Finessential: Recent Episodes
Finessential
Finessential aims to delve into the world of finance, business and management by simplifying it - through conversations with industry stalwarts, and blogs that break down the fundamentals.
"The Path to Inclusive Sports Success" is a thought-provoking and inspiring podcast episode that delves into the world of sports with a unique focus on inclusivity. In this episode, listeners will embark on a captivating journey exploring the ways in which individuals from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives come together to achieve success in the world of sports.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the vibrant tapestry of Nirupama Subramanian's life. Join us in this episode as we explore the intricate threads of her personal and professional odyssey, from the formative days to her current luminous position. Each milestone, from her academic endeavors at Stella Maris and XLRI to the pivotal shift from corporate banking to leadership development, is a brilliant hue in the narrative she paints.
Discover the radiant colors of Nirupama's career as an independent facilitator and coach, where each experience has been a stroke of brilliance on the canvas of her life. As a co-founder of "My Daughter is Precious" and an advocate for gender equality, Nirupama weaves tales of empowerment and education.
Journey through the rich hues of Diversity & Inclusion and the transformative Six Feminine Powers model. Learn about her co-founding of GLOW (Growing Leadership of Women) and the initiatives that make it a beacon for aspiring leaders.
Finally, immerse yourself in the pages of Nirupama's books, "Keep the Change," "Intermission," and "Powerful," where the ink flows with inspiration for women and professionals. Unravel the stories behind her writing and catch a glimpse of the aspirations and goals that paint the future canvas of Nirupama's empowering narrative.
Get ready to be enchanted by the Dreamweaver's Tapestry, where each thread tells a story of brilliance, empowerment, and the artistry of a glowing life. 🌈💫
In this remarkable episode of our podcast, we delve into the incredible journey of Rishabh, a man who defied medical odds and transformed his life from a place of despair to one of boundless hope and inspiration. Facing a devastating 70 percent paralysis of his left arm, Rishabh was told by doctors that his condition was virtually incurable, with surgery as the only but risky option. Instead of accepting this grim prognosis, Rishabh embarked on an extraordinary quest for healing and vitality.
Tune in as we explore Rishabh's unwavering determination and his relentless pursuit of a solution. He delved deep into ancient Indian workouts and, drawing from this rich heritage, devised his own unique fitness regimen. Through unwavering dedication and countless hours of research and practice, he defied the odds and miraculously overcame his paralysis.
Today, Rishabh stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. His fitness company, borne from his incredible journey, has not only transformed his life but has also partnered with prestigious names in the sports industry, making his workout regime a phenomenon in the fitness world.
Join us in this inspiring episode as we discover the power of the human spirit, the magic of ancient wisdom, and the incredible transformation of one man's life that continues to inspire countless others.
🎙️ Embark on a captivating journey of empowerment, innovation, and transformation with our latest episode! Join us as we sit down with the incredible Apurva Purohit, a trailblazing businesswoman with over three decades of experience in reshaping the corporate world.
🌟 In this episode, Apurva shares her insights into building and scaling media ventures, driving turnarounds, and advocating for gender diversity. Discover how her educational journey at Stella Maris and IIM Bangalore paved the way for her remarkable achievements.
🚀 But that's not all – get ready to delve into the heartwarming story of Aazol, Apurva's brainchild that empowers rural women and communities by curating authentic food products. Learn how innovation, empowerment, and traditional values are at the core of this remarkable initiative.
🔥 Tune in to "Empower, Innovate, Elevate: Apurva Purohit's Odyssey in Business and Empowerment" and let Apurva's inspiring journey fuel your own aspirations for positive change and growth. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation that's bound to spark your imagination!
Independance Day Special Episode!
Over 76 years ago, the british stole nearly 45 trillion USD from India. That is roughly 12.5 times our GDP. It took us 76 years to rise to the position of the 5th largest economy in the world. This is a deed no other country has been able to achieve, regardless of the resources they have had at their disposal.
In the next 76 years, India will undoubtedly be the largest economy in the world.
While billions of Indians have contributed to this, it is noteworthy to pay attention to the millions of entrepreneurs building for and in India. These people had the choice to build anywhere but chose to build in India regardless of how difficult it may have been. These people have contributed immensely to India's growth as a nation.
C K Kumaravel is one of such entrepreneurs who has now built the behemoth that is Naturals. In this conversation, we delve into things he considers are essential for inculcating a desire to build great things but also gives countless invaluable lessons for aspiring and current entrepreneurs.
Make sure you listen to the full episode to get the best out of this conversation!
In this inspiring episode,we had the privilege of speaking with Kalpana, a CA turned entrepreneur who serves as an inspiration for many.
Join us as Kalpana takes us through her remarkable journey, from being a Chartered Accountant to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path, the challenges she faced, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.
Discover how Kalpana harnessed her financial acumen to navigate the turbulent waters of business ownership, and how she turned obstacles into opportunities. Her story not only resonates with finance enthusiasts but also serves as a source of motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to embrace resilience in their pursuits.
Join us for this empowering episode of "Finance and Beyond: A Tale of Resilience," and be prepared to be inspired by Kalpana's unwavering determination to achieve her dreams and make a lasting impact in the world of finance and beyond.
Welcome to "Finessential," the podcast that uncovers remarkable journeys from inception to success. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Sanya Menon, the brilliant mind behind an extraordinary content marketplace.
Join us as we delve into Sanya's incredible story of going from zero to one, witnessing her passion and determination shape the transformative platform known as "Aflog." As the founder, she has pioneered an ingenious way for content creators to manage, create, and distribute their content, propelling their growth like never before.
Get ready to be inspired by Sanya's insights into the challenges she overcame, the inspiration that sparked Aflog's creation, and the invaluable impact it has on content creators and businesses alike. Discover how "Aflog" solves key problems in the content marketplace, empowering both creators and businesses to collaborate seamlessly.
In this episode, we delve into the exciting realm of student entrepreneurship and the art of juggling academic pursuits with the drive to build successful companies. Aaliyah, a passionate student from Princeton University, joins us to share her invaluable insights and practical advice on navigating the dual roles of student and entrepreneur.
Join us as we explore the unique opportunities available to student entrepreneurs, from the resources and mentorship within university networks to the supportive campus ecosystem that fosters innovation. Aaliyah takes us through the essential steps involved in transforming ideas into tangible business ventures, emphasizing the importance of leveraging university resources and participating in entrepreneurial competitions and incubators.
Furthermore, we uncover the dynamic relationship between education and entrepreneurship, Aaliyah discusses how classroom knowledge can be applied to real-world challenges and inspire innovative solutions. From managing time effectively to developing resilience and adaptability, we learn about the valuable skills that student entrepreneurs cultivate throughout their journey.
If you're a student contemplating entrepreneurship or an industry professional intrigued by the rising trend of student-led startups, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to embarking on your entrepreneurial path while still in school. Tune in to gain valuable insights, strategies, and inspiration from our guest's firsthand experiences, as they inspire you to harness your potential and create impactful ventures from the very beginning of your academic journey.
Aaliyah's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaliyahsayed/
In this captivating episode, we bring you a fascinating conversation with a talented content creator and polyglot. Join us as we delve into the thrilling topic of restarting life in a completely new society, where the language and culture are vastly different.
Joshua, with his extensive experience and linguistic prowess, offers invaluable insights on tackling the challenges that come with adapting to a foreign language and culture. We explore a wide range of topics, from making new friends and establishing social connections to finding suitable employment opportunities in your new environment.
With his expertise, Joshua unravels the secrets to learning a new language effectively and shares practical tips and techniques that can help you achieve fluency faster. We also touch upon the intricacies of cultural integration, understanding social norms, and embracing the local customs to truly immerse yourself in your adopted society.
Whether you're planning a move to a new country, currently navigating the complexities of starting afresh, or simply fascinated by the intricacies of language and cultural adaptation, this episode is a goldmine of knowledge and inspiration. Joshua's personal experiences and valuable advice will empower and guide you on your journey to a new life.
So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and get ready to embark on a transformative exploration of starting anew. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button to join our community for more insightful conversations and inspiring content!
Today we have the privilege of hosting a remarkable guest, Nicole - a venture capitalist (VC) at Harlem Capital and a recipient of the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 award. Join us as we dive into the world of fundraising through the lens of a young founder.
Nicole shares invaluable insights on the fundraising journey, offering practical advice and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. We explore the green flags, those positive indicators that can make your startup stand out to investors, as well as the red flags to avoid that may hinder your fundraising efforts.
With her wealth of experience in the startup ecosystem, Nicole provides deep insights into the nuances of fundraising, sharing stories of successful ventures and cautionary tales. From crafting a compelling pitch deck to building relationships with investors, we cover it all in this candid conversation.
If you're a young founder looking to secure funding for your startup or simply interested in the world of venture capital, this episode is a must-listen. Our guest's wisdom and expertise will undoubtedly inspire and educate, helping you navigate the complex world of fundraising with confidence.
So, grab a pen and paper, get ready to take notes, and join us as we unlock the secrets to successful fundraising. Don't forget to follow our channel to stay updated on future episodes filled with insightful conversations and expert advice!
Our special guest,Anastasia, brings a wealth of experience having studied at one of the world's top business schools, ESSEC. She takes us on a journey through her personal triumphs and challenges as an entrepreneur, shedding light on the exhilarating and demanding life of a business owner.
But that's not all! We also dive into the fascinating realm of content creation, exploring how she leveraged their expertise to create compelling educational content. We uncover the secrets behind her educational consulting company, Ad Astra Admissions and how she successfully merged her passion for entrepreneurship and education.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a student contemplating further education, or simply curious about the edtech industry, this episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by the remarkable journey and invaluable insights of our esteemed guest. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and join our community for more engaging content!
Join us in this insightful interview with Zohare Haider, the brilliant mind behind a successful B2B SaaS startup, Jalebi.io. In this engaging discussion, we explore the crucial aspects of growing a B2B SaaS business, including finding product-market fit, identifying the right early hires, and gaining valuable startup advice. Discover practical strategies to validate your product's market potential, understand customer needs, and establish a strong foundation for growth. Gain valuable insights on building a winning team and cultivating a thriving startup culture. Whether you're a budding B2B SaaS entrepreneur or seeking inspiration for your startup journey, this is a must-listen!
In this episode of Finessential, we sit down with Deepak Trivedi, a successful entrepreneur in the sports industry to discuss the challenges and opportunities of running a business in this competitive field. From navigating the unpredictable nature of sports to developing a sustainable business model, our guest shares his insights and experiences. We also dive into the unique aspects of sports business as a career, including the importance of networking, staying up-to-date on industry trends, and balancing passion with practicality. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just curious about the world of sports business, this episode offers valuable advice and inspiration.
In this episode, Caroline Petruzzi McHale from VIVACE joins us to delve into the topic of nature-based solutions and sustainability, and how they can help combat the effects of climate change. Our guest is an expert who brings years of experience and knowledge to the table.
We explore the concept of nature-based solutions, which involves using natural systems and processes to address environmental challenges. We also discuss the importance of sustainability in today's world, and how it can help us live in harmony with nature.
Throughout the episode, we highlight real-life examples of nature-based solutions and sustainable practices, including reforestation, green infrastructure, and more. We also explore the role that governments, businesses, and individuals can play in promoting sustainability and nature-based solutions.
By the end of this episode, listeners will have a deeper understanding of the importance of nature-based solutions and sustainability, and how they can contribute to a healthier planet. They'll also come away with practical tips and strategies for incorporating sustainable practices into their daily lives.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to take action and make a positive impact on the environment.
In this episode, we sit down with Philippine Darblay, seasoned TV and radio host to explore the exciting and ever-changing world of media and journalism. We delve into what it takes to enter the field, the skills necessary to succeed, and how to grow in the industry.
Our guest shares her personal experiences, the challenges she has faced, and the lessons she has learned along the way. From the importance of being curious and staying informed to developing a strong work ethic and building a professional network, we cover it all.
Whether you're just starting out in your media career or looking to take your skills to the next level, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in as we break down the world of media and journalism and explore what it takes to succeed in this exciting and dynamic field.
Find Philippine's instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/philoudarblay/?hl=en
Today we delve into the fascinating world of fashion and modeling. In this episode, we have a special guest, Ellie, a top model who will share with us her firsthand experiences and insights into the modeling industry. We'll talk about the ups and downs of being a model, the pressure to maintain a certain image, and the challenges of navigating the competitive and fast-paced world of fashion. This is your chance to hear directly from someone who's been in the trenches, and get a true insider's look into the modeling industry. So sit back, relax, and join us for this exciting episode."
Find her here - https://www.instagram.com/elliejaynek/
Introducing one of Iran's most inspiring models, who fought against all odds and achieved success in the fashion capital of the world, Milan. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, this model never lost sight of her passion for fashion and pursued her dreams relentlessly. Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, she was able to break through the industry and make a name for herself in the competitive world of fashion. Today, she is a well-respected and successful model, gracing the runways of Milan's top fashion events and appearing in numerous fashion campaigns and editorials. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact that pursuing your passions can have on your life. In this interview, we will delve into her journey, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned along the way.
Find her Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/lunapiombanti/
Today's guest is a former startup founder who sold his company to Mastercard and is now a partner at Y-Combinator. He has seen the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and has valuable insights to share. Join us as we listen to his story and gain valuable advice on the world of startups. Get ready to take notes as this entrepreneur shares his journey and the lessons he learned along the way. This is an episode you don't want to miss!
Find him here - https://www.edriziodelacruz.com/
In this episode, we sit down with Georgia, a successful model, to get an inside look at what the world of modelling is really like. Georgia shares her journey of how she got into the industry and the challenges she faced along the way. She explains what it takes to break into the modelling world and what qualities are most important for aspiring models to have. She also debunks some of the common misconceptions about modelling and provides valuable advice for those looking to make a career in the industry. Whether you are an aspiring model or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode provides a fascinating insight into the world of modelling and what it takes to succeed.
So, tune in and listen to Georgia's inspiring story and gain a new perspective on the modelling industry.
Find her on instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/itsgeorgiasumner/
In this episode of the Finessential, we have the pleasure of speaking to Gabi, a travel content creator who has dedicated her work to sharing the secrets and tips of solo travel, with a particular focus on empowering women to feel confident and safe while traveling alone.
In our conversation, Gabi shares her personal experiences with solo travel and offers practical advice for navigating the joys and challenges of traveling alone. she also discusses the importance of building a support system and finding resources for solo female travelers.
Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or just starting to explore the idea, this conversation is full of valuable insights and inspiration for your next trip. Gabi has traveled to numerous destinations around the world and is currently in Thailand and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, so be sure to tune in and learn from the best!
You can find her socials below!
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gabs_explores/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/gabs_explores?s=21&t=aSqz3-qOwqnAUXugtmYo7w
Getting out of your comfort zone can be intimidating, but it's essential for personal growth and development.
It allows you to challenge yourself and try new things, which can lead to new experiences, opportunities, and skills. It also helps to broaden your perspective and open your mind to different ideas and ways of thinking. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary, but it's often worth it in the end.
So take a deep breath and take the first step towards pushing yourself beyond your limits. You never know what you might achieve.
Today we have with us Carolina Rizzotto, a content creator based out of New York, who strongly values getting out of her comfort zone.
We discussed what she thinks about this and how this has helped her content creation journey. She also shares with us advice that can be used for up-and-coming content creators.
Find her below.
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@CarolinaRizzotto
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolrizzotto/
You know how when you're working, you save a lot of money so you can take that vacation at the end of the year? The one you've been dreaming about forever? Bali, perhaps? Or maybe Barcelona?
What if we told you that you could travel to all of these dream destinations and get paid for it?
Our next guest Danielle Muntain is a full-time content creator and founder of creatorversity - an educational platform that sets you up to become a full-time creator.
Listen to this episode to find out how she got started and what you can do in order to get paid to travel the world.
If you'd like to know more about creatorversity, check it out below, they are officially open for enrollment!
Creatorversity - https://www.creatorversity.com/pages/mastermind
Danielle Muntain on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/daniellemuntain/
You know these dreams you have when you are 12 years old? The ones where you dream you’re a pop star performing in front of 1000s of people? Most of us never get to live that dream because we’re too scared to act on it. Some of us, however, are unafraid and certain about our dreams and our next guest is one such person.
Avanti Nagral is a pop singer and content creator on a mission to create songs, stories and conversations that challenge societal norms. From originals to collaborations, she creates coming-of-age pop that is impact driven.
If you’ve dreamt of pursuing something society considers unconventional, then this episode is for you.
New York is often referred to as the city of dreams. Spending your 20s in this city is considered as the best thing you can do for yourself. But to what extent is this true? Does living here have a make or break kind of impact on your life? We’ve got with us Meera Christine today, an Indian American who’s experienced life in both the liberal New York and Conservative Kentucky. We discussed how the place has helped her structure her life, her content creation journey and more. We also discussed how one can get started with content creation and network their way to success. If you’ve ever been curious about life in the city that never sleeps, check out this episode.
So many of us dream of starting a company in our 20s but end up sitting on it. From starting a company while still at college, to being accepted into Y-Combinator, to raising 850k in funding and hiring people from across our world, our next guest Ahana Banerjee has done it, while still in her early 20s.
We discussed coming up with startup ideas, hiring your early members, and many more topics around building a company. If you’re in your 20s and want to get started with entrepreneurship, this is the right episode for you.
Welcome to episode ten of Finessential. A podcast where we explore finance, sustainability and entrepreneurship through conversations with industry stalwarts.
From studying anthropology to working in content, Product management and fintech to now being an entrepreneur in the impact tech space, April has truly done the full circle. We discussed with her today how her previous roles helped set her up for success, if studying entrepreneurship was worth it and her zero to one story.
If you’re curious about building a company in your 30s, you should definitely check this one out!
The edtech industry has been growing for a while now, but with the pandemic, it saw an exponential rise as people started to understand how important up-skilling themselves was. Today, we have with us Craig Vezina, founder of The Spaceship Academy, an organization dedicated to teaching entrepreneurship, impact and advising companies on ESG. From studying in the US to teaching in Croatia, Austria and France, to now being an entrepreneur in the edtech space, we discuss today if entrepreneurship can be taught, the future of ESG and how young people can build careers in sustainability.
Listen to our conversation with him for the full story.
Ayurveda has been around for centuries, but what if we told you there’s someone who built a multimillion-dollar company around the traditional practice of Ayurveda? Today, we have with us Arjun, founder of Dr Vaidya's, one of India’s largest D2C healthcare brands. We discussed how he started, what motivated him and some of the challenges he faced. He also shared with us some valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs towards the end so make sure you stay tuned!
Listen to our conversation to find out how this brown alum built Dr Vaidya's.
The term carbon footprint is becoming extensively popular. But have you ever wondered about what a handprint means? In today’s episode, we have with us Mathias Boissonot, co-founder of Handprint, a climate tech company that strives to make the knowledge about how money is spent in organizations more transparent. From building a website at the age of 13 to taking over a consulting company, to now being the CEO of a climate tech startup with some of his closest friends, Mathias has truly come full circle.
Listen to our conversation with him if you’re curious about what he did to get to where he is today.
Coffee is one of the best things to have been discovered by mankind and every day most of the world is thankful for its existence. However, this beloved beverage sometimes comes at a huge price to the environment, leaving behind a considerable carbon footprint. This is where Sander Reuderink, a coffee lover who couldn't disregard its negative effect, decided to make a change.
By combining satellite imagery and the knowledge of Ethiopian coffee farmers, Sander started Carble, which not only measures how farmers are contributing to reducing coffee's footprint, but also to compensate them for the savings their coffee forests bring about.
The idea is magnificent, with the perfect combination of technology and revolutionary creativity. It was great to hear how it works, and made the entire Finessential team curious about the effects of all our activities on the environment.
In the words of Pauline, The Changemakers' Syndrome relates to an overwhelming, irrational sense of individual responsibility towards solving the world’s most pressing social or environmental issues, even though one does not have any legal nor professional hierarchical obligations to honour this responsibility.
Sustainability can no longer be considered a side project. The world is evolving at a rate where being sustainable is the only way to ensure we are progressing in a safe way. We NEED to take care of our surroundings, which can only be done when we have an overwhelming sense of responsibility towards the world and its issues.
Find out more about how this can be inculcated with our conversation!
What do you do when you face a problem? You can either look for an existing solution or go ahead and build your own solution. When Hugo was certain his productivity was being affected because of all the notifications he was getting, he looked for a solution to fix this. When he couldn't find one, he went ahead and built silentus, an app to help him, and hopefully, many others, concentrate better by optimizing notifications.
Listen to our conversation with him here!
Gen z is all about change - for the better. Making the world a better, cleaner place to live in, saving it from ruthless treatment. Consequently, many new terms have been coined, related to the environment and sustainable business. While most go over the head, we are here to tell you it's actually really simple!
Why is ESG always taken as a three-in-one deal? Why isn't it ever just one of the letters? What is the significance of each aspect, and how can companies ensure they comply with all? This is only the tip of the iceberg that today's episode with Bruce Simpson covers.
A passionate ESG advocate and adviser, Bruce discusses what it really means to be sustainable and how his roots helped him realize the importance of it. From his experience as an athlete to his love for adventure, this podcast is the perfect mixture of fun anecdotes and thoughtful quotes that breaks down the complexity behind the impact sphere.
Measuring sustainability can be quite difficult, and he doesn't fail to list down strong indicators of the same. The inspiring conversation had a clear call to action - this is not a one-person show; it's a role all of us have to take on and gen z is definitely paving the way!
What does it take to build businesses that solve the most pressing issues the world faces?
The most pressing environmental challenges the world faced twenty or thirty years ago have still not been solved a 100%. This makes it more important for us to understand how we as individuals can contribute to the betterment of society. As impact-tech startups begin to gain popularity, it's important for us to understand what goes behind the screen of successfully building one.
We had the opportunity to speak with Valerian Fauvel, founder of Jumanji Studio, a startup studio that helps build businesses for a sustainable tomorrow. From discussing how he started in this field, to the story behind Jumanji Studio, he had some incredible stories to share! We also discussed some important aspects from the venture capital angle, deliberating if there is a thing such as too much funding, the criteria that investors look for, and how the balance between profitability and impact is reached.
With more and more people considering entrepreneurship as a career over the traditional routes, it becomes crucial to understand the process behind it. While on the exterior, the life of a CEO seems super glamorous, everyday life includes a lot of strategizing, firefighting, and trying to keep up with the ever-growing competition.
In this episode, James talks about how the idea behind Spotship was born. He speaks about what it takes to come up with a business idea that can be scaled. We also discussed pivots and when you should consider them if you're an entrepreneur. A topic I was really curious about, we also discussed how James runs Spotship, a tech company without having written a single line of code in his life. We also finally touch upon how B-school helped James with finding the right contacts to help him scale!
Spotship is a shipping company that implements AI in its goal to reduce 90 million tons of CO2 a year! With their valuation tripling in the last year, they're now a team of 24 across 4 countries with clients in many more.