The Collaborative Canvas Podcast

Ankesh Saxena

Step into a world where ideas, insights, and innovation meet real human stories. Hosted by Ankesh Saxena, The Collaborative Canvas Podcast brings together visionaries, researchers, founders, and changemakers from across industries to explore the future of business, brands, and consumer behavior. From AI and market research to personal branding, leadership, and the untold stories behind breakthrough journeys, every episode is designed to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and inspire action. Expect candid conversations, practical wisdom, and fresh perspectives that go beyond the surface—because collaboration isn’t just about sharing a table, it’s about shaping the future together. Tune in weekly on YouTube and Spotify to learn, connect, and grow with us.

  1. 3 Sept

    S3 E19 - 900 CUSTOMER CALLS CHANGED EVERYTHING.

    What makes a founder shut down a revenue-generating business and start all over again? For Kamya Mehra, it started with listening. After noticing that customers from her first fashion venture weren't returning, she personally spoke with nearly 900 women. What she discovered wasn't simply a problem with designs or fabrics. It was about comfort, confidence and what women actually experienced after buying the clothes. Those conversations eventually led her to shut down Kiara and build Kaydot — a Made-in-India, layerless functional clothing brand designed around Indian body types. In this episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, Kamya talks about her journey from engineering to sales and marketing, what social media taught her about building trust, why virality doesn't build a brand, the difficult decision to close her first business, and why she continues speaking directly with customers even today. **TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 – Why 900 customer conversations changed everything 02:27 – Why shut down a revenue-generating business? 07:19 – From engineering to sales, marketing & entrepreneurship 11:55 – Why virality can't build a brand 15:48 – Building for customers whose body type isn't your own 17:28 – How Kamya actually researched 900 customers 23:39 – The 10-month journey from Kiara to Kaydot 30:13 – What apparel brands are getting wrong 35:54 – Taking customer research into the real world 38:55 – Building a need, not another trend 45:16 – Rapid Fire 50:49 – Why Kaydot isn't a shapewear brand 52:41 – Kamya's advice to aspiring founders 🎙️Guest - Kamya Mehra Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamya-mehra-7b954095/ A conversation about listening, questioning your assumptions, and building something people genuinely need. Subscribe to The Collaborative Canvas Podcast for more founder and leadership conversations. 🎙️Host - Ankesh Saxena 📌 Follow us on Social Media: 📱Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankeshsaxena/ 📱Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_collaborative_canvas_pod/ 🎶 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2wg9WGbUS9kGuOcWcyWxtB?si=369c2a5533ba43bc #apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-collaborative-canvas-podcast/id1835394764 #amazon -https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/61cabb92-1656-4f6a-8284-0818e6d2f101/the-collaborative-canvas-podcast

  2. 20 Aug

    Is Your Career Really Off Track? | Corporate Drifters with Shawn Roy

    For years, professionals were taught that a successful career should follow a straight path: choose a field, build expertise, remain consistent and keep moving upwards. But careers no longer work that way. In this episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, host Ankesh Saxena speaks with Shawn Roy—Consumer Business Insights and Analytics leader at Haleon and author of Corporate Drifters. Together, they explore why careers are becoming increasingly non-linear and whether moving across roles, industries or organisations should really be viewed as instability. Timelines 00:00 - Chapter 1: Unlearning the Linear Path 08:35 - Chapter 2: The Multi-Identity Mindset 12:32 - Chapter 3: Redefining Success Beyond Materialism 18:14 - Chapter 4: Reactive vs. Strategic Drifting 30:23 - Chapter 5: Cultural Perspectives on Risk and Continuity 37:55 - Chapter 6: Harnessing Failure and Social Inspiration 49:35 - Chapter 7: Anchoring Drifts in Core Strengths 55:35 - Chapter 8: The Power of Support and Personal Manifestation 1:03:23 - Chapter 9: The Future of Work and AI Adaptation For anyone who has experienced a layoff, career break, industry change or an unexpected professional transition, this conversation offers a different perspective: perhaps your career has not gone off track. Perhaps you are learning how to navigate a world where the track itself keeps changing. The full episode premieres on 20 August at 3:30 PM IST. Subscribe to The Collaborative Canvas Podcast for more conversations with leaders from business, research, technology and innovation. People learn from people—and experiences and conversations shape action. You can buy the book here - https://amzn.in/d/0dFiO8yd **Join the Conversation!** Comment below with your #thoughts and #questions on #today’s #topic. Don’t forget to #like , #share , and #subscribe for more #insights and #updates on the #latest in #Consumer #insights, #data #technology , #personal #branding , #sales and #marketresearch. **Stay Connected:** - Join our #LinkedIn group for #professionals - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ 🎙️Guest - Shawn Roy Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnroy3/ 🎙️Host - Ankesh Saxena 📌 Follow us on Social Media: 📱Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankeshsaxena/ 📱Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_collaborative_canvas_pod/ 🎶 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2wg9WGbUS9kGuOcWcyWxtB?si=369c2a5533ba43bc #apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-collaborative-canvas-podcast/id1835394764 #amazon -https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/61cabb92-1656-4f6a-8284-0818e6d2f101/the-collaborative-canvas-podcast Thank you for watching! 🚀

  3. 6 Aug

    Why Startups Fail Beyond Product-Market Fit | Lloyd Mathias on Founders, AI & Governance

    Lloyd Mathias has spent over three decades watching businesses evolve from multiple vantage points: corporate leadership, marketing, strategy, investing and the boardroom. In this episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, we go beyond the usual conversations around funding, valuation and growth to ask a more fundamental question: what does it take to build a company that actually lasts? We discuss India’s evolving startup ecosystem, founder-founder fit, the hidden cost of internal friction, governance, consumer understanding, AI’s impact on leadership and why investors may need to look beyond the business model when evaluating founders. Lloyd also shares his perspective on what separates enduring companies from short-lived successes and what the next generation of Indian founders and business leaders should be thinking about. **Join the Conversation!** Comment below with your #thoughts and #questions on #today’s #topic. Don’t forget to #like , #share , and #subscribe for more #insights and #updates on the #latest in #Consumer #insights, #data #technology , #personal #branding , #sales and #marketresearch. **Stay Connected:** - Join our #LinkedIn group for #professionals - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ 🎙️Guest - Lloyd Mathias Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-mathias/ 🎙️Host - Ankesh Saxena 📌 Follow us on Social Media: 📱Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankeshsaxena/ 🌍 The Collaborative Canvas - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ 📱Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_collaborative_canvas_pod/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ankesh_saxena_tccp/ 📺YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Thecollaborativecanvas-podcast/videos 🎶 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2wg9WGbUS9kGuOcWcyWxtB?si=369c2a5533ba43bc Thank you for watching! 🚀

  4. 23 Jul

    S3 E16 - Why Are We Never at Peace? | Mindfulness, Stress & Finding Balance | Nattasha Kapoor

    In today's fast-moving world, we're constantly chasing deadlines, success, and the next milestone. Yet despite being more connected than ever, many of us feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, and disconnected from ourselves. In this episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, I sit down with Nattasha Kapoor—Mindfulness Coach, Art Therapist, Tarot Practitioner, and Corporate Wellness Coach—to explore why modern life feels so demanding and how mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional resilience can help us navigate it with greater clarity. Timestamps 0:57 — Intro to the episode and the topic of stress, burnout, and emotional well-being 3:25 — Society is constantly rushing and chasing the next goal 6:13 — Reading, device habits, and how screens affect sleep 11:20 — Start small: kaizen, baby steps, and building discipline gradually 14:41 — Self-love as discipline, not just relaxation 17:33 — Stress vs. burnout and why multitasking is harmful 23:08 — Self-control, body awareness, and choosing healthier habits 25:23 — Practical consistency tips: write things down and review them 29:45 — Ticking off tasks, planning, and achieving measurable goals 34:04 — Why some people still feel empty despite doing everything 39:31 — Social media, comparison, and mental well-being 45:03 — Emotional suppression and the experience of losing her mother 48:32 — Sitting with emotions instead of replacing them 54:21 — Expectations in relationships and work 59:04 — Art therapy as a tool for expression and healing 63:34 — Simple breathing exercise for calm and focus 69:25 — “Write it and burn it” as a release practice 71:37 — Seeking external help when you feel stuck or overwhelmed 74:05 — Rapid-fire: meditation, gratitude, success, and self-love 76:27 — Closing summary on well-being as a daily practice Whether you're a professional navigating workplace pressures, someone seeking greater emotional clarity, or simply curious about understanding yourself better, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives that go beyond quick fixes. **Join the Conversation!** Comment below with your #thoughts and #questions on #today’s #topic. Don’t forget to #like , #share , and #subscribe for more #insights and #updates on the #latest in #Consumer #insights, #data #technology , #personal #branding , #sales and #marketresearch. **Stay Connected:** - Join our #LinkedIn group for #professionals - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ 🎙️Guest - Nattasha Kapoor Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nattasha-kapoor-ab84731b/ 🎙️Host - Ankesh Saxena 📱Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankeshsaxena/ 🌍 The Collaborative Canvas - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ Thank you for watching! 🚀

  5. 15 Jul

    The Helm 2 0 where conversations are preferred over panels and presentations. | Hemant Arora decodes

    What if the market research industry doesn't need another conference? What if what we've been missing isn't more presentations, but better conversations? In this episode of  @Thecollaborativecanvas-podcast  , Ankesh Saxena sits down with the Hemant Arora, Founder of The HELM to explore why they chose to challenge the conventional conference format and build something centred around community, authentic networking, and meaningful industry dialogue. Together, they discuss: • Why traditional networking often falls short • The philosophy behind The HELM • Why some of the best industry conversations happen outside conference halls • Has networking become too transactional? • What professionals are truly craving today—knowledge, community, trust, or belonging? • The future of in-person industry gatherings in an AI-driven world • What success for The HELM could mean for the market research ecosystem If you've ever walked out of an industry event with a bag full of brochures but very few genuine connections, this conversation is for you. Timelines - **Join the Conversation!** Comment below with your #thoughts and #questions on #today’s #topic. Don’t forget to #like , #share , and #subscribe for more #insights and #updates on the #latest in #Consumer #insights, #data #technology , #personal #branding , #sales and #marketresearch. **Stay Connected:** - Join our #LinkedIn group for #professionals - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ 🎙️Guest - Hemant Arora Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hemantarorateamvisory/ Know more about. - Hub for Excellence in Leadership & Market Research - https://www.thehelm.co.in/ 🎙️Host - Ankesh Saxena 📌 Follow us on Social Media: 📱Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankeshsaxena/ 🌍 The Collaborative Canvas - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ 📱Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_collaborative_canvas_pod/ Listen this Episode also on - #spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2wg9WGbUS9kGuOcWcyWxtB?si=12b5452ef1214100 #apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-collaborative-canvas-podcast/id1835394764 #amazon -https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/61cabb92-1656-4f6a-8284-0818e6d2f101/the-collaborative-canvas-podcast Thank you for watching! 🚀

  6. 9 Jul

    Why Customer Experience Transformation Fails | Raja Bunet on NPS, AI & Business Transformation

    Most organizations believe they're transforming customer experience. In reality, they're often just measuring it. In this episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, I sit down with Raja Bunet, former COO at Ipsos and a customer experience & operational excellence consultant, to explore one of the most misunderstood topics in business today—the difference between CX measurement and CX transformation. We discuss why many organizations invest in dashboards, platforms and NPS programs but still struggle to create meaningful business impact. Raja explains why customer experience is not just a CX initiative but a business transformation initiative that requires leadership alignment, operational ownership and continuous execution. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔ Why CX measurement is only a small part of the equation ✔ The biggest pitfalls that derail transformation initiatives ✔ Why a high NPS score doesn't always mean you're winning against competitors ✔ Raja's "Strength of NPS" framework and what it reveals about customer loyalty ✔ How AI can enable transformation—but cannot define your strategy ✔ Why reducing customer effort should be every organization's north star ✔ The three checkpoints every CEO should evaluate before investing in a transformation program Whether you're a CEO, founder, CX leader, researcher, marketer or someone passionate about building better customer experiences, this conversation offers practical insights that go beyond dashboards and metrics. **Join the Conversation!** Comment below with your #thoughts and #questions on #today’s #topic. Don’t forget to #like , #share , and #subscribe for more #insights and #updates on the #latest in #Consumer #insights, #data #technology , #personal #branding , #sales and #marketresearch. **Stay Connected:** - Join our #LinkedIn group for #professionals - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ 🎙️Guest - Raja Amarjeet Bunet Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raja-amarjeet-bunet-8483457/ 🎙️Host - Ankesh Saxena 📌 Follow us on Social Media: 📱Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankeshsaxena/ 🌍 The Collaborative Canvas - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ 📱Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_collaborative_canvas_pod/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ankesh_saxena_tccp/ 📺YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Thecollaborativecanvas-podcast/videos 🎶 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2wg9WGbUS9kGuOcWcyWxtB?si=369c2a5533ba43bc Thank you for listening! 🚀

  7. 25 Jun

    Former Nestlé Global Insights Head Reveals The Future of AI & Consumer Research |Using AI Completely

    AI is transforming every industry. But when it comes to understanding consumers, making business decisions, and predicting behavior, can artificial intelligence truly replace human intelligence? In this episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, Ankesh Saxena sits down with Chandan Mukherjee, former Global Head of Insights at Nestlé and former leader at Unilever, to explore the future of consumer intelligence, market research, AI-powered decision making, digital twins, predictive analytics, and always-on insights systems. This conversation goes beyond the AI hype cycle. We discuss: • Why AI should be a co-pilot, not a decision maker • The future of market research in an AI-first world • Digital Twins and how they may reshape consumer understanding • Why most organizations struggle to turn data into decisions • The difference between data, insights, and business intelligence • Human intelligence vs Artificial Intelligence • Why prediction without understanding is dangerous • The future of consumer behavior analysis • How organizations can build always-on insights systems • What startups and enterprise brands should do today to stay competitive in 2030 One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: The companies that win the next decade won't choose between AI and humans. They'll combine both. If you're a founder, marketer, researcher, product leader, consultant, business strategist, or anyone curious about AI and the future of decision-making, this episode is packed with practical insights and future-focused thinking. 🎙️ About The Collaborative Canvas Podcast The Collaborative Canvas Podcast brings together founders, executives, researchers, innovators, policymakers, creators, and industry leaders to discuss business, leadership, AI, consumer behavior, innovation, technology, and the future of work. 📩 Want to be featured as a guest on The Collaborative Canvas Podcast? We're inviting founders, CEOs, researchers, marketers, product leaders, consultants, innovators, and industry experts to share their journey, expertise, and insights with our audience. Connect with us through our social channels to explore guest opportunities. Subscribe for more conversations that help you think better, build smarter, and stay ahead. **Join the Conversation!** Comment below with your #thoughts and #questions on #today’s #topic. Don’t forget to #like , #share , and #subscribe for more #insights and #updates on the #latest in #Consumer #insights, #data #technology , #personal #branding , #sales and #marketresearch. **Stay Connected:** - Join our #LinkedIn group for #professionals - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ 🎙️Guest - Chandan Mukherjee Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandan-mukherji/ 🎙️Host - Ankesh Saxena 📌 Follow us on Social Media: 📺YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Thecollaborativecanvas-podcast/videos 🎶 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2wg9WGbUS9kGuOcWcyWxtB?si=369c2a5533ba43bc Thank you for watching!

  8. 11 Jun

    POSH Act : What Every Founder, HR & Employee Must Know | Workplace Safety — The Complete Truth

    Every company talks about workplace safety. Very few truly understand what it takes to create it. In this powerful episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, we sit down with Leeza Dutta to discuss one of the most important workplace conversations in modern organizations — the POSH Act (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act). This conversation goes far beyond legal compliance. We explore: • Why the POSH Act was introduced and what it aims to achieve • The difference between compliance and genuine workplace culture • Why many organizations still fail to implement POSH effectively • The role of leadership in creating safe and respectful workplaces • Internal Committees (ICC) and their legal responsibilities • False allegations, natural justice, and fair investigations • Rights of employees, interns, vendors, and workplace visitors • Workplace dignity, respect, and psychological safety • The importance of awareness, training, and accountability • Why intent matters more than paperwork One of the most powerful takeaways from this discussion is that workplace safety is not created by policies alone. It is created by leadership, culture, accountability, and trust. Whether you are a founder, HR professional, manager, employee, startup owner, or student entering the workforce, this episode provides critical insights into building safer, healthier, and more respectful organizations. 🎙️ About The Collaborative Canvas Podcast The Collaborative Canvas Podcast brings together experts, founders, business leaders, policymakers, educators, and innovators to discuss business, leadership, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, technology, and the future of work. 👉 Interested in sharing your expertise, startup journey, leadership lessons, or industry insights? We are actively inviting founders, business leaders, HR professionals, creators, educators, policymakers, and industry experts to join us as guests on The Collaborative Canvas Podcast. For guest collaborations and podcast appearances, connect with us through our social media channels. Watch the full episode and join the conversation. **Join the Conversation!** Comment below with your #thoughts and #questions on #today’s #topic. Don’t forget to #like , #share , and #subscribe for more #insights and #updates on the #latest in #Consumer #insights, #data #technology , #personal #branding , #sales and #marketresearch. **Stay Connected:** - Join our #LinkedIn group for #professionals - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-canvas/ 🎙️Guest - Leeza Dutta Singh Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeza/ 🎙️Host - Ankesh Saxena 📌 Follow us on Social Media: 📱Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_collaborative_canvas_pod/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ankesh_saxena_tccp/ 📺YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Thecollaborativecanvas-podcast/videos 🎶 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2wg9WGbUS9kGuOcWcyWxtB?si=369c2a5533ba43bc Thank you for watching! 🚀

About

Step into a world where ideas, insights, and innovation meet real human stories. Hosted by Ankesh Saxena, The Collaborative Canvas Podcast brings together visionaries, researchers, founders, and changemakers from across industries to explore the future of business, brands, and consumer behavior. From AI and market research to personal branding, leadership, and the untold stories behind breakthrough journeys, every episode is designed to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and inspire action. Expect candid conversations, practical wisdom, and fresh perspectives that go beyond the surface—because collaboration isn’t just about sharing a table, it’s about shaping the future together. Tune in weekly on YouTube and Spotify to learn, connect, and grow with us.