Alok Sama on Being SoftBank CFO, Masa's investment style, India & AI, CEO Superpowers & more

What if playing it safe is the real courage in entrepreneurship?

In Barbershop’s latest episode, Shantanu sits down with Alok Sama (Writer & Investor) to explore what truly makes a CEO great. It’s not just about flashy risks, but staying humble and adapting as things change.

How Alok brought his first book ‘The Money Trap’ to life, and how getting a degree in Master of Fine Arts, from NYU at 58 proves that growth has no age.

Key Takeaways:

- Leadership is as much about humility and adaptability as bold risks.

- AI and disruptive tech are shaking things up, but also raise questions on creativity and originality.

- India’s startup scene faces unique socio-economic challenges alongside fresh growth chances.

- How and why to go back to school if you feel a passion strongly.

So, Alok’s story exhibits that sometimes fortune favours the unexpected. Join us, and maybe you will see your professional path a little more differently in the aftermath.

Also, if you’d like to join our next conversation as live audience, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98

Navigate the episode

00:00 Coming Up

01: 17 Introduction

2:30 Top CEOs in Alok’s views

7:44 Comparing CEOs' operating styles: global vs Indian leaders

11:14 Billionaire behaviour: insecurity or personal quirk?

14:40 How do visionary CEOs adapt and grow?

17:30 From Instagram to ChatGPT: Alok on AI

24:44 Top CEO behaviours: founder vs manager?

31:11 Alok on Indian founders and tech evolution

42:53 Alok’s take on the tariff situation

44:00 Indian conglomerates in US: capital drives disruption?

49:31 India’s middle class: unemployment and consumption issues

53:35 Risk-taking: entrepreneur or investor, Alok?

58:27 Alok on MFA, writing, and nonfiction passion

1:03:06 Money Trap duration and AI’s originality threat/His Book journey length and AI vs originality

1:07:48 Living and investing: Alok’s India perspective

1:18:14 Closing Thoughts