Podcast
Founder in the Chair
Hosted by Veena · EN
Founder in the Chair is more than just a podcast—it’s a platform where real stories meet real ambition.
Every business has a beginning, but what truly drives an entrepreneur to take the leap? What fuels their resilience through the highs and lows? In each episode, we dive deep into the why behind the brand, uncovering the personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs of founders from all industries.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner looking for inspiration, or simply someone who loves hearing raw and honest stories of success, failure, and perseverance—this podcast is for you.
Your story matters. Your journey is worth sharing. And Founder in the Chair is here to help you tell it.
🎧 Tune in. Get inspired. Take your next step.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Deep Loss to Inner Power: A Founder’s Journey of Healing
Jan 2600:31:12Tap to summarizeWhat happens when life forces you to stop, walk away, and truly listen to yourself?In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena Nayyar is joined by Sonali, founder of Lilac Rose Designs - a brand identity strategist who blends deep strategy with intuition, alignment, and self-trust.Sonali’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning how to trust herself again - not just in business, but in life. Through loss, healing, and deep inner work, she rebuilt her confidence and created a business that reflects who she truly is.Episode HighlightsWalking away from a wedding the day before - and choosing herselfNavigating grief, loss, and healing after a stillbirthHow intuition and inner work reshaped her confidence and boundariesWhy branding starts with identity, not logos or visualsHelping women stop shrinking and show up aligned and empoweredBuilding a business rooted in self-trust, truth, and lived experienceThis conversation is a powerful reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, you can take back control, trust yourself again, and build a life and business that truly reflects who you are.Connect with Sonali:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilacrosedesignsuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilacrosedesignsuk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonali-tank-lilac-rose-designs Website: https://www.lilacrosedesigns.co.ukHosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechairYouTube - Founder in the Chairhttps://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gUEmail me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com
Transcribe →Designing Homes That Actually Make You Feel Calm
Jan 1900:19:45Tap to summarizeWhat makes a home feel calm, timeless, and truly personal?In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar sits down with London-based interior designer Shivli Marothia, founder of Shivli Marothia Interiors, to explore what thoughtful design really means beyond trends, Pinterest boards, and quick fixes.Shivli shares her journey into interior design after becoming a mother, why intention matters more than excitement when renovating, and how designers and clients must build mutual respect for successful projects. She also explains why not every project is the right fit - and why saying no can be just as important as saying yes.This conversation is a must-listen for homeowners, creatives, and founders who believe that spaces should support real life, not just look good online.In this episode, we cover:Why great interior design starts with intention, not trendsThe biggest mistakes people make when renovating their homesWhy excitement can lead to costly design decisionsThe importance of trust between designer and clientHow to create spaces that feel calm, balanced, and lived inAdvice for women building businesses while raising families🎧 Listen now and discover how design can bring beauty, ease, and meaning into everyday life.Connect with Shivli Marothia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivlimarothiainteriors Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4to311S9/?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivli-marothia-5a3276275Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechairYouTube - Founder in the Chairhttps://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gUEmail me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com
Transcribe →Your Home Should Work for You: The Founder Bringing AI Into Everyday Living
Jan 500:31:55Tap to summarizeWhat if your home could think, adapt, and work around your life - not the other way around?In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar sits down with Mandy, founder of Akea Homes, to explore a journey that began over a decade ago in India and evolved into a bold vision for modern living in London.From commercial and residential real estate to smart automation, interior design, and hospitality-led thinking, Mandy shares how one small frustration sparked a business built around people, purpose, and smarter spaces. Together, they unpack what it really means to design homes that serve human life — not just technology.This conversation goes beyond property and AI. It’s about resilience, mindset, meditation, and the discipline required to keep going when expectations are high and the pressure builds.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Building a founder journey across countries and culturesWhy smart homes should be human-first, not tech-firstThe role of meditation and spirituality in leadershipDesigning homes, hotels, and spaces that truly work for peopleHow vision, discipline, and purpose shape long-term successWhether you’re a founder, creative, or someone curious about the future of living, this episode offers insight, perspective, and grounded inspiration.🔗 Connect with Mandy & Akea Homes🌐 Website: https://www.akeahomes.co.uk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akeahomes 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@akeahomes 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/akea-homesHosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechairYouTube - Founder in the Chairhttps://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gUEmail me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com
Transcribe →The Bus Driver’s Son | Finding Purpose, Healing, and a Voice
Nov 2000:32:21Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you finally stop running from your feelings?In this powerful and moving conversation, Sukhvinder (“Suky”) Grewal opens up about his journey from emotional disconnection to self-awareness — and how becoming a counsellor helped him heal himself first.After 15 years in the civil service, a single counselling course changed the direction of his life. Today, he’s a qualified therapist, clinical supervisor, couples counsellor, and author of The Bus Driver’s Son, a novel inspired by the quiet strength of his Punjabi upbringing and the universal search for meaning.🎧 In this episode:The day he realised he’d never been taught how to feelWhat counselling really does — and why it’s not weaknessBreaking cultural silence around emotions and mental healthHow The Bus Driver’s Son became a story of reflection and healingThe difference between listening and truly hearingWhat it means to show up for yourself and others✨ A reminder that vulnerability is where real strength begins.🔗 Connect with Sukhvinder Grewal:🌐 Website: https://sukvindergrewal.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulsukygrewal 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BCo86dsfM/?mibextid=wwXIfr 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukvinder-grewal-4bbb57162 🧠 Therapist Profile: https://www.search-ncps.com/search/FindaTherapist/ncs17-04869Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #SukhvinderGrewal #TheBusDriversSon #MentalHealth #Counselling #EmotionalHealing #MenAndMentalHealth #TherapyJourney #MindfulnessIf you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechairYouTube - Founder in the Chairhttps://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gUEmail me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com
Transcribe →Why Diets Fail: Rowan on Rewiring Identity, Not Meal Plans
Nov 2000:36:21Tap to summarizeMost “transformations” fail because they start with food and workouts. Rowan starts with identity.After walking away from accounting, he spent over 20 years coaching at the intersection of mind, body, and life - helping women rebuild their boundaries, bandwidth, and belief so that change actually lasts.🎧 Episode Highlights:The Meraki Method - 12 emotional pillars that create permanent transformationWhy “just be consistent” doesn’t work (and what to do instead)How guilt, people-pleasing, and burnout silently sabotage women in their 40s and 50sThe truth about menopause, metabolism, and muscle most trainers never mentionFrom £8/hour PT to celebrity coach and founder of The Meraki MovementWhy Rowan says, “Don’t find yourself - create yourself.”🔗 Connect with Rowan (The Meraki Movement):📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/themerakimovement_ 📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/themerakimovementuk ✉️ Email – tribe@themerakimovement.comHosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #mindset #womenshealth #identity #selfbelief #menopause #transformationIf you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechairYouTube - Founder in the Chairhttps://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gUEmail me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com
Transcribe →She Left Dentistry to Heal Hearts: Hema’s Journey from Infertility to Purpose
Nov 2000:31:21Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a woman walks away from a secure career to follow her soul’s calling?After six years of infertility, IVF heartbreak, loss, and silence within her community, Hema found her purpose - helping others rise through the same pain. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply healing.🎧 Episode Highlights:How Hema transformed from dentist to fertility coach after her own IVF journeyWhy silence around infertility is damaging - especially in South Asian homesThe emotional toll fertility struggles take on relationships (and how couples can reconnect)The moment she conceived naturally after years of IVF treatmentsHow Lotus Fertility Coaching became a sanctuary for women and couples in painWhat every woman should know about her body - from menstruation to menopause🔗 Connect with Hema:🌸 Website – https://www.lotusfertilitycoaching.com 💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hema-prashar-7773a2391/ 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lotusfertilitycoachingHosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #fertilitycoach #southasianwomen #ivfjourney #womenshealthIf you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechairYouTube - Founder in the Chairhttps://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gUEmail me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com
Transcribe →The Inspiring Story of Neelam Challoner | Going Against the Grain & Designing Her Own Life
Nov 2000:48:45Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a 15-year-old girl refuses to follow tradition and chooses her own destiny?Meet Neelam Challoner - multi-award-winning coach, author, and founder of Designer Life. A woman who walked away from expectation to build a life rooted in faith, purpose, and bold self-belief.Her journey is powerful, honest, and deeply empowering - a masterclass in courage, conviction, and reinvention.🎧 Episode Highlights:Saying “no” to arranged marriage at 15 - and taking control of her futureFrom corporate leadership to launching Designer Life Coaching at 30How faith, purpose, and discipline shaped her evolutionThe philosophy behind “live by design, not by default”Courage, coaching, and creating a life that truly fits youThe advice she gives to women who want to start over at any stage of life🔗 Connect with Neelam Challoner:🌐 Designer Life Coaching: https://designerlife.co.uk/ 🏠 House of Leaders: http://houseofleaders.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designerlifecoaching 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelam-challonercoach5782/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designerlife.coachingHosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #womensleadership #mindsetcoach #selfgrowth #womenempowerment #purposeIf you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechairYouTube - Founder in the Chairhttps://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gUEmail me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com
Transcribe →From Postnatal Depression to Empowerment & Purpose | Sharifa Begum’s Founder Journey
Nov 2000:28:27Tap to summarizeFrom postnatal depression to national recognition - Sharifa Begum’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.After facing isolation, anxiety, and a loss of identity as a new mother, Sharifa found strength in connecting women, building confidence, and creating space for shared stories. That spark became the SHE Awards UK - a platform that now celebrates and uplifts thousands of women across the country.🎧 In this episode:How motherhood changed Sharifa’s life and identityTurning pain and depression into purposeThe vision behind SHE Awards UK and its growthBalancing ambition, family, and self-careFacing criticism and staying true to your missionWhat it really means to empower others✨ A powerful reminder that your lowest moments can plant the seeds of your greatest impact.🔗 Connect with Sharifa Begum:📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheawardsuk ✈️ Travel Page: https://www.instagram.com/shaftravels 💼 Personal: https://www.instagram.com/shafbegum 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHEAwardsUK/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-awards-uk/ 🐦 X: https://x.com/SHEAwardsHosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #SharifaBegum #SHEAwardsUK #WomenEmpowerment #Motherhood #PurposeDrivenLife #Resilience #MentalHealth #FounderJourneyIf you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechairYouTube - Founder in the Chairhttps://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gUEmail me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com
Transcribe →The Chaos, Culture & Confidence Behind Punjabi Content Queen Aman Brar
Nov 2000:56:30Tap to summarizeAman Brar is the definition of real, raw and unstoppable. From raising three children to creating content that makes millions feel seen, she has built an empire on authenticity, chaos and culture - without ever compromising who she is.In this honest and vibrant conversation, Aman opens up about motherhood, Punjabi identity, online judgement, and what it truly takes to stay grounded while growing a platform.🎧 Episode Highlights:Aman’s journey to becoming the internet’s “Punjabi queen”How she creates relatable content while raising three kidsManaging chaos, routine and self-belief as a creatorDealing with trolls, criticism and family judgementBatching, consistency and her blueprint for content growthWhy she prioritises culture, motherhood and authenticity above everything🔗 Connect with Aman Brar:📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaurBeauty 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taurbeauty 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taurbeautyHosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #amanbrar #punjabicontent #womenwhocreate #workingmums #creatoreconomy #authenticityIf you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechairYouTube - Founder in the Chairhttps://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gUEmail me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com
Transcribe →Trust, Faith & Fearless Leadership | Imran Savas on Redefining Success
Oct 1600:41:38Tap to summarizeWhen you stand for something, you’ll be tested.In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, Imran Savas, founder of Tape UK, shares how he built one of the UK’s most values-driven business platforms — without investors, without shortcuts, and without compromising on purpose.From growing up on free school meals to becoming Entrepreneur of the Year 2024, Imran’s journey is a story of faith, resilience, and leadership built on integrity. He opens up about turning down corporate offers, leading with conviction, and proving that success and social impact can go hand in hand.🎙️ In this episode:From humble beginnings to founding Tape UKWhy he said “no” to million-pound offersBuilding a mission-led business in a world chasing moneyHow faith, trust, and purpose guide his decisionsRedefining success through service and authenticity🏆 About Imran Savas:- Founder of TAPE UK | Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Speaker & Social Advocate- 🏅 Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 – MBCC Awards (beating Gymshark’s Ben Francis MBE- 🎤 TED Speaker – “Leaders of Tomorrow,” featured on TED.com alongside Bill Gates & Simon Sinek- 💬 Judge for MBCC Awards 2025 – selected alongside The FA & The King’s Trust- 📖 LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Leaders 2022 – featured in The Sunday Times- 🧱 Immortalised in LEGO – Chester Market Display 2023- 📺 Featured across BBC, ITV, M&S, Islam Channel and major publications- 🏆 Positive Role Model Award 2020 – National Diversity Awards (alongside Marcus Rashford MBE)- 📘 Featured in MBCC Book 2025 – celebrating 10 years of winners with Annie Lennox, Levi Roots & Benjamin Zephaniah 📷 Connect with Imran: 🌐 Website: https://tapeuk.com/founder-imran-savas 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byimransavasHosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the ChairIf you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechairYouTube - Founder in the Chairhttps://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gUEmail me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com
Transcribe →