Feeling stuck in your career? Wondering what to do next or how to make sense of all the skills you’ve picked up over the years?In this episode of Small Talk: Work Play Build, Subha and Hasita break down how to uncover your hidden skills, identify what really energizes you, and find direction that actually pays, in every sense of the word.Perfect for anyone on a career break, midlife pivot, or just feeling the itch for something more.Chapters00:00 Highlights00:50 How to spot what you’re naturally good at02:07 Why most of us downplay our strengths06:10 The difference between doing and being07:53 Play as the window into your real skills13:35 Why “easy” doesn’t mean “less valuable”17:44 Experience itself is a skill18:55 Create your own language of strengths24:44 Tracing the thread across career chapters25:44 How sabbaticals reveal what matters34:14 The end of linear careers, and what replaces them37:02 Read Watch Listen#careergrowth #hiddenstrengths #skills #futureofwork #smalltalkwpb--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
We live in an age when your phone can finish your sentences, but can it finish your thoughts?In this deeply reflective episode, Subha and Hasita sit down with Kashyap Kompella and Dr. Sujata Kelkar Shetty to ask: What is technology doing to our emotional lives, particularly for teenagers growing up in a hyper-connected era?Meet our guests- Kashyap Kompella leads RPA2AI Research, advising global enterprises on AI, automation, and governance. He brings clarity to complex systems in a way that’s practical and human.
- Dr. Sujata Kelkar Shetty is a resilience coach, trained biologist, and author. Her work centers on helping people, especially youth, build internal strength in the face of external turbulence. In this conversation, we explore:- The dual nature of AI: tool vs. trap- How youth brains respond differently to digital stimuli- The quiet costs of dependency: on cognition, creativity, agency- Frameworks for resilience: the four key pillars- How we regulate what should (and should not) be outsourced- What care, community, and context look like in a tech-steeped worldWhether you’re a parent, educator, psychotherapist, or a curious human trying to stay grounded, there’s something here for you.Chapters:00:00 Highlights01:29 Framing AI’s emotional impact07:41 Teens, thinking, and identity13:51 Cognitive decline & emotional fragility19:26 Algorithms, anxiety & addiction loops25:46 Four resilience boosters revealed32:21 Guardrails: regulation, design, ethics36:51 Support systems: home, school, system42:31 Narratives of hope & paths forward1:01:02 End Read | Watch | Listen[AI mental health, adolescent resilience, digital wellbeing, teenage anxiety, tech addiction, neuroscience, wellness, career podcast]--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna
Everyone says ‘communication is key’, but why do so many of us still get it wrong?From endless WhatsApp pings to performative LinkedIn posts to the dreaded unreadable work email, we’re surrounded by noise. But is anyone truly listening?In this episode, Subha and Hasita dive into why communication has become a lost art, why good listening is rarer than original thought, and how being intentional in what you say can actually change the course of your career.This isn’t another ‘improve your communication skills’ pep talk. It’s a call to rethink how we talk, write, and listen, because your next big career leap may depend on it.00:00 Highlights00:57 Why Are We Talking So Much? 03:05 Synchronous vs Asynchronous Chaos 05:42 Losing Human Cues in Digital Work 07:27 Listening Is a Superpower 10:03 What Supercommunicators Do Differently 12:17 Storytelling Beyond Buzzwords 16:10 Asking Better Questions at Work 20:15 Knowing Your Real Audience 23:32 Emails, Inboxes & Clarity Under Pressure 26:32 Intentional Conversations over More Noise 28:21 Read, Watch, Listen --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpb
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@smalltalkpod_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
In this episode of Small Talk: Work, Play, Build, we dive into the hidden side of toxic workplaces, where the abuse isn’t obvious, but it’s real. From micromanagement and gaslighting to manipulative clients and power plays, these behaviours destroy careers and confidence without anyone noticing.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How to recognize subtle signs of toxicity at work
- Why leaving a toxic job is harder than you think
- Strategies to protect yourself, and your team, from abusive dynamics
- Real stories that will make you say, “That happened to me too”
If you’ve ever felt drained, anxious, or second-guessed yourself because of work, this conversation is for you.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00 Intro – Why toxic workplaces are more common than you think
02:30 The myth of the “client from hell”
06:00 Gaslighting, micromanagement & emotional manipulation
15:00 Why speaking up feels impossible
25:00 What to do when leaving isn’t an option
34:30 How leaders can protect their teams
#careerpodcast #worketiquette #professionalism #smalltalkwpb #toxicboss
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Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it.
Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight.
Instagram @smalltalk_wpb
Website http://www.smalltalkpod.com
Media enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.com
Copyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.
Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
Can stories really save a city? Ecologist, author, and professor Harini Nagendra believes they can; and Bengaluru needs them now more than ever.Once a city of a thousand lakes, today Bengaluru struggles with traffic gridlock, water shortages, and extreme heat. In this conversation, Harini takes us through the city’s forgotten ecological history, the science behind urban resilience, and why collaboration and storytelling could hold the key to its future.Dr. Harini Nagendra is the Director of the School of Climate Change and Sustainability at Azim Premji University, and Director of the University’s Research Centre. (https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/p...)An internationally recognised scholar and a proud Bengalurean, she combines a career in urban sustainability research with a passion for storytelling. (https://harininagendra.com)For over two decades, her work has explored the intertwined histories of Bengaluru’s lakes, trees, and communities, documenting their transformation through books, teaching, and on-ground engagement. She is the author of several acclaimed non-fiction works on ecology and urban change, as well as the popular Bangalore Detectives Club mystery series, which blends historical fiction with the city’s vibrant past.On the global front, she served as a Lead Author on the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report and served on the Steering Committee of the programme for Ecosystem Change and Society and Future Earth’s urban advisory network. Dr. Nagendra’s approach bridges science, history, and culture, making complex ideas accessible while inspiring conversations on how cities can grow sustainably without losing their ecological and cultural heritage.We talk about:✔ The rise and fall of Bengaluru’s iconic lakes✔ Why restoring them isn’t just nostalgia, it’s survival✔ The hidden role of community action in saving nature✔ How a single illustrated story sparked state-wide policy change✔ What the next generation needs to build sustainable cities✔ Beloved fiction series The Bangalore Detectives ClubThis episode is for everyone who loves Bengaluru, and everyone wondering what it takes to make a city livable again.00:00 – Why this conversation matters01:45 – Meet Harini: Beyond the job title05:20 – Early career choices & big pivots13:40 – The turning point that changed everything18:00 – Mentors, networks & lessons learned28:10 – Leadership truths & navigating self-doubt38:00 – What success looks like today42:15 – Advice to your 25-year-old self--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
What really counts as bad workplace behaviour in 2025?Moonlighting. Faking bills. Ghosting on Zoom. Showing up in sliders. We’ve seen it all.
In this episode, Subha and Hasita get into the real (and absurd) stories that shape today’s evolving idea of “professionalism.” What’s fair, what’s foul, and what’s just funny?From Soham Parekh’s multiple-job moonlighting saga to office party meltdowns and Coldplay concert scandals, we explore what makes (or breaks) your workplace reputation.In this episode:00:00 Highlights00:52 Welcome to the Workplace Circus 03:40 Soham Parikh: Hero, Villain or Meme? 10:30 Can You Work for 5 Clients and Stay Sane? 16:10 Please Don’t get drunk at Office Parties 21:06 Reply All Chaos & Passive-Aggressive Threads 26:08 Zoom Calls Deserve Pants 30:35 Workplace: The Original Reality Show 32:05 Read Watch Listen#careerpodcast #moonlighting #worketiquette #professionalism #genz #smalltalkwpb #sohamparekh #coldplay #astronomerceo --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
Everyone sees the applause, the costumes, the final performance.But what about the hustle behind it?
In this powerful guest episode of Small Talk: Work| Play| Build, host Subha speaks with acclaimed dancers Smt Anuradha Vikranth and Shri Parshwanath Upadhye, about building a creative life in full public view.
From facing self-doubt and burnout to carving a space for themselves as performers, educators, and entrepreneurs, this episode is a masterclass in creative resilience, ambition, and authenticity.
Smt. Anuradha Vikranth is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, founder of the cultural institution Drishti Art Centre, and one of Karnataka’s foremost arts educators and curators. Trained under illustrious Gurus and a recipient of accolades including the Karnataka Kalashri Award, Anuradha has not only performed across the world but has also brought classical dance to public consciousness through platforms like the Drishti National Dance Festival.
Shri Parshwanath Upadhye is one of the most compelling Bharatanatyam artists of our time. An Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar awardee from the Sangeet Natak Akademi and founder of the acclaimed Punyah Dance Company, Parshwanath is known for his bold interpretations of mythology, his precise technique, and his ability to connect with diverse audiences across the world. A trained Carnatic vocalist, black belt in karate, and now educator with students worldwide through the Upadhye School of Dance, Parshwanath constantly straddles art and entrepreneurship.
You can learn more at:
https://drishtiartcentre.com
https://anuradhavikranth.com/
https://www.punyahdancecompany.com
https://linktr.ee/parshwanathupadhye
https://www.instagram.com/anuradhavikranth/
https://www.instagram.com/parshwanath_upadhye/
Episode guide:
01:30 Growing Up in the World of Dance
09:15 Why Passion Alone Is Not Enough
15:10 Learning from Teachers, Learning from Failure
21:50 How to Build Institutions Without Losing the Artist
29:40 Why Dance Needs to Evolve (But Stay Rooted)
37:30 Showing Up with Joy, Even When It’s Hard
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Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it.
Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight.
Instagram @smalltalk_wpb
Website http://www.smalltalkpod.com
Media enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.com
Copyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.
Small Talk: Work, Play, Build
Subha Chandrasekaran
Hasita Krishna
---------------------
If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
We hear it all the time. "Just manage your stakeholders."But who are they really? Your client? Your team? Your toddler?In this episode of Small Talk: Work, Play, Build, Subha and Hasita untangle the very human mess of stakeholder management. From clients with invisible influence to HR teams that make or break your deadlines, we break down what it really means to manage relationships at work — and how doing it right might just save your energy, your projects, and your peace of mind.In this episode:00:00 Highlights01:52 Introduction03:40 Who’s Really in the Room? 06:36 The Client Isn’t One Person 07:52 What Makes Someone a Stakeholder 10:02 Power vs Influence 12:33 Mapping Stakeholders Simply 17:39 Managing Energy, Not Just Time 18:58 The 2x2 Matrix That Helps 23:02 Peer Visibility = Career Growth 29:17 Life Has Stakeholders Too 33:08 Hybrid Work & Missed Voices 36:00 Read, Watch, Listen #stakeholdermanagement #projectmanagement #leadership #careerpodcast #workculture #smalltalkwpb --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
Imposter. Fraud. Con artist. Harsh words. But how many of us have whispered them to ourselves in the quiet moments before a pitch, a promotion, or a big presentation?In this deeply honest episode of Small Talk: Work, Play, Build, Subha and Hasita unpack the universal (yet often hidden) feeling of impostor syndrome. From startup founders to world-class actors like Tom Hanks and Michelle Obama, no one seems entirely immune.So how do we show up, even when we’re convinced we’re not ready?And what does it really take to reframe self-doubt into growth?Chapter Guide:00:00 Highlights00:57 Introduction02:20 Do We All Feel Like Frauds? 06:00 Startups, Pressure & Not Knowing 10:10 High Achievers, Higher Doubts 13:00 Firsts, Fakes & Feeling Exposed 17:00 Why Creative Work Feels Personal 21:05 Reframing the Fear 26:10 You’re New, Not a Fraud 29:00 Safe Spaces, Mentors & Mirrors 32:00 Validation is Not a Dirty Word 33:40 If Jerry Seinfeld Doesn’t Feel It... 34:32 Read, Watch, Listen: Our Picks #impostorsyndrome #selfdoubt #startuplife #careergrowth #womeninbusiness #smalltalkwpb #careerpodcast--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
Can empathy and ambition coexist? Can workplaces be spaces of true care and creativity?This week on Small Talk: Work, Play, Build, Subha and Hasita sit down with Tina Mansukhani Garg, founder of Pink Lemonade, to talk about building a workplace culture rooted in care, without losing sight of performance, growth, and self.From sending pani puri carts to grieving with her teams, Tina’s leadership style redefines what it means to lead with authenticity and depth. But make no mistake- behind the empathy is a sharp, visionary mind scaling one of India’s most beloved creative agencies.00:00 Highlights and Introduction03:00 Lessons from Scaling Too Fast 08:10 Hiring with Heart (and Gut) 10:10 Leading Without Burning Out 15:05 AI Meets Empathy 18:50 Culture That Actually Cares 22:50 Gen Z Isn’t the Problem 26:00 Are You Still a Relevant Leader? 39:00 Grief, Growth & Going Inward 55:55 What’s Next? 57:48 Read | Watch | Listen#leadership #workculture #womeninbusiness #mentalhealthatwork #tinaGarg #pinklemonade #smalltalkwpb #careerpodcast ____________________________Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
Tired of “working the room”? Same.This episode is for all of us who’ve been to a networking event and left with… exactly one name and a sore jaw. What if networking didn’t feel like performance theatre? What if we could just be ourselves?In this episode of Small Talk: Work Play Build, Subha and Hasita tear apart the myth of professional networking. From awkward intros to soul-sucking visibility mandates, they explore how we can make connection work on our terms.What’s inside:- Why most networking events feel like high school dances- The secret power of asking instead of selling- Understanding your “why” before you enter a room- Finding your kind of people—and being okay with not liking the rest- Introverts, authenticity, and the art of walking awaySpoiler alert: You don’t have to be a social butterfly to be good at this.Timestamps: 00:00 That One Time You Didn’t Network05:30 Is Visibility the New Networking?13:20 Why We Judge the Room (and Ourselves)21:10 Being the Connector, Not the Closer29:40 Planning for the Right Kind of Connection36:44 Read | Watch | Listen#networkingtips #introvertsatwork #careercoaching #businesspodcast #smalltalkwpb #leadershipdevelopment #personalbranding --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
Why is the word “no” so hard to say—even when we’re overwhelmed, out of time, or just not up for it?In this episode of Small Talk: Work, Play, Build, hosts Subha and Hasita dive into the uncomfortable but essential skill of saying no—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
From people-pleasing at the office to emotional labour at home, we explore how cultural conditioning, guilt, and the “good girl” myth keep us stuck in cycles of yes. You’ll hear real talk on navigating client boundaries, setting expectations with loved ones, and using alternatives and data to say no without burning bridges.
-Why setting boundaries isn’t selfish
- How to say no professionally (and politely)
- What it means to say yes to yourself- The hidden cost of always saying yes
- Real strategies to protect your time and energy
Whether you're negotiating a deadline, declining yet another WhatsApp favour, or trying to leave that family group without drama—this episode has something for you.
00:00 – Introduction: Why Saying No Is So Hard01:37 – Welcome + Why This Topic Matters05:31 – Saying No at Work (Clients, Bosses & Deadlines)15:08 – Cultural Conditioning and the “Good Girl” Syndrome21:32 – Boundaries at Home (Kids, Parents, Partners)29:57 – Practical Ways to Say No with Grace31:26 – Read, Watch, Listen Recommendations
Listen, reflect, and start building your boundaries—one no at a time.
#howtosayno #setboundaries #worklifebalance #mentalhealth #smalltalkwpb #podcastforprofessionals #womenatwork #careercoaching #productivitytips #burnoutrecovery
--------------------
Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it.
Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight.
Instagram @smalltalk_wpb
Website http://www.smalltalkpod.com
Media enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.com
Copyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.
Small Talk: Work, Play, Build
Subha Chandrasekaran
Hasita Krishna
---------------------
If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
What does it take to put a bolt on Mars? Or build an aerospace legacy from scratch?In this episode of Small Talk: Work, Play, Build, we’re joined by Ankit Patel, Group CEO of the Ankit Group—a man whose company manufactures the fasteners that literally hold India’s spacecrafts together. From telephone screws in the 70s to parts that flew with Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan, this is a story of legacy, ambition, and deep manufacturing roots. And intentional focus on enabling women in engineering. We talk about building for aerospace in India, the leadership mindset needed to scale, and what it means to bring more women into this space (yes, quite literally).Also in the mix? What skiing has to do with mental hygiene, what startup founders must learn to scale, and why storytelling might just be the secret to engineering longevity.Timestamps05:35 The Origin Story – From ITI phones to ISRO12:25 Bet the Farm: Risk, Vision, and a New Plant39:00 Women on the Shop Floor57:20 Scale is a Mindset1:00:00 Why Founders Must Ask for Help1:23:00 Why Skiing Is a Mind Cleanse#manufacturing #aerospace #womenintech #indianspace #podcast #engineering #startups #smalltalkwpb #isro #careerpodcast #engineeringcareers #womeninstem --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.com Copyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
There’s a lot of noise right now about AI replacing humans. But how much of that is fear… and how much is fact?We recorded this episode in March 2025, at a time when Google was laying off employees from its developer relations team — while also posting jobs for AI content specialists. Talk about mixed signals.Subha and Hasita unpack the headlines, connect the dots, and offer a no-BS take on how to stay employable in an AI-first world.You’ll walk away with:• Clarity on what today’s hiring managers truly value• A renewed belief in your human edge• Practical ways to reframe your learning journeyWe get it — the world’s changing fast. But you're not falling behind. You’re just one thoughtful shift away from thriving.00:00 Is AI the villain or just a very efficient intern?05:05 The illusion of “safe” roles08:15 The bots can go from coding to storytelling to therapy09:50 When it feels wrong to use AI18:45 Whose data is it?22:10 The consequences we avoid looking at 32:46 Read | Watch | Listen#success #career #workplace #business #podcast #smalltalkwpb #careerpodcast #coaching #ai #aijobs --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
How to Escape the Success Trap (Before It’s Too Late!)
Success used to mean climbing the corporate ladder, securing promotions, and chasing ever-growing paychecks. But in 2025, are these metrics still relevant?With economic shifts, evolving workplaces, and changing personal priorities, how we define success is undergoing a transformation. At the time of this recording, layoffs continue to loom large, hybrid work is reshaping expectations, and younger professionals are redefining what it means to “make it.”Are you keeping up with the changing tides? Or are outdated success metrics holding you back?In this episode, Subha and Hasita break down the evolution of success, why traditional KPIs might not cut it anymore, and what you can do to set your own benchmarks for achievement.00:00 Why the definition of success is shifting05:24 The problem with conventional success metrics12:40 What companies value in 202520:15 Are layoffs and pay cuts changing our ambitions?27:48 How to define success on your own terms
31:52 Read | Watch | Listen#success #career #workplace #business #podcast #smalltalkwpb #careerpodcast #coaching
--------------------
Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it.
Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight.
Instagram @smalltalk_wpb
Website http://www.smalltalkpod.com
Media enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.com
Copyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.
Small Talk: Work, Play, Build
Subha Chandrasekaran
Hasita Krishna
---------------------
If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
Who really decides how we work? The employees, the leaders, or just the loudest voice in the room?
Post-pandemic, companies are still trying to figure out where and how work should happen. Should employees return to office full-time? Is hybrid the perfect middle ground, or just a logistical nightmare? And what about the generational shift—why does it feel like Gen Z and millennial managers are working in entirely different realities?
In this episode, Subha and Hasita chat with Maya John, Chief People Officer at Verse Innovation, who brings over two decades of experience shaping workplace culture. Having navigated everything from large-scale corporate structures to fast-moving startups, Maya shares how her company is tackling these challenges head-on. With radical trust, open conversations, and a willingness to adapt, can we finally create workplaces that work for everyone?
And what makes Maya - real insights from the people and ideas that have shaped her life, the causes she gives her time and energy to and the kind of world she creates for herself and those she cares about.
Tune in for a deep dive into the real, messy, and ever-changing world of modern work and how it makes a difference when the people driving these changes really care about the outcomes.
07:00 The Big Debate: Hybrid vs. Remote vs. Office
08:10 Setting Work Policies That Actually Make Sense
17:05 Leading with Trust across Gen Z, Millennials, and Leadership
18:30 Companies also have FOMO?!
21:25 Working with Generational Biases
23:50 Why Unlearning is the Hardest Part of Leadership
34:40 A Fascinating Sneak Peek Into the Future of Work
49:50 Bringing Women to the Workforce - XL4W
1:03:00 The Play side of Maya!
1:15:50 Maya's Read | Watch | Listen
1:19:00 Our Read | Watch | Listen
#careerchange #lifebeyondwork #worklifebalance #scubadiving #smalltalkwpb #careerpodcast
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Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it.
Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight.
Instagram @smalltalk_wpb
Website http://www.smalltalkpod.com
Media enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.com
Copyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.
Small Talk: Work, Play, Build
Subha Chandrasekaran
Hasita Krishna
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If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
Some people run marathons. Some paint. Some DJ at weddings. And some, like Hasita, spend enough time underwater to log 100+ dives within two years.
In this episode, Subha and Hasita talk about the growing movement of people reclaiming their time outside of work—not just for vacations, but for pursuits that shape who they are. From balancing client expectations to redefining career success, they unpack what it means to be multi-dimensional in a world that still largely rewards singular focus.
Would your workplace support you taking a Friday off to go diving? Or would it raise eyebrows? And if you don’t have a “passion project” yet—where do you even begin?
Chapters:
00:00 The Many Lives We Lead
02:07 One Hundred Dives & Counting: How It Started
6:18 Juggling a Passion & a Full-Time Career
12:37 The Corporate World’s Shifting View on Side Pursuits
27:09 What If You Don’t Have a Passion Yet?
35:03 Read | Watch | Listen
---------------------
Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it.
Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight.
Instagram @smalltalk_wpb
Website http://www.smalltalkpod.com
Media enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.com
Copyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.
Small Talk: Work, Play, Build
Subha Chandrasekaran
Hasita Krishna
---------------------
If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
If everyone pursues a 90-hour workweek, who’s going to stare at the wives?As 2025 rolls in, one wonders when a conversation about work has become a conversation about genders once again. At the time of recording this episode in January 2025, the US Presidential Inauguration had just taken place. Mark Zuckerberg went on The Joe Rogan Experience and said, “I think having a culture that celebrates the aggression a bit more has its own merits that are really positive” while referencing the need for a more masculine workplace. And just in case we think, “Oh, well, this won’t touch us here in India, surely?”, since then and until today, Amazon, Google, McDonald's, Meta, Target, and Walmart have rolled back their DEI policies and allowances. Not to mention, the individual advocating a 90-hour workweek conveniently forgot that for him to do so, someone else is doing the heavy lifting of managing the home. How did we get here? And is all lost just yet? Subha andHasita discuss the implications of gendered advocacy at work, what worked and what didn’t from personal experience, and the greater need to stand up for what we believe is right. 00:00 Why we're (still) discussing DEI01:34 Introducing Small Talk: Work, Play, Build, and Your Hosts06:58 Sheryl Sandberg and Lean In11:19 The 70-hour and 90-hour Workweek16:02 How to Show Up as an Ally19:36 What We Want to See in the Workplace of 202524:34 Speaking up: How do we Do It?29:10 What We Can Learn from Each Other31:33 Read | Watch | Listen#dei #90hourworkweek #business #workplace #podcast #smalltalkwpb---------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite https://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------Links and Resources from the EpisodeSheryl Sandberg's TED Talk from 2010: https://www.ted.com/talks/sheryl_sandberg_why_we_have_too_few_women_leaders---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)
Welcome toSmall Talk: Work, Play, Build!
Now in its sixth season, the Small Talk podcast has won multiple accolades and a steady fanbase over the past five years. Your hosts,Subha Chandrasekaran andHasita Krishna have experience creating podcasts that have consistently ranked in the Top 5 of their respective categories- because we’re committed to giving the most nuanced individuals and their stories a calm, engaging, and fun platform to share their stories.
Over the years, we've had the privilege of hosting senior business leaders, founders, and creatives, exploring the intersections of work, and passion, and building something meaningful.
Follow us atwww.smalltalkpod.com and @smalltalkpod_wpb onInstagram,Youtube, Threads, and Facebook!
Visibility isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Think about leaders like Kamala Harris. Her rise to prominence hasn’t just been about the work she does behind the scenes, but about how visible she’s made that work now. Harris has skillfully crafted a presence that not only highlights her achievements but also adds credibility to her role.
In this episode of Small Talk for Rainkraft, Hasita and I dive into the importance of being seen in the workplace and how women, in particular, can balance performance with self-promotion. Whether you’re leading a team or climbing the career ladder, this conversation will show you how gaining visibility is the key to unlocking new opportunities and furthering your impact.
Join Coach Subha Chandrasekaran as she introduces this season's focus on the non-linear nature of career growth. Whether you're a mid-management professional, a leader in transition, or someone early in your career looking to accelerate your growth, this season is designed to provide you with actionable insights and inspiration.
Summary
In this conversation, Subha and Hasita reflect on the chaotic month of August and discuss the importance of women in leadership roles, particularly in the context of the XLRI Upsurge event. They explore the challenges women face in self-promotion and visibility in the workplace, emphasizing the need to share achievements and build a supportive community. The discussion also touches on the balance between performance and visibility, highlighting the significance of networking and storytelling in professional growth.
Takeaways
Chapters
02:57 The Need to Talk More About Our Work
04:43 The Burden of Gratitude and Supportive Spouses
07:04 The Importance of Exposure and Self-Marketing
09:33 The Controversy of Talking About Achievements
11:19 The Phenomenon of Kamala Harris and Changing Perceptions
13:13 Relevance and Recency in Self-Promotion
14:49 Overcoming Negative Associations with Self-Promotion
17:12 The Value of Spaces for Conversations and Sharing
*Join Us:* Subscribe to "Small Talk with Rainkraft" on Youtube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts and get ready to embark on a journey of career growth and mindful professional development.
*Connect with Us:* - Website: [Rainkraft.in](https://www.rainkraft.in)
*Keywords:* Careers, Career Growth, Leadership, Professional Development, Skill Building, Big Picture Thinking, Strategic Visioning, Career Transitions, Resilience, Mindful Leadership, Career podcast, podcast, coaching podcast, visibility, workplace, career growth, recognition, self-promotion, managers, skills, expertise, humility, opportunities, connections
