The BarberShop with Shantanu

Dive into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship in this exclusive conversation at the Bombae Pad. Shantanu Deshpande engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Ruchi Kalra, co-founder of highly successful ventures OfBusiness & Oxyzo. Shantanu and Ruchi discuss working at McKinsey, Ruchi's journey into the startup world, running a business with a partner and many other things! There's a highly interesting audience QnA as well! Gain valuable insights into Ruchi's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she navigated, and the strategies that propelled her businesses to success. This interview offers a glimpse into the real-world experiences of scaling and managing thriving enterprises. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the nuances of startup life. Here’s how the conversation unfolds : Coming Up!: 0:00:00 - 0:01:25Introduction: 0:01:26 - 0:03:20Ruchi Kalra's journey at Oxyzo: 0:03:21 - 0:05:34Building "Company first" value: 0:05:35 - 0:09:11Sharing success with Employees: 0:09:12 - 0:16:12The baggage of success and fear of failure: 0:16:13 - 0:21:14Ruchi's way of dealing with self-doubt: 0:21:15 - 0:25:00Ruchi's working dynamics with life partner: 0:25:01 - 0:31:00Most humbling moment for Ruchi Kalra at Oxyzo: 0:31:01 - 0:36:56Self-learning and finding mentors: 0:36:57 - 0:43:18Being vulnerable about problems and turning a hardship into a learning: 0:43:19 - 0:50:19Culture, communication and vision at Oxyzo: 0:50:20 - 0:55:09Building a business and achieving milestones: 0:55:10 - 1:00:35Ruchi Kalra's Words of Wisdom: 1:00:36 - 1:06:55How to shift from "Advisory" to "Execution"?: 1:06:56 - 1:11:54Advice for budding entrepreneurs: 1:11:55 - 1:16:50Difference between traditional business and startup: 1:16:51 - 1:21:27B2B v/s B2C: 1:21:28 - 1:23:43 Importance of Consultancy in businesses: 1:23:44 - 1:27:28Challenges faced by Ruchi Kalra: 1:27:29 - 1:30:44Technology integration in business: 1:30:45 - 1:36:39Prioritizing tasks on daily basis: 1:36:40 - 1:39:46Building brands without experience: 1:39:47 - 1:43:35Conflicts-Resolutions as Co-founders and Life Partners: 1:43:36 - 1:46:22Growing a Startup: 1:46:23 - 1:50:10

Embark on an insightful journey with Shantanu and Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Funds! Leading a financial services giant with a staggering 1.2 Lakh Crore AUM, Radhika delves into the intricacies of managing public capital and reveals insights about how Indians spend their money. Her narrative unfolds with remarkable moments, from pioneering achievements like selling her first hedge fund at 24 to seamlessly balancing the demands of being CEO with the joys of motherhood. This episode is a panoramic view of Radhika's exceptional career, touching upon milestones, challenges, and the nuances of being a woman at the helm. Join us for a captivating conversation that captures the essence of leadership, resilience, and the unique journey of a trailblazing CEO.Here’s how the conversation unfolds: Introduction: 00:00 - 01:48 Radhika's favourite podcaster: 01:49 - 04:17 Two Indias: 04:18 - 11:07 Middle Class around the world: 11:08 - 13:01 The transition of India's economy: 13:01 - 19:01 How Indian youngsters are managing money and building brands: 19:02 - 41:23Radhika’s investment process: 41:24 - 56:30The importance of investment!: 56:31 - 1:01:57Radhika's journey as a mother and a CEO: 1:01:58 - 1:11:30Being a woman in the corporate world: 1:11:31 - 1:24:05The art of being a CEO: 1:24:06 - 1:33:10Radhika's advice for viewers: 1:33:11 - 1:35:32

Welcome to the Finale episode of Bombay Shaving Company’s Razorpreneur Challenge, a two month long journey in which participants from across India competed to sell the maximum number of razors and become winners of India’s largest sales and entrepreneurship challenge.Meet our winners: Thomas, Dipti, Rahull, Santhosh, Puneeth, Mahesh, Harsh, Abhinav, Dharampal, and Krishna! They represent the main idea of the challenge, which is that the sales skillset is the most important to cultivate if one wants to become an entrepreneur! More than a fancy business degree, our winners showed us that sometimes, all you need is the charisma and enthusiasm to take to the streets. Join us for an insightful discussion as we delve deep into the core of selling fundamentals, exploring what it truly means to be a salesperson in today's dynamic business landscape, and understand these unique individuals and their unique stories.With Shantanu Deshpande (Founder, Bombay Shaving Company) and Aditya Sehgal (Ex Global COO, Reckitt) interacting with our winners, get ready to uncover invaluable insights, strategies, and anecdotes from these trailblazing entrepreneurs who have mastered the art of persuasion and drive in the world of sales.Introduction: 0:00 - 0:58Shantanu and Adi discuss the Razorpreneur Challenge: 0:59 - 18:30Welcome Razorpreneurs!: 18:31 - 21:59Razorpreneurs look back on their journeys: 22:00 - 55:15Understanding credit, wholesale markets, & other business essentials: 55:16 - 1:07:54Shantanu speaks about his on-ground sales experience: 1:07:55 - 1:08:52Concluding advice: 1:08:53 - 1:12:24

Dive into the intricate world of private equity with Nishant Sharma and Sunish Sharma, the dynamic duo behind Kedaara Capital, India's premier homegrown private equity fund. In this enlightening episode, we explore not only the nuances of private equity but also unravel the secrets behind Kedaara's successful investments in renowned brands like Manyavar, Lenskart, and Vishal Megamart.From focusing on people and culture in organizations to insights into effective leadership and team management, the founders share invaluable experiences and lessons learned along their journey.Join us as we navigate through the Indian business landscape, discussing what makes a product thrive in the Indian market and gaining profound insights into the future of the country for the next decades. Get ready for an engaging conversation that goes beyond finance, touching on the essence of building successful enterprises and contributing to India's economic growth. Don't miss this exclusive peek into the world of private equity and the visionary minds shaping it. Subscribe and stay tuned for an episode that promises to be both educational and inspiring!Introduction: 00:00 - 2:05 Why building a cohesive culture is important: 2:06 - 10:56 Fatherhood as an inflection point in Nishant and Sunish’s careers: 10:57 - 17:55 The Initial journey, How and Why Kedaara was formed: 17:56 - 39:39 Kedaara’s first deal: 39:40 - 47:09 The essential philosophy of doing business: 47:10 - 52:10 Working with investors: 52:11 - 1:06:25 Working as a team, investing in people’s success & wisdom of building great partnerships: 1:06:26 - 1:21:50 What makes a founder stand out & how Kedaara evaluates founders: 1:21:51 - 1:37:25 Nishant, Sunish & Shantanu discuss leadership, organization & the myriad challenges of running a company: 1:37:26 - 2:01:10 Building for a new, Digital India, “Democratizing Aristocracy” & creating great products: 2:01:11 - 2:20:22 Why Nishant & Sunish are bullish on India: 2:20:23 - 2:25:32 Conclusion: 2:25:33 - 2:27:35

Dive deep into the fascinating world of grocery retail in India with our special guest, Damodar Mall, the visionary CEO of Reliance Grocery Retail. In this exciting episode, we explore the intricate art of selling effectively to today's discerning shoppers, diving deep into the modern retail landscape in the country. Discover why Damodar Mall describes a Smart Bazaar as a 'swayamvar' of offerings, putting forth a unique perspective on how modern consumers choose their products. Gain unparalleled insights into the strategies and tactics that can transform your sales game. We'll navigate the ever-evolving grocery landscape in India, unraveling the latest trends and challenges in this dynamic industry. Join us for this illuminating discussion that promises to reshape your approach to sales and retail!Introduction: ⁠00:00⁠ - ⁠2:40⁠Retail is a “theater of choice”: ⁠2:41⁠ - ⁠7:41⁠Creating for Supermarket India! : ⁠7:42⁠ - ⁠19:58⁠Building out mithai for modern retail: ⁠19:59⁠ - ⁠33:46⁠Taking bets and stories of innovation: ⁠33:47⁠ - ⁠39:30⁠Are consumers becoming more conscious?: ⁠39:31⁠ - ⁠43:52⁠The landscape of modern retail in India: ⁠43:53⁠ - ⁠1:00:00⁠Mr. Mall’s journey, pivot towards entrepreneurship & how Smart Bazaar was created: ⁠1:00:01⁠ - ⁠1:18:44⁠Writing books & being a ‘Supermarketwala’: ⁠1:18:45⁠ - ⁠1:30:00⁠Mr. Mall’s advice: ⁠1:30:01⁠ - ⁠1:40:22⁠Smart Bazaar walk through: ⁠1:40:23⁠ - ⁠1:58:33

Join the RazorGurus as they discuss sales fundamentals and unveil the Razorpreneur Challenge. They explore successful brand strategies, understanding customer needs, creating standout content, effective selling, the impact of conversation, and the importance of details. They also delve into creating peak moments for customers, the evolution of Sensi razors, crafting personalized messages, and the benefits of the Sensi Smart 3 razor.

Join us for a compelling episode of the Barbershop as we sit down with Suhasini Sampath, the co-founder of Yoga Bar. In this candid conversation, we delve into the fascinating world of building a business in FMCG. Suhasini shares her insights and challenges in creating a successful brand in the health food space, and we explore the unique strategies and innovations that propelled Yoga Bar to prominence, resonating with health-conscious consumers across the nation. We discuss the remarkable acquisition by ITC, and the accompanying intricacies of navigating partnerships and collaborations in the dynamic business landscape. We also venture into the personal realm, delving into Suhasini's experience of working with family and the fine balance one has to strike between personal and professional relationships. Her candid reflections offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs who navigate the challenges of intertwining family and business dynamics.⚡️ Get ready for an inspiring and insightful episode as we uncover the behind-the-scenes stories, trials, and triumphs of building in the healthy foods category in India!🌟 Introduction 00:00 - 3:44 The Initial Idea: 3:45 - 9:58 Why building healthy food is hard: 9:58 - 22:18 Making calculated decisions about the brand: 22:19 - 22:01 Perfecting the product: 22:01 - 26:09 Building a great food company 26:10 - 29:25 More on Yoga Bar’s journey: 29:25 - 38:42 Playing the long game: 38:43 - 42:00 Legacy matters & ITC acquisition: 42:01 - 48:30 Running a business with family 48:31 - 54:34 More on negotiations & acquisition/ people who helped in Yoga Bar’s journey 54:35 - 1:05:22 The ITC acquisition process 1:05:23 - 1:13:34 What does it take to build a business? 1:13:35 - 1:15:05 What Suhasini learnt about herself during her journey 1:15:06 - 1:20:40 What’s next for Suhasini & thoughts on entrepreneurship: 1:20:41 - 1:28:15 Women in entrepreneurship & Concluding Advice: 1:28:16 - 1:37:39

This week, get ready for an extraordinary episode of the Barbershop as we bring you an exhilarating live shoot from the Bombae Pad! Join us as we embark on an insightful journey into the intricacies of early-stage fundraising alongside three remarkable women: Prachi Pawar, VP at Peak XV; Nikita Khanna, Founder of Moxie; and Twinkle Uppal, Founder of Hoop. In this episode, we delve deep into the core aspects of raising the first round capital for your business. These exceptional entrepreneurs generously share their expertise, experiences, and hard-earned wisdom with a vibrant audience of dynamic women from the startup ecosystem. Brace yourself to be inspired as we unravel the secrets of securing funding and unveil priceless firsthand insights. Understand the importance of finding the perfect founder-investor match, a crucial element that paves the way for long-term success. Gain invaluable knowledge on organizing your cap table effectively, ensuring that equity distribution aligns with your vision and future growth; and learn the importance of being on the same wavelength with your business' investors, building strong partnerships based on shared goals and values. Prepare to be captivated by the electrifying energy of this episode as we empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and inspiration they need to navigate the complex world of early-stage fundraising. Unlock the key to funding success and embark on your own entrepreneurial journey with confidence and conviction. Introduction: 00:00 - 1:40 How do you choose the right time to raise capital?: 1:41 - 9:17 What percentage of your personal savings would you put into your business? 9:18 - 13:12:51 What to look for in a founder?/ raising from different kinds of angels: 12:52 - 19:50 How big is your anti-portfolio? 19:51 - 22:07 Choosing your investors: 22:08 - 32:00 How does a click happen with a founder?: 32:01 - 41:52 What are some deal breakers for investors & founders?: 41:53 - 51:32 Risk appetites in the funding ecosystem/ funding benchmarks : 58:26 - 1:01:03 Can your business idea be copied? 1:01:04 - 1:06:28 Warding off burnout 1:06:29 - 1:09:32 Handling rejection 1:09:33 - 1:10:50 Making a decision about founders: 1:10:51 - 1:12:38 What if the investor starts running my business? 1:12:39 - 1:14:50 Building in alcohol/ Do you need an MBA?: 1:14:51 - 1:18:12

Join us on The BarberShop for a captivating conversation with Suraj Moraje, a trailblazing figure in the business world. As the First McKinsey Senior Partner from India elected in Europe and former CEO of Quess Corp Limited, India's largest corporate employer, Suraj brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table. In this episode, we uncover Suraj's incredible journey, from his prestigious corporate career to his current role as a philanthropist and founder of the Eka program. Delve deep into discussions about the ever-evolving global political landscape, the dynamics of economic growth, and the future of work. Prepare to be enlightened as Suraj shares his unique insights and perspectives, offering valuable takeaways not just for entrepreneurs & industry professionals, but anyone eager to understand the forces shaping our world today. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode on The BarberShop podcast. Tune in now! 🎙 Introduction: 00:00 - 12:34 The Eka Program: 12:35 - 21:16 The World As We Know It & How It Is Changing: 21:16 - 33:34 Labour, Productivity, Management: 33:35 - 39:33 How Can We Get The India Story Right?: 39:34 - 48:25 Jobless Growth & The Future of Work 48:26 - 55:36 The Rules are Changing, the World Economy, Geopolitics: 55:36 - 1:02:00 Post 2050, Aspiration & Wealth in India, Diversity 1:02:01 - 1:15:07 Community and Urban Democracy 1:15:08 - 1:22:47 Working at McKinsey, Quess 1:22:48 - 1:38:38 Valuation & The Public Markets: 1:38:39 - 1:50:18 Suraj’s current work & plans for the future & feeling lucky: 1:50:19 - 1:56:59 Suraj’s Concluding Advice 1:57:00 - 2:00:59

Join us for an insightful episode of The Barbershop with Shantanu as we sit down with Ankit Agrawal, the CEO and founder of InsuranceDekho. In this engaging conversation, Ankit takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, sharing his experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Discover how he made the bold transition from the world of banking to the dynamic startup ecosystem, (including returning to India and taking a paycut to work at a startup!) overcoming challenges and ultimately, carving a path to success. Gain exclusive insights into the founding and growth of InsuranceDekho, a disruptive player in the insurance industry. Explore the mindset of an ambitious entrepreneur and learn from Ankit's unique perspectives on innovation, leadership, and building a thriving community and business. Introduction 00:00 - 4:04 What is Insurance & Our Social and Cultural Understanding of it 4:05 - 15:20 Early Roots of Entrepreneurship: 15:20 - 36:20 Coming back to India & working at MoveInSync 36:20 - 38:38 Founding InsuranceDekho, Ankit’s Journey, Thoughts on Being a Founder: 38:38 - 50:52 Entrepreneurial Gospel: 50:52 - 1:03:58 Culture is Important 1:03:58 - 1:11:24 0-1 Journey & New Era of Entrepreneurship: 1:11:24 - 1:18:00 The Cricket Analogy 1:18:00 - 1:21:55 What is the Long Game? Creating Impact 1:21:55 - 1:28:00 The Importance of Education: 1:28:00 - 1:32:53 Concluding Advice: 1:32:53 - 1:38:52