This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it take to grow a company from a basement startup to a 400-person powerhouse?

In this episode, Bidhan Baruah, co-founder and COO of Taazaa Inc., shares how he chose leadership not as a position, but as a mindset—grounded in empathy, accountability, and bold vision.

We dive into how he spends 70% of his time in one-on-ones, why balancing psychological safety with performance matters, and how he’s future-proofing his business through AI.

If you're a leader feeling stuck or navigating change, this conversation is a practical and inspiring nudge forward.

Tune in to be reminded that you can lead with heart, and still build something extraordinary.

You can find Bidhan Baruah at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bidhanbaruah/
• https://www.taazaa.com/

In the interview, Bidhan shares

• “Leadership is a choice—and Bidhan Baruah chose courage over comfort when he left the safety of a stable job to build a company from a basement.”
• “Empathy isn't a buzzword for Bidhan—it’s a strategy. He spends 70% of his time in 1:1s to build trust, reduce attrition, and create loyalty.”
• “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to ask the hard questions while making people feel safe to do the same.”
• “In a world rushing toward AI, Bidhan is not just adapting—he’s educating. Because future-proofing means teaching before transforming.”
• “Culture isn’t created by accident. It’s built moment by moment—in how you listen, how you lead, and how you show up for your team.”
• “From off-roading to running a 400-person tech company, Bidhan thrives at the edge of risk and precision. That’s where real growth lives.”
• “True leadership is being willing to step into the unknown—with empathy in one hand and accountability in the other.”
• “If you want to build something that lasts, start by understanding your people—not just their skills, but their stories.”
• “AI might be the future, but leadership remains deeply human. That’s Bidhan’s secret: embracing both.”
• “Choosing leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about taking ownership, staying curious, and committing to continuous reinvention.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it really take to lead with both courage and clarity in today’s chaotic business world?

In this episode, Craig Dunham, CEO of Voltron Data, shares raw and practical lessons from the trenches—from making tough career pivots to leading teams through high-stakes acquisitions.

He talks about the power of directness, why transparency beats politeness, and how routine and self-care fuel high-performance leadership.

If you’ve ever struggled with balancing empathy and honesty, or felt overwhelmed by shifting priorities, this conversation is your compass.

Tune in to discover how choosing leadership—again and again—isn’t about perfection, but about presence, priorities, and purpose.

You can find Craig Dunham at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigadunham/
• https://voltrondata.com/

In the interview, Craig shares

• "Leadership is a conscious choice—it’s about stepping into discomfort, not away from it."
• "You can be direct and transparent without being harsh. Honesty builds trust when it's delivered with empathy."
• "The most transformative growth often follows the most difficult decisions."
• "Being a repeat CEO doesn’t make the job easier—it just sharpens your ability to prioritize and stay even-tempered."
• "I’ve learned that switching contexts rapidly—without losing focus—is a leadership muscle you have to build over time."
• "Taking care of your body and mind isn't optional. It’s the foundation of sustainable leadership."
• "In a noisy market, clarity of mission and message is what makes a company stand out."
• "As your company grows, your leadership must evolve. What got you here won’t get you there."
• "Leadership is less about knowing all the answers, and more about being willing to navigate uncertainty with integrity."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it really take to walk away from a 30-year global banking career and start over — completely from scratch?

In this powerful episode, KK Gupta shares his courageous leap into entrepreneurship, revealing what most leaders don’t talk about: the fear, the loneliness, and the deep desire to build something that actually matters.

If you're feeling stuck in a successful-but-unfulfilling role, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what legacy and leadership really mean.

KK doesn’t just talk strategy — he opens up about identity, discipline, culture, and how introverts can lead with quiet strength.

Tune in to hear how doing one thing well (and saying “no” to everything else) might be the boldest move you make as a leader.

You can find KK Gupta at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkgupta/

In the interview, KK shares

• "I wanted to create something, craft something, and solve a problem deeply — not just clock in and clock out."
• "Leaving behind the security of a 30-year career wasn’t easy — but staying would’ve meant ignoring a calling I couldn’t unhear."
• "When you go from leading thousands to a team of one, the silence can be deafening — but also clarifying."
• "Factum isn’t just a business — it’s a culture experiment in kindness, clarity, and doing one thing exceptionally well."
• "Saying no is a leadership skill. Focus is how we honor what truly matters."
• "You don’t have to be loud to lead. Introverts can lead just as powerfully — through intention, empathy, and presence."
• "Covid didn’t just change the world — it gave me the courage to change mine."
• "We’re not just solving problems. We’re building a place where people feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow."
• "Authentic leadership is less about charisma — and more about the willingness to keep learning, listening, and leading with care."
• "Legacy isn’t built in boardrooms. It’s built in the moments where you choose courage over comfort."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it really take to walk away from success and start over—again and again?

In this powerful conversation, Puneet Shivam shares how he’s made bold choices at every turn, trading comfort for challenge in pursuit of deeper growth and impact.

From the chaos of New York City to the cutting edge of AI, Puneet reveals the mindset shifts that have shaped his leadership journey.

If you’ve ever felt stuck at the edge of a big decision, this episode will inspire you to choose courage over certainty.

Tune in to hear how letting go might just be the most powerful leadership move you can make.

You can find Puneet Shivam at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/puneetshivam/
• https://www.rightskale.ai/

In the interview, Puneet shares

• “Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a choice you make every time you step into discomfort and say yes to growth.”
• “I didn’t plan to become an entrepreneur—it happened when I followed the itch to solve problems and build something better.”
• “Leaving a successful company wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to let go of comfort to chase what was truly calling me.”
• “Your choices paint the picture of who you are. Every decision, especially the tough ones, becomes part of your identity.”
• “New York challenges you like no other city—it demands your best and constantly reminds you of your potential.”
• “Entrepreneurship is more than business—it's about unlocking human potential and moving society forward." “Financial freedom isn’t a luxury—it’s a mindset. And we must educate ourselves and others to claim it.”
• “The real courage lies in choosing to grow, even when it means walking away from what’s already working.”
• “At its core, leadership is about trusted partnerships—relationships built on integrity, resilience, and shared purpose.”
• “If we can help people believe in themselves again, we’ll witness a tidal wave of innovation, compassion, and impact.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode, Akhil Shahani—Managing Director of the Shahani Group—reveals how he transformed personal setbacks into a bold vision to revolutionize education across Asia.

From navigating the weight of a century-old family legacy to building an education-to-employment ecosystem, Akhil shares real talk on leadership, resilience, and reinventing outdated systems.

You’ll walk away with fresh insight on bridging the gap between theory and practice—and why empathy, adaptability, and critical thinking are the true markers of future-ready leaders.

If you're a leader tired of playing by broken rules, this conversation is your permission to reimagine what’s possible.

You can find Dr. Akhil Shahani at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhilshahani/
• https://shahanigroup.com/

In the interview, Dr. Akhil shares

• "Legacy can be a gift or a burden. The challenge is in choosing to build upon it rather than be confined by it."
• "I had an MBA from Kellogg, but still failed in business. That’s when I realized traditional education was missing something vital."
• "We need to move beyond textbooks and teach life skills like critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability."
• "We’re building Asia’s largest education-to-employment ecosystem—where students aren’t just educated, they’re employable."
• "Success isn’t just about academic scores. It’s about how well you communicate, adapt, and collaborate."
• "Being part of a legacy business means honoring the past while boldly reinventing the future."
• "You need both the visionary and the operator in a leadership team. One without the other is a recipe for chaos."
• "Think of life as a game—when you focus on the process instead of the outcome, stress becomes a teacher, not a threat."
• "Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about empathy, understanding your team’s dreams, and helping them get there."
• "We’re not just educating students. We’re equipping them to thrive in the real world—no matter where they start from."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this candid conversation, James Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Bumper, shares the behind-the-scenes of building a high-growth fintech—while staying humble, hiring intentionally, and protecting company culture across borders.

From fixing tractors on his farm to navigating billion-dollar payments, James proves that great leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about ownership, balance, and grit.

If you’re leading a team through rapid change or wrestling with how to grow without losing your soul, this episode is your playbook.

Tune in to discover how humility, vision, and discipline come together to create lasting impact.

You can find James Jackson at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-jackson-103ba412/

In the interview, James shares

• "Our culture is rooted in humility—no egos, just people making things happen together."
• "Leadership means being willing to do the dirty work and the strategy—sometimes in the same hour."
• "We built Bumper by seeing a financial gap no one was solving for—and then obsessively solving it."
• "Hypergrowth doesn't happen by accident. It takes bold moves, strong talent, and a culture of ownership."
• "Hiring the right people isn’t about speed—it’s about patience and finding those who truly fit."
• "Leadership is about creating a place where people want to take ownership, not where they’re told to."
• "We’ve evolved from a buy-now-pay-later tool into a full payment orchestration platform. That’s scale with intention."
• "Farming keeps me grounded. Fixing a tractor gives me clarity a boardroom sometimes can’t."
• "Daily high-intensity workouts are my mental reset—they make me a sharper leader."
• "Great leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about being in service—to your team, your customers, and your mission."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What happens when you walk away from corporate security to chase a vision only you can see?

In this candid conversation, MJ—Managing Director of UHP Technologies and a serial entrepreneur—shares the raw truth behind 17 years of entrepreneurial grit, resilience, and reinvention.

From navigating early failures to building partnerships rooted in trust, MJ reveals what it really takes to lead with courage and empathy.

If you're a leader facing uncertainty, struggling with setbacks, or seeking a deeper sense of purpose—this episode is your permission slip to keep going.

Tune in to rediscover why leadership is less about control, and more about choosing to lead with heart.

You can find MJ at the below links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mj-manjunath-jyothinagara-6174451/

In the interview, MJ shares

• "I left corporate comfort not for certainty, but to discover who I could become without a safety net."
• "Entrepreneurship tested me more than any boardroom ever did—and I wouldn’t have it any other way."
• "Persistence isn’t a tactic. It’s the bridge between vision and reality."
• "When failure came knocking, I answered with resilience—and kept going."
• "Support from my wife wasn’t just emotional—it was the fuel that reignited my dream when I almost gave up."
• "Empathy isn’t soft—it’s strategic. It’s how you build leaders, not just businesses."
• "Entrepreneurship in India needs more collaboration, not competition. Let’s grow together."
• "My mornings with family are non-negotiable. That’s where I center myself before taking on the world."
• "Credibility isn’t built through perfection—it’s built through transparency, trust, and time."
• "Leadership isn’t about titles or balance sheets. It’s about choosing to show up—with heart, every single day."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What if your next leadership breakthrough came from a snowy day and a bag of leftover food?

In this episode, Tessa Clarke, co-founder and CEO of Olio, shares how she turned a moment of frustration into a global movement against food waste.

You'll hear raw insights about leaving a corporate career, building something from scratch, and leading with values in a world that often rewards short-term thinking.

This isn’t just a story about sustainability—it’s a masterclass in courage, clarity, and solving real problems with bold leadership.

Tune in if you're ready to challenge the status quo and lead with purpose, even when the path isn’t clear.

You can find Tessa Clarke at the below links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessaclarkeolio/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/olio-share-more-waste-less/

In the interview, Tessa shares

• "A snowy day and a bag of unwanted food sparked the idea that would become Olio. Innovation often begins with frustration."
• "Don't obsess over ideas—focus on the problems that truly matter. That’s where real innovation lives."
• "Every entrepreneur starts small. Baby steps can lead to massive change if you're consistent."
• "You don’t need to have all the answers—just the courage to take the first step and the resilience to keep going."
• "Values aren’t just words on a wall. At Olio, they guide our decisions, fuel our culture, and shape our impact."
• "Sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a necessity. Even when the market wavers, our mission stays clear."
• "Building a community and a business at the same time isn’t easy—but it’s where the magic happens."
• "The future belongs to those willing to act—not just talk—on the big issues facing our world."