Unsold Podcast

Guest: Aditi Sinha [Ex-CEO, Locale.ai]
Host: Santhosh Venkatesh

Theme: Navigating the highs, lows, and hidden truths of building a B2B startup, and what founders get wrong about Product-Market Fit.

This episode isn’t about how to win, it’s about what’s true.

Santhosh Venkatesh sits down with Aditi Sinha to unpack the reality behind startup growth, the dangers of chasing PMF too fast, and the strength it takes to step back. Aditi shares her journey from building Locale.ai through the COVID era, finding early traction, pivoting her way through multiple learnings, and ultimately, why she chose to walk away.

Top Talking Points:

• Why early traction doesn’t always equal PMF
• Product-led growth vs. founder-led conviction
• How to think about sales when you don’t have repeatable demand
• Fundraising pressure vs. honest customer feedback
• What it really means to “give the company back to investors”
• The personal cost of building in stealth and in the spotlight

What she’d do differently today if starting again

#UnsoldPodcast #StartupLessons #FounderStories #B2BSaaS #ProductMarketFit

Guest: Vikas Sunkad [Founder, SunJosho Ventures]
Host: Santhosh Venkatesh

Everyone loves to talk about finding Product-Market Fit. But what if that’s the wrong question?

In this episode of the #UnsoldPodcast, I sit down with Vikas Sunkad—a D2C product leader, startup advisor, and growth coach who’s spent over 15 years helping brands reach scale across India and Southeast Asia.

We don’t talk about the definition of PMF—we unpack the real work: what it takes to get there, how to know if you’ve lost it, and why memorability, convenience, and trust matter far more than just conversion ads.

Whether you’re launching your first product or growing your 10th, this conversation is a reality check.

Key Talking Points:

• Why Product-Market Fit is not a milestone—it’s a moving target
• The 3 invisible levers D2C founders must align: demand, timing, and brand memorability
• What loyalty actually means in the convenience economy
• Why paid ads can't buy long-term differentiation
• The cost of chasing metrics before you understand your customer
• How today’s founders can build resonance without burning CAC
• The real difference between growth and momentum

While Vikas touched on the key elements of PMF, you can find his compete, strategic template here - Download for free.

#UnsoldPodcast #D2CMarketing #ProductMarketFit #BrandStrategy #StartupGrowth

In this episode, I sit down with Shaifali Verma, a seasoned people and culture leader, to unpack the evolving role of mental health in the modern workplace. With experience spanning psychology, HR, and leadership development, Shaifali shares real-world insights into how wellness can (and should) be designed as a strategic pillar, not a reactive perk.

If you're a founder, people manager, or wellness startup operator, this episode will give you tactical clarity on what's broken, what's working, and where the real opportunities lie.

Key Talking Points:

• Why mental health isn’t just about therapy or meditation apps
• The difference between performative wellness and embedded culture
• How startups and high-pressure teams can build mental health into their DNA
• The critical role of leadership and middle management in creating safe workplaces
• Why one-size-fits-all mental health strategies don’t work
• What real impact looks like, stories from roundtables and on-ground experiences
• Early signs that your team’s mental wellbeing is at risk (and what to do)
• Opportunities for startups working in the B2B mental wellness space

#UnsoldPodcast #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkplaceWellbeing #PeopleAndCulture #B2BLeadership

Guest: Shawn Lim, Founder of Human Algorithm
Host: Santhosh Venkatesh

In this special episode of The Unsold Podcast, Santhosh Venkatesh sits down with Shawn Lim—content creator, former journalist, and founder of Human Algorithm—to talk about the power of storytelling, personal branding, and building authenticity in a world run by algorithms.

From his early struggles growing up in Singapore, to his journey through advertising, journalism, and finally into the B2B creator economy, Shawn opens up about his life, lessons, and mission to humanize digital spaces.

This conversation is a must-listen for startup founders, marketing leaders, and aspiring creators who want to build brands rooted in authenticity, not just algorithms.

Key Talking Points:

✅ Shawn’s early life, challenges, and turning points that shaped his authentic voice

✅ His transition from advertising and journalism into full-time content creation

✅ Why building a personal brand isn’t optional in today's B2B world

✅ The importance of owning your audience (and not relying solely on platforms)

✅ Storytelling as a competitive advantage in the age of AI

✅ Why businesses must champion internal voices, not just logos and products

✅ Tips for overcoming fear of video, content creation, and self-promotion

✅ The philosophy behind Human Algorithm and what it aims to create for the next generation

Sign up for Shawn's newsletter and podcast -- Human Algorithm here.

#UnsoldPodcast #PersonalBranding #B2BCreators #Storytelling #AuthenticMarketing

In this episode of The Unsold Podcast, we dive deep into the world of B2B tech events with Grainne Reid, Head of Marketing at ExchangeWire—one of the most recognized names in media, marketing, and commerce.

Events have long been a hub for networking, education, and deal-making, but how are they evolving in the digital-first world? What does it take to plan and execute a global flagship event? And with rising expectations from attendees and sponsors, how do event marketers adapt to industry shifts while maintaining quality and engagement?

Grainne brings her insights from running ExchangeWire’s flagship ATS events in London, Singapore, and Tokyo, shedding light on event marketing, planning challenges, sponsorship strategies, and the future of industry events.

Key Talking Points:

✅ How B2B tech events have evolved and why networking is more critical than ever

✅ The planning process behind global events—from agenda setting to sponsor relationships

✅ Regional differences in event culture—what works in London might not work in Singapore or Tokyo

✅ The metrics that define event success—from attendee engagement to sponsorship ROI

✅ The shift from long-form events to shorter, more impact-driven formats

✅ The future of industry events—trends, challenges, and the balance between in-person and digital experiences

Tune in for a deep-dive into the world of B2B events and what it takes to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

Want to appear as a guest or suggest an industry leader to appear on The Unsold Podcast? Write to [email protected]

#UnsoldPodcast #B2BMarketing #EventMarketing #TechConferences #SaaSMarketing

When I witnessed Bharath Kumar's keynote about why digital transformation fails, I knew this conversation needed to happen. As a B2B SaaS content marketer, I'm always searching for authentic perspectives on technology adoption, and Bharath's deep understanding of transformation challenges immediately resonated.

Recorded on a rainy Chennai morning over steaming coffee, this episode cuts through the usual tech jargon to deliver real insights. Bharath, who heads Marketing & CX at Zoho Creator Platforms, shares fascinating stories – from helping local governments manage vaccination drives to empowering farmers with custom tech solutions.

His cricket team analogies and food court examples make complex concepts remarkably accessible, while his frontline experience with organizations of all sizes adds invaluable perspective to the digital transformation conversation.

In this episode, we explore:

• The evolution and current state of digital transformation
• Four key reasons why transformation projects fail
• The critical role of organizational culture in digital adoption
• How no-code platforms are democratising technology
• Success stories from diverse industries, from government initiatives to farming
• The impact of AI on low-code/no-code platforms
• Future trends in digital transformation

How to reach the host and the guest of the podcast:
Santhosh Venkatesh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/santhosh-venkatesh-awts/
Bharath Kumar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bharathkumarb-marketer/

Learn about practical approaches to implementing digital transformation, including starting small, building centres of excellence, and measuring success through customer, business, and employee metrics. Whether you're a business leader, technology professional, or someone interested in organizational change, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating digital transformation successfully.

#unsoldpodcast #DigitalTransformation #Technology #Leadership #ZohoCreator #BusinessStrategy

In this episode of the Unsold Podcast, host Santhosh Venkatesh is joined by Joe Daniels, a brand and positioning expert, and Ranudi Jayasinghe, a product marketer, to tackle one of the most debated topics in B2B SaaS: brand differentiation vs. product differentiation. With the crowded SaaS landscape, businesses often struggle to stand out. Joe and Ranudi share their insights on how companies can leverage both product and brand to create a distinct market presence. Whether you’re a product marketer, brand strategist, or business leader, this episode offers actionable advice on building a memorable and impactful brand.

Talking Points:

• Defining Differentiation: Joe and Ranudi explain what brand and product differentiation mean for B2B SaaS companies.
• Product vs. Brand Focus: When should a company emphasise product features versus brand storytelling?
• The Buyer’s Perspective: How do buyers perceive and respond to product and brand differences?
• Challenges of Product Differentiation: Why it’s difficult to create a truly unique product in today’s competitive landscape.
• The Power of Brand: How a strong brand can create a shortlist effect and influence buyers even before the product is evaluated.
• Integrating Brand and Product Marketing: The importance of combining product features with brand values to form a cohesive strategy.
• Convincing Stakeholders: Tips for getting buy-in from founders and leaders on the importance of brand and product marketing.
• The Role of Data and AI: How advancements in technology and AI are changing product development and differentiation strategies.
  
  #BrandDifferentiation #ProductDifferentiation #B2BSaaS #ProductMarketing #BrandStrategy #SaaSMarketing #UnsoldPodcast #Positioning #B2BMarketing

In this insightful episode of the Unsold Podcast, host Santhosh Venkatesh talks to Rudhreesh Kapur, National Sales Director at JioAds, about the intricacies of digital advertising, the evolution of the Indian consumer market, and the strategies brands must adopt to stay relevant. Rudhreesh throws light on the challenges of capturing user attention, the power of contextual advertising, and how digital platforms in India are positioning themselves against global giants like Google and Meta. With a wealth of knowledge across digital and traditional advertising, he shares actionable insights for brands looking to leverage India's rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.

Talking Points:

• Digital Ad Sales and Contextual Advertising: Understanding the role of context in capturing user attention and driving conversions.
• Consumer Attention and Fragmentation: How the shift from traditional media to digital has made consumer attention fragmented and complex to capture.
• Data-Driven Advertising: Using data to understand user behaviour and adapt marketing messages across different platforms.
• Rise of Connected TV and Smart Devices: New ad formats and opportunities with connected TV, offering brands large-screen, context-driven ad placements.
• Competition with Global Giants: Challenges and opportunities for Indian platforms in a market dominated by Google and Meta.
• Quick Commerce Evolution: The rapid rise of quick commerce and its impact on consumer expectations and retail behaviour.
• India’s Unique Consumer Market: How Indian consumers are willing to pay for convenience but remain value-conscious across economic segments.
• Future of Digital Advertising in India: The need for integrated strategies combining TV, digital, and emerging tech to reach diverse audiences effectively.
  
  

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santhosh-venkatesh-awts/

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudhreesh-k-53930138/

Show producer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gowthamkashyap/

#DigitalAdvertising #ContextualAdvertising #ConsumerInsights #JioAds #ConnectedTV #AdTech #QuickCommerce #IndianMarket #DigitalMarketing #UnsoldPodcast

In this episode of the Unsold podcast, host Santhosh Venkatesh sits down with Vikas Sunkad, a seasoned retail expert with over two decades of experience across major brands like Coca-Cola and Britannia. Vikas brings a wealth of knowledge on the evolution of retail distribution, the challenges faced by FMCG brands, and the impact of technology on retail operations. Dive deep into the strategic shifts in retail, the rise of omnichannel approaches, and how quick commerce is transforming consumer behaviour in India.

Talking Points:

• Vikas' Career Journey: From FMCG giants to tech-driven retail investments.
• Evolution of Retail Distribution: Insights into hub-and-spoke models, the role of wholesalers, and the rise of organized wholesale.
• Quick Commerce Revolution: How immediate consumer needs are shaping the retail landscape in India.
• Challenges for FMCG Brands: Adapting to modern retail distribution and the competitive landscape.
• Omnichannel Strategies: The challenges and opportunities for DTC brands moving from digital to offline.
• The Role of Data in Retail: How brands can leverage data to improve their product-market fit and distribution strategies.
• Technology’s Role in Retail: Vikas shares examples of how Coca-Cola leveraged early-stage technology like photo recognition and perfect order systems.

Investing in the Future of Retail: Vikas shares his insights as an angel investor in consumer-tech and retail-tech startups.

Reach out to Vikas Sunkad at:

• Website: https://sunjosho.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikas-sunkad-5901401/
• Email: [email protected]

[Unsold Podcast: Episode 9] In this episode of the Unsold Podcast, host Santhosh Venkatesh sits down with Kartik Patiar, Senior Director of Growth at ShareChat, to explore the dynamic landscape of India's digital market. Kartik shares his journey from OLX to Flipkart to Swiggy and to ShareChat, offering valuable insights on tech adoption, user engagement, and the challenges of balancing growth and monetisation. We discuss challenges and opportunities in capturing user attention, building world-class products, and navigating the complexities of a diverse audience. We close the conversation with how and where Kartik spends time to keep himself updated on matters that concern his current industry.

#DigitalMarketing #GrowthStrategies #TechAdoption #UserEngagement #Monetization #ShareChat #unsoldpodcast