TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING

Abhay is joined by Pooja Bavishi, the founder and CEO of Malai. They chatted about nostalgia and storytelling, longevity and creativity, and the evolution of the Malai experience.
As they say, "ain't no party like an ice cream paaarty!"
(0:00 - 3:01) Introduction
(3:01) Part 1 - nostalgia, first ice cream try, and making MALAI
(16:21) Part 2 - storytelling through ice cream
(34:26) Part 3 - scaling and relationship development, longevity and success
(46:46) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Shila Wattamwar is the founder and CEO of Radiant Global Advisory, helping companies implement foundational strategies to help drive decision making, as well as Sustainable Me! a platform that brings sustainability education to people in the context of their everyday lives. Shila worked for years leading investment research focusing on environmental, social, and governance factors at Sustainalytics which was acquired by Morningstar. She is focused on building a sustainable future by mobilizing investors, companies, and individual consumers. Shila has a book releasing in 2024 called 'Simple Sustainable Behaviors For Sustainable Living'.

Vocalist, musician, and songwriter Sid Sriram joins Abhay for a conversation about his new album 'Sidharth' and the journey of creating it.  They chatted about the power of silence, about different influences, and about the value of healing.
(0:00 - 2:15) Introduction
(2:15) Part 1 - Practice, silence, unlearning
(19:55) Part 2 - 'Americanisms', listening skills
(31:05) Part 3 - Measuring success, healing
(42:22) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist Rajul Kadakia, the CEO and co-founder of TechGirl, an innovative social platform empowering female tech entrepreneurs from ideation to funding.
They talked about the often lonely pathway for female founders, integrating being an Indian American into her professional persona, and philanthropy.  This episode is part of an ongoing INDIASPORA series of conversations.
(0:00 - 2:34) Introduction
(2:34) Part 1 - starting TechGirl, "unlearning", building confidence
(15:31) Indiaspora 
(16:33) Part 2 - Identity and empathy
(28:02) Part 3 - institutional change, giving back, optimism and joy
(40:25) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by Sudhanshu Kaushik, the founder of Young India Foundation and the executive director of the North American Association of Indian Students, to talk about activism for Indian youth.  They chatted about advocacy, balancing patience and urgency, Sudhanshu's own personal journey, and many lessons learned.
(0:00 - 3:06) Introduction
(3:06 - 23:48) Part 1 - frustrations, making mistakes, urgency to activate the young voter 
(23:48 - 40:18) Part 2 - touchpoints of Sudhanshu's journey, staying young
(40:18 - 54:19) Part 3 - comparing/contrasting Indian youth in India and the US, staying away from cliques, building trust
(54:19) Conclusion

Abhay is joined for a conversation by classical Indian music artist, vocalist, and composer, Kaushiki Chakraborty.  They chatted about everything from music during the rainy season to touring to dreaming about music.  
(0:00 - 2:57) Introduction
(2:57 - 21:48) Part 1 - themes, optimism, touring
(21:48 - 35:34) Part 2 - first concert, preparation as an artist, versatility
(35:34 - 46:51) Part 3 - Guru Purnima, parenting and love
(46:51 - 57:40) Part 4 - the relevance of classical Indian music, staying true to who you are
(57:40) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Siddhartha Tiwari is an IT and engineering professional in India who works with startups to build their market and sales, but as someone who grew up in a Tier 2 city in India, realized that while most children and youth are engaged in sports, there is little to accelerate enthusiasm and validity for those who are building a culture of sporting recreation or showcase the development of rich local talent for tier 2 cities and villages in the world’s most populated country. To help address this gap, he collaborated with director Abhishek Sachidanandan to help produce the documentary The Lost Heroes, amplifying the story of sports in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. 

Abhay is joined by producer and the CEO of Hillman Grad, Rishi Rajani, who is advancing the mission to create art that redefines the status quo by amplifying and celebrating the stories and voices of diverse, historically marginalized communities across all industries. They chatted about everything from managing all the expectations to the evolution of his producing to relationship development and mentoring.  If you had both Denise Huxtable and Deion Sanders being mentioned on your BINGO card, then, as usual, you're winning!
(0:00 - 3:08) Introduction
(3:08 - 15:36) Part 1: being South Asian American, Rishi's journey and evolution as a producer
(15:36 - 30:38) Part 2: iterative practice and storytelling, connecting the dots of his ongoing work
(30:38 - 40:00) Part 3: The Hillman Grad platform, the diversity movement
(40:00) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by venture capitalist and entrepreneur Shelly Kapoor Collins, a partner at SWAY Ventures and a founding partner at the SHATTER FUND.  They chatted about creating pipelines and opportunities for women in the innovation economy, her own journey as a leader, and lessons learned along the way.  
(0:00 - 3:08) Introduction
(3:08 - 13:55) Part 1: Maryland, chutes and ladders, empathy, her journey as a mom and an Indian American
(13:55 - 24:32) Part 2: Entrepreneurship, working with women leaders, SHATTER foundation, allyship with men
(24:32 - 33:04) Part 3: global change makers, outlook for future leaders

Abhay is joined by musician and artist, Curtis Waters. They chatted about parties, identity, trust, labels, and seeking fame. Curtis is a Nepali-Canadian-American, spends time in both Los Angeles and North Carolina, and has a new album out called "BAD SON"
(0:00 - 2:32) Introduction
(2:32 - 13:21) Part 1: Parties, authentic characters on "BAD SON", and Abhi vs Curtis
(13:21 - 25:02) Part 2: global listeners, mental health, honesty, and labels
(25:02- 37:35) Part 3: being a better listener, music as therapy, seeking fame
(37:35) Conclusion