Dare2Begin w/ Arjun Dhananjayan

Arjun Dhananjayan
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Hello Listeners, I'm your host, Arjun Dhananjayan. This podcast brings together real conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, and creators from across the globe who chose to begin. Each episode explores the challenges, turning points, and mindset behind their journeys. Built as a shared space for learning, the podcast also dives into AI and future technologies, helping listeners gain clarity, knowledge, and direction in both career and life while building a meaningful future.

  1. 12 JAN

    The New Marketing Playbook Every Marketer Needs to Win in the AI Era | D2B - Ep. 26

    In this insightful episode, we sit down with Mr. George Yaryura, a global leader in marketing and banking, to explore the intersection of technology, humanity, and business transformation. Drawing from decades of experience at Mashreq Bank, Visa, and Skype, George shares a visionary perspective on how AI is reshaping marketing. He reveals why AI isn't just a tool, it's a companion that will ultimately make us more human by freeing us from repetitive, sequential tasks and allowing us to focus on what truly matters: creativity, strategy, and meaningful outcomes. If you're navigating the AI era as a marketer or business leader, this conversation offers the clarity and direction you need to adapt and thrive. What You'll Learn: * Why Adaptability Quotient (AQ) Matters More Than IQ or EQ * How AI Frees You to Focus on Outcomes, Not Tasks * Why Specialization is Dying, and All-Rounded Marketers Are Winning * Strategies for Building Brand Love in a 3-Second Attention Span * How to Position Marketing as a Profit Center, Not a Cost Center * Preparing for Agent-to-Agent Commerce and the End of Traditional Ads * Why "What Would the Customer Want?" is the Only Question That Matters * Why Timing and Market Maturity Beat Being First to Market * Lessons from UAE and Singapore on Vision-Driven Growth * What Skype's Fall Teaches Us About Evolution and Timing 0:00 Intro of the Show 1:56 A Career in Transformation 3:34 Digital Innovation in Banking 5:54 The Customer-Centric DNA 7:39 Global Marketing Perspectives 12:45 Human Connection in a Digital World 14:54 AI as a Tool to Augment Humanity 18:26 The Evolution of the All-Rounded Marketer 22:56 Creative Challenges and Attention Spans 25:22 Marketing as a Business Function 27:51 Essential Skills: Curiosity and AQ 31:07 Regulation vs Innovation 36:38 Comparing the UAE and India Markets 43:36 Public-Private Partnerships 50:21 Timing and the Art of the Launch 52:05 Why Apple Pay Succeeded 56:17 The Future of Agent-to-Agent Commerce 1:03:39 The Rise and Fall of Skype 1:08:17 How to Stay Relevant 1:13:17 The CMO's Future Role 1:20:02 Final Reflections To Know More, Follow Arjun Dhannjayan On ⤵︎ Instagram @arjun.dhananjayan   / arjun.dhananjayan   LinkedIn - Arjun Dhananjayan   / arjundhananjayan   The Cognitive Brand explores the future of marketing and how brands can use AI to stay relevant, build trust, and grow smarter in a changing world. Build a brand that thinks ahead. The Cognitive Brand. Buy the book from the link below. https://notionpress.com/in/read/the-c...

    1h 22m
  2. The Untold Story of Aspiring Filmmakers With No Background | ft. Gomathi Shankar | D2B - Ep.25

    9 JAN

    The Untold Story of Aspiring Filmmakers With No Background | ft. Gomathi Shankar | D2B - Ep.25

    In this raw conversation, Gomathi Shankar - lead actor and co-writer of the Netflix Top 10 psychological thriller Stephen - reveals how a crew of complete outsiders turned a 10-minute short film into a feature that defied the industry. Gomathi breaks down the brutal realities: why the "lone genius" myth is a trap, how collective ownership became their survival strategy, and why character psychology made the difference between obscurity and a Netflix breakthrough. If you've ever felt locked out by gatekeepers or wondered if raw talent can still win, this will reignite your belief in what's possible. What you’ll learn • The Critical Importance of "Cracking Your Team.” • Balancing Artistic Excellence with Business Logic  • Understanding Character Psychology and "Cause and Effect.” • The Strategic Advantage of Extensive Pre-production (Prep)  • Navigating the Production Journey to Netflix • Surviving the "Dark Journey" of Filmmaking • Expanding Perspectives Beyond Acting and Directing  • The Global Impact of Streaming Platforms • Developing Character Ownership through Collaboration 00:00 Intro 01:37 Guest Introduction 02:34 The Transition from Short to Feature Film 04:12 The Five-Year Journey 06:29 Team Ownership 07:39 Importance of Teamwork 09:42 Balancing Artistic Success 12:02 Advice for Aspiring Directors 14:56 Recognizing Technical Roles 17:46 Collaborative Writing 22:24 Researching Intriguing Themes 25:52 Production Timelines 29:03 Global Impact 32:56 The Acting Journey 34:49 Character Ownership 37:03 The Crucial Role of Pre-Production 40:59 Cracking Your Team 42:06 Navigating the Dark Journey 44:00 Final Recommendation To Know More, Follow Arjun Dhannjayan On ⤵︎ Instagram @arjun.dhananjayan  / arjun.dhananjayan   LinkedIn - Arjun Dhananjayan   / arjundhananjayan   The Cognitive Brand explores the future of marketing and how brands can use AI to stay relevant, build trust, and grow smarter in a changing world. Build a brand that thinks ahead. The Cognitive Brand. Buy the book from the link below. https://notionpress.com/in/read/the-c...

    45 min

  3. 19/12/2025

    30 Years of Marketing Experience in 68 Minutes of Pure Wisdom | ft. Shyam Sunder | D2B - Ep.24

    In a world where attention spans are shrinking, this conversation explores what marketing must become to stay relevant. Mr.Shyam Sunder, a marketing leader with 30 years of experience across India and the Middle East, shares how marketing shifted from brand-building to performance obsession and why that’s risky. From AI-driven research to brand vs demand and the growing gap between marketers and leadership, this episode focuses on what still matters. A thinking conversation for founders, CMOs, marketers, and students who care about the long game. 00:00 Marketing in a Time-Poor World00:44 Brand vs. Demand: The 60/40 Rule02:11 The Digital Life and Consumer Choices03:28 Marketing in the AI Revolution05:46 Short-Term Focus vs. Brand Building10:13 Strategy vs. Execution: The Key Conflict14:20 AI's Role in Research and Efficiency18:39 The Impact of AI on Copywriting22:52 Essential Skills: Strategic Thinking29:53 Marketing's Role in the Boardroom38:25 Marketing as the Voice of the Customer46:21 The Role of the CMO52:50 Insourcing vs. Outsourcing Creativity57:23 Defining Great Marketing Talent1:00:07 Comparing the UAE and India Markets To Know More, Follow Arjun Dhannjayan On ⤵︎ Instagram @arjun.dhananjayan   / arjun.dhananjayan   LinkedIn - Arjun Dhananjayan   / arjundhananjayan   The Cognitive Brand explores the future of marketing and how brands can use AI to stay relevant, build trust, and grow smarter in a changing world. Build a brand that thinks ahead. The Cognitive Brand. Buy the book from the link below. https://notionpress.com/in/read/the-c...

    1h 6m

  4. 18/12/2025

    The Marketing Expert #1 Formula to Building a Strong Brand than 90% of Companies | ft. Vinita |D2B - Ep.23

    In this conversation we go beyond buzzwords with Vinita, one of India’s most respected voices in marketing research. We break down how founders, D2C brands, and marketers can use research as a growth engine from packaging and pricing to influencer strategy and film testing. Real case studies, zero fluff, and frameworks you can apply tomorrow. 0:00 Cold Open & Episode Setup 2:50 Marketing vs Sales & Real Market Research 5:45 Brand Equity as a Growth Lever 10:00 Perception & Brand Stretch (Bata, Crocs, HUL) 18:00 Why SMBs & D2C Must Front-Load Research 25:46 Pricing Power Through B2B Research 27:50 Why Not All Feedback Should Be Implemented 29:15 Founder DIY Framework: From Unbranded to Brand 34:56 Word of Mouth vs Ads 36:08 Turning Research into Action 36:52 Legacy Brand Refresh & Expansion (MTT) 40:39 Informal vs Formal Market Research 45:38 Benefits vs Problems & UX vs UI Explained 51:19 Market Research Basics: Qual vs Quant 55:11 DIY Research Toolkit & Sample Sizes 58:27 Category Entry Strategy (Masala Example) 1:01:08 The Future of Market Research 1:03:58 Film Testing & Biometric Signals 1:05:51 Passive Nudges & Attention Design 1:07:03 Influencers to Users as Researchers 1:10:43 GenAI’s Impact on Market Research 1:16:37 Data Bias & Predictability Limits 1:23:07 Trend Spotting & Exploratory Research 1:26:10 Digital Self vs Real Self 1:31:17 Tools Deep Dive: Eye Tracking & Biomarkers 1:37:06 Multimodal Research in Large Organisations 1:38:27 Is Market Research Good for Society? 1:40:20 Humans vs AI — Final Take

    1h 47m

  5. 18/12/2025

    From a Tamil Nadu Village to a $200 Million Global Empire — The Untold Story of Black Tulip Group

    In this episode, Mr.Imran, Director at Black Tulip Group, share insights from a 35-year journey of building a family-run business into a global enterprise. He discusses the realities of scaling across markets, the importance of people-first leadership, and the decisions that shaped long-term growth. The conversation also explores Black Tulip Group’s presence across floriculture, farming, logistics, and retail, offering practical perspectives on building resilient, legacy-driven businesses in a global landscape. 00:00 Intro 01:17 The Black Tulip story 02:28 Flower gifting for everyone 04:05 Three brothers, one business 06:43 Learning from the ground up 08:41 People-first culture 10:24 Building without middlemen 12:34 Legacy vs startup mindset 15:10 Second-generation leadership 18:22 Experience over degrees 22:52 From research to retail 28:36 India’s floral market growth 33:54 The emotion behind flowers 36:59 Farm-to-consumer supply chain 42:36 Import and policy challenges 46:37 India’s floriculture regions 49:35 Why Agri talent exits 55:37 AI in floriculture 01:02:30 What’s next for Black Tulip 01:09:39 Family and faith 01:12:11 Final thoughts

    1h 14m

  6. 30/09/2025

    The Human Edge in an AI World | Future of Work | Unilever International Digital CHRO | D2B EP20

    In this powerful episode of the Dare2Begin Podcast, part of The Future Unveiled series, we sit down with Larissa Murman, the pioneering Digital Chief HR Officer of Unilever International, to explore how AI is reshaping the future of work — and what it truly means for leaders, employees, and organizations worldwide.From walking into her first tech summit as “the HR lady” surrounded by engineers, to confronting her own AI clone that even fooled her mother, Larissa shares raw, personal stories of fear, transformation, and courage. She explains how she reinvented herself as a Digital CHRO, why Unilever is embedding AI in HR and marketing, and what it really takes to lead teams across cultures in a time of exponential change.More than technology, Larissa emphasizes the human edge: combining AI (Artificial Intelligence) with EI (Emotional Intelligence) and SI (Subconscious Intelligence) to create leaders who can adapt, empathize, and innovate in ways machines cannot.Across two hours, we cover: • Her journey across 8 countries, from Bavaria to Singapore to UAE • How AI bots are replacing 85% of HR queries at Unilever • The shocking moment an AI clone of her was created in 15 minutes • Why interns using AI can outperform CMOs • The framework of AI + EI + SI as the new leadership DNA • Silva Method, subconscious practices, and manifestation in leadership • Reverse mentoring: Gen Z teaching CEOs, retirees coaching Gen Z • The future of HR roles, workforce design, and AI agents in every team • Why self-upskilling is the only safe strategy for employees • What makes a great leader in the AI age — and how to manage egoThis conversation is a masterclass on the future of work — equal parts practical, vulnerable, and visionary. Whether you’re an HR professional, a leader, or simply curious about how to survive (and thrive) in the AI age, this is one episode you can’t miss.👉 Also, don’t forget to pre-book my upcoming book "The Cognitive Brand" here: www.arjundhananjayan.com

    2h 5m

  7. 30/09/2025

    Curiosity to Careers: Most Wanted Skills Reuired in AI Era | D2B E19 Dr. Christopher | SP Jain Dubai

    AI is transforming classrooms, careers, and entire industries. But how much of education can truly be automated—and where do humans still matter most?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Christopher Abraham (CEO & Head, SP Jain Global Dubai; TEDx Speaker; 30+ years in academic leadership) to decode the future of learning and work in the AI era.We discuss: •CMU’s experiment: Can an AI corporation run itself? (22% yes, 78% still human) •Why fake references & AI hallucinations demand new assessments •The rise of EdTech ($90B by 2032) and micro-credentials shaping careers •“Digital deduction”: how over-reliance on tech rewires the brain •Why whole-brain thinkers (STEM + creativity) will lead the future •The T-Model: Master one, sample many—with AI as your amplifier •The 3 L’s of a meaningful career: Live • Love • Leave a legacy🎓 Who should watch: Students, educators, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers looking to future-proof their skills, institutions, and careers.💡 What you’ll take away: A roadmap to thrive in an AI-first world—where success comes not from fearing AI, but from learning to blend technology with human wisdom.👉 Stay tuned—our next episodes feature global AI leaders from Singapore, Germany, Dubai, and the US. Subscribe so you don’t miss it.

    1h 19m

  8. 30/09/2025

    The Rise of AI Power: How Dubai is Building the Future Now | Adel Miran | D2B E18 Arjun Dhananjayan

    How Dubai is building an AI-first nation — from education to infrastructure, governance to sustainability.📌 Why Watch This Episode? • Real insights into UAE’s trillion-dollar AI strategy • Ground-level view of Dubai’s smart city development • The mindset behind rapid innovation in government • Learn how nations can ethically, practically and powerfully adopt AI • Get inspired to rethink what’s possible — in tech, business, and policy

    49 min
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Hello Listeners, I'm your host, Arjun Dhananjayan. This podcast brings together real conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, and creators from across the globe who chose to begin. Each episode explores the challenges, turning points, and mindset behind their journeys. Built as a shared space for learning, the podcast also dives into AI and future technologies, helping listeners gain clarity, knowledge, and direction in both career and life while building a meaningful future.

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