In this, the 10th episode of the Second Innings Podcast, hosts Atul Nath and Suman Ghosh engage in a conversation with Haresh Bathija and Kiran Dhameja, co-founders of Doyen Foods, who happen to be husband and wife too!

They explore the couple's journey from their early lives and careers to their transition into entrepreneurship. The discussion covers the challenges of starting a business, financial planning, navigating conflicts as co-founders, and the importance of execution over planning.

Haresh and Kiran share valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to take risks, enjoy the journey, and remain present in the moment.

Chapters 00:00 Start 03:02 Personal Introduction – Haresh Bathija 08:54 Personal Introduction – Kiran Dhameja 12:10 The Transition: Leaving Corporate Life Behind 18:04 Harish's Transition: Supporting Kiran's Venture 22:26 The Birth of Doyen Foods: A Shared Vision 27:00 Passion for Food: The Journey Begins 30:11 Navigating Financial Transitions in Entrepreneurship 35:03 Balancing Creativity and Financial Planning 39:12 Setting Boundaries in a Couple's Business 43:22 The Future of Entrepreneurship and Passion Projects 47:46 The Parking Lot of Ideas 49:39 Navigating Conflicts in Co-Founding 51:15 Letting Go and Moving Forward 52:00 Learning from Mistakes 53:34 Balancing Growth and Brand Identity 53:54 Maintaining Work-Life Boundaries 56:36 Reflections on the Journey 58:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In episode 9, the hosts interview chat with Namrata Sudhindra, a yoga practitioner and teacher, and Harish Vasudevan, an experienced marketing professional. Namrata shares her journey from being a dentist to becoming a yoga teacher, while Harish talks about his career in marketing and advertising. Both guests discuss the challenges and rewards of making a career transition and finding purpose and fulfilment in their work. Namrata Sudhindra shares her experience of running a business while pursuing her passion for yoga, and the decision to go full-time after seven years. Harish discusses the risks and rewards of his various career moves, including moving to China and Africa. The guests also discuss the connection between their previous professions and their current passions. In this part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of trying different things to find one's passion and the value of testing one's passion before fully committing to it. They also explore the differences in teaching at different levels and the satisfaction that comes from pursuing one's passion. The conversation touches on the mindset of entrepreneurs and the willingness to take risks. They also discuss the possibility of transitioning from entrepreneurship to a corporate job and vice versa. Chapters 00:00 Guest Introduction: Namrata Sudhindra 05:49 The Importance of Aha Moments in Career Choices 07:47 Guest Introduction: Harish Vasudevan 10:00 Harish's Career Journey in Marketing and Advertising 21:58 Discussion on Career Transitions and Finding Purpose 23:06 Challenges and Rewards of Transitioning to Yoga 28:17 The Shift from Dentistry to Yoga 29:30 Family Support and Reaction to Career Changes 30:11 Reflections on the Journey and Lessons Learned 30:19 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship 31:23 Taking Risks and Adapting 35:26 Passion and Purpose 38:14 Drawing on Previous Experiences 46:31 Exploring Different Paths to Find Your Passion 47:57 The Value of Testing Your Passion 49:46 Teaching at Different Levels: Varied Experiences 50:07 The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Risk-Taking and Opportunity 51:53 Continuous Skill-Building for Entrepreneurs 57:29 The Importance of Human Interaction and Collaboration

In this episode of the 2nd Innings podcast, the hosts Atul & Suman chat with two guests, Radhika Vaz and Balaji Ramanujam, about their career journeys and transitions.

Radhika, a stand-up comedian and writer, shares her experience of growing up as an armed forces kid and constantly moving to different towns. Balaji, an EdTech entrepreneur, talks about his upbringing in a traditional Tamil Brahmin family and his early interest in creativity.

Both guests discuss the pivotal moments that led them to pursue their passions and make the leap into their second innings. The conversation explores the emotions and decision-making process involved in taking the plunge into a new career or venture. The speakers discuss the push and pull factors that lead to making a change, as well as the importance of passion and purpose in driving their decisions.

They also share their personal experiences and offer advice for those considering a career pivot. The key themes include taking calculated risks, managing finances, and embracing change and reinvention.

Chapters

00:00:00⁠ Start

00:03:12 Personal Introduction – Radhika Vaz

00:06:25 Personal Introduction – Balaji Ramanujam

00:34:35 Discovering Passion

00:39:06 Transitioning to a 2nd Innings

00:49:24 Hot State vs Cold State

01:04:23 Words of Advice