Atul & Suman discuss the importance of self-awareness and introspection in career transitions. They reflect on Episode 17 with Vikas Tandon & Siddarth Menon - explore how recognizing personal dispositions and emotional triggers can lead to significant changes in one's professional life. The discussion highlights the challenges of navigating career paths, the fear of stepping into new roles, and the necessity of taking time for reflection to avoid burnout and stress. The episode emphasizes that awareness of one's feelings and motivations is crucial for personal growth and fulfilment in one's career.Vikas Tandon is an IIMA graduate, tried his hand at corporate jobs for the first 6-7 years, subsequently started a digital agency -Indigo Consulting. Indigo was acquired by the Publicis Groupe in 2012 after which he had the choice to continue as an Internet Entrepreneur/Leader, or pursue his first passion, Music. He chose the latter, and currently is a semi-professional musician learning music, writing original songs, and playing live.Siddarth Menon is a sales, marketing and strategy expert with over 20 years of experience. Having worked with Coca Cola & Colgate, he joined Epigamia as a founding member and helped scale it to a recognisable and well distributed brand. He is now an advisor and Consultant to Startups and works with them to build a playbook for growth.

In this episode, hosts Atul and Suman engage in a deep conversation with guests Vikas Tandon and Siddarth Menon about their career transitions and the importance of self-awareness.

Vikas is an IIMA graduate, tried his hand at corporate jobs for the first 6-7 years, subsequently started a digital agency -Indigo Consulting. Indigo was acquired by the Publicis Groupe in 2012 after which he had the choice to continue as an Internet Entrepreneur/Leader, or pursue his first passion, Music. He chose the latter, and currently is a semi-professional musician learning music, writing original songs, and playing live.

Siddarth is a sales, marketing and strategy expert with over 20 years of experience. Having worked with Coca Cola & Colgate, he joined Epigamia as a founding member and helped scale it to a recognisable and well distributed brand. He is now an advisor and Consultant to Startups and works with them to build a playbook for growth.

Vikas shares his journey from a successful corporate career & entrepreneurship to pursuing his passion for music, while Siddarth discusses his shift from a corporate leader to advising startups. The conversation explores themes of risk-taking, the power of awareness, and the relationship between passion and skill, ultimately emphasizing the significance of financial preparedness in navigating career changes.

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of financial planning, the importance of setting goals, and the role of perseverance in entrepreneurship. They discuss the significance of partnerships in business, reflect on their past decisions, and emphasize the need for self-awareness and overcoming self-doubt. The dialogue highlights that while financial safety is essential, the journey of entrepreneurship requires adaptability, resilience, and a supportive network.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to Second Innings Podcast

00:05:10 Vikas Tandon's Journey: From Corporate to Music

00:16:11 Siddarth Menon's Path: From Corporate Success to Startups

00:24:27 The Power of Self-Awareness in Career Transitions

00:35:42 Navigating Major Life Transitions: Vikas & Siddarth's Insights

00:39:22 The Value of Education and Risk Taking

00:42:30 Living Life on Your Own Terms

00:45:59 Understanding Personal Risk and Desperation

00:48:42 The Importance of Harmony in Life

00:52:51 Passion vs. Skill: A Misconception

00:56:13 Financial Preparation for Transitions

01:05:44 Timing and Self-Awareness in Career Changes

01:08:59 Learnings and Unlearnings from Transitions

01:15:52 The Importance of Connection and Community

01:18:15 The Value of Partnerships in Business

01:21:01 Navigating the Challenges of Finding Co-Founders

01:26:30 Reflecting on Past Decisions: What Would You Change?

01:37:08 Advice for Those Hesitant to Take the Leap

Atul & Suman's Reflections on the chat with Srikanth Sarathy, talking about his multiple career transitions and insights into his thinking and learning.

A quick bonus episode as a window into the long-form conversation with Srikanth!

Srikanth has over 20 years of leadership and organizational building experience across advertising, digital, media & entertainment, consumer engagement and leadership development Walt Disney & Leo Burnett, He has been instrumental in setting up and nurturing two start-ups in the consumer engagement and advertising space. Advocacy India, and He was one of the founding Leadership Team at Tilt Brand Solutions, Srikanth is now an ICF certified leadership coach and a co-founder at The Core Questin. Srikanth is an avid reader, traveller and photographer, traveling across India to experience and document some of its amazing wildernesses.

In this 16th episode of the Second Innings podcast, hosts Atul Nath and Suman Ghosh talk to Srikanth Sarathy, exploring his journey through various career transitions, the importance of support systems, and the pursuit of passion and purpose.

Srikanth has over 20 years of leadership and organizational building experienceacross advertising, digital, media & entertainment, consumer engagement andleadership development Walt Disney & Leo Burnett,He has been instrumental in setting up and nurturing two start-ups in the consumer engagement and advertising space. Advocacy India, and He was one of the founding Leadership Team at Tilt Brand Solutions, Srikanth is now an ICF certified leadership coach and a co-founder at The Core Questin. Srikanth is an avid reader, traveller and photographer, traveling across India to experience and document some of its amazing wildernesses.

The discussion emphasizes the need to listen to one's inner voice and the value of reframing questions to foster personal growth and fulfilment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Second Innings Podcast

06:44 The Journey of Transitioning Careers

11:25 Embracing Change and Taking Risks

15:46 The Importance of Support in Transitions

20:43 Reflections on Comfort Zones and Growth

24:09 The Role of Gut Instincts in Decision Making

30:06 Understanding Risk and Financial Planning

35:10 The Importance of Support in Transitions

41:21 Challenges and Learnings in Entrepreneurship

46:40 The Role of Partnerships in Success

48:39 Embracing Cosmic Insignificance

50:19 The Role of Support and Timing

54:54 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Suman and Atul reflect on their conversation with Pooja Gupta and Vikram Arya. They discuss how early experiences shape individuals, the significance of embracing opportunities with a 'why not' attitude, and the need to define success on personal terms. The conversation also delves into the distinction between passion and purpose, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and practicing gratitude. Chapters 00:00 Reflections on Upbringing and Its Impact 01:54 The Power of Tinkering and Innovation 04:27 Embracing Opportunities: The 'Why Not' Mindset 07:18 Passion vs. Purpose: A Deep Dive 09:58 Defining Success in a Second Innings 12:38 Mindfulness and Gratitude in the Present

In the 15th episode of the 2nd Innings podcast, hosts Atul Nath and Suman Ghosh engage with Vikram Arya and Pooja Gupta about their personal journeys of transformation and entrepreneurship. Vikram is a Real Estate developer in the mountains after many years in advertising & marketing while Pooja is an Edtech Startup entrepreneur, having worked at Asian Paints and Akzo Nobel in India and Southeast Asia. They explore themes of passion versus purpose, the challenges of transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and the importance of defining success on one's own terms. Both guests share their unique stories, emphasizing the significance of resilience, gratitude, and the willingness to embrace the unknown. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Second Innings Podcast 00:01:05 Meet the Guests: Vikram and Pooja 00:04:00 Pooja's Origin Story: A Tinkerer at Heart 00:07:44 Pooja's Corporate Journey: From Asian Paints to Entrepreneurship 00:11:50 Vikram's Journey: The Mountain Man's Tale 00:20:08 Pooja's Entrepreneurial Leap: The Patanjali Connection 00:24:30 Vikram's Realization: Pursuing Passion Over Prestige 00:25:45 Navigating Career Transitions 00:29:59 The Emotional Landscape of Change 00:36:00 Passion vs. Purpose: A Deep Dive 00:41:15 The Hot State of Leaving Corporate Life 00:47:30 The Average Person's Journey to Fulfilment 00:49:15 Redefining Success in the Second Innings 01:01:30 Lessons and Unlearning from Corporate Life 01:02:30 Navigating Personal and Professional Responsibilities 01:04:30 Reflections on the Journey: What Would You Do Differently? 01:11:11 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Jump Right In!

In this episode, Atul Nath and Suman Ghose reflect on their conversation in Episode 14 with Ravi Sharma, exploring themes of self-discovery, the transition to entrepreneurship, navigating partnerships, and the future of entrepreneurship in India.

Ravi shares his journey from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of independence, the need for a strong pull towards one's passion, and the significance of clear expectations in partnerships. He also discusses the romanticized notion of risk-taking and the potential for growth in the Indian entrepreneurial landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Career Development

01:42 The Push and Pull Factors in Career Transition

03:51 The Importance of Deliberate Decision-Making

06:00 Navigating Partnerships in Entrepreneurship

06:43 Celebrating Small Wins and Playing to Strengths

08:31 The Future of Entrepreneurship in India

In this 14th episode, Ravi Sharma shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped his path. He reflects on his formative years, the realizations he had during college, and the experiences that led him to start his own venture. Ravi emphasizes the importance of passion, purpose, and the balance between risk and preparation in making significant career changes. He also highlights the value of building supportive network, and the lessons learned from partnerships.

Throughout the conversation, Ravi inspires listeners to pursue their true calling and embrace the opportunities that come their way.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ravi Sharma

04:44 The Shift in Ambition and Exposure

06:30 Career Beginnings and Realizations

11:13 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Transition to Leadership

15:43 Navigating Career Transitions: The Push and Pull Dynamics

19:15 Financial Considerations: Balancing Passion and Responsibility

26:09 Taking the Plunge: Timing and Emotional Readiness

30:25 Embracing Uncertainty: The Fear of Change

35:16 The Role of Mindset: Humility and Continuous Learning

40:49 Navigating Partnerships in Business

45:37 The Role of Networks and Community

56:11 Taking Risks and Embracing Change