The xMonks Drive

What China Understands About Execution That India Is Missing | Satish Rao

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0530

Is the Indian corporate growth engine lacking a critical execution strategy? In this deep, unfiltered conversation on the Gaurav Arora Podcast, we sit down with global corporate leader and author Satish Rao to uncover the hidden realities of scaling from humble beginnings to navigating elite multinational boardrooms.

From growing up in a classic Mumbai chawl environment with limited access to modern resources, to executing high-stakes international turnarounds in Shanghai, Satish breaks down the profound differences between the global execution mindset and typical Indian corporate structures. We dive into the harsh truths of office dynamics, why leaders often struggle to simplify complex communications for their teams, and why standard MBA degrees fail to prepare young professionals for real-world business challenges.

Whether you are an aspiring executive trying to climb the corporate ladder, an observer tracking global business representation, or navigating generational gaps within your current team, this episode provides an intentional blueprint on corporate integrity and professional strategy.

Timestamps for the Conversation:
00:00 Chawl to CEO Teaser
01:26 Childhood in a Chawl
03:29 First Corporate Shock
05:40 CEO by 45 Promise
07:06 Delearn to Grow
10:05 Dreaming Big from Bottom
12:25 New Orbit Same Roots
15:09 Office Dynamics Not Politics
18:01 China Assignment Hard Lessons
19:17 Leading in Shanghai
20:14 Ego Off Learn Fast
21:27 Trust and True Success
22:59 China Execution Mindset
24:44 From Labor to Tech
26:25 Understanding Gen Z
28:05 Writing for Gen Z
30:42 Myth of MBA Jargon
33:19 Mirror Test Integrity
36:01 CEO Stretch and Sync
37:28 Advice to Younger Self
38:17 Closing Reflections

About the Guest:
Satish Rao is an experienced global corporate strategist, speaker, and the author of "Can I Fly? Giving Wings to Your Dreams". Throughout his career, he has driven monumental organizational transitions, focusing on operational clarity, cultural agility, and authentic leadership models.

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#CorporateIndia #LeadershipMindset #podcast #GauravArora #SatishRao #CareerGrowth #globalbusiness

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Website: https://xmonks.com

Detective Reveals India's Most Disturbing Family Secret | Baldev Puri

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0530

In this shocking episode of the Gaurav Arora Podcast, we sit down with Baldev Puri, the founder of AMX Detectives, to uncover the hidden, dark secrets of rich families, politicians, and the hidden underbelly of society. Moving far past standard marital disputes, this discussion exposes the real-life dark secret of Bollywood circles and high-society networks operating in major metros.

Baldev Puri breaks down some of his most unsettling cases, from a high-profile wife swapping case exposed by an unsuspecting daughter to the terrifying reality of the Sugar Mommy trap destroying young Indian men. We dive deep into how wealth modifies human morality, uncovering instances of extreme family betrayal, corporate espionage, and honey trap scams.

Whether it is the necessity of pre-employment vetting for multi-million dollar corporations or the extreme measures elite individuals take for covert surveillance, this episode serves as an eye-opening look into a world completely hidden from the public eye.

If you want to understand the true psychology behind true investigative cases India rarely talks about, watch this full episode.

00:00 - Introduction & The Dark Realities of Elite Indian Families
01:35 - The High-Society Wife Swapping Case
04:10 - A Dark Family Secret Exposed
07:18 - High-Profile Escort Scams
11:10 - Sugar Mommy Trap Destroying Young Men
16:06 - How Celebrities and Politicians Hire Detectives
22:44 - Why Pre-Employment Vetting is Crucial for Businesses
28:50 - A Bizarre Story of Marital Betrayal
34:30 - Female Detectives Six Sense
40:00 - Outro & Final Message on Maintaining Personal Relationships

#GauravArora #BaldevPuri #AMXDetectives #Podcast #DarkSecrets #Investigation

Bijay Anand: Bollywood Actor Turned Yogi on The Spiritual Science of Success

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0530

What does real success look like? Bollywood actor Bijay J Anand rejected 22 Bollywood film offers at the peak of his career to pursue Kundalini Yoga and spirituality — and in this conversation with Gaurav Arora on the xMonks Drive Podcast, he explains exactly why, and what he found on the other side.

Bijay J Anand is one of India's most extraordinary voices on spirituality, wellness, and conscious living. A working Bollywood actor, international Kundalini Yoga teacher, author, art consultant, and founder of Anahata Retreats Mumbai, Bijay has taught Kundalini Yoga and chakra healing across more than 30 countries, headlined international yoga festivals worldwide, and trained under legendary Kundalini Yoga teacher Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa in Los Angeles. He is the author of The Prosperity Code: The Spiritual Science of Wealth, Success and Power.

In this episode Bijay reveals why he knows people worth $8 billion who have attempted to end their lives multiple times — and what that tells us about the real meaning of prosperity, success, and happiness. He breaks down the four stages of enlightenment, why the Anahata chakra is the easiest and most important chakra to open, what most people get completely wrong about Kundalini awakening and tapasya, and why going after Saraswati is the only real path to Lakshmi.

He also shares his personal journey — from selling soaps on Mumbai local trains to becoming a Bollywood actor, a globally recognised Kundalini Yoga guru, and the author of The Prosperity Code — and why he believes you don't need a guru, a temple, a mosque, or a church to find God. Aham Brahmasmi. The divinity already exists within you.

Released on International Yoga Day, this episode is one of the most honest and thought-provoking conversations on Kundalini Yoga, Indian spirituality, chakra healing, karma, Vedanta, and what it truly means to live a prosperous, awakened, and fulfilling life.

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⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 Chasing Wisdom Not Wealth
00:21 Leaving Bollywood Behind
02:41 Returning as King Janak
04:14 Redefining Prosperity
06:54 Anahata and Love
09:22 Goals Versus Flow
12:06 Warrior Sage Balance
14:32 Self Work Attracts Lakshmi
18:41 Kundalini and Miracles
19:36 Be Honest Be Humble
21:12 Rich Happy Blissful Enlightened
21:41 You Are Your Own Guru
22:44 Closing Gratitude

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🎙️ Guest: Bijay J Anand — Bollywood Actor | International Kundalini Yoga Teacher | Author of The Prosperity Code | Founder Anahata Retreats Mumbai
🎙️ Host: Gaurav Arora — Founder xMonks

📖 The Prosperity Code: The Spiritual Science of Wealth, Success and Power — Bijay J Anand

🔔 Subscribe to xMonks Drive for conversations on leadership, consciousness, spirituality, and human potential.

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TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Kundalini Yoga | Kundalini Awakening | Kundalini Yoga India | Chakra Healing | Chakra Balancing | Anahata Chakra | Heart Chakra | Ajna Chakra | Sahasrara Chakra | Spiritual Awakening | Indian Spirituality | Vedanta | Aham Brahmasmi | Karma | Law of Attraction | Meditation | Mindfulness | Yoga Philosophy | The Prosperity Code | Wealth and Spirituality | Money and Happiness | Real Success | Personal Growth | Life Transformation | Self Realisation | Ayurveda | Naturopathy | Bollywood Actor | Bijay J Anand | Bijay Anand | Gaurav Arora | xMonks | xMonks Drive | xMonks Drive Podcast | Indian Podcast | Spirituality Podcast | Yoga Podcast | Wellness Podcast | Hindi Podcast | International Yoga Day | Yoga Day 2026 | Anahata Retreats | Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa | Siya Ke Ram | Bollywood Spirituality | Celebrity Yoga Teacher | Prosperity Code Book | Mumbai Wellness | Tapasya | Saraswati Lakshmi | Yoga Guru India

Tailor, Theatre, Then Filmfare | Bollywood's Favourite Dad Gajraj Rao Breaks It Down

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:00:00 +0530

Gajraj Rao — the actor who waited 25 years for Bollywood to notice him — sits down with Gaurav Arora on xMonks Drive for his most honest interview yet. Best known for his National Award and Filmfare Award-winning role as Jeetendra Kaushik in Badhaai Ho, Gajraj Rao opens up about his journey from a railway colony in Rajasthan to Delhi theatre to becoming one of Hindi cinema's most loved character actors.

In this episode, Gajraj Rao talks about his early struggles before fame — working as a tailor, writing for newspapers for a few hundred rupees, and getting rejected at hundreds of auditions alongside actors who are now household names. He shares rare, personal stories from the set of Bandit Queen with Shekhar Kapur, his 40-year friendship with Manoj Bajpayee, and an unforgettable backstage memory from their theatre days together. He also opens up about his father, the quiet lessons he learned at home, and how that shaped the man and actor he became.

Gajraj Rao reflects on his chemistry with Neena Gupta in Badhaai Ho, the hardest scene he ever shot, his preparation process as an actor, and his sharp, unfiltered opinion on what it really means to be a "character actor" versus a star in Hindi cinema. He also speaks about his decades-long career in advertising filmmaking that quietly supported him through his most uncertain years, and the one principle he says he never compromised on — his self-respect.

This conversation covers his most celebrated films and shows — Badhaai Ho, Talvar, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Maidaan, Dabba Cartel, Dupahiya — and the people who shaped his career, including Manoj Bajpayee, Ashish Vidyarthi, Neena Gupta, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Ajay Devgn.

Whether you know him as the dad from TVF's Tech Conversations with Dad, Kaushik Saab from Badhaai Ho, or one of Bollywood's most respected character actors, this episode of xMonks Drive gives you the most complete, honest, and personal conversation with Gajraj Rao yet.

🎙️ Watch the full episode for stories on Bollywood, struggle, fame, friendship, and self-respect — straight from one of Hindi cinema's most underrated actors.

▶️ Subscribe to xMonks Drive for more honest, in-depth conversations with India's most interesting minds.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Green Room Dedication
00:19 Building Onscreen Chemistry
00:33 Feeling Like a Servant
01:06 Badhaai Ho Breakthrough
02:57 Gratitude For The Team
04:01 Luck And Casting Journey
05:23 Where Characters Live
07:40 Hardest Scene To Play
09:17 Bandit Queen Set Lessons
13:21 Preparing For A Role
16:21 Staying Present On Set
17:38 Stars Versus Character Actors
20:14 Manoj Bajpayee Stories
23:42 Childhood Values And Equality
30:43 Choosing Theatre At 17
32:39 Early Career Humiliations
36:38 Pride Mentors And No Compromise
38:35 Closing Thanks

#GajrajRao #xMonksDrive #BadhaaiHo #BollywoodPodcast #GauravArora #ManojBajpayee #IndianPodcast #HindiPodcast #BollywoodInterview #CharacterActor

Was Osho Actually Right? India's Top Yogi Finally Answers | Prof.(Dr.) Rajesh Kumar

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0530

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, xMonks Drive sits down with one of India's most extraordinary minds — Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Kumar, Sanyasi Bhargava Ph.D. — Professor of Happiness & Wellbeing, Kundalini Yogi, Tantric Master, Applied Psychologist and S*xologist with over 22 years of experience across India and Europe.

In this conversation, Gaurav Arora and Prof. Rajesh Kumar explore the hidden secrets of Kundalini awakening, the real meaning of Tantra, the science of human consciousness, and why ancient Indian wisdom holds the answers to modern mental health and happiness.

This is the knowledge they never taught you in school.

What we cover:
Kundalini explained | Chakras and the body's energy system | Ida, Pingala and Sushumna | The shadow side of Kundalini awakening | Why a guru is essential | Hidden secrets of Kundalini | What Tantra really is | Left-hand vs right-hand Tantra | Why Tantra was suppressed | Desire, consciousness and enlightenment | Can you reach enlightenment through physical intimacy | Shame, guilt and physical illness | Why spiritual gurus fall | Osho — Gyani Yogi or controversial master | Carl Jung and Kundalini | The five states of consciousness | AUM decoded | Om chanting and brainwaves | Ancient healing mantras | Depression through yogic science | How to begin your Kundalini practice | Appo Deepo Bhava

Chapters:
00:00 Can We Enlighten
00:35 Brainwaves And Samadhi
01:15 Osho And Guru Scandals
01:29 Becoming A Yoga Professor
04:24 What Is Kundalini
05:43 Chakras And Energy Path
09:57 Heart Chakra Awakening
15:24 Fake Awakening Claims
15:46 Meditation Cleanses Mind
21:12 Celibacy And Tradition
22:56 Shame Guilt And Trauma
24:16 Emotions And Illness
28:08 Nadis And Hidden Secrets
30:01 Yoga Beyond Healing
31:08 Shakti Three Gunas
31:50 Tamasik Awakening Path
32:37 Durga to Saraswati Shift
33:58 Tantra vs Yoga Explained
35:01 Left Hand Right Hand Tantra
36:40 Sex and Moksha Link
40:01 Science of Prana Vitality
41:28 Carl Jung Consciousness Map
44:27 Om and Brainwave States
46:29 Healing Mantras Routine
48:54 Discipline and Self Love
51:40 Closing Thanks Farewell

About the Guest:
Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Kumar — Sanyasi Bhargava Ph.D. Professor of Practice, Manav Rachna International University. Ph.D. in Yogic Science. Master's in Applied Psychology, Applied Yogic Sciences from Bihar Yoga Bharati — the world's first yoga university — and S*xology and Psychos*xual Counselling. Author of Kundalini: Secret of All Secrets and Happiness and Well-being.

About xMonks Drive:
Deep, unhurried conversations on consciousness, happiness, leadership and the human experience. Founded by Gaurav Arora. Subscribe for new episodes every week.

Keywords: Kundalini awakening, Kundalini yoga, what is Kundalini, Kundalini awakening explained, Tantra explained, what is Tantra, left hand Tantra, right hand Tantra, hidden secrets of Kundalini, science of yoga, yoga and neuroscience, chakras explained, Muladhara chakra, Ida Pingala Sushumna, Om chanting brainwaves, alpha waves meditation, delta waves samadhi, Gayatri mantra, Mahamrityunjaya mantra, AUM meaning, five states of consciousness, turiya state, Shiva consciousness, Carl Jung and yoga, science of happiness, professor of happiness, ancient Indian wisdom, Bihar Yoga Bharati, Kundalini tantra enlightenment, how to awaken Kundalini, Kundalini dangers, yoga for happiness, yoga for depression, yoga for anxiety, ancient Indian secrets, hidden secrets yoga, tantra and consciousness, human consciousness explained, self realization yoga, Patanjali yoga sutras, Bihar School of Yoga, happiness professor India, International Yoga Day 2026, Yoga Day special, Indian podcast, xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora podcast, Prof Rajesh Kumar, Sanyasi Bhargava

#KundaliniAwakening #Tantra #Yoga #KundaliniYoga #YogaDay #InternationalYogaDay #YogaDay2026 #Happiness #Wellbeing #Consciousness #AncientWisdom #IndianPhilosophy #Meditation #Chakras #Spirituality #SpiritualAwakening #xMonksDrive #GauravArora #ProfRajeshKumar #SanyasiBhargava #HiddenSecrets #Enlightenment #MentalHealth #Depression #YogaScience #Neuroscience #Om #AUM #GayatriMantra #CarlJung #Osho #BiharYogaBharati #IndianPodcast #podcastindia

The Silent Killer Hiding in Every Young Indian's Body | Dr. Avinash Verma

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0530

Why are young Indians dying of cardiac arrest? Why are fit, healthy people in their 30s and 40s suddenly collapsing at the gym, at weddings, on stage, in their sleep — with no warning?

In this episode of xMonks Drive, host Gaurav Arora sits down with Dr. Avinash Verma, Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, for one of the most important conversations about heart health in India.

Dr. Avinash Verma is one of India's leading cardiac electrophysiologists with over 15 years of experience, 2,400+ device implantations, and 1,300+ radiofrequency ablations. He is the only doctor in North India trained in laser-assisted lead extraction. In this episode, he explains why Indians get heart disease 10 years earlier than Western populations, what the difference is between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest, and why India's out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rate is just 2-3% compared to 50-60% in the world's best out-of-hospital cardiac arrest programs.

Dr. Verma shares real patient stories including a 36-year-old woman who passed away from sudden cardiac death after refusing a life-saving device, a cardiology colleague who collapsed outside his own home just 1 kilometre from the hospital and could not be revived, and a 19-year-old whose brother had passed away at 17 from a genetic heart condition — who is now thriving after treatment. He also discusses the cases of Sidharth Shukla, Shefali Jariwala, KK, and Prateek Yadav, and explains what actually happens during these sudden cardiac events.

Topics covered in this episode include sudden cardiac death in young Indians, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, inherited heart conditions, genetic screening for heart disease, cardiac arrest vs heart attack, how CPR works and why it must be taught in Indian schools, pacemakers and ICDs, the danger of steroids and unregulated gym supplements, why vaping is illegal in India and what it does to the heart, why sugar may be as harmful as smoking, the link between sleep deprivation and heart disease, chronic stress and the heart's electrical system, sedentary lifestyle and cardiac risk, binge drinking and arrhythmia, the role of COVID and vaccines in myocarditis, the truth about pharma conspiracy theories, Ayurveda and evidence-based medicine, whether smartwatch ECG data is medically reliable, the genetic risk of same-community marriage, organ donation and heart transplant in India, and why selling miracle cures is illegal in India.

If you or someone you love has a family history of cardiac arrest, heart disease, or sudden unexplained loss — this episode could save a life. Dr. Verma explains exactly what tests to get, what warning signs to watch for, and what to do if someone collapses near you.

🫀 CHAPTERS
00:00 Pharma Mafia Claims
00:28 Sudden Cardiac Arrest Fears
00:44 Supplements Vaping Myths
01:45 Why Indians Get Heart Disease Early
02:25 Genes SNPs Multi Hit Risk
05:28 Metabolic Syndrome Indian Profile
06:35 Cholesterol FH Explained
08:03 ICDs Ablation Saving Lives
09:38 What Cardiac Arrest Really Is
12:13 CPR AEDs Survival Gap
16:58 Gym Collapses Real Causes
17:57 Steroids Caffeine Substance Abuse
20:54 COVID Vaccines Heart Risks
22:48 Mental Stress Patient Stories
30:27 Screening Before Sports
31:55 ECG Screening For Sports
32:33 Family History Sudden Death Steps
34:54 Indian Lipid Pattern Fixes
35:52 Heart Attack Vs Cardiac Arrest
40:46 Sleep Stress And Binge Drinking
43:03 Sugar Fatty Liver And NASH
47:08 Primordial Prevention Checklist
50:43 Vaping Myths And Harms
52:26 Ayurveda Evidence And RCTs
54:49 Pharma Conspiracies And Anecdotes
56:46 Smartwatch Accuracy Reality Check
59:12 Final Wrap And Thanks

Climbers Are Being Poisoned On Everest. The Reason Will SHOCK You! | Kaamya Karthikeyan

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:00:00 +0530

In this episode of xMonks Drive, host Gaurav Arora sits down with Kaamya Karthikeyan — India's youngest female Everester, world record holder, and one of the most extraordinary young athletes in the world — for a rare long-form conversation about what it really takes to push past the limits of human endurance, again and again, from the time she was seven years old.

Kaamya Karthikeyan became the youngest female in the world to complete the Seven Summits — climbing the highest mountain on every continent — at the age of 17. She has summited Mount Everest, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, Mount Denali in North America, Mount Aconcagua in South America, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Europe, and Mount Kosciuszko in Australia. She has also skied 111 kilometres to the Geographic South Pole as part of the Last Degree expedition, becoming the youngest Indian and one of the youngest women in the world to do so. She is currently 18 years old and studying engineering at Shiv Nadar University. She is also a competitive ski mountaineer who has represented India at the Asian Championships and the Youth World Cup, and won medals at the Khelo India Winter Games and the National Championships. Ski mountaineering recently became an Olympic sport at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

In this episode Kaamya talks about her Everest summit push — starting from Camp 4 in the middle of the night after 250 climbers had turned back, navigating whiteout conditions on the Lhotse Face, losing her expedition mitten at 8000 metres above sea level, and what her Sherpa did in that moment that she will never forget. She talks about skiing alone to the South Pole for 10 days with no landmarks, getting frostbite, being told by doctors to go home, and walking 8 hours with no guarantee she would be allowed to continue. She talks about the avalanche on Mount Trishul in Uttarakhand in 2021 that took the lives of six people she was close to, and how she processed that loss and went back to the mountains seven months later for the Denali expedition. She talks about the controversy around evacuation practices currently affecting the Himalayan climbing community and what it is doing to the relationship between climbers and the Sherpa community.

This episode is essential viewing for anyone interested in mountaineering, Everest, high altitude climbing, the Seven Summits, the Explorers Grand Slam, polar expeditions, the South Pole, ski mountaineering, adventure sports in India, mental strength, resilience, overcoming fear, dealing with loss, and the human capacity to keep going when everything says stop.

Kaamya Karthikeyan's story is one of the most remarkable sporting and human stories to come out of India in recent years. She started trekking at age 7 in Uttarakhand, summited her first 6000 metre peak at age 9 on Stok Kangri in Ladakh, trekked to Everest Base Camp at age 9, summited Kilimanjaro at age 10, Elbrus at age 11, Aconcagua at age 12 becoming the youngest girl in the world at the time, Denali at age 14, Everest at age 16 becoming the youngest Indian and one of the youngest women in the world to summit from the Nepal side, Vinson Massif in Antarctica at age 17 completing the Seven Summits, and skied to the South Pole at age 17. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about her on Mann Ki Baat when she was 12 years old. She has won the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. She has been supported by the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation and the Reliance Foundation. Only the North Pole expedition remains before she completes the full Explorers Grand Slam.

First the Censor Board. Then the Government. She Didn't Cut a Single Scene | Alankrita Shrivastava

Wed, 27 May 2026 19:00:00 +0530

Alankrita Shrivastava — the writer, director, and creator behind Lipstick Under My Burkha, Bombay Begums, and Made in Heaven — sits down with Gaurav Arora on xMonks Drive for one of her most in-depth conversations ever.

Alankrita Shrivastava is one of India's most fearless and acclaimed filmmakers. Her debut film Lipstick Under My Burkha was banned by the CBFC censor board before fighting its way to a theatrical release and winning awards at over 80 international film festivals including Tokyo International Film Festival and Créteil International Women's Film Festival. Her Netflix series Bombay Begums, which she created, wrote, and directed, was targeted by the NCPCR. Her Amazon Prime Video series Made in Heaven, co-created with Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, received an International Emmy nomination.

In this episode, Alankrita Shrivastava opens up about the real story behind Lipstick Under My Burkha, what it felt like when the censor board called her film obscene and refused certification, and how she fought to get it released in India. She talks about working with Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti in the Made in Heaven writers room, why she cast Pooja Bhatt in Bombay Begums, and why Konkona Sen Sharma is the only actor she would make every film with for the rest of her life. She also speaks candidly about the challenges facing women directors in Indian cinema, why only 6% of Indian films are directed by women, what OTT platforms like Netflix India are afraid of, and why Bollywood's business model is structurally rigged against independent filmmakers and women's stories.

Alankrita also reflects on her years as assistant director under Prakash Jha on films like Raajneeti, Gangaajal, and Apaharan, the personal challenges she faced during the release of Lipstick Under My Burkha, her upcoming film on Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch and the circumstances of her death, and what she wants every woman watching her films to feel.

This is an unmissable conversation about Indian cinema, women's stories, creative freedom, censorship in India, OTT platforms, Bollywood, filmmaking, and the fight to tell the stories that matter.

Timestamps

00:00 Lipstick Trailer Impact

00:23 Creative Room Debates

01:24 Censorship Release Battle

05:19 Personal Loss And Faith

06:00 First Big Set Experience

07:40 Tough Love Mentorship

08:56 Writing Turning 30

12:16 Director Versus Actor

14:48 Female Gaze Origins

18:54 Made In Heaven Writers Room

22:35 Women Behind Camera Gap

23:18 Casting Pooja Bhatt

25:14 Showrunner Stress Points

26:51 Films vs Series Space

27:23 OTT Boom for Actors

28:11 Prithvi Theatre Struggle Days

30:14 Why Konkona Works

32:20 Pappu Character Spotlight

34:09 Laapataa Ladies

35:14 Theatrical vs Streaming Debate

38:36 Staying True to Craft

41:01 Writing Complex Women

43:48 Themes Agency and Class

45:09 What Keeps Her Going

49:52 Impact on Small Town Girls

52:01 Advice for New Filmmakers

54:15 Closing Thanks

The Honest Warning Every Working Indian Needs to Hear in 2026 | Prashant Puri

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:00:00 +0530

AI is already replacing jobs. Most people are completely unprepared.

In this episode, Gaurav Arora sits down with Prashant Puri — Founder and CEO of AdLift, one of India's leading digital marketing and AI agencies — for the most important career conversation of 2026.

Prashant has run SEO, digital marketing, and AI strategy for PayPal, HP, Myntra, and some of the world's biggest brands. He built AdLift from 5 people to 200 and exited for ₹50 crore. He is also the creator of Tesseract, an AI-powered marketing intelligence platform that is changing how brands think about search in the AI era.

In this episode he names the AI tools beyond ChatGPT that are already replacing jobs, explains why knowing only ChatGPT in 2026 is not enough, and gives a step by step breakdown of what to learn right now to stay ahead.

He also explains why Google is losing — 60% of searches now end without a single click — what the zero click era means for your career and business, why India has 180 million AI users but not a single homegrown AI company, and why most learn AI and earn lakhs courses are Ponzi schemes.

What You Will Learn:
- Which jobs AI will replace first in 2026
- The best AI tools to learn beyond ChatGPT — Runway, Kimi, Claude, N8N, MidJourney and more
- How to use AI agents to automate your work and run tasks 24/7
- Why Google is dying and what is replacing it
- How to start learning AI from scratch as a complete beginner
- Why India is the biggest AI user in the world but hasn't monetized it
- The difference between someone AI replaces and someone AI makes unstoppable
- How Prashant Puri built a ₹50 crore company from a 2 out of 5 performance review

Chapters:
00:00 Will AI Take Your Job
00:20 Meet Prashant Puri
01:35 AI Tools Beyond ChatGPT
02:40 Ocean Of AI Use Cases
03:47 Marketing Creatives And Automation
06:33 AI For Learning And Email
08:44 Jobs And The New Marketer
10:31 Why Degrees Still Matter
12:29 Making Money With AI
16:17 Avoiding AI Course Scams
19:00 First Steps For Beginners
20:13 Brand Visibility And SEO Basics
21:45 AdLift PayPal Pitch Story
24:04 Can AI Identify Problems
25:19 Stop Being Lazy With AI
25:33 Google vs LLM Search Shift
26:59 GEO and Consideration Funnel
28:58 From Searching to Asking
29:39 Zero Click Era Explained
30:56 Expertise Beats Fake AI
33:12 Start Small and Compound
34:32 AI as an Equalizer
37:56 Tracking LLM Visibility Tool
41:57 Tech Convenience vs Connection
43:55 India Monetization and Ads
45:54 Building Indian AI Models
48:07 One Truth About AI Future

About Prashant Puri: Prashant Puri is the Founder and CEO of AdLift, one of India's leading digital marketing and AI agencies. With over 15 years of experience in SEO, paid media, and AI-driven marketing, he has worked with global brands including PayPal, HP, and Myntra. He is also the creator of Tesseract, an AI-powered marketing intelligence platform built for the zero click era.

About Gaurav Arora: Gaurav Arora is one of India's most respected podcast hosts, known for deep and honest conversations with leading voices in business, entrepreneurship, technology, and personal growth.

No One Has Life Figured Out. Your Brain Was Never Designed To | Dr. Sid Warrier

Wed, 13 May 2026 19:00:00 +0530

Nobody actually knows what they're doing. Not your boss. Not your parents. Not the most successful person in your office.

This is not a self-help video. This is the science of why you are the way you are.

Dr. Siddharth Warrier, neurologist, author, and one of India's most important voices on the science of the brain, joins Gaurav Arora on xMonks Drive for a conversation that will change the way you understand yourself, your relationships, your habits, and your mind.

We cover why your brain never actually grew up, what cheap dopamine is silently doing to your focus and your mood, why social media is the most perfectly engineered addiction in human history, why movement is the most underrated mental health tool available to you, how the brains of high performers and wealthy people actually work, why Indian men shut down emotionally and what that costs them, why your childhood is still making decisions for you, and why the one thing every human being on earth is secretly doing (faking it) is not a character flaw. It is just neuroscience.

If you have ever felt anxious for no clear reason, addicted to your phone, stuck in patterns you can't explain, disconnected from the people you love, or quietly convinced that everyone else has figured out something you haven't, this episode is for you.

They haven't. And Dr. Sid Warrier explains exactly why.

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What you will learn in this episode:
— Why the adult brain is still fundamentally a child's brain and what that means for your daily life
— The neuroscience of cheap dopamine and why your brain will always choose the easiest reward
— Why social media is the most addictive substance ever created and what it is doing to an entire generation
— How movement and physical activity directly regulate emotion, anxiety, and decision-making
— Why knowledge and wealth compound the same way and what that means for high performance
— The real reason Indian men struggle to express emotion and how that shapes their relationships
— Why your childhood environment is still running your adult nervous system
— How to use awareness to break the automatic cycle between emotion and reaction
— What the brains of the most successful people in the world actually have in common

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Timestamps:
00:00 Adults Are Scared Too
01:42 Talk Therapy Basics
03:03 Name It To Tame It
04:12 Movement Regulates Emotions
06:07 Dopamine And Decisions
06:52 Samay Raina And Authenticity
09:43 Comedy As A Symphony
10:55 Brain Floors And Responses
14:38 Gamification And Problem Solving
16:22 Gamification Mindset
16:31 Male Female Brain Differences
17:15 Hormones Emotions Reality Check
19:50 Father Son Chemistry
21:28 Why Alpha Movies Sell
24:33 Art Versus Real Life
26:44 Raising Kids Safely
28:28 Safety And Curiosity Plan
29:43 Rich Brain Myth
32:04 Social Media Cheap Dopamine
35:05 Men And Therapy Stigma
37:03 Building Emotional Awareness
39:55 Expressing Anger Lessons
41:29 Closing Thanks
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About Dr. Siddharth Warrier:
Dr. Siddharth Warrier is a neurologist, author, and one of India's leading communicators on brain science and mental health. Known for making complex neuroscience accessible and relevant to everyday life, he has spoken to millions across platforms about the brain, behaviour, emotional regulation, and the science of the mind. Follow him on Instagram @thesidwarrier.

How Black Money is Destroying India's Schools, Roads & Economy | Abhishek Bali

Wed, 06 May 2026 20:00:00 +0530

What if 45% of India's entire economy is black money? The ED has filed nearly 6,000 money laundering cases in 10 years and secured just 15 convictions. Digital arrest scams have stolen over ₹120 crore from ordinary Indians. And elections may be the single largest consumer of black money in this country.

In this episode of xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora sits down with Abhishek Bali — CEO & Co-Founder of ZIGRAM and one of India's foremost experts on financial crime, money laundering, and regulatory technology — for one of the most wide-ranging and honest conversations ever had on this subject on an Indian podcast.

From the Nirav Modi PNB scandal to Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher collapse, from hawala networks to digital arrest scams targeting your parents — Abhishek breaks down exactly how black money moves, who it hurts, and what is being built to stop it.

What we cover in this episode:
🔴 How Nirav Modi fooled a nationalized bank for years using a single branch in Mumbai
🔴 Why Vijay Mallya's money is sitting in London and will never come back to India
🔴 How the three stages of money laundering — placement, layering, integration — work in real life
🔴 Why 45% of India's GDP may be black money — and what that really means for you
🔴 How money laundering is destroying India's schools, roads, and public services
🔴 Why elections are the single largest consumer of black money in India — and how it moves
🔴 How NGOs are used as fronts for terror financing and money laundering
🔴 The fake currency that flowed into Kashmir and how it funded ground-level violence
🔴 Why online gaming apps became money laundering vehicles before India banned them
🔴 How the 'Ghar Baithe Hazaaron Kamao' WhatsApp scam is actually a money laundering operation
🔴 Why digital arrest scams always target older, vulnerable people — and the chilling logic behind it
🔴 What Aadhaar, GST, and demonetisation actually did to black money
🔴 How ZIGRAM's technology screens millions of transactions every day to catch financial crime
🔴 Is India winning or losing the fight against money laundering?

About Abhishek Bali
Abhishek Bali is the CEO & Co-Founder of ZIGRAM, India's leading RegTech company building financial crime compliance technology for banks, fintechs, and financial institutions across India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
🌐 zigram.tech
🔗 linkedin.com/in/abhishekbali85

Chapters:
00:00 Nirav Modi Scam Intro
01:40 SWIFT Loophole Explained
02:58 LOUs And Inside Collusion
04:16 How The Fraud Was Caught
05:35 Vijay Mallya Comparison
08:51 Money Stuck Overseas
11:11 Three Stages Of Laundering
14:08 Everyday Laundering Examples
15:24 How Big Is Black Economy
17:27 Victims And Elections Link
20:27 Election Spending Reality
23:35 Donations And Legal Loopholes
27:32 NGOs Trusts And FCRA Risks
32:09 Terror Funding Cash Flows
33:17 Fake Cash to White Money
33:45 Inflation and Currency Damage
34:44 Gaming Apps Laundering Loopholes
38:26 Bans Push Ops Offshore
39:24 Mule Accounts Explained
42:09 Digital Arrest Scam Tactics
47:42 Aadhaar GST Demonetization Impact
51:37 Demonetization Pros and Cons
53:35 How ZIGRAM Fights AML
57:10 Is India Winning
58:16 Balancing Control and Freedom
58:39 Closing Thanks and Takeaways

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this episode are personal opinions based on publicly available information and professional experience. Nothing in this episode constitutes legal or financial advice.

How young Indians are buying BMW in their 20s | BMW India CEO | Hardeep Singh Brar

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0530

What if your dream car wasn't as far away as you thought?

In this episode, Gaurav Arora sits down with Hardeep Singh Brar, CEO of BMW India and the man who built Kia India from scratch into one of the fastest growing car brands in the country, for a conversation that goes far beyond cars.

From being part of the team that bet ₹1 billion on Kia before a single car was sold, to now leading the most iconic luxury car brand in India, Hardeep opens up about the failures nobody talks about, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and why India's relationship with money, ambition and luxury is changing faster than anyone expected.

Whether you're thinking about buying your first car, your dream car, or just want to understand where India's economy is really headed, this one's for you.

In this episode:

- How Kia went from zero to 6% market share in under 4 years
- Why Indians under 30 are buying BMWs and not feeling guilty about it
- The real cost of owning a BMW in India in 2025
- How to own a BMW for ₹25,000 EMI
- EV vs petrol: BMW CEO settles it once and for all
- The truth about EV range, charging infrastructure and residual value in India
- What BMW's 21% EV penetration means for India's car market
- Leadership lessons from Maruti to Kia to BMW
- Why Hardeep says "you cannot chase numbers by chasing numbers"
- The one quote that defines how he leads and lives

Chapters:
00:00 Kia vs BMW Challenge
00:23 Luxury Buyers Mindset
01:16 Kia Launch Breakthrough
03:22 BMW Experience Bar
05:10 Handling Tough Customers
07:12 Trust Based Selling
09:24 New India YOLO Shift
13:04 Hard Lessons Learned
15:44 Identity Beyond Titles
17:27 Kia India Growth Playbook
22:53 Execution Culture Shift
24:15 Managing Alignment Globally
25:18 Stop Chasing Numbers
26:18 Showroom Need Analysis
27:48 Never Underestimate Buyers
29:03 Value Meets Premium
31:51 Hidden Needs Vision
33:47 Brand Pulls Premium
35:12 India EV Inflection
38:42 Product Beats Infrastructure
40:09 Leadership Pull Strategy
41:36 Legacy And Dream Car

About Hardeep Singh Brar:
Hardeep Singh Brar is the CEO of BMW India. He previously served as the Managing Director of Kia India, where he led the brand from its India launch to becoming one of the country's fastest growing automobile companies. He has also held leadership roles at Maruti Suzuki, Nissan India and Great Wall Motors.

#BMWIndia #HardeepSinghBrar #BMWIndiaCEO #KiaIndia #LuxuryCars #EVIndia #ElectricVehiclesIndia #IndianCarMarket #BMWElectric #CarBuyingIndia #LeadershipIndia #GauravArora #PodcastIndia #BusinessPodcastIndia #IndiaGrowthStory

Listen to This Before You Drop Your Child to School Tomorrow

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0530

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of bullying and child loss. Please watch with care.
🤍 This content is for awareness & support only.

Arvey was 17 years old. Before he died, he left a note that said: "The school has ki**ed me, Mamma." His mother, Aarti Malhotra, read those words and made a decision. She would not be silent. Not for one day.

In this episode, Aarti sits down with Gaurav Arora and shares everything: the bullying that started small and escalated into physical and emotional violation, the school that covered it up, the threats on her life, the POCSO case she is still fighting in court, and how a mother who lost everything became Internet ki Mummy, a safe space for millions of children across India who have no one else to turn to.

If you are a parent, a teacher, or a student, this episode will change the way you see the world around you.

🎙️ In This Episode:

- Arvey's final note, and the teacher and school authorities he named in it
- How classmates physically and emotionally violated Arvey and threatened him into silence
- How the school was informed, did nothing, and why they are now facing a POCSO case in court
- Arvey's dyslexia, his denied scribe, and the exam room that broke him
- The exact warning signs in children that parents and teachers miss every day
- What to do in the first 48 hours if your child tells you they are being bullied
- The camera and lights Arvey bought to become an influencer, that Aarti now uses to save other kids
- How a reel about Arvey reached 35 million views and gave birth to Internet ki Mummy
- Aarti's message to every child who feels alone right now

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 A Tragic Loss
00:48 Meet the Mother
01:46 Remembering Arvey's Talents
03:59 Teacher and Influencer Life
08:15 Early Anxiety Signs
12:08 Bullying at School
13:06 Fighting the System
16:37 Dyslexia and Neglect
18:10 The Letter Afterward
19:06 Living With Grief
28:34 Turning Pain Into Purpose
38:11 Rising Youth Suicide Crisis
40:23 Consent and Boundaries Talk
43:02 What Parents Must Notice
45:21 First 48 Hours Support
47:31 Create Safe Space
49:41 Escalate School Complaints
51:27 Know Laws and Rights
54:32 Parenting Against Bullying
59:24 Police and Court Reality
01:03:59 Document Everything
01:12:30 Helplines and Media Allies
01:16:15 Internet Ki Mummy Mission
01:18:08 Advice and Closing Message

🔴 If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:

- iCall: 9152987821
- Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: 1860-2662-345 (24/7)
- AASRA: 9820466627

📲 Follow Internet ki Mummy — Aarti Malhotra:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internetkimummy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KsU2HfA1w/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@internetkimummy

💬 Know a parent, teacher or student who needs to hear this? Tag them or share this video. Every share could save a life.

🔔 Subscribe to the Gaurav Arora Podcast for more real, unfiltered conversations that matter.

#InternetKiMummy #AartiMalhotra #JusticeForArvey #SchoolBullying #BullyingInIndia #POCSOAwareness #ChildSafetyIndia #MentalHealthIndia #SuicidePrevention #GauravArora #GauravAroraPodcast #IndianPodcast #RealStory #ParentingIndia #ChildAbuse

Aryan Khan, Aarushi Talwar & MJ Akbar | India's Top Lawyer Finally Speaks

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0530

What really happened in the Aryan Khan drug case? What does India's legal system get wrong about the Aarushi Talwar murder? And what was it like defending MJ Akbar during the height of the MeToo movement in India?

Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra, one of India's most respected lawyers with over four decades at the bar, sits down with Gaurav Arora for a rare, unfiltered conversation about India's most high-profile criminal cases, the failures of the justice system, and what it truly takes to fight for the truth in a courtroom.

From bail inequality and judicial accountability to media trials, false accusations, and the rights of victims, this is the conversation India's legal community doesn't have in public.

In this episode:

- The truth about the Aryan Khan case and what the courts got wrong about bail
- Inside the Aarushi Talwar case, and why social media convicted the family before the court did
- MJ Akbar, MeToo, and the weapon of social media against the falsely accused
- Why India talks about judicial delays but never judicial accountability
- How money and power tilt the scales in the Temple of Justice
- What to do if you are falsely accused: a step by step breakdown
- The difference between an FIR, investigation and charge sheet explained simply
- Why India's conviction rate in rape cases is only 28%, and what that actually means

Timestamps:
00:00 Bail And Unequal Justice
02:57 Why Bail Gets Denied
03:40 Delays And Judge Accountability
05:51 Prosecution Withholding Evidence
09:11 Police Flaws And Disclosure Duty
11:39 Money Power And Senior Counsel
15:57 Media Trials And Court Pressure
17:50 MeToo And Defamation Dilemmas
23:42 Social Media Verdicts Vs Truth
30:08 Reforming High Profile Cases
32:05 Forensics For Every Case
32:46 Delayed Allegations And Jail Time
33:48 Cases That Haunt A Lawyer
37:30 Court Overload And Conscience
39:28 Accused Reputation And Jail Realities
44:07 Redacting Names And Compensation
46:07 If You Are Falsely Accused
49:51 What Victims Should Do
51:48 FIR To Chargesheet Explained
56:41 Scientific Investigation And Police Power
01:00:34 How Justice Changes With Age

Guest: Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra
Host: Gaurav Arora

Tags: Aryan Khan case, Aarushi Talwar case, MJ Akbar MeToo, Indian judiciary, Indian criminal law, false accusation India, judicial accountability India, India legal system, senior advocate India, Geeta Luthra, Gaurav Arora, Indian podcast, law podcast India, bail in India, media trial India, FIR India explained, POCSO cases India, Indian courts, justice in India, MeToo India, criminal defense India, Indian lawyer interview

Major General Neeraj Bali Explains What Nobody On TV Will Tell You

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0530

A ceasefire was announced. Iran fired missiles at Tel Aviv two hours later. A retired Major General called every bit of this.

In this episode, host Gaurav Arora sits down with Major General Neeraj Bali (Retired), one of India's most respected strategic and military minds, for a deeply informed breakdown of the Israel-US war on Iran: what caused it, what's really driving it, and where it's heading.

From the 1979 Islamic Revolution to the JCPOA, from the 12-Day War of June 2025 to the bombing of Iran on 28th February 2026, General Bali connects every dot. He explains why the US-Israel strategy was built on a fatal assumption, why Iran will not fold the way anyone planned, and why the Strait of Hormuz — not nuclear weapons — is the real centre of gravity in this war.

He also breaks down what this war means for India, for your fuel prices, for your food, and for the shifting balance of global power between the US, China, Russia, NATO, and the Gulf states.
This is not a news panel. This is military intelligence meets strategic clarity — in plain English.

🎯 WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:
- Why the US-Israel strategy was based on the Venezuela model — and why it failed
- The JCPOA, Trump tearing it up, and the chain of events that made this war inevitable
- Why Iran is not a quick rollover — the IRGC, the deep state, and the pride of an ancient civilisation
- The off-ramp that was deliberately missed
- What Israel's real goals are — and why they go far beyond stopping Iran's nuclear programme
- Why maximum force doesn't always yield maximum results
- What "winning" actually means in an asymmetric war
- The Strait of Hormuz — why it's the only metric that matters
- China, Russia, NATO, and the GCC — who's actually winning this war
- India's strategic autonomy — why we're one of the smartest players on the board
- The real cost of this war — $33 billion spent, an E-3 AWACS cut in two, and boots on the ground next
- Where the troops will go — three military scenarios nobody else is talking about
- Best case, worst case, and what's most likely to happen next

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 War Stakes Overview
01:24 Misread Iran Rollover
03:43 Asymmetric Economic Warfare
04:48 Origins Since 1979
05:56 JCPOA And Trump Exit
08:44 Bombing And Talks Collapse
10:20 Was War Avoidable
12:29 Internal Unrest Miscalculation
15:50 Shifting Goals No Endgame
19:27 Center Of Gravity
22:27 Existential Trap Lesson
23:51 What Winning Means
26:57 Hormuz Strategic Blindspot
28:27 Netanyahu Motives Debate
29:59 Power Blocs Watching War
30:33 China Strategy And Energy
32:13 Russia Windfall From Oil
32:54 NATO Future In Doubt
33:59 GCC Caught In Middle
35:33 GCC Aftermath And Iran Ties
36:37 India Strategic Autonomy
39:49 War Impact On Daily Life
43:32 Who Pays The War Bill
47:42 US Troop Deployment Options
50:12 US Israel Goals Diverge
52:03 Best Worst Case Scenarios
55:15 Why US Wants Off Ramp
57:49 Closing Thoughts And Thanks

India’s Top Neurologist on Brain Hacking, Parkinson’s & Why You Feel Lazy & Unmotivated

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0530

India's top neurologist Dr. Neha Pandita sits down with Gaurav Arora on xMonks Drive, and she has something to say about Deepinder Goyal's Temple device.

When the founder of Zomato started wearing a brain-monitoring device on his temple to track blood flow and slow ageing, the internet had opinions. But what does an actual movement disorder specialist think? Dr. Pandita's reaction was simple: she laughed. Not because the idea is stupid, but because one artery cannot tell you everything happening inside your brain, and the science isn't there yet.

But that's just where this conversation starts.

Dr. Neha Pandita is one of India's leading neurologists and movement disorder specialists. She has spent over two decades studying the brain, and she herself was diagnosed with writer's dystonia during her MBBS finals, the very disorder she now treats in others. She saved a passenger's life mid-flight with a newborn in her arms. She has watched a Parkinson's patient sing again after years of silence. And she grew up as a Kashmiri Pandit refugee, starting from zero in Himachal Pradesh.
In this episode she breaks down everything you thought you knew about your brain, and most of it is wrong.

What you'll learn:
— Why heartbreak has nothing to do with your heart
— What actually causes laziness, lack of motivation, and brain fog
— The truth about Deepinder Goyal's Temple brain device
— What Parkinson's disease really looks like inside a family
— How deep brain stimulation works, and the sound doctors listen for inside the brain
— Whether psychedelics can actually heal trauma
— The myth of the male vs female brain
— What memory loss really means, and when to see a neurologist
— Why a 95-year-old survives when a 40-year-old doesn't
— How close we actually are to curing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Timestamps
00:00 Brain Hacking Hype
01:31 Temple Wearable Explained
01:51 Why Evidence Matters
03:17 Temporal Artery Oversimplified
03:57 Tech Claims vs Mental Health
06:01 Neurology Basics and Mislabels
08:11 Warning Signs to Watch
11:05 Motivation Stress Sleep Link
13:19 New Discoveries Curable Disorders
16:18 Deep Brain Stimulation Story
18:50 Inside Awake DBS Surgery
22:26 Neuroplasticity and Stimulation Limits
23:55 Psychedelics Reality Check
25:20 Brain Beyond Final Frontier
26:48 In-Flight Medical Emergency
31:10 Living With Writer Dystonia
34:28 Why Neurology Felt Right
38:49 Parkinson’s Patient Breakthrough
44:09 Near-Death Pregnancy Complication
46:55 Science Faith and Letting Go
48:15 Closing Gratitude and Takeaways

About Dr. Neha Pandita Dr. Neha Pandita is a neurologist and movement disorder specialist based in India. She specialises in Parkinson's disease, dystonia, deep brain stimulation, and neurodegenerative disorders. She completed her MBBS, DNB, DM Neurology, and a fellowship in movement disorders, and has been practising for over fifteen years.

Keywords: Deepinder Goyal Temple device, brain hacking India, neurologist reacts, Dr Neha Pandita, xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora podcast, neurology India, Parkinson's disease India, deep brain stimulation explained, writer's dystonia, brain health tips, movement disorder specialist India, Zomato founder brain device, how the brain works, dopamine serotonin explained, Alzheimer's India, brain myths debunked, Indian podcast, motivation and the brain, Kashmiri Pandit story, Indian neurologist, DBS surgery explained, psychedelics and the brain, neuroplasticity explained, best Indian podcast 2025

The Malayali Bahu, 6 Languages & Everything She Won't Post Online | Satshya Tharien

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0530

What happens when a Malayali content creator marries into a Punjabi family, builds a following of 1.4 million across languages, shaves her head in Cambodia, and still can't say nahi nahi nahi properly?

Satshya Tharien — journalist, strategist, 2x TEDx speaker and one of India's most distinctive voices online — sits down with executive coach Gaurav Arora for one of the most honest, funny and wide-ranging conversations we've had on xMonks Drive.

From accidentally saying a bad word on camera in front of millions, to navigating a Punjabi sasural as a South Indian bahu, to why she will never put her daughter on the internet no matter how much it would boost her numbers — Satshya holds nothing back.

They talk about what it really takes to build something by yourself, why feedback breaks you before it makes you, how language connects people at the heart and not just the head, and what becoming a mother does to the way you see yourself.

This one will make you laugh, make you think, and maybe make you call your parents and speak to them in your mother tongue for once.

In this episode:
- How Satshya accidentally went viral teaching Hindi hacks during lockdown
- Building discipline as a solo content creator with no team and no safety net
- The Malayali-Punjabi culture clash nobody warned her about
- Why she shaved her head in Cambodia and what it taught her about identity
- The 6:30 AM lipstick comment that changed how she uses social media
- Why she refuses to put her daughter online even though she knows it would blow up her numbers
- What children of content creators are now saying about their childhoods
- Regretting not speaking your mother tongue and trying to fix it for your daughter
- The difference between feedback and noise — and how to stop internalising both
- What language you think in when you're under pressure
- What's next for Satshya beyond content creation

Chapters:
00:00 Episode Trailer
00:50 Handling Trolls Online
01:21 Shaving Head Story
01:49 Accidental Creator Journey
03:55 Learning How To Learn
04:23 Growing Up Multilingual
05:21 Hindi Out Of Necessity
07:06 Languages Build Connection
08:36 Punjabi Malayalam Marriage
11:39 Wedding Culture Differences
14:48 Becoming A Parent
17:32 Motherhood Identity Shift
20:09 Passing Languages To Kids
21:38 Roots And Belonging
22:46 Mother Tongue Regrets
25:01 Why Native Languages Matter
25:41 Thinking in Emotions
27:20 Content Mistakes and Laughs
28:09 Chaat Masala Mispronunciation
29:27 Shaving Head Identity Test
30:36 Freedom From the Gaze
33:25 Journalist to Creator Shift
33:56 Discipline and Feedback Loops
36:28 Comfort on Camera
39:04 What Stays Off Reels
41:36 Authenticity Boundaries
43:56 Handling Hate Comments
45:05 Closing Thanks

Keywords: Satshya Tharien, xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora, Indian content creator, multilingual India, South Indian in Delhi, Malayali Punjabi marriage, two states India, Indian podcast, Hindi learning, mother tongue India, regional languages India, content creation India, Instagram creator India, solo content creator, parenting online safety, children social media India, Indian women creators, identity crisis India, going viral India, TEDx India, executive coaching India, personal growth podcast India, Indian podcast Hindi, best Indian podcasts 2025, culture clash India, north south India marriage, Indian millennial podcast

Climbed Everest at 19. Betrayed at the 7th Summit. | Women's Day Special | Krushnaa Patil

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0530

She climbed Everest at 19 with no money, no permit, and no plan B. Krushnaa Patil is the youngest Indian woman to summit Mount Everest and one of only two Indians to attempt the Seven Summits — the seven highest peaks on seven continents. In this Women's Day Special episode of The xMonks Drive Podcast with Gaurav Arora, Krushnaa Patil shares her full story for the first time.

From growing up trekking the Himalayas with her family to training as a classical dancer, from faking jaundice to sneak into a mountaineering course to fighting the Indian government, Bollywood celebrities, and a hostile expedition team just to raise ₹30 lakh for Everest — this is one of the most extraordinary journeys ever told on this podcast.

Krushnaa Patil summited Everest on May 21, 2009 as part of the Eco Everest Expedition, becoming the youngest Indian woman to do so. She then completed the Seven Summits by climbing the highest peaks in Antarctica, South America, Europe, and Australia. But when she arrived at Denali — also known as Mount McKinley — in Alaska for her 7th and final summit, she was stopped 400 metres from the top and told she was the weakest member of the team. What happened next is a story of racism in mountaineering that she has never fully spoken about publicly.

This episode covers:
- Growing up in Pune and the Himalayas
- Classical dance, yoga, Bharatanatyam and Kalari Payattu
- NIM — the National Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
- The Vice-Principal who told her to go to Bollywood
- The Satopanth expedition and how she fought to be on it
- The letter from a friend that destroyed her plan to climb Everest with NIM
- Raising ₹30 lakh with zero connections — from Vilasrao Deshmukh to Aamir Khan
- Her father's secret loan and how Saraswat Bank waived it after her Everest summit
- The death of a Sherpa during the Eco Everest Expedition 2009
- Climbing buddy Henry's breakdown at Camp Two on Everest
- The lightning storm on summit night that echoed the 1996 Everest tragedy
- Standing in the shadow of Everest at the South Summit
- What Krushnaa Patil felt at the top of the world — shoonya
- The racism in mountaineering she faced at Denali Mount McKinley
- Why she considers the Seven Summits done and dusted anyway
- What it really takes to climb Everest as a young Indian woman with no resources

Timestamps:
00:00 Everest First Impressions
00:25 Setbacks And Doubts
01:43 Rihanna And Big Dreams
03:28 First Peaks And Destiny
06:53 Getting On Satopanth
11:04 Sickness And Team Role
17:33 Betrayal Letter Fallout
21:23 Raising Everest Funds
26:54 Father Loan Twist
36:40 Everest Summit Strategy
38:50 Altitude Body Basics
39:29 Death At Base Camp
40:57 Buddy System Setup
42:53 Henry Altitude Crisis
45:35 Eco Everest And Spirits
46:38 Oxygen And Summit Night
48:45 Lightning And Ridge Lights
53:34 South Summit Sunrise
56:39 Summit Mindset Shift
01:01:41 Descent Risks And Bodies
01:04:26 Denali Summit Denied
01:11:06 Racism Aftermath Closing

If this episode moved you, please like, share and subscribe. Drop a comment below telling us what part of Krushnaa Patil's story hit you the hardest. And if you're watching this around Women's Day — share it with every woman in your life who needs to hear this story.

₹5 Lakhs A Month. Big IIT Jobs. They Left It All For An Equal Marriage.

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +0530

They were earning ₹5 Lakhs a month. Two IIT degrees. Big corporate jobs. Everything society told them to want. Then they walked away — and built something most Indian couples never even try: a truly equal marriage.
In this episode of The xMonks Drive, host Gaurav Arora sits down with Bibhuti Bhushan and Vipin Yadav — the IITian couple with 224K followers — for the most honest conversation we've ever had about modern Indian marriage, feminism, and what it actually takes to break free from patriarchy.
This is not theory. This is two people living it every single day.

What We Talk About:
Why they quit ₹5 Lakh/month corporate careers and never looked back
What equal marriage actually looks like inside a real Indian home — who cooks, who earns, who does the laundry
How patriarchy hurts men just as much as women — and why men won't admit it
The pressure of the "bahoo" identity and how Bibhuti navigated it after marriage
Why they have chosen not to have kids — and how they handle family pressure about it
How women themselves unknowingly keep patriarchy alive
The emotional cost of living differently from what society expects
What every young Indian man and woman should know before getting married

Timestamps:
00:00 Feminism and Marriage Qs
02:02 Facing Gender Norms
05:18 Building Equal Partners
08:10 Chores and Child Lessons
09:03 How We Split Work
14:19 Why Men Avoid Feminism
17:14 Myths and Labels
18:59 What Went Wrong India
20:32 Cracks After Marriage
24:27 State of the Bahu
26:01 Wedding Patriarchy Reality
28:10 Men Under Pressure
29:54 Women And Patriarchy
32:15 Setting Family Boundaries
36:51 Fatherhood And Equality
38:35 Love Is Not Shielding
40:22 How We Chose Each Other
41:44 Kids Decision And Boundaries
48:11 Advice For Equal Marriage
50:36 Final Thoughts And Thanks

About Bibhuti and Vipin: Bibhuti Bhushan and Vipin Yadav are IIT graduates, former corporate professionals and content creators known for their refreshingly honest take on equal marriage, feminism and modern relationships in India. Bihari married to UPite — and making it work on their own terms.
Follow them on Instagram: @the_iitian_couple | @bibhuti_vipin Business enquiries: bibhuti.vipin@gmail.com

About The xMonks Drive: The xMonks Drive is hosted by Gaurav Arora — real, unfiltered conversations with people who are living life on their own terms. Careers, relationships, identity, purpose — nothing is off limits.
🔔 Subscribe and never miss an episode 👍 Like if this made you think differently about marriage 💬 Comment below: Do you think equal marriage is possible in India?

Follow The xMonks Drive: [ADD CHANNEL SOCIALS]
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#EqualMarriage #IITianCouple #BibhutiVipin #Feminism #IndianMarriage #Patriarchy #GenderRoles #ModernMarriage #ArrangedMarriage #xMonksDrive #GauravArora #IIT #QuitYourJob #FinancialIndependence #WomenEmpowerment #MensmentalHealth #IndianCouple #Bahoo #ChildFree #ContentCreators #RelationshipAdvice #MarriageAdvice #IndianWoman #WorkLifeBalance #ThexMonksDrive

How to Be a Man in 2026 | Masculinity, Confidence & The Male Identity Crisis ft. Rahul Badesra

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +0530

How to be a man in 2026?
In a world of dating apps, looksmaxxing, loneliness and confusion around modern masculinity — what does it actually mean to be a man today?

In this deep conversation, Rahul Badesra and Gaurav Arora break down the modern masculinity crisis — from confidence and discipline to male loneliness, female validation, grooming culture and the pressure men silently carry.

🔍 In This Episode We Discuss:
• What masculinity really means in 2026
• Why so many men feel lost and directionless
• The male loneliness epidemic
• Confidence vs armour — what real confidence looks like
• Why men chase women and external validation
• The rise of looksmaxxing, jawline obsession & extreme grooming trends
• First impressions, grooming and self-respect
• Soft masculinity vs strength
• Why discipline matters more than dominance
• Sacrificing health for success — is it worth it?
• How money amplifies who you already are
• The one principle every young man should live by

🕒 Chapters
00:00 Why Men Feel Lonely: Discipline, Structure & the Insecurity Trap
00:36 Dating Apps & Validation Loops: They Want Swipes, Not Matches
01:06 Masculinity Reframed: Structure + Discipline + Direction
01:11 Generations of Men: From Survival to Distraction
04:46 COVID Wake-Up Call: Losing Control, Anxiety, and Hitting Reset
06:14 Building Systems: 5AM Routine, Fitness Coaching, and Taking the Startup Leap
07:13 From Grooming Brand to Coaching: The Real Problem Is Implementation
09:10 What Men Are Really Struggling With: Low Awareness, Insecurity & Social Media Pressure
11:37 Health vs Hustle Culture: The Hidden Cost of ‘Grinding’
13:16 Biohacking Role Models vs Basics: The SHREDS Framework
16:39 Life Stages & Identity: Puberty to Midlife Crisis and Beyond
21:20 Look Good, Feel Confident: Grooming, Posture, Style & Real-World Presence
21:53 Beyond Looks: Communication, Exposure, Travel & Civic Sense
25:48 Rooms of Power: Lessons from Bollywood/CEO Circles and Being Prepared
29:20 Escaping Old Identity: Background Insecurity, Partnership, and Designing a Life Calendar
31:59 Commute misery & valuing time over stuff
32:36 Insecurity culture: power gurus, identity change & who you associate with
33:49 Feminism, soft masculinity & unlearning the ‘macho’ script
35:52 Grief, crying, and real mental health vs excuses
36:52 Sexual orientation in India: coming out, parents, and acceptance
39:44 How to respond when someone opens up: listen, don’t judge
43:31 Loneliness epidemic: gaming couples, dating, and lost human connection
45:57 3 relationship non‑negotiables: routines, date nights & money habits
47:29 ‘Trading up’ and the truth about money: it only amplifies who you are
49:38 Testosterone decline & supplement hype: fix lifestyle foundations first
52:16 Nutrition basics & building your ‘operating system’ (protein, fiber, systems)
56:01 Looksmaxxing obsession vs sustainable self‑improvement
57:37 Why grooming matters: first impressions, confidence, and the full upgrade
59:46 Closing thoughts & thanks

🎙 About The Guest

Rahul Badesra is a men’s grooming and confidence coach who works with modern men on presence, discipline and self-improvement. His work focuses on helping men build structure, clarity and self-respect in a world full of noise.

#Hashtags
#Masculinity #ModernMen #SelfImprovement

Valentine’s Week Special: How My Breakup Became My Career ft. Mansi Narang

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +0530

In this episode, Mansi Narang opens up about how her breakup changed everything — even her career. Dropping this episode in the heart of Valentine’s Week, we dive into raw conversations about breakup healing, body image struggles, and how heartbreak pushed her to become one of Instagram’s most relatable creators.

💔 “My breakup made me famous.”
❤️ “Heartbreak is a cheat code.”
✨ “You’re not ‘ugly’ — you’re Indian.”

If you’re going through a breakup before Valentine’s Day or struggling with confidence, self-worth, or how you dress for your body type, this episode will hit deep — and leave you inspired. We talk about:
• Healing after heartbreak and moving forward emotionally
• Turning pain into purpose and even a career
• Body positivity, self-acceptance, and style for curvy desi bodies
• Fashion advice that builds confidence (not insecurity)
• What it means to be a creator in today’s world

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Curvy Desi Bodies
02:35 School Days and Body Image Struggles
02:46 Journey into Content Creation
03:55 Heartbreak and Healing
06:03 Therapy and Self-Acceptance
10:19 Navigating Relationships and Trust Issues
21:09 Fashion and Body Positivity
49:52 Balancing Content Creation and Personal Life
51:33 Family Dynamics and Personal Growth
51:55 Future Aspirations and Career Goals
53:03 Conclusion: Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward

🔔 Subscribe for more soulful conversations and healing stories.
🎯 Watch on Valentine’s week for the support you need — whether you’re single, healing, or learning to love yourself first.

👉 Share this with someone who needs to hear it.

#breakup #heartbreak #ValentinesWeek #healing #bodyconfidence #curvystyle #selflove #MansiNarang

Neurologist Dr. Vinit Banga: Pollution Is Damaging Your Brain (Stress, Sleep & Stroke Warning Signs)

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +0530

Neurologist Dr. Vinit Banga explains stress, sleep, stroke symptoms, brain health, and the effects of pollution on the brain in this powerful podcast episode with Gaurav Arora.

This episode covers:
•Stress symptoms and how chronic stress damages the brain
•Deep sleep and why sleep is essential for brain repair
•Stroke warning signs (FAST symptoms) and why minutes matter
•Brain fog, memory loss, cognitive decline, early dementia signs
•Delhi pollution / AQI effects on brain ageing and intelligence
•Migraine triggers, headaches, and dangerous neurological red flags
•Doctor-patient trust, Practo ratings, healthcare commercialization in India

00:00 Impact of Delhi's Pollution on Brain Health
00:37 Stress and Its Effects on Health
01:39 Air Quality and Brain Aging
03:24 Blood-Brain Barrier and Pollution
06:03 Memory Issues and Aging
07:04 Understanding Memory Formation
12:20 Sleep Disorders and Brain Health
13:35 The Importance of Deep Sleep
16:09 Stress: The Silent Disruptor
46:38 Doctor-Patient Trust and Ethical Concerns
55:14 Commercialization in Healthcare
01:04:15 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Dr. Vinit Banga is Director & Head of Neurology & Neurovascular Intervention at Fortis Escorts, and shares life-saving insights on preventing stroke, protecting brain function, and understanding modern neurological risk factors.

Keywords: neurologist podcast, brain health India, stress and stroke, sleep and brain, stroke symptoms, stroke warning signs, Delhi pollution brain damage, brain fog, dementia signs, migraine, Fortis neurologist, Dr Vinit Banga, Gaurav Arora podcast.

#Stress #Stroke #BrainHealth #Sleep #Neurology #Podcast #DrVinitBanga

Ankur Warikoo’s Untold Story | Failure, Layoffs & Finding Real Freedom

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0530

He had five months of money left.

School fees. Home loan EMIs. Responsibilities.

And one decision to make.

In this deeply honest conversation, Ankur Warikoo opens up about the moments that shaped him. Not the highlight reels, but the failures, insecurities, and turning points that most people never hear about.

This isn’t a typical “success podcast.”

It’s the real story behind the person India thinks it knows.

⸻

🎙️ In This Episode, Ankur Talks About:
• The ambition spiral that quietly consumes high-performers
• The academic failures that stayed with him (IIT, CAT, career setbacks)
• Building Nearbuy, raising millions… and still falling apart
• The emotional weight of laying people off
• The books and music that helped him heal
• What “freedom” actually means beyond money
• Why slowing down might be the biggest form of growth

⸻

📌 One of the Most Powerful Moments:

“We had only five months of money left…
and yet, we were excited about starting a new life.”

That single moment changes how you see everything.

⸻

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Initial Reflections
00:22 Chasing Ambitions and Insecurities
01:47 Life as a Student and Educator
03:35 Realizations and Changes in Life
06:49 Overcoming Personal Challenges
15:24 Dealing with Professional Setbacks
25:44 Finding Solace in Books and Music
30:09 Underrated and Overrated Traits
33:25 Myths About Entrepreneurship
34:36 Debunking Entrepreneurial Myths
36:33 Mindset Shifts from Corporate to Startup
37:22 The Reality of Startup Growth
40:15 Embracing Slow and Deliberate Growth
40:35 Surprising Facts About Ankur Warikoo
43:36 Dealing with Online Trolls
47:10 Realizing You Have Enough
53:28 The Meaning of Money and Freedom
55:00 Perspectives on Wealth Creation
01:01:36 Staying Grounded Amidst Success
01:07:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections
⸻

🎧 About The xMonks Drive Podcast

The xMonks Drive is hosted by Gaurav Arora, featuring long-form conversations with India’s most influential founders, creators, and leaders, on life, failure, ambition, mindset, and meaning.

⸻

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations!

Ankur Warikoo podcast, Ankur Warikoo failure story, Nearbuy startup, financial freedom India, Indian entrepreneurship, mindset and ambition, Gaurav Arora podcast

⸻

#AnkurWarikoo #IndianPodcast #EntrepreneurshipIndia #xMonksDrive

Ira Singhal IAS: “UPSC Is Self-Torture” | UPSC Reality, IAS Power & Corruption | Hindi Podcast

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0530

“UPSC is self-inflicted torture on all levels.”
In this explosive Hindi conversation, Ira Singhal (IAS) — UPSC CSE Rank 1 and the first differently-abled woman to top UPSC — breaks down the real truth of UPSC, IAS power, and the system.

On The xMonks Drive Podcast, Gaurav Arora speaks with Ira about everything aspirants and Indians want to know but rarely hear openly — from pressure, privilege, coaching culture, and attempts… to what it actually takes to become an IAS officer and survive inside the bureaucracy.

Ira doesn’t hold back. She says it straight:
✅ “Why are you in situations that make you unhappy?”
✅ “Happiness cannot be at the cost of someone else’s unhappiness.”
✅ “If you’re scared, then don’t come. These roles are not meant for such people.”

This episode covers the most talked-about topics in the UPSC world right now:
• UPSC ka sach: is it really the best measure of merit and intelligence?
• IAS ki power: real power vs politicians, status, and optics
• Coaching ka dhanda: what the coaching ecosystem doesn’t tell aspirants
• Reservation vs merit: the debate India keeps fighting
• Attempts & age limit: when should an aspirant move on?
• Mental health during UPSC preparation and public service
• Corruption: “necessary evil” or a dangerous excuse?
• What it means to serve India with real integrity

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Achievements
00:03 The Mental and Emotional Strain of UPSC Preparation
01:49 Career Shift and Motivation
03:19 Challenges and Perseverance
08:34 Disability and Inclusivity
13:00 Professional Experiences and Impact
16:38 Leadership and Systemic Change
20:01 Personal Insights and Reflections
27:06 Embracing Imperfections in Children
28:29 Cultural Richness and Acceptance
29:35 The Exodus of Wealthy Indians
31:53 Corruption in India: A Necessary Evil?
35:07 Inclusivity and Transgender Rights
37:43 Rapid Fire Questions on UPSC
39:21 Mental Health and UPSC Aspirants
42:45 The True Identity of Ira Singhal
43:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you’re a UPSC aspirant, a parent, a student, or simply curious about how India actually runs, this is one conversation you should not miss.

🎧 Watch till the end — Ira’s closing thoughts on fear, power, and service will stay with you.

🎙️ Guest

Ira Singhal (IAS)
UPSC Rank 1 | IAS Officer | Disability Rights Advocate

🎧 Host

Gaurav Arora
Founder, xMonks

📌 Keywords / Topics

UPSC • UPSC 2025 • IAS Officer • Civil Services • UPSC Preparation • UPSC Coaching • UPSC Attempts • UPSC Motivation • Reservation • Merit • Privilege • IAS Power • Bureaucracy vs Politicians • Corruption in India • Mental Health • Disability & Inclusion • Hindi Podcast • Indian Podcast

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on mindset, leadership, society & India

(Weekly episodes on The xMonks Drive Podcast)

🔥 Hashtags

#UPSC #IraSinghal #IAS #UPSC2025 #CivilServices #UPSCPreparation #IASOfficer #UPSCMotivation #HindiPodcast #PodcastIndia #GauravArora

Workplace Sexual Harassment Explained: Forensics, Power, Evidence, False Complaints | Vishal Bhasin

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0530

In this episode of The xMonks Drive Podcast, Gaurav Arora sits down with Vishal Bhasin — a Criminal Profiling & Forensic Psychology professional and one of India’s leading experts on Workplace Sexual Harassment (PoSH Act).

This is a raw, high-impact conversation on how workplace harassment cases actually happen, how they are investigated, how evidence is evaluated, and why power dynamics can completely change outcomes.

If you’ve ever wondered where the line is between “normal behaviour” and harassment, how cases are proven without clear proof, or what really happens inside an Internal Committee inquiry — this episode will change how you see workplaces forever.

✅ In this episode, we cover:
• What counts as Workplace Sexual Harassment in India (PoSH explained)
• How intent vs impact is judged in real workplace cases
• The role of evidence: chats, screenshots, calls, and digital trails
• Why “zero complaints” is not always a good sign
• How power & hierarchy influence workplace behaviour
• False complaints vs unproven complaints (and the real numbers)
• The “court of public opinion” vs what’s legally fair
• Modern workplace boundaries: late-night chats, work friendships & blurred lines
• What companies should do to build truly safe and respectful cultures

This episode is especially relevant for:
✅ Employees
✅ Founders & managers
✅ HR professionals
✅ Internal Committee members
✅ Anyone working in corporate India or startups

🎧 Watch till the end for Vishal’s most practical advice on handling sensitive workplace situations with clarity, fairness, and accountability.

⸻

Guest: Vishal Bhasin

Criminal Profiling | Forensic & Investigative Psychology | Workplace PoSH Expert

Host: Gaurav Arora

Founder, xMonks | The xMonks Drive Podcast

⸻

📌 Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Workplace Harassment
00:37 Meet Vishal Bhasin: India's Leading PoSH Expert
02:24 Case Study: False Allegations and Investigation
11:13 Understanding PoSH Act and Its Implications
15:58 Power Dynamics and Workplace Relationships
29:25 Case Study: Misuse of Power and PoSH Complaint
35:23 Misuse of Power and Its Consequences
37:04 AI and Its Impact on Evidence
37:59 Power Dynamics in Workplace Relationships
41:30 False Complaints and Legal Challenges
43:17 Consensual Relationships and Their Complications
50:02 Forensic Evidence in Harassment Cases
54:15 Psychological Patterns of Predators
56:14 Gender Neutral Policies and Male Victims
01:02:48 Women to Women Harassment Cases
01:05:36 Public Opinion and Organizational Policies

Practical Buddhism for Work & Relationships | Stress, Pressure & Modern Life | Geetanjali Pandit

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0530

In this powerful episode of The xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora sits down with Geetanjali Pandit — former CHRO of the India Today Group, Indian Express, and Zee Media, and bestselling author of Buddha at Work and Buddha in Love — for a deep, honest conversation on Buddhism, work stress, relationships, burnout, leadership, and modern life.

This is not a feel-good spiritual talk.
This is practical Buddhism for people dealing with pressure, toxic work cultures, emotional pain, broken relationships, and inner conflict.

Geetanjali shares her lived experiences from the corporate world, her personal struggles, and how Buddhist wisdom helped her navigate abuse, stress, anger, trauma, leadership challenges, and emotional healing — both at work and in love.

In this episode, we explore:
• How Buddhism applies to modern work life
• Why stress, burnout, and disengagement are rising globally
• What Buddhism says about anger, greed, ignorance, and suffering
• How unresolved issues create toxic workplaces and relationships
• Why leaders struggle with emotional maturity and responsibility
• How to manage work pressure, anxiety, and inner chaos
• What Buddhism really teaches about happiness, pain, and effort
• Why Buddhism matters more at work and in relationships than most people realise

Timestamps
00:00 A Life-Changing Rescue
00:13 Discovering Buddhism and Inner Peace
03:46 The Power of Chanting for Happiness
05:30 Finding Happiness Before Success
06:31 The Importance of Gratitude
15:55 Buddhism's Three Poisons
17:28 Toxicity and Unresolved Issues
21:32 Navigating Office Politics
25:01 Managing Expectations in Relationships
26:13 Understanding Anger and Its Impact
27:09 Insights from 'Just Chill' Show
29:37 Values and Compatibility in Relationships
32:46 Dealing with Disappointment and Expectations
35:07 Belief in Coincidences and Personal Stories
40:54 Levels of Consciousness in Buddhism
48:56 Rapid Fire Round and Final Thoughts

This conversation is especially relevant for:
• Professionals dealing with work stress and burnout
• Leaders and managers navigating people problems
• Anyone struggling with relationships, emotional pain, or inner conflict
• Viewers interested in Buddhism, mindfulness, leadership, and personal growth
• Fans of long-form conversations like The Ranveer Show, Jay Shetty Podcast, Gaur Gopal Das, and BK Shivani

Gurudev Sri Anish Shares a Rare Story of Presence with the Dalai Lama & Modern Leadership

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +0530

In this episode of The xMonks Drive, Gurudev Sri Anish shares a rare, deeply reflective story about meeting the Dalai Lama, and what silence, presence, and inner stillness revealed in that moment.

A former CEO who walked away from the corporate world to spend a decade in deep spiritual practice in the Himalayas, Gurudev Sri Anish speaks candidly about leadership, fulfilment, and why even the most successful people often feel empty inside. Drawing from his personal journey and spiritual insights, he explores how modern ideas of success, ambition, and competition have shaped a generation and what’s missing beneath it all.

This conversation goes beyond motivation and self-help. It touches on:
- What silence teaches that words cannot
- Why achievement without inner stillness leads to burnout
- How the Dalai Lama embodies presence and awareness
- The difference between action and aggression in leadership
- Why fulfilment cannot be outsourced to success, money, or titles

Timestamps
00:00 Meeting the Dalai Lama: A Profound Connection
02:21 Acknowledging Presence: A Deeper Understanding
13:52 The Essence of Consciousness and Spirituality
23:56 The Faulty Template of Modern Life
51:20 The Power of Non-Doing and Inner Stillness
59:05 India's Role and Global Collaboration
01:04:51 Message to the Youth: Building a Better World

Hosted by Gaurav Arora, founder of xMonks, this episode is a slow, thoughtful exploration of consciousness, leadership, and the inner life — especially relevant for founders, leaders, and seekers navigating pressure, purpose, and meaning in today’s world.

🎧 Watch till the end for Gurudev Sri Anish’s message to the youth on purpose, freedom, and living consciously.

Guest: Gurudev Sri Anish
Spiritual Teacher | Leadership Mentor | Founder, Saadho Sangha

Host: Gaurav Arora
Founder, xMonks

🔔 Subscribe for more long-form conversations on leadership, consciousness, and inner growth.
💬 Share your reflections in the comments. What did this conversation stir in you?

Hashtags:
#DalaiLama #GurudevSriAnish #ConsciousLeadership #InnerStillness #ThexMonksDrive

Inside India’s Child Protection System | What Really Happens After a Complaint

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +0530

In this episode, we speak with Vaidehi Subramani, child rights activist, former Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and POCSO trainer, about how child abuse cases are handled in India and how the child protection system actually works.

Drawing from decades of frontline experience, she explains what happens when a child reports abuse — from the first complaint to the system’s response — and why many cases never reach court. The conversation looks closely at child abuse within families, the role of POCSO law and juvenile justice, and the gaps that continue to put children at risk.

The discussion covers:
• What happens in the first 24 hours after a child reports abuse
• Why most abuse cases involve people the child knows
• How Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards function
• Why children are often not believed when they speak up
• Digital abuse and online exploitation of children
• What parents, schools, and institutions need to understand about child safety

This episode offers a clear, grounded look at child protection, law, and accountability in India, intended for parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand the system beyond headlines.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Child Tr*fficking in Delhi
00:50 Meet Vaidehi: The Child Rights Warrior
02:33 Challenges in Child Protection
03:51 Case Study: Afghan Children in Delhi
06:11 Understanding Juvenile Justice
11:19 Rehabilitation and Reintegration
23:28 Factors Leading to Juvenile Crimes
26:18 The Role of Family and Society
32:00 Exploring the Impact of Violent Upbringings
32:52 Digital Fasting Experiment
33:54 Impact of Digital Deprivation on Children
36:38 Parenting Styles and Challenges
39:51 Child Tr*fficking and Exploitation
52:00 Digital Abuse and Its Consequences
59:49 Emotional Reflections and Conclusion

⸻

Guest: Vaidehi Subramani
Child Rights Activist | Former CWC Chairperson | POCSO Trainer

Host: Gaurav Arora
Founder, xMonks

2026 Remedies For Success | Powerful Astrology Solutions You Must Know | ShivaAmit Khanna

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +0530

2026 astrology predictions in Hindi, real Vedic astrology, money, career, rashifal, remedies and the truth about fake astrologers – sab kuch is one deep podcast.

In this special episode of The xMonks Drive Podcast, host Gaurav Arora sits down with celebrity Vedic astrologer ShivaAmit Khanna to decode 2026 through real astrology, not fear-based drama.

✅ What you’ll learn in this episode:
•2026 astrology predictions for all 12 zodiac signs (money, career, direction)
•The difference between real Vedic astrology vs fake astrology on social media
•2026 rashifal explained in simple language
•Astrology remedies for 2026 success – money, work, stability, inner peace
•How to know if your astrologer is lying or guessing
•Why just sun-sign horoscopes are not enough & how moon sign / lagna matter

If you’ve ever searched “2026 astrology predictions”, “2026 rashifal”, “real astrology vs fake”, “astrology remedies for money and career” – this conversation will help you understand astrology properly and use it in a practical way.

⭐ About ShivaAmit Khanna
ShivaAmit Khanna is one of India’s most sought-after Vedic astrologers, guiding celebrities, business leaders and thousands of people worldwide with his accurate predictions and practical remedies. In this episode, he breaks down 2026 with honesty, clarity and deep spiritual insight.

🎧 About The xMonks Drive Podcast
Hosted by Gaurav Arora, The xMonks Drive explores coaching, spirituality, psychology and leadership with some of the most insightful teachers, mystics and thinkers from India and around the world.

🔔 If this episode helps you:
•Like the video
•Comment your rāshi / zodiac sign and what hit you most
•Share it with someone who keeps watching random 2026 prediction videos 🙂
•Subscribe for more real conversations on astrology, spirituality and inner growth

Hashtags:
#2026Astrology #Rashifal2026 #VedicAstrology #AstrologyPodcast #FakeAstrologers #RealAstrology #ShivaAmitKhanna #xMonksDrive #GauravArora #HindiPodcast

Sex Anxiety Is Ruining Your Intimacy – Overthinking, Fear, ED & Performance Issues ft. Aashita Khanna

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +0530

In this powerful and deeply insightful conversation, we sit down with Aashita Khanna — RCI-licensed Clinical Psychologist, AASECT-trained Sex Therapist, and Founder of Kama Health India — to break down the truth about sex, intimacy, desire, anxiety, emotional safety, performance pressure, and modern relationships.

If you’ve ever struggled with low desire, sex anxiety, shame, porn pressure, relationship stress, communication issues, confidence in bed, or a disconnect with your partner, this episode will help you understand why it happens and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Aashita brings science-backed explanations, real therapy-room insights, and practical tools to help individuals and couples rebuild intimacy, heal emotional wounds, and create healthier, more fulfilling sexual and relational lives.
This is one of the most important conversations on intimacy, mental health, and the psychology of connection you will hear in India.

🔥 Topics Covered in This Episode
- Why so many people in India struggle with intimacy and sexual confidence
- Sex anxiety, overthinking, performance pressure & emotional blocks
- Porn vs real intimacy — its impact on desire, expectations & connection
- Sexless marriages & desire mismatch
- How to rebuild physical intimacy after cheating or betrayal
- Women’s sexual health: pain, fear, vaginismus, shame & body image
- Men’s issues: ED, low libido, stress, masculinity & identity
- Why Gen Z is “open” online but anxious in real life
- The role of communication in emotional and sexual closeness
- How hormones, stress, lifestyle and mental health affect desire
- Emotional safety, trust & connection in long-term relationships
- What a healthy sexual relationship really looks like
- How couples can build intimacy without pressure or fear

🧠 About Aashita Khanna

Aashita is a leading voice in India on intimacy, pleasure, sex anxiety and relationship wellbeing.
Through Kama Health India, she helps people move from shame and silence to understanding, healing, and deeper connection.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/aashitakhanna
Kama Health India: https://www.kamahealthindia.com

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 Introduction: The Biological Perspective on Monogamy
00:04 Historical Context: Ancient Practices and Societal Constructs
00:27 Case Study: Struggles with Conception
00:48 Meet Aashita Khanna: A New Age Sex Therapist
01:04 The Orgasm Gap and Its Implications
01:16 Podcast Discussion: Defining Cheating
01:34 Sexual Health Issues: Common Problems and Misconceptions
03:55 The Importance of Sex Education
06:48 Personal Journey: Discovering the Importance of Sexual Health
08:44 Techniques and Approaches in Therapy
11:58 Porn Consumption: Impact on Intimacy
15:26 Weaponizing Sex: Unhealthy Dynamics in Relationships
17:04 Legal Cases: Divorce Due to Sexual Dissatisfaction
20:11 Psychological Causes of ED
20:22 Defining Cheating in Relationships
21:09 Emotional, Physical, and Digital Cheating
23:13 Betrayal Trauma and Its Impact
23:34 Early Signs of Cheating
24:34 Dealing with Betrayal Trauma
28:56 Open Relationships and Societal Constructs
33:42 Sexual Health Issues in Women
36:24 Improving Sexual Life: Tips and Guidance
37:45 Conclusion and Resources

Untold Ramayana | Hidden Wisdom from Ram, Lakshman & Hanuman (ft. Srini Katta)

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Ramayana is trending again — Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir is complete, and India is watching.
But beyond the politics, what ancient truths still matter today?
Gaurav Arora sits down with Srini Katta to explore what the epic really means in 2025.

In this special conversation, Gaurav Arora meets Srini Katta — AI innovator, yoga teacher, and author of Brothers in Arms: The Ramayana Retold — to unpack the Ramayana’s untold leadership lessons.

From Hanuman’s loyalty to Rama’s dharma, and from Ayodhya’s temple to your inner life, this is the Ramayana like you’ve never heard it before.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:
• Hidden truths behind the Ramayana’s most iconic moments
• What Ram, Lakshman & Hanuman teach us about loyalty and leadership
• Why the Ram Mandir matters in 2025 — culturally, spiritually, symbolically
• How ancient epics still shape modern India and our personal choices
• What startup founders and seekers alike can learn from the vanaras

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context
00:48 The Symbolism of Rama and Lakshmana
01:11 Hanuman's Role in the Epic
01:41 Guest Introduction and Personal Journey
02:49 Teaching Ramayana to the Next Generation
07:24 The Wisdom of Ancient Sages
13:23 Modern Relevance of Ramayana
20:00 The Brotherhood of Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman
22:50 Lessons from the Monkey Army
25:30 The Curse and Redemption of Kabandha
25:52 Rama and Lakshmana's Encounter with Kabandha
27:40 The Importance of Faith and Determination
31:10 Religion vs. Spirituality
33:08 Rama's Inclusive Leadership
36:54 Ravana: The Complex Antagonist
46:22 Lessons from Hanuman's Journey
49:42 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

📱 Follow Srini Katta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srinikatta/

📚 Get the book: Brothers in Arms: The Ramayana Retold by Srini Katta
https://www.amazon.in/Rama-Lakshmana-Hanuman-Brothers-Arms/dp/9694992567

🎧 Subscribe for more deep-dive episodes on spirituality, purpose & India’s wisdom traditions

👥 Watch if you’re curious about: Ram Mandir 2025 | Hanuman | Dharma | Sanatan | Indian Epics | Mythology & Modern Life

🏷 Hashtags:

#RamMandir #Ayodhya #Ramayana #Hanuman #SriniKatta #GauravArora #RamLakshmanHanuman #Ramayana2025 #SanatanDharma #HanumanBhakt #ModernRamayana #SpiritualPodcast #IndianMythology #DharmaTalk #Bhakti #LeadershipLessons #MythologyMeetsModernity #RamayanaExplained #Ramcharitmanas #RamayanKiKahani #HinduWisdom #AncientIndia #StartupWisdom #BrothersInArms #AyodhyaTemple #IndianSpirituality #MythologyReimagined #HanumanWisdom #PodcastIndia #xMonksDrive

How to Make Your Voice Deeper & More Manly | Simple Tips to Sound Powerful

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Unlock a deeper, stronger, more powerful voice with Paran Thakur — India’s leading voice coach trusted by creators, leaders, performers and professionals. In this conversation, Paran explains real techniques, practical exercises, breathing methods and simple daily habits anyone can use to improve their voice fast.

Whether you want a deeper voice, a manlier tone, better voice modulation, or you simply want to stop sounding weak, this episode gives you everything you need to start transforming your voice in just a few minutes a day.

What you’ll learn:
– How to get a deeper voice naturally
– Simple daily exercises to improve your voice
– How to speak with confidence and authority
– Fixing high-pitched or thin voices
– Breathing techniques for a powerful tone
– Voice modulation tips used by actors and public speakers
– How celebrities transformed their voices
– Common voice mistakes and how to correct them

Perfect for:
Anyone who wants a deeper voice, clearer speech, higher confidence or a stronger presence — students, professionals, creators, podcasters, aspiring actors and public speakers.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Voice Issues
00:45 Meet the Voice Coach: Paran Thakur
02:00 The Power of Your Voice
04:21 Breathing Techniques for Better Voice
07:31 Common Vocal Habits and How to Fix Them
15:01 Practical Exercises for Voice Improvement
19:22 Personal Stories and Overcoming Challenges
29:02 The Impact of Voice on Personality
29:45 Finding Neutral Ears for Vocal Experimentation
30:15 Celebrities and Their Voice Transformations
31:37 Advice for Cricketers and Public Figures
32:03 Voice Training for Young Adults
34:23 The Importance of Posture and Breathing
36:30 Exercises to Improve Vocal Quality
38:33 The Role of Emotions in Voice Modulation
46:25 Voice Coaches and Their Influence
52:14 Voiceover Industry Insights
54:38 Memorable Moments in Cricket Commentary

🎙 Subscribe for more conversations that help you think better, speak better and grow better.

From Delhi Gym to 5 Mr. Olympia Medals: The Legendary Bhupender Dhawan Interview

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0530

India’s legendary coach Bhupender Dhawan on mindset, steroids, and building 63 champions & 5 Mr. Olympia medals.

Bhupender Dhawan, India’s legendary Dronacharya Award and Hall of Fame coach, opens up about the mindset, discipline, and training philosophy that built 63 international champions and brought home 5 Mr. Olympia (Pro Powerlifting) medals for India.

In this powerful conversation with Gaurav Kapoor, Guru Ji shares lessons on mindset, steroids, natural bodybuilding, supplements, and the evolution of Indian bodybuilding from the 1990s to 2025.

Who is Bhupender Dhawan?
He’s India’s No. 1 Bodybuilding & Powerlifting Guru Ji — national coach (1994–2019), recipient of the Dronacharya Award (2000), and member of the World Powerlifting Union & British Powerlifting Federation Hall of Fame (2017).

His students include India’s best:
🏅 Mukesh Singh Gehlot — Gold (2017) & Bronze (2018) at Mr. Olympia Pro Powerlifting
🏅 Ritesh Dogra — 2 Gold & 1 Silver at Pro Olympia Powerlifting (Florida)
🏅 Surender Singh — Multiple international titles under his mentorship

⸻

💪 What You’ll Learn
• How India’s champions were built from local gyms
• Truth about steroids vs natural training
• Supplements for beginners, corporate professionals & athletes
• The discipline & psychology behind elite bodybuilding
• How bodybuilding in India has changed since the 1990s
• Bhupender Dhawan’s journey from coach to legacy builder

⸻

🕒 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the 90-Day Body Transformation
01:38 Meet the Legendary Coach Bhupender Dhawan
01:59 The Journey of Becoming a National Coach
03:26 The Process of Becoming a Champion
10:58 The Role of Genetics and Hard Work
13:53 The Debate on Steroids and Supplements
22:33 The Importance of Mental and Physical Discipline
43:26 The Realities of Bodybuilding and Sponsorship
49:18 Online Coaching and Its Challenges
57:19 Success, Failure, and Life Lessons
01:09:25 Final Words of Wisdom

⸻

👉 Subscribe for more soulful, expert-led conversations on fitness, mindset, and human potential.

#BhupenderDhawan #MrOlympia #IndianBodybuilding #PowerliftingIndia #FitnessIndia #MukeshSinghGehlot #RiteshDogra #GuruJi #BodybuildingMotivation #DronacharyaAward #GauravArora #GymIndia #xMonks #PodcastIndia #Discipline #Legacy #Strength #Health #Motivation #GymLife #IndianFitness

Elon Musk vs Ratan Tata | Who’s the Better Leader?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Two leaders. Two worlds.
Elon Musk leads with fire, speed, and relentless ambition.
Ratan Tata led with empathy, integrity, and purpose.

In this soulful episode, Gaurav Arora sits down with leadership coaches Nirupama Subramanian and Rajesh Ramakrishnan — a couple who’ve spent decades helping CEOs, founders, and changemakers balance performance with purpose and power with compassion.

Together, they explore:
⚡ How Elon’s hustle culture contrasts with Tata’s human-centred leadership.
💡 What India’s next generation of leaders can learn from both.
❤ Why kindness, clarity, and courage might just be the new definition of strength.

00:00 Introduction to Elon Musk
00:28 The High Performance Zone
00:47 Meet the Leadership Coaches
01:16 Elon Musk's Leadership Style
02:27 The Dangers of Extreme Ambition
09:16 Balancing Ambition with Compassion
13:17 The Importance of Recovery
14:40 Personal Growth and Empowerment
17:35 Case Studies in Leadership
20:50 The Problem Solver's Dilemma
22:05 Introducing the Nurturing Quotient (NQ)
23:43 The Four Qualities of Nurturing Leadership
24:42 The Leader as a Gardener
26:10 Comparing Leadership Styles: Tata vs. Musk
31:20 Advice for Startup Founders
34:58 Balancing Leadership and Personal Well-being
37:34 Building Nurturing Habits
40:16 Final Thoughts on Nurturing Leadership

This is more than a conversation about two icons — it’s a mirror for every leader, entrepreneur, and dreamer asking a simple question:

Can you change the world without losing your soul?

🎧 Watch now and discover the future of leadership.

#ElonMusk #RatanTata #Leadership

Do People Laugh at Your English? Watch This Before You Speak Again

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Speak English with confidence — anywhere.
In this episode of xMonks Drive, communication expert Reshu Sharma (ex-Ogilvy, Red Bull, 140k+ followers) reveals 3 simple, proven tricks to help you speak English without fear, whether it’s a job interview, meeting, or everyday conversation.

If people laugh at your English, or you’ve ever frozen mid-sentence, this conversation will change that. Learn how to think clearly, speak confidently, and express yourself — in any language.

What You’ll Learn:
• Confidence matters more than perfect grammar.
• How to stay calm in interviews & meetings.
• The practice method used by great communicators.
• How to speak up — even when scared.

About Reshu:
Started working at 15. Worked with Ogilvy and Red Bull before becoming one of India’s leading voices on communication and storytelling. Author of No Passion — a book about creating passion through action.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Listening and Speaking
00:18 The Power of Shadowing
01:23 Overcoming the Fear of English Speaking
02:21 Building Self-Confidence
03:05 Practical Tips for Public Speaking
04:44 The Importance of Listening
07:46 Job Interview Strategies
13:47 Handling Toxic Work Environments
18:44 The Importance of Listening in Communication
19:53 Empathy and Selfishness in Human Nature
22:10 Building Genuine Relationships in Corporate Culture
23:39 The Role of Siblings in Our Lives
24:57 Journey as an Entrepreneur
29:47 Understanding Passion and Energy
31:38 Tips for Making Money Online
36:50 Final Thoughts and Advice

#SpeakEnglish #EnglishConfidence #CommunicationSkills #xMonksDrive

Shreya Sharma on Falling for Gaurav Kapoor, Money & Making it on Her Own

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +0530

From viral vlogs to real-life battles — Shreya Sharma finally tells her side.

In this episode of xMonks Drive, Shreya Sharma, founder of Label Shreya Sharma and wife of stand-up comedian Gaurav Kapoor, opens up about love, marriage, IVF, endometriosis, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and what it really means to live life beyond the spotlight.

From meeting Gaurav Kapoor as her junior at work to navigating an emotional IVF journey and building her own sustainable fashion label, Shreya shares her truth with Gaurav Arora in an unfiltered, funny, and deeply human conversation.

🎙️ Topics covered: IVF journey, egg freezing, endometriosis awareness, Indian marriage and gender roles, creator life, vlogging, motherhood, identity, mental health, and balancing career with family.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Impressions
00:22 Office Romance and Career Beginnings
00:43 IVF Journey and Motherhood
01:34 Balancing Career and Motherhood
02:59 Naming the Baby and Emotional Moments
06:47 Challenges and Decisions in IVF
17:58 Becoming a Content Creator
20:57 Dealing with Trolling and Public Criticism
23:40 Entrepreneurial Aspirations
26:04 Diverse Career Background
26:39 Entrepreneurial Journey
28:18 Office Romance
29:43 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
34:33 Managing Power Dynamics
37:34 Gaurav's Personality and Generosity
42:27 Content Creation and Public Perception
48:21 Future Plans and Motherhood
50:51 Concluding Thoughts

💫 Keywords: Shreya Sharma, Gaurav Kapoor, Label Shreya Sharma, xMonks Drive podcast, Gaurav Arora, Indian podcast, IVF story, infertility awareness, entrepreneurship, Indian women in business, motherhood journey, endometriosis India, vlogs comeback, YouTube India, love story, modern marriage, creator couple.

#ShreyaSharma #GauravKapoor #xMonksDrive #GauravArora #IVFJourney #Endometriosis #IndianPodcast #LoveStory #Entrepreneurship #Vlogs #CreatorLife #Marriage #Motherhood #LabelShreyaSharma

Fragrance Entrepreneurs: The 'Pure' Ritual That's Slowly Poisoning Us

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Tara & Adheer — founders of Nytarra — reveal the hidden truth about agarbattis, perfumes, and room fresheners in Indian homes. What are we really breathing in every day?

From agarbattis and room fresheners to perfumes and sprays, this episode exposes what most of us never question: how “clean smell” often hides VOCs, toxins, and mood-altering chemicals. They unpack the science of scent — how it connects to the limbic system, shapes how we feel, and how simple, natural swaps can protect your space without giving up the rituals you love.

What you’ll learn:
• Why smell shapes your emotions and memory more than you realize
• The surprising facts about incense, air fresheners, and perfume
• How to spot red flags on product labels
• Simple, clean alternatives that still honour ritual and culture

Chapters:
00:00 The Hidden Dangers of Common Household Products
00:40 Meet the Founders of Nytarra: Tara and Adheer
00:58 Understanding Aromatherapy and Its Benefits
01:48 The Journey of Creating Nytarra
03:10 The Science Behind Aromatherapy
04:17 Personal Stories and Experiences with Aromatherapy
09:15 DIY Aromatherapy Tips and Tricks
17:16 The Role of Nytarra During Life's Challenges
19:45 Daily Rituals for a Balanced Life
20:56 Yoga and Morning Routine
22:15 Harmful Household Products
25:43 Natural Alternatives and Traditions
30:57 Business Challenges and Growth
32:15 Empowering Women Through Employment
33:29 Balancing Business and Personal Life
36:04 Rapid Fire Questions
38:02 Future Goals and Vision

About the guests:
Tara & Adheer are the husband–wife founders of Nytarra, an Indian clean-fragrance and aromatherapy brand blending science, sustainability, and soul.

Join the conversation:
What scents do you use at home — and will you still see them the same way after this? Drop your thoughts below 👇

#Agarbatti #Perfume #RoomFreshener #Aromatherapy #CleanFragrance #IndoorAirQuality #Wellness #IndianHomes

WIN YOUR INNER WAR — Bhagavad Gita’s Mind Mastery Lessons ft. Prithviraaj Shetty

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0530

The Bhagavad Gita is more than scripture — it’s a timeless playbook for mastering your mind and winning your inner battles.

In this episode of The xMonks Drive Podcast, host Gaurav Arora sits down with Prithviraaj Shetty — a young entrepreneur, founder of Bhagavad Gita For All (BGFA), and faith-tech innovator who left behind a career path from Imperial College London and Columbia University to bring spiritual wisdom into the digital age.

From his collaborations with Suniel Shetty and Vidyut Jammwal, to his mission of making the Gita accessible for Gen Z and modern professionals, Prithviraaj shares stories, struggles, and shlokas that show why the mind is our greatest friend — or our worst enemy.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How the Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom applies to the 21st century
• Practical tools to master your mind and overcome self-sabotage
• The difference between discipline, detachment & duty in daily life
• Why technology could be the next frontier for spirituality
• One shloka that can change your life forever

🕒 Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bhagavad Gita and Spirituality
00:40 Meet Prithviraaj Shetty: The Visionary Behind Bhagavad Gita for All
00:55 The Pursuit of Wealth vs. Inner Peace
01:47 Understanding the Mind and Senses
03:58 The Real and Unreal: Spiritual Discernment
05:40 The Importance of Spiritual Growth
06:52 Challenges and Transformations in Life
12:27 The Movement of Bhagavad Gita for All
15:24 Commercializing Spiritual Wisdom
23:52 Collaborations with Bollywood Icons
29:55 Introduction to the Inspirational Figure
31:33 Corporate Leadership Insights
35:50 Finding Your Calling and Identity
39:29 The Importance of Duty and Karma
41:51 Navigating Suffering and Detachment
47:33 The Role of Self-Regulation
51:11 Brand Ambassadors and Their Impact
57:18 Engaging with Krishna Through AI
01:00:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

⸻

📲 Connect
• Follow BGFA:
Website: https://www.bhagavadgitaforall.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopaywPTBrC2xNRawUMQM3tRoKCQlnZHPpRMrgBvrFydDMWxwHy4

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhagavadgitaforall_/?hl=en

⸻

🔖 Hashtags

#BhagavadGita #MindMastery #Spirituality #FaithTech #xMonksDrive #Podcast #BhagavadGeeta #GitaExplained

Beyond Money: Dalai Lama’s Secret to True Wealth | Dinesh Chandra, Transformational Coach

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Dalai Lama’s timeless wisdom meets real-world leadership in this conversation with Dinesh Chandra, transformational coach and co-founder of the Global Wellbeing Network.

🌟 What’s inside:
– The secret to true wealth beyond money and ego
– How to find purpose in life and expand your circle of compassion
– Lessons on leadership, wellbeing and success for today’s fast-paced world

Gaurav Arora and Dinesh Chandra explore how spirituality and modern leadership can come together to create happier people and stronger organizations.

👉 Watch till the end for insights on grace, gratitude and building a life of meaning.

Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Compassion and Influences
00:53 Exploring True Wealth
01:47 Conversations with the Dalai Lama
04:15 Defining Intangible Wealth
09:50 Personal Challenges and Transformations
14:30 Leadership and Wellbeing
24:08 The Impact of AI on Organizational Dynamics
24:42 Creating a Learning Organization Culture
25:12 Intergenerational Respect and Collaboration
26:06 Leadership and Wellbeing Initiatives
27:54 Measuring Organizational Health
28:30 Balancing Work Hours and Productivity
30:25 Shifts in Mindset and Purpose
31:39 Global Perspectives on Leadership
34:35 Empowerment and Responsibility
40:18 Environmental Leadership and Initiatives
41:50 Recommended Reads for Leaders
42:57 Timeless Wisdom for Career Success
44:27 Self-Care and Personal Wellbeing
45:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#DalaiLama #PurposeOfLife #TrueWealth #Leadership #InnerPeace #Mindfulness #SpiritualLeadership #Happiness #PodcastIndia

Heal Without Years of Therapy | Dr John Demartini Breaks It Down

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0530

You’ve been told healing takes years. What if that’s not true?

In this rare, no-fluff conversation, Dr. John Demartini sits down with Gaurav Arora to unravel the myth of long, painful healing — and reveal how true transformation happens when you learn to see both sides of your story.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:
- Why most people get stuck in their past (and how to get out)
- How to break free from limiting beliefs you didn’t even know you had
- The neuroscience of memory vs. emory — and what it means for trauma
- How to access working wisdom in real-time
- The secret to becoming fully present — without bypassing pain

✨ This isn’t therapy. It’s truth. Delivered with compassion, presence, and power.

⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:06 Welcoming Dr. John Demartini
01:51 Defining Wisdom and Conscious Awareness
05:41 Traits of the Truly Wise
08:14 Methodologies for Presence and Certainty
08:49 Balancing Perceptions and Homeostasis
10:08 A Powerful Story of Trauma and Ecstasy
19:03 Reclaiming Power and Self-Worth
22:48 Challenging Beliefs About Money and Generosity
29:09 Exploring Discernment and Unconditional Love
29:46 The Unity of Opposites and Enlightenment
34:12 Moral Hypocrisies and Social Conditioning
37:40 Transcending Moral Structures
40:28 Universal Laws and the Unity of Opposites
46:51 Grief, Loss, and the Concept of Dispersion
51:04 The Illusion of Gain and Loss

👇 Like this? Here’s what to do next:
✅ Subscribe for weekly wisdom with Gaurav Arora
✅ Comment: What’s one belief you’re ready to let go of?
✅ Share this with someone who’s still carrying their past

West Stole Ayurveda & Sold It Back | Dr. Partap Chauhan Explains

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0530

They stole our science and sold it back.
For centuries, India’s 5,000-year Ayurvedic wisdom was suppressed, repackaged, and marketed back to us as “new wellness trends.”

In this explosive episode, Dr. Partap Chauhan — Founder & Director of Jiva Ayurveda — sits down with Gaurav Arora to reveal how it happened and how Ayurveda is reclaiming its place as the world’s most powerful healing system.

🔥 What you’ll discover
• How colonial rules tried to kill Ayurveda
• Why 90% of physical illness starts in the mind
• 3 foods Ayurveda says to ban from every Indian kitchen
• How modern medicine and Ayurveda can work together

🌿 Ayurveda isn’t just herbs. It’s a science of body, mind and soul — and its comeback could change how India (and the world) heals.

👉 Join the Ayurveda revival
Comment what shocked you most, share this with friends, and subscribe for more deep Indian wisdom and modern healing science.

#Ayurveda #IndianWisdom #Health #MindBody #AncientScience

How PEE Safe’s Founder Broke Taboos & Won Gen Z | Vikas Bagaria

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0530

What does it take to build a brand in a space most people don’t even want to talk about?

In this episode, we sit down with Vikas Bagaria, Founder of PEE Safe, to uncover how he turned conversations around intimate hygiene, menstruation, and sexual wellness into one of India’s boldest startup stories. From puberty to menopause, PEE Safe has challenged stigma, sparked awareness, and created a movement that resonates with Gen Z and young entrepreneurs alike.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The story of how PEE Safe started
- How taboos were turned into a thriving business opportunity
- The challenges of building a sexual wellness & hygiene brand in India
- Why Gen Z is the driving force behind new-age wellness startups
- Vikas Bagaria’s lessons as a founder and entrepreneur

Whether you’re curious about startup journeys, taboo marketing, or women’s wellness, this episode gives you rare insights into how a brand can break shackles and win over an entire generation.

If you enjoy conversations with India’s leading entrepreneurs and changemakers, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more.

Shai Tubali on Dissolving the Self, the Flexible Mind, and the Bliss of Not Knowing

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0530

What if transformation begins with forgetting everything you know?

In this soul-opening episode of The xMonks Drive, host Gaurav Arora is joined by Dr. Shai Tubali—consciousness researcher, philosopher, and creator of the Expansion Method—to explore why self-improvement is the biggest obstacle to awakening.

At 23, Shai experienced a spontaneous shift into a year of pure bliss, laughter, silence, and universal love—triggered not by effort, but by the realization that his "self" was an illusion.

Together, they explore:

Why self-help often strengthens the very illusion we need to dissolve
How deep questioning and mystical negation can expand consciousness
The neuroscience behind why our brains resist truth—and how to outwit them
How to recognize whether you’re operating from cosmic flow or ego’s shadow
The role of spiritual ego, charisma, and capitalism in modern "enlightenment"
What it means to live as an expression of the universe—not the self

This episode isn’t self-help. It’s self-disillusionment, insight, and surrender. With roots in Upanishadic wisdom, Socratic dialogue, and consciousness studies, Shai’s words offer a path for those seeking not improvement—but liberation.

🎧 If you’ve ever felt that life’s answers lie in the space beyond identity, attachment, or knowing—this one’s for you.

Most Yoga Gurus Are Faking It | Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu, PhD in Yogic Science

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Yoga isn’t a pose. It’s a mirror. And what it shows you…can break you.

In this hard-htting conversation, Himalayan yoga master Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu joins Gaurav Arora to expose how Instagram trends, fake gurus, and modern distractions have stripped yoga of its true purpose.

🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:

The 5 pillars of Akhanda Yoga
How real yoga begins where the ego ends
A Hollywood actor who broke down in silence at an Indian ashram
Why men struggle with grief — and how yoga confronts it
The truth about junk food, screen addiction & spiritual decay
And how to begin your journey toward ancestral healing

🔔 Hit subscribe if you’re ready to explore yoga as it was meant to be — raw, real, and transformative.

🔍 Hashtags:

#YogaPhilosophy #RealYoga #IndianSpirituality #YogrishiVishvketu #YogaInIndia #SpiritualAwakening #AkhandaYoga #YogaBeyondAsanas #InnerWork

The Soul of Leadership: Trauma-Informed Wisdom with Amy Elizabeth Fox

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0530

What if leadership wasn’t about achieving more — but about becoming more whole?

In this profound conversation, Amy Elizabeth Fox — CEO of Mobius Executive Leadership and a pioneer in trauma-informed leadership — joins Gaurav Arora to explore the deep inner work behind wisdom, maturity, and soulful service.

Together, they unpack:

What trauma-informed leadership truly means
Why soul maturity is the real currency of transformation
How to listen for your true calling, beyond purpose and success
The connection between inner healing, spiritual intelligence, and organizational vitality

Amy speaks from lived experience — from cancer in her 20s to decades of guiding senior leaders — and reveals how love, discernment, and devotional practice fuel truly regenerative leadership.

Whether you’re a coach, founder, healer, or executive seeking more than just performance — this episode will feel like coming home.

🎧 Listen to discover how wisdom is not taught — it’s remembered.

Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor: Why No One Can Break India | India, Pakistan, China

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd.), former Commandant of the National Defence Academy and decorated Indian Air Force veteran, sits down with Gaurav Arora on The xMonks Drive for a no-filter Independence Day special.

🔥 In this powerful conversation, he shares:

Why India is the land of gods and one of the greatest civilizations.
The truth about Pakistan, China, and why our neighbors always try to keep India down.
How the world has looted us, but why India will rise again.
The real battle every Indian must fight — not outside, but inside our own mind.
His message to every Indian: “We were the best, we are the best, and we will be the best.”

👉 If you love India, don’t miss this.

👉 Share this with every Indian at home and abroad.

💬 Drop a Jai Hind in the comments if you believe in India’s strength.

#India #JaiHind #IndependenceDay #AirMarshalSanjeevKapoor #IndianAirForce #NDA #Pakistan #China #IndiaVsPakistan

Feminism, Loneliness & Why Indian Men Are in Crisis | Dr. Shubham Vatsya

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Gold-medal gastroenterologist and Fortis senior consultant, Dr. Shubham Vatsya, speaks openly about the silent crisis facing Indian men.

From feminism being hijacked by capitalism to male loneliness, rising suicide rates, and the health costs no one talks about, this is a conversation India needs to hear.

In this episode with Gaurav Arora, you’ll learn:
– How feminism is being sold like cigarettes and alcohol
– Why male loneliness is skyrocketing in India
– The mental health cost of modern relationships
– The hidden impact of porn consumption
– Why society ignores its men

#Feminism #Loneliness #IndianMen #MentalHealth

📲 Share this with someone who needs to hear it.
🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on health, leadership & emotional growth.

Mystic Sonia: Past Life, Tarot & Akashic Expert on How Your Past Shapes Today

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +0530

What if the struggles you face today started in another lifetime?

In this eye-opening episode, Mystic Sonia: a trusted expert in Past Life Regression, Tarot, and Akashic Records, sits down with Gaurav Arora to uncover how your soul’s past journeys shape your present life, relationships, and even your health.

You’ll learn:
- How Past Life Regression reveals hidden traumas and patterns you didn’t know existed
- The real difference between Akashic Records and PLR and when to use each
- Why tarot cards work like “prompt engineering” for your soul
- How your first trauma begins at birth and how to heal it
- The three types of relationships your soul chooses before you’re born

Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or already on a spiritual path, this conversation will make you rethink everything you know about karma, healing, and the choices your soul makes.

🔗 Follow Mystic Sonia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammysticsonia/
Website: https://mysticsonia.com/

📲 Share this with someone who needs to hear it.
🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on health, leadership & emotional growth.

Why So Many Young Indians Face Burnout & Heart Attacks | Hormone Coach Poornima Peri

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 23:00:00 +0530

Why are so many young Indians facing early heart attacks, constant fatigue, and anxiety even in their 20s and 30s?

In this powerful episode of The xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora sits down with hormonal health coach Poornima Peri to uncover the hidden force driving India’s burnout crisis: cortisol, the stress hormone.

From untimely heart attacks to sleep disorders, PCOS, weight gain, and emotional breakdowns, this conversation reveals how unresolved stress, work culture, and lifestyle habits are silently damaging our bodies.

🔴 Don’t miss this if you:
- Feel tired all the time
- Struggle with sleep or anxiety
- Want to understand your body better
- Are dealing with PCOS, thyroid, or burnout

Watch now to learn how to reset your health, starting with your hormones.

🎙️ Guest: Poornima Peri, Author of The Hormone Reset, Hormonal Health Coach
🎧 Host: Gaurav Arora | Founder, xMonks

💬 Drop a comment if you’ve ever felt burnout, brain fog, or unexplained fatigue.
📲 Share this with someone who needs to hear it.
🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on health, leadership & emotional growth.

Why Do Relationships Fail? | Psychologist Mansi Kothari Breaks It Down

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Why do modern relationships feel so fragile?
Why do we fall for people who hurt us and keep going back?
And what really causes emotional disconnect between partners?

In this eye-opening conversation, psychologist, therapist, and TEDx speaker Mansi Kothari joins Gaurav Arora on the xMonks Drive Podcast to break down the real reasons why so many relationships fail and how we can change the patterns we repeat.

🔍 What you’ll hear in this episode:

Why emotional pain can feel addictive in love
The psychology behind cheating and emotional betrayal
How reels and social media are replacing honest communication
The truth about sexual compatibility in Indian relationships
How childhood wounds shape adult dynamics
And why self-awareness is the first step to healing

Whether you're single, in a relationship, married, or just navigating modern love, this episode offers insight, relief, and a whole lot of truth.

🎧 Watch the full episode now and start rethinking the way we love.

🧠 About Mansi Kothari:

🌻 Psychologist | Therapist | Relationship Coach
🌈 Life & Leadership Coach | TEDx Speaker
🎓 Corporate Trainer with years of experience in emotional wellness and trauma healing

Losing Vision, Losing Trust: Dr. Neeraj Sanduja on India’s Eye Crisis & Screen Addiction

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0530

Half of India could need glasses by 2050.
Vision loss is rising fast, and no one’s paying attention. In this powerful episode of xMonks Drive, Dr. Neeraj Sanduja reveals how screen addiction, childhood myopia, and commercialised healthcare are quietly harming India’s eyes and our trust in medicine itself.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:
- Why screen time is damaging your eyesight
- How schools and smartphones are driving myopia
- What it takes to rebuild trust between doctor and patient
- When treatment becomes business instead of care
- Simple tips to protect your eyes today

👨‍⚕️ About Dr. Neeraj Sanduja:
Dr. Sanduja is one of India’s top retina surgeons, with 25+ years of experience. He’s the founder of Viaan Eye & Retina Centre and has performed thousands of successful eye surgeries. His work spans both medical innovation and human connection.

#IndiaEyeCrisis #MyopiaInKids #DigitalEyeStrain #DoctorTrust #HealthcareIndia #xMonksDrive #DrNeerajSanduja #ScreenAddiction #VisionLoss #RetinaSpecialist #EyeCareIndia #GauravAroraPodcast

Who’s Really Running the World? | Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor EXPOSES Global Power Politics

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0530

Wars don’t just happen. They’re planned.
Crises aren’t random. They’re designed.
In this explosive conversation, Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor reveals how global power is played like a rigged game, and who’s winning.

Who’s really in charge of the chaos we see across the world?
From America’s foreign policy games to the IMF’s Pakistan bailouts, from Trump’s psychology to Israel’s influence, this conversation connects the dots no one wants to talk about.

🎙️ In this episode with Gaurav Arora, we explore:
🔹 Is the USA the mastermind behind global instability?
🔹 Why does the IMF keep saving Pakistan despite terror links?
🔹 What’s the truth behind America–Israel ties?
🔹 Who controls the global narrative — and why is India sidelined?
🔹 How do media, war, soft power & manipulation intersect?

🎖️ About the Guest:
Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor has led India’s air defence, commanded elite air bases, trained generations at NDA, and witnessed the geopolitics of power from the inside.

🧠 Subscribe for more raw, fearless conversations with India’s top thinkers, strategists, and warriors.

If this episode makes you uncomfortable, good.
That means it’s working.
Don’t just scroll. Share it. Talk about it.

The Real Hero of Kargil | Yogendra Singh Yadav's Untold Tiger Hill Story

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 21:00:00 +0530

26 Years Since Kargil. One soldier’s story still echoes on Tiger Hill.

In this gripping xMonks Drive episode, Param Vir Chakra awardee Yogendra Singh Yadav, the youngest ever to receive India’s highest gallantry award, shares the unbelievable true story of surviving the assault on Tiger Hill during the 1999 Kargil War.

🪖 7 Indian soldiers. 150 enemies.

Shot multiple times, left for dead, and yet, he returned.

In this never-before-heard conversation with Gaurav Arora, Yogendra Ji speaks from the heart about:

The night of Tiger Hill
His honest take on the Agniveer scheme
The unforgettable moment on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC)
And what it truly means to be a fauj ka sipahi

🎙️ This episode is in Hindi.

#KargilWar #TigerHill #ParamVirChakra #YogendraSinghYadav #IndianArmy #xMonksDrive #HindiPodcast #KargilDiwas #IndianArmyHero

MMA vs Real Street Fights — Shaolin Master Shifu Kanishka Sharma Explains

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0530

Is MMA enough to survive a real street fight?

In this gripping episode, Shaolin Master Shifu Kanishka Sharma — India’s first warrior monk and elite combat trainer — dismantles the myths around sport fighting and shows what it really takes to survive on the street.

Having trained India’s Special Forces, Bollywood icons like Shah Rukh Khan, and commandos across the globe, Shifu shares deep insights into:

🔥 What you'll learn:
• Why MMA rules don’t apply on the street
• Knife combat, pressure points, and survival tactics
• Real training vs showreel martial arts
• The mindset of a true warrior
• What it means to finish a fight in 3 seconds

🎧 This isn’t about belts or trophies — it’s about surviving when there are no rules.

🔔 Subscribe to xMonks Drive for more raw, unfiltered conversations.
💬 Drop a comment: Would your training hold up in the real world?

Gut Health Is Ruining Your Sleep, Mood & Energy | Dr. Preeti Seth

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0530

What if your bloating, burnout, migraines, and even your mood swings all had one root cause?

In this powerful episode of The xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora sits down with Dr. Preeti Seth, India’s leading wellness expert and founder of Pachouli, to expose the truth about gut health, sleep disorders, and the silent signals your body is trying to send you.

💡 Topics Covered:
• The gut-brain connection explained simply
• Why sleep, stress & digestion are inseparable
• Early warning signs of a dysfunctional gut
• The myth of hustle culture & the cost of lost sleep
• Why even celebrities suffer silently (yes, even SRK & Modi Ji)

🎯 Perfect for anyone struggling with:

Low energy despite eating clean
Bloating, IBS, fatigue, or anxiety
Insomnia, burnout, or emotional swings

🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with thought leaders, psychologists, and spiritual mentors.

#GutHealth #SleepDisorders #MentalHealth #Burnout #xMonksDrive #PodcastIndia

Sandeep Gupta on How Storytelling Builds Crorepatis & Hacks the Brain

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Can a story make you rich?

Sandeep Gupta says yes, and he’s got 2 lakh+ GMAT scorers, entrepreneurs, and high-performers to prove it. In this mind-shifting episode of xMonks Drive, India’s top GMAT trainer reveals how storytelling goes way beyond interviews and presentations. This is how you hack memory, sell without selling, and build wealth using nothing but your words.

🔹 Why the brain listens to stories not facts
🔹 How to make people feel your message, not just hear it
🔹 The difference between boring data… and closing the deal
🔹 Why Steve Jobs, Krishna, and even Hitler were master storytellers
🔹 And what Sandeep teaches in his legendary 99-hour sessions. No slides, no scripts, just results

If you’ve ever wanted to influence, earn more, or learn how to speak so people can’t look away, this episode is for you.

Subscribe now and unlock the power of story.

Timestamps
00:00:00 Can’t Remember a Number? Try a Story
00:05:25 The Slap That Changed Everything
00:11:30 Learning to Speak. Fighting to Be Heard
00:17:05 The Book That Taught Me to Think
00:22:50 Charts Fade. Stories Stick.
00:28:25 The Brain on Story: All 16 Regions Fire
00:33:50 Bill Gates’s Secret: Influence Over Information
00:39:05 How to Win Anyone in 10 Minutes
00:44:30 Storytelling That Hijacks the Brain
00:49:15 Relate or Be Ignored
00:54:20 Would You Work Sundays for a Mission?
00:59:35 Storytelling Isn’t Entertainment. It’s Everything.
01:04:50 The Dangerous Power of Story
01:09:55 Why Fake Stories Hit Like Truth
01:14:50 Why You Can’t Look Away Ever
01:20:05 Happiness: Hut vs Billionaire
01:25:50 Story = Wealth: Sandeep’s Final Word

#SandeepGupta #Storytelling #GMAT #Neuroscience #Sales #Crorepati #Mindset #xMonksDrive #Persuasion #Communication

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

Suroor Mander on Why POSH Still Fails So Many Women

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0530

What happens when a Supreme Court lawyer walks into a boardroom and tells the truth about workplace harassment?

In this powerful conversation, Gaurav Arora sits down with Suroor Mander — lawyer, activist, and one of India’s leading POSH trainers — to break down how corporates are getting POSH wrong, why women still stay silent, and how power often protects the predator.

From real-life cases to shocking systemic failures, this episode unpacks the uncomfortable truths behind India’s workplace safety law.

🔔 Subscribe for more raw, unfiltered conversations about leadership, culture, and social change.

📌 Topics Covered:
- Why POSH isn’t working in many companies
- The silent culture around known harassers
- Where the real line gets crossed — and ignored
- The fear men feel around POSH — and why they shouldn't
- What real change actually looks like

#POSH #WorkplaceHarassment #GenderEquity #CorporateIndia

AAP's Jasmine Shah on Delhi, Democracy & the Price of Dissent

Fri, 30 May 2025 21:00:00 +0530

“The War for Delhi” wasn’t just political, it was personal.

In this unfiltered conversation, Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Jasmine Shah reveals how Delhi’s governance was dismantled, its leaders jailed, and institutions weaponized.

🗣️ "If an elected Chief Minister can be jailed with zero evidence, what hope does a common man have?"

From bureaucracy takeovers to media trials, Shah shares the inside story of power, resistance, and a model of governance that dared to challenge the system.

🔍 Topics include:

Arvind Kejriwal’s jail warning to his own party
The crackdown on AAP leadership
Collapse of the India Alliance
What the Delhi Model tried to prove and why it scared the establishment

🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Teaser: The War for Delhi
01:20 - Introduction: Who is Jasmine Shah?
03:00 - The Cost of Dissent in Indian Politics
06:15 - Why AAP Leaders Were Jailed
09:50 - Has the Delhi Government Been Hijacked?
14:15 - The Delhi Model: What It Tried to Prove
19:35 - Arvind Kejriwal, the Alliance & Political Betrayals
24:05 - What Democracy Looks Like Today
30:15 - The Role of Media in Manufacturing Consent
36:10 - Can the Delhi Experiment Still Survive?
41:55 - Final Reflections: What Should Voters Demand?
48:10 - Democracy, Governance, and the Power of Participation
55:05 - The Delhi Model: Lessons for the Country

#JasmineShah #DelhiPolitics #TheWarForDelhi #DemocracyOnTrial #xMonksDrive

Ex-Army Officer on Terrorism, Faith & the Fight No One Talks About | Lt Col Manoj Kumar Sinha

Fri, 23 May 2025 22:00:00 +0530

What makes someone pick up a gun in the name of God?
Why are books — not bullets — the real weapon in today’s wars?

In this gripping conversation, Lt Col Manoj Kumar Sinha (Retd.), Sena Medal awardee and counter-terror veteran, shares unfiltered truths about religious radicalization, terrorism in Kashmir, and the inner war every soldier must fight.

From being shot in the neck during an anti-terror operation to confronting belief systems that justify killing, this episode goes far beyond headlines — into the psychology of violence, the limits of peace, and what it really means to defend a nation.

🎯 Topics covered:

India vs Pakistan mindset
Terrorist indoctrination and faith-based violence
Book vs gun: The Ideological War
Truth, dharma, and the soldier’s moral code
26/11, Parliament attack, and living through death

00:00 – Intro: The Book, The Bullet & The Belief
07:00 – What Makes a Man Turn Into a Terrorist?
14:15 – “I Wasn’t Shot Because I Was a Soldier. I Was Shot Because I Was a Hindu”
20:55 – The Danger of Selective Liberalism
27:30 – Can You Really Separate Religion from Violence?
34:10 – What the Army Sees — And What the Public Doesn't
41:35 – 26/11, Parliament Attack & The Psychology of Jihad
48:20 – Bravery Doesn’t Come From Hate. It Comes From Love.
55:10 – When Truth Becomes More Dangerous Than War
1:01:45 – India, Identity & the War That Never Ends

🔔 Follow for more bold conversations!

#India #Terrorism #Kashmir #xMonksDrive #ArmyVeteran #Pakistan #Faith #Radicalisation #Religion #CounterTerrorism

Kavyal Sedani | What They Don’t Teach You About Healing

Fri, 16 May 2025 23:00:00 +0530

What if your suffering wasn’t a disorder — but a disconnection?

In this powerful episode of The xMonks Drive, Kavyal Sedani sits down with Gaurav Arora to explore the invisible threads between mental illness, faith, ego, and healing.

She once wrote letters to strangers just to serve Oprah a glass of water. That moment changed everything — but it wasn’t magic. It was alignment.

From anxiety to ambition, shame to spirituality — this conversation unpacks the stories we silently live by, and how to finally rewrite them.

🧠 This isn’t therapy. It’s truth work.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00:00 — The Wildest Dream: 30 Seconds With Oprah
She wrote letters to strangers — just for a chance to serve Oprah a glass of water.

00:06:31 — Manifestation That Took 10 Years
How Kavyal used the law of attraction to bring Oprah into her life — literally.

00:14:44 — The Moment It All Came True
Tears, chaos, and magic at Jaipur Lit Fest — the universe conspired.

00:24:00 — She Heals Everyone. But Can’t Heal Herself.
The honest conflict of being a guide with weak boundaries.

00:28:33 — The People Who Hurt You… Might Love You Most
Dark gurus, soul contracts, and the love behind the pain.

00:34:50 — Escaping the Ego Bubble
Why ego is the treadmill we think is progress — and how it traps us for lifetimes.

00:39:04 — Depression, Marriage & Waking Up
A 4-year spiral into victimhood — and the brutal sentence that broke it.

00:46:44 — Intention vs Fear: The Battle Within
You can rewrite your life — but fear will always test your script.

00:52:04 — I Charge for Speaking… and for Staying Silent
From scarcity to sacred value — how she learned to own her voice.

00:56:06 — Faith Isn’t a Belief. It’s a Superpower.
Why trust is the only thing that carried her through chaos and doubt.

#MentalHealth #FaithHealing #xMonksDrive #SpiritualGrowth #OprahStory #IndianPodcasts #HealingJourney

Major General Vikram Dev Dogra on India’s War With Pakistan

Mon, 12 May 2025 12:00:00 +0530

This episode was shot on the morning of May 9th, just hours before India and Pakistan agreed to a so-called “ceasefire” — which has already been violated by Pakistan.

Major General Vikram Dev Dogra (AVSM), known as the Ironman of the Indian Army and former GOC of a Strike Division, joins Gaurav Arora for an unfiltered, urgent conversation about Operation Sindoor — India’s largest, most direct military strike inside Pakistan since 1971.

In this interview:
- Why India struck 9 targets inside Pakistan
- What the Indian Navy is doing at the Karachi port
- The real reason Pakistan keeps provoking war
- How Pakistan’s military survives on Allah, America, and Army
- And what India must prepare for next — even as the media celebrates “peace”

🎯 This episode is not reactionary. It’s reality.

🗂️ Topics Covered:
• Operation Sindoor explained
• Indian Navy Karachi missile strike
• India-Pakistan ceasefire latest
• Pakistan’s five-front crisis
• Nuclear threat in South Asia
• Baluchistan, Pakhtun unrest
• Information warfare and fake news
• Internal collapse of Pakistan’s economy
• The myth of restraint — has India turned the page?

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - We Are at War: What Operation Sindoor Really Means
02:50 - Why Pakistan Keeps Escalating: Inside the Military Mindset
07:10 - Propaganda, Terror, and the Psychological Battlefield
11:40 - Pakistan’s Internal Collapse: Army, Economy, and Civil Unrest
17:10 - India's Retaliation Strategy: Precision, Power, and Purpose
23:00 - The Two-Front Reality: Pakistan, China, and Enemies Within
29:30 - Economic Pressure Points: Water, Sanctions, and Sanity
33:35 - Final Reflections: National Strength and Civilian Clarity

#IndiaPakistan #OperationSindoor #IndianArmy #Ceasefire #PakistanViolation #Geopolitics #IndianNavy #xMonksDrive #VikramDogra #WarAndPeace #SouthAsia

Kargil Hero Yogendra Singh Yadav on Pahalgam, Pakistan & What It Means to Be an Indian Soldier

Fri, 02 May 2025 20:00:00 +0530

In this powerful episode of xMonks Drive, Kargil War Hero and Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav speaks with Gaurav Arora about the Pahalgam terror attack, the truth about Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, and what it truly means to be an Indian soldier.

From surviving 15 bullets at Tiger Hill to calling out cowardice masked as ideology, Yogendra Singh Yadav brings raw courage, unfiltered truth, and deep patriotism to this conversation.

He reflects on:
- Why religion doesn’t exist on the battlefield
- The mindset of Indian soldiers versus terrorists
- What really happened in Pahalgam
- His thoughts on Pakistan, war, and national security
- What Bhagat Singh and the youth of India can still teach us today

This is more than a political debate — it’s a soldier’s lived truth. Watch till the end for a message every Indian must hear.

📌 Chapters:
00:00:00 - “Ask a Soldier His Religion…”
00:04:05 - Cowardice and the Truth About Terror
00:08:10 - Pakistan’s Proxy War and India’s Resolve
00:12:15 - Intelligence Failure & Internal Support
00:16:20 - India’s Culture, Nonviolence, and Grit
00:20:25 - Beyond Diplomacy: What Real Retaliation Looks Like
00:24:30 - War, Thought, and Spiritual Power
00:28:35 - “The Army’s Hands Were Never Tied”
00:32:40 - The Possibility of War — And Its Costs
00:36:45 - Rethinking What Makes a Country ‘Powerful’
00:40:50 - Final Reflections — Courage, Sacrifice, and Duty

🙏 If this conversation moved you, please like, comment, and share. It helps the message reach further.

📌 Subscribe for more courageous conversations!

#yogendrasinghyadav #KargilWarHero #PahalgamAttack #IndianArmy #xMonksDrive #PakistanTerror #ParamVirChakra #IndiaFirst

Ryan Seaman on Ego Death, Plant Medicine, and the Call to Wake Up

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 21:00:00 +0530

What if everything you thought was success… was just setup for the breakdown that finally woke you up?

In this episode of xMonks Drive, Ryan Seaman dives into the unraveling of identity — through ego death, plant medicine, spiritual initiation, and a journey far beyond the Hollywood spotlight.

From Mayan pyramids to jungle rituals, Saturn returns to silent meditation, this isn’t just a story of healing — it’s a mirror for anyone on the edge of transformation.

🔮 In this episode:

Ego death & the collapse of identity
Psychedelics, plant medicine & ceremonial healing
Vipassana meditation & integration
The Fourth Way & waking up in the marketplace
Archetypes, trauma, and reclaiming your inner truth

🕛 Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro & the voice that ended his acting career
00:07:00 The Saturn return and walking away from Hollywood
00:13:00 Discovering the healing path & the Fourth Way
00:20:00 Plant medicine, psychedelics & mystical downloads
00:28:00 Vipassana and the tsunami of consciousness
00:34:00 Psychedelics vs. meditation: the legality debate
00:40:00 The mold illness, suicidal ideation & divine intervention
00:46:00 Kambo, purging & the Amazonian medicine wisdom
00:52:00 Founding Living Prana & the story of PranaCakes
00:56:00 Daily practices: yoga, cold plunges, sleep & nutrition
01:00:00 Spiritual entrepreneurship & staying in alignment
01:02:00 Final reflections on transformation, meditation & legacy

🎧 Subscribe for more raw, soulful, and purpose-driven conversations.

#xMonksDrive #SpiritualAwakening #PlantMedicine #EgoDeath #HealingJourney #InnerWork #Psychedelics #Vipassana #Transformation

Seeing the Divine: Lisa Prajna Hallstrom on Devotion, Doubt, and Anandamayi Ma

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0530

In this profoundly moving episode of The xMonks Drive, Gaurav sits down with Lisa Prajna Hallstrom — Harvard scholar, spiritual mentor, and lifelong devotee of Anandamayi Ma.

Lisa shares the extraordinary journey that led her from a difficult childhood and academic pursuit at Harvard to a life of surrender, spiritual devotion, and divine grace. She speaks about discovering the teachings of Anandamayi Ma, her powerful Shakti experiences, and the moment she walked away from her marriage to follow a higher calling.

Together, they explore the nature of God, non-duality, the illusion of separateness, and the sacred power of presence. Lisa opens up about parenting as a spiritual path, healing intergenerational trauma, and the resistance she faced when choosing devotion over convention.

If you’ve ever asked yourself what it means to live in alignment with truth, or what it takes to truly let go and follow the Divine — this conversation is for you.

Themes we explore:
• What is presence beyond ego?
• Shakti, surrender, and the role of the guru
• Healing the past and transforming legacy
• Eastern spirituality through a Western lens
• Building a life around devotion to Anandamayi Ma

00:00 – Opening Reflections on Divine Presence

02:40 – Stillness, Surrender, and Spiritual Experience

05:10 – Early Life & Spiritual Quest

07:20 – Awakening Through a Guru

10:00 – The Search for Anandamayi Ma

12:00 – Harvard & Destiny Fulfilled

14:10 – Grief, Loss, and Divine Guidance

16:00 – Shakti Transmission & Anandamayi Ma's Grace

19:00 – The Depth of Presence vs. Executive Presence

21:00 – Divine Joy and Ma’s Lightness

23:30 – The Kingdom of the Mind and Oneness

25:35 – Victimhood vs. Gratitude

28:00 – Letting Go of Old Patterns

29:30 – Resistance from the World

32:00 – Parenting, Healing, and Generational Impact

34:30 – Spirituality vs. Religion

36:45 – Homecoming to India & Indic Wisdom

39:30 – Ma’s Early Journey & the First Ashram

41:00 – Universal Spirituality & Embracing All Faiths

44:00 – Jesus, Shakti, and the Transmission of Grace

46:45 – Western Spiritual Void & India's Wisdom

48:45 – Integrating the Spiritual and Material Worlds

51:00 – Wisdom & Devotion as Twin Wings

53:00 – India’s Spiritual Decline and Renewal

55:30 – Spiritual Service Through Work

57:30 – Surrendering the Fruits of Action

59:00 – Building an Ashram in America

Yogi @ Corporate Street: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s Leaders | The Inside Story with Manish Chaturvedi

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:00:00 +0530

What if the best leadership strategies were written centuries ago?

In this episode, author and corporate leader Manish Chaturvedi joins Gaurav Arora to share the inside story of his book Yogi @ Corporate Street — where epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita meet the demands of today’s boardrooms.

They explore:

The leadership styles of Ram vs Krishna
Why self-leadership is the first step to leading others
Karma, Gyan, and Bhakti as frameworks for professional growth
Navigating corporate politics with ethical clarity
How purpose-driven leadership outlasts strategy alone

Whether you're a CXO, entrepreneur, coach, or a seeker of wisdom, this episode offers timeless insights for anyone looking to lead from a deeper place.

📘 GIVEAWAY ALERT
We’re giving away 5 signed copies of Yogi @ Corporate Street!
To enter:
1️⃣ Subscribe on YouTube
2️⃣ Follow The xMonks Drive on Spotify or Apple
3️⃣ Drop a comment on the full video

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Purposeful Leadership & the Wisdom of Krishna
[00:01:05] Book Giveaway: Win a Signed Copy of Yogi @ Corporate Street
[00:02:00] Manish’s Spiritual Roots & Upbringing
[00:05:05] What It Means to Be Human
[00:10:05] Coaching Leadership: Lessons from Krishna
[00:16:05] Office Politics Then & Now — Strategic Ethics
[00:19:45] Dharma, Emotions & Yudhishthir’s Fallibility
[00:25:35] Ram vs Krishna: Choosing a Leadership Path
[00:30:55] Life’s Balance Sheet & The Power of Celebration

🔗 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-oEVwcb9a9M
🔗 More from Manish Chaturvedi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manish-chaturvedi-46312417/

The Startup Journey of Gaurav Singh: Obsession, AI, and Building Without Validation

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 21:00:00 +0530

Can ambition be sustainable? Can AI scale without consequence?

In this powerful episode of the xMonks Drive Podcast, host Gaurav Arora sits down with Gaurav Singh, founder of Verloop, for an unfiltered conversation on building in the age of AI.

From growing up in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, to coding at 10, launching his first projects by 13, and now leading one of India’s most ambitious AI startups, Gaurav shares what most founders won’t:

🔥 Why fundraising is easier than building
💥 Why he stopped seeking validation early
🧠 The cost of obsession—and what “9 to 5” can’t give you
🌍 The hidden environmental impact of artificial intelligence
🚀 How to build a real company in a world chasing hype

00:00 - Fundraising vs Building a Startup

00:25 - From Rewa to Building an AI Company

01:30 - Small-Town Childhood & Memories

03:40 - Discovering Coding at Age 10

06:30 - Making Projects by 13 & Early Hustle

08:20 - Freelancing in College & Startup Spirit

10:50 - StockNinja: First Attempt & Lessons

13:10 - Stopping Validation-Seeking

15:25 - Leveraging College Infrastructure

17:25 - Deep Friendships & Focus

18:50 - IITs, Networks & Reality Check

20:00 - BPO Lessons Spark AI Vision

22:25 - Startup Glamour vs Reality

24:00 - Building a Generational Company

26:00 - Naivety & Landing Nykaa

28:45 - Support Systems & Personal Struggles

31:20 - Global Tech Culture Differences

34:30 - US vs India vs UAE: Mindset Differences

37:50 - Work-Life Balance Myth?

41:30 - AI’s Future: Intelligence On Demand

44:30 - Passion, Purpose & Inner Drive

47:00 - Work vs Life vs Passion Debate

50:00 - Redefining Education, Experience & Value

53:00 - Imagination Economy & Job Displacement

56:00 - Building with Focus & Tiny Iterations

59:00 - Climate, Energy & Startup Choices

01:02:00 - Future of Value: What Will Be Premium?

01:05:00 - Physical Health, Supplements & Optimization

01:08:00 - A Day in Gaurav’s Life: Routines & Reflections

01:10:30 - Closing Thoughts: Note-taking & Reflection

01:11:00 - Outro & Thank You

Whether you’re a tech founder, builder, or just curious about the future of work and AI, this episode will challenge how you think about ambition, identity, and what it really means to create something meaningful.

Govind Iyer: From Global Boardrooms to Giving Forward

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0530

What does it mean to give forward?

In this deeply reflective episode of xMonks Drive, Govind Iyer—Independent Director at Infosys, Chairperson of Social Venture Partners India, and board member at Give India and Karmayogi Bharat—joins Gaurav Arora for a conversation that bridges corporate clarity with soulful leadership.

Govind shares the philosophy that guides his life today: don’t give back… give forward. Together, they explore the culture of leadership without hierarchy, the power of authentic relationships, and what it truly means to lead with love.

From his early days at Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola, to 23 years at Egon Zehnder, to pledging half his wealth toward social impact, Govind opens up about the choices, mentors, and moments that have shaped him.

This episode is an invitation—to slow down, reflect, and reimagine the relationship between success and service.

⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
02:10 – Govind’s farewell story
04:20 – Early family influences
06:00 – A turning point at Mobius
07:45 – “Give forward” vs. “give back”
09:00 – Staying 23 years at Egon Zehnder
12:30 – A firm with no bosses or competition
15:45 – Fulfillment vs. performance
20:00 – Leadership culture at Unilever, McKinsey, and Teach For India
21:15 – What fulfilled leaders have in common
23:00 – Learning calmness from Nithya Shanti
24:45 – Why CEOs fail: EQ over IQ
26:30 – Shrinking CEO tenures
29:30 – Integration in work and life
30:30 – Shifting from corporate to social sector
33:00 – The discipline of deep listening
35:30 – Lessons from early philanthropic mistakes
40:30 – What Govind is learning from Gen Z
41:30 – Why SVP India feels different
43:00 – Philanthropy as leadership development
45:00 – Capacity vs. capability in NGOs
47:00 – The value of time over money
48:20 – Final reflections on presence and love

S2 E91: Dino Petridis | How a Greek Professor Came to Find Home in Hinduism & Nithyananda

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0530

Why did a Greek psychology professor surrender to a Hindu guru?

Watch as Dino Petridis, a London-based academic, shares his incredible spiritual journey—from academia to devotion! He reveals how he found Bhagwan Nithyananda, why he never wavered despite controversy, and what made him leave Western logic behind for deep faith. This is not just a story—it’s a transformation!

🔥 Topics Covered:
✔️ Greek professor becomes Hindu devotee
✔️ Finding a spiritual guru in India
✔️ Nithyananda controversy: His response
✔️ Hinduism vs. Western spirituality
✔️ Overcoming ego & surrendering

S2 E90: Shalini Singh on Breaking Barriers | A Different Take on Women's Day

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0530

Breaking Barriers: Shalini Singh on Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry

Shalini Singh, Chief of Corporate Communications & Sustainability at Tata Power, is a force of impact and innovation. From leading award-winning initiatives like Club Enerji and Greenolution to earning a board seat at just 40, she has paved the way for change.

In this conversation, she shares her journey of working in a male-dominated industry, the doubts she faced, and how listening became her biggest strength. A TEDx speaker and passionate sustainability advocate, she continues to drive real change—one initiative at a time.

🔔 Watch now for insights on leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers! #ShaliniSingh #Leadership #Sustainability #WomenInPower

S2 E89: Can Astrology Really Predict Your Success? Sundeep Kochar Reveals All

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0530

Is our life written in the stars, or do we have the power to change it? In this episode of xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora sits down with astrologer Dr. Sundeep Kochar to explore the age-old debate between destiny and free will—with a fresh, modern perspective.

They dive into:
🌟 What astrology really is (beyond the daily horoscopes)
🌟 Do planetary positions actually influence your thoughts and decisions?
🌟 The fine line between destiny and the choices we make
🌟 Why some people thrive in one job but struggle in another
🌟 The cosmic tug-of-war between illusion (Rahu) and detachment (Ketu)

Sundeep shares incredible real-life stories—like how astrology once surprised a BBC anchor live on air—and breaks down how understanding your timeline can help you navigate life’s big decisions. Whether you’re a firm believer, a skeptic, or just curious, this conversation is packed with mind-expanding insights that might just change the way you see your own journey.

Hit play, and let’s explore the magic (and science) of the universe! 🎧

S2 E88: Gold Medal, Doping Allegations, and Fighting for Truth with Neeraj Yadav

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0530

In this powerful episode of The xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora sits down with Neeraj Yadav, a celebrated para-athlete known for his resilience and extraordinary achievements. Neeraj shares his journey from facing paralysis to winning gold medals on the global stage, the pride of representing India, and the pain of being accused of doping despite his innocence.

He discusses how faith in Bajrang Bali and support from loved ones kept him strong through moments of doubt. Neeraj’s vow to return stronger and win another gold medal is a testament to his indomitable spirit.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about courage, hope, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

S2 E87: Small town girl turned CEO, Entrepreneurship, Struggles, Sexism with Muskaan Kakkar

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0530

From a Small Town to Breaking Barriers in the Auto Industry!

What does it take for a woman to thrive in a male-dominated industry? Meet Muskan, an entrepreneur who went from being doubted to leading one of India's most trusted car servicing brands.

In this episode of the xMonks Drive, Muskan shares:
- Her journey from a small town in Punjab to the auto industry
- The biases she faced in investor meetings & boardrooms
- Balancing motherhood & leadership in a high-pressure field
- Why hard work is the ultimate game-changer

She was once asked if she’d return to work after having twins. Years later, she asked her boss the same question! Now that’s what breaking stereotypes looks like.

🎙️ Listen now & get inspired!

S2 E86: Leadership lessons from Indian Army, Ukraine, Palestine & Pakistan ft. Maj. Gen. Neeraj Bali

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0530

The Gen. Bali saga continues.

In Part II of our podcast with Maj. Gen. Neeraj Bali, we take a deeper dive into the lessons corporates can draw from the Indian army.

Gen. Bali spills his thoughts on Ukraine, Palestine, and the geopolitical scenario of the world.

Watch the entire episode, it’s a bucket full of stories, inspiration, and moments that changed the course of history.

S2 E85: Kargil, Sam Manekshaw, KM Cariappa and Corporate lessons from the Indian Army with Maj Gen Neeraj Bali.

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0530

I drew a lot of inspiration from the Indian Army growing up. They were my real-life heroes.

When I got the opportunity to interview Maj. Gen Neeraj Bali on the xMonks Drive podcast, it was like traveling an entire circle of life.

The episode is filled with everything you can imagine and more, from the triumphs of Kargil to the glorious life of Sam Manekshaw.

This is an episode packed with insights that can be drawn from the Indian army and how those can be incorporated into our lives.

Listen to the entire episode, it is worth every second invested.

S2 E84: The Mindset Shift that will make you a Crorepati ft. Ankur Warikoo

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0530

Yes, we finally have him here.

This is indeed one of the most special episodes we have shot on the xMonks Drive, because today we have a guest known to most of us, a personality that has captivated millions of people online making them financially sound.

If you haven't guessed already it's none other than Mr. Ankur Warikoo,

The idea behind this episode was not just to bring Ankur to the camera and ask questions about finance or his life as an influencer, but to peep inside the the human side of this flamboyant, aspirational personality that everyone desires.

So tune in until the very end because this episode is full of value, entertainment, and crores and crores.

S2 E83: The man who worked under 3 Prime-Ministers ft. Vivek Srivastava

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0530

Passing the civil services exam is one of the most esteemed achievements in our country, a true testament to dedication and excellence.

This week on The xMonks Drive podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Vivek Srivastava, an IPS officer whose remarkable career spans over two decades of service to the nation.

Some stories don’t just inspire, they captivate. Vivek’s journey is one such tale. From serving under three prime ministers, including Mr. Narendra Modi, to facing life-or-death challenges in the line of duty, his experiences are nothing short of extraordinary.

In this riveting episode, Vivek shares his firsthand accounts of pivotal moments in India’s history, from navigating the chaos of the Babri Masjid riots to orchestrating the high-stakes arrest of Yaseen Bhatkal. It’s a story filled with courage, drama, and an unshakable commitment to justice.

Tune in for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is thrilling.

Don’t miss it, this is a story you’ll remember.

S2 E82: From Baby Boomers to GenZ, Everyone Needs to Connect! ft. Amit Malik

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 20:00:00 +0530

What happens when the title on your business card no longer defines you?

In this riveting episode, Amit Malik invites us to reflect on the essence of identity and success beyond accolades and job roles. From the exhilarating highs of being a CEO to the humbling process of rediscovery, Amit's journey is as relatable as it is inspiring.

He also explores the magic of inclusive growth, turning generational diversity into strength and building cultures where everyone thrives, from the cha-cha of the sixties to today’s Swifties.

Packed with insights and inspiration, this episode will challenge you to rethink what truly matters.

Tune in!

S2 E81: I was the First CEO but also the First Employee of the Company ft. Anupam Arun

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0530

What if life was simply a summary of your experiences?

In this heartfelt conversation, Gaurav and Anupam take you on a journey filled with life’s profound truths, leadership lessons, and the beauty of embracing uncertainty.

From navigating the highs and lows of life to scaling a company from scratch, Anupam shares his real and raw story—complete with moments of doubt, imposter syndrome, and ultimately, growth.

Here’s what you can look forward to:
🔸 How impermanence shapes our greatest joys and struggles.
🔸 The incredible journey of being the first CEO of Ventura—and the unexpected challenges that came with it.
🔸 Why unlearning is just as important as learning in today’s fast-changing world.
🔸 The secret to being a great leader (hint: it starts with being human).
🔸 And the magic of childlike wonder and the glorious uncertainty of tomorrow.

This isn’t just about leadership or success—it’s about being human, evolving, and finding meaning in the unexpected.

So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready for an inspiring ride. This episode is packed with stories, insights, and reflections that might just change how you see your own journey.

What resonates most with you? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

S2 E80: The story behind a serial Entrepreneur ft. Srini Vitoba

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 20:00:00 +0530

What does it take to walk away from a successful global business and dive into a world of startups and impact-driven ventures? In this episode of The xMonks Drive, I had the privilege of sitting down with Srini Vitoba, a man whose journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Srini opened up about why he left behind a listed company to follow his inner calling, the bold decisions he made as an entrepreneur, and his advice for anyone building their dream. We dug deep into:

👉 Why he believes you should never chase money (this hit hard!)
👉 His controversial take on Shark Tank—he’s not a fan, and wait till you hear why.
👉 The million-dollar advice every entrepreneur needs: “Never dilute your equity for working capital!”
👉 How startups can overcome the struggle to scale with the right mentorship.
👉 The incredible vision behind his latest venture, Jiva.

Srini’s insights are raw, practical, and straight from the heart. Plus, his passion for creating meaningful impact left me inspired and hopeful.

What resonated most with you? Is it the advice on equity, his take on startups, or his bold vision for Jeeva? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

🌟 Hit play and join us on this thought-provoking journey.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!

S2 E79: The rising cause of Obesity and Diabetes in India ft. Medanta’s Dr. Jasjeet Wasir

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 23:00:00 +0530

India is fast becoming the diabetes capital of the world and the concern is on a red alert now.

This episode of the xMonks drive is primarily based around raising awareness for the same.

We have with us Dr. Jasjeet Wasir who is the Director of Endocrinology and Diabetology in the world-renowned Mendanta.

Join us in this educational dialogue and learn from the very best Dr. Jasjeet Wasir about the how’s and why’s of Diabetes.

S2 E78: Anand Mahindra, an Epitome of Leadership ft. Rajeev Dubey

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0530

Between Triumph and Turmoil: The Corporate Journey of a True Believer

In this episode of the xMonks Drive podcast, Rajeev Dubey opens up about the extraordinary highs and devastating lows of his corporate journey.

From devoting his career to Tata for nearly three decades, to his unexpected resignation as Managing Director of Rallis India, he shares how life threw him a curveball at the pinnacle of his career, thrusting him into uncertainty.

But there’s much more to Rajeev’s story than the corporate ladder. Guided by principles of Satya (Truth), Prem (Love), and Seva (Service), he reflects on the forces that held him together during trying times—and what kept him grounded in the corporate world.

From the brink of giving it all up, Rajeev reemerged, inspired by an unforgettable mentor: Anand Mahindra. Described as a rare blend of “head, heart, and soul,” Mahindra became a north star in Rajeev’s path, embodying authenticity and trust in every aspect of leadership.

Join us for this inspiring conversation as Rajeev reveals his journey of transformation: learning self-acceptance, facing the feeling of inadequacy, and ultimately embracing life after retirement.

This episode is a deep dive into what it means to pursue success while staying true to oneself, featuring reflections that will resonate with anyone navigating their own career, purpose, or journey of self-discovery.

S2 E77: Real Estate is where you need to be ft. Sunil Tulsiani

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 20:00:00 +0530

5 people sharing a room to living in multi-million mansions.

This episode of the xMonks Drive is special, it features the one and only Sunil Tulsiani, a real estate mogul, a bestselling author, a former detective, and a mentor to many.

Join us, as we dig deeper into an exciting, emotional, and most importantly inspirational journey of a man who refused to give up, a man who envisioned his goal and chased it until glory.

Listen till the very end, because Sunil is on a pursuit to make 100 more millionaires walk the planet.

S2 E76: Reaching 100 million lives with Ravi Gundlapalli!

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 20:00:00 +0530

We all know about Srikanth Bolla and his chronicles.

This episode of the xMonks Drive features the man behind Srikanth Bolla's success.

Ravi Gundlapalli.

In this conversation, Ravi reflects on the importance of mentorship and his mission to build Mentorcloud, a platform that fosters meaningful, borderless connections.

He emphasizes the impact of a strong support system. He challenges the myth of the "self-made" entrepreneur and highlights the silent, inner strength of successful leaders.

Tune in to hear Ravi’s inspiring insights on leadership, mentorship, and investing time in what truly matters.

S2 E75: When you fall the only way is Upwards ft. Ankit Jhamb

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0530

250₹ in his pocket and a life going nowhere.

Ankit Jhamb has been a dear friend and one of the most hardworking hustling humans I know.

This episode of The xMonks Drive is about the journey of a guy who stood tall at his worst, the result?

Join me in this intimate conversation with Ankit as he unfolds chapters of his life that are worth taking note of.

Hope you stick till the very end!

We knew something was wrong before 26/11 ft. Former Intelligence Officer Prabhakar Aloka

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 20:00:00 +0530

Imagine being on the battlefield on 26/11.

This episode of the xMonks Drive is about decisions, decisions that can make or break what is ahead of us.

Featuring, Former Intelligence Officer Prabhakar Aloka this episode is a gold mine of experiences that are beyond our constricted imagination.

Prabhakar takes us back to the dark night, of 26/11, and shares a piece of information still unheard of.

Want to know what happens next? Join us and find out

S2 73: The Economy of our Country shouldn't be decided by the Rich ft. Arun Maira

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 23:00:00 +0530

There are not too many adjectives that can justify the work Arun Maira has put towards building a better India.

His ideologies and policies are impeccable.

This episode is a treasure chest of wisdom, as Arun takes us on a drive-through of his life.

From his time as a young TAS executive to working alongside Dr. Manmohan Singh in the Planning Commission of India.

Stick with us till the very end, pause anything and everything that you're doing.

Because this is not a conversation, it's a journey.

A journey worth being a part of.

S2 E72: Working alongside Mark Zukerberg and Sheryl Sandberg ft. Kirthiga Reddy

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +0530

In this episode of The xMonks Drive, I sit down with the incredible Kirthiga Reddy, a powerhouse who’s played a pivotal role in shaping the tech landscape as the first employee and Managing Director of Facebook India, a key leader at SoftBank, and now the force behind Virtualness.

Kirthiga takes us on a deeply personal journey, sharing not just her successes, but the challenges and lessons that came along the way. We talk about the importance of hard work (because, spoiler alert, there’s no substitute!), what it means to make the most of the cards life deals you, and how her mother's story of perseverance shaped her drive.

You’ll hear Kirthiga reflect on how her definition of success has evolved, from achieving career milestones to focusing on the impact she creates. She opens up about the sacrifices leaders often make, the power of coaching (and how she wishes she started earlier), and why she believes her best is yet to come.

And of course, we dive into her secret sauce for building genuine relationships and why she believes people are at the heart of everything meaningful. In her own words, if a book were written about her, the last sentence would be: "It’s all about people."

Key Takeaways:

- How Kirthiga envisioned Facebook India’s '100 million users, revenue, and community' at a time when there weren’t even 100 million people on the internet.
- Why coaching has been a game-changer for her, and her only regret about it.
- The dark truths of leadership and the personal sacrifices that often go unnoticed.
- Her answer to Stanford's MBA essay question: 'What matters most to you and why?'
- And a touching, human perspective on what drives her to keep pushing boundaries.

This episode is all about leadership, growth, and unlocking the potential in others.

Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation with one of the most dynamic leaders of our time.

S2 E71: Water has memories, it carries trauma ft. Krishna Madappa

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 21:00:00 +0530

In this special in-person edition of "The xMonks Drive," I have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Krishna Madappa, President of The Institute of Science, Spirituality & Sustainability, for a conversation that will completely change the way you see water. After years of Zoom interviews, this episode is a milestone as we shift to face-to-face conversations, bringing a deeper, more human connection to the show.

Born in the Andaman Islands and with a background spanning continents, Krishna has spent over 35 years exploring the intelligence of water—not just as a life-giving resource, but as a conscious, living force. With expertise in Ayurveda, Bio-Energy, and Psycho Neurobic Sciences, Krishna's work bridges the gap between science and spirituality, delving into water’s ability to carry trauma and its potential for healing through his groundbreaking JEEVA device.

Join me as we explore Krishna’s lifelong passion for reviving ecosystems, from soil to human life, and his visionary contributions to the science of water, bio-energy, and global consciousness. This conversation is packed with wisdom and insight into how water, the essence of life, holds the key to our wellbeing—and how we can transform our relationship with it.

S2 E70: Self-Actualization and Ecocentric Leadership ft. Allison Shultz

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +0530

In this thought-provoking episode of The xMonks Drive, we explore the profound insights of Allison Shultz, co-founder of Reboot.io and author of The Art of Being Human at Work. Allison delves into the idea that the more connected we are to ourselves, the closer we come to self-actualization, ultimately making the world a better place. She discusses the shift from an anthropocentric to an ecocentric worldview, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with our deepest selves and the natural world.

Allison also shares her perspective on the simplicity and authenticity of connections with animals, who engage with us without pretense or manipulation—just being to being. She reflects on the relational nature of both wounding and healing, reminding us that our beliefs, even from the earliest stages of life, can shape who we are. Join us as we explore how these connections, both with ourselves and the world around us, are the missing pieces to leading a more fulfilled and authentic life.

S2 E69: Self-awareness is not what you think it is ft. Tasha Eurich

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 19:00:00 +0530

In this episode of "The xMonks Drive," Dr. Tasha Eurich, a leading organizational psychologist and self-awareness expert, takes us on an enlightening journey into the depths of self-awareness. Tasha likens the pursuit of self-awareness to exploring space—an ever-expanding frontier with endless discoveries. She delves into the importance of self-awareness in leadership, explaining how it is the will and skill to understand both who we are and how we are perceived by others.

Throughout the conversation, Tasha emphasizes that self-awareness isn't about having dramatic breakthroughs but rather about making small, incremental improvements. Surprisingly, she reveals that introspection can sometimes lead to less self-awareness, increasing stress, anxiety, and even depression. Tasha also touches on the profound insights of Gabor Maté, highlighting that trauma is not just a psychological event but a deep-seated injury to our nervous system, shaping our internal responses to external experiences.

This episode offers powerful insights for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of themselves and improve their leadership and personal growth.

S2 E68: Can You Rewire Your Brain? Ft. Rajeev Peshawaria

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0530

In this episode of The xMonks Drive, we sit down with Rajeev Peshawaria, a global thought leader and CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre, who has spent over two decades leading Fortune 100 companies and pioneering innovative leadership models. Rajeev, also the author of bestsellers like Open Source Leadership and Too Many Bosses, Too Few Leaders, challenges conventional notions of leadership. He delves into the essence of true leadership—not as a position of power, but as the ability to touch lives and make them better.

Throughout the conversation, Rajeev shares his groundbreaking concepts such as leadership energy, emotional integrity, and steward leadership, offering practical insights into how leaders can drive sustainable business growth while maintaining a deep sense of responsibility to those they serve. He also reflects on the importance of empathy in leadership, posing the powerful question: In the same situations we judge others, might we have slipped too?

Join us for this thought-provoking discussion as Rajeev Peshawaria redefines what it means to be a leader in the modern world and inspires us to lead with purpose, empathy, and integrity.

S2 E67: Coaching doesn't have black and white answers ft. Jeremy Earnshaw

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0530

In this compelling episode of the xMonks Drive, we sit down with Jeremy Earnshaw, an accomplished Executive Coach and Mentor with over 25 years of global C-Suite experience. Jeremy shares his insights on transitioning from a CFO to a coach.

He discusses his relentless drive to fill gaps in his executive career, which ultimately led him to coaching.

Jeremy also delves into the challenges of letting go of public personas and the deep self-reflection required to become an effective coach.

We explore how coaching can shift organizational behaviors and values, enabling everyone to embrace leadership.

Jeremy also introduces the concept of obliquity, highlighting how indirect levers in coaching can lead to profound changes.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on growth, leadership, and the power of coaching with a focus on purpose and transformation.

S2 E66: Your career path is as unique as your fingerprint ft. Abhijit Bhaduri

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 17:00:00 +0530

In this engaging episode of the xMonks Drive, we sit down with Abhijit Bhaduri, renowned author, columnist, and management consultant, to explore the multifaceted journey of building a fulfilling career and life. Abhijit shares profound insights on success, failure, and the inevitable evolution that comes with time and experience.

Key Takeaways:

The Dual Nature of Success and Failure: Understand why success cannot exist without failure and how to cultivate a balanced perspective towards both.
Changing Landscapes: Discover how the perception of India's large population has shifted from being seen as a problem to a tremendous opportunity, illustrating the dynamic nature of societal change.
Imposter Syndrome: Learn how to navigate feelings of inadequacy by continuously pursuing curiosity and honing your skills.
Career Reinvention: Abhijit emphasizes the importance of reinventing oneself, driven by personal circumstances and evolving aspirations, and how each career path is as unique as a fingerprint.
Philosophical Insights: Dive into the wisdom of the Geeta, which teaches us to focus on our actions without being overly concerned about the outcomes, revealing the true essence of success and failure.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to embrace the unpredictable nature of your career and personal growth. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reinvent yourself, this episode offers valuable lessons for every stage of your journey.

S2 E65: Innovation isn't about creativity or ideas ft. Stephen Shapiro

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0530

Join us on the xMonks Drive for an enlightening conversation with Stephen Shapiro, author of "Best Practices Are Stupid" "Pivotal" and many more bestsellers.

Discover 40 innovative strategies that challenge conventional thinking.

Stephen redefines innovation, emphasizing relevance over quantity of ideas. He shares a powerful basketball analogy, highlighting the importance of a stable foundation—the "planted foot"—in business pivots.

We also dive into midlife crises, exploring how staying connected to foundational experiences can prevent stagnation. Stephen's approach of "meandering with purpose" offers a fresh perspective on navigating life's twists and turns.

Tune in for insights that will transform your approach to both business and personal growth. Click to listen now and unlock the secrets to innovation and purposeful living!

S2 E64: Do we really need mentors? ft. Dr. Ruth Gotiyan

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 20:00:00 +0530

This illuminating episode of The xMonks Drive features Dr. Ruth Gotian, the globally acclaimed Chief Learning Officer and Associate Professor of Education in Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Named a top 20 mentor worldwide and hailed by Nature, Wall Street Journal, and Columbia University, Ruth was also ranked as the #1 emerging management thinker by Thinkers50 in 2021.

Discover how mentorship has shaped the journeys of high achievers, the crucial differences between mentoring and coaching, and the secrets to finding your life's purpose during major life changes.

Ruth's mission to redefine success shines through as she reveals why emulating mindsets over habits is key.

Learn the profound impact of genuine mentorship and why bad mentorship can be more detrimental than none.

Tune in till the very end!

S2 E63: Motivation is overrated ft. Nadezhda Mihaylova

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 23:00:00 +0530

In this episode of The xMonks Drive, we have one of the most influential coaches Nadezhda Mihaylova joining us all the way from Bulgaria.

Join us and dive into the complexities of motivation as we unravel the myths that shroud this often misunderstood concept. Discover why true alignment lies in inspiration and energy rather than conventional motivational tactics.

Explore how work serves as a powerful medium for self-expression, offering a potent source of dopamine, and understand why this addictive nature makes it challenging to disconnect from our professional lives.

Challenge the detrimental myth that a leader's role is to make people happy. Instead, learn about the importance of inspiring dreams, allowing room for mistakes, and fostering a culture of learning and action.

Stick till the very end as we delve into these compelling insights, providing a fresh perspective on personal growth, leadership, and the path to genuine fulfillment.

S2 E62: More than 70% of coaches can't actually coach ft. David Clutterbuck

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 21:00:00 +0530

If you are a coach this episode of the xMonks drive will do wonders for you.

Our guest Prof. David Clutterbuck, who is a pioneer in coaching and mentoring shared his insights on Coaching Maturity.

A concept that is born out of his idea and research.

He shares how 70% of all the coaches he came across, couldn't actually coach.

Understand what it means to be a mature coach.

David introduces the concept of "systemic electics," where powerful coaches integrate their being with their doing, recognizing, and working within the client's broader systems.

This episode provides actionable advice for coaches looking to elevate their practice, making it a must-listen for anyone serious about mastering the art of coaching and making a significant impact in their clients' lives.

Tune in to The xMonks Drive to deepen your understanding of what it means to be a truly mature coach in today's rapidly changing world.

Click on the link if you would like to know more about our Coach Maturity program by Prof. David Clutterbuck himself.

https://xmonks.com/coach-maturity/

S2 E61: Are You Unknowingly Addicted to Suffering? ft. Rollin Mccraty

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 21:00:00 +0530

In this enlightening episode of The xMonks Drive, we dive deep into the intricate relationship between the brain and the heart with our esteemed guest, Rollin McCraty.

Discover how our emotional baselines shape our perceptions and well-being, as Rollin explains the brain's role as a pattern recognition system and the amygdala's crucial function in discerning the familiar from the unfamiliar.

Through a series of fascinating insights, McCraty unveils the profound influence of heart rhythms on our emotional state and delves into the concepts of intuitive intelligence and self-regulation.

Explore how deeply ingrained belief systems, formed during childhood, create a familiar worldview that can often keep us stuck in cycles of worry, anxiety, and fear.

Join us as we discuss the path to lifting consciousness and establishing a new, more coherent baseline.

Learn how synchronizing the heart and brain can lead to greater self-connection and emotional freedom, ultimately transforming the way we experience the world.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the hidden patterns that govern our emotional lives and seeking a more harmonious connection with their inner self.

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S2 E60: The Power Of Personal Branding ft. Siddharth Deshmukh

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0530

People connect with people and that's all we need to know.

Remember the days when our personal brands were confined to our visiting cards but now in this digital age, it's a whole different thing.

Personal Branding has gained a significant amount of importance in the past few years.

Almost everyone is now trying to leverage personal branding as a channel for more business.

But how do you create a personal brand that stands out in this crowded space?

Our guest, Siddharth Deshmukh a.k.a The Travelling Professor will help us understand the science behind creating a powerful personal brand.

So if you are trying to figure out personal branding, or how to create one for yourself this episode is for you.

Tune in to find out!

S2 E59: The Right Leaders Ask, They Don't Answer ft. Bob Tiede

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 21:00:00 +0530

Leadership is not about answering, it's about asking!

This episode of The xMonks Drive is all about understanding these questions and how to leverage them for transitioning into a better leader.

We have with us Bob Tiede who runs a blog called Leading With Emotions, with an audience in 200 countries around the globe.

Join us in this conversation and delve deeper into the art of asking questions and not just questions,

The right questions.

So listen till the very end.

S2 E58: Master The Art Of Networking

Sat, 25 May 2024 13:00:00 +0530

In this episode of the xMonks Drive, we will explore the impact of building meaningful relationships.

Our host Gaurav gets candid with Charles Byrd, a relationship-building expert, who shares insights on connecting and thriving both personally and professionally.

Discover the power of initial connections, the importance of providing value, and the necessity of consistent follow-up.

Charles explains why genuine connections are essential for well-being and deeply rooted in human evolution.

Learn practical advice on adding value in every interaction and avoiding common mistakes, especially for CXO-level professionals.

Charles also highlights the importance of a healthy relationship with oneself, emphasizing that self-care enables better support and connection with others.

Join us on "The xMonks Drive" to uncover the keys to building amazing relationships and thriving in all areas of life with Charles Byrd.

S2 E57: The Dichotomy Of Dharma & Sukha ft. Steven Puri

Fri, 17 May 2024 22:00:00 +0530

What if happiness isn't about getting rid of problems, but choosing the ones you want?

Accompany us on a journey deep within the realms of Dharma and Sukha with none other than Steven Puri.

This thought-provoking episode of the xMonks drive will dive into the essence of joy, the journey of finding your Dharma, and the secret to overcoming burnout.

Discover how the Sukha Company turns productivity from a lonely grind into fulfilling connection. 🌟

Tune in to discover how strength and happiness are choices you make every day, spreading positivity into the world and back to you.

S2 E56: Are You A High Level Thinker? ft. Dr. Darren Stevens

Sat, 11 May 2024 06:00:00 +0530

Embark on an exhilarating voyage into the uncharted waters of human cognition and emotion.

Prepare to have your mind expanded and your perspectives challenged as we navigate the depths of high-level thinking and adult development, guided by our guest Dr. Darren Stevens's revolutionary Constructed Development Theory.

Join us as we journey through the turbulent seas of traditional coaching associations, where validation struggles to anchor itself in the ever-shifting tides of innovation.

Discover the captivating tales of individuals at different levels of development, from the money-hungry Level 2s to the visionary Level 5s like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk.

But our adventure doesn't stop there! Prepare to be captivated by the elusive concept of identity, where the notion of authenticity is unmasked as a mere illusion. Explore the labyrinth of intention, awareness, choice, and response, where the true essence of identity lies waiting to be discovered.

From the pitfalls of generic statements to the complexities of human behavior, our journey promises to be a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the depths of the human psyche.

Don't miss out on this epic adventure that promises to revolutionize your understanding of human cognition and emotion.

Listen now to embark on the journey of a lifetime!

S2 E55 : A Doctor Turned Dancer ft. Gary Crotaz

Fri, 03 May 2024 23:00:00 +0530

There's no feeling more satisfying than loving what you do.

This episode of the xMonks Drive podcast is all about following our hearts and making sure, we do what we want to do.

Gary Crotaz who started his professional life as a Doctor shares his story and the challenges he faced as he quit his career to follow a childhood passion "Dance".

However, he has also parted ways with dancing and is now an acclaimed executive coach.

Come join us in a story that projects positivity, critical decision-making, and love.

Connect your headsets, you would not want to miss out on this one.

S2 E54: Your Voice Depicts Your Leadership ft. Arthur Joseph

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0530

Welcome to the Voice Revolution, where we turn up the volume on what it means to truly own your voice and rock the world with it!

In this episode, get ready to jam out with Arthur, the ultimate voice coach and visionary, as we dive deep into the wild and wonderful world of vocal mastery and empowerment.

Picture this, a world where every voice is a powerhouse, where speaking isn't just about making noise but about making waves.

Arthur's not your average coach; he's a vibe conductor, tuning into the essence of every voice he encounters, from A-list celebrities like Angelina Jolie to the guy next door dreaming of his big break.

But hold onto your headphones because it's not all serious vocal warm-ups and vision statements. We're talking about claiming your stature, finding your groove, and using your voice to shake things up in style.

From coaching industry titans to turning basketball stars into true champions, Arthur's got the magic touch when it comes to unleashing the full potential of every voice he encounters.

So, crank up the enthusiasm, and get ready to groove as we explore the wild, wacky, and wonderful world of voices.

S2 E53 : From Bankruptcy To Million Dollars ft. Simone Milasas

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0530

A journey from 187,000 dollars in debt to becoming a multi-millionaire.

In this installment of the xMonks Drive Podcast, we were accompanied by the gracious Simone Milasas.

She reflects on the universal challenge of decision-making and how embracing choice over hesitation can dissolve barriers, unveiling hidden capacities waiting to be realized.

Understand the common human pursuit of validation external to ourselves, revealing personal anecdotes that shed light on the innate desire for expression and visibility.

Now without further delay, let's get right into the podcast and catch Simone and her vision.

S2 E52 : Do You Know Your Prakriti ft. Shamini Jain

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0530

An Ivy League graduate.

A TEDx speaker.

An enthralling personality.

This instalment of the xMonks Drive showcases, Shamini Jain, an advocate of curiosity-driven goals.

Come join us, as we talk about the impact of fostering wellness in physical, emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual dimensions that can aid in stronger resilience in times of crisis.

S2 E51 : When Psychology Meets Technology ft. Shonna Waters

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 22:00:00 +0530

“Coaching has helped me evolve.

As a mother, as a partner, as a human.”

This episode of the xMonks Drive features Shonna Winters, who is an award winning psychologist, a coach and most interestingly a technologist.

Catch us talk about coaching, psychology and how she practises this unique formula of combining behavioural science with computer science.

Intrigued?

Let’s get right in!

S2 E50 : Your Spending Pattern Shows Your Values ft. Dr. Demartini

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0530

Your authentic self is the expression of your highest value, and when you do that and find that one thing.

You excel, you're grateful, you're inspired.

With more than 40 years of experience in transforming leaders, our esteemed guest for this episode, Dr. John Demartini’s life is a great example of how an individual can add value to his approach.

Come join us in this candid session, as we discuss the power of value driven outcomes, unlocking gratitude, and finding inspiration to help you overcome those unseen mental barriers.

This is your time to learn from the very best.

Let’s get your transformation started.

S2 E49 : Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible ft. Tamsen Webster

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0530

Have you ever stopped to wonder, truly wonder, what sets your soul ablaze? What drives you forward, even on the most challenging days?

Or days where it feels like you're just kind of...winging it?

But guess what? You were born for more than just surviving.

If only we could know which way to go forward on?

Today, we're cracking the code to light that inner fire with the amazing Tamsen Webster, the guru behind "Find Your Red Thread."

Tamsen's going to show us how to dismantle the mental cages holding you back, and finally tap into that raw, unstoppable essence that makes you, YOU.

But if you're ready to ditch the doubt and discover the idea that truly matters - the one that lets you live your most authentic life - then this episode is your roadmap to fire.

Let's join Tamsen on a ride leading you to the heart of who you are!

S2 E48: Why I Talk To The Spirits ft. A'sha Love

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0530

This episode of The xMonks Drive dives into the world of A'sha Love, an author, speaker, and self-proclaimed "multidimensional catalyst."

Multidimensional Experiences:

A'sha describes a profound experience after her father's passing.
She recounts receiving a premonition of his death followed by continued communication with his spirit.
This experience sparked her journey as a spirit medium and opened her eyes to the "multidimensional ecosystem."

Accessibility of the Multidimensional Universe:

A'sha believes everyone has the potential to tap into their multidimensional potential.
She emphasizes the power of human consciousness and technology in unlocking these abilities.

The Magical Journey of the Soul:

A'sha uses the metaphor of a soul's journey to explain human existence on Earth.
She highlights the importance of intuition, spirit guides, and psychic abilities.
A'sha acknowledges the challenge of distinguishing intuition from past trauma-induced hallucinations.

Beyond IQ and EQ: Introducing LQ

A'sha proposes a new concept: the Light Quotient (LQ).
This concept goes beyond traditional intelligence measures (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) measures.

The Grand Finale:

The episode concludes with a cliffhanger, leaving the listener pondering the ultimate question: "Where are we all going?"

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S2 E47 : Even God Is Dependent On Humans ft. Swami Shekaranand

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 21:00:00 +0530

Most of us are a little, well, afraid of karma. Because as they say – what goes around, comes around. This is why we think of karma as some cosmic punishment system for our mistakes.
Is the universe keeping a cosmic scorecard on every single thing we do? Really?

All your doubts will be cleared today, as we're joined by the amazing Swami Shekharanand, a spiritual teacher who used to be a — banker! Talk about a plot twist, right?

Swani Ji is here to completely flip the script on what karma actually means.

He says, "Karma and its effects are meant to teach us, not punish us."

The choices we make, good or bad, have consequences, but it's not about fear, it's about awareness.

Once we remove the fear around karma and see it for what it really is — we’ll understand it works EXACTLY like a feedback system for becoming our best selves.

So, get ready to shed those limiting beliefs. Because —In the end, only the truth will set you free. Join me in uncovering the deeper spiritual meaning behind how karma works.

S2 E46: I Don't Believe In Work-Life Balance Ft. Elliot Kallan

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 20:00:00 +0530

"You are where you're supposed to be" as Elliot believes in - stuck with me. He's overcome setbacks by focusing on serving people and staying present in the moment.

Now listen in as we reflect on finding meaning, building a legacy, and leaning into each moment. There are great lessons here from someone who has persevered through profound hardship.

S2 E45 : Drugs Ruined Me: Confessions Of An Addict ft Karianne Paulsene

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0530

The human spirit has astounding resilience, as shared by our courageous guest Karianne. Despite losing her mother young, battling addiction for 10 years, and suffering abuse, she found the strength to reclaim her life. Now over 33 years sober, Karianne recounts her inspirational story of recovering from addiction with humility and compassion. Her journey gives hope - no matter how far we may stray, there is always a way home. Karianne's story calls us to meet hardship with empathy and reminds us - with help and kindness, we can overcome. If addiction weighs on you, know you don't have to walk alone. Reach out and take it one day at a time. Karianne inspires us to share her story - the human spirit can conquer all.

S2 E44 : When Mother Teresa Gave Me Dalai Lama’s Number ft. Jonathan Robinson

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 20:00:00 +0530

Meet the man who has met Mother Teresa, Dalai Lama, Ram Das and 100 maestros of the world.

That's right, we've got Jonathan Robinson on the podcast, who has interviewed over 100 enlightened masters over his lifetime - I'm talking Ram Dass, Deepak Chopra, the Dalai Lama - this guy has sat down with all the greats.

He's going to share his journey and the wisdom he's gained from all these enlightened teachers about how to find inner peace and love in our lives.

We all could definitely use more of that!

Life gets so busy and stressful, we forget to stop and breathe and connect with what really matters.

Well Jonathan is going to break it down for us - the techniques, the rituals, the mindset shifts - everything we need to start living a more enlightened life. Whether you're a yoga master or have never stepped foot in a meditation hall, we're all going learn something today.

S2 E43: Feedback Can Be A Set-Back ft. Ann Betz

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 23:00:00 +0530

Get ready to rewire your brain's response to negative feedback!

Do you unravel when criticized at work? Does your stress zone turn even constructive feedback into a personal attack? You're not alone - and neuroscientist Ann Betz has solutions.

Ann explains the science behind why some brains are hardwired to take feedback as a threat. She shares little-known techniques to reframe how your neural pathways process criticism so you stay productive.

Neuroscience expert Ann Betz exposes the flawed logic behind the "hack your brain" craze. Her cutting-edge research shows our Western focus on hyper-individualism can actually impair performance.

Betz discusses the timeless philosophical question - why are some people cruel while others exude kindness?

In this groundbreaking episode, you'll learn:

Why scanning employees' brains uncovers leadership secrets
How to find your stress "sweet spot" and optimize it
The key to giving feedback tailored to each person's neurobiology
Why coaching outpaces therapy for rewiring thinking

Our brains are wired uniquely.
For the first time, science reveals how to work with your natural neurological patterns - not against them. Join neuroscience pioneer Ann Betz for a paradigm-shifting new approach to self-betterment and leadership.

S2 E42 : Leaders Stop Saying What People Already Expect ft. James McCabe

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Today we go deep on the power of stories - how they shape us, move us, and connect our shared humanity.

And as our guest today James McCabe will illuminate, they are as vital as food.

We'll explore how stories are integral to leadership - the classic hero's journey, shaping company narratives, capturing people's imagination. Storytelling is the language of influence and inspiration.

How do you craft a story that cuts through the noise? That's what we'll dive into tonight with James today, The Story Doctor.

So get ready to enter the human experience through a storyteller's lens.

S2 E41: When Purpose Becomes a Prison ft. Ryan Ettridge

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 20:00:00 +0530

With the new year upon us, many of us are reflecting on our goals and desires for the future.

Today we will discuss how purpose should be viewed as a guide rather than an identity we attach to. Ryan will also discuss sustainable approaches to goal setting that stem from inner truth rather than societal pressures.

Ryan compelled us to question - who do we believe ourselves to be?

How strongly are we clinging to limiting roles and identities?

Can we find the courage to let go, so we may grow?

These reflections offer much food for thought.

Our potential is infinite - we need only realize it.

Though the path is often unclear, we must trust it unfolds with purpose.

By knowing our intention, we attract its manifestation.

May we acknowledge the light within one another, sharing truth as kindred spirits.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us, rate us and leave a review to help more people discover the show.

S2 E40 : Purpose Should Be Selfish ft. Robert C Wolcott

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 19:00:00 +0530

Welcome to our first episode of 2024!

As we begin a new year, many of us are reflecting on our purpose and vision for the future. What do we want to accomplish? Why do we work so hard? How can we craft more meaningful, fulfilling lives?

So today we'll be exploring these big questions Robert C. Wolcott.

There's something about a new year that makes us to evaluate our direction and intentions. It's a chance to pivot towards purposes aligned with our evolving visions.

The main question for the day is – Should Purpose Be Selfish or Selfless?

Interesting right? Well let’s get started.

S2 E39 : No More JUST Resolutions In 2024 ft. Gaurav Arora

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 22:00:00 +0530

This year we are not making resolutions.
But we are entering this year with well thought INTENTION STATEMENTS!

As the year comes to an end, I wish you make peace with the past and embrace the gifts of the present. The people and simple joys before you now. Make new memories alongside honouring old ones. Find meaning not in recapturing the past but in continuously opening your heart to the present.

Clarify your deepest intentions for living authentically.
Set intentions, not resolutions. Pursue Fulfilment, Meaning and Making A Difference - the real yardstick of success.
Foster community and connection.
Express gratitude for those who shape your journey.

The core message: let go of "shoulds" and external validation. Turn inward to align with your true self and values. Measure your own growth and happiness by your own standards. You have everything you need inside you.

The new year offers a chance to reset. To turn down the volume on perfectionism and peer pressure. To tune into our own rhythms, passions and purpose.

May we enter the coming days with compassion for ourselves and others. There are no set rules to living well - only the wisdom that already dwells within our hearts.

Wishing you all a very happy new year 2024!

S2 E38: Two Lay-Offs, Zero Regrets ft Nathan Gold

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 19:00:00 +0530

Often, we think we know what drives us, only to be surprised when unexpected twists and turns lead us down a different path.

My guest today, Nathan Gold, experienced this firsthand. After being laid off not once, but twice, Nathan finally asked himself what he truly loved doing - and the answer was presenting and PEOPLE. Those difficult shakeups ended up being a blessing in disguise, forcing Nathan to find and follow his calling.

We have an insightful discussion about the journey to discover his purpose, the importance of living authentically, and why developing a network is a priceless investment in yourself.

I think you’ll find his story inspiring and his wisdom applicable to all areas of life.

S2 E37: 30 Years Of Tech, But What About People? ft. Lenwood Ross

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0530

Digital transformation. It's one of the hottest buzzwords in business. But what does it actually mean and why does it matter? In this episode, we cut through the hype and jargon to explore the real impacts of digital transformation on both businesses and people.

We discuss why transformation is crucial for organizational survival in an increasingly complex and automated world. However, too often the people side of change is overlooked. Technologies like AI and automation may take away repetitive tasks, but they also make our humanity more important than ever.

Ultimately, digital transformation requires collaboration between empowered, cross-functional teams. But collaboration overload leads to communication chaos. We need to move from just sharing information to truly solving problems together. And most importantly, we must prioritize upskilling and supporting people through this disruption. Because without transforming employees first, organizational transformation will never happen.

Join us as we get beyond the buzzwords and break down both the risks and opportunities of digital transformation for your people and your business.

S2 E36 : Scare Employees = Lose Employees ft. Renelle Everett Darr

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0530

I don't know about you, but I think we could all use some inspiration when it comes to leadership lately. The world feels more divided than ever. Trust is fleeting. People feel burnt out and afraid of the future.

So I had this burning question - how can leaders spark real change starting from within? And who better to help me unpack that than the wonderful Renelle Darr.

Welcome to another episode of the xMonks Drive podcast. I'm your host Gaurav, and today I have the honour of being joined by renowned leadership coach and consultant, Renelle Everett.

Renelle has an incredible 15 years under her belt empowering executives to find purpose and transform organizations.

We got into the grit of why leaders struggle to drive change. How inauthentic cultures sap creativity. Why it’s about “co-creating” with people, not “managing” them?

All of the POWERFUL stuff.

Renelle gave me a lot of hope. That underneath the divisiveness in this world are human beings aching to do good. Who wants to contribute? Who would give their right arm to work with leaders who saw their humanity?

So I’m just wondering – what was the one lesson you’ll take from Renelle and apply in your life? Maybe it’s about getting curious and asking more questions. Finding the courage to be vulnerable. Leading with care and vision instead of fear.

If this discussion resonated with you, don't forget to share it with fellow leaders who need these reminders too. We only try to bring the best for you. Every week. Every Friday. So rate us, follow us and share share share.

And please, I’d love to hear your biggest a-ha’s!!

You can write to me on my LinkedIN or mail me at gauravinspires@gmail.com.

Remember the world needs YOUR authentic, purpose-driven leadership now more than ever.

S2 E35: Why Leaders Don't Ask For Help ft. Hortense De Gentil

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:00:00 +0530

Leadership advisor Hortense shares her journey to becoming an "unlocked leader" - one who has freed themselves from mental obstacles and self-limiting beliefs to connect authentically and lead with humanity.

Key Takeaways:

Being "human" as a leader means showing vulnerability, asking for help, and connecting heart-to-heart with empathy. This goes against what many traditional leadership narratives promote.
Mind traps like fears, past traumas, and limiting beliefs often hold leaders back from being their true selves and connecting with others. Identifying these traps is the first step.
To overcome traps, track their origin, challenge any negative self-talk, and intentionally write your own leadership story focused on your true passions and values. Make this a daily practice.
With self-awareness and mindset shifts, leaders can unlock empathy and inspiration. Leadership is not about being the smartest or invulnerable, but making people feel seen, safe, and part of a shared purpose.
The world needs more leaders who are self-aware, connect with vulnerability, and create spaces for people's authentic selves to show up. This builds trust and unity required to handle increasing complexity.

Focus on actionable advice for leaders to reflect on their own mind traps and steps to become more authentic, connected human leaders.

S2 E34 : Sam Altman Warns AI Could Kill Us All. Really??? Ft. Nell Watson

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 21:00:00 +0530

"With great power comes great responsibility.” As AI grows more capable, how will we stay aligned with ethics and human values? It’s something to ponder.

Nell has been working with AI since the early days and has a unique perspective on where things are headed. We’ll be getting into some fascinating topics around AI safety and building ethical systems.

One thing's for sure - our guest Nell has incredible insight, having been in this field for over a decade. Let’s listen in with open and curious minds.

And if you want to hear more dialogues like this, don't forget to follow our podcast!

Let’s Begin!!

S2 E33: Everybody Wants To Be A Tedx Speaker ft. Matt Abrahams

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0530

What does it mean to be an exceptional communicator? What separates those who converse with confidence from those who crumble under pressure?

In today's episode of The xMonks Drive, we have with us the communication expert Matt Abrahams.

But communication is about more than skill - it's an "operationalized leadership," as Matt puts it.

How we speak and listen shapes our presence.

So what mindsets unlock confidence and connection?

How do we cultivate grace under pressure?

What's the key to making others feel truly heard?

Get ready for a wealth of potent insights from Matt's book, "Think Faster, Talk Smarter." Matt is truly one of the greats when it comes to communication skills.

Get ready to take some notes, this is gonna be GOOD!

S2 E32: Vision Statements Are Poor At Motivating People with Edward Morrison

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 20:00:00 +0530

Discover the balcony view great leaders need. Edward Morrison joins us to share insider tips on mastering the balancing act.

We spill secrets on motivating teams, solving thorny problems, and aligning strategy. Dive into decentralizing leadership without losing alignment.

And find out why vision statements flop at inspiring people. Plus Edward’s wisdom from the executive trenches.

All this and more on unlocking strategic leadership that takes the lead! The balcony awaits – let’s head upstairs.

S2 E31: Networking Was Icky & Manipulative with Judy Robinett

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0530

Nothing happens without people. In this episode, superconnector Judy Robinett shares why relationships are the foundation for success.

Judy explains how she moved beyond transactional "networking" to build genuine bonds that enrich both parties. She stresses the importance of listening with empathy and finding shared values.

Reflecting on her journey, Judy traces the link between her childhood and her knack for connecting. She realized over time that deep down, we all want to be seen and heard. Vulnerability breeds connection.

Judy also touches on setting boundaries in relationships. Not everyone shares your values, and some may take more than they give. Yet when you find kindred spirits, amazing things can happen.

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the art of building your community authentically. Discover tips for establishing strategic yet heartfelt relationships.

S2 E30: Suffering: The Cause of Violence with Jerry Colonna

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:00:00 +0530

How to Create Belonging in a World of Suffering

In this episode, Gaurav talks to Jerry Colonna, the CEO of Reboot.io and a renowned executive coach, about how to deal with the heartbreak and violence that pervades our world. Jerry shares his insights on how our ancestors, our spiritual traditions, and our own self-awareness can help us create a sense of belonging with ourselves and others. He challenges us to put love front and center, and to be with each other’s suffering in a compassionate way. This is a powerful and inspiring conversation that will make you rethink your relationship with yourself, your fellow human beings, and the world at large. Tune in and discover how to create belonging in a world of suffering.

S2 E29: Why We Need Reverse Mentorship with Ramkumar Narayanan

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:00:00 +0530

How can somebody be 110 percent consumed?

Today’s guest is one of those people who is such a deep thinker, that just one episode with him was not enough.

He is Ramkumar Narayan, theVP Technology and Managing Director of VMWare India, a leading industry voice with a knack to breakdown tech in laymen terms.

In this episode, we're going to talk about how technology is changing the world, how to cope with uncertainty and innovation, how to not label everything as talent, how AI is impacting our lives and careers, and how to balance work and life as a solo founder. So be prepared to go on a ride with Ramkumar Narayan.

S2 E28: Clear Communication Is Uncomfortable with Ben Guttmann

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 20:00:00 +0530

How many times have you struggled to get your message across, to understand what someone else is saying, or to deal with a conflict or a misunderstanding?

How many times have you wished you could communicate better, clearer, and more effectively?

If you can relate to any of these situations, then this episode is for you.

Our guest, Benjamin Guttmann, is a renowned expert in the field, and they're here to provide us with invaluable tips and insights on becoming an outstanding communicator.

He is the author of the bestselling book "Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win and How to Design Them," a communication expert, and a coach.

But hey, don't keep all this wisdom to yourself! Share it with your friends, family, and colleagues. After all, the more great communicators we have in the world, the better it gets, right?

Oh, and if you liked what you heard today, do us a solid – leave a rating and review. Your feedback keeps us going, and we'd love to hear from you. And don't forget to follow to xMonks Drive on your favourite podcast app so that you never miss an episode.

Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, keep those conversations flowing and express yourselves truly.

Communication is not just about what you say, but how you say it.
So say it simply, say it clearly and say it with impact.

S2 E27: We Have Passed The Tipping Point of Climate Change with Dr Elisabet Sahtouris

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:00:00 +0530

We have crossed the point of NO RETURN!
This Earth we are living on, we have ignored its cry for help.

What happened to us? We used to be able to talk to plants, animals and nature.

When did we lose that bond with Mother Nature? Have we forgotten that nobody else is coming to our rescue?

A quick disclaimer, I really don't know how to describe our today’s guest, or even brief you about this episode.

Today is about – the realms of life, evolution, and the interconnectedness of our existence on this planet.

Today is about looking in the past to become better future humans.

In a world that often demands measurable answers, our guest reminds us that there's more to reality than what meets the eye.

We have with us Dr Elisabet Sahtouris, who is an internationally known evolution biologist, futurist, author and consultant on Living Systems Design.

By the end of this episode, you may find yourself questioning your place in the grand patchwork of the universe and the impact of our actions on the future of humanity.

So stay tuned and enjoy the show.

S2 E26: How Zomato Survived The Pandemic? with Sanjeev Bhikhchandani

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:00:00 +0530

Join us for a casual chat with Sanjeev Bhikhchandani, the man behind Naukri.com and a lot more. In this episode, he spills the beans on how it all started.

Back in '97, he was just an average guy taking small steps as an entrepreneur. Naukri.com was just one of those ideas, but it turned out to be a game-changer.

He tells us how luck played its part, but it was also about hard work and smart decisions. And he shares some wisdom he got early on: make yourself dispensable.

The conversation takes us through the journey of delegation and empowerment. Learn how good people can snatch power from you, even if you don't give it to them.

Fast forward to today, and Info Edge has invested in dozens of startups, including big names like Zomato. Hear how a bold move into food delivery, against advice, saved the company during the pandemic.

This podcast is all about self-belief, resilience, and the fascinating stories behind some of India's biggest startups. So, grab a coffee and tune in!

S2 E25: Human Minds Can't Decode Exponential Change with Gary A. Boles

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0530

Today we are going to meet someone who has shaped the way we work and lead in the 21st century, Gary Boles, the co-founder of eParachute, and the author of The Next Rules of Work

Gary is also a frequent keynote speaker and workshop leader on the future of work, learning, and career development.

In this episode, we will talk about Gary’s personal journey of finding his purpose, his insights on how to adapt to the changing world of work, and his advice on how to thrive in the next economy.

S2 E24: Leaders, Learn To Leverage Your Opponents with Greg Satell

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 21:00:00 +0530

Today, we've got a heavy hitter in the world of leadership with us. Greg Settle. He is a world-class expert on leadership and transformational change.

Greg has helped hundreds of organizations across the globe navigate complex and disruptive changes.

A Lecturer at Wharton, accomplished entrepreneur, global executive and one of the foremost experts on transformation and change today, Greg helps organizations overcome resistance to change and build a better future.

It is an honour to have him on the show.

Greg Settle didn't just drop gems; he brought upon a leadership earthquake. Remember, leadership isn't about fancy titles; it's about rolling up your sleeves, empowering others, and unleashing change that becomes the new normal.

Now, if you're ready to take action, here's your first step: hit that follow button right now, so you never miss an episode that could transform the leader in you.

If you have a thirst for such a deep quest to be a better leader, a better coach or a better human, meet masters like Greg on The Coaching Conclave 2023.

The Biggest Coaching Event Of The Year Returns in just 7 days! bringing you more than 50 brilliant leaders, coaches, the torch bearers and the best minds in the world, the people you have only wished to meet from far.

But wishes do come true friends. Register today at the coachingconclave.com.

Make a promise to unleash your true potential. I will see you again soon at The Coaching Conclave.

S2 E23: Masculinity As A Concept Is Questionable ft. Jindy Mann

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 21:00:00 +0530

Take a moment to think about the ideas of masculinity you have grown up with. How do they affect your life and the men around you?

Our guest today comes with a mission to break down these norms. Jindy Mann everyone. A coach and mentor. And facilitator who works with men to help them discover and express their authentic masculinity.

This conversation is for everyone, not just men. Help this episode reach the right people by leaving a rating and a review on either Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Every share counts. Every like counts.

In this episode, we explore Jindy's life, dented by the loss of his father at a tender age, and how it shaped his perception of what it means to be a man in a dual-patriarchal world.

As you listen, think about the assumptions you've carried about your own masculinity or that of the men around you. What does it truly mean to be a man in today's world, and how can we redefine those notions for a more fulfilling life?

We humans are complex and messy creatures. We crave certainty in the form of patterns and neatly defined categories just to make sense of this world. And change is a threat to that.
If you're already living by the definitions of others, how would you define life for yourself?

Jindy's story is another inspiring example where individuals have boldly navigated the turbulent waters to reach their true potential and to be their authentic selves.
(00:00:00) - Introduction
Gaurav and Jindy introduce themselves and set the stage for their conversation about identity.

(00:03:10) - Dual Identity and Cultural Confusion
Gaurav and Jindy discuss the complexities of having dual identities and how names can shape one's sense of self.

[00:04:36] - Identity Conflict in Germany
Jindy shares his experience of living in Germany and how it has further shaped his identity.

S2 E22: Visionaries Are Damaged People Ft. Justin Breen

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 21:00:00 +0530

Are visionaries born?
Are they built?
Can any everyday Joe or Jane become a visionary?

That's the curveball I throw Justin right off the bat. His answer? Well, Justin's got a thing or two to say about that.

Justin is not your typical PR guy. He is a visionary who sees things differently and helps others do the same. He has a knack for finding and telling stories that resonate with the media and the masses. He has worked with some of the most influential people in the world, from billionaires to celebrities to world changers.

He's not talking about the Steve Jobs and Richard Bransons of the world – he's tipping his hat to folks who are the unsung heroes who redefine what it means to chase a vision.

And if I have you here, please take a moment to follow this podcast on Apple or Spotify. As I always say I love reading your reviews. So please drop a feedback, a rating and review. Anything that helps us become better.

So yeah, back to Justin! Can we really label everyone who follows a vision as a visionary? I mean, doesn't that water down the term?
Well for all those questions we have Justin here.

Also, the tickets for TCC2023 are hitting popular demands now. Do visit www.thecoachingconclave.com to book you seat.

S2 E21: Crack The Formula To Make India Super Power with Raju Reddy

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 21:00:00 +0530

From the streets of Nizamabad, India, to Silicon Valley, we were taken on the journey of Raju Reddy's evolution from employee to entrepreneur, the pivotal role of mentorship, and the power of giving back.

This episode brings you to the epicentre of the power India holds. Raju draws a vision of where rural India will be the greatest job creators in the world. And in this quest, we cracked the formula that would make India the global economic powerhouse.

What is this secret insight? Find it out in this conversation.

Do leave a review and a rating, we want to only do our best for you, and that's why your feedback is our priority. Thank you for listening.

The Coaching Conclave is round the corner. Have you gotten a chance to visit-www.thecoachingconclave.com yet?

S2 E20: Do Women At Top Make Men Insecure with Sally Helgeson

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 23:00:00 +0530

Sally starts her tale – women with amazing skills, entering workplaces big time. But guess what? These skills rarely hit the strategic and leadership radars.

Hold on, swish sound – ah, got your attention now? Sally's lightbulb moment hits – great ideas from women get lost in the corporate hubbub. Aha, and that's how she steps into the world of women's leadership.

Fast forward, and Sally spills about her three decades witnessing the women's leadership evolution. Confidence skyrockets, and organizations finally welcome women's A-game.

Sally's journey leads us to the heart of the matter: the transition from dominance to inclusivity in leadership. With thought-provoking insight, she dissects the underpinnings of power dynamics and offers a pathway to embracing a new mindset of inclusive leadership. Learn how coaching plays a pivotal role in guiding individuals beyond the confines of perception management, allowing them to focus on the contributions they are truly capable of making.

S2 E19: Your Trauma Is NOT Entirely Yours with Raj Sisodia

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 22:00:00 +0530

Not all stories are true.
Not all stories are helpful. Not all stories are healthy.
Some stories are distorted, some stories are incomplete, some stories are harmful. Some stories are holding us back, some stories are hurting us, some stories are killing us.

In this episode, Raj Sisodia and I confront the stories that we have been telling ourselves about life and work. He reveals the traumas that he have experienced and inherited, and how it shaped his choices and actions.

He does not do this to indulge in self-pity or to blame others. He did this to heal himself and to heal others. He did this to create a new story, a story of compassion and wisdom, a story of purpose and meaning, a story of hope and joy.

This episode is not for the faint of heart.

It is for those who dare to look at themselves and the world with honesty and courage. It is for those who want to make a difference, not only in business, but in life.

This episode is for you.

TCC 2023: www.thecoachingconclave.com

S2 E18: I Didn't Realise How Poor I Was ft. Greg Beebe (Executive VP Sennheiser)

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 21:00:00 +0530

The OG Rags To Riches Story of Greg Beebe!

Today, I want to take you on a journey of discovery, of wonder, of curiosity.

I want to show you how ordinary people can do extraordinary things, how they can overcome adversity, find meaning, and inspire others. I want to ask them not only what happened, but how it felt.

My guest today is Greg, a man who has lived many lives in one. He was born in a poor neighbourhood in Hartford, Connecticut, which is one of the three poorest cities in the state. Where he had no prospects, no role models, no future. He was the first in his family to finish high school, let alone go to college.

Beebe went on to join Sennheiser in 1992 at their Hartford headquarters and has been with the company ever since. Presently he is the Executive Vice President at Sennheiser.

Greg showed us that nothing is impossible with faith, hard work, and a good heart. He showed us that we can change our lives and the world, one conversation at a time. He showed us that we can be grateful and generous, humble and hopeful.

I hope you enjoyed our conversation as much as I did. I hope you learned something from his story, from his struggles and successes, from his insights and advice. I hope you felt something from his honesty and grace.

Thank you for listening to this episode of the xMonks Drive podcast. If you liked this episode, please rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. You can also follow us on LinkedIN and visit our Youtube channel for more content and resources.

Thank you for being part of this community of life changers.

S2 E17: Modern Leadership Has Lost Its Soul with Rishad Ahmed

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:00:00 +0530

What made Rishad say this? In the period of AI transition do we have to worry about being dead inside?

Rishad Ahmed is an accomplished executive coach, speaker, trainer and author. As an AI Transition Specialist, he has a passion for helping individuals and organizations thrive in the age of AI. With a deep understanding of ancient principles and a focus on developing a new form of intelligence, Rishad has established himself as a leading expert in the field of leadership development.

He brings a unique set of skills and insights that can help companies navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the 21st century. His focus is on developing a new type of intelligence that is necessary for the age of AI – one that is resilient, aware, and able to deal with change.

If you liked this episode, share and rate us.
The Coaching Conclave 2023 is back visit www.thecoachingconclave.com to avail Early Bird Offer.

S2 E16: Tata Group: Always Proving Their Critics Wrong with Mr T V Narendran

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 20:00:00 +0530

In today's episode, I bring to you, not just a conversation but a *LEADERSHIP * SIMPLIFIED * MASTERCLASS* with none other than Mr T V Narendran, the CEO and MD of Tata Steel.

Someone who inspires me and I have great admiration for. So naturally I was curious about his leadership style, the challenges he faced, and meeting the expectation of keeping up with the legacy.

If you liked this episode, please follow us, leave a review, and share it with people you want to see winning at the leadership game. You can also follow me on Youtube and Linkedin for more updates and more conversations.

And don’t forget to check out www.thecoachingconclave.com for our upcoming annual coaching event -- The Coaching Conclave.

S2 E15: Maya: The Greatest Lie Ever Told with Srikumar Rao

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 21:00:00 +0530

The man, the myth to the legend is with us today and he is popularly known as The Happiness Guru, Srikumar Rao.

He tells that the biggest illusion we have is Maya. It has been tricking us.
Why is Maya the cosmic illusion we have been chasing?
Find out on this episode of xMonks Drive.

Srikumar Rao enlightens us about the biggest illusion that has been playing tricks on us all - Maya.

Ah, yes, Maya, the cosmic illusion that we've been chasing after, thinking it holds the key to our happiness and success. Maya has been pulling the strings, keeping us trapped in a never-ending cycle of desires and expectations and suffering.

How to break free from this cycle to attain pure unalloyed happiness? This is what this episode is about.

S2 E14 : Only Person Who Can Fix Your Team Is YOU with Morag Barrett

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 20:00:00 +0530

As much as professional relationships matter for an organisation, it also impacts our own health, job-satisfaction and overall well-being. They affect how we work, how we feel, and how we grow.

And what are those early signs of a toxic workplace?

Obviously, we don't want to create it. We don't want to stay in that rut.

As leaders, we are always trying to make our workplace better, our people better and thrive. But how?

And when is the right time to have that difficult conversation?

So with our expert guest on our show, we asked her all of the above. Morag is going to break it down for you and the ripple effect it can create. With Morag's insights and experience from coaching hundreds of leaders, this episode is a million-dollar masterclass in itself.

S2 E13: Was Steve Jobs A Tough Boss?

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:00:00 +0530

Today, I am joined by Rusty Gaillard, a remarkable individual who formerly held the esteemed position of worldwide director of finance at Apple.

But here's the kicker: Rusty realized that despite all the glitz and glamour, something was off. Deep down, he knew he wasn't living the life he truly wanted. So, he did something totally mind-blowing. He walked away from it all, leaving behind the fame, the fortune, and the prestige.

Why would someone give up the ultimate dream job? What would this mean for Rusty himself?
Everyone wanted to know what he knew, what made him take that leap of faith.

Rusty today is a life coach and the founder of Silicon Valley Dream Builders, and the author of the published book, Breaking the Code: Embrace Life Instead of Chasing Answers.

Not only will we gain insight into his personal transformation, but we will also be treated to an exclusive peek behind the curtain of Apple and its illustrious leadership. Take this episode as a VIP ticket to the inner workings of one of the world's most iconic companies and leaders like Steve Jobs and Tim Cook!

S2 E12: Do Black Lives Matter? With Paul Kix

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +0530

Buckle up for an epic ride on xMonks Drive!

Get ready to dive headfirst into history as we chat with the incredible Paul Kix, author of the mind-blowing book, "You Have to Be Prepared to Die Before You Can Begin to Live: Ten Weeks in Birmingham That Changed America."

Brace yourself for the unfiltered truth about the groundbreaking 1963 Birmingham Campaign that flipped the script on the Civil Rights Movement. We're talking resilience, sacrifice, and a visionary force unleashed by Martin Luther King Jr., Wyatt Walker, Fred Shuttlesworth, and James Bevel.
But hold on tight, folks, because this campaign didn't just rock their world—it rocked Paul's too, blowing open his perspective on race, justice, and love.

Prepare for a jaw-dropping rollercoaster of gripping tales that'll shake you to your core as we uncover the raw impact of this movement on our modern world. This podcast ain't for the faint of heart, so if you're ready to challenge the status quo, obliterate discrimination, and ignite a revolution of compassion, then hit that follow, like, and share button ASAP.
Let's join forces and shape a future where kindness dominates because guess what? The time for change is now, and we won't settle for anything less.

Hop in and let's ride!

S2 E11: Why Apple will Always Be in Fortune 500? With Rhett Power

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 21:00:00 +0530

Rhett's about to spill the tea on how to crack that elusive Fortune 500 code.

Oh, and get this—Rhett's gonna take us on a wild ride, battling it out between our inner voice and intuition. He also exposes the truth about how he listens to his inner voice and intuition, and how he avoids filling his mind with junk.

But wait, there's a twist! We've been sleeping on accountability. It has got a bad rep! But why? Well, this episode will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about buzzwords in the corporate world. How to hold someone accountable and the related anxiety with it— yes, Rhett’s going to break that down.

In one word this episode is about the gut–of you and your organisation.

S2 E10 : Modi Knows India Better Than Anyone Else with Mohandas Pai

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 18:00:00 +0530

Mohandas Pai is here to drop some truth bombs: nobody gives a darn about you! Yep, that's right.

The world keeps spinning, whether you're the next superstar or just a couch potato.
But don’t worry, he’s not here to crush your dreams. He’s here to show you how to be the best in your field without being arrogant, how to believe in your country and your people, and how to create a lasting impact in the social sector. He’s done it all, from being a CFO and board member of Infosys, to being the chairman of Aarin Capital and Manipal Global Education, to being involved with Akshaya Patra, the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program.

Plus, we'll have a face-off between Mahatma Gandhi and the dynamic Narendra Modi, who truly knows India inside out.

Tune in for a crisp, friendly, and downright entertaining episode! You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, may be feel a little challenged but most importantly you’ll be inspired.

S2 E9: AI: A Friend Or A Foe With Satish Shenoy

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 19:00:00 +0530

Ever wondered what it’s like to run seven marathons in seven continents? Yeah, us too. That’s why we invited Satish Shenoy, an advisor, author, speaker and runner who did that.

But that's not all! Our chat with Satish takes an unexpected turn as we explore the world of AI (that's artificial intelligence, folks). We all know it's everywhere, from Netflix to the latest tech gadgets. Some people are freaking out, wondering if AI is our friend or foe. Well, Satish has some thoughts on that.

And because Satish is not just an adventure junkie, but also a wise parent, he shares a heartfelt message for his kids (and anyone else who's listening, really). Trust us, it's some serious wisdom you don't want to miss.

S2 E8: R Anand - Midlife Crisis & Other Questions We Do Not Ask

Fri, 26 May 2023 22:00:00 +0530

When purpose becomes the very exact reason we are stuck.!!

Yeah! Let that sink in.

What are the other truths that haunt us in the middle of our lives, when we realize that we have not lived up to our expectations, or that we have lived too much by them?

In this episode, I talk to R Anand, a man who has asked himself these questions, and who has found some answers through experiments of his own.

An author, and a seeker of wisdom, explains why he feels Krishna, embodies freedom and fluidity. How Krishna’s teachings can help us navigate the challenges of modern leaders. He takes us away from midlife crises to find our purpose.

But this is not a conversation about religion or philosophy.

This is a conversation about ourselves.

This is a conversation about how we can break free from the limitations that we have imposed on ourselves, or that others have imposed on us.

This is a conversation about how we can embrace change and uncertainty, and find joy and meaning in them. This is a conversation about how we can become the leaders of our own lives.

Listen to it and see if you can find some answers for yourself.

S2 E7: Raju Narisetti - Are You Being A Good Ancestor?

Fri, 19 May 2023 20:00:00 +0530

Are You Being a Good Ancestor? Raju Narisetti poses this intriguing question, while urging us to reflect on our role in shaping the future.

In this episode on xMonks Drive, Narisetti, former journalist and presently Leader, Global Publishing at McKinsey & Company sheds light on the trust crisis in journalism and the perception that it can be bought and sold. He emphasizes the importance of connecting the dots and challenges us to consider the legacy we'll leave behind.

Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration that will leave you questioning your own impact on future generations.

S2 E6: Shantharaju B S - You Are The Creator Of Your Destiny

Sat, 13 May 2023 00:00:00 +0530

In this episode of xMonks Drive, listeners are invited to delve into the complexities of the human experience through the lens of one man's inspiring journey. Through the conversation with former CEO of Indus Towers and expert leadership advisor, Shantharaju B S, we are reminded of the power of resilience and the importance of authenticity in leadership.

But beyond the lessons on success, this conversation offers a reflection on the nature of human drive. What propels us to continue learning and growing in the face of adversity? What is it that drives us to pursue our goals, even when the odds are stacked against us?

Through the compelling narrative of Shantharaju's rise from adversity to success, we are reminded of the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and to persevere in the pursuit of personal growth. In the end, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of the human experience, leaving listeners with a renewed appreciation for the resilience, drive, and authenticity that are at the heart of every meaningful journey.

About Shantharaju B S

Shantharaju B S is a respected business leader and expert advisor on leadership and strategy. Born and raised in India, Shantharaju's journey to success was marked by a series of challenges and setbacks that tested his resolve and resilience.

At a young age, Shantharaju lost his father's fortune and was forced to start his life anew. But he refused to be defined by his circumstances, and instead focused on his education, earning a degree in commerce before going on to pursue an MBA from the International Management Institute - IMI.

With his education complete, Shantharaju began his career in the telecommunications industry, where he quickly distinguished himself as a dynamic and visionary leader. Over the course of his career, he held several leadership positions, including CEO of Indus Towers, one of the largest telecom infrastructure companies in India. Under his leadership, Indus Towers grew to become a major player in the industry, earning widespread recognition for its innovative and sustainable business practices.

Today, Shantharaju is recognized as a leading expert on leadership and strategy, sought out by organizations and business leaders for his insights on driving growth, building high-performing teams, and navigating complex business environments. He is also a passionate advocate for social and environmental causes, using his platform and resources to support initiatives that create positive change in his community and beyond.

S2 E5: Hari TN - Everyday Bias: Finding Inspiration In Unlikely Places

Sat, 06 May 2023 07:00:00 +0530

Looking for inspiration in all the wrong places? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Join us on our latest podcast episode, "Finding Inspiration in the Ordinary," as we chat with mindfulness leadership guru, Hari TN.

We'll explore how being aware of our own biases can actually help us find inspiration in the everyday moments of life. So, let's get ready to embrace our biases (yup, we said it), and unlock the secret to finding inspiration all around us.

About Hari TN
Hari TN is a seasoned entrepreneur and an expert in scaling start-ups. With over 20 years of experience in the start-up ecosystem, Hari has witnessed the critical turning points of numerous companies from up close. He has played a key role in the growth journeys of 5 different start-ups, spanning across 5 different sectors.
In addition to his practical experience, Hari has also shared his knowledge in various forms. He is the author of 7 books, many of which have become category leaders. Hari advises two VC funds, one in the growth stage and the other in the early stage. He is also a mentor at accelerators like Techstars and an advisor to multiple start-ups.

Currently, Hari is focused on the Artha School of Entrepreneurship, which he co-founded with like-minded individuals. The School is a non-profit (a Section 8 company) that aims to help founders scale their start-ups and build large and sustainable businesses. Hari also contributes at a strategic level through Board positions on companies whose missions align with his capabilities. His vast experience and expertise make him a valuable asset to any company seeking to scale and grow.

S2 E4: Abhishek Gupta - We Are Entitled To Nothing

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0530

You know what's the worst thing we humans do? We take things for granted.
We forget how fragile life is and act like we're entitled to everything. But this episode is here to remind us of the reality.

But what happens when those good things are taken away from us? When life throws us a curveball that we never saw coming? That's when we're forced to confront our own mortality, to come face to face with the fact that we're not invincible after all.

In this podcast episode, we'll be hearing from Abhishek, a CFO at Myntra, who knows all too well what it's like to have everything taken away in an instant.

The episode is all about confronting our deepest fears, acknowledging the fragility of life, and building the strength to keep moving forward even when everything seems to be falling apart. It's a reminder that we have the power to overcome our greatest obstacles, but we can't take anything for granted.

If you are feeling lost or overwhelmed by the challenges of life, or if you just need a reminder to appreciate the good things while they last, this is the episode for you.

So tune in and let Abhishek's story inspire you to cultivate your own resilience and keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws your way.

S2 E3: Sandeep Jethwani - Why We Make Bad Investment Decisions?

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0530

Investing can be a tricky game, and despite our best efforts to make rational decisions, emotions often come into play. Fear and greed can cloud our judgment and lead to bad investment decisions.

But it's not all bad news!

In this session, we'll explore why we make these mistakes and how our minds influence our money.

Drawing on insights from behavioral economics and psychology, we'll reveal the many ways our brains can be our own worst enemy when it comes to investing. But don't worry - Sandeep will share some practical strategies for managing your emotions and making better investment decisions. You'll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and outsmart your brain to achieve your financial goals.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this session will provide valuable insights into the often-overlooked role of psychology in investing. So join us for a thrilling ride as we explore the wild world of money and emotions with Sandeep Jethwani, co-founder of Dezerv.

[Also, Signup for ICW 2023 at www.xmonks.com]

About Sandeep

Introducing Sandeep Jethwani, a renowned investment manager and co-founder of Dezerv, an innovative wealth management firm that provides simplified investment solutions for working professionals in India.

As the son of two PSU bankers, Sandeep grew up with a deep understanding of the importance of managing money well. After graduating from IIM Bangalore, he embarked on a 17-year career managing wealth for India's ultra-wealthy across different industries and geographies.

However, Sandeep felt restless because he knew that most Indian working professionals did not have access to the same level of expertise and investment opportunities as the ultra-wealthy. Many people either did not invest or invested ad-hoc, leading to poor long-term returns.

Determined to solve this problem, Sandeep and his team at Dezerv offer an investment management program designed to cater to the investment needs of Indian working professionals. With Dezerv, you can invest in expert-managed mutual fund portfolios, market-linked debentures, and early-stage businesses or startups alongside top VCs and founders.

In just one year, Dezerv manages over 1400+ crores of assets for their clients. With their wealth check-up app, you can receive a comprehensive assessment of your investment portfolio from top financial experts in India and get recommendations on how to optimize your investments.

S2 E2: Deepak Kothari - Painting A Blank Canvas: Deepak's Entrepreneurial Journey of FTCash

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0530

Did you know that over 80% of small businesses in India are self-funded and lack access to formal credit? That's a staggering figure that highlights the challenges faced by micro-business owners in getting the financial support they need to grow and thrive.

But our guest today, Deepak Kothari, is changing that. He co-founded ftcash, a company that's using technology to create a new model of finance that's tailored to the needs of small business owners.

In our conversation, Deepak shares some fascinating insights into his own journey, from growing up in Varanasi to co-founding ft cash in Mumbai. He also discusses the challenges of creating something from nothing and how that inspired him to help other micro-business owners.

About The Guest

Deepak Kothari is an Indian entrepreneur and co-founder of ft cash, a Mumbai-based financial technology company that offers digital payments and lending solutions to micro and small businesses in India.

Born and raised in Varanasi, India, Deepak was exposed to entrepreneurship at an early age through his father, who ran a small business. After completing his engineering degree, Deepak worked in various roles in the tech industry before pursuing his MBA from IIM Ahmedabad.

It was during his time at IIM Ahmedabad that Deepak was inspired to create a business that would make a positive impact on society. In 2014, he co-founded ft cash, which has since grown into a leading provider of digital payments and lending solutions in India.

Through ft cash, Deepak is focused on helping micro and small businesses gain access to the financial tools they need to thrive. The company's innovative solutions enable business owners to accept digital payments, access loans, and manage their finances in real-time.

Deepak is passionate about using technology to drive social change and improve access to financial services for underserved communities. Under his leadership, ft cash has been recognized as a leader in financial inclusion and has won several awards for its innovative approach to digital finance.

With his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a positive impact on society, Deepak Kothari is a true visionary in the world of fintech.

S2 E1: Ramkumar Narayanan - From Line Leader to CXO: Flexibility in Purpose

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0530

As we kick off this brand-new season, I can feel the excitement bubbling up inside me!

With a remarkable ability to speak comfortably in front of audiences, our guest Ramkumar's story is filled with invaluable lessons on personal growth, exploring different perspectives, and stepping into unknown territories.

You'll also hear about his journey from entrepreneurship to corporate, and how he turned around businesses within larger organizations with his entrepreneurial mindset.

With deep insights into the importance of purpose statements, flexibility, and listening to others.

And that's not all! The episode also touches on the importance of being open to experiences and creating a portfolio life, as well as the value of measuring progress daily.

About The Guest

Ramkumar (Ram) Narayanan is a global leader focusing on data driven, digital product innovation spanning consumer and enterprise markets. He has been an advisor to Enterprises, large and small, in the arena of digital transformation, product strategy and product marketing.

Ram is currently VP Technology and Managing Director of VMWare India. Before joining VMWare, he served in global leadership positions at eBay, Yahoo! and Microsoft. He started his career in the auto industry in US developing software solutions for design and packaging of automotive suspension and powertrain systems.

Ram serves on the Executive Council of NASSCOM and as Chairman NASSCOM Product Council, Governing Council of DERBI Foundation, an academic incubator and is a Board Member of Sukino Healthcare, a leading company in the leading provider of long-term health care management for patients with chronic ailments.

Season 2: What's Inside?

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0530

It's time for Season 2 of The xMonks Drive!🎙️

Get ready to indulge in a world full of captivating stories and intriguing conversations.

While Season 1 focused on the WHY, Season 2 is all about the HOW. 💡

Our latest season is packed with stories that will move you, challenge your perspectives, and inspire you to chase your dreams.

From leaders who faced challenges head-on, to dreamers who dared to dream big, this season has it all! 🌟

We are going uncover the extra in the ordinary. 🌟

We will be exploring the stories of individuals who have achieved greatness, not by being superhuman, but by embracing their humanity.

With jaw-dropping plots and heartwarming insights, each episode will leave you inspired and craving for more.

Ep 108 - Spilling The Beans - Finale Special

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0530

It is the grand finale episode. It has to be a banger!
So here we present the Unscripted and Unfiltered Gaurav Arora, taking the heat of the spotlight.
Listen to him going off the record about his journey, getting real about his lows, his all-time favourite philosophies, his reason behind choosing 108 and baring his vulnerable side while also spilling some beans along the way!
Know Gaurav - Up, Close and Personal with the season finale!

Ep 107 - Karen Craggs-Milne - Why Did An Assault Survivor Choose To Forgive?

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0530

TW: Discussions on Assualt And Trauma

In this episode of The xMonks Drive, we hear from Karen, a survivor of assault, who shares her story of strength, resilience, and forgiveness.

Today's episode is a powerful one as we explore the concept of forgiveness after trauma.

We are honoured to have Karen, a survivor of sexual assault, share her story and message of hope with us.

This episode is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is a personal choice and can be a tool in the healing process after trauma. Listeners are advised that the episode includes some discussion about Karen's experience of sexual violence that may be distressing or triggering.

About Karen Craggs Milne

Growing up in Kenya in a multi-racial home, Karen was always sensitive to inequality and injustice around her.

Impacted by childhood rape, Karen decided, at the young age of 13, that she was not going to be trapped in life as a victim, living in shame and being angry at the world.
Coaching helped her find healing and freedom. She transformed her pain into an even deeper love, compassion and commitment to elevate humanity.

Karen is now a global Coach and Advisor, working with leaders in governments, corporations and NGOs to learn how to recognize and effectively address unconscious bias and discrimination within their organizations and in the communities they serve. Working with clients like the UN, Government of Canada, Adidas and Reebok, the MasterCard Foundation, Karen has shaped more than half a billion dollars worth of international programs and social justice initiatives, bringing hope, healing and a better life for millions of women, men, children and marginalized groups all over the world.

Mindful Content Warning - This episode includes some discussion about Karen's experience of sexual violence that may be distressing or triggering.
Please take care of yourself and feel free to reach out to Karen directly or seek local resources, if you need support.

Ep 106 - Grayson James - Being Attentive To Your Awareness

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0530

How often have you drifted from your awareness, without being attentive to it?
Have you ever heard of the No-Opponent mindset of Aikido? Can we imbibe the same in our leadership values?
This beautiful conversation with Grayson James is for all those curious pathmakers, who are here to break the conventional thread.

About Grayson James
Grayson James is the esteemed CEO and Founder of Grayson James Consultants, LLC, a world-renowned leadership collaboration and performance firm. With over three decades of experience in coaching senior executives and their teams, Grayson is a trusted advisor for organizations seeking true organizational transformation.

Grayson's expertise and thought leadership have been instrumental in designing and delivering highly acclaimed Full Contact® Leadership and Collaboration workshops that help executives and their teams in diverse industries and cultures improve their leadership and business performance. Additionally, Grayson is a Certified Ontological Coach and holds a 6th Dan (degree) Black Belt in Aikido. The cutting-edge approach to language, action and performance he draws upon has been practised at leading universities and Fortune 100 companies around the world.

With deep expertise in mind-body integration, linguistic action, martial arts, conflict resolution, and adult learning, Grayson draws upon a cutting-edge approach to language, action, and performance that has been practised at leading universities and Fortune 100 companies around the world.

Under Grayson's leadership, Grayson James Consultants, LLC has become a leading force in the field of leadership collaboration and performance. Through individual and team coaching, workshops, and in-depth courses, Grayson James Consultants, LLC has helped executives and their teams achieve their full potential, delivering real-world results that have transformed organizations and their leaders.

Ep 105 - Jason Fladlien - The Frames of Persuasion:Crafting Arguments for Agreement and Disagreement

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 21:00:00 +0530

As a coach, motivational speaker or in any role where you are trying to persuade someone, it's common to come across statements like "I can't do it" or "I don't have enough time/money/resources".

The natural reaction is to try and counter this statement with a disagreement frame, by saying things like "Yes, you can do it" or "It doesn't cost that much". But what if we switched to an agreement frame instead?

But what are these frames anyway?

The episode will touch on the difference between partial agreement frames and full agreement frames, and the times when a disagreement frame can still be useful. By the end of this episode, you'll have a new perspective on how to approach communication and persuasion, and how to use agreement frames to build stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes.

Jason and his unique perspective on the power of recognizing that every strength can also be a weakness and vice versa. He also offers practical examples of how this approach can be applied in everyday life, from procrastination to imposter syndrome to communication challenges.

What are the dangers of becoming too comfortable with our strengths?
What leads to complacency and ultimately, stagnation?

Whether you're an individual seeking personal growth or a business looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for unleashing your full potential. Tune in to learn how to approach your weaknesses with curiosity and creativity, and turn them into powerful assets for achieving your goals.

About Jason Fladlien

Jason Fladlien is known as the quarter billion dollar webinar man. His pitch webinars have set records in the information, coaching, affiliate, and software space. He draws upon his eclectic background for inspiration, from being a Hare Krsna monk and a rapper born and raised in the small town of Muscatine, Iowa.

Jason has risen to the top of several industries including information products, software, coaching, consulting, speaking and eCommerce.

Jason is often called in by 7, 8 and even 9-figure companies to help them with their marketing. To date, he is the only marketer Zoom specifically brought in to help its own users with webinars.

These days Jason spends much of his focus on Strategic Positioning – whereas other marketers try to figure out the best recipes and how to be the best chef, Jason figures out how to get the best ingredients in place first. The best victories in business are won by knowing where and when to play.

Through his company, Rapid Crush, Inc., Jason has pioneered many of the best marketing practices you see used on the web today.

As a client put it: "Jason makes millionaires."

Ep - 104- Dave Ulrich - Thriving in Uncertainty: A Discussion on Abundance, Certainty, and Identity with Dave Ulrich

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0530

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with guest Dave Ulrich, a leading expert in management, as we explore the theme of "Abundance in Uncertainty."

In this episode, we delve into the power of uncertainty and how we can harness it, the role of identity in uncertain times, and the elements that contribute to a sense of abundance in people and organizations. With insights on embracing uncertainty and creating a life filled with purpose and meaning, this podcast is sure to leave you with a fresh perspective on navigating uncertainty and thriving in the face of change. So, grab a seat and get ready for an engaging and insightful discussion. Remember, the quality of your life depends on the quality of the questions you ask, so let's dive in!

About Dave
Dave Ulrich is a renowned author, speaker, and management expert who has made significant contributions to the field of human resources and leadership development. He is a professor at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and a partner at The RBL Group, a consulting firm that helps organizations create value through leadership, talent, and HR. Dave has authored over 30 books and published hundreds of articles in prestigious journals, and he is known for his research on human resource management, leadership, and organization design. He has been named as the "#1 Management Educator & Guru" by BusinessWeek and one of the "Top 10 Influential Business Thinkers in the World" by Thinkers50. Dave has also received numerous awards for his contributions to the field, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Federation of People Management Associations.

Ep-103 - Dilip Saraf -The Layoff Paradox: Who Wins and Who Loses?

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 19:00:00 +0530

The layoff paradox is an engaging but challenging topic to tackle.

In a world where more and more companies are facing the need to reduce costs by cutting jobs, it is important to understand who is affected the most and who stands to gain from these layoffs.

On the bright side, we have LinkedIn's #1 Career Coach on the latest episode, to explore the nuances of the layoff paradox to understand who is the biggest winner and loser in this situation.

Dilip Saraf will uncover some of the hidden benefits and risks of layoff decisions, and explain why it may not always be an easy decision for companies to make. Join us as we delve deeper into this complex topic and try to find solutions that make everyone a winner.

Ep - 102 - Cameron Herold - Leading Up, Leading Down: Understanding Your Second-in-Command

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0530

In this episode, we’re talking about a topic that is crucial for all leaders - having a strong second-in-command! We’re thrilled to have Cameron Herold, a former COO and business coach, join us as our guest. With over 1,000 entrepreneurs and CEOs under his belt, Cameron has a wealth of knowledge to share on this topic.

We’ll be discussing everything from what qualities to look for in a potential second-in-command, to how to communicate effectively and establish trust. And we’ll be covering the role a second-in-command plays in decision-making and problem-solving. Plus, we’ll talk about the benefits of a well-functioning second-in-command relationship for both the leader and the company.

So, if you’re a leader or entrepreneur looking to build a high-performing team and create a successful business, this episode is a must-listen! We’ll be asking Cameron questions like:

How do you know if someone is ready to step into the role of a second-in-command?
What are some common mistakes leaders make when working with their second-in-command?
How can you ensure that your second-in-command is aligned with your company’s goals and vision?

Key Questions Answered In This Episode:

How do you know if someone is ready to take on the role of a second-in-command?
What are some common mistakes leaders make when working with their second-in-command?
How can leaders ensure that their second-in-command is aligned with the company’s goals and vision?
How does having a strong second-in-command impact your personal and professional growth as a leader?

This episode will be valuable for leaders and entrepreneurs who are looking to build a high-performing team and create a sustainable, successful business. Tune in for insights and practical advice from Cameron Herold on how to lead up and lead down effectively.

We’re excited to dive into this topic with Cameron and to share his insights and practical advice with you on how to lead up and lead down effectively.

Cameron Herold is a former COO and business coach with over two decades of experience in the industry. He is known for his work with over 1,000 entrepreneurs and CEOs, helping them grow their businesses and reach their full potential. Cameron is a sought-after speaker and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes, and Inc. Magazine. He is the author of several books, including "Double Double" and "Meetings Suck". With his wealth of knowledge and practical experience, Cameron is considered a leading expert on business growth and leadership.

Ep- 101 - Marshall Goldsmith - Finding Your True North: In Conversation with #1 Executive Coach

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0530

Listen to #1 Executive Coach Marshall Goldsmith on xMonks Drive podcast.

If you're looking for a new way to get inspired and motivated, this is it!

Marshall Goldsmith is an executive coach who has worked with the CEOs of some of the world's biggest companies. His books have sold over 5 million copies worldwide, and he has been named as "the #1 Executive Coach in the world".

In this episode, Marshall talks about how he helps his clients achieve their goals by helping them understand themselves better--and then giving them tools to change their behaviour. Marshall also talks about how he became the #1 Executive Coach in the world and what he has learned over his 40+ years of coaching some of the most successful CEOs in the world.

About Marshall Goldsmith

Marshall Goldsmith is a world-renowned leadership coach, executive educator, and author. He has more than 40 years of experience working with top leaders from around the world, including CEOs and senior executives from over 150 major corporations. He has been recognized as one of the top 10 executive coaches in the world by Forbes and has been named one of the top-ranked executive coaches by Harvard Business Review. He is the author of several bestselling books, including "What Got You Here Won't Get You There," "Triggers," and "Mojo: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back if You Lose It."

He is also a keynote speaker and frequent guest on television and radio programs. His expertise in the field of leadership development is unmatched and his insights and strategies are valuable for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills.

Ep- 100- Eddie Turner - Coaching for Multigenerational Workplaces: Future Of Organisations

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0530

The workplaces have never been as generationally fragmented as they are presently. We have 5 gens working together in a mix pool. Each generation comes with their own strengths and we are surely witnessing the results. But how to keep such diverse minds aligned to a common vision. How would the future look like? Who is going to lead who? How will leaders shift? The 100th episode brings to you everything you need to understand 21st Century organizations with Eddie Turner.

About Eddie Turner

Eddie is a Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®) and ranked #9 on the Top 30 list of Motivational Speakers by Global Gurus. Eddie Turner is one of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches.

Forbes recognized Eddie as the Preeminent Authority on Emerging Leaders. He is ranked #18 on the Top 25 Thought Leaders in Leadership by Thinkers 360 and ranked #32 on the Power List of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership to Watch in 2022. IFLD named Eddie one of the Top Mentors on the Globe for 2022!

He is the author of an international best-selling book, A C-Suite Advisor, and the former host of the Keep Leading!® podcast, which earned Apple Podcasts' coveted New & Noteworthy designation and reached 80 countries around the globe.

Eddie has appeared in national print, radio, and television media such as the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fox News, PBS, NPR, and ABC. He has also worked as a national media commentator.

Ep- 99- Pandit Dasa - Leaders, Don't Just Stop At Empathy, Your Employees Need Kindness!

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0530

Happy New Year Folks! The xMonks Drive 2023 year opener couldn't have been better!

Pandit Dasa has joined us as the first guest of the year. He is a former monk and an authority on Mindfulness, and Mental Health. Listen to the episode as Pandit brings out the best from his experience and tells us why empathy alone can not generate productive workplaces. What do modern leaders need to do more?

About Pandit Dasa

Pandit Dasa is a Mindful Leadership Expert, author, and motivational keynote speaker. His inspirational speeches aim to create a more mindful workplace culture, that increases productivity and improves retention.

He encourages leadership and co-workers to appreciate and celebrate the success and contributions of others.

This attitude fosters trust, enhances teamwork, and greatly impacts employee performance. He emphasizes the importance of leading without ego and highlights the importance of cultivating self-awareness and personal growth and development.

Pandit Dasa has spent 15 years as a monk in New York City and today he speaks on Mindful Leadership, Resilience, Mental Health, and Stress Management and helps companies transform their workplace culture to create a more collaborative and engaging environment.

#Panditdasa #mindfulleadership #urbanmonk

Ep-98-Jordan Harbinger - The Best Piece of Advice

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0530

Whether you are a budding podcaster or someone who wants to acquire the Art of Charm, Jordan Harbinger in this episode has only the best pieces of advice for everyone. An absolute force of a human, Jordan shares about his journey, a million downloads and the art of winging a conversation.

Jordan Harbinger is a Wall Street lawyer turned podcast interviewer with an approachable style and knack for securing high-profile guests. His podcast, The Jordan Harbinger Show, was selected as part of Apple’s “Best of 2018.”

Today, The Jordan Harbinger Show has over 5 million downloads per month and features a wide array of guests like Kobe Bryant, Moby, Dennis Rodman, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Tony Hawk, Cesar Millan, Simon Sinek, Eric Schmidt, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, to name a few. Jordan continues to teach his skills, for free, at 6-Minute Networking. In addition to hosting The Jordan Harbinger Show, Jordan is a consultant for law enforcement, military, and security companies and is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Northern California Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Ep - 97- Jason Feifer - The Identity Illusion And An Entrepreneur's Enigma

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0530

Jason Feifer is in the house everyone! The nonstop optimism machine as he likes to call himself talks about the illusion around identifying with your work, humble beginnings and building a tomorrow.

Jason Feifer is the editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine and host of the podcast Problem Solvers, which is about entrepreneurs solving unexpected problems in their business. Outside of Entrepreneur, he is the author of the book Build For Tomorrow, which is an action plan for embracing change and adapting fast, as the host of the podcast Build For Tomorrow (yes, same name as the book), which is about the smartest solutions to our most misunderstood problems. He writes a newsletter about how to find opportunity in change.

He has also worked as an editor at Men's Health, Fast Company, Maxim, and Boston magazine, and has written about business and technology for the Washington Post, New York, and Slate.

Ep-96 - Sanjeev Mantri - From Playgrounds To Boardrooms

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 20:00:00 +0530

This episode brings to you the agile, diligent and the purpose weaver, Mr. Sanjeev Mantri with us. He is a sports fanatic who loves to be on the move. Sanjeev shares his lessons learnt from being on field to leading corporate halls. Listen to Sanjeev bringing a new lens to losing, leading and leaving a legacy.

About Sanjeev-

A seasoned banker with experience that betrays his age, Sanjeev is already excelling in his new role as Executive Director for the company's retail business division.

With more than 20 years experience in the BFSI sector, Sanjeev joined the group in 2003 and has since left his indelible imprint across the Corporate Banking and the SME space. He holds credit for introducing various innovative products in the SME segment and the group’s expansion in the rural markets.

Prior to joining ICICI he has spent over 7 years with BNP Paribas, Mumbai handling diverse responsibilities in the Corporate Banking space.

A qualified Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant, number crunching comes naturally to him. On the personal front, Sanjeev is known to be an avid sports person with a special interest in running marathons.

Ep-95- Praful Baweja - Who Drew The Line: A Candid Conversation on Indian Queer Sensitivities, Neurodiversity and Taboos

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0530

Everybody is different. We don't need to figure it out. We just have to respect it. What we as a society have made a norm are actually just 2% of the people. Who set the benchmark? Who drew the line?

Meet Praful, Queer Neurodivergent Entrepreneur on the latest episode of xMonks Drive in a chat with Gaurav Arora.

Praful Baweja is the Co-Founder of 6 Degrees Growth Network, Queer Neurodivergent Entrepreneur & Design Thinker. Praful has been narrating stories based on diversity inclusion and strategic brand & marketing communication for corporates, celebrity and social sector clients for almost 2 decades.

Currently, he pursues happiness by including diverse viewpoints of stakeholders, their equity & creating a culture of belonging for various organisations through policies, branding & programs. He has won the Wow Awards Asia Gold for Best Use of Augmented Reality, Silver for Best Use of Virtual Reality & Bronze for Best Use of Interactive Technology for Capgemini Tech Fiesta 2019

Ep-94- Rohit Thakur- Realities Of The Two Worlds: The Corporates and The Start Ups

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0530

Are you having trouble expanding your startup? You're not the only one!
It's common to occasionally run into a wall. Nevertheless, many people are able to create successful businesses. What exactly are they changing, then?
What realities have shifted in these decades?
In this conversation, you will explore how coaches can help a start-up environment to accelerate growth with Rohit Thakur.

1. Why do Start-ups need Coaching?
2. Tips to expand a start-up environment
3. What is the importance of coaching in organizational development?

Rohit Thakur is Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at LEAD, India’s largest School EdTech company, and the first unicorn in the segment. At LEAD, Rohit is responsible for spearheading employee engagement, talent management and development, stakeholder engagement, internal communication, compliance, and health and safety environment. Prior to joining LEAD, he was the CHRO at Paytm. He has also worked with Microsoft India. He spent 11 years at General Electric in various HR leadership roles across multiple businesses such as energy, capital, engineering, corporate and aviation, both in India and the US. He was also associated with Eicher Tractors, Cadence Design Systems and Bausch & Lomb.

Ep- 93- Anupam Arun - A CEO's Guide To Failure, Loss, Grief & Death

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 21:00:00 +0530

Acceptance is a small, quiet room. And in this room, there is space for everything bitter life offers.
Life is not always like we want. Even though we imagine it to be in a particular way, it ends up being something else. But what is important is that these factors should never be able to stop you from what you want. In this life philosophy-centred episode of The xMonks Drive, get a chance to listen to the unabridged story of Anupam Arun and his powerful breakthrough of learning Acceptance.

The episode contains-
Why is acceptance of life situations important?
What are some uncommon meanings of acceptance?
How can you add more acceptance to your life?
How acceptance helps you overcome failure, grief, and hurt?

Anupam Arun is the Country Head & SVP at Cvent. He has a strong and diverse background in Banking & Financial Services (BFSI) covering Voice & Non-Voice Back Office Operations and Shared Services Operations & Controls. Currently, he is a part of the global leadership of SAS market leader in enterprise event management

In his career, he has led multiple lines of business, successfully executing objectives and managing multiple stakeholders in diverse geographies in a matrix environment

Ep-92 - Alain Hunkins - Cultivating Your Inner Leader

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0530

A leader is neither born nor made. A leader chooses to be a leader. So does that mean, it has always been inside us all the time?
Most of us fail at it because we go straight into leadership skills without first addressing the leader’s mindset. Leadership is more than just a title.

Who you are is how you lead. It’s that simple.

As you reflect on your own leadership, I’d invite you to answer the question, “Who are you being?” with Alain Hunkins

When you show up to work, or lead in your home, or community, “Who are you being?”

The more you look for an answer, the more you become aware of your inner leader.

Over his twenty-five-year career, Alain has worked with over 2,000 groups of leaders in 27 countries, including 42 of the Fortune 100 companies. In addition to being a leadership speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach, Alain is the author of the book CRACKING THE LEADERSHIP CODE: Three Secrets to Building Strong Leaders (published by Wiley, March 2020).

Alain is a faculty member of Duke Corporate Education and serves on the Academic Board of Advisors for the New Delhi Institute of Management. Alain’s work has been featured in Chief Executive, Fast Company, Inc., Training Magazine, Chief Learning Officer, and Business Insider. He’s also a regular leadership strategy contributor to Forbes. Alain was recently named #33 on the Global Power list of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership for 2022 by LeadersHum. A father of two teenagers, he lives in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Ep-91-Anurag Agarwal - Acceptance In Leadership: How and Why It Serves Your Purpose

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 21:00:00 +0530

Leadership is one of the hottest topics around. Every few minutes, a new leadership-related blog, podcast, opinion piece, or article is out. Almost anyone can refer to themselves as a leadership coach, and many people from various areas of life do so. However, a lot of them endorse unevaluated and unproven notions.

A successful leader never stops learning.

Tune in to the podcast episode to learn the lesson of acceptance, develop purpose-driven leadership, and be inspired by Anurag Agarwal's journey.

In this episode, we are going to talk about-
* To lead is to add value to people
* How to stay grounded when you are on the top?
* The trap of lust and power; and breaking out from that
* Building a purpose around Contribution
* The enemy of a fulfilling experience: FEAR

About Anurag

Anurag Agarwal, CEO & MD of Natural Remedies has been associated with the company for over 20 years and has been leading it for the past 5 years. Passionately committed to the paradigm of “Harnessing Nature and Applying Science for Health and Happiness,” Anurag Agarwal believes in ‘Collaboration and Winning Together.’ At Natural Remedies, the organizational culture, where everyone - be it, employees, customers, or partners, feels valued and respected. They are strongly merged to business goals of the organization which is aiming to double its revenues by the year 2020.

He believes in the mantra of being sensitive and mindful of the impact to the environment, people, customers, and everyone associated with Natural Remedies.
The company was founded in the 1950s by his grandfather Ramlal Agarwal with a vision to deliver top quality animal health care products at reasonable price. The company has come a long way since then and has built a strong presence in the major markets like USA, Australia, Korea, South East Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Under the innovative leadership of Anurag Agarwal, the company has carved a place for itself as India's No.1 herbal veterinary healthcare company. Natural Remedies has also made its foray into the world of human health and their healthcare products offer a perfect recipe for improving the quality of life of its customers.

Ep-90-Pat Hedley - 3 Ways To Build Life-Long Connections

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 18:00:00 +0530

The festive season just got over! And I am sure you had a great time with your family and friends.

What each festive season or to say good or bad times teach us that --Connections Matter. There could not have been a better time to discuss more deeply on the matter.

My guest, Pat Hedley joins us to offer hard-earned wisdom about the true spirit of making a connection. One being learning and sharing, a learned skill that can be mastered by anyone, even introverts. She debunks the notion that networking is a self-interested act. Instead, she makes networking accessible, joyful and life-affirming.

In this episode, you will learn—-

1) How to stay in touch with people?

2) How to build curiosity in people?

3) What stops people from nurturing their connections?

4) What are the parameters to look for before investing in a relationship?

5) What is the true essence of connection?

Pat looks for great opportunities to bring people together to help one another. With three decades of global private equity experience at General Atlantic, now she independently invests in and advises innovative growth companies.

Current investments include business services (Triple Mint, Mogul, BrandVerge, Sorcero), wellness (Hint, Milk+Honey, Leda Health) and consumer (Margaux, Bespoke Post, Omsom). More than half of these companies are founded and led by women. She selectively takes on advisory or board assignments helping CEOs accelerate growth and translate strategy into results.

She is the author of Meet 100 People, A How to Guide to the Career and Life Edge Everyone's Missing, encouraging young people (and all of us) to meet people and build valuable life-long relationships. She speaks at corporations, alumni events, colleges, and other venues. TEDx speaker at Dartmouth College 2018. www.meet100people.com

Ep-89-Amit Malik - The Bird's Eye View Of Being A CEO

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 19:00:00 +0530

You are more than your title, but some problems do come along with these titles. What are the problems which only CEOs face and can relate to? How does one go from an HR head to a full-time CEO? So when everybody around you is doubting you, how do you build faith in your team, and in your stakeholders? That's the story of Amit Malik. In this episode, let yourself experience the power of acceptance in tough times to come out winning.

An accomplished Business, Customer and People focused leader with over 23 years of experience in Financial Services – Insurance, Banks, Captives and FMCG. Being a strong believer of inclusion & diversity, building capability and bringing social impact through sustainability initiatives, has been making a difference at Aviva since last 9 years with expertise in areas of Business Transformation & Growth, Strategy & Consulting, Business Restructuring, Change Management, Digital Strategy, Financial Analysis & Impact, Leadership & Capacity Development, Operations & Customer Services Management.

He has served as the Executive Director on Aviva India Board and member of all Board level Committees, working with both shareholders as part of the Joint Venture, as the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director for the organization.

With collaboration at heart, he has worked with global teams and have a strong track record of Developing Leaders and building high-performance teams.

He is also a Certified Coach from ICF and Erickson and was Awarded ‘Top 40 HR Leaders’ 2014 in the country by Asia Pacific HR Congress. He has been an esteemed speaker at various forums, jury member and authored several articles on Future of Insurance, Customer services, Innovation and personalization , Key trends and practices in leading national dailies.

Personally he is very keen to work towards increasing the Financial literacy of a common Indian.

Ep-88-Jerry Colonna - The Pursuit of Growing Up

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 20:00:00 +0530

We grow into the adults, we needed as children. Does that come into our way of becoming leaders? The truth is life happens to all. Jerry Colonna adds that in between life happening and decisions we make, one cannot be a strong leader unless one allows oneself to grow, and this can only happen by leading a life examined. Hear more of life and leadership with Jerry in this episode of The xMonks Drive.

In this episode, you will learn-
1) How to respond both sympathetically and compassionately?

2) Reason why people do not open up

3) Better human beings make better leaders

4) Recognise the role one plays in their own reality

5) Why do many people feel a sense of suffering in their work?

Jerry Colonna is CEO and co-founder of Reboot.io, an executive coaching, and leadership development firm, and author of ‘REBOOT: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up’ (HarperBusiness, June 18). For nearly 20 years, he has used the knowledge gained as an executive, venture capitalist (VC), journalist, and a board member for 100+ organizations to help people lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity. For more, see https://www.reboot.io/book

Prior to his career as a coach, he was a partner with JPMorgan Partners (JPMP), the private equity arm of JP Morgan Chase. Previously, he led New York City-based Flatiron Partners, which he founded in 1996 with a partner, Fred Wilson. Flatiron became one of the nation’s most successful, early-stage investment programs. His first leadership position, at age 25, was editor-in-chief of Information Week magazine.

Ep-87-Arun Maira - At The Intersection of 3 L's: Learning,Listening & Living

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0530

Can listening as a core discipline bring transformation in systems?

Hear from the author of Transforming Systems—Why the World Needs a New Ethical Toolkit and the former member of The Planning Commission Of India and the learning factory himself, Arun Maira. The episode contains the wisdom of exemplary leadership, living, listening, kindness and special bits from Arun’s core memories.

In This Episode, You Will Find-

Balancing The Power That Comes With Titles
Simple Joys Of Life
What Is The Purpose of Your Work?
When You Stop Learning, You Stop Living
Kindness Lessons Learnt From Parents
Listening As A Core Discipline In Transforming Systems
Listening and Dignity Go Together
Let Kids Discover Their Roles In World
What Is The Essence Of Life?

Arun Maira has an unusual combination of experience as a hands-on leader, a consultant to leaders, and a thought leader on leadership and institutional transformation, in the private, public and social sectors. He has written several books on institutional transformation and regularly writes in journals.

Arun was a Member of India's Planning Commission from 2009-14, prior to which he was Chairman of the Boston Consulting Group, India. Earlier, he had worked with the Tata Group in India for 25 years, and for another 10 years with Arthur D Little Inc and Innovation Associates in the USA.

Presently, he is Chairman of Helpage International and an Advisor to several civil society networks. Arun Maira was born in Lahore in undivided India on August 15, 1943.

Ep 86- Dennis Gillan- Turning Misery Into Mission:Suicide Prevention and Mental Health

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 23:00:00 +0530

How does one walk the path of giving hope of life to people, while losing his own brothers to suicide? That is Dennis Gillan for you, folks!

The xMonks Drive brings to you the story of Dennis Gillan who turned his misery into a mission. Listen to him, as he takes us on his personal journey of being a reluctant warrior, masking his grief for 16 years to establishing his own suicide prevention foundation–Half A Sorrow.

Dennis Gillan is an ordinary guy with an extraordinary story of loss, perseverance, and healing. Dennis helps tear down the walls of silence which have surrounded the issues of mental health, depression, and suicide. He infuses his passion and humour into a tough subject which touches everyone in the audience.

Dennis Gillan is a thought leader on the topic of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Advocacy. He travels internationally speaking, raising awareness, and opening up the conversation of mental health. He is the Executive Director of Half A Sorrow Foundation. Dennis has been deeply touched by suicide after the losses of two of his brothers to suicide 11 years apart. After years of sitting on the sidelines, he jumped into helping those in need by working on the suicide prevention hotline when he lived in Chicago. After moving to South Carolina, Dennis got involved with several non-profits that take on mental health issues and this allows him to lobby lawmakers and raise awareness by sharing his story.

Dennis has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from West Virginia University and a work history rich in influence and persuasion.

Ep 85 - Umar Shavurov - Through the lens of Adaptive Leadership

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 19:00:00 +0530

Every business is bound to go through instants of ambiguity as it evolves. During that process, leaders who can guide employees through difficult situations and show them how to handle recurring issues can have a significant impact.

In this episode with Umar we will explore ways to look at today's challenges through the lens of adaptive leadership.

Umar is a growth and transformation management consultant and Adaptive Leadership facilitator with over 15 years of experience of working with public and private organizations in more than 20 countries around the world. Umar brings an intimate knowledge of implementing changes in the world's most difficult places as Liberia and Sierra Leone as well as advanced context as Singapore. He is currently based in Seattle, USA working towards finalizing his book on leadership challenges in Kyrgyzstan and broader Central Asia. He recently launched his own consulting “Ordo Leadership” (www.ordoleadership.com) which provides bespoke leadership and change management facilitation to private and public sector clients.
As Global Business Development Advisor recently and before that as Director of Central Asia Region and Head of Teaching Faculty of Center for Asia Leadership Initiative, Umar taught senior executives using Adaptive Leadership Framework in more than 25 occasions tailored for private companies in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Singapore.

Ep 84 - Oscar Trimboli - Art of Listening- A Code to Change the World

Sat, 10 Sep 2022 18:00:00 +0530

The ability to communicate eloquently and effectively is a skill. However, relatively few of us are aware of this or actively work to hone this skill.

One of the crucial elements of communication is ‘listening.' Unless we are good listeners there is no way we can be effective communicators. However, the human mind is fickle and fleeting. Every 7 to 10 seconds, our minds wander, our listening skills degrade, and communication breaks down.

In this episode, Oscar Trimboli will tell us about the art of listening. So listen carefully!

Oscar Trimboli is an author, host of the Apple award-winning podcast Deep Listening and a sought-after keynote speaker. Along with the Deep Listening Ambassador Community, he is on a quest to create 100 million deep listeners in the workplace. Through his work with chairs, boards of directors, and executive teams, Oscar has experienced first-hand the transformational impact leaders can have when they listen beyond words.

He believes that when leadership teams focus their attention and listening, they will build organizations that create powerful legacies for the people they serve – today and more importantly, for future generations.

Oscar is a marketing and technology industry veteran working for Microsoft, PeopleSoft, Polycom, and Vodafone. He consults with organizations including American Express, AstraZeneca, Cisco, Google, HSBC, IAG, Montblanc, PwC, Salesforce, Sanofi, SAP, and Siemens.

He is the author of how to listen - discover the hidden key to better communication - the most comprehensive book about listening in the workplace, Deep Listening - Impact beyond words and Breakthroughs: How to Confront Assumptions

Oscar loves his afternoon walks with his wife, Jennie, and their dog Kilimanjaro. On the weekends, you will find him playing Lego with one or all his four grandchildren.

Ep 83 - Nicodemus Manohar Samuel - Through The Lens of An Armed Forces Pilot

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 18:00:00 +0530

Have you ever wanted to fly an aircraft and serve your nation? This time on The xMonks Drive we have with us Retd Air Vice Marshal Nicodemus Manohar Samuel to talk about his journey as a pilot in the Indian Air Force.

This podcast attempts to raise awareness of the remarkable Indian Air Force.

Samuel has superannuated as an Air Vice Marshal from the Indian Air Force after a career spanning 36 years, the best part of which was involved in aviation-related Operations, Experimental Test Flying and Defence Procurement related activities.

As a pilot in the IAF, he had flown extensively all over India, in the Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka, as part of the two scientific expeditions in Antarctica, and in Congo as part of the United Nations. These also included tenures as a Flying Instructor and a Senior Test Flying Instructor.

In the higher ranks in service, his expertise in test flying was utilised repeatedly for Defence Procurement-related activities, and he handled a number of projects for the IAF in various appointments at HQ and the Ministry of Defence. I was also appointed to manage Transport and Helicopter Operations at the highest level in Air HQ, and Joint Operations at the HQ IDS.

Samuel has retained his interest in academics and obtained a Master's degree in Defence Studies and Management Studies, as well as a Master of Philosophy in Business Management, also serving as a Head of Faculty at the College of Defence Management. He uses this experience to give talks on Leadership at various forums in the Corporate sector.

While not working, he is either cycling, painting, reading or involved with music.

Ep 82 - Purva Aggarwal - Celebrating Entrepreneurship- Celebrating Parenting @ Shark Tank

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0530

Some people are born on third base—they inherit money, marry into wealth, or win a lottery. The rest of us must hit base (and occasionally strike out) in our quest to amass our own money. And this is what a true entrepreneur's journey involves. However, the question is: How far would you go to sate your thirst for knowledge and become an Indian solopreneur?

This podcast with Purva Aggarwal (Founder of Good Good piggy and one of the participants of Shark Tank, India) is a special homage to all the parents who gave their kids the freedom to forge their own paths in life.

Purva is the first female soloprenuer in India and third globally to enter the 'children's online banking & wallet' space with her startup called Good Good Piggy. As India's first disruptive EdFinTech start-up for pre-teenagers- Good Good Piggy positions as a digital piggy bank and behavioural rewards platform...doubling up as an investment channel to form good habits while contributing towards their financial security. Purva is also the Ambassador of the India Chapter of Women in Tech, an international non-profit (head-quartered in Paris, France) dedicated to promoting greater diversity in tech. She is also a Financial Analyst at a private equity investment advisory firm in London and a writer, under mentorship with a leading publication for institutional investors.

In 2020, Purva was selected to join the ImpactGen Talent Program at Kairos Society Europe, a global community of celebrated young leaders who are using entrepreneurship and innovation to find solutions to the world's greatest challenges. With her academic background in Investment Banking and Finance, Purva is also a researcher in the field of Mergers and Acquisitions. Previously, she has worked as a business development specialist with management consultancies (including Sameer Mittal & Associates, now part of Intertrust Group) and international organizations in trade and policy making, including the Global Policy Insights-AI Policy Lab and the International Trade Council, India. She has also delivered risk-based internal audits, business process reviews, internal financial control (IFC) and IT general control (ITGC) reviews for leading organizations such as BDO India and Grant Thornton.

Ep 81 - Brett Hill - How to Practice Mindfulness In Everyday Life

Sat, 20 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0530

You may have heard of mindfulness, or the capacity to be fully present in the moment, which can offer a variety of advantages. According to general mindfulness research, these advantages range from reduced stress and sadness to elevated levels of focus and happiness.

But what does mindfulness really mean? And how can you spot it and make use of its many advantages? One method to fully experience the present moment and incorporate that awareness into daily life is to practice mindfulness meditation. What are the other ways we can practice mindfulness? Here is all you require to get going.

Brett is the host of the Language of Mindfulness and Organizational Mindfulness podcast. He is a professional speaker, trainer, coach, an author, and specializes in mindful communications. Brett has distilled a lifetime of deep study and practice into mindful communications in his training, lectures, and writings. He has a degree in interpersonal communications, has taught meditation to many hundreds of people, and has studied the mindful presence and communications for many years in such schools as Hakomi (somatic, mindful psychotherapy), The META institute (Mindful Experiential Therapy Approaches), The Mindfulness Coaching School, and others. He founded the Quest Insitute mediation center in Dallas Texas.

In addition, Brett has launched several businesses and is deeply technical having worked for Microsoft as a Sr. Technical Evangelist and Worldwide Technical Readiness Manager for Microsoft Online Services. Before and after joining Microsoft, he was named by Microsoft as "most valuable professional" and wrote software for organizations like Fresh Produce Sportswear and the Texas Rangers baseball team. He was CTO for a startup that went on to get several rounds of funding. In addition, he developed and taught classes on-site for organizations like Citibank, Ford, State Farm, Progressive, and many other Fortune 500 companies.

Now he focuses on helping professionals learn the power of conscious, mindful communication. In all of his work, he's concluded the key skill any person can study to improve their professional and personal lives - is mindful communication. He says "the limits of what we can achieve personally, professionally, and even as a people - is bounded by our ability to effectively communicate".

Ep 80 - Agapi Stassinopoulos - Tapping Into The Power of Prayers

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 23:00:00 +0530

Life doesn't come with a manual, and no matter how long we spend "in the womb," when it's time to go out into the big wide world, we still don't seem to know what's going on.

And occasionally all we need is someone to talk to. Prayer is a way of getting in touch with the essence of things, more so than simple talk, despite its own strength. It is the best listener you can ever discover.

In this episode with Agapi, we travel the bridge between our soul and humanity with the power of prayer.

AGAPI STASSINOPOULOS is a best-selling author and speaker who inspires audiences around the world. In one of her first books, Unbinding the Heart: A Dose of Greek Wisdom, Generosity, and Unconditional Love, she shares the wisdom from her life’s adventures and experiences. In her latest book, Wake Up to the Joy of You: 52 Meditations and Practices for a Calmer, Happier Life, she takes readers on a journey and inspires them to let go of what doesn’t work and instead create the lives they really want. Agapi was trained in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and then moved on to receive her master’s degree in psychology from the University of Santa Monica. Her two books on the Greek archetypes, Gods and Goddesses in Love and Conversations with the Goddesses, were turned into PBS specials.

In her newest book, SPEAKING WITH SPIRIT: 52 Prayers to Guide, Inspire, and Uplift You, Agapi presents a non-denominational guide to harnessing this power of prayer in your life and using it to find connection, peace, and gratitude. She is currently conducting workshops for Thrive Global, a company founded by her sister, Arianna Huffington, to help change the way we work and live. Agapi has spoken and conducted meditations at many organizations and companies including The Today Show, L’Oreal, Accenture, SAP, LinkedIn, Pandora, Google, Nike, Weight Watchers, PepsiCo, Starbucks, Global Citizen Company, Museum of Modern Art, ABC Carpet & Home, Women’s Health Magazine, Paul Mitchell, NYU, Gympass, and Hearst Communications amongst many others such as podcasts with Deepak Chopra, Lewis Howes, Maria Menounous, Sharon Salzberg, and more. She brings home the importance of self-care, practicing gratitude, generosity and self-love to enhance performance and productivity so we can experience happiness and fulfillment. She divides her time between New York and Los Angeles and was born and raised in Athens, Greece. FIND HER online at www.WakeUptotheJoyofYou.com

Ep 79 - Alain Hunkins - What Does It Mean To Be A Leader In Today's Context?

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0530

Who we are is how we lead. It’s not just about what we do in the world when it comes to leadership; it’s also about who we are. Take a minute to consider whether it is possible to divorce one's identity from the roles we play. I don't believe so.

You need to have a solid understanding of who you are as a person and how to use that knowledge to your advantage as a leader. You may assess your leadership strengths and weaknesses using this knowledge to become a more effective leader. Then, you can work to improve your weaknesses while enhancing your strengths.

A sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, coach and author, Alain Hunkins helps leaders achieve performance goals, more easier.

His work connects the science of high performance with the performing art of leadership. Leaders trust him to help unlock their potential and expand their influence, leading to superior results, increased engagement, higher levels of retention, and greater organizational and personal satisfaction. He has a gift for translating complex concepts from psychology, neuroscience and organizational behavior into simple, practical tools that can be applied on the job.

With his Master’s in Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Professional Theater Training Program, and a BA from Amherst College, Alain is on the faculty of Duke Corporate Education, ranked #2 worldwide in 2019 by Financial Times on its list of customized Executive Education programs. He also serves on the Academic Advisory Board for the New Delhi Institute of Management and has lectured at UNC Kenan-Flagler’s business school, Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology, UMass-Boston College of Management and Columbia University. Alain was invited to Den Helder, Netherlands to give a TEDx talk called "The Basic Truth Most Leaders Neglect.

Ep 78 - Sangeeta Talwar - Shattering The Unseen Barriers As A Women Leader

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 19:00:00 +0530

The world needs women leaders - from running big organisations to running countries. Gender-equal leadership will prompt a more efficient and integrated society.

Nevertheless, despite the fact that women enter the workforce in relatively equal numbers to men, their ascent to the top can be more difficult and slower for them. But this did not stop Mrs. Sangeeta Talwar. She broke the barriers and the biases and helped in launching an iconic brand like Maggie.

Sangeeta Talwar is acclaimed as the first woman in the Consumer Products sector in India and has blazed several new trails. In a career spanning over 30 years, Mrs. Talwar has worked across large businesses of European, American, and Indian corporations. She largely worked with the private sector in India & in Switzerland as well as spearheaded the implementation of a national-level, Social sector - World Bank-funded project in Rural India. She has multifunctional exposure across the disciplines of Marketing, Sales, Human Resources and General Management and has built familiarity both with urban as well as rural India.

Ep 77 - Luca Celine Buchholz - Building Communities That Thrive

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 23:00:00 +0530

Humans are social beings who crave connections, trust, and belongingness. People strive to connect with other people about ideas, feelings, and experiences that matter to them and that they may share with others because they don't like to feel alone in what they are experiencing.

Thus, building communities becomes crucial for fostering connections between people and creating the infrastructure needed for these interactions to happen. This is what we discuss in this episode with Luca.

Luca Buchholz is based in Berlin and is a Global Community Manager at Camunda. She has built a support program for Camunda’s network of global meetup organizers over the past three years. In this episode, at The xMonks Drive she discusses everything you need to know about building a community.

Ep 76 - Dr. Paul Lawrence - Become Your Own Personal Authority Through Systemic Coaching

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0530

Systemic Coaching throws open a vast arena where the coaching is not just about how a team works together but also how it can mean a lot of different things. There is a lot of talk about "systemic" these days, but is there really a consensus on what it means in the context of coaching?

We delve into leadership coaching and how systemic thinking may be used in coaching in this episode with Dr. Paul Lawrence.

Paul is a leadership development consultant, coach, coach supervisor, and researcher. He founded his new company Leading Systemically in late 2021.

He designs and delivers leadership programs, including coaching skills programs and programs in teaming excellence. He has more than 4,500 coaching hours experience, working with leaders across a diverse range of industries. He is a trained coach supervisor, having trained at Oxford Brookes University.

Before moving into consulting and coaching, He enjoyed a 15-year corporate career performing leadership roles in the UK, Australia, Spain, Portugal & Japan, with responsibilities for other markets across Europe & South-East Asia. I have experience in corporate strategy, organisational development, marketing, operations, finance & HR.

He is an Honorary Research Associate at Oxford Brookes University and conducts an ongoing program of research into leadership, coaching and change. He has authored more than a dozen academic articles and book chapters, and four books.

He is currently working on his fifth book with the working title 'The Wise Leader'. This book will challenge contemporary perspectives on leadership and leadership development, offering organisations practical guidance in enhancing collective leadership capacity.

Ep 75 - Kevin Monroe - Hope Grows in Gratitude

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 18:00:00 +0530

As a child, Kevin was taught to be polite—to say “please” and “thank you” like all the kids are. You could say that he learned a cursory form of gratitude at an early age.

But take a pause and think for a moment, is being thankful and being grateful the same thing?

This is what Kevin talks about in this ultimate gratitude podcast. So if you want to discover the true power of gratitude and embrace gratitude as a lifestyle then this episode is just for you.

During a bout of depression in early 2018 when Kevin began to discover the true power of gratitude and embrace gratitude as a lifestyle. He realized that his early expressions of gratitude were anemic and bordered on robotic. As such, they failed to tap into the power of gratitude that neuroscientists and positive psychologists talk about.

As he adopted gratitude as a lifestyle, he began incorporating gratitude into his work. Whether that was speaking engagements, training or coaching sessions, or his podcast, he started sessions by asking people to pause and express gratitude for something.

Then, in June 2019, he was inspired to host a gratitude challenge. So he did. At first, it was in conjunction with his podcast. He hosted a 10-Day Gratitude Challenge to celebrate the 100th episode milestone. It was a tremendous success with almost 300 participants, and by the second day, a 100-person waitlist.

So, he launched a second session of the challenge. And it grew—organically and globally. By the fifth session, more than 1,000 people from 40-plus countries had participated, and by the 10th session, that number grew to over 2,000 people from more than 50 countries. Somehow, Kevin had tapped into the power of gratitude and people’s hunger for it.

He also co-created The Gratitude Challenge Card Deck, a resource that shares 52 of the creative prompts from The Gratitude Challenge for people to use to grow and guide gratitude in their life, work, or family.

His latest endeavor is 30 Days IN the Power of Gratitude, an app-based journey helping people explore and embrace the power of gratitude in a 30-day journey.

He is the founder and host of This Extraordinary Life Global Community and Podcast.

Kevin is a graduate of Gonzaga University with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. He has an undergraduate degree in theology from Mercer University. He is a Fellow with Creating the Future and The Colson Center. He lives in Woodstock, Georgia, where he enjoys being a husband, father, grandfather, friend, creator, and gratitude guide.

Ep 74 - Jose Leal - How To Seek A Radical Purpose In Life?

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:00:00 +0530

Seeking a radical purpose in life is something that humanity has been aiming for, since centuries. But humanity must undergo a radical revolution in the way we see ourselves, nature, and our mission. We need to change the paradigm so that we can fully express our willingness to work together and have an impact as a group.

This is what we discuss in this podcast. Learn what led Jose to the point in his life that, despite his triumphs, he began to doubt his surroundings and actions in this interview. He gives us a new definition of "radical" through research into human behaviour and psychology and the fusion of the body, mind, and heart.

Jose is an entrepreneur, a change agent, a paradigm shifter, a researcher, and an author. He is the co-founder of Radical Purpose, a Collaborative helping other people switch to ways of collaborating that suit their needs.

His primary concerns are in devising strategies to escape from the current prevailing systems of coercion and exposing the truths about them. In doing so, he sketches out the workplace of the future, one with a balanced environment. This frequently results in harmony and a sense of purpose fulfillment for the individual.

After 13 years of working in a dysfunctional organisation and industry, Jose realised that he could no longer live or make a contribution to the dysfunction of the systems of force. In order to create the Radical Purpose Framework, Collaborative Canvas, and Collaborative Agreement as well as co-author Radical Companies, he has spent the last seven years studying human motivation and organisational environments.

Ep 73 - Immanual Joseph - How To Live From The Space of Compassion As A Leader and As A Parent?

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:00:00 +0530

What is Compassionate living? Have you wondered?

Is it a way of living where one's mind and heart are both open to understanding others' experiences, or is it our shared connectivity with all life, where one acts from that place of informed caring? Compassion is not that simple and sometimes often confused with empathy and sympathy. But all these terms are different.

Come explore with us in this episode all you need to know about compassion with Immanual Joseph.

Immanual is the founder of Compassionleaders, whose mission is to empower workplaces with compassion skills that enable human and business excellence.

For over 6 years, he has been a student and evangelist of workplace compassion. He is convinced that love, kindness, and decency have a crucial place in the work setting. He created the 9-Pillars of workplace compassion framework and authored ‘The Fifth Revolution- Reinventing workplace happiness, health, and engagement through compassion’. He has taught compassion workshops globally, including at Amazon, Salesforce, Box, and HSBC.

He is a former cancer scientist, and author of seven fiction and non-fiction books, multiple scientific publications, book chapters, and articles. He dreams of a world without walls, of global harmony, and workplaces that empower their people to thrive.
He currently resides in McKinney, Texas, with his wife and kids.

Ep 72 - Matt K. Parker - Do You Find It Difficult to Say 'NO'?

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0530

Do you find it difficult to say NO? Many of do we feel that we are obligated to say yes all the time. But have you really wondered how much does it cost when you end up saying yes to everyone every time..when you want to say NO actually…

Saying no is never easy, but it can be particularly difficult after accepting a commitment. You can be concerned that walking away will sever relationships, make you seem erratic or untrustworthy, or make you look ineffective on a team. But what does it actually cost? Find out in this episode with Matt Parker.

Matt K. Parker is a writer, speaker, researcher, and third-generation programmer. Over the last two decades, he's played a variety of roles in the software industry, including developer, manager, director, and global head of engineering.

He has specialized in hyper-iterative software practices for the last decade and is currently researching the experience of radically collaborative software makers.

He lives in a small village in Connecticut with his wife and three children.

Ep 71 - Gaurav Arora - My Encounter With Life

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0530

Life has given us gifts that we cannot even imagine. Life gives us messages to aline, realign or even reorient itself and we often even miss them or misinterpret them. But these messages bring out the best in us. In this episode, I talk about one such incident that left a huge impact on my life.

Gaurav has a decade of rich experience in the professional services industry as a Facilitator, Coach, and Speaker, with a strong track record of building high-performing leadership teams. As a facilitator, he has been recognized for creating stimulating and interactive learning environments, and encouraging participation and individual creativity. As an Executive Coach, he works to dismantle barriers that come up in the workplace for leaders and help them in fulfilling their intent. A storyteller by heart, he leverages various methodologies and technique to put his point across and create the breakthrough.

He founded Inspire Coaching Systems in 2009, now known as xMonks and started a social development initiative “iOwn” in 2016, which is a platform to connect coaches with Social Development Sector to create possibilities and transformation for the change makers and bringing coaching to the grass root level.

Gaurav is an Engineer and a Management Graduate in Marketing. He is a recipient of the “Young HR Professional of the Year 2009-10” by Employer Branding Institute and has been awarded as the 100 top Leadership Coach in 2017. Recently, Gaurav has been honored with the 2019 ICF Young Leader Award. Gaurav is a voracious reader and loves adventure sports. In his free time, he does calligraphy, painting, and reads books.

Ep 70 - Skip Lineberg - What Did God Put You On This Earth To Do?

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0530

What if I ever come to you and ask you about the wildest dream you would want to live before you say goodbye to this life. How would you respond to that?

God's desire for us is that we fulfill our purpose. But are we doing that? Skip has tried to answer this question. Listen to this episode and explore topics around friendship, connection, and purpose.

Skip Lineberg is highly creative, visionary marketing leader, innovator, problem-solver, podcaster & published author. Certified Scrum Master. His Top 5 strengths are ideation, strategy, achiever, positivity and competition. (Clifton Strengths Finder 2.0). Skip is a published author and podcast host. By day, Skip is a B2B marketing executive and visionary, energetic leader in the IT world.

He is blessed to apply these gifts in many diverse roles--as a mentor, as a marketing manager, in training and public speaking, teaching at colleges and universities, as a youth sports coach and as a father.

Ep 69 - Bob Burg - Are you a Giver? If not, learn ways to be a Go-Giver

Mon, 23 May 2022 17:00:00 +0530

What does it mean to give and be a Go giver? For me personally, giving is a way of life, like a purpose and our actions should reflect that way of life.

In this episode, Bob Burg joined us on The xMonks Drive to explain giving. Let’s hear from the master about how he came up with this concept of giving and how can this be applied in the business context today.

Bob Burg shares how a subtle shift in focus is not only a more uplifting and fulfilling way of conducting business but the most financially profitable way, as well. For 30 years he’s helped companies, sales leaders, and their teams to more effectively communicate their value, sell at higher prices with less resistance, and grow their businesses based on Endless Referrals.

Bob has regularly addressed audiences ranging in size from 50 to 16,000 — sharing the platform with notables including today’s top thought leaders, broadcast personalities, Olympic athletes and political leaders including a former United States President.

Although for years he was best known for his book Endless Referrals, it’s his business parable, The Go-Giver (coauthored with John David Mann) that captured the imagination of his readers.

The Go-Giver, a Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek Bestseller, has sold over a million copies. Since its release it has consistently stayed in the Top 25 on Porchlight’s (formerly 800-CEO-READ) Business Book Bestsellers List. The book has been translated into 30 languages. It was rated #10 on Inc. Magazine’s list of the Most Motivational Books Ever Written, and was on HubSpot’s 20 Most Highly Rated Sales Books of All Time.

Bob is the author of a number of books on sales, marketing and influence, with total book sales approaching two million copies.

The American Management Association named Bob one of the 30 Most Influential Leaders and he was named one of the Top 200 Most Influential Authors in the World by Richtopia.

Bob is an advocate, supporter and defender of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve.

He is also an unapologetic animal fanatic and served on the Board of Directors of Furry Friends Adoption and Clinic in his town of Jupiter, Florida.

Ep 68 - Dr Mark van Rijmenam - Metaverse: What Does It Mean To You?

Fri, 13 May 2022 16:00:00 +0530

What is Metaverse? Is it just a buzzword, the next internet, a video game, or an idea?

It's been nearly six months since Facebook announced it was rebranding to Meta and would focus its future on the upcoming “metaverse.” But what does metaverse mean to you? Join this episode of The xMonks Drive with Dr. Mark van Rijmenam and unveil the future talking to you.

Dr Mark van Rijmenam is a future tech strategist, international keynote speaker, author and expert on disruptive innovation and how we can benefit from emerging technologies such as big data, blockchain, AI and VR/AR.

Dr Mark van Rijmenam is the founder of Datafloq and co-founder of AKVO. Datafloq is the one-stop source for emerging tech, offering C-level Executives information, insights, knowledge and opportunities to drive innovation with data and use technology in ways that benefit employees, customers and citizens. AKVO enables users to immerse themselves and create lasting memories with friends & family by experiencing the virtual worlds together. He recently launched the Between Two Bots podcast with Dan Turchin, covering the cultural, technological and ethical implications of artificial intelligence, technology and the metaverse.

He has a bachelor’s in hospitality management, a Master of Science in Marketing Management, and a PhD in Management from the University of Technology Sydney. His research was on how organisations should deal with big data analytics, Blockchain and AI.

He is a globally recognised speaker on big data, blockchain and AI, a future tech strategist and author of 3 best-selling management books. His last book, The Organisation of Tomorrow, discusses how AI, blockchain and analytics turn every business into a data organisation.

Ep 67 - Gaurav Arora - 3 Lessons From 3 Important Women (Mother's Day Special)

Sun, 08 May 2022 13:00:00 +0530

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.”
Isn't this true, god made angels and sent them on earth as our mothers.

In this special episode on The xMonks Drive, I celebrate the three most important women in my life. Listen to this episode and celebrate motherhood because life doesn’t come with a manual—it comes with mothers.

Gaurav has a decade of rich experience in the professional services industry as a Facilitator, Coach and Speaker, with a strong track record of building high-performing leadership teams. As a facilitator, he has been recognized for creating stimulating and interactive learning environments, encouraging participation and individual creativity. As an Executive Coach, he works to dismantle barriers that come up in the workplace for leaders and help them in fulfilling their intent. A storyteller by heart, he leverages various methodologies and technique to put his point across and create the breakthrough.

He founded Inspire Coaching Systems in 2009, now known as xMonks and started a social development initiative “iOwn” in 2016, which is a platform to connect coaches with Social Development Sector to create possibilities and transformation for the change makers and bringing coaching to the grass root level.

Gaurav is an Engineer and a Management Graduate in Marketing. He is a recipient of the “Young HR Professional of the Year 2009-10” by Employer Branding Institute and has been awarded as the 100 top Leadership Coach in 2017. Recently, Gaurav has been honored with the 2019 ICF Young Leader Award. Gaurav is a voracious reader and loves adventure sports. In his free time, he does calligraphy, painting, and reads books.

Ep 66 - Will Sullivan - A Peep In the Heart & Soul Of A Kindness Advocate Who Happens To Be Gay

Sun, 01 May 2022 17:00:00 +0530

Can you express love, care, and kindness to those who are different from you?

This time on The xMonk Drive, Will Sullivan joined us to help us understand what it means to be kind in a world which is fractured and separated by caste, creed, religion, and whatnot. Come let’s take a quick peep into the mind, heart, and soul of a professional kindness advocate, a leader who happens to be gay.

Will Sullivan is a purpose-driven leader, kindness advocate, communicator, community builder, and the founder of aspiring better human. He has 25+ years of experience building successful large front-of-house teams. He is also a key member of the task force that successfully reopened NYC Cultural Institutions without issue.

Being a leader in an ecosystem which ultimately welcomed over 150,000,000 guests has taught Will much about leadership, hospitality, service, and most importantly, human kindness. Having the honor and privilege to lead thousands of colleagues is an amazing gift and one he truly cherishes. He is the leader who makes the impossible POSSIBLE, the insanity of high-pressure environments SANE and the team UNDERSTAND what they do matters!

Ep 65 - Blaine Bartlett - What Does It Mean To Foster Connections?

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 17:00:00 +0530

Is it possible for leaders to operate from a space of compassion while doing business? Is there any connection between leadership and compassion?

This time on The xMonks Drive, Blaine Bartlett joined us to explain the true essence of leadership in today’s era.

Blaine Bartlett is globally recognized as a leadership development master. As a speaker and the author of 5 books including the international best-seller Compassionate Capitalism: A Journey to the Soul of Business, he has personally delivered programs to more than 300,00 individuals directly impacting more than one million people worldwide.

He’s been featured in the TV series World’s Greatest Motivators; the movie and book Think and Grow Rich: The Legacy as well as three TEDx talks and numerous podcasts. As CEO of Avatar Resources, a global leadership consultancy he founded in 1987, he’s worked with entrepreneurs and leaders in many of the largest companies and organizations on the planet to change the way leadership is used to foster Compassionate Capitalism.

Ep 64 - Dr. Pat Williams - Learning Coaching from the Original Gangster of Coaching

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 18:00:00 +0530

What is coaching? It’s a simple question, but a rather complex one. It means different things to different people. But have you thought, about what coaching means from the pioneer of coaching himself? Dr. Pat Williams who is also known as the original gangster of coaching reveals what actually is coaching and how it creates transformation.

Join us on this episode of The xMonks drive, and explore coaching and how it is different from other modalities of human development with Dr. Pat Williams.

One of the early pioneers of coaching, Pat is often called the ambassador of life coaching. Pat is a Master Certified Coach (International Coach Federation) and a Board Certified Coach (Center for Credentialing and Education). He has been a licensed psychologist since 1980, and began executive coaching in 1990 with Hewlett Packard, IBM, Kodak and other companies along with the front range of Colorado.

He is a graduate of Kansas University in 1972. He completed his masters in Humanistic Psychology in 1975 (University of West Georgia) and doctorate in Transpersonal Psychology in 1977, (University of Northern Colorado). His dissertation was Transpersonal Psychology and the Evolution of Consciousness.

Pat joined Coach U in 1996, closed his 16-year therapy practice, and six months later and became a full-time coach. Pat was a senior trainer with Coach U from 1997-1998.
He then started his own coach training school, the Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT) which specializes in training those with a human services orientation. ILCT has trained thousands worldwide since 1998.

Pat was department chair of the Coaching Psychology program at the International University of Professional Studies, and has taught graduate coaching classes at Colorado State University and Denver University, Fielding University, Loyola University, City University of London and many others. He was also a curriculum consultant for the Coaching Certificate program at Fielding International University.

Pat is a past board member of the International Coach Federation (ICF), and co-chaired the ICF regulatory committee. He is past president of ACTO, the Association of Coach Training Organizations and an honorary VP of the Association of Coaching Psychology and a Founding member of Harvard University’s Institute of Coaching.

Ep 63 - Nick Jonsson - Dealing with Executive Loneliness

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 17:00:00 +0530

How do you handle the hard times in your life? When the world is going through these situations, how are you managing and keeping your head above the water?

It’s not easy, and surviving is not the goal. So what are you doing for yourself?

This time on The xMonks Drive, Nick Jonsson joined us to throw some light on executive loneliness.

Nick Jonsson is the Co-founder & MD at EGN Singapore & Indonesia, Asia's #1 Executive Peer Network, a best-selling author, and is Singapore's top 100 Entrepreneur 2021 Winner. When he won the Entrepreneurs 100 Award 2021: Singapore’s Emerging Entrepreneurs of the year, he felt honoured to achieve this success by living a life that is driven by a mission.

As a global thought leader on the subject of well-being, he began his mission of helping to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health in workplaces worldwide. Since then, as an author of Amazon’s Number 1 International Bestselling book in Mental Health, titled Executive Loneliness, he has been featured in many national newspapers, magazines, and on international television and radio stations. On World Kindness Day 2021, he was named one of Asia Pacific's 50 Leading Lights.

As Founder & Managing Director of EGN (Executives’ Global Network) Singapore, he lead a team that promotes meaningful professional relationships by matching senior executives in confidential peer groups where they can help each other both face personal and professional challenges and identify opportunities for growth.

Ep 62 - Adam Markel - How To Be Resilient In The Face of Tragedy?

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 17:00:00 +0530

What does it mean to be resilient in the face of a tragedy? What does it mean to be change-proof? Does it mean that you know how to handle change, or you are preparing for those instances that when they occur, you have that mindset to deal with them?

This time on The xMonks Drive, Adam Markel joined us to explain our relationship with change and will help us become resilient in the face of tragedy.

Adam Markel is a bestselling author, international keynote speaker, and business mentor who inspires organizations to discover the power of resilience. Adam Markel is a recognized expert in professional and personal reinvention. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, transformational leader, and business mentor, he guides individuals and businesses to capitalize on change and magnify their impact.

After building a multi-million dollar law firm, Adam became CEO of one of the largest business and personal development training companies in the world, overseeing more than $100 million in sales.

His unique expertise is in combining practical business tactics with accelerated learning strategies to embrace change, encourage innovation and increase sales for people and organizations worldwide. Adam Markel inspires, empowers, and guides people to achieve massive and lasting personal and professional growth, whether it be as a keynote speaker, facilitating corporate workshops or mentoring individuals.

Ep 61 - Matt Tenney - Lessons from 5.5 years of Prison Confinement

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 18:00:00 +0530

Have you come across someone who attempted a fraud against the US government knowingly or unknowingly, consciously or unconsciously?

Well, at times, the biggest failure of our life can become a reason for us to lead a purposeful life. This time on The xMonks Drive, Matt Tenney joined us to inspire us with his life story and ignite a spark of mindfulness.

Matt Tenney works to develop highly effective leaders who achieve extraordinary, long-term business outcomes – and live more fulfilling lives – as a result of realizing high levels of self-mastery and more effectively serving and inspiring greatness in the people around them.

Matt is a social entrepreneur and the author of "The Mindfulness Edge: How to Rewire Your Brain for Leadership and Personal Excellence Without Adding to Your Schedule" and "Serve to Be Great: Leadership Lessons from a Prison, a Monastery, and a Boardroom". He has been teaching mindfulness in various capacities since 2002. He is also an international keynote speaker, a corporate trainer, and a consultant with the prestigious Perth Leadership Institute. Matt’s clients include Wells Fargo, Marriott, Keller Williams, The Four Seasons, and many other companies, associations, and universities.

Ep 60 - Pat Hedley - 3 C’s to Build and Sustain Connections

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0530

In today’s world, where the hybrid is becoming a reality, how do you build genuine connections that you value?

We believe in strong bonds, genuine relationships and if you also believe in consciously and intentionally investing in relationships both on a personal and professional front then this episode is for you. Join us on the 60th episode of The xMonks Drive with Pat Hadley.

Pat is a growth company advisor and investor with more than three decades of global private equity experience. She adores disruptive technology and dynamic management teams who find new ways to address old challenges. Pat is the author of Meet 100 People: A How-To Guide to the Life Edge Everyone Is Missing, a book about the importance of personal networks.

Pat worked as a managing director at General Atlantic (GA) until January 2015, where she spent nearly 30 years in a variety of roles, including over a decade of direct growth investing. Pat also established GA's global marketing and human capital strategies, as well as the company's global talent network.

Pat worked for a Bain Capital-backed healthcare firm before joining GA. She had previously worked at Bain & Company as an associate consultant, advising healthcare clients. Ms. Hedley graduated from Dartmouth College with a BA in Computer Science and an MBA from Harvard Business School with a focus on entrepreneurship. Ms. Hedley is a native Hungarian speaker.

She is the current Chairman of Reach the World, a non-profit that promotes global awareness by using technology to connect student travellers with classrooms.

Ep 59 - Spud Marshall - Ways to Build Communities that Thrive

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 17:00:00 +0530

A community is a group of people around a shared sense of belonging but building a community is more than bringing together people who share a common belief. So, what exactly is a community? Why do we want to be a part of a community?

Well, to answer this, we have with us Spud Marshall, one of the leading voices in building both offline and online Communities. During his conversation, he unveils the various facets of community building and leaves us with the question, “How can I create moments of wonder, where my community members are willing to take a pause, participate and explore possibilities?”

Spud Marshall is a social entrepreneur, community builder, and fog machine enthusiast. He is the founder of My Creative Community, which supports groups in designing engaging experiences for their communities. He works with a variety of organisations, including the Sullivan Foundation, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, as well as Teach for America, the American Planning Association, and Johnson & Johnson, as a facilitator, coach, and consultant. He was the Innovation Director of 3 Dots Downtown, a community art and innovation event facility that he founded. He's also the originator and driving force behind the co. space, a 20-person intentional community for young changemakers that's been dubbed one of higher education's most innovative innovations.

Spud launched New Leaf Initiative, which now acts as a dedicated co-working facility and innovation incubator, prior to those activities. He has been named a Knight Foundation Emerging Cities Champion, as well as one of the country's top millennial civic leaders and one of central Pennsylvania's "Foremost Under 40" business leaders. Spud has a master's degree in strategic sustainability leadership with a very impressive failure track record (contact him if you're interested). He and his wife, faithful dog, and curious cat currently reside in State College, Pennsylvania.

Ep 58 - Charles Feltman - Why Building Trust is Important?

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 18:00:00 +0530

Trust is the foundation of any relationship. It allows you to feel safe and be open to people. But it takes a huge amount of effort to build trust, and probably four times the efforts to reestablish trust. So, what are the steps are you taking to rebuild, restore, or repair a relationship and come back stronger?

This time on The xMonks Drive, Charles Feltman, a transformational coach and an expert on trust, join us to help us rebuild trust in a relationship.

Charles Feltman has more than 25 years of experience coaching, facilitating, consulting, and educating people in positions of leadership. His clients' success and wellbeing at work and in other aspects of their lives is an overarching goal in all of his work. He spent a decade in senior roles in the technology industry before launching his coaching and consulting business. Today, Charles focuses his efforts on two key areas: individual leadership coaching and leadership teams, as well as leadership development programmes.

Charles works with executives and managers who want to improve or build critical leadership skills that lead to extraordinary business success. He also works with executives and project teams who want to regularly deliver outstanding results. Based on three decades of experience working with individuals and teams to establish, maintain, and repair trust, Charles is the author of The Thin Book® of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work. Charles served as a mentor coach for Newfield Network's programmes after finishing his coach training in 2000.

Charles graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in organisational development and communication from the University of Southern California. He is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation (PCC). The Leadership Circle Profile, MBTI, DiSC Work of Leaders, and the Triscendance Trust Assessment for Leadership Teams are among his certifications.

Ep 57 - Rajesh Setty - Identifying Superpowers in Others

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 17:00:00 +0530

What if you have someone in your life who can remember things that are important to you? What if you come across someone who gets joy seeing you smile, who gets joy seeing you do the magic?

This time on the xMonks Drive, Rajesh Setty popularly known as the Silicon Valley Spark plug, joins us to explain the importance of looking at possibilities in different life situations.

Rajesh Setty is a Silicon Valley-based serial entrepreneur and business alchemist. He has co-founded more than a half-dozen technology and publishing companies. He has been a member of the founding teams of various technology and publishing companies (10x) since 2000. A few have gotten out, a few have made it to the startup graveyard, and the remainder are making progress. Audvisor is the company's newest initiative, a mobile audio streaming app with micro-podcasts from over 125 world-class specialists.

He has written and published various novels (18x) since 1983, with his first book being published when I was thirteen years old. Four murder mysteries, a collection of poems, a book on mathematics, six business books, and two books on how to get people to think are among the books available and has around 2,000 blog articles.

Since 2016, he has produced over 2500 Napkinsights (a napkinsight is an insight that fits on a paper napkin). Rajesh has also produced a package of 101 thank you cards with distinctive designs, two decks of playing cards with mini sagas (stories of exactly 50 words each), and more.

He's been training first-time entrepreneurs (1400x) various parts of how to bring their ideas to life since 2010. He's also lectured in front of audiences ranging from a small group of CEOs to several hundred conference attendees in the United States, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Mexico.

Finally, Rajesh considers himself to be a "work in progress," which translates to "He guarantees his work, but leave the progress to God."

Ep 56 - Richard Sheridan - How to Organize Humans Effectively in an Organisation?

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0530

How can we create a workplace people love? In fact, most of the challenges faced by organizations today, are not technology-related rather they are human problems. So, the question is- How do we organize humans more effectively?

This time on The xMonks Drive, Richard Sheridan co-founder and CEO of Menlo Innovations, joins us to explain how humans impact organizations.

Richard Sheridan is a co-founder, CEO, and "Chief Storyteller" of Menlo Innovations, a software and IT consulting firm that has received multiple awards and news coverage for its innovative and positive working culture.

Richard, the CEO of Menlo Innovations, became disillusioned in the course of his career in the tumultuous technology world. He was consumed by a single thought: things could be better. Much, much better. He had to figure something out. Why can't a workplace be brimming with friendship, human vitality, creativity, and efficiency?

Rich co-founded Menlo Innovations in 2001 with the goal of putting an end to workplace hardship. Rich's passion for building happy workplaces inspired him to write Joy, Inc.: How We Built a Workplace People Love, which became a best-selling and generally acclaimed book. His second book, Chief Joy Officer, proves that a pleasant and engaging leadership style is genuinely beneficial to a company's bottom line.

Ep 55 - Kathy Caprino - In the Life of a Woman...

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0530

You just need one person in an entire family to release the past patterns and the reactive tendencies and gift a generative future to the next generation. The question is are you willing to be that person…?

This time on The xMonks Drive, Kathy Caprino, a leadership coach who has dedicated her life to the advancement of women in business, joins us to share her belief and show us the path of purpose.

Kathy Caprino LLC provides a wide range of career and leadership development programmes, seminars, training, products, and coaching services to help professionals "find brave," extend their impact, and illuminate the world through their work and leadership. Kathy's organisation now has a comprehensive Coaching Team of top-level, renowned coaches and advisers who work with professionals ranging from new college graduates to mid- to high-level professionals and C-Suite executives who want to have a long-term positive impact.

Her own experiences inspire her to help women create true breakthroughs in order to attain their most ambitious and exciting objectives and ambitions. She worked as a corporate marketing executive for 18 years, rising through the ranks of publishing, marketing, and product management.

She has been giving professional advancement training for the past 16 years and has become a Senior Forbes writer with her column "Career Bliss," as well as a powerful voice on LinkedIn and Thrive Global. She has spoken at over 200 corporate and leadership conferences and events, and has been featured in over 100 top media outlets as an expert source on women at work, careers, leadership, and more, offering effective strategies for thriving through change and taking control of our lives and careers to make the impact and difference we desire.

Ep 54 - Andrea Sampson - Be the next TEDx speaker

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 19:00:00 +0530

Do you aspire to be the next TEDx speaker? Do you wish to leave your audience with The Aha Moment ? Then this is the episode for you.

This time on The xMonks Drive, Andrea Sampson joins us to share her insights from finding your core idea and structuring your talk, to presenting it to your audience.

Andrea Sampson is a former Strategist and Consultant who worked in marketing and advertising for over 25 years, presenting and building strategies for Fortune 100 companies. Andrea is sought after to help teams and executives build presentations or pitches because she has a natural gift for creating interesting stories and persuasive information. Andrea's passion for ideas brought her to TEDxToronto four years ago, where she first contributed as a Speaker Coach, then as the Director of Programming in 2015, and finally as the Conference Co-Chair in 2016. Talk Boutique, a speaker management, development, and representation company, was founded as a result of this volunteer work. Andrea was the 2017 Singularity University Canada Summit's Co-Director.

Ep 53 - Vanessa Liu - How to create an impact from where you are

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 18:00:00 +0530

If you can unlock a way for people to continue finding their purpose, how much better would our society be??

Well, the actual question is, Do you live a life from a space of creating an impact, and if you are, what kind of impact are you creating? On this episode of The xMonks Drive, Vanessa Liu joins us to explore what it means to live a life of impact.

Vanessa Liu is a technology innovator, a business builder, and a digital media entrepreneur. She's been creating, launching, and re-launching businesses for a long time. Vanessa has over 23 years of experience as a serial founder, operator, strategist, and investor at SAP, Trigger Media, and McKinsey, and has a proven track record of value creation. She supervises SAP.iO's North American Foundries in New York and San Francisco, including programmes focused to women and diverse-led B2B business IT companies, and has recruited and accelerated 70+ enterprise software startups in her role as Vice President of SAP.iO, SAP's early-stage venture arm. Vanessa was previously the Chief Operating Officer of Trigger Media Group, a $22 million digital media company.

InsideHook (a digital media firm and a men's lifestyle brand) and Fevo (a women's lifestyle brand) are two of Trigger's portfolio companies she co-founded (SaaS technology for group experiences at live events). She began her career as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company's Media and Entertainment Practice, with offices in Amsterdam, London, and New York.

Vanessa is a Non-Executive Director of Appen Ltd. at the moment (ASX: APX). Bounce Exchange (Wunderkind), Crave Global, Grata Data, GroundSignal, Kable AI, and Narrativ are among the start-ups in which she is an advisor or investor.

Ep 52 - Nathan Farrugia - Miles to go before I sleep

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 17:00:00 +0530

Life is a marathon. It has a start, it has an end and in between are the painful parts too.

This time on The xMonks Drive, Nathan Farrugia, an ultra-marathon runner, joins us to bring light on how every marathon leaves us to become a better version of ourselves.

Nathan Farrugia is an endurance athlete, business performance coach and entrepreneur, and has led organisations in technology, education, healthcare and hospitality. He is also the owner and representative of Vistage in Malta, a TEDx and Motivational speaker and philanthropist. Nathan has completed some of the world’s toughest extreme challenges, raising thousands of euros for charity. In 2011, he ran a million steps to complete a world first marathon by running 27 consecutive marathons in 27 days in each of the 27 European union countries. He is married to Deirdre and has two children, Robyn and Keira and lives in Malta.

Ep 51 - Malti Bhojwani - Live in Joy; Die with Dignity

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 17:00:00 +0530

Do you live your life from a space of survival mode? Do you even need this survival lens? Have you wondered?

We'll, this time on The xMonks Drive, we have with us Malti Bhojwani, to break the surviving lens and will let us know how living a joyful life equals living a purposeful life.

Malti Bhojwani is a professional coach, self awareness author and facilitator of transformation. She applies her years of experience in the personal development business to a wide range of individuals, corporate teams, and entrepreneurs all over the world as they navigate change.
Malti is a trained and certified professional PCC coach with the ICF (International Coach Federation). She has completed courses in NLP and Ontological Coaching (Newfield), Barrett's Cultural Transformation Tools, Facilitating Through Values with Corporate Evolutions, Foundations in Neuroscience, and is a graduate of GBA – Gita Bellin & Associates as a lead facilitator of transformation. She is also trained in Yoga and Somatic work, which teaches people how to modify their ideas and emotions by changing how they hold their bodies.

Ep 50 - Aboodi Shabi - Coach Unplugged: You can only Tame it...You can never Kill it

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0530

What is the living soul of coaching? The Models? Well, think again!
What happens when you are there with the person? What does your instinct tell you to do? What does your body tell you to do? What are your emotions telling you?
This time on the 50th episode of The xMonks Drive, Aboodi Shabi brings you Coach Unplugged: You can Tame it.... You can never Kill it, unraveling the Physical, mental and the emotional space of coaching.

Aboodi Shabi is an experienced transformational coach and facilitator, who has worked with thousands of people all over the world as a coach, trainer, mentor, facilitator, and keynote speaker. Today, most of his clients are based in London, although you can also get great results over Skype, Zoom or telephone, wherever you are in the world.
He is accredited as a Professional Certified Coach by the ICF since 2003 along with being a Newfield Certified Ontological Coach. He is on the editorial board of Coaching at Work magazine.

Ep 49 - Ishan Gupta - Scale it up

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0530

Humans always have the tendency to make the first move and just go ahead, but do we actually scale it up?
Well, in reality, there is a huge gap between scaling it up and just moving ahead. Find out in this podcast, with Ishan Gupta, what does it mean to scale it up.

Ishan Gupta is the Global Head of Operations at Udacity, He is responsible for driving successful outcomes for customers worldwide (consumer, enterprise and government). Previously, he built Udacity’s India business from the ground up.

Before joining Udacity, he was the Vice President at Paytm, one of Asia's largest fintech companies. He was also the Founder & CEO of EduKart.com, which became India's largest ed-tech marketplace in only five years before it was acqui-hired by Paytm. He was also the first growth evangelist for Facebook in India.

While still an undergraduate student, He founded his first company that delivered offline technology trainings across India. He captured the learnings from this journey in a book titled "Make the Move - Demystifying Entrepreneurship", which sold few thousand copies.

Ep 48 - Pamela Slim - How to build your influence and build Communities?

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 18:00:00 +0530

What is your body of work?
Have you ever wondered with all the gifts and talents you posses, how are you sharing your message with the world?
This time on The xMonks Drive, Pamela Slim joins us to reveal the secret of Transformation: A state of connection.

Pamela Slim is an author, community builder, consultant, and former Barclays Global Investors corporate director of training and development. Her first ten years in business were spent developing and delivering training programmes for major corporations including HP, Charles Schwab, 3Com, Chevron, and Cisco Systems.

Pam has coached thousands of entrepreneurs as well as small company service providers such as Infusionsoft, Progressive Insurance, and Prezi since 2005. Pam co-founded and launched the Quiet Revolution and the Quiet Leadership Institute with author Susan Cain.

Pam is well known for her books Escape from Cubicle Nation (called Best Small Business and Entrepreneur Book of 2009 by 800 CEO Read) and Body of Work (designated Best Small Business and Entrepreneur Book of 2010 by 800 CEO.

Ep 47 - Deepa Natarajan - Divine Appointments and how to create from a space of Shunya?

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0530

What are your boundaries in life? And how do you define them?
Life just happens and comes by when you focus on the impact that you can create for the world around you. On this episode of The xMonks Drive Podcast, explore how can you create anything from a space of Shunya with Deepa Natarajan.

Deepa is a PCC and a change leader who understands how to put a strategic and purposeful leadership style into action on a daily basis. "Rethink Leadership Methodology" is her creation. She provides an end-to-end online coaching programme based on the Rethink Leadership Methodology that helps people achieve their vision of success by altering unhelpful behavioural habits. assisting people in becoming the leaders they desire with ease and peace of mind.

Ep 46 - Chris Palmore - Gratitude is a choice and so is happiness

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0530

How grateful are you to be in the moment? Being grateful goes far beyond saying thank you. It is a choice and so is happiness. On this episode of The xMonks Drive Podcast, our guest Chris Palmore unravels all this Thanksgiving.

Chris Palmore is a gratitude conductor, coach, creator, and author. He is the founder of GratitudeSpace and a host on GratitudeSpace Radio. He has a Media And Performing Arts Degree and a minor in Video and Broadcasting from Savannah College of Art and Design and is a proud member of The International Alliance of Theater and Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.). He lives with his wife, Rocío, in Louisville, KY.

Chris traveled to different states and countries looking for people who were willing to share what they were grateful for. He interviewed many, young and old, rich and poor, sick and healthy, male and female, from all walks of life and posted the videos of these interviews on his website and on different social media platforms. He met a lot of interesting people in the process, and the more he got involved in his quest for gratitude stories, the more determined he became to share these experiences with others.

Ep 45 - Leon VanderPol - Exploring the Undefinable: Being, Love, and Consciousness

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:00:00 +0530

Are we coming from a place of self-authenticity, or are our ego-patterns leading the way? Are we elevating our levels of consciousness? And how would we be able to tell? Leon VanderPol joins us on the xMonks Drive to discuss how consciousness and profound awakening can unlock a whole new paradigm of leadership potential.

Leon VanderPol (PCC) is an internationally known coach trainer, transformational coach, coach mentor, and founder of the Center for Transformational Coaching.

He runs the Deep Coaching Intensive, a professional coach training and personal growth journey developed to help coaches learn the art of deep transformational coaching and to facilitate profound inner growth and awakening. He has over a decade of experience as a coach trainer, and mentor.

He is the author of A Shift in Being: The Art and Practices of Deep Transformational Coaching, a new paradigm of coaching which invites people to drop below surface-level engagement, explore the boundaries
of their existence, and tap into their most authentic self.

Ep 44 - Jerry Colonna - Pursuit of Leadership requires the pursuit of Growing Up

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0530

You have to let life happen. Jerry Colonna adds that in between life happening and decisions we make, one cannot be a strong leader unless you allow yourself to grow, and this can only happen by leading a life examined. Hear more of life and leadership with Jerry at The xMonks Drive podcast.

Jerry is the founder and CEO of Reboot.io Inc. He is a certified professional coach, drawing on his wide variety of experiences to help clients design a more conscious life and make needed changes to their careers to improve their performance and satisfaction. He established his coaching practice in 2007. Prior to this work, He was a venture capitalist focused on investing in early-stage technology-related startups.

In 2002, Colonna became a partner with J.P. Morgan Partners (JPMP), the private-equity arm of J.P. Morgan Chase where he led the firm’s investments in companies such as ProfitLogic Inc. Colonna served as a director at ProfitLogic until its purchase by Oracle Inc.

Colonna also serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Naropa University. Naropa University comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies. It is the only accredited Buddhist-inspired university in North America.

He also serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Tibetan Village Project, a not-for-profit, non-political organization dedicated to creating sustainable livelihoods for Tibetans through social entrepreneurship and educational opportunities.

Ep 43 - Francisco Palao Reinés - Scaling Above Stakes and Mistakes

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:00:00 +0530

You can not predict the future, you can only create one. Francisco Palao's mantra to a purpose-driven life is a mindset built to make an impact.

Francisco Palao (PhD, MBA) is an award-winning innovator and a purpose-driven entrepreneur and his purpose is to evolve humanity through technology, social change, and love.

Francisco has founded several companies, including Cognocare (an award-winning AI-based assistant to personalize cancer treatments), LeanMonitor (a cloud-based platform acquired by Gust.com in 2014 and aimed at helping big organizations and startups to implement lean startup principles and to improve their innovation techniques/strategies), Nativoo (an AI-based platform for personalized tourism, acquired by SBTUR in 2012) and IActive (a high-tech company focused on AI and named Cool Vendor by Gartner in 2012).

In addition, Francisco collaborates with leading business schools and universities, such as Singularity University and IE Business School teaching entrepreneurship, disruptive innovation, and exponential technologies.

Francisco has been honored with several prestigious international recognitions, such as the TR35 award given by MIT to innovators under 35 all over the world.

Ep 42 - Tracy Sinclair - Dynamics of a Coaching Conversation

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 17:00:00 +0530

A coaching conversation is powerful yet enigmatic. It can set the client on the path of transformation and awareness. Tracy Sinclair will reveal the profound effects and dynamics of a coaching conversation in this new episode.

Tracy Sinclair is a corporate executive and board-level coach, as well as a leadership development designer and facilitator, who has worked with a wide range of organizations within the UK and internationally. Drawing on her broad experience in the field across the last two decades, Tracy works with business leaders and executives to support and enhance their professional and personal development.

As a well-established Master Certified Coach (MCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Tracy uses her extensive knowledge to train coaches and assist managers and leaders in developing their coaching capability. She is a published author and co-authored Becoming a Coach, the Essential ICF Guide published in 2020 which provides a comprehensive guide to coaching for coaches at all levels of skill and experience, the psychology that underpins coaching, and the updated ICF Core Competency Model. Tracy also specializes in working with organizations to support the development of coaching culture and is an expert speaker on these topics.

Tracy is also dedicated to the development of the coaching profession and the coaching community. In recognition of her efforts, she was named as one of the Leading Global Coaches winners of the Thinkers50 Marshall Goldsmith Coaching Awards of 2019 and is a nominee for the Thinkers50 Coaching and Mentoring Award in 2021 .

Ep 41 - Steve Farber & Jay Jay French - Twisted Business for High-minded Leaders

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 18:00:00 +0530

Did you ever come across a guitarist turned a motivational speaker? This is an episode dedicated to redemption and transformation with Jay Jay French of Twisted Sisters and Steve Farber.

John "Jay Jay" French is a Keynote and Motivational Speaker, Reinvention Expert, Entrepreneur, and Founding member of the renowned heavy metal band Twisted Sister. He has a unique perspective on business leadership based on my 40+ years of experience with Twisted Sister (as Manager, Guitarist, and Director of Licensing, Publishing & Touring), as well as being a producer/executive producer/manager of rock bands. I’m also the founder of The Pink Burst Project, a nonprofit.

Steve is the President of Extreme Leadership, Inc, and the founder and chairman of The Extreme Leadership Institute, organizations devoted to the cultivation and development of Extreme Leaders around the world. His accessible, deeply inspirational, and eminently practical Radical LEAP framework is widely used across the business, non-profit and education spectrum. Farber has been credited with redefining leadership in deeply personal yet practical terms and re-energizing thousands of people to make a significant difference in their businesses, lives, and the world around them.

Ep 40 - Kara Goldin - Being A Credible Leader

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 14:00:00 +0530

The only thing that keeps a leader from achieving is their own fears. Pursuit of inhibitions drives a leader, Listen to Kara and her definition of being Undaunted and above Doubts in her leadership journey.

Kara Goldin is the Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water. She has been named one of InStyle’s Badass 50, Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs, Fortune's Most Innovative Women in Food & Drink, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Northern California. The Huffington Post listed her as one of six disruptors in business, alongside Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Kara has successfully navigated the world of large companies and startups in many industries including media, tech, and consumer products. In addition, she understands retail and direct to consumer well. She is an active speaker & writer and hosts the podcast The Kara Goldin Show where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs, and other disruptors across various industries. Kara’s first book, Undaunted, published by Harper Leadership, was released in October 2020. She lives in the Bay Area.

Ep 39 - Raj De Datta - Humanity and Digital Experience

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 18:00:00 +0530

The winner of any strategy is the ability of a leader to bring everyone towards a center. As vast as digital experiences have become, the center is the people. In this episode, we will discuss how digital and real have permeated.

Raj De Datta is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bloomreach, the leading digital experience platform for e-commerce that powers 25% of retail e-commerce in the United States and the United Kingdom. Before creating Bloomreach, he worked as an entrepreneur-in-residence at Mohr-Davidow Ventures, as Cisco's head of product marketing, and as a member of the founding team of telecom business FirstMark Communications. He also worked at Lazard Freres in technology investment banking. Raj is a Founder Partner at seed-stage venture capital firm Founder Collective and an individual investor in over 20 Silicon Valley startups. He also serves on the US Tennis Association's Council for Player Development.

Raj is the author of the upcoming book from Columbia University Press, “The Digital Seeker” which is a guide for digital teams to build winning experiences. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering with a certificate in Public Policy and International affairs from Princeton University and an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School.

Ep 38 - David Clutterbuck - Reflections on Life & Coaching

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0530

Meet the team coaching genius and a man of true coaching essence, David Clutterbuck on The xMonks Drive podcast. Learn the definition of coaching, vision, and more in this new episode.

Professor David Clutterbuck is credited with introducing sponsored mentorship to Europe in the early 1980s. He combines a wealth of research-based knowledge and experience to deliver a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to coaching, mentoring, and talent management as an EMCC Master Practitioner (EIA, ESIA, and IPMA).
David is the author or co-author of almost 70 books. He is a visiting professor in four universities’ departments of coaching and mentoring – Henley Business School, Oxford Brookes, Sheffield Hallam, and York St John – as well as a visiting lecturer at a number of overseas universities. David is a practice lead at Coaching and Mentoring International Limited, a global network of researchers, trainers, and consultants specializing in coaching and mentoring in over 100 countries.

David’s current research interests include coach maturity transitions, the role of artificial intelligence in coaching, the ripple impact of mentoring, and the democratization/decolonization of coaching. Among his numerous humanitarian endeavors is the goal of establishing five million coaches and mentors for children in elementary school.

Outside of work, David’s hobbies include the use of humor for social and emotional well-being, authoring children’s books, ice skating, and traveling to distant regions of the world. Each year, he sets a new learning objective for himself.

Ep 37 - Andrew Scheffer - Spirituality in the Business World

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +0530

Andrew Scheffer has the unique distinction of being born in New York, educated at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, and The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania, and has traveled the world training with leading self-help teachers over the course of 30+ years of his life, including (over 10,000 hours) in silent intensive meditation retreats.

But Andrew didn't leave his practice in the retreat centers. He took what he learned there and applied it to the high-pressure work environments and family situations that most of us experience daily at work and at home in relationships and while parenting.

Since 2001, he has coached executives, entrepreneurs, health care workers, students, and even spouses seeking a higher level solution for anxiety, stress, and the frustration of everyday struggles that we all face in today's world. Andrew helps people develop their own strengths of mind to find the answers they need within themselves.

Ep 36 - Dan Newby - Time to Strengthen Relationship with Emotions

Sat, 18 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0530

Most of us are in conflict about whether to let our emotions show or not. Leaders face this problem mainly. But emotions are gifts as Dan Newby says. Here is to understanding emotional expression and making our relationship better with emotions.

Dan Newby is the founder and leader of School of Emotions, working with partners worldwide to elevate emotional literacy, and offering courses for coaches, leaders, and parents to build a foundational understanding of emotions.

Dan is driven by his personal experience of the impact emotional literacy and learning can have as well as its profound importance in professional activities. All human beings are emotional beings which make emotional mastery an essential competence for anyone working to improve services and collaboration.

He is the author of ‘The Unopened Gift: A Primer in Emotional Literacy’ and ‘The Field Guide to Emotions’ as well as co-creator of Emoli™ Emotion Cards, a tool for facilitation and teaching emotional literacy. His background includes training as an educator and twenty years as an ontological coach. He has been CEO of Newfield Network, considered one of the premier coaching schools globally, and has been a business leader for many years.

Ep 35 - Fiona Macaulay - Breeding Optimism to stir Change

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0530

Fiona Macaulay works at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and global development.

She’s a serial social entrepreneur, educator, and field-builder committed to helping strong leaders become even stronger, and great organizations become event greater.

Fiona founded WILD - the Women Innovators and Leaders Development Network- to support global development sector leaders to scale their impact, and thrive.

WILD convenes the annual Women in Global Development Leadership Forum. The first its kind, this event is at the hub of a movement to increase women's leadership, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our sector.

In the academic world, Fiona is a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, where she also runs a leadership clinic for MBA students and serves as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence to mentor and coach social innovators and leaders across campus.

Fiona is an active member of the Board of Governors for Junior Achievement Worldwide and past Board Chair for CAMFED USA Foundation.

Ep 34 - Chalinda Abeykoon - Entrepreneurship is The New Revolution

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0530

Startups are the future of the economy. We realize it now. But years ago Chalinda, the investing genius, visioned the power of funding and brought an entrepreneurial revolution in Sri Lanka and is now reigning globally.

Chalinda has spent the last 10 years building a startup ecosystem in Sri Lanka. During his tenure, he has mentored over 3,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and helped launch more than 50 startups.

After six years of ecosystem building, he shifted his focus towards entrepreneurial leadership in 2016. More specifically, he helps entrepreneurs fine-tune their business models and formulate execution strategies. As many of them are first-generation entrepreneurs, he coaches them to become investor-ready and support their fundraising journey. As a result, he has helped over 20 startups from multiple domains raise their angel/seed rounds.

His goal for the next five years is to expand the funding landscape in Sri Lanka. He works very closely with angel investors, VCs, and startup organizations around the world. Being an intervention leader, he aims to drive value to investors by connecting them with the most promising startups with regional and global potential. In January 2020, he took over as CEO of the Lankan Angel Network, Sri Lanka’s first alliance of angel investors. Together with his team, he raised the first Angel Fund dedicated to early-stage startups in Sri Lanka. He firmly believes that success breeds success. As such, the Angel Fund brings together 100 of the most successful Sri Lankans from around the world. They represent over 20 industries & disciplines and are from Asia, APAC, Europe & Noth America.

He obtained my bachelor from the University of London in 2009 and began my entrepreneurial crusade. He was one of three finalists in South Asia for the Entrepreneurial Award, awarded by the British Council in 2018. In 2020, he received the Chevening Fellowship(CRISP), hosted by the University of Oxford.

Ep 33 - Ritu Mehrish - Break out of a Leader's Block

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0530

Who will save you? Is it the Leader who is leading you or the leader inside you? Leaders are not Supermen or Wonder women, the reality lies in acknowledging leaders as humans and addressing the leader's block that takes away the charm of productivity and staying for long.

Ritu Mehrish is a Leadership Troubleshooter and an Executive Leadership Coach who helps you create engagement, professional growth, and personal development for yourself and your people! She comes with the experience of being a former business leader, who has managed a multi-million-dollar business vertical with 1000 people, across 8 countries and 5 continents and also understands the joys and challenges of leading diverse and global teams. With 20 years of corporate experience of working across the globe with companies like Procter & Gamble, GE Capital, and its spin-off Genpact, she has experienced leadership from close quarters. She is also the author of the book 'Leader's Block: How great leaders recover after they stumble’.

Her business and corporate experience enables her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. It helps her pivot at the moment from executive coach/ facilitator to the corporate sounding board and strategic advisor, and clients view this as a key competitive advantage.

In the last 7 years, she has worked with a slew of first-class organizations, as a Coach and Speaker, which include: Google, PayPal, Seagate, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific, Becton Dickinson, Medtronic, Deloitte, IKEA, Nordics Business Forum, Asia School of Business and Wharton Executive Education…This adds to the insights into leadership and the paradigms that she brings.

Ep 32 - Peter Merry - Being a Human

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0530

Explore the different roles that you have laid for yourself in creating your life. Peter Merry talks about how experiences can influence your purposeful living and how it defines your life.

A creative thinker-doer committed to making the biggest possible positive impact with the least possible effort. Peter is co-founding Chief Innovation Officer at Ubiquity, founder of the Center for Human Emergence (Netherlands), and a founding partner of Engage!. He has worked in and across different sectors. As well as co-founding and leading the organisations above, his experience includes facilitating integral change processes in multinational corporations, and government ministries, and in multistakeholder initiatives with global stakeholders.

He has also spent many years in the not-for-profit sector. He is a recognised expert in the field of evolutionary systems dynamics and Spiral Dynamics Integral in particular. His first book was published in English and Dutch (Evolutionary Leadership, 2005) and his second in 2019 (Why Work? on designing work for people and planet - www.whyworkbook.com). His third book Leading from the Field (https://leadingfromthefield.com) is due out at the end of November 2020. . He has an MSc in Human Ecology from Edinburgh University and a PhD from Ubiquity’s Wisdom School on volution theory (see www.volutiontheory.net). His personal website is www.petermerry.org.

Ep 31 - Anshu Gupta - Bending the worldview on Charity

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 13:00:00 +0530

Charity, is it virtue or vice? In its original form, Anshu Gupta has challenged the definition of charity to bring more dignity to those who are earning it rather than someone who is doing it. Explore the mind-bending conversation with this social entrepreneur.

Anshu Gupta is an Indian social entrepreneur who founded Goonj, a non-governmental organization (NGO) headquartered in Delhi.

Gupta is an Ashoka fellow and was conferred with the “Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award” by Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship in 2012. He won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2015. Rewriting many rules of the development sector Anshu made the masses his prime focus – not only as givers and receivers of material but also as the prime source of money, skills, and services. He also structured imaginative solutions with an urban surplus, to some basic but neglected needs outside the radar of the development sector and the civil society.

Over the years as Goonj garnered major awards, including World Bank’s Development Marketplace award and NASA’s Launch award, Anshu also won recognition as an Ashoka and Schwab Fellow while he was also listed as one of India’s top social entrepreneurs by Forbes Magazine and Fast Company.

Now Anshu is focused on the global replication of his model to bridge the massive gap of social and economic inequities between urban prosperity and rural poverty. He speaks extensively on national and international forums to instigate urban and rural masses to engage more deeply with the issues faced by society.

Ep 30 - Alain Hunkins - How everyday people can become everyday leaders?

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0530

Did you not know that your assumptions are the ones making you who are? Are you still running behind something? You don't know when this will stop. You have the pause button with you. Explore how you can design your destiny.

A sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, coach, and author, Alain Hunkins helps leaders achieve performance goals, easier.

His work connects the science of high performance with the performing art of leadership. Leaders trust him to help unlock their potential and expand their influence, leading to superior results, increased engagement, higher levels of retention, and greater organizational and personal satisfaction. He has a gift for translating complex concepts from psychology, neuroscience, and organizational behavior into simple, practical tools that can be applied on the job.

With his Master’s in Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Professional Theater Training Program and a BA from Amherst College, Alain is on the faculty of Duke Corporate Education, ranked #2 worldwide in 2019 by Financial Times on its list of customized Executive Education programs. He also serves on the Academic Advisory Board for the New Delhi Institute of Management and has lectured at UNC Kenan-Flagler’s business school, Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology, UMass-Boston College of Management, and Columbia University. Alain was invited to Den Helder, Netherlands to give a TEDx talk called "The Basic Truth Most Leaders Neglect."

Ep 29 - Timothy Tiryaki - Should I become a Buddha or a CEO?

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 13:00:00 +0530

What does Leadership and Engineering have to do with the human facets? This is a scientifically-driven conversation about how an organization can achieve Self-actualization. Find out how to repeat those peak experiences for yourself.

Timothy Tiryaki Ph.D. (c), MEd., PCC is an executive coach and the founder of Maslow Centre for Executive Leadership, together with master coach Diane Bonneau, MCC.

Maslow is a centre of excellence for coaching. The centre offers ICF accredited coach training programs and large-scale corporate coaching projects. Maslow Centre works with #Fortune500 companies and #BestWorkplaces in North America. Maslow Centre developed North America's first organizational culture coaching certification program exclusively focusing on corporate culture.

Timothy previously worked at large corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Intel, and Index Group and has experience in sales, marketing, and HR roles. His consulting experience includes Great Place to Work, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Consulting, and Bob Proctor Consulting (Managing Partner) where he worked directly with C-level leaders and has taught at Bogazici University Lifelong Learning Center, Global Knowledge Canada, and SFU.

Timothy has an Industrial Engineering degree from Bogazici University, in Istanbul, Turkey, a Master of Education from SFU, and is a Ph.D. Candidate on Philosophy of Education with a focus on leadership development and coach education, also through SFU. He holds 5 coaching certifications and is trained in multiple coaching styles (cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, solution-focused, positive psychology). Timothy has 4 nationally published books in Turkish (one exclusively on Coaching).

Ep 28 - Azad Pandey - Miles of Smiles

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0530

How much does it take to spread a smile? Just one roti! Meet Azad Pandey on the xMonks Drive podcast, and listen to his story about helping people and making lives better.

Azad Pandey is a social service professional and founder of Smile Home is a first-of-its-kind orphanage, shelter home-cum-treatment center for such abandoned, mentally ill persons.
He was inspired to work for the needy since he was a child. Started from the Gorakhpur railway station in 2008, today Smile Roti Bank is running successfully in multiple cities. His team works for those who have lost their paths due to substance abuse and helps them regain control of life.

Ep 27 - Alexander Mearns - Tune in and listen to your body

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 17:00:00 +0530

Did you listen to your body? It says yes to some food and no to others. Yes, it can talk to you. Alexander Mearns presents the language used by your body in response to the food you eat, thoughts you think, and the workout that you drill with.

Alexander Mearns is a Holistic Health Practitioner, a Wellness speaker, and the Founder of LEVITISE - Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Fitness Centre.

After 20 years in the finance industry, he left the corporate world in late 2017 to start Levitise, Singapore's only Holistic Lifestyle Centre. He looked for answers to fix his own health problems from the commercial fitness and medical industries so after many years of studying holistic health, fitness, and nutrition in Singapore, Australia, and the United States. He set up Levitise to help people, like him get the answers and make real changes from the ground up.

Levites specialise in working with senior executives in their 40s and 50s by solving problems such as weight gain, anxiety, fatigue and poor sleep. By working on a combination of personal training, nutrition, and lifestyle factors Levitise helps you solve your health concerns and achieve your fitness goals in an exclusive, private, safe, and cozy downtown environment.

Ep 26 - John Livesay - Invest in Yourself

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 13:00:00 +0530

Taking ownership is sometimes lost in thin air. Hear John Livesay share his experience as a lifeguard and how he used those learning into doing better selling and storytelling.

John Livesay, aka The Pitch Whisperer, is a sales keynote speaker where he shows companies’ sales teams how to turn mundane case studies into compelling case stories so they win more new business. From John’s award-winning career at Conde Nast, he shares the lessons he learned that turns sales teams into revenue rock stars. His TEDx talk: Be The Lifeguard of your own life has over 1,000,000 views.

Clients love working with John because of his ongoing support after his talk which includes implementing the storytelling skills from his best-selling book and online course “Better Selling Through Storytelling.” His book is now required reading for the UTLA (University of Texas in LA) course on Entertainment and Media studies.

“John is part artist, philosopher, and sales crushing storyteller. Highly recommend John for any organization looking to change their selling style to be relevant, impactful, and to rise above the noise.” — Keith Griffis, Executive Director of Marketing, Olympus

He is also the host of “The Successful Pitch” podcast, which is heard in over 60 countries. These interviews make him a sales keynote speaker with fresh and relevant content.

John has been interviewed by Larry King and appeared on TV as an expert on “How To Ask For What You Want And Get A Yes.” John currently lives in Austin with Pepe, his King Charles Spaniel, who reminds him every day of the importance of belly rubs.

Ep 25 - Shayamal Vallabhjee - 5-step model to help adults shift from childhood trauma

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0530

Your subconscious mind is being programmed even now. The way it tunes in is the way you respond to life. Explore the 5-step model that can help adults shift from childhood trauma by Shayamal Vallabhjee.

For two decades, Shayamal Vallanhji has worked at the forefront of cutting-edge professional sport. Combining academic knowledge and practical, on-ground experience in Sports Science, Psychology, and Ancient Spiritual Wisdom, he helps athletes and executives tap into their infinite Human Potential. His approach to High-Performance is called a Balance Model which comprises of four components: Body (Training, Nutrition, Sleep) Mind (Meditation, Mindfulness & Subconscious Programs) Relationships (Family & Friends) & Environment (Everything you can see, smell, touch, taste and hear)
As an academic, he has been lecturing at colleges, universities, and institutes for more than 15 years.

He authored four books in Sports Science, Motivation, and Self Help. A 4x TEDx Speaker, INK Fellow, Australia India Youth Fellow, Men's Health Trainer of the Year, Global Spa Wellness Guru of the Year, and Global Advisory Board Member to Herbalife Nutrition. He was the Founder of HEAL Institute, a healthcare startup in physical rehab based in Mumbai India. He is currently the Founder of QSV Inspiration Media, a digital media startup that creates non-fiction content, tv shows, and documentary dramas backed by evidence-based science.

Ep 24 - Shailesh Haribhakti - Re-inventing yourself with Spirituality, Sustainability, and Technology

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0530

If you are among those who stay away from complacency and embrace continuous learning, you would love to hear the cyclic formula to reinvent yourself from Mr. Sailesh Haribhakti.

Mr. Haribhakti is a Chartered and Cost Accountant, an Internal Auditor, and a Certified Financial Planner & Fraud Examiner. He is a Board Chairman, Audit Committee Chair, and Independent Director at some of the country's most preeminent organizations. He is a well-known thought leader in the Indian Economy and Public Policy. He is an Extech (Exponential Technologies), ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) & IR (Integrated Reporting) Evangelist. He is also an author of 2 books - "The Digital Professional" and "Audit Renaissance". Mr. Haribhakti is highly passionate about the above and actively speaks about them at various forums.

Ep 23 - Prateek Khandelwal - Choosing between Paralysis of Body vs Death of Mind

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0530

What does it mean to live in a wheelchair after a spinal cord injury? A rare conversation with Prateek Khandelwal reveals the emotions that go behind loss of physicality. Hear his vision of building an accessible world for the inaccessible.

Prateek Khandelwal is the Founder & Managing Director of RampMyCity, IBTB. He is also a social entrepreneur and TEDx Speaker. After suffering paraplegia due to a Spinal Cord Injury in 2014, not only have I made a significant recovery, I have found 2 of India's one of a kind start-ups to improve the quality of living of the physically challenged across the country so that they can participate and contribute fully in the social, cultural, recreational and economic life of India.

a) RampMyCity: An accessibility initiative providing inclusivity through ramps and adequate human training.

b) IBTB Pvt Ltd: A for-profit social enterprise providing end to end physical accessibility solutions, which are easy to implement yet highly impactful, for Persons with Disability in India in public and private sectors like corporates, big and small hotels, residential societies, educational institutions, events, cab aggregators, cinema halls and similar places of public usage.

Ep 22 - Nitin Sisodia - Turning Problems into Opportunities

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0530

Why did this automobile designer leave his plush, cushy, and glamorous job and commit to creating solutions for the dusty, lackluster, and resource-constrained neighborhoods? It is mysterious and yet inspiring to see why chose this path.

Nitin Sisodia Founder & CEO of Sohum Innovation Labs. He is also a 2010 Stanford India Bio-design fellow. Nitin is named ‘Top 20 innovators under 35’ 2013 by MIT tech review. He is passionate about ideas at the intersection of technology and user-centered design to serve unmet clinical needs. He has designed several innovative products with national and international companies in India, Germany, and Japan. He has a graduate degree in electrical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, and a master's in design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.

Ep 21 - M.R. Rangaswami - Inspiring Generations to build communities for the Greater Good

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0530

M.R. brings ideas, plans, success stories of how to build a world to help your next generation. An entrepreneur who was struck by the love for building communities which led him to explore philanthropy.

Ep 20 - John Spence - Figuring out ideas straight from a business coach

Wed, 26 May 2021 13:00:00 +0530

We are always in need of solid business advice. When you look at the business giants at Amazon and Fortune 50, do you wish to meet the man who coached them? We have him here. Meet John Spence, the think tank, the master business acumen coach. John is your guy when it comes to figuring out business ideas and strategies. Click the play button to dive in.

Ep 19 - Kevin Cottam - What does it take to strike a dialogue with the Universe?

Wed, 19 May 2021 20:00:00 +0530

Choreography, Creativity, Coaching, and Coffee. Except for the letter 'C', it is hard to find a story stitching these words. Kevin Cottam's life of nomadic mind wandering has got to do something with these moments. Find out more.

Ep 18 - Candace Lightner - Fighting for a Cause while you transcend as a Better Version

Wed, 12 May 2021 10:00:00 +0530

The story of a griefed mother who stirred a global revolution to support families who face and victims who succumb to drunken driving. Hear how Candace Lightner chose the path of leadership over being a mere grieving mother.

Ep 17 - D. Shivakumar - Surf through Change without Bruises

Wed, 05 May 2021 04:00:00 +0530

D. Shivakumar brings 40 years of leadership experience to share those few values and ruling principles that would create a lasting impact for a business. Hear it from the renowned management thinker, leadership coach, and growth innovator on the lessons of surfing through the rough terrain of the corporate landscape without bruises.

Ep 16 - Puja Marwaha - Living from a centred identity to create a culture

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0530

Puja Marwaha believes that children are the very foundation of every nation’s growth and development aspirations. She went on to become the CEO of Child Rights and You (CRY) has helped build a solid organizational framework for CRY which reflects the values of justice and equity for all children. She was awarded the Olga Alexeeva Memorial Prize for social innovation in 2018.

Ep 15 - Parth Bhatt - Global Vision is not a matter of Age

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0530

Why and how did this 16-year-old set on a journey to meet world leaders and international bureaucrats and diplomats? Listen to the story of self-exploration and conviction from our youngest guest.

Ep 14 - Jules Goddard - Unpacking the notions of self-ownership for practical application

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0530

What is self-ownership? What truly governs the notions and principles of self-ownership? Jules Goddard, the author of two bestselling books "Uncommon Sense and Common Nonsense" and "What Philosophy Can Teach You About Being a Better Leader" unravels three notions of self-ownership.

Ep 13 - Rajesh Ramakrishnan - Flying in Life while you stay on the Ground

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0530

A veteran with 25 years of experience in General Management, Sales and Marketing, Rajesh Ramakrishnan is the Managing Director at Perfetti Van Melle India, the country’s leading confectionery player. Rajesh is responsible for the overall operations of the company for India and Nepal.

An accomplished business leader and a seasoned marketing professional, Rajesh has worked across categories like Personal Care, Household Care, Foods & Beverages, Confectionery and Media. Under his leadership, Perfetti Van Melle, Bangladesh delivered sustained growth and achieved market leadership in 2016.

Prior to joining Perfetti Van Melle in 2014, he was the Marketing Head at HT Media Limited. He has also held senior positions in diverse corporations including Pepsico, Marico Industries and Reckitt Benckiser. Post his graduation in Engineering from BITS Pilani, Rajesh pursued his MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur.

Rajesh is an award- winning photographer. His work has been featured at Cannes and has also been published in several publications in India and outside. He is also passionate about travelling and has been on expeditions to Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro.

Rajesh along with his wife and teenage daughter started an initiative – My Daughter is Precious [MDIP] in March 2015 to raise awareness about gender equality and support the education of the girl child.

Rajesh is also a champion for gender equality and is a mentor for the past 4 years with BD foundation and is part of the BD Think Tank in Delhi NCR.

Ep 12 - Dr. Oleg Konovalov - The Code to building your Vision and staying Inspired

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0530

Are you ready to set yourself free to drive your own exploration? Click the play icon to get introduced to the code that will help you construct your vision. Dive into this candid conversation about organizational leadership with Dr. Oleg Konovalov.

Ep 11 - Ravi Kalra - Building a Selfless, Sustained & Profitable Community Service

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0530

Can one person help selflessly in solving hard and large problems such as the traffic problem, orphaned old people, the mentally disabled after having tasted the top business success and luxurious life with unimaginable comforts? This week we bring you the captivating story of Ravi Kalra, the Founder and President of The Earth Saviours Foundation.

Ep 10 - Patrick Hamilton Walsh - Stepping out of being a victim and into the path to Health and Happiness

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0530

When something bad happens to you on a repeat mode, it is obvious to feel sorry for yourself. But, pulling yourself out of a self sympathetic victim zone will help you transform and transcend into a higher plane of life. Tune in to explore how Patrick Hamilton Walsh stepped onto a path of glorious, goal-oriented self-realization.

Ep 9 - Brian Lenahan - Taking Control of your life with Technology

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0530

Technology is touching every single moment of our life. It could be the smartwatch on the wrist, the camera that shows you to people on the other end of the world, or the phone that you are using now. In this episode, Brian Lenahan relieves us from the clutches of the unknown and helps you take control of your life with technology and AI.

Ep 8 - Manoj Kohli - Balancing Conflict and the Art of Leadership

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0530

Staying consistent, day after day is not easy. Only because you have to find balance with conflict and get comfortable with uncomfortable. Manoj Kohli, the Country Head of Softbank India and a leader for many aspiring entrepreneurs shares with us - "How to balance and co-exist with conflict while you emerge as a leader?"

Ep 7 - Richard Barrett - How to Achieve a Consistent flow of Inspiration with Action?

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0530

How do you rise when you are fired from a job? How do you convince yourself that what is holding you back are your fears? How far can you go to let a consistent flow of inspiration into your life? Tune in to this episode with Dr. Richard Barrett who will reveal how he found answers to these questions for himself and for others.

Ep 6 - Jim Garrison - Embracing diversity in Inclusive Humanity

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0530

You have heard enough about unity and humanity but are you still struggling to experience it. Dr.Jim Garrisson articulates the deep sense of unity in humanity to help us realize how human we are. What does it take to bring the sense of oneness among all of us and yet stay unique to oneself? Join us on this spiritually introspective conversation.

Ep 5 - Neeta Bhushan - Realizing the power of your Story

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0530

Loss can strike you hard and you can shatter in minutes. But, the story you tell yourself and get others to follow is what will help you rise from the worst of our times. In conversation with Neeta Bhushan, we realize the power of one's own story. Neeta Bhusan is a well-known emotional health advocate championing emotional and mental health. She encourages other entrepreneurs and game-changers to do the same. She left her traditional conventional path as a brick and mortar cosmetic dentist, with a massively growing practice to chart something entirely new. She is now a mentor to leaders, startup founders, impact drivers, and wellness-based entrepreneurs.

Ep 4 - Bob Anderson - Transforming into your Extraordinary Self

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0530

Even under pressure when you know how to travel through the metamorphosis of your inner game, you can still achieve positive transformation, irrespective of the complexities and challenging environment around you. Bob Anderson who had worked with global leaders on a first name basis reveals what is true leadership and the structural mechanics that help you achieve transformation.

Ep 3 - Radha Rani - A healthy mix of Yoga, Nutrition and Life.

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0530

Food gives the energy and nutrition for one's life, then what does yoga do? Why do we need yoga when we are receiving the necessary food and nutrition? Radha Rani brings her own experience of yoga on how much to use and how not to use for a fulfilling and happy life. She reveals the balance of food, yoga, and nutrition.

Ep 2 - Dr. Marilyn Atkinson - Committing to your Purpose

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0530

Marilyn Atkinson grew with exposure to stories that shaped her into a world-class coach. She brings her years of experience into coaching as a 77-year-old author who talks about how to thrive in what you choose to become across all paradigms of life. She reveals how to implement the Happiness Success Model that has worked for her and the rest of those who used it.

Ep 1 - Gururaj Deshpande - Passing through the Highs and Lows of life with Joy

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 20:00:00 +0530

Gururaj Deshpande's journey offers great learning to everyone, but specifically to entrepreneurs. He gives the merits of his upbringing to a highly adaptive and agile parenting style. It inculcated everything to make the right choices as an entrepreneur. That brings us to hear his journey from humble beginnings to the world's billionaire list leading an opportunity to work with Barrack Obama in the White House.

Introducing - The xMonks Drive with Gaurav Arora

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 19:00:00 +0530

If step #1 is transformation, then step #2 is the xMonks Drive. The xMonks Drive is a podcast dedicated to those beyond the xMonks ecosystem who are looking for a large dose of inspiration, coming from real people over a short conversation. Join the movement of personal development and transformation

You will stumble upon defining moments that you resonate with. If you are finding a reason to listen to this podcast then, it's about identifying your purpose and living from that space. It's about taking ownership of what you truly care about.

Meet people from different walks of life who have been entrepreneurs, business leaders, coaches, and change-makers, doing something meaningful in their life

Don’t let your assumptions define you. Be driven by choices that provide an experience and teach you.

The xMonks Drive

What China Understands About Execution That India Is Missing | Satish Rao

Detective Reveals India's Most Disturbing Family Secret | Baldev Puri

Bijay Anand: Bollywood Actor Turned Yogi on The Spiritual Science of Success

Tailor, Theatre, Then Filmfare | Bollywood's Favourite Dad Gajraj Rao Breaks It Down

Was Osho Actually Right? India's Top Yogi Finally Answers | Prof.(Dr.) Rajesh Kumar

The Silent Killer Hiding in Every Young Indian's Body | Dr. Avinash Verma

Climbers Are Being Poisoned On Everest. The Reason Will SHOCK You! | Kaamya Karthikeyan

First the Censor Board. Then the Government. She Didn't Cut a Single Scene | Alankrita Shrivastava

The Honest Warning Every Working Indian Needs to Hear in 2026 | Prashant Puri

No One Has Life Figured Out. Your Brain Was Never Designed To | Dr. Sid Warrier

How Black Money is Destroying India's Schools, Roads & Economy | Abhishek Bali

How young Indians are buying BMW in their 20s | BMW India CEO | Hardeep Singh Brar

Listen to This Before You Drop Your Child to School Tomorrow

Aryan Khan, Aarushi Talwar & MJ Akbar | India's Top Lawyer Finally Speaks

Major General Neeraj Bali Explains What Nobody On TV Will Tell You

India’s Top Neurologist on Brain Hacking, Parkinson’s & Why You Feel Lazy & Unmotivated

The Malayali Bahu, 6 Languages & Everything She Won't Post Online | Satshya Tharien

Climbed Everest at 19. Betrayed at the 7th Summit. | Women's Day Special | Krushnaa Patil

₹5 Lakhs A Month. Big IIT Jobs. They Left It All For An Equal Marriage.

How to Be a Man in 2026 | Masculinity, Confidence & The Male Identity Crisis ft. Rahul Badesra ​

Valentine’s Week Special: How My Breakup Became My Career ft. Mansi Narang

Neurologist Dr. Vinit Banga: Pollution Is Damaging Your Brain (Stress, Sleep & Stroke Warning Signs)

Ankur Warikoo’s Untold Story | Failure, Layoffs & Finding Real Freedom

Ira Singhal IAS: “UPSC Is Self-Torture” | UPSC Reality, IAS Power & Corruption | Hindi Podcast

Workplace Sexual Harassment Explained: Forensics, Power, Evidence, False Complaints | Vishal Bhasin

Practical Buddhism for Work & Relationships | Stress, Pressure & Modern Life | Geetanjali Pandit

Gurudev Sri Anish Shares a Rare Story of Presence with the Dalai Lama & Modern Leadership

Inside India’s Child Protection System | What Really Happens After a Complaint

2026 Remedies For Success | Powerful Astrology Solutions You Must Know | ShivaAmit Khanna

Sex Anxiety Is Ruining Your Intimacy – Overthinking, Fear, ED & Performance Issues ft. Aashita Khanna

Untold Ramayana | Hidden Wisdom from Ram, Lakshman & Hanuman (ft. Srini Katta)

How to Make Your Voice Deeper & More Manly | Simple Tips to Sound Powerful

From Delhi Gym to 5 Mr. Olympia Medals: The Legendary Bhupender Dhawan Interview

Elon Musk vs Ratan Tata | Who’s the Better Leader?

Do People Laugh at Your English? Watch This Before You Speak Again

Shreya Sharma on Falling for Gaurav Kapoor, Money & Making it on Her Own

Fragrance Entrepreneurs: The 'Pure' Ritual That's Slowly Poisoning Us

WIN YOUR INNER WAR — Bhagavad Gita’s Mind Mastery Lessons ft. Prithviraaj Shetty

Beyond Money: Dalai Lama’s Secret to True Wealth | Dinesh Chandra, Transformational Coach

Heal Without Years of Therapy | Dr John Demartini Breaks It Down

West Stole Ayurveda & Sold It Back | Dr. Partap Chauhan Explains

How PEE Safe’s Founder Broke Taboos & Won Gen Z | Vikas Bagaria

Shai Tubali on Dissolving the Self, the Flexible Mind, and the Bliss of Not Knowing

Most Yoga Gurus Are Faking It | Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu, PhD in Yogic Science

The Soul of Leadership: Trauma-Informed Wisdom with Amy Elizabeth Fox

Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor: Why No One Can Break India | India, Pakistan, China

Feminism, Loneliness & Why Indian Men Are in Crisis | Dr. Shubham Vatsya

Mystic Sonia: Past Life, Tarot & Akashic Expert on How Your Past Shapes Today

Why So Many Young Indians Face Burnout & Heart Attacks | Hormone Coach Poornima Peri

Why Do Relationships Fail? | Psychologist Mansi Kothari Breaks It Down

Losing Vision, Losing Trust: Dr. Neeraj Sanduja on India’s Eye Crisis & Screen Addiction

Who’s Really Running the World? | Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor EXPOSES Global Power Politics

The Real Hero of Kargil | Yogendra Singh Yadav's Untold Tiger Hill Story

MMA vs Real Street Fights — Shaolin Master Shifu Kanishka Sharma Explains

Gut Health Is Ruining Your Sleep, Mood & Energy | Dr. Preeti Seth

Sandeep Gupta on How Storytelling Builds Crorepatis & Hacks the Brain

Suroor Mander on Why POSH Still Fails So Many Women

AAP's Jasmine Shah on Delhi, Democracy & the Price of Dissent

Ex-Army Officer on Terrorism, Faith & the Fight No One Talks About | Lt Col Manoj Kumar Sinha

Kavyal Sedani | What They Don’t Teach You About Healing

Major General Vikram Dev Dogra on India’s War With Pakistan

Kargil Hero Yogendra Singh Yadav on Pahalgam, Pakistan & What It Means to Be an Indian Soldier

Ryan Seaman on Ego Death, Plant Medicine, and the Call to Wake Up

Seeing the Divine: Lisa Prajna Hallstrom on Devotion, Doubt, and Anandamayi Ma

Yogi @ Corporate Street: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s Leaders | The Inside Story with Manish Chaturvedi

The Startup Journey of Gaurav Singh: Obsession, AI, and Building Without Validation

Govind Iyer: From Global Boardrooms to Giving Forward

S2 E91: Dino Petridis | How a Greek Professor Came to Find Home in Hinduism & Nithyananda

S2 E90: Shalini Singh on Breaking Barriers | A Different Take on Women's Day

S2 E89: Can Astrology Really Predict Your Success? Sundeep Kochar Reveals All

S2 E88: Gold Medal, Doping Allegations, and Fighting for Truth with Neeraj Yadav

S2 E87: Small town girl turned CEO, Entrepreneurship, Struggles, Sexism with Muskaan Kakkar

S2 E86: Leadership lessons from Indian Army, Ukraine, Palestine & Pakistan ft. Maj. Gen. Neeraj Bali

S2 E85: Kargil, Sam Manekshaw, KM Cariappa and Corporate lessons from the Indian Army with Maj Gen Neeraj Bali.

S2 E84: The Mindset Shift that will make you a Crorepati ft. Ankur Warikoo

S2 E83: The man who worked under 3 Prime-Ministers ft. Vivek Srivastava

S2 E82: From Baby Boomers to GenZ, Everyone Needs to Connect! ft. Amit Malik

S2 E81: I was the First CEO but also the First Employee of the Company ft. Anupam Arun

S2 E80: The story behind a serial Entrepreneur ft. Srini Vitoba

How to Be a Man in 2026 | Masculinity, Confidence & The Male Identity Crisis ft. Rahul Badesra