In this episode, we sit down with Nike Running Coach and Sport Nutritionist Mishti Khatri to unpack her transformative journey through fitness, coaching, and her mission to empower women through movement.

Alongside her coaching career, Mishti is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Nutrition. She holds an MSc in the same field and is certified by both the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the International Fitness and Aerobics Academy (IFAA).

From her early days in fitness to becoming a coach and nutritionist, Mishti shares the insights that have shaped her approach to both personal and community-based growth.

Topics Covered:

I. Background & Becoming

• How Mishti’s relationship with fitness evolved through school and college
• The pivotal shift from outcome-driven training to movement as identity
• How Mishti’s shift from self-training to coaching shaped her growth and leadership.

II. Training & Coaching

• Blending her roles as coach, nutritionist, and academic
• The most powerful mindset shifts she’s witnessed in her clients
• Coaching through self-doubt, injury, and imposter syndrome
• Why mental health is inseparable from physical training
• What her current training week looks like — and how it’s evolved
• Why gym anxiety is so common, and how we can shift that culture

III. Running

• Her personal journey with running — from marathons to run clubs
• How India’s running culture is shifting, and where it’s headed
• A behind-the-scenes look at Nike’s After Dark Tour: a bold moment reclaiming women’s running with grit, celebration, and sisterhood
• Coaching one of the biggest women-led running communities in India
• Advice for new runners and the biggest myths about marathon prep
• Mishti’s personal approach to long runs and recovery rituals

IV. Nutrition & Fueling the Female Athlete

• How her relationship with food has grown alongside her fitness
• Common myths around performance nutrition — especially for women
• Speaking to women in India about fueling enough, not shrinking
• Her food philosophy: consistency without guilt or rigidity
• Her take on supplements like collagen, creatine, and more

V. Women in Sport: Power, Progress & Perspective

• The state of women in fitness in India today
• How we can create more entry points for young girls to move
• Gendered challenges in sport — both globally and locally
• Supporting women to lead (not just participate) in sport ecosystems
• What it takes to create safe, inclusive spaces in fitness

VI. Mindset, Motivation & Mental Strength

• The role of breath, rhythm, and mindset when the miles get heavy
• What movement has taught her about resilience — in sport and life

VII. Legacy & Looking Ahead

• The impact Mishti hopes to leave behind — as a coach, an athlete, and a woman
• What continues to make her a work in progress

In a world obsessed with self-discovery and self-optimization, personality has become a billion-dollar obsession. From dating apps to hiring decisions, courtroom strategies to TikTok therapy-speak, we’re constantly trying to decode ourselves—and each other. But how well do we really understand what makes us us?

This week, we sit down with Dr. Sanna Balsari Palsule—psychologist, behavioral scientist, and co-creator of a wildly original game called Who Are You? that helps people reflect on their inner lives. With a background in personality psychology and a mind deeply attuned to the nuances of human behavior, Sanna guides us through the surprising history of personology, the rise of personality testing as a cultural phenomenon, and what the science actually says about traits like introversion, extroversion, and everything in between.

We explore why the most popular personality tests are often the least accurate, how personality is both shaped and distorted by culture and social media, and whether “authenticity” is now just another form of performance. Can you fake it till you become it? Do we have different personalities online and offline? Is your workplace self the real you—or just a highly adapted version? And when people say they want to “change,” what are they really trying to change?

We also dive into the psychological and physical toll of pretending to be someone you’re not, and ask: Can personality actually evolve over time, or is who you are mostly fixed? And what does it take to shift?

This is an episode for anyone who’s ever taken a personality test, second-guessed who they are, or wondered if change is possible—or even desirable.

Recommended for listeners curious about:

• The science and myth of personality
• Identity in the age of social media
• Authenticity and self-expression
• Behavioral psychology and everyday life

About Dr. Sanna Linnea Balsari-Palsule:

She is a psychologist, researcher, and creator whose work reshapes how we understand personality in an age obsessed with self-optimization. With a background in cognitive science and a Ph.D. in personality psychology, her research interrogates how identity is formed, performed, and reimagined—online, at work, and in our most intimate relationships.

She is the creator of Who Are You, an award-winning card game that invites players to reflect on the tensions between authenticity, aspiration, and adaptation in modern life. Her insights have been featured in The Atlantic, BBC News, Refinery29, Psychology Today, and Fast Company, where she speaks to a generation fluent in therapy-speak but still searching for grounded ways to make sense of themselves.

Whether she’s exploring the curated selves of social media or the psychological cost of work personas, Dr. Balsari-Palsule offers a rare combination of intellectual rigor and deep empathy—inviting us to consider not just who we are, but who we’re becoming.

Indian specialty coffee is at a turning point—gaining global recognition, yet deeply rooted in tradition. In this episode, we sit down with Pranoy Thipaiah, fifth-generation steward of Kerehaklu Estate, to explore how coffee, climate, and culture are evolving in India’s Western Ghats.

At his 250-acre estate, coffee plants grow under ancient fig trees, local microbes fuel experimental fermentations, and leopards roam the same paths as farmers. But Pranoy’s work goes beyond cultivation—it’s about balancing ecology with innovation, protecting biodiversity, and challenging industry norms.

We dive into:

• The global perception of Indian coffee—and the myths that need breaking
• The future of farming in a changing climate—and how Kerehaklu is leading by example
• What India can learn from global coffee cultures—from Colombia to Australia
• The challenges of legacy, colonial narratives, and global trade inequalities
• The business of coffee—building a brand that blends storytelling with sustainability

Pranoy also shares his perspective as a consultant, educator, and entrepreneur, offering insight into what it takes to grow not just great coffee, but a movement.

This is a conversation about coffee’s future, India’s role in the global market, and what it means to build a truly sustainable coffee culture.

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Tulsi Mehrotra Menon, a Cultural and Digital Anthropologist, to unravel the intricate relationships between work, identity, and technology in today's ever-evolving world.

Born and raised in Bangalore, Tulsi brings a unique anthropological lens to the corporate sphere, helping brands move beyond surface-level strategies to truly understand the human motivations and cultural contexts that shape consumer behavior.

We dive into:

• The Anthropology of Business: How Tulsi applies cultural insights to brand and business strategies, pushing for a shift from brand-centric to human-centric approaches.
• The Multitudes of Identity: Exploring how selfhood is constructed in 2025—and what it might look like in 2050—as work, technology, and personal expression intersect.
• Human vs. Machine: What does the future of work hold as AI and algorithms increasingly influence our choices, relationships, and identities?
• The Authenticity Paradox: In an era of curated personas and performative authenticity, how do we distinguish what’s real—and what does this mean for brands trying to connect with their audiences?
• Cultural Glasses and the Three C’s Model: Understanding people's behaviors through the lens of context, conditions, and choices—and how this model helps resolve everyday conflicts and inform better business decisions.
• The Evolution of Connection: From fandoms to online communities, how are tribes forming in India versus the rest of the world—and what lessons can brands learn?
• Women and Work: Balancing unpaid caregiving with personal ambition—how can workplaces create unconventional spaces for women to explore their multidimensional identities?
• Leading for the Future: What leadership looks like in a world shifting from linear career paths and CV-based hiring to skill-driven, imagination-fueled environments.

Whether you're a brand strategist, business leader, or someone simply curious about how human behavior evolves, this episode offers fresh insights and a bold reimagining of the future.

Listen now and step into the fascinating world of digital tribes and algorithmic lives with Tulsi Mehrotra Menon.

The way we produce and consume protein is changing. With the global demand for meat at an all-time high and set to double by 2050, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent. Alternative proteins—whether plant-based, cultivated, or fermentation-derived—offer a way to feed more people with fewer resources, reduce environmental impact, and build a more resilient food system.

In this episode, we explore the future of food with Devika Suresh, a champion for alternative proteins in India. Passionate about the intersection of technology and sustainability, Devika has been instrumental in advancing smart protein education, research, and innovation. She works to build pathways for young Indians to shape this growing industry and drive meaningful change in how we think about food.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• The Basics of Smart Protein: What exactly is alternative or smart protein, and why should anyone care? Devika breaks down the essentials and explains the impact on food security, climate change, and planetary health.
• India's Path to Net Zero: Can India realistically achieve its 2047 Net Zero target, and how have policies like BioE3 contributed to the positive momentum?
• The Bioeconomy Movement: With terms like "Bioeconomy" gaining traction globally, Devika explains what this means for India and the world.
• Consumer Perceptions: We tackle common misconceptions around alternative proteins and explore strategies to shift the narrative from niche to mainstream.
• Cultural Nuances and Market Dynamics: Why is India strategically positioned to lead in this sector? Devika discusses cultural factors, market drivers, and setbacks, and how to avoid another "organic" déjà vu.
• Regulatory Landscape: How has the FSSAI’s framework supported this industry, and what lessons can be drawn from other countries?
• The Role of Big Brands: With major corporations entering the space, why is mass acceptance still a challenge, and when can we expect a shift in consumer attitudes towards taste, price, and process?
• Future Predictions: What innovations and products could be game changers in the next 10-20 years?

We also explore Devika's vision for the future—what food we want on our plates by 2050, and how India can play a pivotal role in feeding a growing global population sustainably.

Tune in to hear her insights, predictions, and her passion for reshaping the future of food. Whether you're curious about sustainable eating or looking to understand the business of alternative proteins, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of food, technology, and climate action.

For episode 9, we had the pleasure of speaking with Neha Vyaso and Kanak Garg – Founders of Brave Spaces • Intimacy Coordinators • Actors • Creators.

Titled 'Building Boundaries & Breaking Barriers' - this is one of our most powerful, heartfelt and intense episodes.

We uncover a wide range of topics, as highlighted below:

• What is the story behind brave spaces?
• What does an intimacy coordinate facilitate? What does a day in your work look like?
• What does creating a 'Culture of consent', mean?
• Does it exist in India?
• How are brave spaces created?
• What are the values that guide you?
• How is a workshop conducted?
• How can we think of gender, sexuality and sex in an inclusive, simplistic manner?
• Why are pronouns so confusing for everyone?
• Is social media helping or dividing?
• Why is everyone so scared about cancel culture?
• How can we create brave and not just safe spaces?
• What is the future you imagine for a more inclusive tomorrow?

Barriers are things that are holding you back from living a wholesome life - being the human you are. Boundaries must empower you - knowing about your boundaries, knowing what works for you, what doesn’t and understanding that those boundaries also evolve.”

Tune in to this episode to hear more such empowering and insightful snippets and of course, to hear - what makes them a work in progress?

Mikhil Innani is the Managing Director at Apollo Finvest, a public listed internet first transactional NBFC. He has 8+ years experience of building products from scratch to an unprecedented scale of 100+ million monthly active users. He is currently building the "AWS for Lending" platform which helps fintech's start lending in a matter of hours

Prior to Apollo Finvest, Mikhil headed consumer products at Hotstar (India’s largest OTT platform) and CouponDunia (Acquired by Times Internet) and co-founded PharmEasy (India’s largest, series C funded, online medicine delivery startup) Mikhil holds a Master's degree in Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor's degree from Mumbai University

Vaginismus! STI's! Puberty! PCOS! and all things Sexual, Menstrual and Mental Health!

In this episode, we speak with Achitha Jacob, the founder of Proactive for Her. A health-tech startup that's revolutionising women’s healthcare and creating a safe space for care without judgement.

Episode Structure:

1. Introducing 'Proactive For Her'
2. Achithas’ personal journey–her background, experiences, reason and passion for founding PFH as well as her learnings from the founding team, market and consumers.
3. Stories and personal experiences from consumers/friends/strangers that have greatly impacted the way Proactive For Her is set-up, communicates and delivers.
4. Shifting focus on the health-tech, fem-tech and sexual wellness market in India and globally.
5. Achithas' journey on running an early stage startup: the advice, most important hacks, PoV on hiring vs managing and more!
6. Diving deep into mental, physical health in the workplace and otherwise
7. Creating safe spaces: how can we empower and educate more women and also men? How can we have better conversations about gender, sex and sexuality? How can we allow for more diverse, inclusive spaces?
8. How is PFH a “Work in Progress”? What are people/things/books/talks that have inspired Achitha?

About Achitha and Proactive For Her:

Proactive For Her is an omni-channel women’s health clinic offering judgement-free, personalised, and confidential healthcare solutions. They address the health concerns of Indian women across their lifetime – from puberty to menopause and beyond. Their services are available online, at home, and at their Bangalore clinics. Be it spreading awareness about annual check-ups to include pap smears and cancer screening, cervical cancer vaccination (HPV vaccination), STI/STD screening or helping women take that leap of faith and book their first gynaecology consultation, they want to empower every Indian woman to take charge of her own health and wellness journey.

Proactive has helped 50,000+ women learn more about their sexual and menstrual health and access quality medical care. Young and old(er) women love that Proactive is able to provide them a safe space to address their sexual, menstrual & reproductive health concerns. They have done extensive work on extremely niche and taboo topics like vaginismus, a condition which is not very well understood in India.

An alumnus of IIT-Bombay, Achitha dropped out of Harvard Business School to build Proactive For Her. She has previously worked with Fortune 500 healthcare companies and healthcare startups.

“Accessibility should be a habit, not a virtue. And more importantly, we need to move from a space of sympathy to a space of empathy.” - Siddhant Shah

In this episode of Work in Progress, we speak with Siddhant Shah, an Indian Heritage Architect who specializes in designing spaces that are inclusive. Siddhant is a Stavros Niarchos Scholar and completed his Master's in Heritage Management in Greece from the University of Kent.

His journey began at home when he realized the difficulties his partially-sighted mother faced when trying to visit museums and public art venues. Siddhant also won a UNESCO and Archaeological Survey of India competition to make heritage sites in India disabled-friendly. These experiences motivated him to work towards making cultural sites more accessible for people with various disabilities and later, he was also diagnosed with tunnel vision.

After absorbing the wisdom of other countries through his study and travels, Siddhant came back to India and founded Access for All, a consultancy firm based in Mumbai that focuses on design-based solutions for Indian cultural destinations and monuments, rethinking accessibility and inclusion practices for all visitors. Siddhant has worked on several projects, including making Jaipur's City Palace more accessible. His work includes developing tactile replicas, audio descriptions, and other assistive technologies to make cultural sites more accessible to people with disabilities. He has also served as a Resource Consultant for the National Museum under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and continues to work with different art galleries, museums, schools, and spaces in India and abroad.

Tune in to listen and learn more about from Siddhant's efforts to transform India's cultural landscape.

Guest Bio and Links:

‘Access for ALL’ aims at pushing the boundaries of physical, intellectual and social access through innovative, indigenous design and advocacy while fostering an inclusive experiential culture. The team focuses on access audits, interpretation & educational activities, inclusive outreach programs, sensitization & awareness program, braille-tactile kits, braille books and CSR based engagement programs.

Team ALL works in collaboration and partnership with museums (National Museum, MSMS II Museum), historical sites (Jantar Mantar, City Palace Jaipur), monuments, foundations, art galleries (DAG Modern), private art collectors, art fairs and other cultural organizations.

Siddhant Shah is a Heritage Architect and Access Consultant who specialises in bridging the gap between Cultural Heritage and Disability, through his initiative #AccessforALL. Shah, a Stavros Niarchos Scholar has finished his MA in Heritage Management from the University of Kent (Athens Campus, Greece) and his bachelors in Architecture (BSSA-NMIMS, India) along with a Post graduate Diploma in Indian Aesthetics.

“Dancing just created a space for me where I could do what I want and feel what.”

Our conversation with Devika explores the profound influence dance has had in her life. 

From dancing to connect to herself, to dancing to lead others and create intimate spaces of trust. From dancing to shape and express parts of her identity to dancing to heal and fulfil––she takes us through the entire experience.

The episode begins by delving deeper into the start of her journey with dance. She shares with us what initially drew her to the Horton technique and outlines her journey to now becoming a certified Horton instructor and teaching classes at The Ailey School, The Ailey Extension and at the Dance Theater of Harlem and WRArts.

She then describes the feeling of connection, openness and accomplishment she's experienced throughout her life because of dance. A teacher who taught her what it means to lead. An NGO that taught her how to create intimate spaces of trust and moments of partnership. Her double major in data science which was easier to get through because of the rigorous focus she’s had to put on her mind and body. 

She then very courageously shares the idea of freedom and release through dance and its impact on identity and expression of love. She shares her coming out to her family and sheds a light on how that journey has been. 

We end by touching upon the work she does in dance therapy and immersive theater and how she hopes to do more of both. And we part with the thought that just like you can’t choreograph every movement in dance, you can’t choreograph every moment in life and at times the beauty in both life and dance is about the unfold. 

Reading Notes and References:

• Horton Technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11-SMRY2ON0
• True Love Forever, Third Rail Project: https://www.trueloveforever.show/

Devikas’ background: 

• She is a certified Horton instructor and has taught classes at The Ailey School, The Ailey Extension, Dance Theater of Harlem and WRArts.
• Master of Science in Data Science at Fordham University.
• Worked with choreographers such as Francesca Harper, Adam Barruch, Andrea Miller and more.