

The Brand Called You
The Brand Called You
Welcome to ‘The Brand Called You’, a platform that brings you Leadership Lessons, Knowledge, Experience and Wisdom from leading Global personalities from diverse backgrounds, who have contributed significantly to make the world a better place.
Listen to the brightest minds from the world of business, startups, technology, professionals, arts and social sector. Stay in the know as we talk to high achievers and gurus from across the world.
Find out what is shaping the world.
Listen to the brightest minds from the world of business, startups, technology, professionals, arts and social sector. Stay in the know as we talk to high achievers and gurus from across the world.
Find out what is shaping the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 8, 2024 • 56min
Building a Sustainable Future | Chocko Valliappa, CEO, Vee Technologies; Co-founder Valliappa Software Tech Park
In this episode of The Brand Called You, Chocko Valliappa discusses empowering people and sustainable business practices. He covers his background pivoting from textiles to technology and research. Chocko discusses innovations across nanotechnology, materials science, AI in healthcare, and skilling programs for underprivileged students. He also talks about the importance of taking others along on the entrepreneurial journey, reducing ecological footprints through technology, and converging solutions for social good.
About Chocko Valliappa
Chocko Valliappa is the CEO of Vee Technologies and Co-founder of Valliappa Software Tech Park.
He co-founded an incubation company Valliappa Software Tech Park (VSTP), launching ORACLE, CISCO, and Verifone in India in 1995.
Chocko is a member of the YPO (Young Presidents Organization) and the Winner of the YPO Global Social Impact Award.

Feb 8, 2024 • 47min
Leveraging Technology for Social Impact | Dr. Nirmalesh Sampath Kumar, CEO, Mycelium Sona Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
In this episode of The Brand Called You, Dr. Nirmalesh Sampath Kumar, CEO of Mycelium Sona Biotech shares their educational journey and career in entrepreneurship and deep tech. He discusses his work as an incubation manager and involvement with a startup focused on biotechnology. He also talks about using technology for social impact. Dr. Nirmalesh talks about various other projects that he worked on to make a social impact. He also talks about the importance of a coach/mentor and the need for transdisciplinary learning.
About Dr. Nirmalesh Sampath Kumar
Dr. Nirmalesh Sampath Kumar is the CEO of Mycelium Sona Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
He is also a director at Sona College of Technology, where he leads Valourisation and International Collaborations.
Nirmalesh recently became a Chevening Fellow at the University of Oxford by the UK Foreign Office (FDCO).

Feb 7, 2024 • 33min
Advancing Technology for Positive Global Impact | Frederic Werner | Head, Strategic Engagement, ITU; Chief, Strategy & Ops, AI for Good
The AI for Good Summit 2024 promises to be a pivotal event in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for positive change worldwide. Set against the backdrop of emerging technologies and innovation, this summit, hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aims to converge minds, ideas, and cutting-edge solutions toward addressing global challenges. With a focus on exploring the expansive potential of AI, from brain-machine interfaces to ethical frameworks, this event invites experts, visionaries, and enthusiasts to collaborate, learn, and pave the way for a future where AI serves humanity's greater good.
[00:17] - About Frederic Werner
Frederic is the Head of Strategic Engagement of the International Telecommunication Unit (ITU).
He is the Chief of Strategy & Operations of AI For Good.

Feb 7, 2024 • 28min
Entrepreneurship, Global Expansion, and India's Economic Resilience | Puneet Shivam | CEO and MD, Avendus Capital Inc.
In the realm of entrepreneurship and global expansion, Puneet Shivam, CEO of Avendus Capital, offers invaluable insights. His perspective on India's economic resilience and the critical role of entrepreneurs in shaping its future is illuminating. Join us for a concise exploration of entrepreneurship, global growth, and India's economic strength through Shivam's discerning lens.
[00:17] - About Puneet Shivam
Puneet is the CEO and Managing Director of Avendus Capital Incorporated.
He has worked with large companies like Anderson, EXL, and Mitchell Madison Group.

Feb 6, 2024 • 29min
Leveraging Tech for Mental Wellbeing | Sab Kanaujia, Co-Founder & CEO @ Mindwell Labs
In this episode of The Brand Called You, Sab Kanaujia, CEO of MindWell Labs, draws on his journey to discuss bringing mindfulness to the masses. Sab talks about the need to live with more purpose. He talks about MindWell Labs, which leverages wearable devices and personalised interventions to help users reduce anxiety, stress and distractions. Sab reflects on moving from capturing people's attention in media to now trying to give them more control over their minds.
About Sab Kanaujia
Sab Kanaujia is the Co-Founder & CEO of Mindwell Labs.
He is also the Managing Partner at Dia Ventures.
Sab did his BTech from IIT Kanpur and MBA from the University of Maryland.

Feb 6, 2024 • 24min
Customer Growth, Innovation, and Success | John Hewitt, CEO, Loyalty Brands
Embark on a journey through the dynamic world of franchising and entrepreneurship with John Hewitt, the CEO of Loyalty Brands. In this illuminating interview, Hewitt shares his wealth of experience, spanning over five decades, and unveils the strategic insights that propelled him to build billion-dollar ventures. From pioneering tax software in the early '80s to founding two of the largest tax preparation companies in the United States, Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, Hewitt's entrepreneurial prowess has left an indelible mark on the business landscape.
00:35- About John Hewitt
John is the Chief Executive Officer of Loyalty Brands.
Earlier, he founded two of the largest tax preparation companies in the United States, Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax Services.
He's a renowned American entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the business world through his innovative ideas and strategic thinking. And he had been recognised in felicitation, several times.

Feb 5, 2024 • 25min
From Refugee to Social Entrepreneur and Author | Ram Gidoomal | CBE, Author, 'My Silk Road - The Adventures and Struggles of a British Asian Refugee'
Ram Gidoomal, a British author, social entrepreneur, and former business leader, embodies a tale of resilience and impactful change. Born in Kenya amid turmoil, Gidoomal's journey from a successful corporate career to championing social causes and writing about his extraordinary life experiences paints a portrait of determination, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world.
[00:36] - About Ram Gidoomal
Ram is the author of a book titled, My Silk Road: The Adventures and Struggles of a British Asian Refugee.
He has been included in the High Flyers 50, which is the 50 most eminent people of Indian origin living and working outside India.
He was awarded the CBE in 1998.

Feb 5, 2024 • 24min
Decoding Strategy and Leadership | Nicolò Andreula | Founder and MD, Disal Consulting; Author, 'Flow Generation' and 'Phygital'
In this episode of “The Brand Called You”, Nicolò Andreula, the founder of Disal Consulting and author of 'Flow Generation' and 'Phygital', shares insights on strategy, leadership, and personal growth. Spanning a diverse career from global initiatives to private consulting, Nicolò unravels the essence of authentic leadership, strategic planning, and the evolving landscape of business in a rapidly changing world.
[00:34] - About Nicolò Andreula
Nicolò is the Founder and Managing Director of Disal Consulting.
He is a strategy consultant and a leadership development expert.
Nicolò is the author of two books, “Flow Generation” and “Phygital.”

Feb 3, 2024 • 24min
Mjunction - A Successful Public-Private Collaboration | Dr (Col) Rajeev Kumar, Author, 'Intrapreneurs@mjunction'; Strategic Communication Mgmt Consultant
In this episode of The Brand Called You, Dr (Col) Rajeev Kumar discusses the journey of Mjunction, a joint venture between Tata Steel and SAIL that became the world’s largest e-marketplace for steel. He talks about the visionary founding leader who prized autonomy, handpicked a team and established a culture of embracing uncertainty to create client value. Rajiv covers how Mjunction leveraged technology to disrupt steel trading and constantly innovated to solve client pain points.
About Dr (Col) Rajeev Kumar
Dr (Col) Rajeev Kumar is a Consultant in Strategic Communication Management.
He's a professor and a speaker.
He's the author of a book titled Intrapreneurs@mjunction - The Making of an E-commerce Giant.

Feb 3, 2024 • 18min
The Art and Science of Video Advertising | Navkiran Brar, Founder & CEO, Estoot, An ad agency specializing in video content creation for brands
In this episode of The Brand Called You, Navkiran Brar talks about video content creation for brands and digital advertising. Navkiran covers leveraging AI for advertising, the shift from TV to digital video, and the rise of short-form video content. She further talks about balancing creativity and performance in ads, the importance of data and testing different video elements, and ethical considerations around inclusive casting. She shares her vision for Estoot’s future growth into new markets and advice for brands on embracing video advertising.
About Navkiran Brar
Navkiran Brar is the Founder & CEO of Estoot, An ad agency specializing in video content creation for brands.
She earlier had founded Offroads India, which is a travel company.
Navikiran is an Advisory Board Member at NYSSCP.