The xMonks Drive

Are You Being a Good Ancestor? Raju Narisetti poses this intriguing question, while urging us to reflect on our role in shaping the future. 

In this episode on xMonks Drive, Narisetti, former journalist and presently Leader, Global Publishing at McKinsey & Company sheds light on the trust crisis in journalism and the perception that it can be bought and sold. He emphasizes the importance of connecting the dots and challenges us to consider the legacy we'll leave behind. 

Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration that will leave you questioning your own impact on future generations.

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

In this episode of xMonks Drive, listeners are invited to delve into the complexities of the human experience through the lens of one man's inspiring journey. Through the conversation with former CEO of Indus Towers and expert leadership advisor, Shantharaju B S, we are reminded of the power of resilience and the importance of authenticity in leadership.

But beyond the lessons on success, this conversation offers a reflection on the nature of human drive. What propels us to continue learning and growing in the face of adversity? What is it that drives us to pursue our goals, even when the odds are stacked against us?

Through the compelling narrative of Shantharaju's rise from adversity to success, we are reminded of the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and to persevere in the pursuit of personal growth. In the end, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of the human experience, leaving listeners with a renewed appreciation for the resilience, drive, and authenticity that are at the heart of every meaningful journey.

About Shantharaju B S

Shantharaju B S is a respected business leader and expert advisor on leadership and strategy. Born and raised in India, Shantharaju's journey to success was marked by a series of challenges and setbacks that tested his resolve and resilience.

At a young age, Shantharaju lost his father's fortune and was forced to start his life anew. But he refused to be defined by his circumstances, and instead focused on his education, earning a degree in commerce before going on to pursue an MBA from the International Management Institute - IMI.

With his education complete, Shantharaju began his career in the telecommunications industry, where he quickly distinguished himself as a dynamic and visionary leader. Over the course of his career, he held several leadership positions, including CEO of Indus Towers, one of the largest telecom infrastructure companies in India. Under his leadership, Indus Towers grew to become a major player in the industry, earning widespread recognition for its innovative and sustainable business practices.

Today, Shantharaju is recognized as a leading expert on leadership and strategy, sought out by organizations and business leaders for his insights on driving growth, building high-performing teams, and navigating complex business environments. He is also a passionate advocate for social and environmental causes, using his platform and resources to support initiatives that create positive change in his community and beyond.

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

Looking for inspiration in all the wrong places? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Join us on our latest podcast episode, "Finding Inspiration in the Ordinary," as we chat with mindfulness leadership guru, Hari TN. 

We'll explore how being aware of our own biases can actually help us find inspiration in the everyday moments of life. So, let's get ready to embrace our biases (yup, we said it), and unlock the secret to finding inspiration all around us.

About Hari TN
Hari TN is a seasoned entrepreneur and an expert in scaling start-ups. With over 20 years of experience in the start-up ecosystem, Hari has witnessed the critical turning points of numerous companies from up close. He has played a key role in the growth journeys of 5 different start-ups, spanning across 5 different sectors.
In addition to his practical experience, Hari has also shared his knowledge in various forms. He is the author of 7 books, many of which have become category leaders. Hari advises two VC funds, one in the growth stage and the other in the early stage. He is also a mentor at accelerators like Techstars and an advisor to multiple start-ups.

Currently, Hari is focused on the Artha School of Entrepreneurship, which he co-founded with like-minded individuals. The School is a non-profit (a Section 8 company) that aims to help founders scale their start-ups and build large and sustainable businesses. Hari also contributes at a strategic level through Board positions on companies whose missions align with his capabilities. His vast experience and expertise make him a valuable asset to any company seeking to scale and grow.

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

You know what's the worst thing we humans do? We take things for granted. 
We forget how fragile life is and act like we're entitled to everything. But this episode is here to remind us of the reality.

But what happens when those good things are taken away from us? When life throws us a curveball that we never saw coming? That's when we're forced to confront our own mortality, to come face to face with the fact that we're not invincible after all.

In this podcast episode, we'll be hearing from Abhishek, a CFO at Myntra, who knows all too well what it's like to have everything taken away in an instant.

The episode is all about confronting our deepest fears, acknowledging the fragility of life, and building the strength to keep moving forward even when everything seems to be falling apart. It's a reminder that we have the power to overcome our greatest obstacles, but we can't take anything for granted.

If you are feeling lost or overwhelmed by the challenges of life, or if you just need a reminder to appreciate the good things while they last, this is the episode for you. 

So tune in and let Abhishek's story inspire you to cultivate your own resilience and keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws your way.

Sign up for International Coaching Week 2023 at www.xmonks.com 

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

Investing can be a tricky game, and despite our best efforts to make rational decisions, emotions often come into play. Fear and greed can cloud our judgment and lead to bad investment decisions. 

But it's not all bad news!

In this session, we'll explore why we make these mistakes and how our minds influence our money.

Drawing on insights from behavioral economics and psychology, we'll reveal the many ways our brains can be our own worst enemy when it comes to investing. But don't worry - Sandeep will share some practical strategies for managing your emotions and making better investment decisions. You'll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and outsmart your brain to achieve your financial goals.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this session will provide valuable insights into the often-overlooked role of psychology in investing. So join us for a thrilling ride as we explore the wild world of money and emotions with Sandeep Jethwani, co-founder of Dezerv.

[Also, Signup for ICW 2023 at www.xmonks.com]

About Sandeep

Introducing Sandeep Jethwani, a renowned investment manager and co-founder of Dezerv, an innovative wealth management firm that provides simplified investment solutions for working professionals in India.

As the son of two PSU bankers, Sandeep grew up with a deep understanding of the importance of managing money well. After graduating from IIM Bangalore, he embarked on a 17-year career managing wealth for India's ultra-wealthy across different industries and geographies.

However, Sandeep felt restless because he knew that most Indian working professionals did not have access to the same level of expertise and investment opportunities as the ultra-wealthy. Many people either did not invest or invested ad-hoc, leading to poor long-term returns.

Determined to solve this problem, Sandeep and his team at Dezerv offer an investment management program designed to cater to the investment needs of Indian working professionals. With Dezerv, you can invest in expert-managed mutual fund portfolios, market-linked debentures, and early-stage businesses or startups alongside top VCs and founders.

In just one year, Dezerv manages over 1400+ crores of assets for their clients. With their wealth check-up app, you can receive a comprehensive assessment of your investment portfolio from top financial experts in India and get recommendations on how to optimize your investments.

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

Did you know that over 80% of small businesses in India are self-funded and lack access to formal credit? That's a staggering figure that highlights the challenges faced by micro-business owners in getting the financial support they need to grow and thrive.

But our guest today, Deepak Kothari, is changing that. He co-founded ftcash, a company that's using technology to create a new model of finance that's tailored to the needs of small business owners.

In our conversation, Deepak shares some fascinating insights into his own journey, from growing up in Varanasi to co-founding ft cash in Mumbai. He also discusses the challenges of creating something from nothing and how that inspired him to help other micro-business owners.

About The Guest

Deepak Kothari is an Indian entrepreneur and co-founder of ft cash, a Mumbai-based financial technology company that offers digital payments and lending solutions to micro and small businesses in India.

Born and raised in Varanasi, India, Deepak was exposed to entrepreneurship at an early age through his father, who ran a small business. After completing his engineering degree, Deepak worked in various roles in the tech industry before pursuing his MBA from IIM Ahmedabad.

It was during his time at IIM Ahmedabad that Deepak was inspired to create a business that would make a positive impact on society. In 2014, he co-founded ft cash, which has since grown into a leading provider of digital payments and lending solutions in India.

Through ft cash, Deepak is focused on helping micro and small businesses gain access to the financial tools they need to thrive. The company's innovative solutions enable business owners to accept digital payments, access loans, and manage their finances in real-time.

Deepak is passionate about using technology to drive social change and improve access to financial services for underserved communities. Under his leadership, ft cash has been recognized as a leader in financial inclusion and has won several awards for its innovative approach to digital finance.

With his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a positive impact on society, Deepak Kothari is a true visionary in the world of fintech.

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

As we kick off this brand-new season, I can feel the excitement bubbling up inside me!

With a remarkable ability to speak comfortably in front of audiences, our guest Ramkumar's story is filled with invaluable lessons on personal growth, exploring different perspectives, and stepping into unknown territories.

You'll also hear about his journey from entrepreneurship to corporate, and how he turned around businesses within larger organizations with his entrepreneurial mindset. 

With deep insights into the importance of purpose statements, flexibility, and listening to others.

And that's not all! The episode also touches on the importance of being open to experiences and creating a portfolio life, as well as the value of measuring progress daily. 

About The Guest

Ramkumar (Ram) Narayanan is a global leader focusing on data driven, digital product innovation spanning consumer and enterprise markets. He has been an advisor to Enterprises, large and small, in the arena of digital transformation, product strategy and product marketing. 

Ram is currently VP Technology and Managing Director of VMWare India. Before joining VMWare, he served in global leadership positions at eBay, Yahoo! and Microsoft. He started his career in the auto industry in US developing software solutions for design and packaging of automotive suspension and powertrain systems. 

Ram serves on the Executive Council of NASSCOM and as Chairman NASSCOM Product Council, Governing Council of DERBI Foundation, an academic incubator and is a Board Member of Sukino Healthcare, a leading company in the leading provider of long-term health care management for patients with chronic ailments.

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

It's time for Season 2 of The xMonks Drive!🎙️

Get ready to indulge in a world full of captivating stories and intriguing conversations.

While Season 1 focused on the WHY, Season 2 is all about the HOW. 💡

Our latest season is packed with stories that will move you, challenge your perspectives, and inspire you to chase your dreams.

From leaders who faced challenges head-on, to dreamers who dared to dream big, this season has it all! 🌟

We are going uncover the extra in the ordinary. 🌟

We will be exploring the stories of individuals who have achieved greatness, not by being superhuman, but by embracing their humanity.

With jaw-dropping plots and heartwarming insights, each episode will leave you inspired and craving for more.

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

It is the grand finale episode. It has to be a banger! 
So here we present the Unscripted and Unfiltered Gaurav Arora, taking the heat of the spotlight. 
Listen to him going off the record about his journey, getting real about his lows, his all-time favourite philosophies, his reason behind choosing 108 and baring his vulnerable side while also spilling some beans along the way! 
Know Gaurav - Up, Close and Personal with the season finale!

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

TW: Discussions on Assualt And Trauma

In this episode of The xMonks Drive, we hear from Karen, a survivor of assault, who shares her story of strength, resilience, and forgiveness. 

Today's episode is a powerful one as we explore the concept of forgiveness after trauma.

We are honoured to have Karen, a survivor of sexual assault, share her story and message of hope with us. 

This episode is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is a personal choice and can be a tool in the healing process after trauma. Listeners are advised that the episode includes some discussion about Karen's experience of sexual violence that may be distressing or triggering.

About Karen Craggs Milne

Growing up in Kenya in a multi-racial home, Karen was always sensitive to inequality and injustice around her.

Impacted by childhood rape, Karen decided, at the young age of 13, that she was not going to be trapped in life as a victim, living in shame and being angry at the world.
Coaching helped her find healing and freedom. She transformed her pain into an even deeper love, compassion and commitment to elevate humanity.

Karen is now a global Coach and Advisor, working with leaders in governments, corporations and NGOs to learn how to recognize and effectively address unconscious bias and discrimination within their organizations and in the communities they serve. Working with clients like the UN, Government of Canada, Adidas and Reebok, the MasterCard Foundation, Karen has shaped more than half a billion dollars worth of international programs and social justice initiatives, bringing hope, healing and a better life for millions of women, men, children and marginalized groups all over the world.

Mindful Content Warning - This episode includes some discussion about Karen's experience of sexual violence that may be distressing or triggering.
Please take care of yourself and feel free to reach out to Karen directly or seek local resources, if you need support.

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com