In this episode 12 of the 2nd Innings podcast, hosts Atul S Nath and Suman Ghose engage in a deep conversation with guests Rahul Singh and Ella Garg about their unique journeys of career transitions.

Rahul and Ella have diametrically opposite transition stories - Rahul went from being a 25-year Entrepreneurial success to a corporate career! While Ella went from a 2-decade career at Airtel to starting her dream café and studio store.

They explore themes of personal growth, the impact of COVID, and the emotional aspects of leaving corporate life to pursue entrepreneurship. Both guests share their stories of resilience, the importance of gratitude, and the lessons learned along the way, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a similar path.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Second Innings Podcast

01:13 Meet the Guests: Ella Garg and Rahul Singh

02:53 Rahul Singh's Early Life and Career

09:41 Ella Garg's Upbringing and Career Journey

13:55 Ella's Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

18:18 Rahul's Shift from Entrepreneurship to Corporate Role

22:08 The Impact of COVID on Career Transitions

28:36 Opportunities and Challenges in New Roles

33:15 Navigating Corporate Challenges

34:29 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

35:59 Taking the Leap: Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

38:00 Emotional Landscape of Starting Anew

40:52 Financial Management in Entrepreneurship

43:31 Creating a Dream: The Yellow Marigold Experience

45:43 The Importance of Gratitude in Life

51:55 Support Systems: Family and Transition

57:57 Reflections on the Journey: What Would You Do Differently?

01:01:47 Future Aspirations: Vision for Growth

01:05:18 Life Lessons: The Importance of Resilience and Optimism

01:12:05 Dream Big: The Power of Ambition and Action

Here is a Bonus Episode - Reflections.

In this episode, hosts Atul Nath and Suman Ghose discuss their insights from a podcast episode featuring Anshu Mor, a corporate executive turned stand-up comedian.

They explore themes of decisiveness, job crafting, vulnerability, fear, authenticity, and the importance of having or not having a safety net in pursuing one's passion. The discussion emphasizes the significance of seizing opportunities, understanding personal traits, and the resilience required in the face of challenges.

In this episode of the 2nd Innings podcast, hosts Atul S Nath and Suman Ghose engage in a deep conversation with Anshu Mor, a former corporate executive turned stand-up comedian. Anshu shares his journey from a successful career at Microsoft to pursuing his passion for comedy, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. The discussion covers themes of finding purpose, the importance of humour in life and work, the fear of failure, and the significance of support systems.

Anshu emphasizes the need for resilience, the willingness to embrace vulnerability, and the importance of putting oneself out there without the fear of judgment. The episode concludes with valuable insights for anyone considering a career transition or pursuing their passion.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Second Innings Podcast

01:27 Anshu Mor: From Corporate to Comedy

03:34 Anshu's Upbringing and Early Influences

08:05 The Impulsive Leap into Comedy

15:09 Finding and Following Passion

19:43 The Role of Humor in Life

25:06 Humor in Corporate Culture

29:33 The Leap of Faith: Transitioning to Comedy

31:37 Luck vs. Hard Work: The Comedy Journey

36:22 Passion and Purpose: The Right Reasons to Pursue

39:22 Facing Fear: The Reality of Career Changes

43:44 Support Systems: The Role of Family in Pursuing Dreams

47:27 Navigating Uncertainty: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Comedy

52:21 Navigating Fear and Financial Security

56:35 The Reality of Corporate Life vs. Creative Freedom

57:44 The Importance of Failing Fast

01:02:12 Resilience in the Face of Failure

01:08:08 Finding Joy in Passion and Purpose

01:09:19 The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation

01:09:19 Lessons Learned: What Would You Do Differently?

01:15:45 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

01:20:19 Finding Your Passion and Purpose

In this, the 10th episode of the Second Innings Podcast, hosts Atul Nath and Suman Ghosh engage in a conversation with Haresh Bathija and Kiran Dhameja, co-founders of Doyen Foods, who happen to be husband and wife too!

They explore the couple's journey from their early lives and careers to their transition into entrepreneurship. The discussion covers the challenges of starting a business, financial planning, navigating conflicts as co-founders, and the importance of execution over planning.

Haresh and Kiran share valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to take risks, enjoy the journey, and remain present in the moment.

Chapters 00:00 Start 03:02 Personal Introduction – Haresh Bathija 08:54 Personal Introduction – Kiran Dhameja 12:10 The Transition: Leaving Corporate Life Behind 18:04 Harish's Transition: Supporting Kiran's Venture 22:26 The Birth of Doyen Foods: A Shared Vision 27:00 Passion for Food: The Journey Begins 30:11 Navigating Financial Transitions in Entrepreneurship 35:03 Balancing Creativity and Financial Planning 39:12 Setting Boundaries in a Couple's Business 43:22 The Future of Entrepreneurship and Passion Projects 47:46 The Parking Lot of Ideas 49:39 Navigating Conflicts in Co-Founding 51:15 Letting Go and Moving Forward 52:00 Learning from Mistakes 53:34 Balancing Growth and Brand Identity 53:54 Maintaining Work-Life Boundaries 56:36 Reflections on the Journey 58:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In episode 9, the hosts interview chat with Namrata Sudhindra, a yoga practitioner and teacher, and Harish Vasudevan, an experienced marketing professional. Namrata shares her journey from being a dentist to becoming a yoga teacher, while Harish talks about his career in marketing and advertising. Both guests discuss the challenges and rewards of making a career transition and finding purpose and fulfilment in their work. Namrata Sudhindra shares her experience of running a business while pursuing her passion for yoga, and the decision to go full-time after seven years. Harish discusses the risks and rewards of his various career moves, including moving to China and Africa. The guests also discuss the connection between their previous professions and their current passions. In this part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of trying different things to find one's passion and the value of testing one's passion before fully committing to it. They also explore the differences in teaching at different levels and the satisfaction that comes from pursuing one's passion. The conversation touches on the mindset of entrepreneurs and the willingness to take risks. They also discuss the possibility of transitioning from entrepreneurship to a corporate job and vice versa. Chapters 00:00 Guest Introduction: Namrata Sudhindra 05:49 The Importance of Aha Moments in Career Choices 07:47 Guest Introduction: Harish Vasudevan 10:00 Harish's Career Journey in Marketing and Advertising 21:58 Discussion on Career Transitions and Finding Purpose 23:06 Challenges and Rewards of Transitioning to Yoga 28:17 The Shift from Dentistry to Yoga 29:30 Family Support and Reaction to Career Changes 30:11 Reflections on the Journey and Lessons Learned 30:19 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship 31:23 Taking Risks and Adapting 35:26 Passion and Purpose 38:14 Drawing on Previous Experiences 46:31 Exploring Different Paths to Find Your Passion 47:57 The Value of Testing Your Passion 49:46 Teaching at Different Levels: Varied Experiences 50:07 The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Risk-Taking and Opportunity 51:53 Continuous Skill-Building for Entrepreneurs 57:29 The Importance of Human Interaction and Collaboration

In this episode of the 2nd Innings podcast, the hosts Atul & Suman chat with two guests, Radhika Vaz and Balaji Ramanujam, about their career journeys and transitions.

Radhika, a stand-up comedian and writer, shares her experience of growing up as an armed forces kid and constantly moving to different towns. Balaji, an EdTech entrepreneur, talks about his upbringing in a traditional Tamil Brahmin family and his early interest in creativity.

Both guests discuss the pivotal moments that led them to pursue their passions and make the leap into their second innings. The conversation explores the emotions and decision-making process involved in taking the plunge into a new career or venture. The speakers discuss the push and pull factors that lead to making a change, as well as the importance of passion and purpose in driving their decisions.

They also share their personal experiences and offer advice for those considering a career pivot. The key themes include taking calculated risks, managing finances, and embracing change and reinvention.

Chapters

00:00:00⁠ Start

00:03:12 Personal Introduction – Radhika Vaz

00:06:25 Personal Introduction – Balaji Ramanujam

00:34:35 Discovering Passion

00:39:06 Transitioning to a 2nd Innings

00:49:24 Hot State vs Cold State

01:04:23 Words of Advice

In Episode 7, hosts Suman Ghose and Atul S Nath engage with guests Malthi SS (Product Coach) and Prakash Bagri (Professor of Marketing Strategy & Innovation at ISB) , who share their personal journeys of transitioning into new careers after very successful corporate lives.

They share the emotional and cognitive challenges faced during these transitions, the importance of planning and financial considerations, and the need to find purpose and passion in their new ventures. The conversation also touches on the significance of collaboration, the challenges of defining identity outside of corporate roles, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Chapters

00:00:00⁠ Start

00:04:25 Personal Introduction – Malthi SS

00:11:40 Personal Introduction – Prakash Bagri

00:28:32 Transitioning to a 2nd Innings

00:40:00 Financial Preparation

01:04:00 Importance of finding a partner

01:23:50 Words of Advice

We’ve got 2 experienced 2nd Innings transitioners to share their stories and learnings with us - Deepak Thakran & Saumil Majmudar.

Hosts Atul S Nath and Suman Ghosh engage with the guests exploring their journeys from corporate careers to entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into their early influences, the emotional challenges of transitioning careers, and the importance of relationships in business.

Both guests share insights on risk management, the significance of having fun in their ventures, and the lessons learned from their experiences. The episode emphasizes the need for resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to adapt in the face of challenges, providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Chapters 00:00:00 Start

00:03:16 Personal Introduction – Saumil Majmudar

00:09:42 Personal Introduction – Deepak Thakran

00:14:50 Transitioning to a 2nd Innings

00:34:25 Financial Preparation

00:45:53 Hot & Cold State

01:05:44 Words of Advice