Join us for an inspiring conversation with Philip Kurian, CEO of Ricago, as we dive deep into the art of business transformation, the evolving landscape of compliance, and the future of leadership. Philip shares his journey from steering turnarounds at global organizations like Pearson and ETS to leading Ricago’s mission of making compliance a strategic advantage. We discuss:✨ The key ingredients for turning around underperforming businesses✨ How to drive innovation in both startups and large enterprises✨ Why traditional leadership practices are being replaced by empowerment and adaptability✨ The story behind Ricago’s new “Re-Define Tomorrow” branding✨ How compliance can become a growth enabler, not just a cost✨ The importance of data security, privacy, and proactive compliance in the age of AI✨ Why giving back to society is essential for modern leaders✨ Philip’s single most important advice for emerging leaders and entrepreneursTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The Fight Against Friction and Gravity00:27 – Meet Philip Kurian: Transformative Leader & CEO of Ricago01:09 – Turning Around Underperforming Businesses: Key Ingredients02:07 – Building Teams, Strategy, and Celebrating Success04:16 – Managing Finances and Communication04:31 – Aligning Roles, Rewards, and Embracing Change05:04 – Startups vs. Big Companies: Driving Innovation06:24 – Outdated Leadership Practices and Modern Alternatives09:44 – Ricago’s New Branding: “Re-Define Tomorrow”11:17 – Making Compliance a Strategic Advantage12:53 – Data Security, Privacy, and Balancing Innovation14:45 – The Future of Compliance: Predictive, Proactive, and Integrated16:49 – Giving Back: Alara Residential Center and Social Responsibility19:38 – Advice for Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurs21:07 – Closing RemarksWhether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about innovation and impact, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with transformative leaders!#Leadership #Compliance #Innovation #Podcast #BusinessGrowth #Ricago#branding #marketing #sales #outreach #salestraining #pr #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #founder #personalbranding

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Anakh Sawhney, the 16-year-old founder and CEO of Rice Kids (youngest in our 98 episodes so far) - a global nonprofit that has already served over 71,000 meals to children and families battling hunger worldwide.Anakh shares her journey of launching her first food drive at age nine, overcoming challenges as a young leader, and building a movement that bridges cultures and redefines what youth can accomplish. We discuss the realities of leadership at a young age, the importance of motivation, and the power of community in driving change.Whether you’re passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, or simply love stories of bold visionaries making a difference, this conversation will leave you inspired.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of changemakers!Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:28 – Rethinking leadership and age01:15 – Meet Anakh Sawhney & Rice Kids02:00 – The origin story: “No one sleeps hungry”03:10 – Overcoming challenges as a young founder05:00 – Balancing school, life, and leadership07:37 – COVID-19: Lessons and impact09:53 – Building partnerships and community11:27 – Navigating cultural divides12:00 – Vision for the future13:00 – Final thoughts & inspiration#Leadership #YouthEmpowerment #Nonprofit #Inspiration #RiceKids #AnakhSawhney #SocialImpact #pr #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #founder #personalbranding #podcast #age #youngfounder

Welcome to Episode 97 of "Brain Box - The Leadership Podcast"! In this insightful conversation, host Kaushik is joined by Niven Postma, a globally recognized expert in leadership, organizational politics, and culture. Niven has held executive positions since the age of 29, including CEO of the Business Women’s Association of South Africa, and is the author of "If You Don’t Do Politics, Politics Will Do You".In this episode, Niven shares her journey from being “allergic” to office politics to becoming a leading voice on the subject. She unpacks the myths and realities of organizational politics, discusses how leaders can navigate power and influence ethically, and offers practical advice for thriving in today’s complex workplaces - including hybrid and remote environments.

Whether you’re a new manager, a seasoned executive, or simply interested in understanding the hidden dynamics of organizations, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples. Plus, Niven shares her thoughts on psychological safety, tough empathy, and the critical role of culture in shaping leadership success.

Subscribe to our newsletter & get more valuable insights straight to your inbox: https://www.brainbox.net.in/gurukulTimestamps:00:01 – Introduction to Niven Postma00:25 – Niven’s background and leadership journey00:47 – Why focus on organizational politics?01:46 – Book, lectures, and PhD01:53 – Are there organizations without politics?02:20 – The spectrum of organizational politics03:51 – AI and the future of organizational politics04:40 – Leadership and unavoidable politics05:16 – Navigating politics ethically05:45 – Redefining office politics06:34 – Positive and negative sides of politics07:53 – Using politics as a crutch08:22 – Missed opportunities in leadership09:09 – Sponsor message09:42 – Getting things done vs. selling your soul11:11 – Adapting leadership strategies to environments13:10 – Tough empathy in leadership14:37 – Psychological safety and leadership16:24 – Sponsor message16:48 – Hybrid work and organizational politics18:24 – Advice for leaders in hybrid settings18:59 – Changing organizational culture19:54 – Final advice for navigating new organizations20:34 – Closing thoughts & outro

Niven's LinkedIn course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/navigating-organizational-politics-as-a-senior-leader/navigate-organizational-politics

#Leadership #OrganizationalPolitics #NivenPostma #BrainBoxPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #OfficePolitics #CorporateCulture #HybridWork #WomenInLeadership #EthicalLeadership #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #CareerAdvice #branding #marketing #sales #outreach #salestraining #pr #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #founder #personalbranding #officepolitics