Jest Business | Corporate Satire, Business Humour

This founder skipped college, tried to buy Gemini, and claims to be building immortality!

On this episode of The Jest Business, Paddy and I sit down with “Samrat Chakravarti,” the so-called serial entrepreneur behind EtherChain. He tells us how his startup plans to turn human memories into NFTs, why making losses is a badge of honour, and why he hires only people with no experience. From SPACs to Rafael Nadal’s forehand, his journey is a hilarious take on the world of startups, venture capital, and AI in business. If you’re curious about startup culture, entrepreneurship, and the absurd side of tech founders, this episode will keep you laughing all the way!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Why startups are really just “start-downs”

(03:29) Meet the world’s most outrageous “entrepreneur”

(05:10) The funding shortcut no one admits to taking

(07:17) A business model too crazy to believe

(08:16) Tech jargon or scam? You decide

(11:14) Can money buy celebrity memories?

(15:06) When ambition outgrows technology itself

(16:56) Zero users, infinite confidence

(07:42) Why losing money makes you a “visionary”

(20:32) The bizarre logic behind startup hiring

(21:37) How to “pay” without paying

(24:09) Marketing hacks only a mad genius could try

Our Guest: Amit Ray

Amit is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and the founder of CrazyTok, a ‘new media’ content marketing firm focused on podcast and YouTube production for CxOs, founders, and business owners.

Prior to founding CrazyTok, he worked at a mix of mature and fast-growing organizations, most recently at Grab and Uber. He has worked in India, the Philippines, and the US and currently lives in Singapore with his wife, son, and dog, Pepper.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitray/

Coromandel Productions

At Coromandel Productions, we aim to showcase human interest & heart-warming stories from all walks of life. We do this through short films, documentaries, sports television, corporate films, feature based content & promotional videos. 

Instagram: instagram.com/coromandel_productions

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@coromandelproductions518

Vimeo: vimeo.com/coromandelproductions

Website: coromandel-productions.com

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you money

Connect with Rahul at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17/

Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty |six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak & boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self |deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting & thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.

Could the compliance training actually be the highlight of your week?

In this episode of The Jest Business, we tackle conflict of interest, the kind of thing that usually shows up in compliance training slides no one reads. We turn it into a full-blown comedy workshop, complete with role plays, ridiculous scenarios, and a moral compass who takes himself way too seriously. From free tennis lessons to dodgy pen purchases, nothing escapes our satire. By the end, you might even enjoy a compliance quiz… yes, really.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Workplace Rules Gone Wrong (Not What You Expect)

(00:30) Why are we talking about this boring topic again? (Oh, wait - we made it funny.)

(00:44) Is Conflict of Interest even interesting… to anyone?

(01:57) What if someone thinks conflict just means office gossip?

(03:16) Why does training always feel longer than the job itself?

(03:54) Roleplay happened. No one was ready. Still iconic.

(09:57) Can someone explain these rules like we’re five? Because we’re lost.

(15:27) How do you follow every rule and still look suspicious?

(18:07) What kind of quiz makes you doubt your job and your IQ?

(21:21) So we finished the training. Are we ethical now or just confused?

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you money

Connect with Rahul at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17/

Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty-six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self |deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.

What’s the most productive thing you’ve ever done… by email?

In this episode, we go all-in on the “email extravaganza.” Not the useful stuff, but the real reasons corporate emails exist. From looking busy without working, to humble-bragging, to the fine art of CC’ing just the right people, we break down the hidden tactics everyone’s seen (and maybe used). We also share our top 10 ways to misuse email for maximum personal benefit… without technically breaking the rules. If your inbox is full, this one’s for you.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) The Email Tricks Everyone Uses (But No One Admits)

(00:46) Ever looked at email stats and felt personally attacked?

(02:42) One guy still thinks emails fix everything.

(04:31) Two “real” uses… that no one really uses

(05:39) This is where email becomes a sport

(06:09) What if looking busy was the whole point? 

(06:36)  How to Politely Throw Someone Under the Email Bus?

(08:07)  Share the Chaos. CC with Confidence.

(09:06) Be Vague. Stay Safe. Never Take the Blame.

(09:31) Is it sharing... or just showing off? You decide.

(10:23) What happens when you send emails just for fun? (Chaos)

(12:20) Why do the weirdest habits feel totally normal at work?

(24:35) Can you turn inbox chaos into strategy? Yep-The ultimate guide to inbox mischief. 

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you money

Connect with Rahul at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17/Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty |six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self |deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.

Why do we have 16 people on a Zoom call just to decide the font size on a slide?

Rahul and I have both sat through too many of those meetings. The ones that go in circles, where nobody wants to decide, but everyone wants to be heard. So in this episode, we decided to break it down: why corporate decision-making feels like a slow dance in quicksand.

We talk about the silent politics, the endless decks, and the mysterious art of socialising an idea. If you’ve ever left a call wondering what just happened, this one’s for you.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:40) Funniest Philanthropy Set You’ve Seen

(03:17) Chaos Enters with Bottoms Up

(04:11) Strategy Meeting or Stand-Up Show?

(05:41) Going Glocal… But What’s That?

(07:00) Everyone’s Adapting, Nobody’s Agreeing

(08:58) The Throne You Didn’t Ask For

(13:22) Three Strategies, No Clear Plan

(15:26) Stickers Decide the Future. Seriously.

(17:28) Project Joke Becomes Project Real

(20:00) What Was This Meeting Again?

(20:30) How to Survive the Madness

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you moneyConnect with Rahul at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17/

Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty |six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self |deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.

Ever wondered why meetings always feel like a circus, but without the entertainment?

In this episode, Rahul and I dive into the hilarious chaos of corporate meetings, role-playing six unforgettable characters who derail every discussion. From Hijack Hassan, who’s stuck in his past glories, to Checked-out Sheena, who's mentally on vacation, we capture exactly why meetings achieve nothing. As hosts of the Just Business podcast, we decode workplace quirks with humour drawn from our years in corporate leadership roles. Tune in—you'll recognise yourself or at least the person next to you!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:30) Breaking our own rules today!

(02:32) Meet the one everyone secretly dislikes

(03:55) Here he comes... Brace yourself!

(06:16) Anyone awake out there?

(09:06) Confidence level: Off the charts

(11:16) Ideas so wild, even we got lost

(13:44) Decisions? Yeah, maybe tomorrow…

(15:25) Ever wondered why meetings exist?

(16:07) HR decoded (or maybe not)

(18:25) Guess who's back, again?

(19:13) That awkward mid-meeting moment

(20:42) Wait, which topic are we on?

(21:38) Reinventing the wheel, corporate style

(23:02) Can someone please decide?

(23:58) We promise, it was worth it!

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you money.

Connect with Rahul at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul |phondke |522a17

Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty |six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.

Ever sat in an interview and thought, “What kind of question is that?”

I’ve been there, and in this episode, Paddy and I break down two of the trickiest (and silliest) interview questions you’ll probably face. We role-play the wrong ways to answer them, then show you how to sound smart while saying almost nothing. We also share the sneaky phrases and safe motivators that can help you survive these moments without looking clueless. If you’ve ever wondered what to say when they ask, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” this one’s for you.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Do you feel like every CEO’s vision sounds the same? Wait till you hear this.

(02:35) The “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” trap, and how to (not) fall for it

(05:55) Want the job? Here’s how sucking up might just backfire

(09:40) The gold-standard answer that sounds smart but says nothing

(11:40) How to sound hot and cold at the same time in your interview

(14:25) What REALLY motivates you? (Careful, they don’t want the truth)

(19:20) “I’m a Zen monk in a suit.” The ultimate corporate interview hack

(23:50) Can you really fake purpose in an interview? Watch this trick

(27:25) The final cheat codes you’ll wish you knew before your next interview

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you moneyConnect with Rahul at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17

Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty-six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

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About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.

Ever been in a meeting that felt like it would never end? Yeah, me too.

In this episode, Rahul and I dive into the wild, weird world of corporate meetings—the ones that drag, the ones that go nowhere, and the ones that somehow still involve chanting mantras. Through a bunch of hilarious roleplays, we bring to life some of the most painfully familiar scenarios from our work lives. From “planning for the planning meeting” to the “customer chant,” nothing’s off the table.

If you’ve ever suffered through a 3-hour business planning session or stood through a morning briefing before your coffee, this one’s for you.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Coming up

(00:33) Ever survived a meeting that rhymed? Wait till you hear this.

(01:43) The real reason every “short” meeting turns into a time vortex.

(05:08) Weekly meetings… with chants? Welcome to Alpha Beta Pipes.

(07:55) A hydration hack that might just save your life (or your eyelids).

(09:46) What if coping with meetings came with merch and bingo cards?

(10:40) The “planning” meeting that doubles as a sleep aid.

(14:25) A PowerPoint so long, it circles back to geography class.

(17:30) The exotic offsite that no one asked for (but everyone regrets).

(21:38) Early morning, no chairs, daily drills—guess which meeting this is.

(24:50) “We love the customer like our child” — and that’s not even the weirdest part.

(26:43) The absurd meetings you’ve attended? We want to hear them.

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you money

Connect with Rahul at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17

Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty-six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

—-

About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.

“Do you really believe in work-life balance—or just say you do?”

I’ve always prided myself on juggling work and play like a pro. But in this episode of Jest Business, Paddy and I dig into the gap between what leaders say about balance... and what they actually do. Playing out a hilarious roleplay between a junior employee and a CEO who’s “always urgent,” we explore the hypocrisy behind late-night emails, the Montgomery Manifesto, and how “urgency” became the corporate excuse for overwork. It’s satire with a little too much truth.

Let’s just say—if you’ve ever replied to a midnight email out of fear, this one’s for you.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Think you’ve nailed work-life balance? Think again.

(02:00) Meet the boss who’s always on… even at midnight.

(03:45) Workaholic? Or just brilliantly overworked? You decide.

(05:00) A company manifesto that belongs on a T-shirt.

(06:30) The CEO’s secret weapon: coaching by surprise.

(08:30) Midnight emails and corporate contradictions—explained.

(11:00) What would you regret on your deathbed? The answer may offend you.

(13:45) One meeting missed. One career-defining decision.

(16:00) The weirdest equation for employee burnout you’ll ever hear.

(18:30) Want 24/7 hustle from your team? Just say this magic phrase.

(21:45) Amazon, Coke, IBM… who's winning the urgency arms race?

(25:15) A tennis analogy you didn’t know you needed.

(25:45) If you’re heading toward a cliff… maybe don’t sprint.

(26:30) Got your own horror story? Time to spill the tea.

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you money

Connect with Rahul at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17

Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty-six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

—-

About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.

Ever met a leader so “humble” they practically tattoo it on their LinkedIn headline?

In this episode, Paddy and I dive into the hilarious—and sometimes cringey—world of humility in leadership. We roleplay arrogant CEOs, swap LinkedIn horror stories, and break down why real humility has nothing to do with saying “humbled.” Inspired by a recent business event that left us blinking at the lack of self-awareness, we ask: can you be ambitious and modest? Come for the Gandhi impression, stay for the BS (Benson Style).

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Coming up

(00:45) Is humility in leadership just as rare as privacy on social media?

(02:00) Four CEOs. One panel. Zero humility. You won’t believe what they said.

(03:15) A leadership concept you’ve probably never heard of—but should.

(05:15) The ‘Southpaw Maneuver’ explained... and no, it’s not boxing advice.

(07:30) Gandhi goes corporate. What if Bapu was a CEO today?

(10:15) You know Jack Welch. But the real hero? You’ve probably never heard of him.

(12:00) What truly happens when the “great” leaders leave?

(15:00) The CEO who tattooed his mantra on people’s minds (figuratively… we hope).

(17:45) “Talk the walk”? A masterclass in humblebragging.

(21:00) The most un-humble “humble” feedback you’ll ever hear.

(23:30) Why your LinkedIn “I’m humbled” post isn’t fooling anyone.

(26:45) Real humility vs. corporate cosplay—how to tell the difference.

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you moneyConnect with Rahul at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17

Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty-six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

—-

About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.

Ever been asked, What’s your biggest weakness? and thought—how do I answer that without sounding useless or fake?

In this episode of The Jest Business, we tackle one of the most annoyingly common interview questions, with all the seriousness it doesn't deserve. We share the worst ways to answer it, the best fake flaws that still land the job, and how to turn your overachieving into humble bragging gold.

If you’ve ever flubbed an interview or faked your way through one, this one’s for you!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Welcome to the corporate circus—where jargon is king and humour is policy.

(02:15) The world’s dumbest interview question—and why it still haunts us.

(04:15) Warning: This is how not to answer a weakness question (unless you enjoy flinging coffee).

(05:00) Confessions of a charming procrastinator—you might relate too much.

(06:15) The one word that turns a flaw into a flex (and saves your interview).

(08:45) The “centipede move”: camouflage your ambition and still come out shining.

(10:00) Got called out for being a workaholic? Here’s how to spin it into gold.

(12:00) Flip the script: what happens when you ask the boss about their flaws?

(14:15) “Sell me this pen”—and other classics from the theatre of the absurd.

(17:15) The most-read piece in The Economist... and it’s all about making fun of business.

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you moneyConnect with Rahul at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17

Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty-six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

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About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.