Nikhil Kamath x Kumar Birla | People by WTF Ep #5

We often underestimate how complex leading a legacy might be. Success, I think, beyond a certain point is perhaps not as proportional to hard work as much as it becomes about who you are, where you are and the opportunities you create for yourself. 

To me, Authenticity should be transient. The most interesting question of life is why we are, how we are. In this episode of People by WTF, featuring Kumar Birla, we discuss the different nuances of just that, Life and other things.. 

#nikhilkamath Co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon and Gruhas 

Host of 'WTF is' Podcast & People by WTF 

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#KumarBirla - Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group

Time stamps - 

00:00 - Introduction 

2:33 - Chapter 1 - Kumar’s Childhood 

4:00 - Last Interview years ago with Simi Garewal 

5:00 - Creativity in Business 

9:20 - Aspirations and Fears as a child 

15:56 - Birla Generational Distinction 

28:50 - Attachment types

38:00 - “Life is much easier when your need to conform is lower”

44:38 - Kumar’s private life 

50:20 - What does “legacy” mean to Kumar? | Philanthropy side

55:08 - Birla Family’s relationship with Mahatma Gandhi 

1:01:55 - Kumar’s College Life 

1:04:50 - Thoughts on Expressing Extreme Emotions

1:14:49 - Chapter 2 - Life, post becoming a Chartered Accountant

1:21:56 - Early days at the company at 20 | Sacrifices, Hard Work 

1:25:15 - Friends from back in the day 

1:26:40 - Habits | Food & Sports, Varied Interests 

1:36:10 - Thoughts on Social Media 

1:38:30 - Nikhil’s Transient Point of Views 

1:49:40 - Chapter 3 - Taking Over The Reigns 

1:55:20 - New Economic Policy In India 1991 

1:57:15 - Thoughts on Private Equity/ Venture Capitalists 

2:00:50 - Birla’s brands | Paints & Jewelry insights 

2:05:00 - What would Nikhil build with 10 CR?

2:07:38 - Advice to young entrepreneurs

2:10:27 - Time to Pivot in Business | People Management 

2:15:08 - Kumar on Intentional Living 

2:17:20 - Closing Thoughts

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