The Guiding Voice

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Vishnu Pellakuru shares his insights on the startup ecosystem, particularly focusing on his experiences at Acko. This insurance company scaled from a $300 million startup to a $1.8 billion unicorn. He discusses the unspoken truths of startup life, the importance of adaptability, and the differences between founder and operator mindsets. Vishnu emphasizes the significance of customer obsession, the challenges of navigating chaos, and the critical moments of pivoting under pressure. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the need to solve real problems and avoid falling into the hype of trends.TakeawaysStartups are increasingly popular, but few understand the behind-the-scenes challenges.There is a fine line between hustle culture and toxicity in startups.Adaptability is crucial for success in a rapidly changing environment.Being objective and asking hard questions builds credibility.Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is essential for growth.Successful founders excel at assimilating actionable insights from interactions.Pivots are necessary when market strategies don't yield expected results.Long sales cycles and unplanned work are red flags for startups.Building trust in tier 2 and 3 cities requires different strategies than in metros.Less is more; simplifying processes can lead to greater scalability.Sound Bites"Startups are all the craze these days.""Always be content and grateful, but never satisfied.""Customer obsession was our focal point.""The real money is in Bharat.""More is not better; less is actually good.""You have to fail fast and learn fast.""Don't start something because of the hype."Guest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishnu-pellakuru-415249128/CONNECT WITH THE HOST ON LINKEDIN:Naveen Samala: http://surl.li/tmksmIf you'd like to contribute to our mission, please donate through PayPalhttps://paypal.me/NaveenSamlaIf you wish to become a productivity monk, enroll in this course: http://surl.li/tmksiTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on Amazon:Vol 2: Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2J7BM8Vol 1:Paperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj#TGV is available in Hindi & Telugu:https://youtube.com/@tgvhindihttps://youtube.com/@tgvteluguAudio:http://surl.li/tmksp(#tgvhindi)http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)FOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this enlightening conversation, Hilary Spiritos, a certified pathfinding coach, discusses the challenges young adults face in navigating life's transitions. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, understanding personal values, and the role of rejection in personal growth. Hilary shares insights on building identity in your 20s and 30s, encouraging listeners to look inward and define success on their own terms.TakeawaysYoung people today are tasked with finding their feet in a changing world.It's important to cut through the noise and figure out who you really are.You can always reinvent yourself and your life.The future is a time of potential, not just anxiety.Success should align with your personal values, not societal expectations.Leadership is about feeling prepared to take on challenges.Your career is not your whole identity; it's in flux.Life is what you make it; be an active participant.Purpose can be found through exploration and trying new things.Rejection is a stepping stone for personal growth. It doesn't mean failure.Sound Bites"You are the captain of your ship.""The universe doesn't say no, it says not yet.""There's no such thing as having it figured out.""You should ask yourself, what do I want?""You're supposed to be right where you are."Guest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillaryspiritos/CONNECT WITH THE HOST ON LINKEDIN:Naveen Samala: http://surl.li/tmksmIf you'd like to contribute to our mission, please donate through PayPalhttps://paypal.me/NaveenSamlaIf you wish to become a productivity monk, enroll in this course: http://surl.li/tmksiTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on Amazon:Vol 2: Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2J7BM8Vol 1: Kindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj#TGV is available in Hindi & Telugu:https://youtube.com/@tgvhindihttps://youtube.com/@tgvteluguAudio:http://surl.li/tmksp(#tgvhindi)http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)FOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

summaryIn this conversation, Sathye Gomathy shares her journey as a transformation leader, discussing the importance of clarity, confidence, and connection in achieving success. She emphasizes the role of her inner voice and mentorship in navigating challenges, particularly in male-dominated industries. Sathye also reflects on the balance between personal aspirations and professional responsibilities, highlighting the need for women to harness their personal power and overcome societal stereotypes. In this engaging conversation, Sathye shares her insights on navigating the complexities of career and personal life, particularly for women. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the power of listening in leadership, and the courage to remain authentic despite social pressures. Sathye reflects on her personal journey, the mentors who shaped her, and the lessons learned along the way. The discussion also touches on the significance of bringing one's best self to every situation and the value of creating space for reflection and growth in others.TakeawaysSathye emphasizes the importance of seeing the big picture in leadership.Influence is built on authenticity and alignment, not authority.Constructive pressure can be transformed into personal power.Women often face societal stereotypes that challenge their leadership.Balancing personal and professional life requires intentionality and flexibility.Sound Bites"Seeing the big picture.""Perfection is the enemy of the good.""Clarity is oxygen.""Success is never a solo endeavor.""Bring your best self forward.""Life is a three-legged stool.""It's not easy, but it's possible.""Have the courage to be disliked.""Always bring your best self."Guest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjeromepuryear/CONNECT WITH THE HOST ON LINKEDIN:Naveen Samala: http://surl.li/tmksmIf you'd like to contribute to our mission, please donate through PayPalhttps://paypal.me/NaveenSamlaIf you wish to become a productivity monk, enroll in this course: http://surl.li/tmksiTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on Amazon:Vol 2: Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2J7BM8Vol 1: Kindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj#TGV is available in Hindi & Telugu:https://youtube.com/@tgvhindihttps://youtube.com/@tgvteluguAudio:http://surl.li/tmksp(#tgvhindi)http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this enlightening conversation, Dr. Jerome Puryear, a healthcare expert with over 30 years of experience, discusses the critical factors that contribute to premature death and the importance of proactive health management. He emphasizes the dangers of smoking, poor eating habits, and physical inactivity, while also highlighting the need for individuals to take charge of their health decisions and seek education about their conditions. The discussion also touches on societal values regarding health and the importance of shared decision-making in healthcare. In this conversation, Dr. Jerome discusses the importance of digital exams, the necessity of mindfulness in health, and the critical concept of 'time is tissue' in emergency situations. He addresses common myths in healthcare, emphasizing the need for regular check-ups and the importance of mental health. The discussion also highlights the significance of asking the right questions in medical settings and provides practical advice for living a healthier life.TakeawaysDr. Jerome Puryear emphasizes the importance of proactive health management.Smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases and premature death.Poor eating habits contribute significantly to chronic diseases.Regular exercise is linked to increased life expectancy.Many people lack awareness of their health conditions and symptoms.Societal values often prioritize material possessions over health.Education about health can empower patients to make better decisions.Shared decision-making is crucial in the healthcare process.People often wait until they are sick to consider their health.Critical thinking skills are necessary to navigate health information. Digital exams are often uncomfortable but necessary.Prostate MRI and PET scans are more effective than digital rectal exams.Mindfulness about weight and fitness is crucial for health.Sleep quality significantly impacts overall health.'Time is tissue' emphasizes urgency in medical emergencies.Chronic diseases can often be prevented with proper care.Mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health.Taking action towards health goals is better than inaction.Guest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjeromepuryear/CONNECT WITH THE HOST ON LINKEDIN:Naveen Samala: http://surl.li/tmksmIf you'd like to contribute to our mission, please donate through PayPalhttps://paypal.me/NaveenSamlaTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on Amazon:Vol 2: Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2J7BM8Vol 1: Paperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj#TGV is available in Hindi :https://youtube.com/@tgvhindiAudio:http://surl.li/tmksp(#tgvhindi)http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📘 Episode SummaryNaresh Dubbudu, award-winning educator, gold medalist from NIT Warangal, IIM Bangalore alumnus, and founder of Abhyaas Edu Technologies, returns to The Guiding Voice for an eye-opening conversation on the future of engineering education. From reimagining the B.Tech curriculum to busting myths about careers in tech, Naresh brings sharp insights, bold predictions, and actionable advice for students, educators, and industry leaders.Naresh was one of our earliest guests on TGV3 and continues to believe in our mission. This episode is special not only because of his profound thoughts—but also because he's my schoolmate and a long-time supporter of The Guiding Voice!🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why the traditional B.Tech model is failing today's students✅ The role of micro-credentials, interdisciplinary learning & data storytelling✅ AI, ethics, and the new-age engineering curriculum✅ Why institutions, not just students, are to blame for poor employability✅ Must-have non-tech skills for future engineers✅ Naresh’s take on India’s rising alt-education scene—Ashoka, Scaler, GUVI, and more✅ Honest truths about education, career myths, and the real path to success⚡ Rapid Fire Fun! Naresh tackles wild and wonderful questions about curiosity, aliens, leadership, and the universe! Plus, his thoughts on:If he were Education Minister for a dayA giant billboard message to the worldOne engineering myth he'd love to bustThe most overhyped tech trend todayHis favorite book that changed everything🎧 Why You Should Tune In This episode is a must-listen if you're:A student or parent navigating engineering choicesAn educator or policymaker interested in reformCurious about how AI and behavioral science intersect with tech educationTired of the "degree equals job" narrative and seeking better alternatives👤 Guest Bio – Naresh Dubbudu Naresh Dubbudu is a gold medalist from NIT Warangal and an IIM Bangalore alumnus. He is the founder of Abhyaas Edu Technologies and a passionate educator on a mission to transform learning at scale. His initiatives—like Gyanville Academy and EdMark—have empowered tens of thousands of students. Naresh is a strategist, storyteller, and reformer redefining education for the next generation.💬 Connect with Naresh Dubbudu: 🔗 LinkedIn 🙏🏼 Special Thanks To Naresh, for being one of our earliest believers and continuing to inspire. And to you, our listeners, for supporting The Guiding Voice through 500+ episodes and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Naveen Samala interviews Devorah Mallow, a positive energy expert and author of 'Six Steps to Fewer Days That Suck.' They explore the importance of positivity, resilience, and self-care, discussing practical strategies to cultivate a positive mindset and overcome negativity. Devorah shares her personal journey from a successful sales career to becoming a positivity advocate, emphasizing the significance of daily decisions in shaping one's destiny. The episode also delves into her book, offering insights into actionable steps for improving mental well-being and fostering joy in life.TakeawaysPositivity can be cultivated through daily decisions.Resilience is key to overcoming life's challenges.Confidence is essential for personal growth.Flipping the script on negative thoughts can change perspectives.Nurturing relationships enhances our well-being.Small steps can lead to significant changes over time.Self-care is crucial for maintaining positivity.Understanding the science behind negativity bias helps in managing it.Creating a supportive community aids in fostering positivity.Embracing joy and valuing oneself is vital for happiness.Sound Bites"We're going to give them a warm hug.""Flip the script and say something positive.""Positivity is how we reshape our thoughts.""Life is messy, but how we deal with it matters.""Be kind and give yourself a hug every day.""Revision is a decision.""Smiling is gifting happiness.""Little steps lead to big changes over time."Guest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-mallow-12905a69/CONNECT WITH THE HOST ON LINKEDIN:Naveen Samala: http://surl.li/tmksmIf you'd like to contribute to our mission, please donate through PayPalhttps://paypal.me/NaveenSamlaIf you wish to become a productivity monk, enroll in this course: http://surl.li/tmksiTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on Amazon:Vol 2: Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2J7BM8Vol 1: Kindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj#TGV is available in Hindi & Telugu:https://youtube.com/@tgvhindihttps://youtube.com/@tgvteluguAudio:http://surl.li/tmksp(#tgvhindi)http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)FOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a small town in Karimnagar to connecting top corporates with leading B-Schools worldwide – meet Shivaramakrishna Gajawada, Corporate Relations Officer with 17+ years of experience bridging industry and academia.🔥 What You'll Learn:The Journey: Rural Telangana → Hyderabad → Bangalore → Global impactSuccess Formula: His 3 pillars – commitment, dedication, strategic hard workIndustry Insights: Why AI roles are dominating campus recruitmentThe Reality: What Corporate Relations Officers actually do dailyGolden Advice: "Believe in the role and move forward" for rural dreamers🚀 Highlights:✨ His mother as a guiding voice and unforgettable placement stories ✨ Rapid-fire reveals: "Work hard and stay grounded" billboard message ✨ Elevator pitch to Satya Nadella about Woxsen University ✨ The weirdest recruiter request ever (hint: involves a cobbler!)Perfect For:Students from humble backgrounds, educators strengthening industry partnerships, and anyone building meaningful professional relationships.Key Takeaway: Your background doesn't determine your boundaries – your dedication does.Bonus: Trivia on placement officer evolution from the post-war era to modern CRCs!#CorporateRelations #RuralToGlobal #CareerGrowth #Leadership #StudentSuccessGuest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivaramakrishna-gajawada-41502019/Guest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/Sharadhhkamra/CONNECT WITH THE HOST ON LINKEDIN:Naveen Samala: http://surl.li/tmksmIf you'd like to contribute to our mission, please donate through PayPalhttps://paypal.me/NaveenSamlaIf you wish to become a productivity monk, enroll in this course: http://surl.li/tmksiTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on Amazon:Vol 2: Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2J7BM8Vol 1: Kindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj#TGV is available in Hindi & Telugu:https://youtube.com/@tgvhindihttps://youtube.com/@tgvteluguAudio:http://surl.li/tmksp(#tgvhindi)http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)FOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this inspiring episode, Sharadh Kamra shares his transformative journey from overcoming severe health challenges to becoming a wellness coach. He discusses the pivotal role of yoga in his recovery, the mindset shifts that empowered him, and how he now inspires others facing similar struggles. Sharadh emphasizes the importance of preventive healthcare and busts common myths about wellness, encouraging listeners to take charge of their health. The conversation is filled with insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for anyone looking to improve their well-being.TakeawaysSharadh Kamra transformed his life through yoga and mindfulness.Resilience, faith, and conscientiousness are key to success.The journey from bed to yoga mat symbolizes recovery and empowerment.Yoga played a crucial role in Sharadh's healing process.Mindset shifts can empower individuals to help others.Preventive healthcare is essential for overall well-being.Personal experiences can inspire and guide others in their healing journeys.Busting myths about wellness can encourage proactive health management.Support from loved ones is vital during challenging times.Every individual's story can serve as a lesson for others.Sound Bites"Resilience is a very important component.""From bed to yoga mat.""I realized that this is the way to go.""Your journey is not just for you.""You can heal yourself and heal others.""Live life king size.""Get on a yoga mat with me for 30 minutes."Guest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/Sharadhhkamra/CONNECT WITH THE HOST ON LINKEDIN:Naveen Samala: http://surl.li/tmksmIf you'd like to contribute to our mission, please donate through PayPalhttps://paypal.me/NaveenSamlaIf you wish to become a productivity monk, enroll in this course: http://surl.li/tmksiTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on Amazon:Vol 2: Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2J7BM8Vol 1: Kindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj#TGV is available in Hindi & Telugu:https://youtube.com/@tgvhindihttps://youtube.com/@tgvteluguAudio:http://surl.li/tmksp(#tgvhindi)http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)FOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Ankush Dharkar, founder of Real Dev squad, shares his journey in mentoring developers and creating a community that fosters real-world coding experience. He discusses the importance of collaboration, practical skills, and the evolving definition of success in the tech industry. Through rapid-fire rounds and insightful discussions, Ankush emphasizes the need for ownership, risk-taking, and continuous learning in a competitive job market.TakeawaysAnkush Dharkar has over a decade of mentoring experience.Success is defined by the freedom to explore without basic needs worries.Real Dev squad was created to combat the scarcity mindset in developers.New programmers often make the mistake of not starting to code.Simulating real work environments helps developers gain practical experience.Self-taught developers can stand out by building their online presence.Engineers take ownership of problems beyond just coding tasks.Developers should focus on collaboration and soft skills.Mindset shifts are crucial for career growth beyond promotions.Discipline is more important than motivation in achieving long-term success.Sound Bites"Success is freedom to explore.""Knowledge should be free.""The simplest myth is that programming is hard.""A pragmatic programmer is a must-read.""You're not alone.""Take ownership of the problem.""Don't be afraid, take risks."Guest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankushdharkar/CONNECT WITH THE HOST ON LINKEDIN:Naveen Samala: http://surl.li/tmksmIf you'd like to contribute to our mission, please donate through PayPalhttps://paypal.me/NaveenSamlaIf you wish to become a productivity monk, enroll in this course: http://surl.li/tmksiTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on Amazon:Vol 2: Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2J7BM8Vol 1: Kindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj#TGV is available in Hindi & Telugu:https://youtube.com/@tgvhindihttps://youtube.com/@tgvteluguAudio:http://surl.li/tmksp(#tgvhindi)http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)FOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode, Richard Martin, founder of Colma, discusses the hidden causes of bad hires and how to avoid them. He emphasizes the importance of hiring for culture fit, the current trends in global hiring, and the unique approach Colma takes to recruitment. Richard shares valuable insights on leadership, the significance of employer branding, and the red flags to watch for during the hiring process. The conversation also includes a rapid-fire round that reveals Richard's personal hiring philosophy and thoughts on the future of recruitment.TakeawaysColma connects companies with pre-vetted high-performing global talent.Curiosity is key to opening doors in business.Clarity in leadership is more important than speed.Hiring mistakes often stem from rushing the process.Global talent is now elite and often overlooked.Culture fit is as crucial as technical skills.Employer branding impacts candidate attraction and retention.A good hiring process treats candidates as partners.Red flags in interviews include vagueness and constant agreement.Global hiring requires compatibility, not just cost considerations.Sound Bites"Curiosity opens more doors than any degree.""Clarity beats speed in leadership.""Hiring isn't just about checking boxes.""Global talent is really elite now.""Culture fit is a technical requirement.""People want to work for companies that care."Guest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrrichmartin/CONNECT WITH THE HOST ON LINKEDIN:Naveen Samala: http://surl.li/tmksmIf you'd like to contribute to our mission, please donate through PayPalhttps://paypal.me/NaveenSamlaIf you wish to become a productivity monk, enroll in this course: http://surl.li/tmksiTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on Amazon:Vol 2: Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2J7BM8Vol 1: Kindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj#TGV is available in Hindi & Telugu:https://youtube.com/@tgvhindihttps://youtube.com/@tgvteluguAudio:http://surl.li/tmksp(#tgvhindi)http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)FOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.