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

    From Garage to High Street: The Tailor Keeping a Dying Art Alive | Jacqueline Sealy

    What do you do when a 25-year career ends and you still can’t stop sewing? In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar visits Jacqueline Sealy at We Stitch & Fix, the alterations and tailoring shop she runs in the village of Datchet. Jacqueline trained at London College of Fashion from the age of 16. Her career took her from sample machinist to running a 40-strong sample room, and then back to London College of Fashion for 25 years. After taking redundancy, she started again from a converted garage, then moved into an empty former shop where one customer’s coat zip became the test that won over the whole village. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The pleated blouse at 13 that set her on this pathGoing for a machinist job and walking out a sample room supervisorWhy tailoring is a dying art, and why she’s training the next generationLeaving a three-hour daily commute for work-life balanceThe coat zip that earned her the village’s trustManaging a heavy workload by managing expectationsHer motto: under promise, over deliverWhether you’re thinking of turning a craft into a business or wondering whether it’s too late to go out on your own, this conversation shows what quality, communication and a bit of nerve can build. 🔗 Connect with Jacqueline Sealy & We Stitch & Fix  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westitchandfix 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinesealy 🌐 Website: https://www.westitchandfix.co.uk/ 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y4cG5MNL8x4 Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair. If you have a story to share and would like to be a Founder in the Chair, apply here:  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 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. Oct 17

    Back to Work Two Weeks After a C-Section | Shivani Thakur

    What happens when the business you built to make money becomes the thing that costs you time with your child? In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar sits down with Shivani Thakur, founder of Elite Laser and Beauty, who started her business at 21 and has spent the last decade building it while raising her son as a single mum. Shivani went back to work two weeks after a caesarean and rebuilt her entire clientele from her parents' outhouse, with her parents stepping in to help raise her son. She talks openly about what that season cost her, the healing she has done since her divorce, and why she now thinks about an exit every day. In this episode, you'll hear about: - Why Shivani doesn't recommend starting a business as a new mum - Rebuilding from scratch with a newborn, and the village that made it possible - The breakthrough after her divorce: "I should have left for me" - How her circle changed once she started setting boundaries - Going from a team of 11 to a team of 3, and why smaller has been better - Late cancellations and clients who don't see your business as a business - Planning an exit, and what comes next: content, community and life coaching Whether you're a parent building something of your own, a founder in the beauty industry, or someone rebuilding after a hard chapter, this conversation is an honest look at what it takes and what it costs. 🔗 Connect with Shivani Thakur & Elite Laser and Beauty 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeofshivanii 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeofshivanii 📸 Elite Laser and Beauty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elite.laserbeauty 🎵 Elite Laser and Beauty on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elite.laserbeauty 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ShivaniElite 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GPumu-M7c3A Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair. If you have a story to share and would like to be a Founder in the Chair, apply here: 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

  3. Aug 27

    Breaking Free From Cultural Expectations | Parm Elkington’s Story

    At just 15 years old, Parm Elkington ran away from home. By 17, she had entered an arranged marriage - beginning a journey shaped by cultural expectations, conformity and the pressure to follow a path chosen for her. After almost 10 years of marriage, Parm made the difficult decision to walk away and rebuild her life on her own terms. In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Parm speaks openly about divorce within the South Asian community, reconnecting with her identity and finding the confidence to make her own choices. She also shares how the unexpected end of her corporate career led her towards entrepreneurship, building a travel-based network marketing business and creating a community that encourages women to pursue greater independence. Parm isn’t telling her story from the top of the mountain. She is still building, learning and growing - openly sharing what life in the middle of the climb really looks like. In this episode: Running away from home at 15Entering an arranged marriage at 17Walking away after almost 10 yearsNavigating divorce and South Asian cultural expectationsRebuilding her relationship with her parentsStarting again after losing her corporate careerThe truth about network marketingWhy every woman should have a Plan BHelping South Asian women create greater independenceBuilding something her children can inheritWatch the full episode on YouTube now: https://youtu.be/Q3BZ5GMjC6U Connect with Parm Elkington ↓ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamparmelkington/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQT1gCX9c/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parmelkington ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@iamparmelkington Would you like to share your story on Founder in the Chair? 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. Aug 18

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Founder in the Chair
  • Show Website
    Founder in the Chair