Podcast
The Guiding Voice
Hosted by Naveen Samala & Friends · EN
The Guiding Voice – Empowering Millions, One Conversation at a Time
Asia’s Best Podcast Awardee 2024 (Education Category) & Winner of the CSI Corporate Excellence Award in 2025. Ranked in the Global Top 2.5%.
The Guiding Voice (TGV) sparks conversations that simplify success and amplify human potential. We bring the world’s most inspiring leaders, innovators, creators, and changemakers together to share practical wisdom that transforms lives and careers.
Our mission is bold and clear: to impact millions globally and help create a world driven by knowledge, empathy, and purpose.
TGV has been a proud finalist in
• HT Smartcast Podmasters Awards 2024
• Hubhopper Awards 2022 & 2024
Weekly Episodes That Inspire Action
We publish 1 high‑impact episode every week(Starting March 2026):
Transformation Thursdays
Personality development • Self-help • Leadership • Soft skills • Well-being • Technology trends • Digital transformation • Entrepreneurship • Future of work
At times, we also release powerful weekend specials exploring themes such as:
LGBTQ+ support • Sex education • Sanatan culture • Psychedelics • Neurodiversity • ADHD • Body shaming • Infertility • Bold social conversations
Each episode blends entertainment and enlightenment—with rapid-fire questions that delight and a trivia segment that enriches.
Global Voices. Timeless Wisdom.
Our guests come from every corner of the world, spanning diverse domains and generations.
From a 9-year-old world’s youngest storyteller to a 91-year-old novelist, screenwriter, and wordsmith, every voice brings a unique life journey and powerful insights.
Grab a copy of our founder and Chief Host Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths.”
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZN
Flipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKT
The Guiding Voice – In Print
Our remarkable journey and insights from 22 thought leaders are captured in our coffee table book:
TGV Inspiring Lives – Volume 1
https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj
TGV Inspiring Lives – Volume 2
https://amzn.in/d/4yvi7TU
The World’s Only Hexalingual Podcast
Available in English, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati & Hindi
Over 1150+ episodes featuring 1000+ global speakers.
Listen in your language:
- <...
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Beyond Flipping: The Systems Behind Sustainable Success | Dave Sermour | #TGV695
Feb 500:33:54Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this inspiring and deeply practical conversation, Dave Seymour shares his remarkable journey from firefighter to fund leader, drawing powerful parallels between confronting fear in emergency service and navigating high‑stakes decisions in business. Going beyond real estate or entrepreneurship, the discussion explores the mindset shifts, systems thinking, and leadership discipline required to turn mission into execution—especially in an AI‑driven world. For entrepreneurs, founders, leaders, and aspiring investors, this episode is a masterclass in choosing systems over hustle and using fear as a catalyst for sustainable growth.TakeawaysFirefighters are trained to run toward danger, not away from it—a mindset that translates powerfully to business.Fear is inevitable in entrepreneurship, but it should inform preparation, not dominate decisions.Courage is a critical performance skill and can be trained and developed over time.Facing challenges head‑on accelerates both personal and professional growth.The ability to confront fear often separates high performers from the rest.Success requires a mindset shift—from avoiding risk to engaging it with discipline.Training and mental conditioning matter as much in business as they do in emergency service.Systems beat hustle when it comes to sustainable success.Scale requires identity evolution, not just bigger goals.Process creates freedom by reducing chaos and decision fatigue.Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s structured feedback.As AI and automation rise, leadership is becoming more human, not less.Sound Bites"run towards the danger""not let fear be the dominant factor"Chapters0:00:00 Precap0:03:00 Introduction to Dave Seymour and His Journey0:06:35 The Importance of Systems in Business0:09:00 Who Is Your Guiding Voice?0:12:00 The Top 3 Contributors to Dave’s Success0:15:00 Toughest Lessons from the Entrepreneurial Journey0:18:00 From Firefighter to Fund Leader0:21:00 Hustle Without Systems Burns Out Fast0:24:00 Failure as a Leadership Sharpener0:26:00 Thinking Like a Value Investor in Life & Business0:28:00 Structured Underwriting & SOP-Driven Operations — 0:00:00 Turning Mission & Vision Into Executable Systems0:30:00 Innovation vs Process0:31:00 Leadership in the Age of AI & Automation0:33:00 A Message to His Firefighter SelfGuest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveseymour343/Connect with the host on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/Also, Tune into our Hindi, Telugu & Kannada podcasts here:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TGVHindihttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVTeluguhttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVKannadaSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1GvX6tvmfelawEba0F6KS4http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on AmazonKindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXjVolume 2:Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryUse the Coupon code: NAVEEN20 on notionpress.com to avail a 20% discountKindle Edition:http://surl.li/tmmmnAMZ IN: http://surl.li/tmmnbAMZ UK: http://surl.li/tmmnlFOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamalaExplore more at: https://www.theguidingvoice.net Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →
From Gay Bombay to the Boardroom: Building Belonging Everywhere | Umang Sheth | #TGV694
Feb 300:37:10Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this conversation, Umang shares his personal journey of self‑discovery, reflecting on how being gay is far more than a label—it is one aspect of a larger human identity. He speaks about the need to move beyond stereotypes and highlights the importance of creating safe, meaningful spaces where honest conversations about identity, acceptance, and humanity can take place.Building on this openness, Umang Sheth and Naveen Samala discuss vulnerability and the courage required to ask for help. They reference well‑known personalities who have publicly spoken about their struggles with mental health, addiction, and career challenges, reinforcing the idea that such difficulties are phases of life rather than definitions of one’s worth. Through shared experiences and honest dialogue, they emphasize that embracing vulnerability can be a powerful source of strength—one that encourages others to seek support, normalize self‑reflection, and show up authentically in their own journeys.TakeawaysUmang's journey began with personal discrimination.He realized being gay is more than just sex.The media often portrays stereotypes that are limiting.Umang seeks to create spaces for deeper conversations.He emphasizes the importance of human identity over labels.The journey involves challenging societal norms.Creating awareness is key to understanding diversity.Conversations should focus on authenticity and connection.Umang encourages discussions beyond sexual identity.The need for community support in the LGBTQ+ space.People often fear judgment when admitting struggles.Vulnerability is a sign of courage, not weakness.Asking for help can inspire others to do the same.Famous personalities have shown that it's okay to seek help.Life phases do not define who we are as individuals.Acknowledging one's situation can lead to personal growth.Sharing struggles can create a supportive community.There is strength in admitting one's vulnerabilities.Mental health issues are common and should be openly discussed.Empowerment comes from embracing our challenges.Sound bites"My journey started to that there has to be more.""Can we talk of something else?""Amitabh Bachchan asked for help in debt.""Vulnerability is courage, not a weakness.""My situation is bad, not me."Chapters0:00:00 – Precap0:03:00 – The Guiding Voice Within 0:06:00 – Foundations of Success 0:09:30 – Where the Journey Truly Began 0:12:00 – When Safety Became Non‑Negotiable 0:15:30 – What Real Safety Feels Like 0:18:00 – The First Experience of True Belonging 0:22:30 – From Community to Corporate DEI 0:25:30 – The Truth About DEI Beyond Policies 0:28:00 – The Science of Connection 0:31:00 – A Story That Changed Everything 0:33:30 – Redefining Vulnerability as Strength0:35:01 Rapid Fire InsightsGuest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/umangshethchangeenabler/Connect with the host on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/Also, Tune into our Hindi, Telugu & Kannada podcasts here:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TGVHindihttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVTeluguhttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVKannadaSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1GvX6tvmfelawEba0F6KS4http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on AmazonKindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXjVolume 2:Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryUse the Coupon code: NAVEEN20 on notionpress.com to avail a 20% discountKindle Edition:http://surl.li/tmmmnAMZ IN: http://surl.li/tmmnbAMZ UK: http://surl.li/tmmnlFOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →
Zero Blind Spots: The Truth About Impairment in Leadership | Chuck Marting | #TGV693
Jan 2900:27:19Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this conversation, Naveen Samala and Chuck Marting shine a light on the misunderstood and often invisible world of workplace impairment. They unpack the blind spots leaders commonly have about what impairment actually looks like — far beyond the obvious signs. The discussion reveals how impairment can hide behind overperformance, burnout, or sudden dips in productivity, and how employees often mask their struggles behind a facade of normalcy. They debunk myths that impairment is always visible and stress the urgent need for retraining, awareness, and open conversations. Ultimately, they call for leaders to better understand mental health nuances and team dynamics to build healthier, high-trust workplaces.TakeawaysImpairment is widely misunderstood and often invisible.Leaders frequently misinterpret signs of impairment, confusing burnout for high performance.Employees may hide their struggles until performance collapses.Millions experience some form of impairment at work, yet it rarely gets identified.Retraining leaders is essential to recognizing subtle indicators.Impairment isn’t always external — it can manifest as overachievement.Sudden performance dips may signal deeper issues.Open communication helps uncover hidden struggles.Understanding impairment improves team health and outcomes.Educating leaders breaks myths and supports a more inclusive, aware workplace.Sound BitesWhat is the biggest blind spot that leaders have?Impairment hides in plain sight.It’s not always what we think it is.High performance can mask deep struggle.Chapters0:00:00 Precap and the introduction0:03:00 The Real Face of Workplace Impairment0:06:14 The Myths Leaders Still Believe0:09:00 The scariest trend that employers are completely ignoring0:12:00 The CODE in Mastering the Impairment Code0:14:30 How to spot a high-functioning impaired person versus someone who's just having a bad day?0:17:00 Exact signs that managers should look for within an impaired employee0:19:00 How to distinguish between 'they need mental health support' versus 'they're impaired'?0:21:00 What's the mental gymnastics?0:23:24 Zero Blind Spots: A Leadership Essential0:25:00 If someone is struggling with impairment, here’s the one thing they should knowGuest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-marting-aa849660/Connect with the host on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/Also, Tune into our Hindi, Telugu & Kannada podcasts here:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TGVHindihttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVTeluguhttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVKannadaSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1GvX6tvmfelawEba0F6KS4http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on AmazonKindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXjVolume 2:Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryUse the Coupon code: NAVEEN20 on notionpress.com to avail a 20% discountKindle Edition:http://surl.li/tmmmnAMZ IN: http://surl.li/tmmnbAMZ UK: http://surl.li/tmmnlFOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →
Speak Like a Leader | Laura Sicola | #TGV488
May 21, 2024Tap to summarizeTune into #TGV488 to get clarity on the above topic. Here are the pointers from Laura’s conversation with Naveen Samala on The Guiding VoiceIntroduction, First Rapid Fire round, and context settingLaura’s success mantraWhich is more important: What you say or how you say it?How to talk so people want to listen? What does it take to be a hypnotic storyteller?3Cs of Vocal executive presence - what are they and how important?What's the secret to giving a killer TED talk?What are the top 5 speech pitfalls that undermine your authority/influence?When we get nervous, how can I project more confidence?WITTY ANSWERS TO THE RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONSAbout her Podcast “Speaking to Influence”TRIVIA ABOUT Executive presenceAbout the guest:For over 15 years Dr. Laura Sicola has been a top leadership communication and influence coach to executives in Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations, as well as a sought-out speaker for international conferences. She is also a regular pitch coach for business competitions at universities and tech incubators like DreamIt ventures, Comcast Lift Labs, and the Center for Global Enterprise.A former ivy-league University professor with a Ph.D. in linguistics and education, she is uniquely positioned as a linguist and strategist, with an in-depth understanding of:how language and speech are processed in the brain, what makes your words go "in one ear and out the other" with some people, andhow to close the gap between "what you think you said" and "what they think they heard."Her TEDx talk, "Want to Sound Like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right" has nearly 7,000,000 views.Connect with the guest on LinkedIn:Guest LI profile link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola/CONNECT WITH THE HOST ON LINKEDIN:Naveen Samala: http://surl.li/tmksmhttp://www.naveensamala.comIf you'd like to contribute to our mission, please donate (any amount of your choice) through Paypalhttps://paypal.me/NaveenSamlaIf you wish to become a productivity monk: enroll in this course: http://surl.li/tmksiTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on Amazon:Vol 2: Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2J7BM8Vol 1: Kindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXj#TGV is available in Hindi & Telugu:https://youtube.com/@tgvhindiAudio:http://surl.li/tmksp(#tgvhindi) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →