S2 E65: Innovation isn't about creativity or ideas ft. Stephen Shapiro

The xMonks Drive

#Society #Conversations #Entrepreneur #Business #Self-Improvement #Podcasting Education #GAURAV ARORA #Coaching #Coaching And Leadership #Coaches In India #Leadership Development #Life Coach #Books Authors #Life Stories

52:22

Season 3 of the smash hit FX/Hulu show “The Bear” roared to life just days ago, but Will Poulter (the actor who plays fan-favorite Luca) and 2014 F&W Best New Chef Dave Beran had been prepping for weeks. Poulter — like his co-star Jeremy Allen White — staged with Beran at his Santa Monica restaurant Pasjoli to learn how to accurately portray a professional chef onscreen. The lessons went so well, Beran says he’d hire Poulter as a cook — even despite a messy mishap with a pastry bag. The two dished all about getting kitchen culture right on and offscreen, what it takes to be at the top of your craft, and the pure magic of a great restaurant service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 41:06

MP3•Episode home

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!

🔗 Connect with us:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334
Website: https://xmonks.com

211 episodes

S2 E65: Innovation isn't about creativity or ideas ft. Stephen Shapiro

The xMonks Drive

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

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!

211 episodes

All episodes

1
S2 E101: AAP's Jasmine Shah on Delhi, Democracy & the Price of Dissent 1:04:17

2 days ago1:04:17

1:04:17

“The War for Delhi” wasn’t just political, it was personal. In this unfiltered conversation, Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Jasmine Shah reveals how Delhi’s governance was dismantled, its leaders jailed, and institutions weaponized. 🗣️ "If an elected Chief Minister can be jailed with zero evidence, what hope does a common man have?" From bureaucracy takeovers to media trials, Shah shares the inside story of power, resistance, and a model of governance that dared to challenge the system. 🔍 Topics include: Arvind Kejriwal’s jail warning to his own party The crackdown on AAP leadership Collapse of the India Alliance What the Delhi Model tried to prove and why it scared the establishment 🕰️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Teaser: The War for Delhi 01:20 - Introduction: Who is Jasmine Shah? 03:00 - The Cost of Dissent in Indian Politics 06:15 - Why AAP Leaders Were Jailed 09:50 - Has the Delhi Government Been Hijacked? 14:15 - The Delhi Model: What It Tried to Prove 19:35 - Arvind Kejriwal, the Alliance & Political Betrayals 24:05 - What Democracy Looks Like Today 30:15 - The Role of Media in Manufacturing Consent 36:10 - Can the Delhi Experiment Still Survive? 41:55 - Final Reflections: What Should Voters Demand? 48:10 - Democracy, Governance, and the Power of Participation 55:05 - The Delhi Model: Lessons for the Country #JasmineShah #DelhiPolitics #TheWarForDelhi #DemocracyOnTrial #xMonksDrive 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

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S2 E100: Ex-Army Officer on Terrorism, Faith & the Fight No One Talks About | Lt Col Manoj Kumar Sinha 1:08:34

9 days ago1:08:34

1:08:34

What makes someone pick up a gun in the name of God? Why are books — not bullets — the real weapon in today’s wars? In this gripping conversation, Lt Col Manoj Kumar Sinha (Retd.), Sena Medal awardee and counter-terror veteran, shares unfiltered truths about religious radicalization, terrorism in Kashmir, and the inner war every soldier must fight. From being shot in the neck during an anti-terror operation to confronting belief systems that justify killing, this episode goes far beyond headlines — into the psychology of violence, the limits of peace, and what it really means to defend a nation. 🎯 Topics covered: India vs Pakistan mindset Terrorist indoctrination and faith-based violence Book vs gun: The Ideological War Truth, dharma, and the soldier’s moral code 26/11, Parliament attack, and living through death 00:00 – Intro: The Book, The Bullet & The Belief 07:00 – What Makes a Man Turn Into a Terrorist? 14:15 – “I Wasn’t Shot Because I Was a Soldier. I Was Shot Because I Was a Hindu” 20:55 – The Danger of Selective Liberalism 27:30 – Can You Really Separate Religion from Violence? 34:10 – What the Army Sees — And What the Public Doesn't 41:35 – 26/11, Parliament Attack & The Psychology of Jihad 48:20 – Bravery Doesn’t Come From Hate. It Comes From Love. 55:10 – When Truth Becomes More Dangerous Than War 1:01:45 – India, Identity & the War That Never Ends 🔔 Follow for more bold conversations! #India #Terrorism #Kashmir #xMonksDrive #ArmyVeteran #Pakistan #Faith #Radicalisation #Religion #CounterTerrorism 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

1
S2 E99: Kavyal Sedani | What They Don’t Teach You About Healing 1:02:29

16 days ago1:02:29

1:02:29

What if your suffering wasn’t a disorder — but a disconnection? In this powerful episode of The xMonks Drive, Kavyal Sedani sits down with Gaurav Arora to explore the invisible threads between mental illness, faith, ego, and healing. She once wrote letters to strangers just to serve Oprah a glass of water. That moment changed everything — but it wasn’t magic. It was alignment. From anxiety to ambition, shame to spirituality — this conversation unpacks the stories we silently live by, and how to finally rewrite them. 🧠 This isn’t therapy. It’s truth work. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00:00 — The Wildest Dream: 30 Seconds With Oprah She wrote letters to strangers — just for a chance to serve Oprah a glass of water. 00:06:31 — Manifestation That Took 10 Years How Kavyal used the law of attraction to bring Oprah into her life — literally. 00:14:44 — The Moment It All Came True Tears, chaos, and magic at Jaipur Lit Fest — the universe conspired. 00:24:00 — She Heals Everyone. But Can’t Heal Herself. The honest conflict of being a guide with weak boundaries. 00:28:33 — The People Who Hurt You… Might Love You Most Dark gurus, soul contracts, and the love behind the pain. 00:34:50 — Escaping the Ego Bubble Why ego is the treadmill we think is progress — and how it traps us for lifetimes. 00:39:04 — Depression, Marriage & Waking Up A 4-year spiral into victimhood — and the brutal sentence that broke it. 00:46:44 — Intention vs Fear: The Battle Within You can rewrite your life — but fear will always test your script. 00:52:04 — I Charge for Speaking… and for Staying Silent From scarcity to sacred value — how she learned to own her voice. 00:56:06 — Faith Isn’t a Belief. It’s a Superpower. Why trust is the only thing that carried her through chaos and doubt. #MentalHealth #FaithHealing #xMonksDrive #SpiritualGrowth #OprahStory #IndianPodcasts #HealingJourney 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

1
S2 E98: Major General Vikram Dev Dogra on India’s War With Pakistan 36:57

21 days ago36:57

36:57

This episode was shot on the morning of May 9th, just hours before India and Pakistan agreed to a so-called “ceasefire” — which has already been violated by Pakistan. Major General Vikram Dev Dogra (AVSM), known as the Ironman of the Indian Army and former GOC of a Strike Division, joins Gaurav Arora for an unfiltered, urgent conversation about Operation Sindoor — India’s largest, most direct military strike inside Pakistan since 1971. In this interview: - Why India struck 9 targets inside Pakistan - What the Indian Navy is doing at the Karachi port - The real reason Pakistan keeps provoking war - How Pakistan’s military survives on Allah, America, and Army - And what India must prepare for next — even as the media celebrates “peace” 🎯 This episode is not reactionary. It’s reality. 🗂️ Topics Covered: • Operation Sindoor explained • Indian Navy Karachi missile strike • India-Pakistan ceasefire latest • Pakistan’s five-front crisis • Nuclear threat in South Asia • Baluchistan, Pakhtun unrest • Information warfare and fake news • Internal collapse of Pakistan’s economy • The myth of restraint — has India turned the page? ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - We Are at War: What Operation Sindoor Really Means 02:50 - Why Pakistan Keeps Escalating: Inside the Military Mindset 07:10 - Propaganda, Terror, and the Psychological Battlefield 11:40 - Pakistan’s Internal Collapse: Army, Economy, and Civil Unrest 17:10 - India's Retaliation Strategy: Precision, Power, and Purpose 23:00 - The Two-Front Reality: Pakistan, China, and Enemies Within 29:30 - Economic Pressure Points: Water, Sanctions, and Sanity 33:35 - Final Reflections: National Strength and Civilian Clarity #IndiaPakistan #OperationSindoor #IndianArmy #Ceasefire #PakistanViolation #Geopolitics #IndianNavy #xMonksDrive #VikramDogra #WarAndPeace #SouthAsia 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

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S2 E97: Kargil Hero Yogendra Singh Yadav on Pahalgam, Pakistan & What It Means to Be an Indian Soldier 41:25

4 weeks ago41:25

41:25

In this powerful episode of xMonks Drive, Kargil War Hero and Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav speaks with Gaurav Arora about the Pahalgam terror attack, the truth about Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, and what it truly means to be an Indian soldier. From surviving 15 bullets at Tiger Hill to calling out cowardice masked as ideology, Yogendra Singh Yadav brings raw courage, unfiltered truth, and deep patriotism to this conversation. He reflects on: - Why religion doesn’t exist on the battlefield - The mindset of Indian soldiers versus terrorists - What really happened in Pahalgam - His thoughts on Pakistan, war, and national security - What Bhagat Singh and the youth of India can still teach us today This is more than a political debate — it’s a soldier’s lived truth. Watch till the end for a message every Indian must hear. 📌 Chapters: 00:00:00 - “Ask a Soldier His Religion…” 00:04:05 - Cowardice and the Truth About Terror 00:08:10 - Pakistan’s Proxy War and India’s Resolve 00:12:15 - Intelligence Failure & Internal Support 00:16:20 - India’s Culture, Nonviolence, and Grit 00:20:25 - Beyond Diplomacy: What Real Retaliation Looks Like 00:24:30 - War, Thought, and Spiritual Power 00:28:35 - “The Army’s Hands Were Never Tied” 00:32:40 - The Possibility of War — And Its Costs 00:36:45 - Rethinking What Makes a Country ‘Powerful’ 00:40:50 - Final Reflections — Courage, Sacrifice, and Duty 🙏 If this conversation moved you, please like, comment, and share. It helps the message reach further. 📌 Subscribe for more courageous conversations! #yogendrasinghyadav #KargilWarHero #PahalgamAttack #IndianArmy #xMonksDrive #PakistanTerror #ParamVirChakra #IndiaFirst 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

1
S2 E96: Ryan Seaman on Ego Death, Plant Medicine, and the Call to Wake Up 1:04:31

5 weeks ago1:04:31

1:04:31

What if everything you thought was success… was just setup for the breakdown that finally woke you up? In this episode of xMonks Drive, Ryan Seaman dives into the unraveling of identity — through ego death, plant medicine, spiritual initiation, and a journey far beyond the Hollywood spotlight. From Mayan pyramids to jungle rituals, Saturn returns to silent meditation, this isn’t just a story of healing — it’s a mirror for anyone on the edge of transformation. 🔮 In this episode: Ego death & the collapse of identity Psychedelics, plant medicine & ceremonial healing Vipassana meditation & integration The Fourth Way & waking up in the marketplace Archetypes, trauma, and reclaiming your inner truth 🕛 Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro & the voice that ended his acting career 00:07:00 The Saturn return and walking away from Hollywood 00:13:00 Discovering the healing path & the Fourth Way 00:20:00 Plant medicine, psychedelics & mystical downloads 00:28:00 Vipassana and the tsunami of consciousness 00:34:00 Psychedelics vs. meditation: the legality debate 00:40:00 The mold illness, suicidal ideation & divine intervention 00:46:00 Kambo, purging & the Amazonian medicine wisdom 00:52:00 Founding Living Prana & the story of PranaCakes 00:56:00 Daily practices: yoga, cold plunges, sleep & nutrition 01:00:00 Spiritual entrepreneurship & staying in alignment 01:02:00 Final reflections on transformation, meditation & legacy 🎧 Subscribe for more raw, soulful, and purpose-driven conversations. #xMonksDrive #SpiritualAwakening #PlantMedicine #EgoDeath #HealingJourney #InnerWork #Psychedelics #Vipassana #Transformation 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

1
S2 E95: Seeing the Divine: Lisa Prajna Hallstrom on Devotion, Doubt, and Anandamayi Ma 1:01:20

6 weeks ago1:01:20

1:01:20

In this profoundly moving episode of The xMonks Drive , Gaurav sits down with Lisa Prajna Hallstrom — Harvard scholar, spiritual mentor, and lifelong devotee of Anandamayi Ma. Lisa shares the extraordinary journey that led her from a difficult childhood and academic pursuit at Harvard to a life of surrender, spiritual devotion, and divine grace. She speaks about discovering the teachings of Anandamayi Ma, her powerful Shakti experiences, and the moment she walked away from her marriage to follow a higher calling. Together, they explore the nature of God, non-duality, the illusion of separateness, and the sacred power of presence. Lisa opens up about parenting as a spiritual path, healing intergenerational trauma, and the resistance she faced when choosing devotion over convention. If you’ve ever asked yourself what it means to live in alignment with truth, or what it takes to truly let go and follow the Divine — this conversation is for you. Themes we explore: • What is presence beyond ego? • Shakti, surrender, and the role of the guru • Healing the past and transforming legacy • Eastern spirituality through a Western lens • Building a life around devotion to Anandamayi Ma 00:00 – Opening Reflections on Divine Presence 02:40 – Stillness, Surrender, and Spiritual Experience 05:10 – Early Life & Spiritual Quest 07:20 – Awakening Through a Guru 10:00 – The Search for Anandamayi Ma 12:00 – Harvard & Destiny Fulfilled 14:10 – Grief, Loss, and Divine Guidance 16:00 – Shakti Transmission & Anandamayi Ma's Grace 19:00 – The Depth of Presence vs. Executive Presence 21:00 – Divine Joy and Ma’s Lightness 23:30 – The Kingdom of the Mind and Oneness 25:35 – Victimhood vs. Gratitude 28:00 – Letting Go of Old Patterns 29:30 – Resistance from the World 32:00 – Parenting, Healing, and Generational Impact 34:30 – Spirituality vs. Religion 36:45 – Homecoming to India & Indic Wisdom 39:30 – Ma’s Early Journey & the First Ashram 41:00 – Universal Spirituality & Embracing All Faiths 44:00 – Jesus, Shakti, and the Transmission of Grace 46:45 – Western Spiritual Void & India's Wisdom 48:45 – Integrating the Spiritual and Material Worlds 51:00 – Wisdom & Devotion as Twin Wings 53:00 – India’s Spiritual Decline and Renewal 55:30 – Spiritual Service Through Work 57:30 – Surrendering the Fruits of Action 59:00 – Building an Ashram in America 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

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S2 E94: Yogi @ Corporate Street: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s Leaders | The Inside Story with Manish Chaturvedi 34:56

7 weeks ago34:56

34:56

What if the best leadership strategies were written centuries ago? In this episode, author and corporate leader Manish Chaturvedi joins Gaurav Arora to share the inside story of his book Yogi @ Corporate Street — where epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita meet the demands of today’s boardrooms. They explore: The leadership styles of Ram vs Krishna Why self-leadership is the first step to leading others Karma, Gyan, and Bhakti as frameworks for professional growth Navigating corporate politics with ethical clarity How purpose-driven leadership outlasts strategy alone Whether you're a CXO, entrepreneur, coach, or a seeker of wisdom, this episode offers timeless insights for anyone looking to lead from a deeper place. 📘 GIVEAWAY ALERT We’re giving away 5 signed copies of Yogi @ Corporate Street ! To enter: 1️⃣ Subscribe on YouTube 2️⃣ Follow The xMonks Drive on Spotify or Apple 3️⃣ Drop a comment on the full video Timestamps: [00:00:00] Purposeful Leadership & the Wisdom of Krishna [00:01:05] Book Giveaway: Win a Signed Copy of Yogi @ Corporate Street [00:02:00] Manish’s Spiritual Roots & Upbringing [00:05:05] What It Means to Be Human [00:10:05] Coaching Leadership: Lessons from Krishna [00:16:05] Office Politics Then & Now — Strategic Ethics [00:19:45] Dharma, Emotions & Yudhishthir’s Fallibility [00:25:35] Ram vs Krishna: Choosing a Leadership Path [00:30:55] Life’s Balance Sheet & The Power of Celebration 🔗 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-oEVwcb9a9M 🔗 More from Manish Chaturvedi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manish-chaturvedi-46312417/ 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

1
S2 E93: The Startup Journey of Gaurav Singh: Obsession, AI, and Building Without Validation 1:11:03

8 weeks ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Can ambition be sustainable? Can AI scale without consequence? In this powerful episode of the xMonks Drive Podcast, host Gaurav Arora sits down with Gaurav Singh, founder of Verloop, for an unfiltered conversation on building in the age of AI. From growing up in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, to coding at 10, launching his first projects by 13, and now leading one of India’s most ambitious AI startups, Gaurav shares what most founders won’t: 🔥 Why fundraising is easier than building 💥 Why he stopped seeking validation early 🧠 The cost of obsession—and what “9 to 5” can’t give you 🌍 The hidden environmental impact of artificial intelligence 🚀 How to build a real company in a world chasing hype 00:00 - Fundraising vs Building a Startup 00:25 - From Rewa to Building an AI Company 01:30 - Small-Town Childhood & Memories 03:40 - Discovering Coding at Age 10 06:30 - Making Projects by 13 & Early Hustle 08:20 - Freelancing in College & Startup Spirit 10:50 - StockNinja: First Attempt & Lessons 13:10 - Stopping Validation-Seeking 15:25 - Leveraging College Infrastructure 17:25 - Deep Friendships & Focus 18:50 - IITs, Networks & Reality Check 20:00 - BPO Lessons Spark AI Vision 22:25 - Startup Glamour vs Reality 24:00 - Building a Generational Company 26:00 - Naivety & Landing Nykaa 28:45 - Support Systems & Personal Struggles 31:20 - Global Tech Culture Differences 34:30 - US vs India vs UAE: Mindset Differences 37:50 - Work-Life Balance Myth? 41:30 - AI’s Future: Intelligence On Demand 44:30 - Passion, Purpose & Inner Drive 47:00 - Work vs Life vs Passion Debate 50:00 - Redefining Education, Experience & Value 53:00 - Imagination Economy & Job Displacement 56:00 - Building with Focus & Tiny Iterations 59:00 - Climate, Energy & Startup Choices 01:02:00 - Future of Value: What Will Be Premium? 01:05:00 - Physical Health, Supplements & Optimization 01:08:00 - A Day in Gaurav’s Life: Routines & Reflections 01:10:30 - Closing Thoughts: Note-taking & Reflection 01:11:00 - Outro & Thank You Whether you’re a tech founder, builder, or just curious about the future of work and AI, this episode will challenge how you think about ambition, identity, and what it really means to create something meaningful. 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

1
S2 E92: Govind Iyer: From Global Boardrooms to Giving Forward 1:02:15

9 weeks ago1:02:15

1:02:15

What does it mean to give forward? In this deeply reflective episode of xMonks Drive , Govind Iyer—Independent Director at Infosys, Chairperson of Social Venture Partners India, and board member at Give India and Karmayogi Bharat—joins Gaurav Arora for a conversation that bridges corporate clarity with soulful leadership. Govind shares the philosophy that guides his life today: don’t give back… give forward . Together, they explore the culture of leadership without hierarchy, the power of authentic relationships, and what it truly means to lead with love. From his early days at Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola, to 23 years at Egon Zehnder, to pledging half his wealth toward social impact, Govind opens up about the choices, mentors, and moments that have shaped him. This episode is an invitation—to slow down, reflect, and reimagine the relationship between success and service. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Govind’s farewell story 04:20 – Early family influences 06:00 – A turning point at Mobius 07:45 – “Give forward” vs. “give back” 09:00 – Staying 23 years at Egon Zehnder 12:30 – A firm with no bosses or competition 15:45 – Fulfillment vs. performance 20:00 – Leadership culture at Unilever, McKinsey, and Teach For India 21:15 – What fulfilled leaders have in common 23:00 – Learning calmness from Nithya Shanti 24:45 – Why CEOs fail: EQ over IQ 26:30 – Shrinking CEO tenures 29:30 – Integration in work and life 30:30 – Shifting from corporate to social sector 33:00 – The discipline of deep listening 35:30 – Lessons from early philanthropic mistakes 40:30 – What Govind is learning from Gen Z 41:30 – Why SVP India feels different 43:00 – Philanthropy as leadership development 45:00 – Capacity vs. capability in NGOs 47:00 – The value of time over money 48:20 – Final reflections on presence and love 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

1
S2 E91: Dino Petridis | How a Greek Professor Came to Find Home in Hinduism & Nithyananda 54:26

10 weeks ago54:26

54:26

Why did a Greek psychology professor surrender to a Hindu guru? Watch as Dino Petridis, a London-based academic, shares his incredible spiritual journey—from academia to devotion! He reveals how he found Bhagwan Nithyananda, why he never wavered despite controversy, and what made him leave Western logic behind for deep faith. This is not just a story—it’s a transformation! 🔥 Topics Covered: ✔️ Greek professor becomes Hindu devotee ✔️ Finding a spiritual guru in India ✔️ Nithyananda controversy: His response ✔️ Hinduism vs. Western spirituality ✔️ Overcoming ego & surrendering 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

1
S2 E90: Shalini Singh on Breaking Barriers | A Different Take on Women's Day 48:05

12 weeks ago48:05

48:05

Breaking Barriers: Shalini Singh on Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry Shalini Singh, Chief of Corporate Communications & Sustainability at Tata Power, is a force of impact and innovation. From leading award-winning initiatives like Club Enerji and Greenolution to earning a board seat at just 40, she has paved the way for change. In this conversation, she shares her journey of working in a male-dominated industry, the doubts she faced, and how listening became her biggest strength. A TEDx speaker and passionate sustainability advocate, she continues to drive real change—one initiative at a time. 🔔 Watch now for insights on leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers! #ShaliniSingh #Leadership #Sustainability #WomenInPower 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

1
S2 E89: Can Astrology Really Predict Your Success? Sundeep Kochar Reveals All 1:05:09

13 weeks ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Is our life written in the stars, or do we have the power to change it? In this episode of xMonks Drive , Gaurav Arora sits down with astrologer Dr. Sundeep Kochar to explore the age-old debate between destiny and free will —with a fresh, modern perspective. They dive into: 🌟 What astrology really is (beyond the daily horoscopes) 🌟 Do planetary positions actually influence your thoughts and decisions? 🌟 The fine line between destiny and the choices we make 🌟 Why some people thrive in one job but struggle in another 🌟 The cosmic tug-of-war between illusion (Rahu) and detachment (Ketu) Sundeep shares incredible real-life stories—like how astrology once surprised a BBC anchor live on air—and breaks down how understanding your timeline can help you navigate life’s big decisions . Whether you’re a firm believer, a skeptic, or just curious, this conversation is packed with mind-expanding insights that might just change the way you see your own journey. Hit play, and let’s explore the magic (and science) of the universe! 🎧 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

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S2 E88: Gold Medal, Doping Allegations, and Fighting for Truth with Neeraj Yadav 1:00:52

14 weeks ago1:00:52

1:00:52

In this powerful episode of The xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora sits down with Neeraj Yadav, a celebrated para-athlete known for his resilience and extraordinary achievements. Neeraj shares his journey from facing paralysis to winning gold medals on the global stage, the pride of representing India, and the pain of being accused of doping despite his innocence. He discusses how faith in Bajrang Bali and support from loved ones kept him strong through moments of doubt. Neeraj’s vow to return stronger and win another gold medal is a testament to his indomitable spirit. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about courage, hope, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com…

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S2 E87: Small town girl turned CEO, Entrepreneurship, Struggles, Sexism with Muskaan Kakkar 50:55

16 weeks ago50:55