Unsold Podcast

unsold
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MARKETING

Conversations about marketing and selling products to people in changing times.

  1. We Built Conviction, Not Just Product - Unsold Podcast

    07/31/2025

    We Built Conviction, Not Just Product - Unsold Podcast

    Guest: Aditi Sinha [Ex-CEO, Locale.ai] Host: Santhosh Venkatesh Theme: Navigating the highs, lows, and hidden truths of building a B2B startup, and what founders get wrong about Product-Market Fit. This episode isn’t about how to win, it’s about what’s true. Santhosh Venkatesh sits down with Aditi Sinha to unpack the reality behind startup growth, the dangers of chasing PMF too fast, and the strength it takes to step back. Aditi shares her journey from building Locale.ai through the COVID era, finding early traction, pivoting her way through multiple learnings, and ultimately, why she chose to walk away. Top Talking Points: Why early traction doesn’t always equal PMFProduct-led growth vs. founder-led convictionHow to think about sales when you don’t have repeatable demandFundraising pressure vs. honest customer feedbackWhat it really means to “give the company back to investors”The personal cost of building in stealth and in the spotlightWhat she’d do differently today if starting again #UnsoldPodcast #StartupLessons #FounderStories #B2BSaaS #ProductMarketFit

    57 min
  2. Product-Market Fit Isn’t Static. It Evolves or Your Brand Fades - Unsold Podcast

    07/17/2025

    Product-Market Fit Isn’t Static. It Evolves or Your Brand Fades - Unsold Podcast

    Guest: Vikas Sunkad [Founder, SunJosho Ventures] Host: Santhosh Venkatesh Everyone loves to talk about finding Product-Market Fit. But what if that’s the wrong question? In this episode of the #UnsoldPodcast, I sit down with Vikas Sunkad—a D2C product leader, startup advisor, and growth coach who’s spent over 15 years helping brands reach scale across India and Southeast Asia. We don’t talk about the definition of PMF—we unpack the real work: what it takes to get there, how to know if you’ve lost it, and why memorability, convenience, and trust matter far more than just conversion ads. Whether you’re launching your first product or growing your 10th, this conversation is a reality check. Key Talking Points: Why Product-Market Fit is not a milestone—it’s a moving targetThe 3 invisible levers D2C founders must align: demand, timing, and brand memorabilityWhat loyalty actually means in the convenience economyWhy paid ads can't buy long-term differentiationThe cost of chasing metrics before you understand your customerHow today’s founders can build resonance without burning CACThe real difference between growth and momentumWhile Vikas touched on the key elements of PMF, you can find his compete, strategic template here - Download for free. #UnsoldPodcast #D2CMarketing #ProductMarketFit #BrandStrategy #StartupGrowth

    48 min
  3. Mental Wellness in the B2B Workplace - Unsold Podcast

    06/26/2025

    Mental Wellness in the B2B Workplace - Unsold Podcast

    In this episode, I sit down with Shaifali Verma, a seasoned people and culture leader, to unpack the evolving role of mental health in the modern workplace. With experience spanning psychology, HR, and leadership development, Shaifali shares real-world insights into how wellness can (and should) be designed as a strategic pillar, not a reactive perk. If you're a founder, people manager, or wellness startup operator, this episode will give you tactical clarity on what's broken, what's working, and where the real opportunities lie. Key Talking Points: Why mental health isn’t just about therapy or meditation appsThe difference between performative wellness and embedded cultureHow startups and high-pressure teams can build mental health into their DNAThe critical role of leadership and middle management in creating safe workplacesWhy one-size-fits-all mental health strategies don’t workWhat real impact looks like, stories from roundtables and on-ground experiencesEarly signs that your team’s mental wellbeing is at risk (and what to do)Opportunities for startups working in the B2B mental wellness space#UnsoldPodcast #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkplaceWellbeing #PeopleAndCulture #B2BLeadership

    31 min
  4. Shawn Lim on Owning Your Voice in the Age of Algorithms - Unsold Podcast

    05/05/2025

    Shawn Lim on Owning Your Voice in the Age of Algorithms - Unsold Podcast

    Guest: Shawn Lim, Founder of Human Algorithm Host: Santhosh Venkatesh In this special episode of The Unsold Podcast, Santhosh Venkatesh sits down with Shawn Lim—content creator, former journalist, and founder of Human Algorithm—to talk about the power of storytelling, personal branding, and building authenticity in a world run by algorithms. From his early struggles growing up in Singapore, to his journey through advertising, journalism, and finally into the B2B creator economy, Shawn opens up about his life, lessons, and mission to humanize digital spaces. This conversation is a must-listen for startup founders, marketing leaders, and aspiring creators who want to build brands rooted in authenticity, not just algorithms. Key Talking Points: ✅ Shawn’s early life, challenges, and turning points that shaped his authentic voice ✅ His transition from advertising and journalism into full-time content creation ✅ Why building a personal brand isn’t optional in today's B2B world ✅ The importance of owning your audience (and not relying solely on platforms) ✅ Storytelling as a competitive advantage in the age of AI ✅ Why businesses must champion internal voices, not just logos and products ✅ Tips for overcoming fear of video, content creation, and self-promotion ✅ The philosophy behind Human Algorithm and what it aims to create for the next generation Sign up for Shawn's newsletter and podcast -- Human Algorithm here. #UnsoldPodcast #PersonalBranding #B2BCreators #Storytelling #AuthenticMarketing

    56 min
  5. Talking B2B Events with ExchangeWire's Grainne Reid - Unsold Podcast

    03/05/2025

    Talking B2B Events with ExchangeWire's Grainne Reid - Unsold Podcast

    In this episode of The Unsold Podcast, we dive deep into the world of B2B tech events with Grainne Reid, Head of Marketing at ExchangeWire—one of the most recognized names in media, marketing, and commerce. Events have long been a hub for networking, education, and deal-making, but how are they evolving in the digital-first world? What does it take to plan and execute a global flagship event? And with rising expectations from attendees and sponsors, how do event marketers adapt to industry shifts while maintaining quality and engagement? Grainne brings her insights from running ExchangeWire’s flagship ATS events in London, Singapore, and Tokyo, shedding light on event marketing, planning challenges, sponsorship strategies, and the future of industry events. Key Talking Points: ✅ How B2B tech events have evolved and why networking is more critical than ever ✅ The planning process behind global events—from agenda setting to sponsor relationships ✅ Regional differences in event culture—what works in London might not work in Singapore or Tokyo ✅ The metrics that define event success—from attendee engagement to sponsorship ROI ✅ The shift from long-form events to shorter, more impact-driven formats ✅ The future of industry events—trends, challenges, and the balance between in-person and digital experiences Tune in for a deep-dive into the world of B2B events and what it takes to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. Want to appear as a guest or suggest an industry leader to appear on The Unsold Podcast? Write to sv@teamawts.com #UnsoldPodcast #B2BMarketing #EventMarketing #TechConferences #SaaSMarketing

    51 min

  6. 12/27/2024

    Talking Digital Transformation Challenges with Zoho’s Bharath Kumar - Unsold Podcast

    When I witnessed Bharath Kumar's keynote about why digital transformation fails, I knew this conversation needed to happen. As a B2B SaaS content marketer, I'm always searching for authentic perspectives on technology adoption, and Bharath's deep understanding of transformation challenges immediately resonated. Recorded on a rainy Chennai morning over steaming coffee, this episode cuts through the usual tech jargon to deliver real insights. Bharath, who heads Marketing & CX at Zoho Creator Platforms, shares fascinating stories – from helping local governments manage vaccination drives to empowering farmers with custom tech solutions. His cricket team analogies and food court examples make complex concepts remarkably accessible, while his frontline experience with organizations of all sizes adds invaluable perspective to the digital transformation conversation. In this episode, we explore: The evolution and current state of digital transformationFour key reasons why transformation projects failThe critical role of organizational culture in digital adoptionHow no-code platforms are democratising technologySuccess stories from diverse industries, from government initiatives to farmingThe impact of AI on low-code/no-code platformsFuture trends in digital transformation  How to reach the host and the guest of the podcast: Santhosh Venkatesh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/santhosh-venkatesh-awts/ Bharath Kumar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bharathkumarb-marketer/ Learn about practical approaches to implementing digital transformation, including starting small, building centres of excellence, and measuring success through customer, business, and employee metrics. Whether you're a business leader, technology professional, or someone interested in organizational change, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating digital transformation successfully. #unsoldpodcast #DigitalTransformation #Technology #Leadership #ZohoCreator #BusinessStrategy

    39 min

  7. 11/19/2024

    Product or Brand? Talking Differentiation Strategies with Ranudi and Joe - Unsold Podcast

    In this episode of the Unsold Podcast, host Santhosh Venkatesh is joined by Joe Daniels, a brand and positioning expert, and Ranudi Jayasinghe, a product marketer, to tackle one of the most debated topics in B2B SaaS: brand differentiation vs. product differentiation. With the crowded SaaS landscape, businesses often struggle to stand out. Joe and Ranudi share their insights on how companies can leverage both product and brand to create a distinct market presence. Whether you’re a product marketer, brand strategist, or business leader, this episode offers actionable advice on building a memorable and impactful brand. Talking Points: Defining Differentiation: Joe and Ranudi explain what brand and product differentiation mean for B2B SaaS companies.Product vs. Brand Focus: When should a company emphasise product features versus brand storytelling?The Buyer’s Perspective: How do buyers perceive and respond to product and brand differences?Challenges of Product Differentiation: Why it’s difficult to create a truly unique product in today’s competitive landscape.The Power of Brand: How a strong brand can create a shortlist effect and influence buyers even before the product is evaluated.Integrating Brand and Product Marketing: The importance of combining product features with brand values to form a cohesive strategy.Convincing Stakeholders: Tips for getting buy-in from founders and leaders on the importance of brand and product marketing.The Role of Data and AI: How advancements in technology and AI are changing product development and differentiation strategies. #BrandDifferentiation #ProductDifferentiation #B2BSaaS #ProductMarketing #BrandStrategy #SaaSMarketing #UnsoldPodcast #Positioning #B2BMarketing

    51 min

  8. 11/04/2024

    Reaching the Indian Consumer Through Digital Ads with Rudhreesh Kapur

    In this insightful episode of the Unsold Podcast, host Santhosh Venkatesh talks to Rudhreesh Kapur, National Sales Director at JioAds, about the intricacies of digital advertising, the evolution of the Indian consumer market, and the strategies brands must adopt to stay relevant. Rudhreesh throws light on the challenges of capturing user attention, the power of contextual advertising, and how digital platforms in India are positioning themselves against global giants like Google and Meta. With a wealth of knowledge across digital and traditional advertising, he shares actionable insights for brands looking to leverage India's rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Talking Points: Digital Ad Sales and Contextual Advertising: Understanding the role of context in capturing user attention and driving conversions.Consumer Attention and Fragmentation: How the shift from traditional media to digital has made consumer attention fragmented and complex to capture.Data-Driven Advertising: Using data to understand user behaviour and adapt marketing messages across different platforms.Rise of Connected TV and Smart Devices: New ad formats and opportunities with connected TV, offering brands large-screen, context-driven ad placements.Competition with Global Giants: Challenges and opportunities for Indian platforms in a market dominated by Google and Meta.Quick Commerce Evolution: The rapid rise of quick commerce and its impact on consumer expectations and retail behaviour.India’s Unique Consumer Market: How Indian consumers are willing to pay for convenience but remain value-conscious across economic segments.Future of Digital Advertising in India: The need for integrated strategies combining TV, digital, and emerging tech to reach diverse audiences effectively. Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santhosh-venkatesh-awts/ Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudhreesh-k-53930138/ Show producer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gowthamkashyap/ #DigitalAdvertising #ContextualAdvertising #ConsumerInsights #JioAds #ConnectedTV #AdTech #QuickCommerce #IndianMarket #DigitalMarketing #UnsoldPodcast

    2h 26m
See All (18)

About

Conversations about marketing and selling products to people in changing times.

Information

  • Creator
    unsold
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Unsold Podcast
  • Show Website
    Unsold Podcast