Ready Set Do

Is working for the Indian Government boring? Think again. The reality of building India's $350 Billion startup ecosystem is fast-paced, high-stakes, and surprisingly accessible.

Most people think the only way to serve the nation is through the UPSC or IAS grind. But today’s guest, Rishika Chatterjee, reveals a "backdoor" into the most exciting offices of the Indian Government—without writing a single exam.

Rishika left a comfortable life in Paris to return to India and join Invest India (The National Investment Promotion & Facilitation Agency). She now works hands-on with Startup India, helping design the policies that fuel unicorns, fight funding fraud, and market "Brand India" to the world.

If you want to work at the intersection of Public Policy, Venture Capital, and Nation Building, this episode is your career roadmap. We break down exactly how to get hired at premier government agencies, the truth about "taxpayer money" accountability, and the massive new BHASKAR initiative that will change the game for every entrepreneur in the country.

🚀 In this video, we cover:• How to get a high-impact Government job without UPSC• The difference between Invest India vs. Startup India• How the government tracks and benchmarks startups across states• BHASKAR: The game-changing new platform for founders• The reality of "Fake Startups" and funding fraud• Can a startup actually solve Delhi’s pollution crisis?

👇 Timestamps:00:00 Intro + Background02:00 Why she left Paris to return to India04:41 How to get hired at Invest India & Startup India?08:13 "Private" Government organizations you didn't know about09:47 Invest India vs. Startup India: What's the difference?11:18 A Day in the Life of a Government Policy Manager12:54 Benchmarking Startup Ecosystems across Indian States15:03 Why did Startup India start so late (2016)?16:58 The "Vibe Shift": How entrepreneurs became celebrities19:25 Navigating Foreign VC relationships & Funding23:34 Creating a culture of Innovation in India25:27 The "Shark Tank" Effect on Indian Society27:10 What is BHASKAR? (Game-changer for Founders)31:40 Where does the funding money come from?33:52 Accountability: How is taxpayer money actually spent?35:01 How the Government selects startups for grants37:13 The dark side: Dealing with FRAUD Startups39:50 Changing the perception of "Brand India" abroad43:16 UPI: The crown jewel of Indian Tech45:43 How YOU can contribute to the India Growth Story49:45 Geography matters: Innovation beyond Bangalore & Delhi54:03 Can a startup fix Delhi's air pollution crisis?57:57 Outro & Gratitude

🔗 Connect with Rishika & Invest India:• Rishika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishika-chatterjee/• Invest India Careers: https://www.investindia.gov.in/careers• Startup India Portal: https://www.startupindia.gov.in/

🔗 Connect with us:

readysetdopodcast.com

About the Podcast:We explore the real stories behind high-agency individuals—from policymakers to techies—who are building the future. We don't sell you "lottery ticket" advice; we show you the practical first steps so you can find your own way forward.

Disclaimers:The views expressed in this episode are personal and do not represent the official stance of the Government of India.

#StartupIndia #InvestIndia #IndianEconomy #GovernmentJobs #Entrepreneurship #PublicPolicy #UPSCAlternative #DigitalIndia #BHASKAR #IndianStartups #NationBuilding #MBA #MastersInIndia

In this episode, featured not-expert is... me

Survey form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Mvg14N8Cgr4TYua6l_sab9Rwu7qcSdZo6F0lBUWOKq8

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Timestamps:00:00 Introduction + Background02:00 Chapter 1 : Motivation03:26 Why Ready Set Do?04:44 Chapter 2 - Identifying Your Theme05:27 Entertainment Vs Informative Podcasts06:23 On Niches08:34 How To Do Initial Research Using YouTube And Tools Like VidIQ12:21 Chapter 3: Essential Tools #1- Studio Quality Audio For Free!!13:40 Essential Tool #2 - Riverside.Fm16:08 Chapter 4: Crafting Your Podcast Identity17:13 Logo - How To Iterate And Land On The Final Version20:57 Using Claude For Logo Ideas22:35 Chapter 5: Post Production & Publishing Your Podcast23:16 Spotify Vs YouTube24:34 Chapter 6: Creators.Spotify.Com25:16 Which Platforms Should You Market Your Content On?26:41 Generating And Uploading Clips28:39 Titles & SEO Tags For YouTube30:24 How To Make Good Thumbnails For YouTube33:24 Chapter 7: How To Own Your Podcast34:50 How To Iterate Effectively35:55 Chapter 8: How To Find Guests37:00 In-Person Recordings37:30 Outro + Conclusion

Does "healthy eating" mean boiled chicken, tasteless broccoli, and zero happiness?

For most busy bachelors, the choice is usually binary: Order takeout and feel guilty, or try to cook "healthy" and end up eating cardboard. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can lose fat, build muscle, and actually enjoy your food—without spending hours in the kitchen or hiring a private chef.

In this episode, we sit down with Gaurav Khanna, who dropped a massive 23 kgs (50 lbs) while working a demanding job. He didn't do it by starving himself; he did it by hacking the "Bachelor Kitchen."

Gaurav breaks down the exact system he used to automate his nutrition. We discuss why crash diets always fail, the "Tim Ferriss" rules for fat loss that actually work, and how to cook delicious, high-protein Indian meals that fit into a busy schedule.

If you are confused about counting calories, wondering if you need protein shakes, or just looking for a way to stop relying on UberEats, this conversation is your starter kit. We cover everything from the importance of probiotics (the gut health cheat code) to the "Brian Johnson" approach to longevity—simplified for normal people.

🚀 In this video, we cover:• The Bachelor Meal Prep System: How to cook once and eat well all week.• Fat Loss vs. Muscle Gain: Adjusting your macros without going crazy.• The "Don't Drink Your Calories" Rule: The easiest way to lose weight.• Grocery Shopping Hacks: How to read labels and avoid "fake healthy" foods (using apps like Yuka).• Supplements & Probiotics: What you actually need vs. marketing hype.• Sustainability: How to eat the same meals without getting bored.

Whether you are trying to shed the "freshman 15" or optimize your diet for peak performance, this is a practical guide to taking control of your plate. No fancy equipment required—just a willingness to learn the basics.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:• The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss: https://fourhourbody.com/• Yuka App: (For scanning food labels)

About the Podcast:We explore the real stories behind high-agency individuals—from fitness enthusiasts to techies—who are just a few steps ahead in the journey. We don't sell you "lottery ticket" success stories; we show you the practical first steps so you can find your own way forward.

#MealPrep #FatLossJourney #BachelorCooking #HighProteinDiet #IndianFitness #TimFerriss #HealthyEating #WeightLossTips #MuscleBuilding #NutritionHacks #GutHealth #BusyProfessional

Resources:

Time Ferriss's 4 Hour Body: https://fourhourbody.com/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro + Background01:39 Gaurav's hot take on healthy eating02:58 On dropping 23 kgs (50 lbs)03:51 Gaurav's Weight Loss Journey04:12 What made Gaurav start thinking about healthy eating07:37 Coming up with a plan11:08 Why tracking calories is important12:49 Understanding the Importance of a Balanced Diet17:27 Discussion on Tim Ferriss's Four Hour Body Rules20:26 Don't drink your calories!22:16 Sustainability of Crash Diets24:13 Brian Johnson's Protocol & Gaurav's Daily Routine28:18 Lunch + Dinner plans for weight loss32:48 Protein Intake for weight loss35:49 Using the Yuka App to find healthy products37:25 Nutritional Strategies for Weight Management37:45 Probiotics are a CHEATCODE39:11 Naman's diet for gaining muscle47:35 Covfefe49:45 How to eat the same meals every time50:00 Outro + Gratitude

In this episode, featured not-expert is Aman Goyal.

Resources:

Aman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amangoyal99/

Articles and Resume Keywords, Template -https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QaBsCwkIUXxEVqXioFZUSP_djXqHZufbhv0ft2teHpg/edit?usp=drive_link

Product Design prep https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OGekPplaTWcjRLY6OcNtB436cbIt64PurhXztU0HJ2Y/edit?usp=drive_link

Behavioral prep https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WfxAXkpuHYtKV1FzyfdNGv3m0cJg0E3Fe9b1ixqsio8/edit?usp=drive_link

Product Execution https://docs.google.com/document/d/15KY-i_Q2cdlHTLvoSxXEMIZAQkEAeATlfUcacaDrLkE/edit?usp=sharing

Guesstimateshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1tsFbB7QnBP9SmoU_-WtM0-AaomO5m2eaJe5t7z1nhNY/edit?usp=sharing

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro + Background
02:16 On AI replacing APM and Jr PM roles (and eventually PM)
04:35 Even TPM/EPM roles are probably not safe
07:35 Aman Goyal's Journey to Product Management
10:15 Project to detect triply riders on two wheelers
12:12 Why product management?
13:47 Transitioning from Technical Roles to Product Management
15:39 Product breakdowns to prepare for PM roles
19:43 Upskilling for (AI)PM roles
23:34 Reading suggestions for PM (Why Cracking the PM Interview sucks)
25:54 How to get people to agree to coffee chats on LinkedIn
29:20 How are AIPM roles different from generic PM roles?
32:37 Without technical ML experience, are you doomed?
35:26 The Importance of Experience and Projects
36:09 Job Application Insights for US Students
37:49 Networking Strategies for Success
41:10 Mastering Mock Interviews
43:50 Lewis Lin's community is a GAME CHANGER for mock interviews
46:27 Naman's Google TPM interview experience
48:04 How mock interviews helped Aman crack first US internship
51:29 How to prep for Product Design Questions
53:11 How to answer behavioral interview questions
58:36 Outro + Gratitude

In this episode, featured not-expert is Jasprit Kaur. Jasprit is a climate change advisor at GIZ and a master's degree holder from LSE in climate regulation and policy.

Find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasprit-kaur/

Timestamps:00:00 Intro + Background02:07 What made Jasprit take interest in climate action?04:55 Undergrad project with UNICEF06:50 Urban Planning and Its Impact on Climate Resilience08:32 Taking responsibility in group projects made ALL the difference12:25 Urban planning facts that will SURPRISE you15:10 Learning about Environmental Policy at LSE18:50 Understanding key policy frameworks23:33 Application Process for Environmental Planning program at LSE26:21 Journey after graduating from LSE28:30 Global Fellowship and Waste Management Initiatives31:05 Understanding Circular Economies33:59 Waste Management and Climate Action35:32 The Reality of Landfills37:57 The CORE Idea of circular economies - THIS IS IMPORTANT!40:43 Misconceptions About Climate Change in India42:51 Climate action affects EVERYONE46:21 What can young people do to contribute towards climate action48:46 Carbon lock-ins and overhauling existing systems49:35 A Day in the Life at GIZ52:41 Working with international and national governments and startups on climate action55:20 Call to Action for EVERYONE listening57:32 Outro + Gratitude

In this episode, featured not-expert is Ved Pandey.In keeping with our theme of learning from somebody that’s just two steps ahead instead of an expert, my goal with this episode is to explore the mind and musings of a young boy - and how the timeless optimism of childhood can indeed be discovered by anyone of any age. By the end of this episode, you will walk away with a perspective on why the child-like curiosity is the greatest treasure we possess, and yet something we all discard as we grow up.In this episode we also witness the Conventional Mind in action.In Robert Greene's Mastery, the concept of the Conventional Mind describes how societal pressures, practical demands, and conformity erode the innate openness and curiosity we possess as children. Greene contrasts this with the Dimensional Mind, which retains childlike wonder while integrating disciplined expertise.

Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction and Background(02:30) A message for the whole world(03:30) On school(05:30) On bullies(06:20) On technology(09:20) On YouTube and YouTuber aspirations(12:30) What is Ved a not-expert at?(14:10) On coding (and being amazing at it)(15:30) What does Ved want to be when he's older(18:10) On focus and hard work(19:20) On Harry Potter(21:45) On sports(23:00) Ved asks me questions(28:20) On inventing a gadget(29:03) Most important lesson Ved has learnt in 8 years of existence(31:00) Messages for future Ved

In this episode, featured not-expert is Guru Pashupati AKA Ashwin Chekava. Guru Pashupati is the Parampara Adhikari or the lineage authority of Trilok Akhada, which is a school of Nath yoga - established by none of other than the father of Yoga, Shankarnath, over 17,000 years ago.

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In addition to being a unique bridge to ancient Hindu spiritual knowledge, the guru is also a martial arts virtuoso trained and certified in various forms of martial arts making him a true paragon of physical and spiritual discipline.

We explore themes of the role of religion in 2025, the westernization and rebranding of hindu yogic practices - and so much more.

Resources: @gurupashupati  https://chamundigurukulam.in/founders/

Timestamps:00:00 Journey of Awakening: Guru Pashupati's Early Life02:26 Meeting Goddess Kali as a kid and going to the graveyard04:23 Mahavtaar Babaji coming back in Guru's life07:12 On hitting rock bottom09:31 What are the "services" of Guru Pashupatinath11:15 Process of induction of new disciples13:55 Western "Science" Proves What Yoga Already Knows16:11 Spirituality being a coping mechanism - only truth is religion18:57 Yoga IS A Religion20:23 How can we return to Hinduism?24:01 Why the West hates Gurus - but they're core of Hinduism26:01 Where can you find a guru? (Things got kinda heated here)27:53 Guru Pashupati's advice to budding gurus (Ready Set Do theme lol)29:40 Disciples need "tough love" aka SLAPPING from gurus sometimes32:31 Simulating situations in disciples' lives to train them33:31 Understanding Hinduism and the Caste System37:13 Guru on being from all four castes38:35 The Evolution of Caste and Moral Corruption41:00 Daily Practice 1 - Chanting OM43:18 Daily practice 2 - Antaryam45:39 On the perceived merit of ancient practices46:54 Leveraging Social Media for Spiritual Outreach50:05 On Yogis as not-experts..51:55 Outro + Gratitude

In this episode, featured not-expert is Karun Thankachan.

Timestamps:

In this episode, featured not-expert is Atal Agarwal.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Support the Ready Set Do podcast:2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readysetdopodcast3. Twitter: https://x.com/ReadySetDo_4. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/namanpandey0796/-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Resources: https://opensphere.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/in/atalovesyou/Timestamps:00:00 Intro + Background01:36 Introduction and Recent Experiences02:53 Discussion on Birthright Citizenship and Immigration Rights06:22 The Impact of Executive Orders on Immigrant Families09:11 Merit-Based Immigration and Employment Visas12:08 Challenges in the H1B Visa System14:43 Divisions Within the Republican Party on Immigration17:30 The Argument for Staying in One's Home Country19:15 The Pursuit of Knowledge vs. Escape20:36 Consumer Mindset and Nationalism22:15 The Role of Talent in Economic Growth23:07 Advocacy for India and America25:05 OpenSphere.ai: Empowering Immigrants28:20 Navigating Criticism and Embracing Learning33:33 A Message for Indian Immigrants

In this episode, featured not-expert is  @TheAJSound .

Arjun is an IT-professional turned singer/producer/songwriter known for his hit indie songs. Join us for an intimate journey through the life of a musician who traded corporate stability for artistic passion. From navigating YouTube and original music creation to channeling heartbreak into creativity, our guest shares their breakthrough journey and practical insights into brand building in the digital age. The conversation explores love, relationships, and finding purpose through music, offering both inspiration and actionable wisdom for anyone looking to turn their artistic dreams into reality.

Resources: