Daybreak

The podcast tackles the unsettling rise of unwilling retirees and the evolving landscape of career longevity in today's economy. It reflects on lessons from past graduates who navigated job markets during downturns, shedding light on their resilience. Moreover, the discussion emphasizes the challenges mid-career professionals face and the necessity for adaptability in a changing employment environment. Finally, it explores how some individuals are redefining success through non-traditional career paths, aiming to thrive despite shifting employer expectations.

Rounak Kumar Gunjan, a reporter at The Ken, discusses JioHotstar's bold move with Sparks, a new platform targeting Gen Z with short, creator-led videos. He explores the shift from traditional content to bite-sized episodes and the strategic choices made, like removing comment sections to foster a different kind of engagement. The conversation dives into the rise of micro dramas and the challenges of keeping creators connected in a fast-changing media landscape, showcasing an innovative approach to audience interaction.

Lenskart has skyrocketed to become India's leading eyewear retailer, but its success has sparked conflict with franchise owners. Allegations of unfair practices and financial deceit have left many franchisees feeling betrayed. As investigations reveal discrepancies in sales figures, tensions rise. The company is now pivoting to a model of company-owned stores, raising further concerns among its partners. With an IPO on the horizon, Lenskart faces a crucial moment, balancing growth with the fallout from these franchise disputes.

Atul Krishna, a colleague at The Ken focusing on education and edtech, dives into Scaler Academy's journey from tech bootcamp to facing the obsolescence caused by AI. He discusses the challenges students encounter in a competitive job market despite rigorous training. The conversation reveals how AI is reshaping not just software development, but also the educational landscape, compelling Scaler to innovate its curriculum. Ultimately, it highlights the critical need for foundational skills as hiring dynamics shift in the tech industry.

Explore the consulting landscape of 2025, where AI is reshaping everything from report writing to data analysis. Far from fearing automation, top firms are embracing it, leaving junior consultants scrambling under tighter deadlines and higher expectations. A former Bain manager reveals the pressure to deliver rushed assessments that sacrifice quality for speed. Discover the disconnect between senior leaders' beliefs about AI's capabilities and the reality on the ground, and ponder what value remains when machines do most of the work.

Dive into the tangled web of global trade as Donald Trump's tariff policies unfold. Explore India's struggle to navigate these restrictions and its surprising concessions to the U.S. Unpack the quirks of Trump's inner circle, where advice comes from unlikely sources. Witness the stark contrast between Indian and Chinese startups amidst rising import tariffs. Finally, discover how these shifting dynamics are reshaping India's economic future and global brand.

A major acquisition reshapes the Indian skincare scene as Hindustan Unilever snaps up Minimalist for nearly Rs 3000 crores. This rising star, launched in 2020, thrives on transparency and active ingredients, quickly reaching a remarkable 1000 crore rupee business within months. Its success challenges legacy brands that previously hid ingredient details, forcing them to rethink their strategies. With a profit from day one, Minimalist proves that consumers crave honesty and effectiveness in their skincare routines.

Family-run businesses play a massive role in India's economy, contributing over two-thirds to the GDP. Young entrepreneurs are stepping up to redefine their brands, moving beyond old legacies. The challenges they face include modernizing iconic names while maintaining their heritage. Stories of innovators like Ashok Mani and Arjun Vaidya reveal how they're blending tradition with fresh ideas. Investment strategies also come into play as new leaders look to attract funding, showcasing a dynamic transformation in the entrepreneurial landscape.

In this discussion, Arshish Mayer, a colleague at The Ken who closely follows investment trends, dives into the struggles of Zerodha, Groww, and Navi in disrupting India's mutual fund sector. He analyzes why the anticipated boom of passive investing hasn't materialized as expected, despite its success in the U.S. Mayer highlights the challenges new players face against established firms and the complex landscape that complicates investor choices. The conversation reveals insights into the future of passive funds and the evolving strategies needed for success.

The podcast dives into the booming market of green hydrogen, highlighting how India could become a leader in this sector. It spotlights Ohmium, an innovative American startup building modular electrolyzers in Bengaluru to produce hydrogen with renewable energy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of government support and manufacturing capabilities in driving India's clean energy ambitions. Listeners will discover the potential for economic growth and India's strategic role in the global energy landscape as it integrates green hydrogen and solar energy.