In this episode of The Living Pod, Saurabh Arora sits down with Ritesh Banglani, Partner at Stellaris Venture Partners, for a candid, no-nonsense conversation on startup funding, venture capital, and the psychology behind investment decisions.

Ritesh shares his unconventional journey from electrical engineer to product leader, early startup hustler, and eventually one of India’s most respected VCs. Drawing from decades of experience, he breaks down why most pitch decks fail, what VCs really look for in founders, and why so-called “alpha personalities” often struggle in both venture capital and startups.

This episode goes beyond surface-level startup advice to explore the power dynamics between founders and VCs, why startups feel like pressure cookers, and how humility, curiosity, and self-awareness shape long-term success — in business and life.

Whether you’re a first-time founder, aspiring VC, MBA student, or deeply curious about the Indian startup ecosystem, this episode is a grounded masterclass in how venture capital truly works — without the glamor.

In this episode of The Living Podcast, Saurabh sits down with Raj Kapoor, Senior Director – International Student Recruitment at GEDU, to unpack:💡 How GEDU grew into a global education powerhouse💡 Smart study-abroad choices: Malta, Dubai & beyond 💡 Visa hacks, part-time work, and cost-effective education💡 Leadership lessons & life habits that keep him grounded✨ From retail floors in the UK to leading international student recruitment across the globe — Raj Kapoor’s journey is proof that saying yes can change your life.Whether you’re a student dreaming of studying overseas, a parent exploring options, or someone curious about the future of global education — this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

In this honest conversation, Monica Kennedy , Senior Trade and Investment commissioner (AUSTRADE) & Vik Singh ,Trade and Investment Commissioner (AUSTRADE) ,opens up about the unspoken side of international education: the struggles with identity, experiences of racism, mental health challenges, and the pressure to succeed while far from home.From navigating cultural shock to tackling housing shortages, finances, and employability, this episode goes beyond glossy brochures to reveal what life is really like for students overseas. It also explores why Australia has become a leading global study destination, how parents can better guide their children, and what the future holds for education and skills development in India and beyond. 🎙️ What you’ll learn in this episode:✨Monica’s journey and insights as an international student✨The emotional and mental health challenges of moving abroad✨Racism and identity struggles in new environments✨Housing affordability and student accommodation realities✨Why Australia stands out as a global education hub✨The critical link between education, employability & lifelong skills✨Guidance for parents supporting children who study abroad✨Opportunities in India–Australia collaboration for studentsThis isn’t just about academics — it’s about resilience, belonging, and finding your place in the world.

In this powerful conversation, we uncover the untold journey of Sonya Singh, Founder & CEO SIEC ,who started out in a basement office with just ₹10,000 for her first newspaper ad and went on to lead a 98% women-driven company with 30+ branches worldwide and a 300+ strong teamFrom the tough decision of sending her children to boarding school around age 11–12 , to breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, this story is filled with resilience, sacrifice, and inspiration.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn about:Balancing parenting and entrepreneurshipThe reality of single motherhood and leadershipStruggles and sacrifices behind successHow women can break barriers in businessLessons from building a women-led global empireThis is more than a story of success — it’s a story of grit, motherhood, and the power of women who refuse to give up.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), shares her journey from a humble beginning as a teacher’s daughter to becoming one of India’s most respected education leaders.

From her early career at the UGC to serving as Vice-Chancellor of the first women’s university in North India, Dr. Mittal talks about:

✅ Why mindset change is tougher (and more important) than policy reform✅ The future of blended learning in the age of AI & YouTube✅ How internationalization is shaping Indian universities✅ Women in leadership — and why self-belief matters most✅ What students must do to become global citizensThis episode is packed with insights for students, educators, and anyone curious about the future of Indian education.

✨ If you’re passionate about learning, leadership, and women empowerment, this is one conversation you can’t miss.

In this episode of The Living Pod, Saurabh Arora sits down with Jogvan Klein, Director - Future Students and Admissions at The University of Queensland , Chair - Australian Universities International Directors' Forum (AUIDF) , a global academic and cultural educator, to reflect on the difference between having a degree and truly understanding the world.Jogvan, born in the Faroe Islands and shaped by his experiences in Denmark, Australia and beyond, shares how his education happened not just in universities — but through people, culture, mistakes and travel. This conversation is not about rejecting education, but about redefining it. In this episode, you’ll hear Jogvan speak about:🎓 Why degrees still matter — but are not enough🎓 The difference between information and meaningful understanding🎓 How travel and exposure build real perspective🎓Living between cultures and forming a global identity🎓Why education must involve dialogue, discomfort and curiosity

In this episode of The Living Pod, Saurabh Arora talks with Prateek Singh, Founder of ‪@PrateekSinghLearnApp‬ and ‪@Zero1byZerodha‬ about how trading experiences shaped his journey as an entrepreneur.Prateek shares how lessons from the stock market — discipline, patience, and understanding risk — helped him build successful and sustainable businesses. From his early days as a trader to running two growing companies, he explains how financial awareness and real-world decision-making translate directly into effective entrepreneurship.This episode explores the mindset behind scaling startups, managing uncertainty, and turning financial knowledge into long-term growth. In This Episode you will learn:💡 How trading built the mindset for entrepreneurship💡 Lessons from early financial setbacks💡 Why every founder should understand money and risk💡 Building ‪@PrateekSinghLearnApp‬ and ‪@Zero1byZerodha‬ 💡 How to create systems for long-term success

In this episode of The Living Pod which is powered by VITA Student , Saurabh Arora sits down with Mahima, Regional Advisor at the University of York, to explore what truly makes York stand out for students worldwide.

From her inspiring journey transitioning from the finance sector into higher education, to York’s student-centric culture and commitment to employability, Mahima shares insights that every aspiring student needs to hear.What you’ll discover in this episode:✨Why York is known as a student-first university.✨The unique student support system and real-life stories that set York apart.✨Honest talk about the housing crisis in the UK and how it impacts students.✨How York focuses on employability and global career readiness.✨The future of higher education, including York’s new Mumbai campus.✨Scholarships, student life, and the importance of mental health.Whether you’re considering studying abroad, curious about the future of global education, or simply want to know what life at York University is really like — this conversation is packed with value.Powered by Vita Student, the most recommended student accommodation in the UK and Barcelona. It offers luxurious, stylish, and practical living spaces that feel like home.•Prime Locations: Residences are just minutes from the best universities.•Flexible Policies: No guarantor, no visa—no problem.•Added Value: Complimentary breakfast and free doctor-on-call service.•Safe & Social: 24/7 security and vibrant community events.•Premium Living: Modern apartments and inspirational hub spaces designed for study and relaxation.