Gaining Conversations Podcast

Gaining Conversations

Gaining Conversations is a podcast about personal finance. Hosted by me, Ravi Kumar, co-founder of Gaining Ground Investment Services. In Gaining Conversations, I talk to financial experts about business matters, personal finance, and how they think about investing. If you're interested in learning about finance, meeting your financial goals, and achieving financial freedom, Gaining Conversations is the podcast destination for you. I look forward to your listenership, ideas, and any other feedback you may have to help us improve Gaining Conversations. 

Episodes

  1. Gaining Conversations Episode 7 with Shridatta Bhandwaldar

    FEB 26

    Gaining Conversations Episode 7 with Shridatta Bhandwaldar

    Compounding in equity markets sounds simple — stay invested and let time do the work. But in reality, markets are non-linear, earnings move in cycles, and investor behaviour often destroys long-term wealth. In this episode of Gaining Conversations, I sit down with Shridatta Bhandwaldar, Head of Equities at Canara Robeco Mutual Fund, who manages over ₹1 lakh crore in assets and brings nearly two decades of market experience. This is not a stock-picking conversation. It is a framework conversation. We discuss: Why business quality matters more while selecting equities.How to differentiate between a fast-growing company and a true compounding businessWhat earns a stock the right to become a top position in a portfolioHow fund managers handle high growth but expensive valuationsThe biggest behaviour that silently destroys compounding for retail investorsWhy equities are a non-linear asset class — and what that means for youHow to separate macro “noise” from structural signalsOne powerful takeaway from the conversation: Compounding is not about smooth returns. It is about having the patience to stay through non-linearity. If you are an investor looking to build long-term wealth through equity funds — this episode will sharpen your thinking. About the Guest Shridatta Bhandwaldar is the Head of Equities at Canara Robeco Mutual Fund. He has been with the firm since 2016 and has nearly 19 years of experience in equity markets. His investment philosophy emphasizes earnings durability, capital efficiency, and disciplined risk management. About Gaining Conversations Gaining Conversations is a podcast focused on personal finance, investing frameworks, and building long-term wealth with clarity and discipline.  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. All opinions expressed by the Host and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Gaining Ground Investment Services. This podcast does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security or to adopt any investment strategy. The content discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the loss of principal. Listeners should seek professional financial, legal, tax, and investment advice before making investment decisions. The host or the company Gaining Ground Investment Services is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from using this information. This podcast is hosted by Ravi Kumar. contact us on ravi@ggindia.com Support the show by leaving us a review and rating.

    36 min
  2. 07/16/2025

    Gaining Conversations Episode 6 with Cheenu Gupta

    In this episode of Gaining Conversations, I talk with Cheenu Gupta, Senior Vice President and Fund Manager at HSBC Mutual Fund who manages around Rs.25,000 crores across various equity and hybrid schemes.  In this conversation, Cheenu takes us through her journey as a fund manager, offering a glimpse into how she identifies and evaluates companies in the growth phase with strong execution capabilities as part of her portfolio strategy. She shares her conviction in the wealth-creation potential of midsize Indian companies, especially in the context of India’s favourable demographics and structural tailwinds. To wrap up, Cheenu leaves us with not one but three book recommendations that she believes every investor should read. I am certain you will immensely enjoy listening to my conversation with Cheenu Gupta.  #GainingConversations #newpodcast #CheenuGupta #wealthcreation #midcapinvesting #fundmanager #planwelllivebetter Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. All opinions expressed by the Host and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Gaining Ground Investment Services. This podcast does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security or to adopt any investment strategy. The content discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the loss of principal. Listeners should seek professional financial, legal, tax, and investment advice before making investment decisions. The host or the company Gaining Ground Investment Services is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from using this information. This podcast is hosted by Ravi Kumar. contact us on ravi@ggindia.com Support the show by leaving us a review and rating.

    21 min
  3. 02/13/2025

    Gaining Conversations Episode 4 with Swarup Mohanty

    In this episode of Gaining Conversations, I talk with Swarup Mohanty, Vice Chairman and CEO at Mirae Asset Investment Managers India. In my conversation with Swarup, we talked about long-term equity investing through mutual funds, the role of the advisor/distributor in the journey of the client's wealth creation and the purpose of investing. Swarup gives us his book recommendation.  I truly appreciate Swarup’s wisdom, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy listening to our conversation.  I'll be back with the next instalment of Gaining Conversations very soon.  Swarup's recommended reads: Passport to Profits – by Mark Mobius https://www.markmobius.com/books/passport-to-profits Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. All opinions expressed by the Host and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Gaining Ground Investment Services. This podcast does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security or to adopt any investment strategy. The content discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the loss of principal. Listeners should seek professional financial, legal, tax, and investment advice before making investment decisions. The host or the company Gaining Ground Investment Services is not responsible for any errors or omissions or the results obtained from using this information. This podcast is hosted by Ravi Kumar. contact us on ravi@ggindia.com Support the show by leaving us a review and rating. This podcast is hosted by Ravi Kumar. contact us on ravi@ggindia.com Support the show by leaving us a review and rating.

    30 min
  4. Gaining Conversations Episode 3 with Madanagopal Ramu

    01/27/2025

    Gaining Conversations Episode 3 with Madanagopal Ramu

    In this episode of Gaining Conversations, I talk with Madanagopal Ramu, the head of equity and fund manager at Sundaram Alternates, who manages around 3,500 Crores.  In my conversation with Madan, we talked about long-term equity investing through alternates, the power of compounding that shapes the wealth creation. Madan helps us understand how he makes his stock selection and his investing framework.  Madan gives us his book recommendations: not one, but two books he thinks will help investors.  Madan was incredibly generous with his time and thoughts. I thank him for it. I am sure you will enjoy listening to my conversation with Madanagopal Ramu.  I'll be back with the next instalment of Gaining Conversations very soon. Madan’s recommended reads: Chip War – by Chris MillerThe almanak of Naval Ravikant – by Eric JorgensonDisclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. All opinions expressed by the Host and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Gaining Ground Investment Services. This podcast does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security or to adopt any investment strategy. The content discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the loss of principal. Listeners should seek professional financial, legal, tax, and investment advice before making investment decisions. The host or the company Gaining Ground Investment Services is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from using this information. This podcast is hosted by Ravi Kumar. contact us on ravi@ggindia.com Support the show by leaving us a review and rating.

    47 min
  5. Funding Dreams : A practical guide to investing for Children

    11/13/2024

    Funding Dreams : A practical guide to investing for Children

    Welcome to today’s special episode of Gaining Conversations, where we dive into a topic close to every parent's heart—investing in their child's future. On the occasion of Children’s Day, Tulasi, a mother of young kids herself, engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Kshitija, co-founder of Gaining Ground Investment Services. Kshitija brings her vast experience of helping over 100 families set and achieve their financial goals, combined with her personal journey as a mother of a 20-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son. Together, they discuss practical strategies for parents to secure their children’s futures, from goal-setting to flexible investments, avoiding common pitfalls, and even navigating real estate vs. financial assets. If you're a parent looking for practical advice on how to start planning and investing for your child’s dreams, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn from both the professional insights and personal experiences of two mothers who have walked this journey themselves! Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. All opinions expressed by the Host and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Gaining Ground Investment Services. This podcast does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security or to adopt any investment strategy. The content discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the loss of principal. Listeners should seek professional financial, legal, tax, and investment advice before making investment decisions. The host or the company Gaining Ground Investment Services is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from using this information. This podcast is hosted by Ravi Kumar. contact us on ravi@ggindia.com Support the show by leaving us a review and rating.

    15 min
  6. Gaining Conversations Episode 1 with Varun Sharma

    10/14/2024

    Gaining Conversations Episode 1 with Varun Sharma

    In this episode of Gaining Conversations, our first, I talk with Mr Varun Sharma. Varun has recently joined the investment team at Motilal Oswal as Executive Group Vice President after spending 10 years with Franklin Templeton. He began his career in 2010 with ICICI Securities. Varun has an MBA from IIM Calcutta. Furthermore, Varun has written a book entitled Valuation Asymmetry. In Valuation Asymmetry, among other things, Varun shares insights on how to value what we call new economy companies - the technology and internet companies. I really enjoyed the book and cannot recommend it enough.  In my conversation with Varun we talk about growth opportunities for the digital companies in India. We also get into what Varun thinks about his new fund - Motilal Oswal Digital India Fund. Then Varun helps us to understand how India's digital companies are in hyper growth mode. Finally, Varun gives us his book recommendations: not one, but two books that he thinks will help investors.  Varun was extremely generous with his time and thoughts. I thank him for it. I am certain you will immensely enjoy listening to my conversation with Varun Sharma.  I'll be back with the next installment of Gaining Conversations very soon. Meanwhile, I invite you to check out Varun Sharma’s book, Valuation Asymmetry, here: https://www.amazon.in/Valuation-Asymmetry-Reliable-Framework-companies-ebook/dp/B0DD5C239Q Varun Sharma’s recommended reads: Antifragile -by Nicolas TalebFortune's Formula - by William Poundstone.Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. All opinions expressed by the Host and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Gaining Ground Investment Services. This podcast does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security or to adopt any investment strategy. The content discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the loss of principal. Listeners should seek professional financial, legal, tax, and investment advice before making investment decisions. The host or the company Gaining Ground Investment Services is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from using this information. This podcast is hosted by Ravi Kumar. contact us on ravi@ggindia.com Support the show by leaving us a review and rating.

    25 min

About

Gaining Conversations is a podcast about personal finance. Hosted by me, Ravi Kumar, co-founder of Gaining Ground Investment Services. In Gaining Conversations, I talk to financial experts about business matters, personal finance, and how they think about investing. If you're interested in learning about finance, meeting your financial goals, and achieving financial freedom, Gaining Conversations is the podcast destination for you. I look forward to your listenership, ideas, and any other feedback you may have to help us improve Gaining Conversations.