Exploring Minds

Exploring Minds
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED DAILY

We are on a mission to foster entrepreneurial thinking and confidence by democratizing the stories of the greatest entrepreneurs on the planet!

  1. 29/11/2025

    Govind Parikh on Margin of Safety, Investing Long Term & Wealth Creation in Stock Market

    About Guest:Govind Parikh is a seasoned investor and the Managing Director of Govind Parikh Securities Pvt Ltd. An engineer by qualification, he began his investment journey around 1979–1980. Parikh is known for his value investing approach and his strategy of keeping cash on hand to take advantage of market corrections.In this podcast, Govind Parikh shares how he built a ₹1,000+ crore portfolio from zero by prioritising patience, discipline, frugality, and margin of safety. He buys in bear markets, trims in bulls, avoids value traps, and studies leaders, cycles, and management quality. He’s bullish on India’s decade, citing capital flows and sectors like cement, hospitality, and auto components, with defense spillovers from Europe. He stresses cash reserves, continuous learning, mentor lessons, and conquering greed.Timestamps(00:00) – Introduction(05:00) – Margin of safety basics​(10:00) – How to research stocks​(15:00) – Cement & infra theme​(20:00) – Global defense opportunity​(25:00) – Becoming a serious investor​(30:00) – Saving more, spending less​(35:00) – Asian Paints & Bajaj Auto story​(40:00) – Learning from mentors​(45:00) – Meeting managements & AGMs​(50:00) – Reading promoters​(55:00) – Why competitors matter​(59:00) – South vs North promoters​(01:03:00) – Cyclicals vs compounders​(01:07:00) – Cash, liquid funds & crashes​(01:11:00) – Generational investing styles​(01:16:00) – Final mindset & takeaways

    1h 21m

  2. 18/11/2025

    Investing Themes to Make BIG Money & Power of Compounding in Stock Markets | Gautam Baid

    About Guest:Gautam Baid is the Managing Partner and Fund Manager at Stellar Wealth Partners India Fund, with deep expertise in Indian equities and value investing. Renowned for authoring the international bestseller "The Joys of Compounding," Gautam has built his reputation through disciplined long-term investing, variant perception, and a passion for lifelong learning. His investment philosophy blends rigorous fundamental research with the wisdom of global investing legends, and emphasizes simplicity, structural trends, and checklists to minimize mistakes.In this podcast, Gautam Baid distills key lessons from cycles in Indian and global markets, explains how to spot neglected opportunities, and shares actionable frameworks for investment research, self-improvement, and enduring success in uncertain times.Timestamps:(00:00) – Introduction(05:00) – Gautam’s Bullish Investment Themes: AI, Weight Loss, Geopolitics(09:20) – Market Learning, Promoter Behavior & Sector Analysis(15:58) – Spotting Opportunities & Research Process(22:00) – Filtering Stocks & Idea Generation(27:00) – Corporate Governance Checklist(32:00) – Diversification, Portfolio Construction & Risk Management(39:00) – Bullish Sectors: Financialization, Manufacturing, Defense(44:00) – Pattern Recognition & Compounding Frameworks(49:00) – Portfolio Allocation & Letting Winners Run(55:00) – Exit Triggers and Discipline(01:01:00) – Lessons from Bear Markets & Resilience(01:06:00) – Relationship Building in Investing(01:12:00) – Personal Habits & Good Practices(01:20:00) – Lightning Round: Favorite Books and Investor Influences(01:29:00) – Wrap Up & Key TakeawaysCredits: Host: Shivank Joshi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivankjoshi-2001/Support: Zero1 Network ( https://zero1byzerodha.com/network ) #GautamBaid #ExploringMindsPodcast #Compounding #IndiaStockMarket #WealthCreation #powerofcompounding #compounding #shivankjoshi #gautambaid

    1h 37m

  3. 07/11/2025

    How can India get rich? Ft. Sharad Sharma

    About Guest:Sharad Sharma is a veteran technology leader and co-founder of iSPIRT Foundation, a think tank shaping India into a product nation. With 30+ years across Yahoo, Symantec, Lucent, and multiple startups, he’s been instrumental in India’s R&D and digital infrastructure journey. A former NASSCOM Product Forum Chair and angel investor, Sharad champions policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, helping Indian startups navigate orbit change and compete globally.In this podcast, Sharad Sharma discussed why India missed the manufacturing revolution and how China strategically became a superpower by building scale before opening up. He shared lessons on enabling “orbit change” in companies, the role of digital public infrastructure like India Stack, and the importance of building foundational capabilities. Sharad also reflected on India’s startup mindset, the D2C wave, and what it truly takes for India to become a product nation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:38 Global Value Chains and India's Position03:26 The Journey of Value Addition05:04 Challenges in the Value Chain05:31 The Airline and Aircraft Analogy06:04 The Concept of a Product Nation07:20 The Winner Takes All Mentality08:07 The Sports Analogy10:21 The Role of Ecosystems in Success11:07 The Importance of Competing Globally12:58 Job Creation and the Garment Sector14:50 The Decline in Garment Exports16:22 The Need for Design and Innovation17:18 Breaking Down the Problem Statement18:47 The Role of Ecosystems in Entrepreneurship19:33 Learning from Global Examples37:03 The Role of Think Tanks and iSPIRT48:17 The Importance of High-Quality IT Services49:04 Convincing Industry Leaders to Adopt CMM49:58 The Role of Fortune Magazine in Promoting Indian IT50:32 Early Adoption of CMM in India51:29 The Rise of SaaS in India51:48 Desk Marketing and Selling in India53:35 Creating a Digital Ecosystem for Bharat54:48 The Impact of Jio on India's Digital Transformation55:34 Building Ecosystems for Global Success56:47 Challenges in the Drone Industry58:01 The Importance of Specialty Industries01:06:53 The Middle Income Trap01:07:49 China's Strategic Industrial Growth01:09:31 India's Potential in Pre-Commercial R&D01:11:10 The Role of Ecosystem Builders01:20:12 The Importance of Contrarian Thinking01:30:13 The Value of Intellectual Skepticism01:35:42 Citizen Research in India01:37:42 Underdog Startups and Future Prospects01:38:40 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsCredits: Host: Shivank Joshi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivankjoshi-2001/Thumbnail: YaaSPost Production: YaaSSupport: Zerodha ( https://zero1byzerodha.com/network )Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the speaker and host are their own and do not represent those of the Exploring Minds platform. The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. All products and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners, and their use does not imply any endorsement or opposition.#Marico #coconutoil #FamilyBusiness #IndianMiddleClass #D2C Burnout #Leadership #SharadSharma #iSPIRT

    1h 39m

  4. 04/07/2025

    India’s First AI Unicorn | Srikanth Velamakanni

    About Guest:Srikanth Velamakanni is the Co-Founder and Executive Vice-Chairman of Fractal, one of India’s first AI unicorns. With over 25 years of leadership, he has helped Fortune 100 companies make billion-dollar decisions by blending artificial intelligence with behavioral science. A former investment banker, he now serves on multiple boards, including NASSCOM and ideaForge, and is deeply involved in shaping India’s AI future across business, defense, and education.In this episode, Fractal Co-Founder Srikanth Velamakanni shares how he built a billion-dollar AI company by combining math, psychology, and deep human insight. He talks about making better decisions, building a people-first culture, learning from Jeff Bezos, and designing businesses that last 100 years. From startup lessons to leadership frameworks, this conversation is a masterclass in long-term thinking, emotional intelligence, and building institutions that outlive their founders.

    1h 31m

  5. 28/06/2025

    Mohan Reddy on Building a ₹15,000 Cr Empire, Better Leaders & Adopting Govt Schools

    About Guest:Mohan Reddy is the Founder Chairman of Cyient, a global technology solutions company, and a visionary leader in India's engineering and innovation ecosystem. With over three decades of experience, he has also served as Chairman of NASSCOM and holds leadership roles at premier institutions like IIT Roorkee and IIT Hyderabad. Deeply invested in education and entrepreneurship, he’s a founding director of T-Hub and serves on the Leadership Advisory Board at the University of Michigan.In this podcast, Mohan Reddy shares hard-earned wisdom on building institutions with integrity, succession planning, and the real meaning of leadership. He opens up about grooming future leaders, creating a values-first culture, and earning the trust of investors for over 27 years. From adopting government schools to mentoring his son without entitlement, he emphasises discipline, transparency, and purpose, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how true legacy is built.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:10 Balancing Life and Work04:34 Financial Growth Journey04:57 Entrepreneurial Challenges07:17 Institutional Building07:28 Company History and Evolution10:12 Key Man Risk10:57 Values and Culture12:28 Stakeholders and Society13:31 Balancing Stakeholder Interests18:03 Role of Training and Loyalty18:52 Succession Strategy25:12 Reflecting on Past Decisions25:33 Aggression and Caution in Entrepreneurship26:43 Delegation and Control26:55 Acquisition and Growth27:34 Starting from Scratch27:47 The Power of Communication28:48 Trust and Execution29:14 Design-Led Manufacturing29:47 Early Career and Transition to Computers32:09 Purpose and Fulfillment33:48 Impact on Education35:39 Mentorship and Values36:08 Changing Perspectives on Education36:42 Teaching and Engagement38:12 Predicting the Future39:26 AI and Continuous Learning41:31 Mobility and Sustainability43:06 Virtual Reality Innovations43:36 Finding a Mentor46:38 Boardroom Lessons and IntegrityCredits: Host: Shivank Joshi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivankjoshi-2001/Thumbnail: YaaSPost Production: YaaSSupport: Zerodha ( https://zero1byzerodha.com/network )Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the speaker and host are their own and do not represent those of the Exploring Minds platform. The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. All products and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners, and their use does not imply any endorsement or opposition.#BVRMohanReddy #BVReddy #Cyient #CyientDLM #IITLeadership #IITAlumni #VisionaryLeader #IndianEntrepreneur #LegacyBuilder #ValuesDriven #SchoolTransformation #GovtSchoolToPrivate #CSRIndia #SocialImpact #MentorMindset #InstitutionBuilder #InvestorTrust #StartupMentor #IndiaInc #LeadershipWithPurpose #TechForGood #DigitalIndia #EducationReform #SuccessionPlanning #EntrepreneurJourney

    51 min

  6. 26/06/2025

    The Unknown Billionaire Who Made Internet Possible! Desh Deshpande

    About Guest:Desh Deshpande is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with a legacy of building transformative tech companies. He founded billion-dollar ventures like Cascade Communications and Sycamore Networks, served as Chairman of A123Systems and Sparta Group, and held leadership roles at Tejas Networks and Motorola. A Life Member of the MIT Corporation and Trustee of the Deshpande Foundation, he’s spent over 25 years shaping innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact in both the U.S. and India.In this podcast, Desh Deshpande shares his journey from arriving in Canada with just $8 to building billion-dollar companies like Cascade and Sycamore. He discusses the evolution of internet infrastructure, startup lessons, innovation vs. relevance, and how to scale impact through philanthropy. From quitting startups to working with Bill Clinton and MIT, Desh offers deep insights on entrepreneurship, risk-taking, technology trends, and creating meaningful change across business and society.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:58 Journey to Canada03:45 Graduate School and Teaching08:06 First Taste of Entrepreneurship08:25 Move to Silicon Valley and Boston09:39 Growth Strategies and Market Needs11:28 Technological Innovations14:12 Building a Network15:28 Challenges in Telecommunications21:07 Rise of Sycamore Networks24:29 Market Dynamics and Competition31:43 Future Technologies and Opportunities35:38 Personal Reflections and Advice44:13 Lessons from Coral Networks44:44 Moving to Boston and Early Struggles45:10 First Funding and Product Development45:40 Differences in Vision and Decision to Quit48:13 Starting Cascade and Entrepreneurial Spirit49:07 Living a Life of Sacrifice vs. Enjoyment50:17 Lessons on Control and Letting Go52:42 Broadening Comfort Zones Through Challenges59:53 Importance of Conviction and Objectivity01:03:22 Philanthropic Journey and MIT Involvement01:04:32 Impact of ICORP Program in the US and India01:05:07 Challenges of Working with the Bottom of the Pyramid01:11:24 Entrepreneurship for All Program01:13:06 Irrational Optimism in Entrepreneurship01:13:57 Navigating Financial Crises01:15:01 Experience with Bill Clinton and Air Force One01:17:30 Predicting the Future and Embracing Change01:19:38 Adapting to Technological Changes01:20:26 Advising Obama and Policy Impact01:22:31 Creating Entrepreneurial Ecosystems01:23:06 Lessons from N.R. Narayana MurthyCredits: Host: Shivank Joshi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivankjoshi-2001/Thumbnail: YaaSPost Production: YaaSSupport: Zerodha ( https://zero1byzerodha.com/network )Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the speaker and host are their own and do not represent those of the Exploring Minds platform. The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. All products and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners, and their use does not imply any endorsement or opposition.#DeshDeshpande #DeshpandeInterview #DeshDeshpandePodcast #DeshDeshpandeStory #DeshDeshpandeMIT #DeshDeshpandeBiography #DeshDeshpandeEntrepreneur #DeshDeshpandePhilanthropy #DeshDeshpandeFoundation #DeshDeshpandeInnovation #CascadeCommunications #SycamoreNetworks #TejasNetworks #CoralNetworks #A123Systems #Airvana #SpartaGroup #Motorola #MIT #DeshpandeFoundation #BillionDollarStartup #InternetRevolution #StartupSuccess #OpticalNetworking #TelecomLegend #IITToMIT #IndianEntrepreneur #SiliconValleyLegend #TechPioneer

    1h 25m

  7. 17/06/2025

    Gaurav Singh on Building ₹12,000 Cr Jewelry Brand, Rejection, Ratan Tata’s Support & IPO Plans

    About Guest:Gaurav Singh Kushwaha is the Founder and CEO of BlueStone, one of India’s leading omnichannel jewellery brands. An IIT Delhi alumnus and a seasoned tech entrepreneur, Gaurav began his career as a software engineer at Amazon and Tavant Technologies. He co-founded Chakpak.com before launching BlueStone in 2011. Recognized by Fortune and Economic Times in their "40 under 40" lists, Gaurav has redefined how Indians discover and buy fine jewellery online.In this podcast, Gaurav Singh shares how he built Bluestone from scratch, turning a struggling startup into a ₹12,000 crore jewelry brand. He opens up about early failures, surviving near shutdowns, pivoting from online-only to omnichannel, and using design, data, and trust to win customers. He also talks about tech-driven retail, funding challenges, Ratan Tata’s support, and his vision for Bluestone’s future, including IPO plans and the role of AI in retail.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 02:13 Lessons from Early Career02:32 Cryptography and Early Jobs06:38 Transition to Amazon08:03 Founding the First Startup09:46 Challenges with Chakpak11:33 Birth of Bluestone11:54 Initial Struggles and Perseverance14:13 Building the Brand16:47 Design and Catalog Challenges21:24 Manufacturing and Quality Control26:44 Adopting Omnichannel Strategy30:39 Opening the First Store31:07 Competing with Legacy Brands31:31 Customer Behavior Insights33:44 Expanding Store Locations37:25 Franchise Model and Future Plans37:48 Store SOPs and Initial Challenges38:26 Capital Structure and Franchise Model39:45 Convincing Franchisees and Early Growth40:54 Impact of COVID-19 on Business42:41 Gold Inventory and Hedging Strategy44:23 Navigating Financial Challenges49:36 Target Audience Insights51:36 Cultural and Demographic Factors52:57 Store Profitability and Inventory Management53:22 Co-Founder Elevation and Team Dynamics57:29 Technology in Retail Operations57:38 Automated Merchandising System59:52 Investment from Ratan Tata01:01:17 IPO and Capital Strategy01:04:18 Debt vs. Equity Decisions01:07:21 Support from Key Investors01:07:31 Empathy and Support from Prashant01:08:24 Navigating Competitive Markets01:13:06 Future Predictions and AI Impact01:14:37 Concluding Thoughts on AI and Human ExistenceCredits: Host: Shivank Joshi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivankjoshi-2001/Thumbnail: YaaSPost Production: YaaSSupport: Zerodha ( https://zero1byzerodha.com/network )Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the speaker and host are their own and do not represent those of the Exploring Minds platform. The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. All products and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners, and their use does not imply any endorsement or opposition.#GauravSingh #Bluestone #RatanTata #StartupJourney #EntrepreneurLife #FoundersStory #BuildInIndia #StartupIndia #BusinessInspiration #IndianStartup #D2CBrands #IPOJourney #ScaleUp #JewelryBusiness #Bluestone #RetailRevolution #JewelryDesign #OmnichannelRetail #JewelryStartup #LuxuryRetail #EcommerceIndia #JewelryInnovation #JewelryTech #ZeroToHero #FromFailureToSuccess #BrandBuilding #CustomerExperience #DataDrivenBusiness #FranchiseModel #LeadershipJourney #TechInRetail #GoldBusiness #IndianBrands

    1h 8m

  8. 02/06/2025

    Bankruptcy to ₹5,000 Crore Deal with TATA | Untold Story of Ching’s Founder Ajay Gupta, CapitalFoods

    Check out Ditto:https://ditto.sh/9hmopbAbout Guest:Ajay Gupta is the visionary founder behind Capital Foods, who created household brands like Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones. With a background in disruptive advertising, he revolutionised Indian kitchens by popularising Desi Chinese cuisine. His bold marketing strategies and consumer insight built a ₹2,000 crore empire, recently acquired by Tata. Today, he continues his journey as Senior Advisor to the CEO at Tata Consumer Products Ltd.In this podcast, Ajay Gupta shares his remarkable journey from bankruptcy to building Capital Foods, home to Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones. He discusses the emotional toll of failure, the vision behind launching Desi Chinese in India, and the power of storytelling and branding. Ajay reflects on scaling without credit, reinventing home cooking, and ultimately selling his ₹2,000 crore business to Tata, offering deep lessons on resilience, innovation, and legacy-building.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:15 Marketing vs. Advertising02:55 Understanding Consumer Wants06:21 The Rise of Indian Fashion07:21 Transition to Marketing and Advertising08:07 Seeking Knowledge and Mentorship10:24 Case Studies and Observations11:32 Building a Fashion Retail Empire12:28 Entering the Food Industry14:16 Challenges in the Food Business15:05 Export Strategies and Innovations20:01 The Birth of Desi Chinese23:54 Survival and Growth Strategies27:31 The Role of Supermarkets29:44 Exporting Indian Cuisine38:27 Maintaining Profitability48:10 Observations on Consumer Behavior49:11 Future of Indian Market53:48 Opportunities in New Categories55:41 Affordable Pricing Strategies56:14 Consumer Aspirations and Dining Table Excitement56:55 The Complexity of Food Marketing58:00 Understanding Consumer Behavior58:27 Rural and Urban Market Insights01:00:37 Capital Foods' Market Approach01:10:07 The Role of Brand Ambassadors01:11:00 Building a Strong Brand Identity01:24:51 The Importance of Human Connection in Business01:33:21 Balancing Health and Taste01:36:08 The Journey of Wealth Creation01:39:56 The Power of Belief in Entrepreneurship01:42:47 The Role of Luck in Success01:43:09 Admiration for Successful Brands01:43:49 The Emotional Connection with Amul01:47:14 Respect and Human Values01:47:28 Bucket List Achievements01:48:49 Philanthropy and Impact Investment01:50:29 Reflections on the Journey01:50:52 Final Thoughts and GratitudeCredits: Host: Shivank Joshi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivankjoshi-2001/Thumbnail: YaaSPost Production: YaaSSupport: Zerodha ( https://zero1byzerodha.com/network )Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the speaker and host are their own and do not represent those of the Exploring Minds platform. The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. All products and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners, and their use does not imply any endorsement or opposition.#AjayGupta #CapitalFoods #ChingsSecret #SmithAndJones #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #Innovation #StartupStory #Foodpreneur #Branding #Marketing #BusinessGrowth #Founder #DesiChinese #Inspiration #Leadership #Visionary #Success #Legacy #FoodRevolution #Disruption #Motivation #TataGroup #Acquisition #Growth #Courage #Storytelling #Transformation #Hustle #IndiaBusiness

    1h 52m
See All (46)

About

We are on a mission to foster entrepreneurial thinking and confidence by democratizing the stories of the greatest entrepreneurs on the planet!

Information

  • Creator
    Exploring Minds
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Exploring Minds
  • Show Website
    Exploring Minds