The Brand Called You

Discover the spicy journey behind Kaatil, the “killer” hot condiments brand, making waves in India and beyond! In this episode of "The Brand Called You," host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Sagar Merchant, Founder of Kaatil (Smerc Foods & Beverages), to talk about the inspiration, challenges, and vision behind India’s own chili-forward sauce brand.

Sagar shares his early career lessons from Google and the food experience studio Studio Flavor Diaries, reflects on transitioning from tech to food entrepreneurship, and dives deep into what makes Kaatil unique: regional Indian chillies, cultural authenticity, and a modern take on hot sauces. He explains the importance of taste, tradition, and health in product development, how to build trust with Indian customers, and why consistency is crucial in the food business.

Learn how Kaatil balances being both a global Indian brand and serving the global Indian consumer, get insights on research & development, and find out which Kaatil product Sagar recommends for newcomers!

In this episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg welcomes Suresh Narayanan, Former Chairman & Managing Director of Nestlé India, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and purpose. Suresh shares fascinating stories from his 44-year corporate journey—from accidental beginnings to navigating major crises like the Maggie recall and the Arab Spring.

Discover how Suresh’s leadership philosophy was shaped by real-world adversity, cultural diversity, and the timeless wisdom of Kabir. He dives deep into the importance of people-centric leadership, balancing empathy with tough decisions, and building partnerships that stand the test of time. Suresh also reveals the five Ps—People, Purpose, Partnership, Planet, and Performance—that drove Nestlé India’s sustainable growth and transformation.

If you’re interested in what it takes to lead with humility, communicate clearly during crises, and align personal values with organizational purpose, this episode is for you!

Welcome to another episode of "The Brand Called You"! In this inspiring conversation, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Aslak de Silva—former world champion martial artist, leadership expert, author, and keynote speaker from Finland. Aslak shares his incredible journey from martial arts champion to multinational CEO, and why he believes that the principles of martial arts can transform business leadership.

Learn how discipline, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset from the dojo translate into effective leadership in the boardroom. Aslak discusses his book, "The Black Belt in Leadership," revealing practical lessons, actionable advice, and stories that help leaders thrive in high-pressure environments. Whether you’re a leader looking to up your game or seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with wisdom on cultivating focus, building emotional intelligence, embracing gentle strength, and navigating the future of leadership with AI.

If you’re interested in bridging the worlds of martial arts and business, this episode is a must-watch!

Sudeendra’s journey spans science, innovation, entrepreneurship, art, and acting. From filing patents to mentoring global teams, he shares how curiosity, creativity, and a stretch mindset drive human potential and shape the future of innovation.

00:09- About Dr Sudeendra Thirtha Koushik

• Sudeendra Koushik (Vice President, IEEE) is the Chief Innovator and Cofounder of PRASU, a unique consulting company.

• He advises major companies, such as Bosch, Continental, General Motors, Mercedes Benz, and Volvo, on delivering innovation by developing innovators. 

Shubhra’s journey from clinical medicine to leading healthcare investments blends science, AI, and entrepreneurship—unlocking untapped potential in healthcare data, robotics, and life sciences.

00:09 - About Dr Shubhra Jain

• Shubhra Jain is the Head of Healthcare Investments at Tarsadia Investments. 

• She has a background in medicine and holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. 

From witnessing his first surgery to founding Seed Healthcare, Todd’s mission has been clear — transform healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Through strategic investments and cutting-edge technology, he’s building a future where no one dies of diseases we can detect early.

00:46- About Todd Perman

• Todd is the president and CEO of Seed Healthcare.

From overcoming trauma to transforming businesses and healing lives, Jen Loving’s story is one of courage, grace, and purpose. Her newest mission — Loving Is — bridges technology and humanity, teaching AI to reflect empathy, compassion, and love. This isn’t just innovation — it’s evolution with heart.

00:23- About Jen Loving

• Jen Loving is the CEO of Engaging Speakers, a successful business coach, a philanthropist, and a best selling author of four books.

• She is the The Loving Intelligence Expert for AI.

Welcome to another episode of The Brand Called You! Today, we sit down with Ben Hansen, the founder of Profit Doctor, for an eye-opening discussion about profitability, business growth, and the strategies that separate thriving businesses from those stuck in survival mode. 🏆

Ben shares his unique entrepreneurial journey—from catching deadly snakes as a teen to making the Inc. 500 list five times—and breaks down best practices for achieving above-average profitability. Learn why many businesses fall victim to "prophetitis," how to identify the "snakes" (toxic elements) in your business, and what actionable steps you can take to streamline operations and maximize profits in as little as 12 weeks.

Whether you're an established business owner or a young entrepreneur just starting out, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on pricing strategy, cutting unproductive activities, and why profitability—not just revenue—should be your priority.

In this episode of TBCY, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Robert Glazer—author of "The Compass Within," founder and chairman of Acceleration Partners, and seasoned leadership thinker from Boston, USA. Robert shares his journey toward value-driven leadership, the personal turning points that shaped his philosophy, and actionable strategies for identifying and living by your core values.

Discover:

• Why knowing your personal core values can be a game-changer for your life, career, and relationships

• How misalignment with values affects your happiness and professional engagement

• Science-backed statistics on the power of values in the workplace

• Robert’s personal approach to leadership and culture-building, and the story behind "The Compass Within"

• Practical frameworks and tools to uncover your own values and improve decision-making

Welcome to The Brand Called You (TBCY)! In this insightful episode, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Dr. Kushal Agrawal, Neonatologist and Head of Department at KVR Hospital, Kashipur. Dr. Agrawal shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small town and following his father’s footsteps, to becoming one of the few neonatologists in India dedicated to improving neonatal and pediatric care in rural areas.

Discover what influenced Dr. Agrawal’s choice to leave a prestigious seat at AIIMS in ophthalmology for a career in pediatrics, and how he transitioned into healthcare entrepreneurship to set up KVR Hospital. Learn about the challenges and misconceptions in newborn care, the barriers to delivering equitable healthcare in India’s tier 2 and 3 cities, and the importance of standardized protocols and indigenous, low-cost solutions.

Dr. Agrawal also sheds light on recent innovations, the role of AI in NICUs, and why teamwork and empathy are at the heart of neonatal medicine. If you’re passionate about healthcare, social impact, or India’s medical future, this episode is a must-watch.