Founder in the Chair

Veena
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

Founder in the Chair is more than just a podcast—it’s a platform where real stories meet real ambition.Every business has a beginning, but what truly drives an entrepreneur to take the leap? What fuels their resilience through the highs and lows? In each episode, we dive deep into the why behind the brand, uncovering the personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs of founders from all industries.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner looking for inspiration, or simply someone who loves hearing raw and honest stories of success, failure, and perseverance—this podcast is for you.Your story matters. Your journey is worth sharing. And Founder in the Chair is here to help you tell it.🎧 Tune in. Get inspired. Take your next step.

  1. 2d ago

    Turning Pain Into Powerful South Asian Stories | Ajit Mann

    In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena speaks with award-winning independent filmmaker Ajit Mann about turning pain into powerful South Asian stories. Ajit shares how he overcame financial struggles, career setbacks, the pandemic and the heartbreaking loss of his father before finally stopping waiting for permission and creating his own films. His latest short film, Dukh, confronts generational trauma, casteism, toxic masculinity and domestic abuse within Punjabi families. Ajit discusses the risks involved in telling such a sensitive story, screening the film at New Scotland Yard and the emotional moment survivors told him: “I felt seen and heard.” They also explore the realities of independent filmmaking, breaking generational cycles and why aspiring filmmakers don’t need expensive equipment or a university degree to get started. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/PcQ9A0uiWFw Watch Dukh for free: 🎬 Indie Crib: https://indiecrib.com/watch/66f76cc4-2dcc-424a-be34-72cb3a09f4c1 Support Ajit’s London Marathon fundraiser for Myeloma UK: 🏃 Fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ajit-mann Connect with Ajit Mann: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajitmannfilmmaker/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajitveer-mann-835794136/ ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mandkfilms Would you like to share your own story on Founder in the Chair? Apply to become a guest: 🎙️ Guest application: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.   Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

  2. Aug 7

    Are You Parenting From Your Beliefs - or Your Mother’s? | Su Pattni

    What if the way you parent isn’t coming from your own beliefs, but from patterns you inherited? In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena speaks with Su Pattni, founder of The Recoded Woman and a neuroscience coach with over 25 years of experience in personal development. After becoming a mother, Su began recognising the beliefs and behaviours she had unconsciously inherited from previous generations. She realised that unless she addressed them, those same patterns could be passed on to her daughter. Su shares how women can identify their conditioning, reconnect with their own values and create healthier relationships with their children - without blaming the generations that came before them. In this episode, they discuss: How inherited patterns influence the way we parentRecognising when a belief isn’t truly your ownBreaking generational cycles without blaming your motherTeaching children boundaries, autonomy and self-worthWhy changing yourself can transform the whole family dynamicSu’s experience helping coordinate Tony Robbins’ first event in MumbaiHow Su helps women through her 12-week programmeConnect with Su Pattni: 🌐 Website: https://www.supattni.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/su_pattni_neurosciencecoach/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@su.pattni Interested in sharing your founder story? 🎙️ Apply to be a guest: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej If Su’s story resonates with you, share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. Subscribe to Founder in the Chair for more honest conversations about entrepreneurship, adversity and the stories behind the success. #FounderInTheChair #GenerationalPatterns #PersonalDevelopment If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.   Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

  3. Jul 31

    Recovery Saved My Life | Navraj Dhesi’s Story

    In this deeply personal episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena sits down with Navraj Dhesi - co-founder of Nekta Drinks and founder of No More Pretending. Navraj shares his journey from alcohol dependency and suicidal thoughts at the age of 29 to achieving 14 years of sobriety. He opens up about reaching rock bottom, the reality of recovery and the often-overlooked impact addiction has on the entire family. The conversation also explores the stigma surrounding alcohol harm within Punjabi and wider South Asian communities, and why more honest conversations are desperately needed. Navraj explains how his lived experience inspired him to co-found Nekta - an alcohol-free drink designed to stand on its own rather than imitate alcohol - and establish No More Pretending, an organisation supporting families and communities affected by alcohol-related harm. He also discusses the reality of building a purpose-led business alongside a full-time cybersecurity career, recovery and family life - and why no successful founder is ever truly self-made. In this episode:  Navraj’s journey from alcohol dependency to 14 years sober  The hidden impact of addiction on families  Alcohol stigma within South Asian communities  Turning lived experience into a mission to help others  Creating an alcohol-free drink that doesn’t imitate alcohol  Building a purpose-led brand alongside work and family  Why every founder needs a strong support network Connect with Nekta Website: https://www.nektadrinks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nekta.drinks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nekta.drinks Connect with No More Pretending Website: https://www.nomorepretending.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-more-pretending Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomore_pretending/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nomore_pretending Content note: This episode contains discussions of alcohol dependency, addiction and suicidal thoughts. Interested in joining Veena on Founder in the Chair? If you’re a founder with an honest story, valuable lessons and experiences that could inspire others, apply to become a guest: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.   Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

  4. Jul 30

    From a Council Estate to a Seven-Figure Marketing Agency - Rick Parmar

    From completing paper rounds at 12 years old to building an award-winning seven-figure performance marketing agency, Rick Parmar’s journey proves that where you start does not determine where you finish. In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena speaks with the founder of Disturb Digital about growing up on a council estate in northwest London, how his early work experiences shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and why corporate life eventually left him feeling creatively restricted. Rick shares practical lessons on generating sales, choosing the right business idea and building a complete digital marketing strategy. He also explains why relying solely on word of mouth or organic social media can limit growth - and why founders should test their ideas before spending months perfecting logos and branding. In this episode: How Rick went from paper rounds to a seven-figure agencyWhy he walked away from corporate lifeThe marketing mistakes holding businesses backHow to choose a business that matches your interests and talentsWhy speed and customer feedback matter more than perfect brandingConnect with Rick Parmar: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rick.parmar/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickparmar 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickparmar/ Connect with Disturb Digital: 🌐 Website: https://disturbdigital.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disturbdigital/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@disturbdigital 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disturb-digital/ Interested in sharing your founder story? 🎙️ Apply to join Founder in the Chair: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.   Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

  5. Jul 18

    Everyone Laughed at Her Idea... Now It's an Award-Winning Global Brand

    Who would have thought that a simple roti could change someone’s life? In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena Nayyar sits down with Sophia Choudry, founder of Rotibox, to uncover the story behind a product that many people initially laughed at. Sophia shares the reality of spending four years developing her idea, pushing through doubt and rejection, and remaining committed to a vision that others couldn’t yet see. They discuss the challenges of product development, the resilience required to build something from scratch and what it takes to keep believing when success is far from guaranteed. This is an honest and inspiring conversation about innovation, perseverance and turning a seemingly simple idea into a business with the potential to change lives. Connect with Sophia and discover Rotibox: 🌐 Sophia’s Website: https://sophiakchoudry.com 🌐 Rotibox Website: https://rotibox.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-k-choudry/ 📸 Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophia.k.choudry/ 📸 Rotibox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rotiboxofficial/ 📘 Rotibox Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rotiboxofficial/ 🎵 Rotibox TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rotiboxofficial If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.   Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

  6. Jan 26

    From Deep Loss to Inner Power: A Founder’s Journey of Healing

    What happens when life forces you to stop, walk away, and truly listen to yourself? In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena Nayyar is joined by Sonali, founder of Lilac Rose Designs - a brand identity strategist who blends deep strategy with intuition, alignment, and self-trust. Sonali’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning how to trust herself again - not just in business, but in life. Through loss, healing, and deep inner work, she rebuilt her confidence and created a business that reflects who she truly is. Episode Highlights Walking away from a wedding the day before - and choosing herselfNavigating grief, loss, and healing after a stillbirthHow intuition and inner work reshaped her confidence and boundariesWhy branding starts with identity, not logos or visualsHelping women stop shrinking and show up aligned and empoweredBuilding a business rooted in self-trust, truth, and lived experienceThis conversation is a powerful reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, you can take back control, trust yourself again, and build a life and business that truly reflects who you are. Connect with Sonali: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilacrosedesignsuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilacrosedesignsuk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonali-tank-lilac-rose-designs Website: https://www.lilacrosedesigns.co.uk Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair. If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.   Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

  7. Jan 19

    Designing Homes That Actually Make You Feel Calm

    What makes a home feel calm, timeless, and truly personal? In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar sits down with London-based interior designer Shivli Marothia, founder of Shivli Marothia Interiors, to explore what thoughtful design really means beyond trends, Pinterest boards, and quick fixes. Shivli shares her journey into interior design after becoming a mother, why intention matters more than excitement when renovating, and how designers and clients must build mutual respect for successful projects. She also explains why not every project is the right fit - and why saying no can be just as important as saying yes. This conversation is a must-listen for homeowners, creatives, and founders who believe that spaces should support real life, not just look good online. In this episode, we cover: Why great interior design starts with intention, not trendsThe biggest mistakes people make when renovating their homesWhy excitement can lead to costly design decisionsThe importance of trust between designer and clientHow to create spaces that feel calm, balanced, and lived inAdvice for women building businesses while raising families🎧 Listen now and discover how design can bring beauty, ease, and meaning into everyday life. Connect with Shivli Marothia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivlimarothiainteriors Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4to311S9/?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivli-marothia-5a3276275 Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair. If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.   Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

  8. Jan 5

    Your Home Should Work for You: The Founder Bringing AI Into Everyday Living

    What if your home could think, adapt, and work around your life - not the other way around? In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar sits down with Mandy, founder of Akea Homes, to explore a journey that began over a decade ago in India and evolved into a bold vision for modern living in London. From commercial and residential real estate to smart automation, interior design, and hospitality-led thinking, Mandy shares how one small frustration sparked a business built around people, purpose, and smarter spaces. Together, they unpack what it really means to design homes that serve human life — not just technology. This conversation goes beyond property and AI. It’s about resilience, mindset, meditation, and the discipline required to keep going when expectations are high and the pressure builds. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Building a founder journey across countries and culturesWhy smart homes should be human-first, not tech-firstThe role of meditation and spirituality in leadershipDesigning homes, hotels, and spaces that truly work for peopleHow vision, discipline, and purpose shape long-term successWhether you’re a founder, creative, or someone curious about the future of living, this episode offers insight, perspective, and grounded inspiration. 🔗 Connect with Mandy & Akea Homes 🌐 Website: https://www.akeahomes.co.uk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akeahomes 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@akeahomes 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/akea-homes Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair. If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.   Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

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About

Founder in the Chair is more than just a podcast—it’s a platform where real stories meet real ambition.Every business has a beginning, but what truly drives an entrepreneur to take the leap? What fuels their resilience through the highs and lows? In each episode, we dive deep into the why behind the brand, uncovering the personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs of founders from all industries.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner looking for inspiration, or simply someone who loves hearing raw and honest stories of success, failure, and perseverance—this podcast is for you.Your story matters. Your journey is worth sharing. And Founder in the Chair is here to help you tell it.🎧 Tune in. Get inspired. Take your next step.

Information

  • Creator
    Veena
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Founder in the Chair
  • Show Website
    Founder in the Chair