She Left a Corporate Job in 1984 to Serve Millions And Never Looked Back

Guest Introduction: Smt. Geeta Gunde

What does it take to walk away from a successful career at the height of it — not for another job, not for more money — but for a calling? Today's guest did exactly that. Smt. Geeta Gunde holds an M.Sc. in Chemistry and spent twelve years as a Production Officer at Glaxo — building expertise, earning respect, and doing everything right. And then, in 1984, she made a decision that would define the rest of her life. She left it all behind to pursue social work full-time. That bold step eventually led her to become a founding member of Bharatiya Stree Shakti — an organisation dedicated to empowering women across India through education, economic independence, health, and self-respect. Decades later, affectionately known as Geetatai, she remains one of the most respected voices in women's empowerment in the country. She is proof that the most powerful thing a woman can build isn't a career — it's a movement. (00:00) Teaser: A Life Built on Purpose

(01:00) Welcome to Business of Building

(01:25) Introducing Today's Guest

(03:06) The Beginning: From Campus Activism to a Calling

(05:00) Redefining "Career" — It's Not Just a Paycheck

(06:22) Why She Couldn't Do Both: The Time Constraint

(07:11) The Progressive Unfoldment — No Single Turning Point

(08:09) Family, Marriage & The Road Less Taken

(09:18) How to Know What You Truly Want

(10:32) The People Who Shaped Her Journey

(11:19) On Nationalism: What It Really Means

(12:40) Are Humans Tribal by Nature?

(13:09) The Human Need for Community & Support

(15:27) Making the Bold Decision: Leaving Stability Behind

(16:30) Women's Empowerment Is Not Separate from Society

(17:04) A Philosophy of Interconnection & Gratitude

(20:06) Complementary, Not Compromising

(20:33) Why Women's Issues Are Society's Issues

(22:40) Who Is Responsible? Changing the Mindset on Safety

(25:15) Equity Over Equality

(25:50) The Role of Motherhood & Nature's Design

(29:10) The Systemic Support Women Need to Re-enter Work

(31:00) Did She Ever Have Regrets or Difficult Times?

(31:39) Leading People: Beyond Communication

(32:18) Understanding People's Real Barriers

(35:38) Paying It Forward: The Ripple Effect of Kindness

(38:02) The Unsung Heroes: Stories That Touched Her Heart

(39:25) A 15-Year-Old Girl Who Walked 5 Days Through Jungle

(43:35) The Cancer Patient Who Never Forgot

(44:10) The Biggest Risk She Ever Took (A First-of-its-Kind Answer)

(44:42) Closing Thoughts & Thank You

Business of Building celebrates the normal and the regular; the inspiring risk taker; the dreamer in all of us and hear from those who have walked the path before us and dared to dream. We will hear their journey, their stories, and what they learned along the way. 

So please subscribe or follow wherever you get your podcasts, and remember to leave a review so others can find us.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Boutique.

Join us for a powerful conversation between Gauri Lamb and her co-founder and husband, James Lamb, as they open up about the leaps of faith, career shifts, and life defining moments that shaped their journey.

In this episode, they dive into:

• From Pedicab to Purpose – James’ journey began as a pedicab taxi

driver and evolved into co-founding a student storage company for international

students.

• Consulting for Big Retail – He consulted for major retail brands and

gaining a deep understanding of finance and business strategy.

• Finding His Own Path – Despite success, James felt the itch to do something for

himself.

• A Life-Changing Adventure – Taking a break to row across the Atlantic

helped him realise it was time to launch his own venture with clarity, purpose,

and courage. James' story is an honest look at the courage it takes to walk away from comfort, trust your gut, and build a business that aligns with your values.

🎧 Listen now! For a candid, inspiring episode about transformation, teamwork,

and daring to live life on your own terms.

 (3) Gauri Talathi- Lamb | LinkedIn

(3) James Lamb | LinkedIn

Join us for an insightful conversation with Nick Johnson who has experience in retail, hospitality and residential sectors. He has contributed to winning competitions and awards throughout his career, both in projects in the UK and overseas. He leads the management team at Johnson Pinney Architects.

In this episode, we explore:

• Managing the business for the wrong reasons- Some people are determined to be in that position “to feel on top of the tree”.
• Leadership- Doing it for the right reasons and fundamentally caring about bringing the next generation through is really important and to create an environment to be as good as it can be as well as culture
• Challenges in SME business – It’s really challenging, Nick and team try to create a competitive package. They give people without experience the exposure to be able to get it, giving them exactly what they need to further they’re career along with bench marking salaries.
• Creating value- As a business leader you have to do the things that other people can’t, or they do not want to. You have to be prepared to pick up from that.
• 
  

This episode enlivens one to take the challenge within the business a way to flourish by being surrounded by those who support you rather than push you down.

🎧 Listen now to hear how we can learn a lot from others.

Gauri Talathi- Lamb | LinkedIn

(1) FHP Group: Overview | LinkedIn

Join us for an insightful conversation with Charlotte Whincup who is a Co-owner and Director at Bloom Building Consultancy. Charlotte began her career with the built environment with a degree in Architectural Environment Engineering, which quickly led on to an interest in Building Surveying.

In this episode, we explore:

• Role Models – Charlotte’s parents have been her cheerleaders throughout her life
• Filing Fairy (work experience) – How Charlotte’s mum encouraged her to go into her mum’s work to experience work environment from a young age
• Learning whilst watching– When you’re in the office you get to hear and watch people in the environment. The world runs on yes, money but also people and understanding how relationships work.
• Face to face meeting- In person connection is so important rather than connecting online

This episode enlivens one to take charge of stepping up in a challenging project and making realistic next steps.

🎧 Listen now to hear how we can learn a lot from others.

Gauri Talathi- Lamb | LinkedIn

(1) FHP Group: Overview | LinkedIn

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Philip Wagstaff, the man behind a thriving engineering business in London. His journey is anything but ordinary—shaped by music, role models, risks and challenges face as well as flying his own plane across the world!

In this episode, we dive into:

• From passion to profession – How Milverdene became an engineering powerhouse
• Music to machines – The unexpected leap from professional musician to engineer
• A life above the clouds – Flying across the world in his small plane
• The power of role models – Lessons learned from those who shaped his success
• Leading with purpose – Why treating people right is the key to a strong team Philip’s story is full of twists, lessons, and inspiration for anyone navigating their own career journey.

🎧 Listen now to hear how connections, mentorship, and genuine relationships can transform careers.

Gauri Talathi- Lamb | LinkedIn

(1) FHP Group: Overview | LinkedIn

Join us for an insightful conversation with Gaelle Blake who is a Managing Director for Groupe Adéquat who provide global Human Resources solutions temporary recruitment, fixed-term and permanent contracts, professional integration, HR consulting and risk prevention through 7 strong and complementary brands such as Adéquat, Adsearch, Sigmar recruitment, Totem, Connect, Skillflex and AxL Group.

In this episode, we explore:

• Not Sleep walking your career- Gaelle has learnt that everyone has different motivators and without being non-judgemental it's important to know what your own ones are.
• How recruitment has changed- Gaelle explains how she was not an engineer, but she became fascinated by it and saw job adverts in civil engineering magazines.
• How Role & Environment work together - Gaelle shares the importance of how one's role and Environment compliments one another otherwise it won't feel right.

This episode enlivens one to take charge of their careers in a positive way along with a work life balance.

🎧 Listen now to hear how connections, mentorship, and genuine relationships can transform careers.

Gauri Talathi- Lamb | LinkedIn

(1) FHP Group: Overview | LinkedIn

In this episode, we explore how meaningful workplace relationships shape careers, foster growth, and create a supportive environment for success. Su Sharma, a seasoned construction lawyer, and Gemma Prior, an expert in cost management and quantity surveying, share how mentorship, friendship, and professional networks have played a pivotal role in their journeys.

What we cover:

• The impact of professional friendships – How Su and Gemma’s first meeting at a Circle Partnership event turned into a lasting and supportive connection.
• Navigating male-dominated industries – Finding strength in networks and the importance of women supporting women in construction and law.
• Mentorship and career progression – Gemma’s transition from mentee to mentor and how guidance from peers fuels confidence and growth.
• Challenging workplace narratives – Breaking down competition among women and creating safe spaces where collaboration thrives.
• Redefining career ambition at every stage – How leaders like Su continue to embrace new challenges, proving that career evolution doesn’t have an expiration date.

Whether you're looking to build stronger workplace relationships, find your professional support system, or gain insights into navigating leadership with authenticity, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now to hear how connections, mentorship, and genuine relationships can transform careers.

Gauri Talathi- Lamb | LinkedIn

(1) FHP Group: Overview | LinkedIn

On this episode of Business of Building I am joined by Rachel Bell, an Architect and Director of Partnerships at Stride Treglown.

Her journey started with a BTEC in Construction and then she studied architecture at Bath university. Having joined Stride Treglown in 2000, Rachel has worked across many different sectors. Her role now at board level is leading the Winning Work team.

Beyond her day job, Rachel supports numerous initiatives encouraging a more inclusive construction industry for the future. She has recently handed over her role on the SW Regional Board for LandAid (youth homelessness), she is currently a mentor with Mentoring Circle and is outgoing National Chair for Women in Property 2021/ 2022.

As an industry role model, Rachel has won many awards and accolades for her contributions. In 2018-19, she was named a UK Construction Week Role Model, Property Week RESI Trailblazer, Insider SW Property Personality of the Year 2018, Insider SW Diversity champion of the year 2021, SW Mentor of the Year and was twice a finalist in the European Women in Construction and Engineering Awards.

Rachel’s mantra is ‘Stand Tall’ something she supports and encourages everyone to do, to step up and out of their comfort zone.

In this episode we talk about what is was like breaking into the male-dominated construction and engineering space as a woman, and how these gender biases has spurred her on, not just to be best in class during her studies, but a leader and highly-respected advocate for change in our industry. 

Learn about the Orbis Expedition here. 

You can also hear Rachel on her own podcast Stand Tall, available wherever you get your podcasts. 

Here are the highlights: 

(02:32) Getting hands on at an early age 

(08:55) Succeeding in a man’s world 

(12:49) Thriving on the pressure 

(16:19) Widening my network 

(20:28) The impact of Covid 

(27:38) Enabling younger staff to network 

(32:21) You can’t make enemies 

(35:50) The feeling of having to prove myself 

(39:54) The Orbis Expedition 

Connect with Rachel: 

LinkedIn 

Twitter 

Instagram 

Listen to Stand Tall with Rachel Bell 

Business of Building celebrates the normal and the regular; the inspiring risk taker; the dreamer in all of us and hear from those who have walked the path before us and dared to dream. We will hear their journey, their stories, and what they learned along the way. 

So please subscribe or follow wherever you get your podcasts, and remember to leave a review so others can find us.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Boutique.

On this episode of Business of Building I am joined by Dr. Wayne Visser, Professor of Integrated Value and Holder of the Chair in Sustainable Transformation at Antwerp Management School and author of the best-selling book Thriving. He is also Founder of CSR International, Director of Kaleidoscope Futures and Fellow at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. 

On this podcast we speak about everything from sustainability to COP27, and how the construction and engineering industries are (or are not) responding and adapting to the big environmental issues of our time. 

Wayne shares insights from decades of experience as a thought-leader, academic and champion of sustainability in our industry. 

Here are the highlights: 

(03:06) The journey from CSR to sustainability in ESG 

(07:31) COP27 comes at a challenging time 

(12:20) What is a circular economy? 

(16:51) The strategic tension between short term and long term thinking 

(22:25) Leadership and Thriving 

(27:54) Living systems organize themselves 

(31:36) Social elements are stronger in developing countries 

(37:35) The biggest risk in my career 

Connect with Wayne: 

LinkedIn 

YouTube 

Twitter 

Business of Building celebrates the normal and the regular; the inspiring risk taker; the dreamer in all of us and hear from those who have walked the path before us and dared to dream. We will hear their journey, their stories, and what they learned along the way. 

So please subscribe or follow wherever you get your podcasts, and remember to leave a review so others can find us.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Boutique.

In today’s episode I talk to the award winning entrepreneur Masami Sato, who is the founder and CEO of B1G1. 

B1G1(also known as BUY1GIVE1) helps businesses around the world integrate effective giving in what they do.

Today,B1G1 works with more than 3,000 businesses and these businesses have created over 300million giving impacts to date.

Masami has a diverse business background, is a 2x TEDx speaker and author of four books. Her work originates in the belief that businesses with a real sense of purpose can make a real difference in the world.

Today, Masami discusses her personal journey to the top, touching on the challenges of growing up as a shy young girl born in Tokyo discovering the world outside of Japan.

Here are the highlights:

(02:32) Masami’s journey

(11:27) B1G1 idea

(12:23) Singapore

(20:13) Charities

(32:11) Vegetable garden

Business of Building celebrates the normal and the regular; the inspiring risk taker; the dreamer in all of us and hear from those who have walked the path before us and dared to dream. We will hear their journey, their stories, and what they learned along the way. 

So please subscribe or follow wherever you get your podcasts, and remember to leave a review so others can find us.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Boutique.