Becker Business Podcast Summary

Episode: The CodeBreaker Mindset and Leading Through Change with Chitra Nawbatt
Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Scott Becker
Guest: Chitra Nawbatt – investor, entrepreneur, author of "The CodeBreaker Mindset"

Episode Overview

This episode features Chitra Nawbatt, a dynamic leader with a diverse background spanning technology, investing, journalism, and philanthropy. The conversation centers on decision making in an era shaped by rapid technological change, the core concepts behind her book "The CodeBreaker Mindset," and actionable advice for leaders aiming to thrive and lead through constant transformation. Chitra also touches on resilience, the importance of self-belief, and practical approaches to discerning reliable information in the age of AI.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Chitra’s Multimodal Career Journey

[00:40 – 02:55]

• Chitra describes herself as “multimodal”—operating as a tech operator, investor, and media personality.
• Her career spans being a CPA at EY, investment banking at Deutsche Bank, TV news anchoring in New York, digital transformation consulting, venture investing at General Catalyst, and various startup and philanthropic ventures.
• Philanthropy, particularly supporting cancer research, is a significant ongoing focus.

“I am a multimodal and that means I sort of operate in three spheres…tech operator…investor…and a media person…to help people make decisions and live a fuller life.” – Chitra [00:40]

The CodeBreaker Mindset: Book Highlights

[03:19 – 08:43]

• Chitra’s main passion is serving others—through business expertise, investments, and especially through her decision making framework outlined in "The CodeBreaker Mindset."
• Proceeds from her book go to cancer research in honor of her father.
• The book’s core framework for decision making includes:
  • Written and unwritten rules: Knowing the explicit and implicit norms in any situation.
  • Pivots: Adapting to both voluntary (chosen) and involuntary (imposed) changes.
  • Non-linearity & serendipity: Recognizing that luck and timing—often outside your control—shape outcomes.
  • Informed intuition: Combining experience and intuition to make better decisions.

“Decision making is hard, right? And especially now in this age of tech and AI…There’s always going to be written and unwritten rules…pivots…[and] some level of non linearity—serendipity. Informed intuition is your ‘life-to-date’ pattern recognition.” – Chitra [05:10]

• The accompanying newsletter and podcast further explore these decision-making concepts through ongoing thought leadership and leader interviews.

Advice for Emerging Leaders

[08:43 – 12:11]

• Stay on the Competitive Edge: Status quo is obsolete, especially amidst rapid tech and AI changes.
• Study the Outliers: What seems unconventional today becomes the new normal tomorrow.
• Discern True Innovation: Learn to distinguish between real breakthroughs and recycled ideas.
• Resilience as a Skill: The pace and pressure of change require a deliberate focus on resilience and continuous adaptation.

“Status quo is not your friend…Study the outliers, because today’s outlier becomes tomorrow’s status quo.” – Chitra [09:02]

“The order of magnitude, the frequency of change and the duration of change is now permanent and consistent...your ability to recover…is rooted in resilience.” – Chitra [10:55]

Building Resilience & Self-Belief

[12:11 – 17:32]

• Chitra compares human potential to being a “force in nature,” naturally resilient from birth but often subdued by life's headwinds.
• Recommends returning to your core beliefs, nurturing self-love, and celebrating victories—no matter the size.
• Even small daily accomplishments are “big victories” that fuel motivation and confidence.

“Everyone is born a force in nature…We’re all born with some level of superpower…What fuels you forward is your love of self, your confidence, and gratitude.” – Chitra [12:45]

“Every little victory, even the beautiful opportunity to be on this podcast with you...is a victory in my day, is a victory in my year.” – Chitra [16:47]

Navigating Information in the AI Era

[18:23 – 20:34]

• Outlines three types of information: data-driven, perception-driven, and manipulation-driven.
• Warns listeners to deliberately seek and triangulate data-driven information—especially critical in the tech and AI era.
• Encourages discernment to avoid being misled by information designed to manipulate or distract from one’s goals.

“Information is power. There’s three types...data driven, perception driven, manipulation driven...The biggest opportunity...is to be able to decipher between data versus perception and manipulation and focus on what is data and getting the data that helps best inform you.” – Chitra [18:23]

Resources & Where to Find Chitra

• Chitra’s book, newsletter, and podcast can be found at www.chitranawbatt.com
• Social media: @ChitraNawbatt on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok
• "The CodeBreaker Mindset" is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble; proceeds support cancer research.

Memorable Quotes

• “Raw intuition plus life-to-date pattern recognition: that is informed intuition.” – Chitra [07:26]
• “Your little victory is your big victory…some days you don’t even want to get up…so those days when the grief was intense and I was able to get up…that was a victory.” – Chitra [15:13]

Notable Timestamps

• Chitra’s Career Path: [00:40-02:55]
• Serving Others & Book Inspiration: [03:19-04:59]
• Key Book Framework Concepts: [05:10-08:43]
• Advice for Emerging Leaders: [08:43-12:11]
• Resilience & Self-Belief: [12:45-17:32]
• Information Literacy in AI Era: [18:23-20:34]
• Finding & Following Chitra: [18:23+]

Tone & Final Impression

Chitra speaks with candor, warmth, and a deep sense of purpose. The conversation is practical but also inspiring, focused on real strategies for navigating uncertainty and continuous change. Listeners are left with vivid metaphors (“force in nature”), a compelling decision-making rubric, and encouragement to celebrate every step forward amid disruption.