Qunba

Hard Work Over "Work Smart": Ravi Venkatesan's Contrarian Leadership Advice

Ravi Venkatesan has built a career defined by bold decisions. A Harvard MBA who turned down offers from Microsoft, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs, he charted his own path—first in the corporate world and later as a social entrepreneur. He began his journey at Cummins in Silicon Valley before returning to India in 1996 to lead its operations. As Chairman of Microsoft India, he drove sevenfold revenue growth, and later, he played a pivotal role in transforming the struggling Bank of Baroda and stabilizing Infosys during a turbulent phase.

His transition into the social sector was both intentional and impactful. As UNICEF’s Special Representative for Young People and Innovation and founder of the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship, he is dedicated to solving India’s employment crisis by mobilizing young entrepreneurs. A firm advocate for climate action, he spearheads the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, promoting green energy adoption in developing nations.

An author of multiple books, including Conquering the Chaos and What the Heck Do I Do With My Life?, Ravi views AI as a transformative force, a theme explored in his upcoming book Flourishing with AI. Guided by his deep sense of purpose and support from his wife, Sonali Kulkarni, he continues to inspire, proving that leadership is about taking decisive action, not just avoiding risk. This conversation is part two of his podcast, where he shares more about his journey and insights on leadership, impact, and the future.

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1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Qunba

Join us for an exclusive and revealing interview with renowned business leader Aditya Ghosh as he takes us on a journey through the triumphs and challenges that shaped his extraordinary leadership philosophy. With remarkable candor, he demolishes conventional wisdom like "fake it till you make it," replacing it with powerful insights on authentic leadership that resonate across industries. Associated with formidable companies like IndiGo, Akasa Air, Homage and more, discover how being thrust into leadership positions became Aditya's training ground for excellence, and why he believes empathy is the ultimate competitive advantage in today's complex business landscape. From building resilient organisations to identifying blind spots, Aditya shares the three foundational pillars that have guided his success: clarity of vision, unwavering tenacity, and an insatiable appetite for continuous learning.

This conversation goes far beyond typical leadership platitudes, diving deep into Aditya's personal vulnerabilities and transformative moments that redefined his approach to business and life. Learn why he considers criticism a gift, how he evaluates potential leaders through one surprising interview question, and the counterintuitive ways he revitalises aging organisations. Whether you're navigating your first leadership role, scaling a startup, or leading an established enterprise, Aditya's practical wisdom on building organizations that outlast their founders while nurturing diverse talent will transform how you approach your leadership journey. Don't miss this rare opportunity to gain insights from one of India's most respected business minds on creating lasting impact through authentic, empathetic leadership.

#AuthenticLeadership #BusinessTransformation #EmpathyInAction

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Qunba

Few businesses can weather multiple crises and still emerge stronger. From the dot-com bust and 9/11 to SARS, COVID, and everything in between, MakeMyTrip has remained India’s go-to travel platform, a testament to the rock-solid foundation it was built on. At the helm of this transformation is Deep Kalra, Founder & Chairman—though he’s quick to credit his team, especially during the pandemic, when revenues once plummeted by 96%. It was their unwavering commitment that steered the company through the toughest of times.

What began in 1999 as a niche platform for NRIs booking tickets to India is now a leader in air, rail, and hotel bookings. The spark? A personal travel experience—Deep, dissatisfied with his agent’s recommendations for a Phuket trip, found a better deal online. That moment set him on the path to reshaping India’s travel industry. An IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, Deep values humor but believes the best colleagues are the ones who challenge you relentlessly, with the company’s success as their only agenda. His trusted circle includes co-founders Rajesh Magow (Group CEO), Keyur Joshi (Strategic Advisor), and Sachin Bhatia, who has since moved on but left an indelible mark.

Now, Deep is focused on giving back. From the MakeMyTrip Foundation’s sustainability efforts to education initiatives like Ashoka University and the IIMA Endowment Fund, his philanthropic vision is as bold as his entrepreneurial one. He works closely with NGOs like I Am Gurgaon and Udayan Care while mentoring young founders eager to build their own success stories. An avid scuba diver, his love for the ocean is rivaled only by his passion for shaping the future. This conversation wasn’t just about leadership—it was about understanding people, resilience, and what it truly takes to build something lasting.

🎙️About Qunba: Qunba is a first-of-its-kind platform designed to help the leaders of today empower the leaders of tomorrow. Join us every week as we engage with the titans of the industry to help build a culturally rich narrative, tools and vocabulary around leadership in India.

🔗Head over to Qunba's LinkedIn page channel and join the dialogue around leadership, empowerment, and the stories that shape our future. Let's connect, share insights, and build a community passionate about making a positive impact.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/qunba/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/qunba_official/?igsh=dGt5aWZiY3Z…

#LeadershipMasterclass #StartupResilience #MakeMyTripJourney

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Qunba

Ravi Venkatesan has built a career defined by bold decisions. A Harvard MBA who turned down offers from Microsoft, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs, he charted his own path—first in the corporate world and later as a social entrepreneur. He began his journey at Cummins in Silicon Valley before returning to India in 1996 to lead its operations. As Chairman of Microsoft India, he drove sevenfold revenue growth, and later, he played a pivotal role in transforming the struggling Bank of Baroda and stabilizing Infosys during a turbulent phase.

His transition into the social sector was both intentional and impactful. As UNICEF’s Special Representative for Young People and Innovation and founder of the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship, he is dedicated to solving India’s employment crisis by mobilizing young entrepreneurs. A firm advocate for climate action, he spearheads the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, promoting green energy adoption in developing nations.

An author of multiple books, including Conquering the Chaos and What the Heck Do I Do With My Life?, Ravi views AI as a transformative force, a theme explored in his upcoming book Flourishing with AI. Guided by his deep sense of purpose and support from his wife, Sonali Kulkarni, he continues to inspire, proving that leadership is about taking decisive action, not just avoiding risk. This conversation is part two of his podcast, where he shares more about his journey and insights on leadership, impact, and the future.

#AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipJourney #TeamBuilding #BusinessTransformation

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Qunba

Few leaders embody the philosophy of “We rise by lifting others” as profoundly as Marshall Goldsmith. A globally renowned executive coach, he has worked with over 150 CEOs, shaping leadership at some of the world’s most influential organizations. His journey—from humble beginnings in Valley Station, Kentucky, to becoming a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 leaders—reflects his unwavering commitment to leadership excellence. A pioneer of 360-degree feedback, he believes that true leadership transformation is measured not by self-perception but by how others experience a leader’s growth. Despite his own impact, he remains deeply humble, emphasizing that he has learned as much from those he has coached as they have from him.

With a PhD in Organizational Behavior from UCLA and an MBA from Indiana University, Marshall’s expertise extends beyond coaching into authorship, with four New York Times bestsellers and contributions to over 55 books. His perspective on leadership is refreshingly direct—he challenges conventional wisdom, including the unchecked glorification of empathy, which he argues can sometimes hinder effectiveness. A self-described philosophical Buddhist, he embraces the impermanence of success and is committed to sharing his knowledge widely. His AI avatar, #MarshallBOT, is an extension of this philosophy, offering free guidance on leadership and behavioral change.

Marshall’s approach to leadership is rooted in action—he firmly believes that those who inspire must lead by example. As someone who once hitchhiked over 20,000 miles in pursuit of experience and learning, his journey continues to evolve, but his core message remains the same: true leaders go first.

🎙️About Qunba: Qunba is a first-of-its-kind platform designed to help the leaders of today empower the leaders of tomorrow. Join us every week as we engage with the titans of the industry to help build a culturally rich narrative, tools and vocabulary around leadership in India.

🔗Head over to Qunba's LinkedIn page channel and join the dialogue around leadership, empowerment, and the stories that shape our future. Let's connect, share insights, and build a community passionate about making a positive impact.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/qunba/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/qunba_official/?igsh=dGt5aWZiY3Z…

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

Qunba

Manoj Kohli: Building Bharti Airtel to 20 Countries & Transforming Leadership | From Airtel to SoftBank

Throughout his illustrious career, Manoj Kohli has held key leadership roles at prominent organisations. As Managing Director and CEO of Bharti Airtel, he led the company's expansion into 20 countries across Asia and Africa, growing its customer base to over 400 million and establishing Airtel as the world's third-largest telecom operator.

In his tenure as Country Head of SoftBank India, Kohli oversaw investments across companies, including notable names like OLA, OYO, Swiggy, Meesho, and Delhivery.

In part two of this delightful conversation, Manoj discusses his leadership philosophy, which is built on authenticity, humility, and strategic execution. He believes that leaders aren’t infallible; vulnerability fosters trust and authenticity in leadership. He also warns against the reckless pursuit of growth, emphasising that strong foundations are essential to prevent businesses from collapsing under their own weight.

A firm believer in leading by example, Kohli stresses that children and employees learn more from actions than words. He debunks the myth of the 'perfect leader', stating that every leadership profile has gaps that should be acknowledged and addressed. And despite his professional drive, he maintains that family must always come before business.

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

Qunba

Marshall Goldsmith on Leadership, Legacy & Winning Too Much

Few leaders embody the philosophy of “We rise by lifting others” as profoundly as Marshall Goldsmith. A globally renowned executive coach, he has worked with over 150 CEOs, shaping leadership at some of the world’s most influential organizations. His journey—from humble beginnings in Valley Station, Kentucky, to becoming a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 leaders—reflects his unwavering commitment to leadership excellence. A pioneer of 360-degree feedback, he believes that true leadership transformation is measured not by self-perception but by how others experience a leader’s growth. Despite his own impact, he remains deeply humble, emphasizing that he has learned as much from those he has coached as they have from him.

With a PhD in Organizational Behavior from UCLA and an MBA from Indiana University, Marshall’s expertise extends beyond coaching into authorship, with four New York Times bestsellers and contributions to over 55 books. His perspective on leadership is refreshingly direct—he challenges conventional wisdom, including the unchecked glorification of empathy, which he argues can sometimes hinder effectiveness. A self-described philosophical Buddhist, he embraces the impermanence of success and is committed to sharing his knowledge widely. His AI avatar, #MarshallBOT, is an extension of this philosophy, offering free guidance on leadership and behavioral change.

Marshall’s approach to leadership is rooted in action—he firmly believes that those who inspire must lead by example. As someone who once hitchhiked over 20,000 miles in pursuit of experience and learning, his journey continues to evolve, but his core message remains the same: true leaders go first.

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

Qunba

Marshall Goldsmith: The Ultimate Leadership Playbook – Influence, Humility & Legacy

What makes a great leader? Is leadership about commanding authority, or is it about inspiring others through action? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Marshall Goldsmith, the world’s No. 1 executive coach and a leadership mentor to Fortune 500 CEOs. With decades of experience coaching some of the biggest names in business—Alan Mulally (Ford), Hubert Joly (Best Buy), and Albert Bourla (Pfizer)—Marshall breaks down what separates extraordinary leaders from everyone else.

In this episode, he reveals why many successful people fall into the trap of "winning too much" and how the need to constantly prove yourself can actually hold you back. He shares why humility is the most underrated trait in leadership and how the best CEOs embrace their own growth instead of pretending to have all the answers. He also discusses how influence works without authority, explaining that leadership isn’t about forcing people to follow you—it’s about earning their respect by setting the right example.

One of the most thought-provoking moments in this conversation is when Marshall explains the importance of letting go. Leaders often struggle to move past failures or take on too much emotional burden, but as he explains, if you can’t let go, you can’t do your job. This ties into his bigger message about legacy—what remains when you are no longer in the room. True leadership isn’t about temporary power; it’s about shaping a culture that lasts beyond your presence.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, an executive, or someone aspiring to lead in any capacity, this podcast will challenge the way you think about leadership. Marshall’s insights are not just theories—they are hard-earned lessons from coaching some of the most successful people in the world. His unique approach to coaching, his candid take on what makes leaders fail, and his reflections on purpose, decision-making, and influence make this conversation a must-watch for anyone looking to level up their leadership game.

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

Qunba

The Power of Patience: A 25-Year Journey To Success | Sanjeev Bikhchandani | naukri.com

Sanjeev Bikhchandani, the visionary founder of Info Edge, has been instrumental in shaping India's digital employment landscape. An alumnus of St. Stephen's College and IIM Ahmedabad, he launched Naukri.com in 1997, pioneering online job search in India. Under him, his fledgling startup Info Edge expanded to include platforms like 99acres.com, Jeevansathi.com, and Shiksha.com, addressing a new India's diverse online needs from real estate to education.

Bikhchandani is also a keen investor, having backed several successful startups such as Zomato and Policybazaar. In 2020, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution to the country's trade and industry.

Bikhchandani's inspiring journey from a modest entrepreneur to a leading figure in India's startup landscape is a story that has many admirers amongst today's tech entrepreneurs.

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Qunba

*From Serial Failures to $115M Exit: Rajesh Jain Unleashes His Secrets | Part 2*

Join us for part two of this conversation with tech entrepreneur Rajesh Jain—founder of Netcore and author of 'Startup to Proficorn'.

His entrepreneurial journey is marked by pivotal moments of truth, tough decisions, and mindset shifts that reshaped his leadership approach. You’ll discover how embracing honest feedback, tough love, and a sharp focus on execution can transform leadership. Rajesh shares how a financial ultimatum sparked a turnaround, the mindset shift that shaped his leadership, and the bold belief that if you’re going to fail, fail big—aiming to solve meaningful problems and leave an extraordinary impact..

Whether you’re a budding founder or a seasoned leader, you’ll take away invaluable lessons on authenticity, execution, and the art of transforming failures into million-dollar successes.

🎙️About Qunba: Qunba is a first-of-its-kind platform designed to help the leaders of today empower the leaders of tomorrow. Join us every week as we engage with the titans of the industry to help build a culturally rich narrative, tools and vocabulary around leadership in India.

🔗Head over to Qunba's LinkedIn page channel and join the dialogue around leadership, empowerment, and the stories that shape our future. Let's connect, share insights, and build a community passionate about making a positive impact.

Linkedin: / qunba
Instagram: www.instagram.com/qunba_offic...

#IndianLeadership #qunba
#Proficorn #LeadershipLessons #StartupJourney

1 year ago | [YT] | 0