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Best The BarberShop with Shantanu Episodes

ByThe BarberShop with Shantanu
103 episodes

My name is Shantanu and I am the founder of Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae. I LOVE entrepreneurship. Personally, I would rate myself as an average (at best) entrepreneur, but I love great ones. The BarberShop with Shantanu is a podcast where I call entrepreneurs I admire, and go deep with them. Their journey, dreams, failures, challenges, parenthood, marriage, cofounder fights, loneliness, investors, money, success and so much more. The aim is to make entrepreneurship relatable and accessible. We will be releasing an episode every Friday at 6 pm. Tune in and hope you enjoy. :)

#1

S4E17 : Alok Sama on Being SoftBank CFO, Masa's investment style, India & AI, CEO Superpowers & more

What if playing it safe is the real courage in entrepreneurship? In Barbershop’s latest episode, Shantanu sits down with Alok Sama (Writer & Investor) to explore what truly makes a CEO great. It’s not just about flashy risks, but staying humble and adapting as things change.How Alok brought his first book ‘The Money Trap’ to life, and how getting a degree in Master of Fine Arts, from NYU at 58 proves that growth has no age. Key Takeaways:- Leadership is as much about humility and adaptability as bold risks.- AI and disruptive tech are shaking things up, but also raise questions on creativity and originality.- India’s startup scene faces unique socio-economic challenges alongside fresh growth chances.- How and why to go back to school if you feel a passion strongly. So, Alok’s story exhibits that sometimes fortune favours the unexpected. Join us, and maybe you will see your professional path a little more differently in the aftermath. Also, if you’d like to join our next conversation as live audience, sign up here: the episode 00:00 Coming Up01: 17 Introduction2:30 Top CEOs in Alok’s views7:44 Comparing CEOs' operating styles: global vs Indian leaders11:14 Billionaire behaviour: insecurity or personal quirk?14:40 How do visionary CEOs adapt and grow?17:30 From Instagram to ChatGPT: Alok on AI24:44 Top CEO behaviours: founder vs manager?31:11 Alok on Indian founders and tech evolution42:53 Alok’s take on the tariff situation44:00 Indian conglomerates in US: capital drives disruption?49:31 India’s middle class: unemployment and consumption issues53:35 Risk-taking: entrepreneur or investor, Alok?58:27 Alok on MFA, writing, and nonfiction passion1:03:06 Money Trap duration and AI’s originality threat/His Book journey length and AI vs originality1:07:48 Living and investing: Alok’s India perspective1:18:14 Closing Thoughts

2025-05-23•1hr 18mins
#2

S4E16: How Is Ankur Warikoo Scaling a ₹70 Cr EdTech Company & Making ₹4.5 Cr in Book Royalties?

What if you could build your epic career without the fear of failing?In a world chasing speed, Warikoo advises people to try everything, experience it all, until the path becomes clear.In Barbershop’s latest episode, Shantanu chats with Ankur Warikoo (Entrepreneur and Bestselling Author), who deeply talks about personal growth and mindset shifts on career development.He shares his journey about scaling a 20 Cr education empire, ‘WebVeda’, with 100% refundable courses, and yet, it’s thriving effortlessly. In this episode, Warikoo explains that content isn’t just about reach, it’s about the trust you build over time. So, if he, being a well-known social media personality, gives content half a day a week and crushes it, why can’t you find your survival options? There’s no fluff at all in this conversation, just very actionable steps and real talk about life, purpose and bootstrapping your dreams. Key Takeaways:- What resilience and long-term thinking look like in business.- How AI is quietly transforming course dubbing and content clean-up.- What fuels his three income engines: content, community, and investing- What if playing it smart could also be playing it bold? Tune in, and maybe you will see your path a little differently.Hope this episode inspires you to go “all in” with your idea! And if you’d like to join our next conversation live, sign up here:

2025-05-16•1hr 46mins
#3

S4E15: Purplle Founder on ‘Beauty for Bharat’, Taking on Nykaa, Making Acquisitions Work, and More

To build a business, you should always have your feet on the ground and eyes on the stars. A mindset Manish Taneja has carried from the narrow lanes of Faridabad to build a ₹10,000 Cr beauty giant.In this episode, Shantanu sits down with Manish Taneja (CEO & MD of Purplle.com) for a raw conversation about the unseen side of entrepreneurship.Growing up in Tier 2 India, Manish never had the blueprint but just a dream to build big. And in 13 years, he turned that fascination into Purplle, a brand that has redefined beauty in India.From taking bold bets on acquiring big brands like Faces Canada and Carmesi to choosing long-term value over viral trends, this is a story of perseverance, principles, and playing the long game.Key takeaways from the episode:- Why it’s crucial to not chase trends but build with purpose.- What are the mistakes every founder often makes in the beauty space?- What is the role of AI in shaping the future of brand building?- If you’re still playing it safe, you’re probably holding yourself back.Hope this episode inspires you to go “all in” with your idea! And if you’d like to join our next conversation live, sign up here:

2025-05-02•1hr 24mins

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#4

S4E14: Scaling a ₹1000 Cr GenZ fashion brand with The Souled Store and XYXX

If there’s no existential doubt, it’s not an early-stage business.Because you're just figuring it out, one bold risk at a time.In this episode Shantanu is joined by Vedang Patel (Co-Founder of The Souled Store) and Yogesh Kabra, (Founder of XYXX Apparels) for a raw and honest conversation on what it really takes to start up.As a bootstrapped company, Vedang started with just ₹5 lakhs and a big dream. On the other hand, Yogesh started up in a 250 sq. ft. room in Surat. But Now? These founders have built a 1000Cr empire. Key Takeaways from the episode: •⁠ ⁠How a customer-first mindset shapes everything, from product to brand.•⁠ ⁠What should you know before building a clothing brand for women?•⁠ ⁠Why “mental freedom” from your investor can often be more powerful than just financial backing.This is a story of building something of your own with the right people by your side.Tell us in the comments: What’s the wildest risk you’ve taken to build your dream? And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here:

2025-04-26•1hr 20mins
#5

Building A ₹10,000 Cr Company In India Ft. MakeMyTrip Founder And Investor

Some companies almost don’t make it, until they do.MakeMyTrip could’ve been one of them.In this episode, Shantanu Deshpande is joined by Deep Kalra (Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip Limited) and Sanjeev Aggarwal (Co-Founder, Fundamentum, Helion and Daksh), one of MMT’s early investors. Kalra and Aggarwal uncover the real behind-the-scenes of building one of India’s most iconic travel companies.This Investor-Founder bond isn’t just about travel. It’s about the courage to stick around when the road gets rough.Let us know in the comments: What’s the toughest phase your startup has survived and how? And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here:

2025-04-18•1hr 21mins
#6

S4E12: How Saurabh Pandey Raised $40M to Build Eloelo, India’s Largest Live Social Entertainment App

Some Founders wait for the “Right time.” Others just CREATE IT!Based in Bangalore, this company has been developing an app since March 2021, and it has already been installed by 105 million users.We’re super excited to have Saurabh Pandey (Founder and CEO, Eloelo) on the pod this time. From leaving Flipkart just before the pandemic to building Eloelo after, one of India’s largest Live Social Entertainment Platform, his story is a masterclass in courage, conviction, and community building.Key takeaways from the episode:•⁠ ⁠What sets Eloelo apart from traditional social media.•⁠ ⁠How the platform tackles loneliness and spreads the sense of belonging.•⁠ ⁠Why transparency, data, and failure matter in startups.What’s been your biggest leap of faith so far—and what did it teach you? Tell us in the comments!And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here:

2025-04-11•1hr 39mins
#7

S4E11: Shark Viraj Bahl on Building Veeba, Winning Over KFC and Dominos, & building a 1000 cr Brand

Some Entrepreneurs build, but few leave a legacy behind.We're super excited to have Viraj Bahl (Founder and Managing Director, VRB Consumer VEEBA & Wok Tok) joining us on the pod this time. From a failed restaurant business to building a 1000 Crore brand, Viraj’s story is nothing short of phenomenal.Key takeaways from the Episode: - What did he do wrong in his first startup that one can avoid.- How he convinced big food chains to switch to Veeba.- The challenges of building an FMCG brand in India & how to overcome them.- The risks Viraj took to build and sustain Veeba.What’s the boldest risk you’ve ever taken in your life and how did it change you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

2025-04-04•1hr 43mins
#8

From 8 Years of Friendship to the Dream Founder-Investor Team of Kapil & Deepak

Not every founder finds the right investor. Not every investor bets on the right founder. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome a BarberShop veteran, Kapil Chopra (Founder - EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel). But this time, he is not alone. Joining him is his first ever investor and his very good friend, Deepak Shahdadpuri (Managing Director, DSG Consumer Partners). Why did Kapil and Deepak take 8 years to finally start a business together? Find out in this episode. This isn’t just an entrepreneurial conversation. It’s about trust, conviction, and the kind of friendship that every investor-founder must share, for businesses to thrive even when the going gets tough. Takeaways from this episode:- What do investors look for in a founder during a pitch?- Why did Deepak NOT invest in Bombay Shaving Company?- How to identify your Product Market fit in a crowed market.Kapil and Deepak’s story is a great reminder of why it matters who you surround yourself with. Who is that friend in your life you’d love to build a business with? Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here :-

2025-03-28•2hr 28mins
#9

33 VCs saying NO, being labelled FAKE to signing Diljit: The Incredible Story of Mokobara

Mokobara was rejected 33 times.And now they’ll beat legacy brands in their own game within 6 years. Something the biggest brands took 44 years to do! That’s the thing about great entrepreneurs. They don’t give up.In this episode, we are joined by three of Shantanu’s closest friends. Sangeet Agrawal, Founder at Mokobara, Navin Parwal, Co-Founder & CMO at Mokobara, and Manu Chandra, Founder and Managing Partner at Sauce.vc came together to uncover the power of aspirational hungry India.Mokobara is on a mission to redefine travel for India, designing luggage that feels world-class. But with ambition comes scrutiny.Recently, they faced backlash over claims of white-labeling and premium pricing. Instead of backing down, they flipped the script by dropping a non-apologetic comeback, launching a discount code named WHITELABEL on their latest Naruto collection. Through this episode, Sangeet and Navin, along with their friend and investor Manu Chandra also put down the curtains on the unnecessary controversy finally. Major takeaways from the episode:- Sangeet and Navin finally address their controversy.- How fast Mokobara grew in 6 years, something Safari took 44 years to do.- Why Indian brands need to build high-quality products and take them to the global market.- A secret BSCxMokobara product launch.If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a design enthusiast, or just someone who needs to hear a story of resilience today, this episode is for you! Hit LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations.Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here :-

2025-03-21•2hr 0mins
#10

From RBI to CEO of Paytm Bank: Shinjini Kumar's Exceptional Journey as a Woman in Finance

In this conversation with Shinjini Kumar, Co-Founder of SALT-mysaltapp, we talk to her about her diverse professional journey, something you don’t see in many founders. Coming from Bihar, she started as a journalist at the Times of India and then shifted to the Reserve Bank of India in the early ‘90s. At the heart of the action, she was responsible for handling Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In this episode, she discusses exactly how she landed every job she did in her early days. Shinjini eventually went on to study in the US, joined Bank of America, then came back to be the CEO at Paytm Payments Bank. And mid-COVID, she took the leap into entrepreneurship.Major takeaways from the episode:1.⁠ ⁠How she transitioned from journalism into finance and entrepreneurship.2.⁠ ⁠How career plurality shapes perspective and adaptability. 3.⁠ ⁠Lessons from building SALT and the challenges of raising capital at the right time. 4.⁠ ⁠What women are missing when it comes to finance.We are excited for conversation, and we can’t wait for you all to watch it. Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here: The Financial Agency of Women03:02 The Journey of Shinjini Kumar05:51 Conversations on Financial Inclusion09:10 Building SALT: A Mission for Women12:05 Understanding Financial Services for Women14:55 The Role of Agency in Financial Decisions18:02 Cultural Influences on Financial Behavior20:59 The Impact of Social Conditioning on Women23:50 Navigating Financial Independence27:10 The Future of Women in Finance38:13 Understanding Gender Disparities in Income and Assets41:44 The Role of Women in Family Businesses47:00 Women as Catalysts for Social Change50:41 Behavioural Changes in Financial Services57:51 Lessons from Entrepreneurial Journeys01:11:17 Building Trust Through Technology01:14:05 The Evolution of Banking and Finance01:16:24 Navigating Challenges in Entrepreneurship01:20:42 The Complexity of Work...

2025-03-07•1hr 41mins