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 APR

    Priya Tyagi on Building Tied Ribbons | From Startup to Global Brand & Social Impact

    What does it take to build a brand that goes beyond products and creates real impact? In this episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, we sit down with Priya Tyagi, Founder of Tied Ribbons — a globally recognized home décor brand that believes relationships are priceless. From starting her entrepreneurial journey at a young age to scaling an international brand, Priya shares how she turned ideas into reality while staying rooted in purpose. We also dive into her non-profit initiative, TR Ideas, and her mission to drive meaningful change through entrepreneurship. 🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn: How to build a purpose-driven brand The journey of scaling Tied Ribbons globally The role of relationships in business success Balancing profit with social impact Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Priya Tyagi’s Journey 05:20 – Building Tied Ribbons 12:10 – Scaling a Global Brand 18:45 – TR Ideas & Social Impact 25:00 – Advice for Entrepreneurs 34:00 – Closing Thoughts Whether you're a founder, creator, or someone looking to build a meaningful personal brand, this conversation is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. 👉 Watch till the end for powerful advice on turning ideas into impact! **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 - Priya Tyagi Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-tyagi-0a05b41a/ 🎙️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! 🚀

    35 min
  2. 20 MAR

    Tier-3 Girls Breaking Barriers | From Self-Doubt to Financial Independence | Real Story

    What does it really take to build a personal brand from scratch — especially when you come from a Tier-3 city with limited exposure and strong societal expectations? In this episode, we sit down with two inspiring women who are redefining what success looks like. From dealing with self-doubt and traditional mindsets to building confidence, skills, and income online — this conversation is about real journeys, not trends. We talk about: • Why visibility matters more than virality • How clarity, positioning, and storytelling build trust • The reality of freelancing and earning online • Breaking societal norms and choosing your own path • Building confidence through skills, not noise In this episode, I’m joined by Arnika and Safalta, two sisters from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, who are building serious, authority-led brands in the coaching and freelancing ecosystem. Safalta works with Indian Executive, Leadership, Career, and Parenting Coaches, helping them build credibility on LinkedIn through clear positioning, strong messaging, and content that earns trust— without changing who they are. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/safalta-sharma/ Arnika is a premium graphic designer helping coaches and small businesses stand out with high-converting visuals, smart LinkedIn optimization, and brand identities that speak before the founder does. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnikabhardwajgraphicdesigner/ Together, they are also building SisCast (https://www.youtube.com/@Siscastta) growing community for newbie freelancers, especially small-town girls, focused on earning online with clarity, systems, and confidence. If you’re building your personal brand seriously—or wondering why effort isn’t translating into trust—this episode is for you. 👉 Subscribe to the channel for more honest conversations with builders, creators, and professionals shaping their own paths. 👉 Share this episode with someone who’s building quietly but meaningfully. Until next time—keep learning from real journeys. This is The Collaborative Canvas Podcast! 🎙️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 Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-collaborative-canvas-podcast/id1835394764

    46 min
  3. 6 MAR

    Why AI Can’t Replace Human Insight (Yet) | Everyone Has AI… So Why Do Only Few Stand Out?

    AI is everywhere — from data analysis to research automation. But the real question is no longer “Should we use AI?” The real question is: If everyone has access to the same AI tools, why do only a few researchers actually stand out? In this conversation, we explore how AI is transforming qualitative research — not as a replacement for human thinking, but as a multiplier of judgment, culture, and insight. Our guest shares deep perspectives from decades of experience in market research across Asia and explains why context, contradictions, and cultural understanding remain uniquely human abilities that AI still cannot replicate. This episode dives into: • The real role of AI in qualitative research • Why over-relying on AI can lead to “average thinking” • How researchers can use AI to amplify their uniqueness • The future of human intelligence vs artificial intelligence in research If you're interested in AI, market research, innovation, and the future of human insight, this conversation will change how you think about AI. 🎙 Watch the full episode and join the conversation. #ArtificialIntelligence #MarketResearch #AIInnovation #FutureOfWork #QualitativeResearch **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 - Craig Griffin Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-griffin-thailand/ 🎙️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! 🚀

    1hr 4min
  4. 20 FEB

    AI Is NOT New. The Marketing Industry Is Just Lazy | Most Market Research Is Completely Unnecessary

    Everyone is panicking about AI. But here’s the truth: The same headlines were written in the 1860s about the telegraph. The same fear happened in the 1990s about the internet. AI isn’t new. It’s just more accessible. In this episode of Collaborative Canvas, Dave — with 40+ years in advertising, marketing, and research — breaks down: • Why most market research is unnecessary • Why “Generation X, Y, Z” is a lazy construct • Why personas oversimplify human complexity • Why people are humans 99% of the time — not consumers • Why AI replaces searching… not thinking If you work in tech, marketing, or leadership — this will challenge your assumptions. Technology evolves. Human nature doesn’t. #ArtificialIntelligence #MarketingStrategy #HumanBehavior #LeadershipMindset #FutureOfWork *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 - Dave McCaughan Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmccaughan/ 🎙️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! 🚀

    1hr 11min
  5. 10 FEB

    S3 E3 - Building Bridges Between India & Moldova | Diana Moraru

    Thinking of studying or expanding your business abroad? Before choosing a new country or course, questions naturally arise—about recognition, visas, affordability, cultural fit, and future opportunities. In this episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, host Ankesh Saxena sits down with Diana Moraru, Founder & CEO of IndoMold Connect, to explore Moldova as an emerging destination for Indian students, entrepreneurs, and businesses. With over 20 years of experience in international operations and cross-border strategy, Diana shares: ✔️ Why Moldova is gaining attention as a strategic gateway to Europe ✔️ How IndoMold Connect helps Indian businesses set up smoothly in Moldova ✔️ Common mistakes companies make when entering new countries—and how to avoid them ✔️ What students and founders should evaluate before choosing an international path ✔️ Practical first steps for anyone considering Moldova for education or expansion Whether you’re a student planning your future or a founder exploring global markets, this conversation offers grounded insights, real-world clarity, and a fresh perspective on international growth. 🎧 Listen, learn, and think beyond borders. 📌 Subscribe for more conversations on global business, education, and cross-cultural growth 📩 Share this episode with someone planning their next international move *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 - Diana Moraru Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-moraru-india/ 🎙️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 #studyabroad #GlobalExpansion #Moldova #InternationalBusiness #IndoMoldConnect #TheCollaborativeCanvas #HigherEducation #StartupGrowth #CrossBorderBusiness

    43 min
  6. 24 JAN

    S3 E2 - This 20yo is designing productivity systems for human cycles | Sara Sharma

    What happens when a personal health struggle turns into a purpose-driven startup? In this episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, I sit down with Sara Sharma — #founder of Ease, a menstrual health platform built from her own journey with PCOS. Sara opens up about living with irregular cycles, frustration with one-size-fits-all solutions, and the moment she decided to turn her lived experience into something that could help millions of women. Beyond building Ease, Sara is also a powerful storyteller. With over 3 million views on YouTube, she explores internet consciousness, pop culture, and the Indian Gen Z mindset — shaping conversations that go far beyond the screen. **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 - Sara Sharam Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-sharma-44692513a/ 🎙️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! 🚀

    40 min
  7. 9 JAN

    Stuck Despite working Hard? The Marginal Gains Approach to Career Growth

    Leadership isn’t built in big moments. It’s built in the small, invisible choices we repeat every day. In this episode of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, host Ankesh Saxena sits down with Ashutosh Sharma (EO at SYWIL | Advisory Specialist) to explore the Marginal Gains Theory — a powerful framework that transformed elite sports and is now reshaping how leaders, executives, and organizations grow. This conversation moves beyond motivation and into practical performance. We discuss: Why leaders are created, not born How identity silently limits growth The power of visualization and self-reflection Why routines outperform motivation How marginal improvements compound into massive results The difference between purpose-driven leadership and micromanagement Why great leaders are humble, consistent, and disciplined From British Cycling to boardrooms, from interviews to daily habits — this episode offers a grounded, actionable way to rethink success. If you’re leading a team, rebuilding momentum, or navigating the middle of your career, this episode will help you shift from effort to effectiveness. 🎧 Watch / Listen on YouTube & Spotify 📌 The Collaborative Canvas Podcast If this conversation adds value: 👉 Like the video 👉 Subscribe to the channel 👉 Comment with your biggest takeaway 👉 Share it with someone who needs this perspective Because growth is collaborative — and insights multiply when shared. 🎙️Guest - Ashutosh Sharma Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/onlineashu/ 🎙️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 🎶 Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-collaborative-canvas-podcast/id1835394764 🎶 Youtube Music - https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFXJebR1EG3Et410XaNRLd3xu22PfhGry&si=Uu4ywXYo4NnGx0dO Thank you for watching! 🚀

    45 min

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.