Episodit
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Passing the civil services exam is one of the most esteemed achievements in our country, a true testament to dedication and excellence.
This week on The xMonks Drive podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Vivek Srivastava, an IPS officer whose remarkable career spans over two decades of service to the nation.
Some stories don’t just inspire, they captivate. Vivek’s journey is one such tale. From serving under three prime ministers, including Mr. Narendra Modi, to facing life-or-death challenges in the line of duty, his experiences are nothing short of extraordinary.
In this riveting episode, Vivek shares his firsthand accounts of pivotal moments in India’s history, from navigating the chaos of the Babri Masjid riots to orchestrating the high-stakes arrest of Yaseen Bhatkal. It’s a story filled with courage, drama, and an unshakable commitment to justice.
Tune in for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is thrilling.
Don’t miss it, this is a story you’ll remember.Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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What happens when the title on your business card no longer defines you?
In this riveting episode, Amit Malik invites us to reflect on the essence of identity and success beyond accolades and job roles. From the exhilarating highs of being a CEO to the humbling process of rediscovery, Amit's journey is as relatable as it is inspiring.
He also explores the magic of inclusive growth, turning generational diversity into strength and building cultures where everyone thrives, from the cha-cha of the sixties to today’s Swifties.
Packed with insights and inspiration, this episode will challenge you to rethink what truly matters.
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Puuttuva jakso?
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What if life was simply a summary of your experiences?
In this heartfelt conversation, Gaurav and Anupam take you on a journey filled with life’s profound truths, leadership lessons, and the beauty of embracing uncertainty.
From navigating the highs and lows of life to scaling a company from scratch, Anupam shares his real and raw story—complete with moments of doubt, imposter syndrome, and ultimately, growth.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
🔸 How impermanence shapes our greatest joys and struggles.
🔸 The incredible journey of being the first CEO of Ventura—and the unexpected challenges that came with it.
🔸 Why unlearning is just as important as learning in today’s fast-changing world.
🔸 The secret to being a great leader (hint: it starts with being human).
🔸 And the magic of childlike wonder and the glorious uncertainty of tomorrow.
This isn’t just about leadership or success—it’s about being human, evolving, and finding meaning in the unexpected.
So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready for an inspiring ride. This episode is packed with stories, insights, and reflections that might just change how you see your own journey.
What resonates most with you? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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What does it take to walk away from a successful global business and dive into a world of startups and impact-driven ventures? In this episode of The xMonks Drive, I had the privilege of sitting down with Srini Vitoba, a man whose journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Srini opened up about why he left behind a listed company to follow his inner calling, the bold decisions he made as an entrepreneur, and his advice for anyone building their dream. We dug deep into:
👉 Why he believes you should never chase money (this hit hard!)
👉 His controversial take on Shark Tank—he’s not a fan, and wait till you hear why.
👉 The million-dollar advice every entrepreneur needs: “Never dilute your equity for working capital!”
👉 How startups can overcome the struggle to scale with the right mentorship.
👉 The incredible vision behind his latest venture, Jiva.Srini’s insights are raw, practical, and straight from the heart. Plus, his passion for creating meaningful impact left me inspired and hopeful.
What resonated most with you? Is it the advice on equity, his take on startups, or his bold vision for Jeeva? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
🌟 Hit play and join us on this thought-provoking journey.
Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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India is fast becoming the diabetes capital of the world and the concern is on a red alert now.
This episode of the xMonks drive is primarily based around raising awareness for the same.
We have with us Dr. Jasjeet Wasir who is the Director of Endocrinology and Diabetology in the world-renowned Mendanta.
Join us in this educational dialogue and learn from the very best Dr. Jasjeet Wasir about the how’s and why’s of Diabetes.Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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Between Triumph and Turmoil: The Corporate Journey of a True Believer
In this episode of the xMonks Drive podcast, Rajeev Dubey opens up about the extraordinary highs and devastating lows of his corporate journey.
From devoting his career to Tata for nearly three decades, to his unexpected resignation as Managing Director of Rallis India, he shares how life threw him a curveball at the pinnacle of his career, thrusting him into uncertainty.But there’s much more to Rajeev’s story than the corporate ladder. Guided by principles of Satya (Truth), Prem (Love), and Seva (Service), he reflects on the forces that held him together during trying times—and what kept him grounded in the corporate world.
From the brink of giving it all up, Rajeev reemerged, inspired by an unforgettable mentor: Anand Mahindra. Described as a rare blend of “head, heart, and soul,” Mahindra became a north star in Rajeev’s path, embodying authenticity and trust in every aspect of leadership.Join us for this inspiring conversation as Rajeev reveals his journey of transformation: learning self-acceptance, facing the feeling of inadequacy, and ultimately embracing life after retirement.
This episode is a deep dive into what it means to pursue success while staying true to oneself, featuring reflections that will resonate with anyone navigating their own career, purpose, or journey of self-discovery.Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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5 people sharing a room to living in multi-million mansions.
This episode of the xMonks Drive is special, it features the one and only Sunil Tulsiani, a real estate mogul, a bestselling author, a former detective, and a mentor to many.
Join us, as we dig deeper into an exciting, emotional, and most importantly inspirational journey of a man who refused to give up, a man who envisioned his goal and chased it until glory.
Listen till the very end, because Sunil is on a pursuit to make 100 more millionaires walk the planet.Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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We all know about Srikanth Bolla and his chronicles.
This episode of the xMonks Drive features the man behind Srikanth Bolla's success.
Ravi Gundlapalli.
In this conversation, Ravi reflects on the importance of mentorship and his mission to build Mentorcloud, a platform that fosters meaningful, borderless connections.
He emphasizes the impact of a strong support system. He challenges the myth of the "self-made" entrepreneur and highlights the silent, inner strength of successful leaders.
Tune in to hear Ravi’s inspiring insights on leadership, mentorship, and investing time in what truly matters.Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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250₹ in his pocket and a life going nowhere.
Ankit Jhamb has been a dear friend and one of the most hardworking hustling humans I know.
This episode of The xMonks Drive is about the journey of a guy who stood tall at his worst, the result?
Join me in this intimate conversation with Ankit as he unfolds chapters of his life that are worth taking note of.
Hope you stick till the very end!Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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Imagine being on the battlefield on 26/11.
This episode of the xMonks Drive is about decisions, decisions that can make or break what is ahead of us.
Featuring, Former Intelligence Officer Prabhakar Aloka this episode is a gold mine of experiences that are beyond our constricted imagination.
Prabhakar takes us back to the dark night, of 26/11, and shares a piece of information still unheard of.
Want to know what happens next? Join us and find outFollow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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There are not too many adjectives that can justify the work Arun Maira has put towards building a better India.
His ideologies and policies are impeccable.
This episode is a treasure chest of wisdom, as Arun takes us on a drive-through of his life.
From his time as a young TAS executive to working alongside Dr. Manmohan Singh in the Planning Commission of India.
Stick with us till the very end, pause anything and everything that you're doing.
Because this is not a conversation, it's a journey.
A journey worth being a part of.Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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In this episode of The xMonks Drive, I sit down with the incredible Kirthiga Reddy, a powerhouse who’s played a pivotal role in shaping the tech landscape as the first employee and Managing Director of Facebook India, a key leader at SoftBank, and now the force behind Virtualness.
Kirthiga takes us on a deeply personal journey, sharing not just her successes, but the challenges and lessons that came along the way. We talk about the importance of hard work (because, spoiler alert, there’s no substitute!), what it means to make the most of the cards life deals you, and how her mother's story of perseverance shaped her drive.
You’ll hear Kirthiga reflect on how her definition of success has evolved, from achieving career milestones to focusing on the impact she creates. She opens up about the sacrifices leaders often make, the power of coaching (and how she wishes she started earlier), and why she believes her best is yet to come.
And of course, we dive into her secret sauce for building genuine relationships and why she believes people are at the heart of everything meaningful. In her own words, if a book were written about her, the last sentence would be: "It’s all about people."
Key Takeaways:
- How Kirthiga envisioned Facebook India’s '100 million users, revenue, and community' at a time when there weren’t even 100 million people on the internet.
- Why coaching has been a game-changer for her, and her only regret about it.
- The dark truths of leadership and the personal sacrifices that often go unnoticed.
- Her answer to Stanford's MBA essay question: 'What matters most to you and why?'
- And a touching, human perspective on what drives her to keep pushing boundaries.
This episode is all about leadership, growth, and unlocking the potential in others.
Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation with one of the most dynamic leaders of our time.Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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In this special in-person edition of "The xMonks Drive," I have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Krishna Madappa, President of The Institute of Science, Spirituality & Sustainability, for a conversation that will completely change the way you see water. After years of Zoom interviews, this episode is a milestone as we shift to face-to-face conversations, bringing a deeper, more human connection to the show.
Born in the Andaman Islands and with a background spanning continents, Krishna has spent over 35 years exploring the intelligence of water—not just as a life-giving resource, but as a conscious, living force. With expertise in Ayurveda, Bio-Energy, and Psycho Neurobic Sciences, Krishna's work bridges the gap between science and spirituality, delving into water’s ability to carry trauma and its potential for healing through his groundbreaking JEEVA device.
Join me as we explore Krishna’s lifelong passion for reviving ecosystems, from soil to human life, and his visionary contributions to the science of water, bio-energy, and global consciousness. This conversation is packed with wisdom and insight into how water, the essence of life, holds the key to our wellbeing—and how we can transform our relationship with it.Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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In this thought-provoking episode of The xMonks Drive, we explore the profound insights of Allison Shultz, co-founder of Reboot.io and author of The Art of Being Human at Work. Allison delves into the idea that the more connected we are to ourselves, the closer we come to self-actualization, ultimately making the world a better place. She discusses the shift from an anthropocentric to an ecocentric worldview, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with our deepest selves and the natural world.
Allison also shares her perspective on the simplicity and authenticity of connections with animals, who engage with us without pretense or manipulation—just being to being. She reflects on the relational nature of both wounding and healing, reminding us that our beliefs, even from the earliest stages of life, can shape who we are. Join us as we explore how these connections, both with ourselves and the world around us, are the missing pieces to leading a more fulfilled and authentic life.
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In this episode of "The xMonks Drive," Dr. Tasha Eurich, a leading organizational psychologist and self-awareness expert, takes us on an enlightening journey into the depths of self-awareness. Tasha likens the pursuit of self-awareness to exploring space—an ever-expanding frontier with endless discoveries. She delves into the importance of self-awareness in leadership, explaining how it is the will and skill to understand both who we are and how we are perceived by others.
Throughout the conversation, Tasha emphasizes that self-awareness isn't about having dramatic breakthroughs but rather about making small, incremental improvements. Surprisingly, she reveals that introspection can sometimes lead to less self-awareness, increasing stress, anxiety, and even depression. Tasha also touches on the profound insights of Gabor Maté, highlighting that trauma is not just a psychological event but a deep-seated injury to our nervous system, shaping our internal responses to external experiences.
This episode offers powerful insights for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of themselves and improve their leadership and personal growth.
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In this episode of The xMonks Drive, we sit down with Rajeev Peshawaria, a global thought leader and CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre, who has spent over two decades leading Fortune 100 companies and pioneering innovative leadership models. Rajeev, also the author of bestsellers like Open Source Leadership and Too Many Bosses, Too Few Leaders, challenges conventional notions of leadership. He delves into the essence of true leadership—not as a position of power, but as the ability to touch lives and make them better.
Throughout the conversation, Rajeev shares his groundbreaking concepts such as leadership energy, emotional integrity, and steward leadership, offering practical insights into how leaders can drive sustainable business growth while maintaining a deep sense of responsibility to those they serve. He also reflects on the importance of empathy in leadership, posing the powerful question: In the same situations we judge others, might we have slipped too?
Join us for this thought-provoking discussion as Rajeev Peshawaria redefines what it means to be a leader in the modern world and inspires us to lead with purpose, empathy, and integrity.
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In this compelling episode of the xMonks Drive, we sit down with Jeremy Earnshaw, an accomplished Executive Coach and Mentor with over 25 years of global C-Suite experience. Jeremy shares his insights on transitioning from a CFO to a coach.
He discusses his relentless drive to fill gaps in his executive career, which ultimately led him to coaching.Jeremy also delves into the challenges of letting go of public personas and the deep self-reflection required to become an effective coach.
We explore how coaching can shift organizational behaviors and values, enabling everyone to embrace leadership.
Jeremy also introduces the concept of obliquity, highlighting how indirect levers in coaching can lead to profound changes.Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on growth, leadership, and the power of coaching with a focus on purpose and transformation.
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In this engaging episode of the xMonks Drive, we sit down with Abhijit Bhaduri, renowned author, columnist, and management consultant, to explore the multifaceted journey of building a fulfilling career and life. Abhijit shares profound insights on success, failure, and the inevitable evolution that comes with time and experience.
Key Takeaways:
The Dual Nature of Success and Failure: Understand why success cannot exist without failure and how to cultivate a balanced perspective towards both.Changing Landscapes: Discover how the perception of India's large population has shifted from being seen as a problem to a tremendous opportunity, illustrating the dynamic nature of societal change.Imposter Syndrome: Learn how to navigate feelings of inadequacy by continuously pursuing curiosity and honing your skills.Career Reinvention: Abhijit emphasizes the importance of reinventing oneself, driven by personal circumstances and evolving aspirations, and how each career path is as unique as a fingerprint.Philosophical Insights: Dive into the wisdom of the Geeta, which teaches us to focus on our actions without being overly concerned about the outcomes, revealing the true essence of success and failure.Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to embrace the unpredictable nature of your career and personal growth. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reinvent yourself, this episode offers valuable lessons for every stage of your journey.
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Join us on the xMonks Drive for an enlightening conversation with Stephen Shapiro, author of "Best Practices Are Stupid" "Pivotal" and many more bestsellers.
Discover 40 innovative strategies that challenge conventional thinking.Stephen redefines innovation, emphasizing relevance over quantity of ideas. He shares a powerful basketball analogy, highlighting the importance of a stable foundation—the "planted foot"—in business pivots.
We also dive into midlife crises, exploring how staying connected to foundational experiences can prevent stagnation. Stephen's approach of "meandering with purpose" offers a fresh perspective on navigating life's twists and turns.
Tune in for insights that will transform your approach to both business and personal growth. Click to listen now and unlock the secrets to innovation and purposeful living!
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This illuminating episode of The xMonks Drive features Dr. Ruth Gotian, the globally acclaimed Chief Learning Officer and Associate Professor of Education in Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Named a top 20 mentor worldwide and hailed by Nature, Wall Street Journal, and Columbia University, Ruth was also ranked as the #1 emerging management thinker by Thinkers50 in 2021.Discover how mentorship has shaped the journeys of high achievers, the crucial differences between mentoring and coaching, and the secrets to finding your life's purpose during major life changes.
Ruth's mission to redefine success shines through as she reveals why emulating mindsets over habits is key.
Learn the profound impact of genuine mentorship and why bad mentorship can be more detrimental than none.Tune in till the very end!
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv/ - Näytä enemmän
