinery

29:35 - 33:35 Social Media & The Epidemic of Misinformation

33:36 - 36:45 Botox demystified: The science, safety, and truth behind the treatment

36:46 - 40:37 Fillers and false fears: Why technique matters more than product

40:38 - 42:40 Treating Celebrities vs. Everyday Clients

42:41 - 47:05 Complications, risks, and the truth about reversibility in treatments

47:06 - 49:23 Aging gracefully vs medical enhancements: Finding the right balance

49:24 - 50:34 Sunscreen myths, social media confusion, and dermatology facts

50:35 - 52:07 Medical regulation in Dubai: Safe practice and patient awareness

52:08 - 53:19 Positives & Negatives of such treatments

53:20 - 55:02 Technology & AI in Dermatology: Are we chasing trends or science?

55:03 - 58:22 Rapid Fire with Dr. Mansi

58:23 - 59:14 Closing thoughts: Be informed, be individual, be yourself

59:15 - 59:28 Outro

#Dermatology, #SkinCare, #AestheticMedicine, #DubaiDermatologist, #CosmeticDermatology, #AntiAging, #Botox, #Fillers, #SkinHealth,

#BeautyTrends, #GlowUp, #HealthySkin, #DermatologistDubai,

#AestheticsClinic, #SkinTreatment, #DermatologyTips,

#SelfCare,#RegenerativeMedicine, #SkinConfidence, #DubaiLifestyle @Suraj_Nangia ​

Binge all Beyond Titles episodes here:    • The Untold Story of Bollywood's Top Makeup...  

Meet Anupam Nair, a musician who found purpose in passion. From growing up in a disciplined defence household to performing on stages across 20+ countries and collaborating with Yash Raj Films, his story is a masterclass in perseverance.

In this exclusive conversation, Anupam shares his life behind the spotlight , his mother’s influence, the struggles of financial instability, the rise of ROOH Band, and the bold leap from campus politics to the world of professional music. He reinvented himself during the pandemic, handled criticism with grace, and turned every setback into a stepping stone.

If you have ever dreamt of turning your passion into your profession, this story will inspire you to keep going, no matter how tough the tune gets.

Stay till the end for an exclusive sneak peek into his latest tracks and his message for aspiring musicians.

#AnupamMusic #ROOH #MusicalJourney #InspiringStories #LifeOfAnArtist #behindthemusic #podcast #surajnangia #beyondtitles #anupamnair

Experience the magic of ‪@AnupamNairMusic‬ – all songs available here:‪@AnupamNairMusic‬

Timestamp:

00:00 - 01:13 — Trailer

01:14 - 01:33 — Introduction

01:34 - 02:43 — Growing Up in a Defence Family

02:44 - 03:39 — Musical Roots: Mother’s Influence, First Performance and Early Passion

03:40 - 05:46 — From Campus Politics to Creating His First Band

05:47 - 10:12 — The Accidental Musician: From Side Hustle to Spotlight

10:13 - 11:43 — Dealing with Financial Instability

11:44 - 14:03 — Building the Band ‘ROOH’: How It All Began

14:04 - 16:23 — The Rise of Unplugged Music in Dubai

16:24 - 19:51 — Handling Criticism and Feedback as an Artist

19:52 - 22:36 — Performing Across 20+ Countries: Breaking Genre Barriers

22:37 - 24:06 — The Art of Mashups and Multilingual Music

24:07 - 28:31 — The COVID-19 Pivot: Reinventing Music Online

28:32 - 31:13 — The Bollywood Breakthrough with Yash Raj Films

31:14 - 32:37 — From Bands to Brand: Music Industry Shifts

32:38 - 34:51 — From ‘ROOH’ to ‘Anupam Music’: The Evolution

34:52 - 38:50 — Managing Bands, Egos & Artistic Harmony

38:51 - 39:00 — Sneak Peek of Anupam’s Songs

39:01 - 40:31 — AI and the Future of Music Creation

40:32 - 41:44 — Anupam’s Long-Term Vision: Music, Balance & Goa Dreams

41:45 - 44:36 — The ‘Do 15 Things’ Mindset: Why Stretching Beyond Comfort Builds Mastery

44:37 - 45:38 — Performer vs. Singer: What Defines Anupam

45:39 - 50:24 — Daily Riyaz and the Discipline Behind Art

50:25 - 52:02 — Awards, Recognition & The Next Goal

52:03 - 54:50 — Songs That Inspire: Love Story, Ayat & KK’s Influence

54:51 - 55:31 — The Toughest Part of Leading a Band

55:32 - 58:43 — Real-World Advice for Aspiring Musicians

58:44 - 59:01 — Outro

Binge all Beyond Titles episodes here:    • The Untold Story of Bollywood's Top Makeup...  

The Untold Truth of Astrology & Vastu

Can the planets really shape your destiny?

In this thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with Vaishali Chaturvedi, a renowned Vastu and Astrology expert, to decode the science, mystery, and myths behind astrology - from planetary movements to AI vs human intuition.

We explore:

• How Vedic astrology differs from Western astrology

• The secrets of face reading, palm reading and planetary charts

• Vastu vs Feng Shui – what really works for your home

• Shocking predictions on India’s future, global conflicts and climate change

• Can machines ever replace astrologers?

• Real-life transformation stories that defy logic

Stay till the end for Vaishali’s personal revelations, her favourite planet and a few jaw-dropping predictions you’ll never forget!

Connect with Vaishali Chaturvedi on Instagram and YouTube:

Instagram:   / divinology.co  

Youtube:    / @divinology_co  

Song: Volcano by Romeo

Timestamp:

Can astrology explain your daily mood swings? Discover how lunar phases impact your emotional state and the future of technology.

We explore the connection between the moon and our internal rhythms, breaking down how planetary influences shape our daily experiences. If you have ever felt like your emotions are tied to cycles outside of your control, this discussion offers a fresh perspective on how we perceive these shifts.

We also address the intersection of astrology and AI. While technology continues to advance rapidly, it is important to remember that artificial intelligence is a product of human creation. Because of this, it can never truly replicate the depth of human intelligence or the intuitive nature of spirituality. This conversation is for anyone curious about how ancient wisdom holds up against modern advancements.

Subscribe for weekly astrology breakdowns, and comment below if you believe human intuition will always remain superior to machines.

00:00 – 01:15 Trailer

01:16 – 01:30 Introduction

01:31 – 03:09 Understanding Vedic Astrology and Its Distinction from Western Astrology

03:10 – 05:41 Vaishali’s journey into astrology and her early curiosity

05:42 – 06:49 What astrology includes – face reading, palm reading, charts and more

06:50 – 09:01 How planetary movements influence human life and emotions

09:02 – 11:07 How to identify genuine astrologers

11:08 – 12:24 Belief in astrology among non-Indians and Vaishali’s global clientele

12:25 – 18:51 India’s future, India–UAE relations, and world conflicts

18:52 – 24:39 Understanding Vastu and its significance

24:40 – 27:28 Comparison between Vastu and Feng Shui, and practical home tips

27:29 – 28:21 The Role of Timing in Astrology

28:22 – 31:54 AI vs Astrology – can machines replace human intuition?

31:55 – 38:32 How Astrological remedies work

38:33 – 39:57 Climate change from Astrology point of view

39:58 – 40:55 GenZ & Astrology

40:56 – 42:36 Real-Life Transformation Stories Through Astrology

42:37 – 44:05 Do Astrologers Read Their Own Charts?

#astrology , #vastu , #destiny2 , #energy , #surajNangia, #VaishaliChaturvedi, #podcast , #vedicwisdom , #aivsAstrology, #spirituality, #LifePurpose, #FengShui ⁨@Suraj_Nangia⁩

Beyond Titles Podcast – Episode 9

Meet Richard Rekhy, a man who carved his own path from an unexpected start in chartered accountancy to becoming the CEO of KPMG India. In a candid chat with  @Suraj_Nangia , Richard opens up about his journey , how he helped build the Delhi office at RSM & Co, dealt with the strict culture at Arthur Andersen, and turned challenges at KPMG into opportunities for growth.

He talks about the proud moments of becoming CEO, the tough phase during the 2016 internal rifts and team exits, and the personal crossroads he faced when he decided to step down in 2017.

Richard also shares the reality behind leadership, the pressure, the loneliness, and how to stay grounded when everyone’s watching. Along the way, he drops some honest, practical advice for young, chartered accountants and professionals trying to make their mark.

Making the choice to quit a job is never easy. I am sharing my personal experience with leaving my role and clearing up a misunderstanding.

When I decided on my final morning in the office that I was moving on, I had to reflect on my team. Specifically, I had named a colleague as my professional successor, but there was tension between us. He felt I was ignoring him during that transition period, which was a misconception I want to address directly on camera.

This story highlights the complexities of workplace relationships during a career transition. Often, what we perceive as neglect from a leader might actually be the result of misaligned expectations or private pressures. I hope this reflection provides clarity on how these dynamics play out behind the scenes.

Subscribe for weekly career and leadership reflections, and comment below if you have ever faced an unexpected misunderstanding while leaving a position.

00:00 - 00:24 Introduction

00:25 - 02:48 How Richard began his CA journey

02:49 - 08:38 Starting with RSM & Co and Building Delhi Office

08:39 - 12:44 Transition to Arthur Andersen: Cultural Shock, Discipline & Leadership Lessons

12:45 - 20:06 Richard's Journey in KPMG : Turning Struggles into Profitaibility

20:07 - 26:16 Becoming KPMG India CEO: Election Process & Leadership Transition

26:17 - 31:17 The Tough Phase of 2016: Internal rifts, team exits and leadership turbulence

31:18 - 35:33 The Final Exit from KPMG in 2017

35:34 - 36:51 Richard's Decisions of Leaving all major firms

36:52 -38:10 The Loneliness of Leadership

38:11 - 42:18 Handling Press and Reputation & Leadership Lessons

42:19 - 44:20 Advice for Young CAs

44:21 - 49:47 Indian Homegrown Firms vs. Global Big Four: Can India Build Its Own Giants?

49:48 - 52:18 How AI & Technology Are Transforming Consulting world ?

52:19 - 54:10 Essential Soft Skills for Partners and Leaders

54:11 - 56:26 Why Richard Joined Grant Thornton?

56:27 - 57:25 Advice to Future Professionals

57:26 - 1:05:03 Rapid Fire with Richard Rekhy: Insights, regrets & Quick Takes

01:05:04 Outro

Beyond Titles Podcast – Episode 8

Meet Faridah Ajmal – one of the first Asian women entrepreneurs in the Middle East perfume industry. A visionary businesswoman, creative perfumer, and devoted mother, Faridah has built her legacy in a space long dominated by men, transforming challenges into fragrances of success.

From her early fascination with scents to leading a global perfume brand, Faridah’s story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and purpose. In this candid conversation with our founder, Suraj Nangia, she has shared her personal and professional journey - breaking barriers, balancing family life, and redefining luxury through emotion-driven fragrances.

Stay tuned till the end for a heartfelt message to young women entrepreneurs, her lessons from failure and success, and a fun rapid-fire round revealing the woman behind the fragrance empire.

Visit Faridah Perfumes to see their exclusive collection : https://faridah.com/

Watch the 15 mins(short- version here):   

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Learn how to navigate the perfume business as an Asian woman entrepreneur in the Middle East. See how passion overcomes obstacles.

Starting a business in a male-dominated field requires grit and a clear vision. This conversation explores the journey of building a brand from scratch, focusing on the realities of the perfume industry in the Middle East. We discuss the personal drive required to step out and pursue a passion project, even when the market environment presents significant challenges.

You will hear firsthand about the technical side of scent creation, specifically the trial and error process involved in developing unique fragrances. We also touch upon major setbacks, like navigating the impact of global events on a growing company. Whether you are aspiring to launch your own perfume business or interested in the experiences of Asian women entrepreneurs, this interview offers a candid look at the path to success.

Subscribe for weekly interviews with regional founders, and comment below if you want to know more about the art of professional fragrance development.

00:00 - 00:18 Introduction

0:19 - 02:16 Breaking into a male-dominated perfume industry

02:17 - 03:39 Faridah's Early influences and growing interest in perfumes

03:40 - 06:49 One of the first Asian women entreprenuer in Middle East

06:50 - 07:36 Balancing Family and Starting the Business

07:37 - 08:49 Faridah's Hands-On Approach to Business

08:50 - 09:54 Obstacles faced, especially during COVID-19

09:55 - 13:12 Process of creating fragrances: emotions, trial & error, and testing

13:13 - 15:44 Inspiration and meaning behind the Elements Collection

15:45 - 17:04 Gems & Royal Collections and the stories behind them

17:05 - 20:41 Partnering with IIFA, Bollywood connections, and global brand awareness

20:42 - 22:37 Why her focus is on UAE market despite competition?

22:38 - 24:28 Sustainability, Gen Z preferences, and adapting to trends

24:29 - 26:05 Balancing business with family life and support from children & husband

26:06 - 27:36 Lessons from entrepreneurship: patience, resilience, and madness for passion

27:37 - 29:26 Creating fragrances for different markets & cultural preferences

29:27 - 31:50 AI Technology, failure & learning

31:51 - 33:47 Advice to young women in the Middle East

33:48 - 39:01 Philanthropy: supporting special needs children and giving back to society

39:02 - 44:43 Message on empathy, mental health, and importance of small acts of kindness

44:44 - 50:28 Rapid fire with Faridah Ajmal

50:29 - 50:53 Outro