Podcast
The Brand Called You
Hosted by The Brand Called You · EN
Welcome to ‘The Brand Called You’, a platform that brings you Leadership Lessons, Knowledge, Experience and Wisdom from leading Global personalities from diverse backgrounds, who have contributed significantly to make the world a better place.
Listen to the brightest minds from the world of business, startups, technology, professionals, arts and social sector. Stay in the know as we talk to high achievers and gurus from across the world.
Find out what is shaping the world.
84episodes
Episodes
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Mastering AI Strategy in Business: Shanil Ebrahim, Partner & Head of AI Strategy, Deloitte Canada
Jul 800:25:13Tap to summarizeIn this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, Ashutosh Garg speaks with Shanil Ebrahim, Partner and Head of AI Strategy at Deloitte Canada, about the evolving role of artificial intelligence in business. Shanil shares his expertise on what defines an effective AI strategy, why many organizations struggle to scale AI beyond pilot projects, and why leadership in the AI era requires a hands-on approach.Discover why successful AI adoption is about far more than technology—it requires transforming business operations, organizational culture, and decision-making processes. Shanil also discusses the importance of data governance, the impact of agentic AI on executive leadership, and how leaders can develop the skills needed to work effectively alongside intelligent systems. Learn what sets AI-native organizations apart and gain practical advice for leading in an AI-first world.Whether you're a business leader, technology professional, or simply curious about the future of AI in organizations, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
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Unlocking Elite Performance: Michael Ambrosino, Partner at Access Ventures, on Servant Leadership & Venture Success
Jul 701:12:49Tap to summarizeWelcome to this episode of The Brand Called You, featuring Michael Ambrosino, Partner at Access Ventures. In this in-depth conversation with Stephen Ibaraki, Michael shares his journey from a passionate young athlete in the Bronx to a top-performing sales professional and, ultimately, a leading figure in tech talent acquisition and venture capital.Discover how pivotal childhood experiences, mentorship, and a relentless commitment to self-improvement shaped his remarkable career. Michael reflects on overcoming setbacks, developing resilience, and building an internal mindset that enabled him to thrive across multiple industries.The conversation also explores startup culture, scaling high-performance teams, venture capital, and the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Michael offers practical advice for founders, investors, and professionals on leadership, hiring exceptional talent, embracing innovation, and preparing for an AI-driven future.Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, startup leader, or lifelong learner, this episode is filled with actionable insights on resilience, continuous learning, leadership, and building lasting success.⏩ Subscribe for more inspiring stories and practical insights from leaders across industries.
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Transforming Higher Education: Prof. Chua Kee Chaing, President of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), on Applied Learning and Innovation
Jul 600:48:50Tap to summarizeDiscover the remarkable journey and visionary leadership of Prof. Chua Kee Chaing, President of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), in this insightful episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY).The conversation traces Prof. Chua's inspiring path—from becoming the first member of his family to attend university to leading Singapore's first university of applied learning. Along the way, he shares lessons from his career in academia, research, industry collaboration, and national innovation.A central theme of the discussion is how higher education must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Prof. Chua explains how SIT is redefining applied learning through deep industry partnerships, work-integrated education, and innovative teaching models that prepare graduates for real-world challenges.The episode also explores SIT's groundbreaking initiatives, including Singapore's first Competency-Based Stackable Micro-Credential Pathway, designed to support lifelong learning, continuous upskilling and reskilling, and flexible educational journeys for learners at every stage of their careers.Several important topics are discussed, including the university's Learn for Life initiative, the new campus at Punggol Digital District, and SIT's long-term vision of becoming a Platform University by 2034. Prof. Chua also shares why universities must become lifelong partners in career development and how stronger collaboration between academia and industry can help shape the future workforce.Watch this episode to discover how SIT is setting a new benchmark for applied learning and why lifelong education will be essential for future generations.
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Unlocking AI and Digital Well-Being: Jan Romportl, PhD, CEO & Co-Founder of Elin.aiUnlocking AI and Digital Well-Being: Jan Romportl, PhD, CEO & Co-Founder of Elin.ai
Jul 500:58:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY), Stephen Ibaraki speaks with Jan Romportl, PhD, CEO & Co-Founder of Elin.ai, about his remarkable journey through applied linguistics, cybernetics, philosophy, and artificial intelligence.The conversation explores how Jan has bridged the gap between cutting-edge AI research and real-world applications, drawing on an interdisciplinary approach that combines philosophy, cognitive science, neuroscience, and technology. From his early fascination with programming to the rapid evolution of large language models, Jan shares insights into the future of AI, digital well-being, and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).A central theme of the discussion is the growing need to protect young people in the digital age. Jan explains the motivation behind founding Elin.ai and introduces the concept of cognitive antivirus—AI-powered technology designed to help safeguard children from the harmful effects of social media algorithms while supporting healthier digital habits.The episode also examines the ethical implications of AI, responsible data use, machine consciousness, AI alignment, and the future trajectory of increasingly capable intelligent systems. Jan shares his perspectives on the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities that accompany the next generation of AI technologies.Whether you're fascinated by the philosophical questions surrounding AI consciousness or interested in practical applications that improve digital safety and mental well-being, this episode offers valuable insights into one of today's most important technological conversations.
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How Power and Policy Shape Healthcare: Insights from Dr. Sam Schrevel, Postdoctoral Researcher, Leiden University Medical Center
Jul 400:33:35Tap to summarizeIn this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, we sit down with Dr. Sam Schrevel, Postdoctoral Researcher at Leiden University Medical Center and qualitative researcher at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Dr. Schrevel specializes in healthcare and public policy, focusing on how the lived experiences of individuals—particularly marginalized communities—should shape health systems and government policy.We explore topics including the experiences of ADHD patients in the Netherlands, the impact of austerity and private equity on mental healthcare systems, the widening social and health disparities in wealthy societies, and the subtle power dynamics within welfare and healthcare systems. Dr. Schrevel also explains the concept of "participation shenanigans," the hidden power struggles that emerge in policymaking and community research, and why stable, predictable community services are essential to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.If you're interested in healthcare systems, public policy, qualitative research, and the intersection of power, poverty, and well-being, this is a must-watch episode.
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Pioneering Power Electronics & Renewable Energy: Prof. Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban, Full Professor at the University of South-Eastern Norway
Jul 300:47:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Stephen Ibaraki sits down with Prof. Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban, Full Professor of Electrical Power Engineering at the University of South-Eastern Norway. Prof. Padmanaban shares his remarkable journey from India to Italy, South Africa, Denmark, and Norway, highlighting the academic milestones, international collaborations, and research breakthroughs that have shaped his career.Discover the latest innovations in AI-driven power electronics, renewable energy integration, advanced energy storage, electric vehicles, and offshore renewable systems. Prof. Padmanaban also discusses the future opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into power systems, improving energy efficiency, and enabling a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable energy future.He also shares valuable career insights, discusses the importance of global collaboration, and reflects on the role of organizations such as the IEEE Systems Council in advancing research and innovation.Whether you're a student, researcher, engineer, entrepreneur, policymaker, or business leader, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the future of power electronics and renewable energy.
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Fighting for Consumer Justice: Insights from David Shami, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Consumer Justice Law Firm
Jul 200:26:56Tap to summarizeIn this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, we welcome David Shami, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Consumer Justice Law Firm.David shares his journey as a first-generation lawyer and explores the critical issues surrounding consumer justice, civil rights, and the profound human impact of inaccurate background and credit reports. He explains how technology, automation, and AI are transforming consumer reporting systems while also increasing the risk of costly errors. David also discusses the biggest misconceptions about consumer rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), shares compelling real-life cases from his legal practice, and outlines the reforms needed to create a fairer consumer reporting system.Whether you're concerned about your own credit or background report, interested in consumer rights, or passionate about legal reform, this episode offers practical insights into protecting yourself and understanding your rights.🔗 For more inspiring leadership conversations, visit: www.tbcy.in
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Embracing Imperfection: Meghann Dawson, Founder of The Unperfect Life Co, on Healing, Resilience & Purpose
Jul 100:23:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg is joined by Meghann Dawson, Founder of The Unperfect Life Co and author of the forthcoming memoir Becoming is Messy. Meghann opens up about her journey as a chronic trauma survivor, exploring how early hardships shaped her resilience, leadership style, and coaching philosophy.She shares insights on reclaiming power through storytelling, the vital role of humor in healing, the realities of perfectionism and high-functioning anxiety, and how trauma influences identity—especially for women and mothers. Meghann also introduces her Unperfect Level Up framework, designed to guide individuals toward healing and embracing their authentic selves.Whether you're looking for inspiration to transform pain into purpose or practical strategies for navigating trauma and rebuilding self-worth, Meghann's story is a powerful testament to hope, courage, and the resilience within us all.
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Swimming Beyond Limits: Steve 'Moby' Leitch, Ultra Marathon Channel Swimmer & Founder of Beyond the Shoreline
Jun 3000:24:35Tap to summarizeDive into the inspiring journey of Steve 'Moby' Leitch, an ultramarathon channel swimmer, speaker, author, and founder of Beyond the Shoreline.In this episode, Steve joins Ashutosh Garg to share his remarkable transformation from addiction to becoming one of the few people to complete six of the legendary Ocean 7 swims. Discover how swimming became his path to recovery, the lessons the ocean has taught him about humility, resilience, and leadership, and why storytelling has become central to his mission of inspiring hope.Whether you're facing your own challenges or are simply fascinated by human endurance, Steve's story will encourage you to discover purpose beyond the shoreline.How to set and achieve extraordinary goals.The mental and emotional challenges of ultramarathon channel swimming.The mission behind Beyond the Shoreline.Steve 'Moby' Leitch's advice for anyone feeling lost or without hope.
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Decoding Culture & Consumer Behavior: Insights with Shagorika Heryani, Founder of Athina
Jun 2900:30:29Tap to summarizeIn this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Shagorika Heryani, Founder of Athina, speaker, and writer with more than two decades of experience studying the intersections of culture, consumer behavior, and branding across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.Discover how hidden cultural signals shape today's markets, why some products become inevitable, how emotional connections with brands are built, and what it takes for organizations to remain culturally relevant in an increasingly fragmented world.• Why mainstream culture is becoming increasingly decentralized• The rise of regional content, niche communities, and micro-influencers• How social media accelerates cultural shifts—and the risks of algorithmic amplification• The "Roots and Wings" paradox shaping Indian consumers• The ethical responsibilities that come with cultural intelligence• The emerging forces that will define the future of branding and consumer behaviorIn this episode, you'll discover:
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