The Brand Called You

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.

A remarkable journey across decades of innovation—beginning with childhood dreams of space, pivoting through early internet startups, venture capital, and real estate, and culminating in building world-class startup ecosystems in Africa. This is a story about inflection points, failure as fuel, and why Africa may power the next global innovation wave.00:16- About Philip Kent KiracofePhilip Kiracofe is a seasoned global venture builder and investor.He is the CEO and co-founder of Startupbootcamp AfriTech.He has co-founded disruptive companies and pioneered world-class startup initiatives in Africa.

Join us on this special episode of The Brand Called You as Aditi Kumar sits down with Pawan Raj Kumar, Partner at ZeCa Capital, entrepreneur, angel investor, and sustainability advocate.From scaling a family business internationally to mentoring over 100 entrepreneurs and building a sustainability-focused fund, Pawan shares insights into:Embracing challengesUnderstanding the role of luck and timingBuilding resilienceMeasuring success beyond moneyStaying endlessly curious

Join us for an insightful episode of The Brand Called You as host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Anita Kishore, PhD, ACC — Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Instructor based in New York City.In this engaging conversation, Anita shares her fascinating career journey from scientist to management consultant and ultimately to executive coach. She reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her path and the people-centered motivations that guided her transition.Anita offers practical wisdom on balancing candor with empathy, addressing blind spots among high-achieving leaders, and navigating the systemic and internal barriers faced by women and underrepresented professionals. She also explores the transformative role of mindfulness and emotional intelligence in building resilience, enhancing decision-making, and strengthening self-awareness.Whether you are an executive, an emerging leader, or someone navigating a meaningful career pivot, this episode delivers actionable insights for leading with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

In this episode of “The Brand Called You,” host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Salim Dewji, entrepreneur and advisory board expert, about how advisory boards function, why they matter, and how leaders can unlock their full potential.Salim shares insights on: • The real purpose of advisory boards • How CEOs can determine if they need one • The difference between advisory and corporate boards • Key elements for building high-performing boards • Diversity, innovation, and digital transformation • Accountability and performance measurement • Compensation models and refreshing board composition • What future-ready advisory boards will require

In this insightful conversation, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Gagan Gupta, Founder of Turn Left for Less and Points Architect, about maximizing travel points, flying business class for less, and transforming travel from a business expense into a strategic asset.Gagan shares his journey—from booking his first business-class flight on points to building a consultancy that helps founders save thousands on premium travel.Discover:The most common mistakes people make with loyalty programsWhy travel points are a misunderstood assetHow to build a resilient, long-term points strategyHidden value inside airline alliancesHow to future-proof your travel rewards

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Brand Called You. In this conversation, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Reuven Shelef, Founder and CEO of OUT OF THE BOX Consulting, strategic engineer, and creator of the “Untangling Complex Challenges” methodology.Discover the journey that led him into management consulting, how he integrates logic and intuition, and why empathy and vulnerability are critical for solving today's toughest challenges. He also shares practical leadership insights on fostering curiosity, navigating technological disruption, and transforming teams.If you are facing complex decisions, feeling stuck, or seeking greater clarity in leadership and life, this episode offers actionable wisdom you can apply immediately.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Calvin Schwartz—an award-winning author, novelist, journalist, college lecturer, and podcaster—on The Brand Called You. Hosted by Ashutosh Garg, this episode dives deep into Calvin Schwartz's unique journey from pharmacy to storytelling, the spiritual roots behind his acclaimed novel, There's a Tortoise in My Hair: A Journey to Spirit, and his lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy.Discover how Calvin navigated significant career shifts, overcame limiting beliefs, and found purpose in writing and environmentalism. Gain fresh perspectives on leadership, climate optimism, the power of dark humor in literature, and spiritual awakening—especially when it intersects with mental health.Whether you're passionate about personal growth, spirituality, environmental change, or storytelling, this episode will leave you inspired and reflective. Don't miss Calvin Schwartz's compelling insights, life lessons, and his advice on embracing the slow and steady path—much like the tortoise in his hair.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bassel Hamwi, CEO of HamwiConsult, as he speaks with Ashutosh Garg on The Brand Called You.Drawing from over three decades of global experience—including leadership roles at the World Bank and International Finance Corporation—Bassel shares powerful insights on leadership, governance, resilience, and family enterprise continuity.This episode explores:Leadership lessons learned through failureGovernance practices that sustain family businesses across generationsWhat boards must do differentlyHow CEOs can build resilience in volatile global environmentsFuture-ready leadership in the age of AI

Welcome to a transformative episode of The Brand Called You. Host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Pete Sacco—entrepreneur, technologist, and modern-day mystic—for a powerful exploration of leadership, artificial intelligence, spirituality, and personal transformation.Pete shares the early influences that shaped his worldview and explains how working at the forefront of AI, data centers, and innovation has deepened his understanding of human consciousness and collective evolution. Drawing from his book Living in Bliss, he opens up about overcoming burnout, integrating mind, body, and spirit, and redefining success in practical terms.If you want to learn how entrepreneurs can thrive in the age of AI while protecting their well-being and preserving what is uniquely human, this episode is for you.

Welcome to another episode of TBCY.Today, we are joined by Bronwyn Williams — Futurist, Economist, Trend Analyst at Flux Trends, and Author.In this engaging conversation with host Ashutosh Garg, Bronwyn explores the science and art behind “futurenomics,” examines the real impact of AI on the modern workforce, and shares powerful lessons from organizations that failed to adapt.The tension between short-term wins and long-term consequencesHow AI is reshaping value, labor, and societyWhy Africa holds unique opportunities that many futurists overlookThe importance of agency and rejecting a deterministic view of the future

In this episode of The Brand Called You, Ashutosh Garg sits down with Aakanksha Gupta, Founder & CEO of The Other Circle, to explore the evolving world of reputation strategy and crisis communication.From overcoming industry biases to building a modern PR firm rooted in authenticity, Aakanksha shares actionable frameworks and real-world insights. The discussion covers CEO profiling, crisis management, internal communication, and the skills leaders need in an AI-driven future.Key Topics Covered:Power, narrative, and influence in communicationBreaking industry norms as a young woman leaderReputation strategies across entertainment, pharma, education, and D2CCrisis communication frameworksCEO profiling best practicesTrust and cultural fluency in the AI era

Award-winning filmmaker and author Barnet Bain joins The Brand Called You to explore creativity, belonging, ego, and the daily practice of friendship. Drawing from Hollywood, spirituality, and his book How to Be a Friend in an Unfriendly World, Bain reflects on connection, self-awareness, and remembering the love at the heart of all relationships.00:38- About Barnet BainBarnet is an award winning filmmaker and an author. His latest book is titled How to Be a Friend in an Unfriendly World.

Ari's journey is shaped not just by elite science, AI, and entrepreneurship—but by deeply human inflection points: a lifelong friendship, the perspective gained through parenthood, and the transformative power of love. This conversation explores how freedom to be different, multidisciplinary thinking, and compassion built a technologist who now measures success by impact, service, and meaning—not titles or credentials.00:09- About Ari SmithAri Smith is an accomplished technology leader and AI expert with a foundation in math and computer science from the MIT ecosystem, where he also co-founded and successfully exited a software startup acquired by a major technology company.He has served in senior technical and strategic roles—including as a Solutions Architect at Microsoft and as CTO of an elite AI engineering firm—while developing patented technologies and advising global organizations.Beyond core technology leadership, Ari engages in interdisciplinary initiatives, from sustainable innovation ventures to serving on the board of a major autism advocacy organization, demonstrating his commitment to impactful, human-centered applications of AI. 

From early setbacks to shaping some of the world's most complex leadership platforms, Timothy Wong shares the inflection points, principles, and philosophy that define his extraordinary journey. A masterclass in trust-building, orchestration, and purpose-driven leadership across global communities.00:09- About Timothy WongHe is a strategic global leader with over three decades of experience in leadership development and executive engagement.He is a facilitator and curator of high-impact learning experiences for senior executives and global communities. He is a trusted orchestrator of collaborative events that bridge strategic vision with stakeholder alignment.

In this fireside-style conversation, Ken shares the defining inflection points that shaped his journey—from navigating 9/11 and the global financial crisis to building at the forefront of digital assets, Web3, and generative AI. A masterclass in resilience, foresight, and building through disruption.00:09- About Ken NguyenKen is an experienced venture builder, investor, and advisor with over 25 years creating more than $1B in enterprise value across finance, technology, and emerging markets. He is a leader in Web3, generative AI, and digital asset innovation, serving as Cofounder and Managing Partner of a venture studio focused on next-generation infrastructure. He is a former senior executive at global institutions including Diagram, Blackstone, and a family office, with a foundational background in leveraged finance and restructuring. 

Dive into the mysteries of the cosmos with Prof. Neil Comins, Professor of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Maine, USA, in this illuminating episode of The Brand Called You, hosted by Ashutosh Garg.In this thought-provoking conversation, Prof. Comins shares how personal adversity shaped his journey into astrophysics and why he chose to specialize in general relativity—one of the most challenging fields in science.The episode explores:Common misconceptions about galaxies and the Big BangThe search for life beyond Earth using the James Webb Space TelescopeAncient India's remarkable contributions to astronomyIndia's growing global role in space researchThe transformative impact of artificial intelligence on astronomyThe scientific foundation behind his bestselling “What If” books

In this episode, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Upasna Dash, CEO & Founder of Jajabor Brand Consultancy, about rewiring public relations for real business impact.Starting her career at just 18 without formal training, Upasna went on to build a growth-hacking consultancy that connects storytelling directly to funding, hiring, and market expansion.In this conversation, you'll discover:✔ Why traditional PR is broken ✔ How storytelling builds credibility and trust ✔ The power of data-driven communication ✔ Why founders must start building their narrative from day zero ✔ The future of integrated and hyperlocal communication ✔ The evolving landscape of women entrepreneurship in India

Join host Stephen Ibaraki in a deeply moving conversation with Fleet Maull, Founder of Heart Mind Institute and Prison Mindfulness Institute. Fleet shares his extraordinary journey from a turbulent childhood and struggles with addiction to serving 14 years in federal prison — and ultimately transforming his life into one of service, leadership, and global impact.In this powerful episode, Fleet reveals how adversity became his greatest teacher. From founding national prison mindfulness and hospice movements while incarcerated to building the globally recognized Heart Mind Institute, his story is a testament to radical responsibility, resilience, and servant leadership.Key themes explored in this episode:Turning trauma into transformationThe power of radical responsibilityBuilding trust and leadership behind barsIntegrating Buddhism, neuroscience, and indigenous wisdomThe importance of meta-learning in a rapidly changing worldRebuilding life and career after prisonFounding and scaling Heart Mind Institute

Do you dread speaking in public — whether in a boardroom, presentation, or meeting?In this powerful episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Robert Summa, Public Speaking Phobia Expert and Founder of Public Speaking Cure.After battling severe speaking anxiety for 18 years, Robert discovered something life-changing: it wasn't just fear — it was a neurological phobia. Today, he helps professionals eliminate public speaking phobia instead of merely managing it.In this episode, you'll learn:• The science behind public speaking phobia • What happens in your brain during panic • Why exposure therapy can sometimes worsen anxiety • Why traditional tips don't provide lasting relief • How curing the phobia can lead to promotions and leadership breakthroughsWhether you're a senior executive, an aspiring leader, or someone who avoids speaking opportunities, this episode offers hope — and a proven path forward.

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of The Brand Called You. In this episode, Ashutosh Garg speaks with Geoff Gibbins, Founder of Human Machines, a human-AI transformation company focused on helping organizations thrive in the age of artificial intelligence.Geoff shares practical, real-world insights into how AI is reshaping leadership, work, and decision-making. He explains why many leaders still view AI as a future challenge, what effective human-AI collaboration truly looks like, and why most enterprise AI initiatives fail to move beyond the pilot stage.This conversation dives deep into concepts such as liquid organizations, learning flywheels, and the growing importance of human judgment in an AI-driven world. Geoff also highlights why people-led transformations consistently outperform technology-led ones and how leaders must learn, unlearn, and relearn to stay relevant.Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or technology enthusiast, this episode will help you understand how to harness AI deliberately—without losing sight of what makes us human.

In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY) podcast, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Praveen Kakulte, Founder & CEO of The POWERCON Group, to explore how India's renewable energy future depends not just on asset creation—but on asset performance, longevity, and engineering excellence.Praveen shares his journey as a first-generation entrepreneur who built a 100% bootstrapped renewable energy company in a highly capital-intensive industry. He explains why intellectual capital matters more than financial capital, and how transparency, data, and technology can unlock long-term value in wind and solar assets.The conversation dives deep into the Energy Studio, Asia's first centralized renewable energy diagnostics platform, the role of the Center for Engineering Excellence in tackling technology obsolescence, and how predictive analytics, AI, digital twins, and storage solutions are shaping the next wave of renewable transformation.

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY), featuring Amy Jacobson, a global emotional intelligence expert and thought leader from Perth, Australia. Hosted by Ashutosh Garg, this conversation explores the science, psychology, and real-world application of emotional intelligence—especially in leadership, change, and difficult conversations.Drawing from Amy's acclaimed book, The Emotional Intelligence Advantage: Mastering Change and Difficult Conversations, this episode breaks emotional intelligence down into practical, actionable steps that anyone can apply at work and in life.Below is a detailed, question-led timestamped summary highlighting key moments from the conversation.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Don Weber, Global Communication Strategist and former HUMINT operative, for a masterclass in influence, executive presence, and high-stakes leadership communication.From reading people under pressure to navigating boardrooms and investor conversations, Don shares lessons drawn from intelligence operations and real-world leadership advisory work. Whether you're a founder scaling up, a CEO managing pressure, or a leader aiming to elevate your communication, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Join us for an unmissable episode of The Brand Called You, featuring Dr. Vikas Malik, Founder of Wonder Years, in conversation with host Ashutosh Garg.Dr. Malik shares his journey from India to the United States, the inspiration behind building an integrated mental health practice, and how psychiatry must evolve to meet today's challenges. The discussion explores cultural sensitivity, technology in healthcare, rapid-acting treatments, and the human side of being a psychiatrist and founder.If you're curious about mental health, integrated care models, or leadership in healthcare innovation, this episode is for you.

Unlock the realities of startup leadership and tech entrepreneurship in this insightful episode of The Brand Called You.Host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Vladimir Baranov, a serial tech entrepreneur and executive coach for founders and technical leaders. Together, they explore the myths of entrepreneurship, the inner battles founders face, and the leadership skills required to scale both businesses and people.From understanding why ideas should be treated as experiments, not identities, to developing emotional intelligence as an analytical leader, Vladimir shares practical frameworks, real-world examples, and coaching insights that every founder can apply immediately.• Why curiosity is a founder's greatest advantage • The biggest misconceptions founders have at the idea stage • How product-market fit determines success more than intuition • Common leadership blind spots for technical founders • How startups break down—and the early warning signs • Practical emotional intelligence tools for engineering-driven leaders • Balancing engineering perfection with business urgency • When and how to delegate without losing control • Growing into a C-suite role without losing your technical edge

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Brand Called You! In this episode, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Vijay Kumar, Founder & CEO of TSUYO Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, for a deep dive into the world of entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and innovation in India.Vijay Kumar shares his incredible journey from launching his first venture, Biryani Box, to leading multiple startups today. Discover how his approach to risk, decision-making, and building resilient supply chains evolved through real-world challenges—including GST and demonetization. Vijay reveals the critical importance of execution over ideas, offers actionable lessons on building sustainable businesses, and discusses how lean and Six Sigma principles power TSUYO Manufacturing's success.You'll also hear practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in the manufacturing sector—how to tackle capital intensity, the significance of cultivating a strong quality culture, and the future of automation, AI, and digital twins.

On this episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Jay Delsing—PGA Tour veteran, author, and nationally syndicated host of Golf with Jay Delsing.Growing up as a blue-collar kid on the public golf courses of St. Louis, Jay's journey is a powerful story of grit, integrity, and perseverance. From earning his PGA Tour card in 1984 to sharing unforgettable encounters with legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, Jay reflects on how golf shaped his values, leadership mindset, and life philosophy.In this conversation, Jay opens up about:Why golf demands personal integrity—especially calling penalties on yourselfHow failure and resilience define true successWhy storytelling is at the heart of his popular radio showWhat inspired his memoir You Wouldn't Believe Me If I Told YouThe one lesson from golf every leader should live byWhether you're a golfer, a leader, or someone who enjoys meaningful life stories, this episode offers timeless lessons on accountability, respect, and character.

In this powerful conversation, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Carl Manlan — author of I Can Breathe and an influential development leader — about how meaningful change happens when innovation is guided by values, proximity, and long-term thinking.From transforming financial inclusion across Africa to building resilient development ecosystems, Carl shares hard-won lessons from his work with the Global Fund, UNDP, AUDA-NEPAD, and beyond.✔ Why purpose-driven innovation comes with real costs and trade-offs ✔ What most financial inclusion strategies are missing ✔ How innovation succeeds — and fails — inside large organizations ✔ Why values-based leadership is essential for inclusive economies ✔ How sustainable initiatives outlive donor timelines

In this episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg is joined by Peter Novak, Founder & CEO of Strictly Speaking Group, joining us from Hawaii, USA. Peter shares his fascinating journey from academia and theatre to executive leadership coaching—and explains why he never changed careers, only audiences.This conversation dives deep into the art and science of executive communication, exploring why information is not the same as communication, how executive presence goes far beyond posture and tone, and why storytelling is a strategic business skill—not fluff.You'll also hear Peter's thoughtful perspective on:How AI is reshaping communication—and the risk of reinforcing accent biasWhy multilingual professionals should see language diversity as a strengthPractical tools that help global teams communicate more inclusivelyHow leaders can stay calm and persuasive under high-stakes pressureThe skills that will define the next generation of effective communicators

Welcome to The Brand Called You! In this insightful episode, host Stephen Ibaraki sits down with Looi Teck Kheong, President of the Singapore Chapter of the Global Council for Responsible AI, to explore his remarkable journey across law, technology, public policy, cybersecurity, and AI governance.From a curiosity-driven childhood to a defining pivot from engineering to law, Looi Teck Kheong shares how multidisciplinary thinking shaped his 25+ year career spanning private legal practice, ASEAN policy work, journalism, consulting, and teaching. The conversation dives deep into responsible AI, regional and global governance, South–South collaboration, and the growing impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity.This episode also tackles pressing questions around AI ethics, existential risks, data privacy, and how societies can embrace rapid technological change while keeping humans at the center of innovation.Whether you're a technologist, policymaker, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections on building a future guided by ethics, collaboration, and curiosity.

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Anthony Stephan, Chairman of Cornerstone Development, hosted by Stephen Ibaraki on The Brand Called You Podcast.From his resilient upbringing in Lebanon to leading global initiatives in sustainable real estate, energy access, education, and the metaverse, Anthony shares how purpose-driven leadership and technology can uplift billions.This episode explores:Impact investing and off-grid energy (Bboxx)Empowering Gen Z through platforms like GoodwallSustainable city developmentMeasuring real impactLeadership lessons for a rapidly changing world

In this episode, host Stephen Ibaraki interviews Dr. Vassil Dimitrov, Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Calgary. Dr. Dimitrov shares his journey, his lifelong passion for mathematics, and groundbreaking perspectives on AI, analog computing, quantum technology, encryption, and brain-inspired hardware.

How do you build a category-defining company in blockchain while navigating regulatory chaos and cultural shifts?In this episode of The Brand Called You Podcast, Mark Mueller-Eberstein, CEO & Co-Founder of CodexDF, joins Stephen Ibaraki for an unscripted, thought-provoking conversation on crypto accounting, startup success, and the future of work.Why Mark launched CodexDF after decades of success as an investor and technologistSolving crypto accounting and compliance at enterprise scaleHow regulation is shaping the future of blockchain globallySeparating blockchain utility from crypto speculationWhy startup success is 98% about peopleBuilding global, remote-first teams without burnout

How do we ensure that AI's rapid evolution aligns with human values, responsible use, and a flourishing future for all?In this episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY) podcast, Stephen Ibaraki sits down with Ramsay Brown, CEO of The AI Responsibility Lab, for a powerful conversation on operationalizing ethical AI, the rise of synthetic labor, and how organizations can build responsible AI systems at scale—both practically and profitably.Discover Ramsay Brown's unique journey, from PhD training with a world-renowned neuroanatomist to founding Dopamine Labs, and his participation in global forums on AI, ethics, and free will. Learn how Mission Control, the AI Responsibility Lab's coordination platform, helps data science teams move faster, reduce risk, and embed responsibility at the heart of innovation.The evolving definition of intelligence and consciousnessAI's impact across neuroscience, society, and businessHow Mission Control mitigates real-world AI risksWhy coordination—not bad intent—is behind most AI failuresThe future of work, synthetic labor, and responsible automation

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY)! In this episode, our host Frits Bussemaker sits down with Carissa Reiniger, Founder & CEO of Small Biz Silver Lining, to explore Carissa's powerful journey from rural Canada to New York City, and her mission to change the global economy—one small business at a time.Carissa reveals how her early roots in Alberta, a strong drive for community impact, and a psychology background inspired her entrepreneurial leap. She shares candid lessons on resilience, what it truly takes to build and scale a business, the importance of aligning values with actions, and why small businesses are the real backbone of the global economy. You'll discover her thought-provoking approach to overcoming adversity, the philosophy behind Silver Lining's name, and why real success might not be what mainstream entrepreneurship tells us.Whether you're an entrepreneur, small business supporter, or simply curious about impact-driven leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and motivation. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more exclusive conversations!

Immigrant and refugee poet Dario reflects on war, displacement, identity, and healing—revealing how poetry becomes both a refuge and a form of resistance in a world shaped by trauma and migration.00:34- About Dario CvencekDario is an immigrant and a refugee poet from the Balkans.He's an author of a book titled PTSD Martini. 

In this powerful episode of The Brand Called You, Peter Samuelson—film producer, philanthropist, and founder of multiple global charities—shares a remarkable journey from mentorship to moviemaking, and from success to service. He reveals why volunteering is the first step to happiness, how films can change society, and why legacy matters more than wealth.00:36- About Peter SamuelsonPeter is the co-founder and president of First Star.He's the CEO of PhilmCo Media LLC.

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY). In this episode, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Jairaj Purandare, Founder Chairman of JMP Advisors Pvt. Ltd. and a renowned taxation expert, to break down the key highlights, reforms, and implications of India's latest Union Budget.In this in-depth conversation, you'll gain insights into:The economic context and the “Goldilocks moment” India is currently experiencingMajor infrastructure and manufacturing initiativesKey policy shifts in taxation, employment, and both direct and indirect taxesPractical implications for individuals, businesses, and foreign investorsForward-looking incentives for AI, electronics, and data centersA renewed focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, alongside a strong push for tourismSimplified compliance, GST reforms, and customs rationalizationUpdates on TCS, buyback taxation, transfer pricing, and more