Two Founders Walk Into

What does it take to turn around one of the world’s biggest tech companies? When Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft, he didn’t come in with bravado or buzzwords. He came in with humility. He admitted the company had lost its edge, encouraged unlearning, and shifted the culture from “know-it-all” to “learn-it-all.” In this episode, we explore how vulnerability can be a leadership superpower—and...

We love talking about leadership—vision, values, collaboration. But there’s one word we avoid like the plague: power. In this episode, we get real about power dynamics at work. Inspired by Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power (yep, the book 50 Cent swears by), we break down how power actually shows up in organizations—through access, influence, and narrative. We’re talking: The “shadow org” behind you...

India’s CSR landscape has exploded ₹30,000 Cr annually and counting. But has the mindset evolved? This episode dives into the unspoken power dynamics between funders and purpose-holders, the evolution of CSR (from compliance to co-creation), and what both NGOs and corporates must do to build with, not just for. 🎧 What you'll hear: – The 3 phases of CSR in India – The "vendor mindset&quot...

Are we really that different or just misunderstood across generations? In this episode, we explore: Why leading across generations means designing for values, not labels What vulnerability looks like at work (and why it matters more than ever) The invisible ways power shapes your culture—and how to use it well Tune in for fresh insights from thought leaders like Adam Grant and case studies from TA...

Leadership isn’t a checklist. You can’t scale it by running workshops or tracking metrics alone. In this episode, Ajit and Satish explore: ✅ Google’s Project Oxygen—what worked and what didn’t ✅ Two levers that actually scale leadership ✅ Why your org rises only to the level of your leadership bench ✅ Three frameworks we use to grow leaders at U&I and beyond If you're growing a team an...

If you’re building something meaningful with someone, you’re bound to clash. And that’s not dysfunction, it’s just what happens when purpose meets pressure. In this episode, we explore the dynamics of conflict between leaders. Why it shows up, what it reveals, and how to move through it without losing connection (or your cool). From fake peace to full-blown drama, we unpack how to stay in the swee...

In this episode, we dive into the importance of scaling your company’s culture. Learn how successful businesses created rituals that made their values stick, no matter how big they grew. Tune in for actionable insights on building culture that lasts. #ScalingCulture #Leadership #CompanyValues

Exponential growth is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s the future. The question is: Is your business ready for it? This episode dives into the forces that can unlock 10x growth. We break down why traditional, linear thinking won’t get you far and how to build a business that’s designed for scale. The real magic isn’t about waiting for growth to happen; it’s about setting the stage for it. #Exponentia...

Teams today don’t want to be told what to do; they want to feel like they’re building something real. This episode explores how autonomy, trust, and co-creation can help you unlock true team ownership. From the IKEA effect to Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why,” learn how to create a culture where your team isn’t just following orders—they’re driving the vision. #Leadership #Autonomy #TeamCulture #Moti...

Great leaders don’t just make big calls, they build systems that scale smart decision-making across the team. In this episode, we dive into: What’s slowing your team down How to separate trunk vs. leaf decisions Why 70% of the data is enough The value of asking “And then what?” If you’re ready to ditch decision drama and lead with clarity, this one’s for you. #LeadershipPodcast #DecisionMaking #Sc...

This episode dives deep into the world of AI. How it’s transforming industries, reshaping education, and widening (or narrowing) the gap between India's rich and marginalized. We explore: - Why AI feels like the new electricity - How it can help solve India’s learning crisis - The real question: Will it uplift or leave people behind? Listen in to understand where we’re headed and how to make s...

In a world of rapid change, what’s the one thing that still holds teams together? In this episode, we talk about why purpose at work isn’t fluff; it’s the glue that holds organizations together. From small team hacks to big vision casting, this is a masterclass on making meaning. Subscribe for new episodes every week. Rate & review to support us! #LeadershipUnfiltered #PurposeDrivenTeams #Scal...

Are we getting Gen Z all wrong—and is that going to cost us dearly? Roti, Kapda, Makaan? That’s a relic . For many of us leaders, work was like eating at home—eat what’s served, follow the rules, and don’t ask questions. Gen Z? They’re at a restaurant. They get a menu, pick what they like, and if the food’s cold or the service is poor, they’ll walk right out. No hesitation. So how do you manage Ge...

One got fired. The other one's business went close to bankruptcy. Naturally, they did the most illogical thing— built one of India’s fastest-growing Change Movement with 37,000 changemakers. Now, on this podcast, with all the wisdom (and battle scars) of scaling, failing, and shaping culture, Ajit Sivaram and Satish Manchikanti are here to spill the secrets of leadership. Expect sharp insights, a...