What happens when two trailblazers from finance and clean energy dive into a murder-at-sea thriller?
I sat down with Lakshmi Iyer, Group President & CEO at Bajaj Alternatives and one of Asia’s top women in asset management, and Malavika Bambawale, a global leader in clean energy and CEO of SaaS Energy UK. Lakshmi opened up about her journey as a woman leader in finance and why she champions diversity in investment spaces. Malavika shared her path through global sustainability projects, from shipping to renewable energy, and how she’s driving change in the commercial and industrial sector.
This conversation is personal, powerful, and packed with anecdotes from the journeys of the two amazing guests on the show.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:30) A murder-at-sea thriller that’s actually true?
(02:33) Meet two changemakers rewriting the rules of money & energy
(03:17) The twist that turned nonfiction into a page-turner
(04:28) What shipping doesn’t want you to know
(06:30) How finance tricks shape our everyday lives
(10:19) Can big business really go green, or is it all talk?
(12:21) Why the finance world still feels like a boys’ club
(13:57) The hidden cost of chasing your career abroad
(15:52) The character everyone is still thinking about
(16:52) Our take: why this book belongs on your shelf
(18:12) Final thoughts (and your next great read)
Lakshmi Iyer
Group President investments & CEO - Bajaj Alternates. A trailblazer in India’s financial sector, Lakshmi has been featured on Forbes’ W-Power and Self-Made Women lists, and named one of Asia’s Top 25 Most Influential Women in Asset Management. She’s a changemaker who brings sharp financial acumen—and a love for films, travel and food—to everything she does.
Malavika
A seasoned changemaker in the clean energy space with over 20 years of global experience across APAC, the EU, and the US. She is currently the CEO of SAS Energy based in the UK, which is helping accelerate the adoption of renewable technologies for the commercial and industrial sector.
Gunjali Singh
I’ve spent over a decade working in the development sector, and a lifetime finding both escape and meaning in good books. Book clubs have been my anchor and helped keep me grounded through many seasons of change.
This podcast brings together two things I care deeply about: powerful stories, and the passionate people working to drive real change in the world. I hope it leaves you with fresh ideas, renewed hope, and a good book recommendation to dive into.
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About The Changemakers Book Club
The Changemakers Book Club is where powerful books meet powerful voices. In each episode, host Gunjali sits down with inspiring changemakers to explore stories that spark reflection and action. It’s part book chat, part deep dive into the world we live in. Come for the books, stay for the bold conversations.
What could a murder mystery teach us about fundraising and the ways they are corrupted?
In this episode, I dug into The Appeal with Radha and Annu, a book that had us hooked while making us question how power, privilege, and manipulation show up in the social sector. We talk about why trust matters in fundraising, why transparency is non-negotiable, and how the wrong incentives can spiral into real harm. This book wasn’t just a whodunnit; it was a mirror for how communities can rally together or fall apart.
Join me as we unpack a story that’s more real than you might think.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) What happens when a murder mystery feels too real?
(02:25) Why does this book make fundraisers sweat? 04:30 | Fundraising gone dark—how far is too far?
(08:45) Why do we still get trust so wrong in giving?
(14:00) The burnout nobody talks about in fundraising
(17:25) Can a community actually change the world?
(21:30) Collaboration or competition—what really wins?
(25:35) Why do outspoken women get pushed out, not up?
Anu Prasad
Anu Prasad is the Founder & CEO of India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS). ILSS is the leading institution for leadership and management in the social impact sector. We are on a mission to be the ecosystem enabler for the social sector in India by creating knowledge, catalysing leadership, building communities, and providing consultancy. By 2030, we will cumulatively impact 5000+ mid to senior leaders and 1000+ SPOs, directly contributing towards the country’s development agenda encompassing social justice and economic equity.
Connect with her at: linkedin.com/in/anu-prasad-29904563
Radha Friedman
Global philanthropy advisor helping to unlock funding for gender equality. For over 20 years, I have worked all around the world to support movements that catalyze social change and protect people’s rights. I am also author of the bestselling book, "Fundraising Without Burnout: Radically Reimagining Philanthropy to Transform Your Impact," about how we can invest in our social change leaders so they don’t burn out. (Just in case anyone actually reads these bios, I once carried Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's purse.)
Connect with her at: linkedin.com/in/radhafriedman
Gunjali Singh
I’ve spent over a decade working in the development sector, and a lifetime finding both escape and meaning in good books. Book clubs have been my anchor and helped keep me grounded through many seasons of change.
This podcast brings together two things I care deeply about: powerful stories, and the passionate people working to drive real change in the world. I hope it leaves you with fresh ideas, renewed hope—and a good book recommendation to dive into.
Connect with her at: linkedin.com/in/gunjali-singh-66a970158
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About The Changemakers Book Club
The Changemakers Book Club is where powerful books meet powerful voices. In each episode, host Gunjali sits down with inspiring changemakers to explore stories that spark reflection—and action. It’s part book chat, part deep dive into the world we live in. Come for the books, stay for the bold conversations.
What happens when a gym badass and a meditation-loving doctor dive into the same book about weight loss drugs? You get stories, science, and some serious truths.
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Bhakti Naik, PT, nutritionist, and founder of Ikigai Health, who helps people build real, lasting habits through movement and mindset. And Dr. Sondhi, a physician with nearly 50 years of experience treating diabetes and obesity, who now also hosts a Hindi health podcast.
We talk about Magic Pill by Johann Hari, and dig into what it really takes to get healthy, beyond the hype of miracle drugs.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Can a pill fix what a broken system created?
(03:29) Two experts, one bold book—what could possibly go wrong?
(03:29) Not your average science read—this one hits where it hurts.
(06:49) Is obesity really about food—or something much bigger?
(08:35) The ‘miracle drug’ might just come with a twist.
(11:42) No magic pill—so what now?
(15:49) Should you feel guilty for needing help?
(19:23) Your gut’s not just digesting—it’s deciding how you feel.
(24:18) What if happiness actually starts in your stomach?
(26:15) When losing weight feels like losing yourself.
(27:40) The science is solid—until it isn’t.
(32:56) Is it really magic—or clever marketing?
(35:02) Why I played this book for my kids (while they ate noodles).
(38:38) “I’ve tried everything”—but have you really?
(40:49) You don’t need to be perfect—just present.
(42:57) It’s called a practice for a reason.
(44:28) So… is the magic pill the answer, or just an escape?
Dr. Bhakti Naik
Dr. Bhakti Naik has grown up playing competitive sports, including at a national level. Her educational experience as a Physiotherapist specializing in Sports medicine and Orthopedics has taught her the one thing that keeps her excited; her passion for optimising the physical and mental capabilities of the human body.
Dr. Naik’s Ikigai (the reason for being), lies in planting and helping grow a healthy seed in every individual that wants to be the best form of themselves. She is a firm believer in a quote by Caldwell Esselstyn that she came across during her coursework: “Genetics loads the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.”
Dr. Suraj Prakash Sondhi
A highly respected physician with nearly five decades of clinical experience. Throughout his long and distinguished career, he has treated thousands of patients, especially those managing diabetes and obesity-related challenges. His expertise spans medical and surgical interventions, including bariatric surgery and now, the growing field of weight-loss medications.
Dr. Sondhi is also a published researcher, with recent work on weight regain after bariatric surgery featured in the Clinical Journal of Physicians. He has also taught medical students for over 30 years. A firm believer in holistic health, he maintains a personal practice of yoga and meditation. And beyond the clinic, he shares stories and insights on his Hindi podcast Chai Pe Cup Shup, blending warmth and wisdom in conversations about health, life, and everything in between.
Gunjali Singh
I’ve spent over a decade working in the development sector, and a lifetime finding both escape and meaning in good books. Book clubs have been my anchor and helped keep me grounded through many seasons of change.
This podcast brings together two things I care deeply about: powerful stories, and the passionate people working to drive real change in the world. I hope it leaves you with fresh ideas, renewed hope, and a good book recommendation to dive into.
—-
About The Changemakers Book Club
The Changemakers Book Club is where powerful books meet powerful voices. In each episode, host Gunjali sits down with inspiring changemakers to explore stories that spark reflection and action. It’s part book chat, part deep dive into the world we live in. Come for the books, stay for the bold conversations.
Ever met a pilot who’s blind, and runs marathons faster than most of us?
In this episode, I sat down with Sudhir and Divyanshu, two leaders who are flipping how we see disability, allyship, and what inclusion actually looks like. From discovering audiobooks during vision loss to flying planes and running marathons blind, their stories challenge every stereotype we hold. We talk about pity vs. dignity, why low expectations harm more than blindness, and how real change starts when we see people as people, not labels.
This conversation left me questioning my own assumptions—and it might do the same for you.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Ever tried reading a book that changes how you see the world?
(03:25) Can blind people summit Everest and fly planes? Wait till you hear this.
(07:00) Why are we still stuck with outdated ideas about what blind people can do?
(10:10) The run that changed everything—why inclusion looks different in action.
(13:00) Can play and sport actually break barriers we don't see?
(18:00) What if your biggest limitation isn’t what you think it is?
(23:40) Would you read a book that makes you question everything you assume?
(26:55) What do we lose when we fixate on what others have lost?
Divyanshu Ganatra
Divyanshu Ganatra is India’s first blind solo paraglider, tandem cyclist from Manali to Khardung La, and the first blind Indian to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro—a trailblazer in adventure and inclusion (). A clinical psychologist and tech entrepreneur by training (MA in Clinical Psychology), he founded Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation, taking tens of thousands on inclusive outdoor expeditions to shift mindsets . As a globally sought-after speaker, Divyanshu inspires Fortune 500 firms, IITs, IIMs, and TEDx audiences, championing leadership, diversity, and the power of resilience.
Connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyanshuganatra/
Sudhir Shenoy
Sudhir Shenoy is a Senior Director at Publicis Sapient, where he builds and scales digital product teams at the intersection of strategy, tech, and design. He’s a thought leader in product excellence, responsible AI, and sustainability—frequently writing and speaking on these themes. Passionate about human-centered leadership, Sudhir blends global exposure with intentional living, wellness, and philanthropy.
Connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudhir-shenoy/
Gunjali Singh
I’ve spent over a decade working in the development sector, and a lifetime finding both escape and meaning in good books. Book clubs have been my anchor and helped keep me grounded through many seasons of change.
This podcast brings together two things I care deeply about: powerful stories, and the passionate people working to drive real change in the world. I hope it leaves you with fresh ideas, renewed hope—and a good book recommendation to dive into.
—-
About The Changemakers Book Club
The Changemakers Book Club is where powerful books meet powerful voices. In each episode, host Gunjali sits down with inspiring changemakers to explore stories that spark reflection—and action. It’s part book chat, part deep dive into the world we live in. Come for the books, stay for the bold conversations.
What do a children’s book author and a gender justice leader have in common? Turns out—plenty, especially when the book in question hits like a gut punch.
In this episode, I sat down with Bhakti Mathur and Nisha Dhawan to unpack James by Percival Everett. Bhakti’s journey from banker to bibliotherapist adds a whole new layer to how stories can heal, while Nisha brings her fierce, frontline experience working with girls across 15 countries. We talk language, resistance, trauma, and what it means to write yourself into being.
This one’s part book club, part therapy, and full of wisdom!
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Coming up
(04:30) What happens when the side characters steal your heart
(07:30) Coping with oppression: Two men, two impossible choices.
(10:15) A book so intense, you’ll need to take breaks.
(13:00) The one thing slavery truly stole—and why it still matters.
(16:00) Faking ignorance just to survive—sound familiar?
(18:15) “With this pencil, I write myself into being.”
(21:30) Can you challenge the system without burning it down?
(24:00) How books can heal—and what bibliotherapy really means.
(28:15) What if reading wasn’t just freeing, but forbidden?
(31:15) Why we need more retellings—and who should write them.
Nisha Dhawan
Nisha Dhawan is the Vice President of Impact and Influence at EMpower, where she works to center the voices and wisdom of girls in philanthropy and programming across 15 countries. She has a background in gender, development, and sociology—and she brings a fierce love for feminist literature, big ideas, and conversations that push us to think differently about the world.
Bhakti Mathur
Bhakti Mathur is a Hong Kong–based author, executive coach, and bibliotherapist who transitioned from a 20-year career in private banking to storytelling and personal development. She is best known for her children's book series, Amma Tell Me and Amma Take Me, which introduce Indian mythology and history to young readers. Beyond writing, Bhakti offers bibliotherapy sessions, curating reading lists to support clients through life's challenges. She also contributes feature articles to the South China Morning Post, focusing on culture, health, and fitness.
Gunjali
I’ve spent over a decade working in the development sector, and a lifetime finding both escape and meaning in good books. Book clubs have been my anchor and helped keep me grounded through many seasons of change.
This podcast brings together two things I care deeply about: powerful stories, and the passionate people working to drive real change in the world. I hope it leaves you with fresh ideas, renewed hope—and a good book recommendation to dive into.
—-
About The Changemakers Book Club
The Changemakers Book Club is where powerful books meet powerful voices. In each episode, host Gunjali sits down with inspiring changemakers to explore stories that spark reflection—and action. It’s part book chat, part deep dive into the world we live in. Come for the books, stay for the bold conversations.
#bookclub #changemakers #socialsector #nonprofit
#percivaleverett
Can a book change how you see the world and what you do in it?
I’m Gunjali, and on the ChangeMaker’s Booklub, I sit down with inspiring leaders in philanthropy and the social sector to unpack big ideas sparked by books. We talk about gender, disability, fundraising, and the invisible systems shaping our lives. Because books don’t just tell stories, they start conversations that lead to action.
Join me, hit subscribe, and let’s read (and rethink) the world together.
Gunjali
I’ve spent over a decade working in the development sector, and a lifetime finding both escape and meaning in good books. Book clubs have been my anchor and helped keep me grounded through many seasons of change.
This podcast brings together two things I care deeply about: powerful stories, and the passionate people working to drive real change in the world. I hope it leaves you with fresh ideas, renewed hope—and a good book recommendation to dive into.
—-
About The ChangeMaker’s Book Club
The ChangeMaker’s Book Club is where powerful books meet powerful voices. In each episode, host Gunjali sits down with inspiring changemakers to explore stories that spark reflection and action. It’s part book chat, part deep dive into the world we live in. Come for the books, stay for the bold conversations.