The Brand Called You

In this episode of The Brand Called You, host Frits Bussemaker sits down with Mark Schuurman, Co-Founder of NGO 3x3 Unites and co-founder of Guts, to dive into the world of 3x3 basketball and its power to unite communities and empower youth. Marc shares his inspiring journey from grassroots development in Dutch basketball to building a sustainable impact through 3x3 Unites. Discover how basketball is changing lives, creating jobs, and offering new opportunities for young people across the Netherlands.Learn about the ethos and growth of 3x3 basketball, the bumps along the road, and the story behind the Netherlands' Olympic gold in Paris! Marc also discusses the organization's focus on life skills development and how success is measured in terms of sustainable impact and community growth.

Join us for an insightful episode of The Brand Called You, where Ashutosh Garg hosts Pawan Kumar Marella, former Vice President of Marketing at Unilever, author of Dear Rookie, Don’t Panic, and founder of Learnity Labs. Pawan takes us through his remarkable journey from engineering to global marketing leadership, sharing hard-earned lessons in brand building, leadership, and personal growth across emerging and frontier markets.Learn how patience, frugal innovation, and deep respect for consumer realities shape successful branding strategies. Pawan also explores the power of ruthless clarity in leadership, essential capabilities for modern marketers, the role of AI, and practical guidance for young professionals starting their careers. Additionally, he offers valuable advice on building a strong reputation, cultivating a network, and balancing technical and soft skills for lasting success.Don’t miss these career-transforming insights from one of the most influential voices in global marketing and leadership!

Dr. Stephen Shaya shares his remarkable journey in global healthcare, servant leadership, and creating meaningful impact across multiple sectors. In this conversation, he reflects on the evolution of J&B Medical, his ventures in biotechnology, sports media, and technology, and the guiding philosophy of radical abundance and purposeful action.The discussion is enriched with stories of rare recognitions, family influence, and pressing global challenges—offering inspiration to anyone striving to make a meaningful difference.Origins as a family-owned businessGrowth into 19 business enterprisesImpact: Reaching over 260 million Americans through insurance contracts and 200 million through pharmacy servicesGlobal operations across 28 countries and 49 U.S. statesTelemedicine, mental health screenings, and connections between animal and human healthSuicide prevention impact through early mental health screening programsAkkad Holdings: Mission-driven investments in biotech, sports media, and technology

Join host Stephen Ibaraki in this deeply insightful episode of TBCY as he welcomes back Justin Breen, Co-Founder of Corvia.AI and author of the upcoming book Epic Journey. In this dynamic conversation, Justin shares the wisdom and patterns he has gained over two years of personal growth, spiritual awakening, and creative transformation since their last interview.Explore how Justin views the world through the lens of healing, manifesting, and heart-driven leadership. They discuss the concept of being a “manifester,” the importance of addressing trauma, and a unique formula for transcending fear and materialism to achieve true healing and higher purpose.Packed with profound insights on consciousness, overcoming life’s challenges, and combining logic with heart-centered decision-making, this episode offers valuable guidance for entrepreneurs, creative leaders, and anyone on their own epic journey. Prepare to expand your perspective and be inspired to transform your life.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Sabrina Hsueh, AI Enablement and External Innovation Lead at Pfizer, as she shares her journey from being one of the first girls in a gifted program in Taiwan to pioneering AI advancements in healthcare and life sciences at industry leaders like IBM and Pfizer. Hosted by Stephen Ibaraki, this episode dives deep into Dr. Hsueh’s milestones, from her educational path across Taiwan, UC Berkeley, and the University of Edinburgh, to her hands-on innovation and leadership through startups and global organizations such as ACM.You’ll learn how Dr. Hsueh has shaped the intersection of AI, machine learning, and healthcare, and gain her perspective on responsible AI governance, productization, and adoption. Discover exclusive insights on the future of agentic AI, the role of women in tech, and the critical importance of public-private partnerships in shaping AI’s impact on society.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Mary Inman, Partner at Whistleblower Partners LLP and Board Member of the nonprofit PSST.org. With over 30 years of experience, Mary shares her journey supporting whistleblowers worldwide and explains the crucial role they play in society as “canaries in the coal mine.”In this episode of The Brand Called You, hosted by Frits Bussemaker, you’ll discover:The legal and cultural definitions of whistleblowers and the stigma they face.How whistleblowers are matched with government agencies, and how reward programs work.Stories from high-profile cases like Theranos and Uber.The importance of psychosocial support and building supportive whistleblower communities.Mary’s personal motivation, challenges, and advice for aspiring whistleblower lawyers.

How can women break free from family guilt, embrace their inner strength, and lead authentically in both the workplace and at home?In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Mita Chaudhury, a transformation coach and social entrepreneur, to explore the deep connections between personal values and professional success.Drawing from her extensive experience with the Taj Group and Tupperware, as well as her work empowering thousands of women, Mita Chaudhury discusses the importance of self-belief, financial independence, emotional intelligence, and leading with empathy.If you’re a woman seeking inspiration to balance home and career—or an ally looking to foster inclusive leadership—this conversation is filled with actionable wisdom and honest insights.Discover why authentic leadership begins as an “inner game,” how personal pain can evolve into purpose, and what it takes to create a meaningful legacy for the next generation.

The Brand Called You, featuring Benoy Tamang, President & CEO of Blueriver Direct, hosted by Ashutosh Garg, explores the realities of leadership, coaching, and founder challenges.Benoy shares:Pivotal moments and failures that shaped his leadership philosophyStories from coaching CEOs and foundersHow to distinguish real leadership from authority (and why first-time founders often get it wrong)Early signs of misaligned leadership teams—even when results look positivePractical advice for leaders navigating board pressures and uncertaintyWhy believing in yourself is the ultimate leadership lesson

In this episode, host Stephen Ibaraki interviews Florian Kemmerich, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Human Planet.Florian shares his inspiring journey at the intersection of impact investing, humanitarian work, and AI-driven innovation.He discusses the challenges and opportunities involved in mobilizing capital for purpose-driven initiatives, shares case studies about refugee impact bonds, and explains how Human Planet bridges the gap between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.Discover Florian’s vision for using business, leadership, and capital as forces for good, along with insights from his book and practical advice for NGOs, corporations, and investors.Whether you are passionate about social impact, sustainable finance, AI’s disruptive potential, or aligning purpose with your profession, this thoughtful conversation offers valuable insights and strategies.

Join us for an enthralling episode of The Brand Called You, where host Ashutosh Garg explores the imaginative world of acclaimed Pennsylvania-based author Richard Spegal. Hear how his military service shaped both his worldview and his writing, why he believes adult fantasy readers are often overlooked, and the profound themes woven into his popular trilogies, Eternal Nights and Wolves and Ravens. From the challenges of immortality to forbidden love and moral ambiguity, this conversation dives deep into what lies beneath the surface of supernatural fiction—and the thought-provoking questions it raises about humanity. If you enjoy compelling storytelling with strong, relatable characters, this episode is not to be missed!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Brand Called You! In this conversation, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Josh Epperson, senior manager of Organizational Development at Amazon and author of "Bacon, Bots and Teamwork: How to Orchestrate Success When Agents Join Your Team."Josh shares the story behind his book’s unique title and dives into the powerful “bacon moment” that transformed his perspective on work, teamwork, and leveraging AI agents. This episode explores why middle managers are under unique pressure, the pitfalls of getting stuck in execution mode, and why stepping back can lead to the biggest breakthroughs.Josh breaks down the crucial differences between humans and AI agents, explains common misconceptions about AI, and reveals what leaders must do to successfully integrate AI into their workflows without losing a sense of identity or relevance. If you’re curious about the future of work, human-AI collaboration, and how to future-proof your approach to leadership, this episode is for you!

Join us in this insightful episode as Aditi Kumar sits down with Willy Boulter, a globetrotting airline consultant, advisor, and author. With over 40 years of experience, Willy shares candid stories covering military leadership lessons, adapting to the airline industry's unique demands, team building, motivation, global citizenship, and cross-cultural experiences.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Brand Called You!In this conversation, host Stephen Ibaraki reconnects with his long-time colleague and friend, Richard Longworth, author of Becoming Whole in a Fractured World. Richard shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey—from his early days in Manchester, England, through a distinguished academic career in Canada, to his current passion for empowering Generation Z.Discover Richard’s unique insights on philosophy, education, and technology—including how he helps Gen Z navigate mental health challenges and the rapidly evolving world of AI and Python programming. Through stories of innovation, collaboration, and community building, this episode is packed with wisdom for educators, technologists, and anyone committed to making a positive difference.What you’ll learn in this episode:Richard’s personal and professional inflection pointsThe evolution of technology education in CanadaHow Richard co-writes with Gen Z for Gen ZThe pedagogy behind his upcoming book, Python for BenefitBuilding intergenerational bridges through technology and community

In this inspiring episode of The Brand Called You, host Lisa Lipkin sits down with Miryam Kabakov, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Eshel—the largest organization supporting LGBTQ+ Orthodox Jewish individuals and their families.Miryam shares her powerful journey of growing up in an Orthodox Jewish environment while keeping her sexuality a secret. She discusses the complexities and struggles faced by LGBTQ+ members within Orthodox communities, what it means to live authentically, and how Eshel is creating safe spaces and fostering acceptance.This honest conversation covers:Jewish texts and their interpretations regarding LGBTQ+ identitiesFamily reconciliation and the evolving process of coming outChallenges and successes in educating religious leaders and communitiesThe importance of integrating LGBTQ+ individuals into Orthodox life without losing connection to faith

In this enlightening episode of The Brand Called You, host Frits Bussemaker sits down with Frank Wouters, Chairman MENA at Hydrogen Alliance and a renowned “green hydrogen evangelist.”Discover Frank’s inspiring journey from renewable energy projects in Africa to leading major clean energy initiatives in Abu Dhabi. He discusses the future of green hydrogen, the challenges of energy infrastructure, the role of politics and geopolitics, and why the Middle East is uniquely positioned to lead the green energy revolution.Frank also shares candid insights into career setbacks, leadership during tough times, and how to navigate a passion-driven career in the energy sector.This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainable energy, leadership lessons, and real-world insights from a global energy transition leader.

In this episode, host Lisa Lipkin sits down with Gazit Chaya Nkosi—nervous system educator, SSP provider, and somatic parts work coach—to explore how we can rewire our brains for healing and connection.Gazit shares her deeply personal journey from struggling with depression to discovering transformation through neuroplasticity, polyvagal theory, and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).Together, they discuss:What it really means to retrain your brainHow trauma affects the nervous systemThe role of safety and connection in healingWhy storytelling and creativity are therapeutic tools

Join Stephen Ibaraki as he sits down with Dr. Caroline Chung, Vice President, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, and Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, for an inspiring conversation about transforming medicine through data, technology, and human-centered innovation.In this episode, Dr. Chung shares her incredible journey—from her early years as a second-generation Canadian to leading pioneering initiatives in oncology at UBC, Princess Margaret, and MD Anderson. Discover how her personal experiences, mentorship, and fearless approach to nonlinear career paths shaped her impact in medicine and data science.Career Inflection Points: How early life experiences and family inspired a mission-driven path in medicine.Precision Medicine & Innovation: Dr. Chung’s focus on brain tumors, quantitative imaging, and translational research.Leading Change: Creating multidisciplinary clinics, standardizing tumor measurement, and integrating AI in oncology.Data & Technology in Healthcare: Building enterprise-level data governance, exploring digital twins, and leveraging AI, HPC, and quantum computing.Future of Medicine: Overcoming challenges in interoperability, collaboration across sectors, and fostering the next generation of innovators.

In this inspiring episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY), host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Uma Subramanian, Founder of Limitless Leaders and a former leader at Microsoft.With nearly two decades of experience in the tech industry, Uma shares powerful insights on leadership, career growth, and the hidden challenges that many high-performing professionals face when transitioning into leadership roles.The conversation explores why mid-career is often the most overlooked stage of leadership development, and how talented professionals can overcome invisible barriers such as imposter syndrome, communication blind spots, and burnout.You’ll also discover practical strategies for building trust when managing former peers, developing emotional intelligence to navigate difficult conversations, and making your leadership impact visible beyond technical expertise.If you're a mid-career tech professional, aspiring leader, or someone looking to unlock greater leadership potential, this episode offers practical wisdom and actionable insights to help you grow.Watch the full episode to learn how to unlock your limitless leadership potential.

In this inspiring episode of The Brand Called You, hosts Lisa Lipkin and AG sit down with Fabienne Jacquet—the dynamic founder of InnovEve, award-winning author, former innovation leader at Colgate-Palmolive and International Flavors & Fragrances, and a passionate advocate for feminine energy in innovation.Fabienne shares the transformative journey behind her latest book, "Champagne and Apple Pie," revealing how her move from France to the United States—and later from New York to South Carolina—helped her discover authentic passion, balanced purpose, and the true alchemy of reinvention.She also discusses the importance of balancing masculine and feminine energies for sustainable innovation, embracing both strengths and passions, and making joy a strategic focus in life and work. Fabienne shares practical tools and her personal formula for “uncorking” a new chapter in life, blending scientific curiosity with real-world resilience.Whether you’re an expatriate, a career changer, or someone searching for more meaning and joy, this conversation offers encouragement, actionable insights, and a refreshing perspective on embracing your past while intentionally shaping your future.Grab your coffee (or some champagne), get ready for strategic joy, and discover what it truly means to reinvent yourself—wherever you are.

Welcome to The Brand Called You (TBCY)!In this insightful episode, host Ashutosh Garg interviews Dianne Chase, Principal and Founder of Chase Media and author of The 7 Cs of the New Communication Compass. With decades of experience in broadcast journalism, strategic communication, and crisis management, Dianne Chase shares her wisdom on what makes communication truly effective in business and leadership.Discover how the 7 Cs—Collaboration, Connection, Compassion, Cohesion, Community, Congruency, and Calibration—are essential to future-forward success. Dianne Chase discusses practical strategies, real-world anecdotes, and why compassion stands out as the cornerstone of meaningful leadership in the age of AI and rapid change.Tune in for actionable tips, leadership lessons, and inspiration to elevate your communication, build trust, and create cultures that thrive.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Salma Refass — researcher, artist, educator, and founder of Yadra & The Radical Commons.Broadcasting from Brussels, Salma shares her journey from studying economics during the 2008 financial crisis to reimagining public policy and creating spaces for radical knowledge.Discover why mainstream economics often fails to reflect real-world realities, how technocratic development models can become extractive, and why accessible knowledge and imagination are essential for genuine transformation.Salma also discusses the critical role of art as a parallel mode of inquiry and her vision for more ethical international cooperation, particularly for the Global South.Tune in for deep insights into shifting power dynamics in policy, gatekeeping in knowledge, and why hope and imagination are essential forces for a more just future

Cybersecurity is often perceived as merely a technical challenge. However, as JC Gaillard emphasizes in his insightful conversation with Ashutosh Garg, it encompasses leadership, governance, and business alignment. This episode explores common organizational pitfalls and highlights the strategic thinking necessary to safeguard businesses in an evolving threat landscape.01:01 – Leadership & Governance RealizationJC Gaillard shares his early realization at Rabobank in 2000 that cybersecurity is less about technology and more about “how and by whom” security is executed.Key Questions from the Interview (with Time-Stamped Insights)Transformation is often blocked by governance and leadership challenges, not technical limitations.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Brand Called You.Today, Ashutosh Garg sits down with Vedika Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Yein Udaan, a social entrepreneur creating meaningful change for children, youth, and women in Chennai’s urban communities.In this candid conversation, Vedika shares her journey of discovering social inequalities, the challenges of building trust in marginalized communities, and the importance of designing safe spaces for those most at risk.Learn how Yein Udaan balances structured education with emotional well-being, what resilience truly looks like, and how breaking generational cycles of trauma can transform lives.From practical insights on community engagement to powerful stories of hope and empowerment, this episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about social impact, education, and grassroots leadership.

In this episode, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Indrajit Lahiri, the founder of Foodka and Pickle Solutions Pvt. Ltd., to unravel the extraordinary journey of a food documentarian who bridges the worlds of IT, entrepreneurship, and Indian culinary storytelling.Indrajit shares insights on his transition from corporate IT to food documentation, why story always comes before food on his channel, and what makes Indian cuisine one of the most varied in the world. Dive into the nuances of regional recipes, disappearing traditions, and the importance of context—plus discover what makes Bengali and Northeastern cuisine so underrated and unique.Whether you're a food lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or cultural explorer, this episode offers wisdom on identity, storytelling, and the challenges facing Indian food today.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Darryl "DJ" Heffline, author of Shifting Gears in the Crossroads, to explore the tough moments of change we all face—both professionally and personally. Darryl "DJ" Heffline shares candid stories of entrepreneurship, overcoming setbacks, and the crucial importance of recognizing crossroads in life. Together, they dig into the psychological shifts, the challenge of letting go, and how to rebuild when you’re forced to pivot.Discover practical frameworks from DJ’s book, advice for leaders struggling with their identity, and the four essential “Fs” that serve as foundational pillars: faith, family, fitness, and finances. If you’re navigating transitions, feeling stuck, or seeking inspiration to “shift gears” in your own journey, this episode delivers fresh insights, relatable anecdotes, and actionable strategies for moving forward.

In this inspiring conversation, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Sophie Shah, the 16-year-old founder of Chronically Me. Sophie is a speaker, researcher, and patient advocate whose work spans healthcare innovation and global equity.She shares her personal journey with chronic illness, the challenges of navigating an often isolating healthcare system, and how she transformed her experiences into a platform that empowers thousands of patients worldwide.Discover how Sophie built a distributed ambassador network across five continents, developed a patient-centric health app, and continues to champion health equity. She also shares valuable lessons on leadership, scaling impact, and staying true to one’s mission.In addition, Sophie offers practical advice for young people who want to turn their lived experiences into meaningful systemic change.Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode filled with leadership insights and real-world impact.

Join us for a transformative conversation with Keenan L. McBride, author of VIRX-LEONATUS and Founder of Virx-Leonatus (VX) Culture. Hosted by Ashutosh Garg, this episode explores Keenan’s 30-year leadership journey, the profound influence of his father, and the principles behind the VX Culture philosophy.Discover why discipline, empathy, presence, and courtesy are not merely “soft skills” but powerful strategic advantages in business and life.Keenan explains the five pillars of the VX philosophy, the leadership lessons inspired by the lion, and why true authority is defined by quiet command rather than loud dominance.Whether you are a leader, aspiring leader, or someone rethinking organizational culture, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.The shift from operations to strategic leadershipLessons from overcoming early career challengesHow personal presence and image shape leadershipThe strategic value of courtesy and empathyBuilding organizational culture through the VX philosophyIn this episode:Practical ways to develop confident, authentic leadership

How can leaders embrace chaos, foster belonging, and find genuine meaning in their work?In this episode, Pierre du Plessis shares insights from his diverse career across fashion, advertising, branding, product design, strategy, and theology. He explains why strategy is about positioning, not just growth, and why embracing complexity and chaos is essential for true innovation.Pierre also delves into his research on loneliness and belonging, exploring the modern workplace, remote work, and what it truly takes to find meaning at work and in life. He offers practical wisdom on evolving leadership styles, the dangers of relentless growth, and the fundamental questions every leader should ask themselves to ensure personal and organizational wellbeing.

In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg welcomes Marcus Fontoura, Technical Fellow at Microsoft and author of “A Platform Mindset: Building a Culture of Collaboration.”Drawing on leadership roles at some of the world’s most influential tech companies—including Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, IBM Research, and StoneCo—Marcus shares his perspective on what truly defines a platform and why culture, trust, and collaboration are essential to achieving scale and innovation.You’ll learn:How Marcus’s experiences during Microsoft’s transformational era under Satya Nadella shaped his platform strategy.Why building high-performing engineering cultures is about behavioral change, not just technology.Practical leadership lessons for fostering collaboration, identifying when your company isn’t ready for a platform, and evolving the platform mindset in the AI-driven era.

Join us for a compelling episode of The Brand Called You, featuring entrepreneur, game developer, and author Jeroen Derwort.Hosted by Ashutosh Garg, this conversation explores Jeroen’s journey from a childhood spent programming alone in his attic to building the globally successful Online Soccer Manager (OSM) and later sharing his entrepreneurial lessons through his book Score! Online Soccer Manager: From the Attic to the Arena.In this candid discussion, Jeroen reflects on the real story behind startup success—covering leadership challenges, co-founder conflicts, stressful legal battles, and the personal experiences that shaped his perspective on entrepreneurship and life.This episode offers an honest look at the human side of building successful technology companies.

In this insightful conversation, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Osahon Akpata, CEO of CANEX Creations Inc., about transforming Africa’s creative economy and intellectual property into powerful global assets.Osahon shares his journey from finance and consulting to leading investments in Africa’s intellectual property–driven industries, offering deep insights into what it takes to build scalable creative businesses.The discussion explores the intersection of creativity, capital, and execution, highlighting how leaders can structure smart investments, build strategic partnerships, and unlock the long-term value of intellectual property.Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, creator, or business leader, this episode provides practical insights on navigating risk, building sustainable creative ventures, and connecting African talent with global markets.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Melbourne-based author Gabrielle Dolan, a global storytelling expert and author of Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI.Gabrielle shares her journey from corporate leadership to becoming a worldwide advocate for authentic storytelling, revealing why storytelling is not just a “soft skill” but a strategic leadership superpower. She also discusses how leaders can harness AI to enhance storytelling without losing authenticity, avoid common communication pitfalls, and inspire trust across their teams.Key Takeaways:Storytelling as a Leadership Superpower: Move beyond just sharing information—use stories to influence, engage, and connect with your audience.Authenticity Over Performance: Powerful stories come from clarity, honesty, and relevance, not exaggeration or theatrics.AI as a Creative Partner: Leverage AI for idea generation and refinement while keeping your authentic voice at the center of your storytelling.

In this insightful conversation, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Peter L. Swimm, Founder of Toilville LLC, a multidisciplinary agency transforming businesses into conversational AI powerhouses.Peter shares his unique journey through startups, global enterprises, and open communities, and offers a people-first perspective on building conversational AI. Learn why multidisciplinary teams, context, and human connection are critical for successful AI deployments, and how businesses can avoid common misconceptions.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How Peter’s early passion for human-centered technology shaped his career.What “multidisciplinary” really means in conversational AI.Why context and institutional knowledge are often missing in enterprise AI deployments.Real-world examples of solving AI misconceptions for clients.How to transition from isolated AI pilots to fully embedded business solutions.How NLU and generative AI work together in production-grade systems.The future of AI democratization, community-driven innovation, and emerging trends.Peter’s top three strategic questions for businesses starting their conversational AI journey.

Join host Ashutosh Garg as he speaks with Jake about the powerful metaphor behind sustainable growth, consistency, integrity, and navigating the complexities of modern life.Jake explains how his most meaningful roles — husband and father — have shaped his worldview and inspired his book Oak Logs & Gasoline. He explores why modern culture often pushes us toward “gasoline habits” — quick fixes and instant gratification — and how adopting “oak log practices” can lead to lasting fulfillment.From managing stress and discovering purpose to transforming solitude into strength, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking balance and deeper meaning in their lives.

In this episode, Ashutosh Garg sits down with David Homan, author of Orchestrating Connection, classical composer, and founder.David shares his journey—from overcoming childhood illness to navigating professional challenges like the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme—and explains how these experiences shaped his philosophy of connection.Discover why David draws a clear distinction between networking and genuine connection, how vulnerability and generosity build lasting relationships, and why diversity and empathy are essential for thriving communities.Whether you are a leader, connector, or simply curious about human relationships, this episode will transform how you think about community and connection.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, Inderjit Singh Makkar—Founder of Factacy—shares his journey from global enterprise leadership to entrepreneurship. He unpacks why disciplined data is the backbone of strategy, how AI must be bespoke to real business use cases, and what it takes to build defensible, long-term value in fintech, ESG analytics, and agentic AI.00:37- About Inderjit Singh MakkarInderjit is the founder of Factacy which is an AI as a service firm specializing in financial intelligence, market research and ESG data analytics.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Brand Called You, Hunter Hastings, founder of The Value Creators and author of The Post‑Managerial Era of Capitalism:Organizational Design as the Next Innovation Frontier (Elements in Reinventing Capitalism) drawing from decades across multinationals, Silicon Valley startups, and venture capital, Hastings challenges the very foundations of traditional management. He explains why hierarchy and control now constrain innovation, how self-managed and entrepreneurial organizations outperform bureaucracies, and what leaders must unlearn to design organizations built around customers, trust, and experimentation.00:35- About Hunter HastingsHunter is the founder of The Value Creators, which is a business education brand that aims to bring a new perspective on value creation. He's also an author and his latest book is titled The Post‑Managerial Era of Capitalism:Organizational Design as the Next Innovation Frontier (Elements in Reinventing Capitalism).

In this episode of The Brand Called You, Edward Bjurstrom, author of The Success Guide: How to Thrive in the Corporate Environment drawing on four decades in the biopharmaceutical industry, Edward shares practical, experience-driven insights on mindset, emotional intelligence, leadership under pressure, focus, trust, and what it truly takes to thrive—personally and professionally—in demanding corporate environments.00:33- About Edward BjurstromEdward is the author of a book titled The Success Guide - How to Thrive in the Corporate Environment.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, Dushyant Singh, Managing Director of Playbook Partners India drawing on 25+ years across consulting, investing, and operating roles, Dushyant shares his philosophy of leadership built on value creation, trust, and followership—and explains why scaling is an art, not an algorithm. A thoughtful conversation on institution-building, growth-stage challenges, and backing founders for the long term.00:35- About Dushyant SinghDushyant is the managing director of Playbook Partners (India).

In this conversation, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Kris Poria, CEO of EarlyBirds and author of The Innovation Intelligence Advantage.They explore why traditional innovation models are failing and unpack the concept of the “innovation gap”—the disconnect between the pace of external change and an organization’s ability to keep up.Discover how leaders can: • Build continuous adaptability • Transform procurement into a strategic advantage • Move beyond episodic consulting • Develop systemic visibility across global ecosystems

In this episode, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Kirsten Karchmer, Founder & CEO of Conceivable, based in Austin, Texas.Kirsten shares her inspiring journey from managing MS to building AI-powered personalized solutions for women’s reproductive health.This conversation explores:Precision medicine in fertilityGaps in conventional careBiobehavioral interventionsStress physiology and emotional regulationEthical challenges in health techThe future of AI-driven women’s healthcare

From mechanical engineering to intellectual property leadership, Suneet Sabale shares how patents are not just legal protection but strategic business tools. This conversation unpacks why IP is the backbone of startups, how smart patent strategy reduces R&D time, and how innovators can turn ideas into long-term, monetizable assets.00:34- About Suneet SabaleSuneet is the founder, director and CEO of Brainiac IP Solutions.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, Neil, Founder of Multiplier.Agency, shares how mission-driven companies can achieve sustainable, predictable growth without compromising authenticity. Drawing from his background in tech, wellness, and systems thinking, Neil breaks down value-first marketing, ethical scaling, subscription economics, and the mindset shifts founders must make to grow responsibly in volatile markets.00:38- About Neil AteemNeil is the founder of Multiplier.Agency.

In this powerful episode of The Brand Called You, Lior Klisman, Founder and Conscious Leadership Coach, joins host Ashutosh Garg to unpack the realities of entrepreneurship, reinvention, and inner growth.Broadcasting from San Francisco, Lior shares hard-earned wisdom from scaling companies across seven countries and explains why conscious leadership is essential in today’s complex work environments.You’ll discover:What it means to lead from inner alignmentHow to overcome imposter syndromeWhy scaling yourself matters as much as scaling your companyHow to repair strained relationshipsWhy resilience is about recovery—not hustle

Join Ashutosh Garg in this insightful episode of The Brand Called You as he speaks with Dr. Ramya Kumar, Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Washington and Visiting Scientist at CIDRZ Zambia.Dr. Kumar shares her journey from growing up in a low-income immigrant community in Massachusetts to working at the forefront of global health systems in Zambia. She explains how feminism and intersectionality shape her approach to epidemiology, health equity, and outbreak response.From investigating cholera and plague outbreaks to addressing the communication challenges seen during COVID-19, Dr. Kumar highlights critical gaps in global health — especially around dignity, lived experience, and who gets to be called an “expert.”In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why public health can create broader impact than clinical medicine • How feminist frameworks uncover structural inequities • What outbreak investigations look like on the ground • Why lived experience matters as much as scientific expertise • How health systems can prioritize dignity over surveillance • What gives hope for the future of global health

In this episode of The Brand Called You, Ashutosh Garg speaks with Dr. Amrit Chandan, Founder & CEO of Lorefully, about building businesses at the intersection of sustainability, artificial intelligence, and human impact.Dr. Chandan shares how his early work in chemical engineering led to launching Acceleron, a startup focused on sustainable battery design and circular economy solutions. He explains the scale of the global battery waste crisis and how innovative reuse models can improve energy access in developing regions.The conversation then shifts to Lorefully — a platform designed to capture and scale human expertise using AI. Dr. Chandan discusses why AI should augment human intelligence rather than replace it, the importance of ethical data practices, and the leadership qualities needed in an AI-driven future.Whether you’re a founder, sustainability advocate, board member, or young professional, this episode offers actionable insights on driving impact responsibly.

In this inspiring episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Poonam Barua, CEO of WILL Forum India and Chairman of the Forum for Women in Leadership.Poonam shares her evolving leadership philosophy, discusses the importance of equal opportunity, and explains why addressing the trust deficit in boardrooms is critical for India’s corporate future.From dismantling stereotypes to redesigning leadership education, this episode offers a powerful call for inclusive leadership and systemic change.If you are passionate about boardroom diversity, gender equity, and the future of corporate India, this is a must-watch.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, Norman Wolfe—Founder & CEO of Quantum Leaders and author of The Living Organization—shares how decades across Fortune 500 companies and startups led him to reimagine organizations as living entities. He explains why execution fails, how belief systems shape outcomes, and what leaders must do to build mature, resilient, and high-performing organizations.00:35- About Norman WolfeNorman is the founder and CEO of Quantum Leaders, Inc. He's the creator of the Living Organization Framework. He's an author of a book titled The Living Organization: Transforming Business to Create Extraordinary Results.He's got a new book coming out in the second quarter of 2026 which is titled, Leading the Living Organization.

In this compelling conversation, Rodger Halston shares a life shaped by art, intuition, and reinvention. From performing at age four to acting on global stages, choosing focus over comfort, and innovating in the beauty industry, his story is a masterclass in listening to your inner voice and riding life’s waves instead of fighting them.00:32- About Rodger HalstonRodger Halston is a multifaceted entertainment professional known for his work as an actor, singer, musician, writer, director and acting coach, with credits in film and television including Blue Crush 2, Scorpion King and True Detective.He is the founder and leader of Amera Distributors (also referenced as Era Beauty), where he has blended creativity and business innovation in the beauty industry.Halston is also an active speaker and storyteller with a large online following, sharing motivational insights on mindset, creativity and personal growth.

A powerful journey of an academic leader who blends information technology, STEM education, and inclusive innovation to empower learners—especially students with disabilities. From hands-on pedagogy and award-winning teaching to national and international impact, this story shows how technology can unlock human potential and transform societies.00:09- About Dr J WatthananonDr. Julaluk Watthananon is an Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), Thailand, and serves as the Program Chairperson of the International Bachelor of Science in Information Science for Digital Innovation.