S4E4: Building HDFC from Day1 to IDFC CEO to public policy | Diving into rich career of Luis Miranda

In this episode, Shantanu is absolutely thrilled to sit down with Luis Miranda—Founding Member of HDFC, Ex-CEO of IDFC, and the founder of the Indian School of Public Policy. This one is packed with wisdom, laughter, and invaluable insights for anyone interested in leadership, impact, and the startup ecosystem!

Luis is the kind of person who doesn’t take himself too seriously—despite having built some of India’s most iconic institutions. He’s an incredible storyteller, effortlessly blending high IQ with deep emotional intelligence.

This time, the conversation is even more fun and candid, as Shantanu and Luis explore everything from leadership to the social issues that truly drive him. Luis has spent years working on causes that matter, constantly seeking to understand people and their challenges in a way only few do.

From this episode, you’ll learn about what it takes to build and scale institutions, the importance of having strong role models, and why giving back is just as important as success.

And here’s the best part—Luis has a way of making complex ideas sound effortless. His honesty, his warmth, and his storytelling make this episode a must-listen!

We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Drop your thoughts in the comments—what resonated with you the most?

Navigate your journey through this conversation:

00:00 Coming Up

02:38 The Importance of Reaching Out

10:06 Building Relationships Through Conversations

17:35 Career Path and Influences

21:01 The Journey of HDFC Bank and Citibank

36:19 Transitioning from Banking to Tech Startups

39:00 Entering the Venture Capital World

45:59 Exploring Development Sector Opportunities

52:19 Finding Purpose in Work and Life

54:12 World of Development

59:58 The Importance of Reflection and Mentorship

01:07:32 The Hunger for Success

01:11:55 Finding Your Sweet Spot in Business

01:12:30 The Impact of Middle Management

01:16:00 Loneliness at the Top

01:17:50 Prioritizing What Matters

01:20:00 The Importance of Perspective

01:21:40 Mindfulness in a Fast-Paced World

01:23:30 Navigating Young People's Challenges

01:26:30 The Balance of Hard Work and Care

01:27:10 Understanding Entitlement in the Workplace

01:28:33 Activism and Awareness in Today's Youth

01:30:00 The Trade-offs in Public Policy

01:32:42 Men's Mental Health and Societal Expectations

01:37:27 The Role of Equity and Individuality

01:39:51 Lessons from Indian Civilization

01:41:01 Happiness and Expectations

01:44:39 Final Thoughts on Life and Work