The BarberShop with Shantanu

The BarberShop with Shantanu
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The BarberShop with Shantanu

Hi, thanks for stopping by! My name is Shantanu and I am the founder of Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae. My company has scaled to 1500+ Cr value (if this metric means anything haha), but more importantly, is a loved personal care brand which has scaled to 50L households and 1L stores in 5 years. The BarberShop was started with a clear thesis - India needs to create approximately a million jobs a month, currently, we create almost two hundred thousand. Our ‘Funda’ is to simplify entrepreneurship and make it accessible to everyone in the country so we inculcate an enterprising habit in the 23-24 year old of today. After the love received by S1, we have decided to go beyond conversations on our podcast to tangible help. With the help of our sponsors at BSC and Bombae we have put together a season which brings together a corpus of 50+ equity seekers looking to support 20+ start-ups in their growth and success.

  1. 33 VCs saying NO, being labelled FAKE to signing Diljit: The Incredible Story of Mokobara

    3D AGO

    33 VCs saying NO, being labelled FAKE to signing Diljit: The Incredible Story of Mokobara

    Mokobara was rejected 33 times. And now they’ll beat legacy brands in their own game within 6 years. Something the biggest brands took 44 years to do! That’s the thing about great entrepreneurs. They don’t give up. In this episode, we are joined by three of Shantanu’s closest friends. Sangeet Agrawal, Founder at Mokobara, Navin Parwal, Co-Founder & CMO at Mokobara, and Manu Chandra, Founder and Managing Partner at Sauce.vc came together to uncover the power of aspirational hungry India. Mokobara is on a mission to redefine travel for India, designing luggage that feels world-class. But with ambition comes scrutiny. Recently, they faced backlash over claims of white-labeling and premium pricing. Instead of backing down, they flipped the script by dropping a non-apologetic comeback, launching a discount code named WHITELABEL on their latest Naruto collection. Through this episode, Sangeet and Navin, along with their friend and investor Manu Chandra also put down the curtains on the unnecessary controversy finally. Major takeaways from the episode: - Sangeet and Navin finally address their controversy. - How fast Mokobara grew in 6 years, something Safari took 44 years to do. - Why Indian brands need to build high-quality products and take them to the global market. - A secret BSCxMokobara product launch. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a design enthusiast, or just someone who needs to hear a story of resilience today, this episode is for you! Hit LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations. Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here :- https://forms.gle/uY8w2an4Q44mN9dd8 00:00 Coming Up 01:15 Introduction 06:06 The Dichotomy of Founders: Passion vs. Market Analysis 12:02 Cultural Exports: Lessons from Korea 18:10 The Evolution of the Indian Consumer 21:08 The Importance of Passion in Entrepreneurship 23:52 The Dynamics of Brand Building and Design 26:45 The Role of Community and Support in Business 29:57 The Journey of Growth and Resilience 32:59 Creating Products with Purpose and Identity 41:21 Building a Consistent Brand Identity 42:10 Navigating Product Life Cycles and Manufacturing 43:35 Philosophy of Timeless Design 45:30 Evolution of a Travel Lifestyle Brand 46:58 Balancing Focus and Scale in Business 49:02 Expanding into Global Markets 50:39 Creating an Exceptional Retail Experience 54:57 Importance of Offline Presence 01:00:11 The Role of Design in Brand Experience 01:02:39 The Impact of Retail on Digital Performance 01:09:10 Lessons from Adversity in Business 01:21:46 Importance of Patience in Building Brands 01:23:39 Valuation Challenges in Entrepreneurship 01:24:20 Understanding Business Valuation and Investment 01:26:18 The Risks of Overvaluation 01:28:19 The Reality of Angel Investing 01:30:08 Building a Brand with Passion and Quality 01:32:15 Navigating Competition in the Market 01:34:03 The Role of Patience in Brand Evolution 01:35:35 The Power of Team Dynamics 01:36:03 Leadership and Team Culture 01:39:40 Celebrity Endorsements and Brand Identity 01:42:30 The Impact of Profitability on Brand Partnerships 01:45:30 Collaborative Opportunities Between Brands 01:48:05 The Journey of Fundraising and Building Trust 01:51:56 Closing Thoughts on Building a Business

    2 hr

  2. MAR 7

    From RBI to CEO of Paytm Bank: Shinjini Kumar's Exceptional Journey as a Woman in Finance.

    In this conversation with Shinjini Kumar, Co-Founder of SALT-mysaltapp, we talk to her about her diverse professional journey, something you don’t see in many founders. Coming from Bihar, she started as a journalist at the Times of India and then shifted to the Reserve Bank of India in the early ‘90s. At the heart of the action, she was responsible for handling Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In this episode, she discusses exactly how she landed every job she did in her early days. Shinjini eventually went on to study in the US, joined Bank of America, then came back to be the CEO at Paytm Payments Bank. And mid-COVID, she took the leap into entrepreneurship. Major takeaways from the episode: 1.⁠ ⁠How she transitioned from journalism into finance and entrepreneurship. 2.⁠ ⁠How career plurality shapes perspective and adaptability. 3.⁠ ⁠Lessons from building SALT and the challenges of raising capital at the right time. 4.⁠ ⁠What women are missing when it comes to finance. We are excited for conversation, and we can’t wait for you all to watch it. Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here: https://forms.gle/uY8w2an4Q44mN9dd8 00:00 The Financial Agency of Women 03:02 The Journey of Shinjani Kumar 05:51 Conversations on Financial Inclusion 09:10 Building SALT: A Mission for Women 12:05 Understanding Financial Services for Women 14:55 The Role of Agency in Financial Decisions 18:02 Cultural Influences on Financial Behavior 20:59 The Impact of Social Conditioning on Women 23:50 Navigating Financial Independence 27:10 The Future of Women in Finance 38:13 Understanding Gender Disparities in Income and Assets 41:44 The Role of Women in Family Businesses 47:00 Women as Catalysts for Social Change 50:41 Behavioral Changes in Financial Services 57:51 Lessons from Entrepreneurial Journeys 01:11:17 Building Trust Through Technology 01:14:05 The Evolution of Banking and Finance 01:16:24 Navigating Challenges in Entrepreneurship 01:20:42 The Complexity of Work and Gender Roles 01:24:01 Raising the Next Generation: Gender and Equality 01:31:12 The Value of Work and Education 01:37:21 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals

    1h 42m
  3. How “Shark” Amit Jain plans to build 20 unicorns out of Jaipur with his brother Anurag

    FEB 28

    How “Shark” Amit Jain plans to build 20 unicorns out of Jaipur with his brother Anurag

    In this conversation with Amit Jain (Co-Founder & CEO, CarDekho) and Anurag Jain (Co-Founder & COO, CarDekho) we learn why every founder should consider building in a small town like Jaipur—and do it with family. Amit and Anurag turned what started as a small-town dream (announced on LinkedIn - true story) into a billion-dollar reality. If that doesn’t make you believe in manifestation, we don’t know what will. 😏 CarDekho’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a bootstrapped company to one of India’s most sought-after startups, they’ve completely redefined how India buys and sells cars. In this conversation, we break down: - The power of trust in leadership and how it shapes company culture. - Scaling a startup: structuring equity, empowering talent, and navigating co-founder dynamics. - Why founders today should pick Tier 2 cities over metros to thrive. - Working with family—the unique challenges, advantages, and what makes it work. - The mindset shifts required to build billion-dollar businesses and what Indian entrepreneurs can learn from global success stories. This episode is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs, family business owners, corporate leaders, and anyone looking to turn their big dreams into reality. Drop your thoughts in the comments! Also, if you’d like a chance to interact with SD as an audience member for our next shoot, fill this form: https://forms.gle/5j26oEVkRbEFJmcX8 Looking forward to hearing what you think! Navigate your way through this conversation: 00:00 - Coming Up 01:04 - About the Podcast 04:41 - The Journey of Entrepreneurship 10:45 - Building a Consumer-Centric Ecosystem 13:36 - Identifying and Empowering Talent 16:25 - Structuring for Success: Equity and Ownership 19:41 - The Dynamics of Brotherly Co-Founders 22:37 - Navigating Challenges and Growth 25:41 - The Role of Trust in Leadership 28:34 - The Evolution of Organizational Structure 31:37 - Lessons from Experience and Scaling Up 43:47 - Understanding Numbers and Business Instincts 45:47 - Building a Knowledge-Driven Organization 47:53 - Fostering Personal Connections in Leadership 49:53 - Balancing Professionalism and Personal Bonds 52:12 - The Importance of Authentic Leadership 53:57 - Celebrating Alumni Success Stories 55:14 - Encouraging Individual Aspirations 56:03 - Co-Founder Dynamics and Feedback 57:50 - Influencing Each Other's Leadership Styles 59:57 - The Role of Sports in Team Bonding 01:01:32 - The Jaipur Connection and Talent Pool 01:03:06 - Creating Opportunities in Tier 2 Cities 01:05:11 - Company Culture as a Family 01:07:54 - Navigating External Capital and Investor Relations 01:22:02 - Building for the Future: Vision and Legacy 01:25:03 - The Power of Compounding: Growth and Strategy 01:28:24 - Energy and Inspiration: What Drives Founders 01:29:48 - Patriotism and Community: Building in India 01:32:31 - Giving Back: The Role of Mentorship and Support 01:34:03 - The Rise of Entrepreneurship in Tier 2 Cities 01:36:56 - The Evolving Landscape of Startups and Investments 01:44:02 - Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Challenges 01:49:59 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Taking the Leap

    1h 58m
  4. Peak XV MD Rajan Anandan on BILLION $ ideas, STANDOUT founders and why INDIA's got game

    FEB 21

    Peak XV MD Rajan Anandan on BILLION $ ideas, STANDOUT founders and why INDIA's got game

    Shantanu sitting down with Rajan Anandan, MD of Peak XV and Surge, and Prachi Pawar, Founder of Anandi Schools, is everything you need to watch today to visualise the future of the startup ecosystem in India. You also get a glimpse into a mentor-mentee relationship in the ecosystem! Rajan Anandan is one of the most influential voices in India’s Venture Capital space. On the other hand, Prachi is just starting out in the world of entrepreneurship. With Anandi Schools, she aims to help students stand out in college admissions. Tune in for a deep dive into: •⁠ ⁠How India’s AI future will be driven by application-first companies •⁠ ⁠The mindset shifts required to build billion-dollar businesses •⁠ ⁠What makes Silicon Valley founders different—and how Indian entrepreneurs can learn from them A must-watch for founders, investors, and anyone curious about the future of India’s startup ecosystem. Drop your thoughts in the comments—and in the process, earn a chance to interact with Shantanu as an audience for our next shoot. For a chance to receive an invite to watch the shoot and interact with SD, fill this: https://forms.gle/X3cT1x78Xj6NvZ3z7 Navigate your way through this conversation: 00:00 Coming up 01:17 Podcast Summary 02:45 What is happening in India 05:44 The Rise of AI and Technology in India 08:50 India's Potential as an AI Superpower 11:38 The Future of AI Applications in India 17:44 India's Competitive Edge in Global Markets 20:51 Investing in the Future of AI 23:50 India's Economic Landscape and Workforce Dynamics 26:45 Historical Context and Future Prospects for India 35:41 Long-Term Economic Outlook for India 38:20 Energy Independence and Renewable Resources 40:16 The Future of Employment and Skill Development 45:21 The Evolution of Indian Entrepreneurship 46:51 Quality of Founders and Ecosystem Support 52:00 R&D Challenges 58:36 The Current Landscape for Venture Capital in India 01:05:46 Market Dynamics and Competitive Strategies 01:07:35 Career Building Insights 01:08:47 The Importance of Hard Work and Passion 01:11:29 Mentorship and Learning from Experience 01:13:52 The Role of Curiosity in Career Growth 01:19:16 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 01:25:05 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People 01:27:21 Long-Term Commitment to Entrepreneurship

    1h 32m
  5. S4E5: Building The 3,00,000 Cr Crown Jewel Of Tata Group

    FEB 15

    S4E5: Building The 3,00,000 Cr Crown Jewel Of Tata Group

    Shantanu sits down with Ajoy Chawla, CEO of Titan’s Jewellery Division, for a masterclass in brand building and leadership. Ajoy’s role in transforming Tanishq into a household name and reshaping India’s jewellery market is nothing short of remarkable. In this candid conversation, he shares insights on Titan’s failures and learnings from them, differentiation, quality, and staying ahead of shifting consumer trends. Tune in for a deep dive into: - The evolution of Titan’s marketing strategy. - India’s diamond legacy and its future. - Building a timeless consumer brand in the country. - Navigating the preferences of today’s young consumers. A must-watch for anyone interested in innovation, strategy, and luxury retail! Drop your thoughts in the comments—and in the process, earn a chance to interact with Shantanu as audience in our next shoot. Navigate your way through this conversation: 00:00 Coming Up 01:20 Titan and Its Market Impact 02:34 Journey of Titan: From Watches to Jewellery 11:51 Innovations in Eyewear and Accessories 23:28 The Evolution of Jewellery: Tanishq's Journey 31:28 Titan's Marketing DNA and Brand Building 38:41 Adapting to Smartwatches and Market Trends 40:49 The Emotional Connection to Watches 42:42 The Importance of Design in Product Development 43:41 Creating Unique Value in Saturated Markets 45:57 Understanding Consumer Behaviour and Market Trends 48:10 The Evolution of the Jewellery Business 49:47 Building Trust in the Jewellery Industry 51:48 Creating Unique Collections and Customer Experiences 56:12 The Role of Trust and Transparency in Jewellery 58:38 Understanding the Four C's of Diamonds 01:02:54 The Historical Significance of Diamonds in India 01:23:09 The Adornment Play: Diamonds and Jewellery 01:25:30 The Lab-Grown Diamond Revolution 01:32:47 Market Dynamics: Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds 01:42:54 The Future of Lab-Grown Diamonds 01:52:50 Titan's Growth Strategy and Consumer Trends

    2h 3m
  6. S4E4: Building HDFC from Day1 to IDFC CEO to public policy | Diving into rich career of Luis Miranda

    FEB 15

    S4E4: Building HDFC from Day1 to IDFC CEO to public policy | Diving into rich career of Luis Miranda

    In this episode, Shantanu is absolutely thrilled to sit down with Luis Miranda—Founding Member of HDFC, Ex-CEO of IDFC, and the founder of the Indian School of Public Policy. This one is packed with wisdom, laughter, and invaluable insights for anyone interested in leadership, impact, and the startup ecosystem! Luis is the kind of person who doesn’t take himself too seriously—despite having built some of India’s most iconic institutions. He’s an incredible storyteller, effortlessly blending high IQ with deep emotional intelligence. This time, the conversation is even more fun and candid, as Shantanu and Luis explore everything from leadership to the social issues that truly drive him. Luis has spent years working on causes that matter, constantly seeking to understand people and their challenges in a way only few do. From this episode, you’ll learn about what it takes to build and scale institutions, the importance of having strong role models, and why giving back is just as important as success. And here’s the best part—Luis has a way of making complex ideas sound effortless. His honesty, his warmth, and his storytelling make this episode a must-listen! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Drop your thoughts in the comments—what resonated with you the most? Navigate your journey through this conversation: 00:00 Coming Up 02:38 The Importance of Reaching Out 10:06 Building Relationships Through Conversations 17:35 Career Path and Influences 21:01 The Journey of HDFC Bank and Citibank 36:19 Transitioning from Banking to Tech Startups 39:00 Entering the Venture Capital World 45:59 Exploring Development Sector Opportunities 52:19 Finding Purpose in Work and Life 54:12 World of Development 59:58 The Importance of Reflection and Mentorship 01:07:32 The Hunger for Success 01:11:55 Finding Your Sweet Spot in Business 01:12:30 The Impact of Middle Management 01:16:00 Loneliness at the Top 01:17:50 Prioritizing What Matters 01:20:00 The Importance of Perspective 01:21:40 Mindfulness in a Fast-Paced World 01:23:30 Navigating Young People's Challenges 01:26:30 The Balance of Hard Work and Care 01:27:10 Understanding Entitlement in the Workplace 01:28:33 Activism and Awareness in Today's Youth 01:30:00 The Trade-offs in Public Policy 01:32:42 Men's Mental Health and Societal Expectations 01:37:27 The Role of Equity and Individuality 01:39:51 Lessons from Indian Civilization 01:41:01 Happiness and Expectations 01:44:39 Final Thoughts on Life and Work

    1h 53m
  7. Former CEO of Gillette Tells Shantanu How To Beat Them

    JAN 31

    Former CEO of Gillette Tells Shantanu How To Beat Them

    In this episode, Shantanu is clearly thrilled to welcome back Shantanu Khosla, the former MD of Procter & Gamble, back to the Barbershop. This one is a masterclass for all consumer brands in India! There’s so much wisdom in Shantanu Khosla’s words, that of course comes with his fair share of experience in brand building across the globe. He talks candidly about new channels and technologies that are emerging, and how all it takes for a brand to be a hit in front of the masses is an idea that sticks. This time, the conversation is even more exciting, as they’re joined by a curious live audience, ready with their hard questions. From this episode you will learn about the latest consumer trends, the magic behind viral marketing strategies and most importantly how to build and distribute a product of your own in the consumer space. And here’s the twist—sir Khosla has some great advice for Shantanu on how he could beat Gillette and that is something you don’t want to miss! We hope you love this conversation and learn something that will be super actionable for your entrepreneurial journey. Drop your takeaways in the comments if any of this advice worked for you! And if you’d like to be a part of the live audience for the next shoot, drop and comment and fill this form - https://bit.ly/3WEZpHf Navigate your journey through this conversation: 00:00 Coming up 01:20 Podcast summary 02:08 Economic Insights on India 08:12 The Impact of Technological Change 13:10 Key Conditions for Brand Success 23:38 Challenges in Brand Expansion 26:50 The Future of Brands in a Changing Market 34:30 Evolving Consumer Expectations 38:02 Importance of Authentic Communication 43:30 Timeless Marketing Ideas 44:59 Marketing and Advertising 47:50 Atlanta Braves Baseball Case Study 50:00 What Customers Want 52:11 Gillette's advice to Bombay Shaving Company 59:16 Need-Based Segmentation in Marketing 01:06:58 Adapting to Market Changes 01:12:38 How to Build a Successful Career 01:33:05 What matters more: Quality or Pricing 01:38:18 Word of Mouth Marketing 01:46:10 Strategies for Entering Tier 2 and Tier 3 Markets 01:51:58 Alternate career for Shantanu Khosla 01:54:22 Importance of Execution in Marketing 01:58:15 Challenges in Launching New Products in Established Markets 02:07:11 Career Paths: Corporate vs. Startups

    2h 13m
  8. Started With ₹6000 Salary, Built ₹450 Cr Company To Break All Taboos Around Women’s Hygiene

    JAN 24

    Started With ₹6000 Salary, Built ₹450 Cr Company To Break All Taboos Around Women’s Hygiene

    In this episode, Shantanu and Deep - two curious minds met over a fun and insightful conversation. Deep Bajaj is the visionary Founder of Sirona—a brand that has redefined women's hygiene in India and was recently acquired by the Good Glam Group in a 450 Cr acquisition. Deep shares his incredible journey, starting from a ₹6,000 salary as a salesperson to building a brand in women’s hygiene. He in the most hilarious yet vulnerable way, talks about his first job, his first business, and starting out again after his higher education in Australia. He says he didn't have the "luxury of choice" after his father spent all his FDs for his education abroad. Deep shares the challenges he faced in his personal and professional life that made him identify a market gap and the need for Pee Buddy and Sirona. In other words, a MAN identified what a WOMAN needs in its truest sense. His journey, from selling carpets to women standing and peeing is nothing short of inspiring. This episode is packed with personal insights into entrepreneurship, product innovation, and what it means to create and scale a purpose-driven brand. We hope you will love this insightful conversation. We urge you to share this with an entrepreneurial friend who needs to watch this today! Navigate your way through this conversation: 00:00 Coming Up 01:11 Deep’s Early life 03:28 Life as a Sales Executive 09:25 Life in Australia 14:10 Inception of Sirona 30:27 Challenges and Building a Brand 36:48 Competition and Self-Comparison in this space 46:05 Category Building and Content Creation 51:16 Family Dynamics in Business 54:41 Consumer Perception and Product Assortment 01:04:41 Acquisition Opportunities 01:24:38 Life Post Acquisition and Rise of Online Commerce 01:36:28 Life After an Exit: Reflections and Future Plans

    1h 45m
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    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    2 Ratings

    About

    Hi, thanks for stopping by! My name is Shantanu and I am the founder of Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae. My company has scaled to 1500+ Cr value (if this metric means anything haha), but more importantly, is a loved personal care brand which has scaled to 50L households and 1L stores in 5 years. The BarberShop was started with a clear thesis - India needs to create approximately a million jobs a month, currently, we create almost two hundred thousand. Our ‘Funda’ is to simplify entrepreneurship and make it accessible to everyone in the country so we inculcate an enterprising habit in the 23-24 year old of today. After the love received by S1, we have decided to go beyond conversations on our podcast to tangible help. With the help of our sponsors at BSC and Bombae we have put together a season which brings together a corpus of 50+ equity seekers looking to support 20+ start-ups in their growth and success.

    Information

    • Creator
      The BarberShop with Shantanu
    • Years Active
      2022 - 2025
    • Episodes
      93
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © NA
    • Show Website
      The BarberShop with Shantanu

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