2 CEOs vs 2 GEN Zs | The Bridge S1E4: Is Entrepreneurship in India Still Worth It?

Is mental health just a buzzword for Gen Z or is it a genuine crisis?In this episode of The Bridge, Shantanu leads a candid, cross-generational debate on one of the most misunderstood workplace questions today: Is mental health struggle real for Gen Z? One side, the seasoned professionals, Revant Bhate (Co-Founder & CEO at Mosaic Wellness) and Kaushik Mukherjee (Co-founder & COO at SUGAR Cosmetics), question if the regular hustle is being mistaken for crisis.While the Gen Z voices Vidit Dugar (Chief of Staff at Bombay Shaving Company) and Gauri Bansal (Strategy Manager, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Spotify) talk about the demand of a workplace built on empathy, trust, and emotional safety.Together, they dive into:Do Gen Z employees expect too much emotional support at work?How much responsibility should founders bear to safeguard mental well-being?Do Western Startups “Do It Better”?And most critically: How real is stress today?Both generations agree on one thing: behind every “tough boss” is a founder terrified of losing their team.Watch now to hear both sides unpack what’s valid, what’s exaggerated, and how workplaces need to adapt.Tell us in the comments: Does your workplace really see you, beyond deadlines and deliverables?

Are phones killing brains or just replacing boredom with a dopamine hit?In this episode of The Bridge, Shantanu dives into a no-filter conversation with guests from different tech eras to explore the real impact of smartphones on human brains, behaviours, and boundaries. Joining him are Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO, SBFC Finance Ltd) and Damodar Mall [CEO(Grocery Retail ), Reliance Retail] who are amazed to see WhatsApp being the most powerful medium of business, while on the other side, Gauri Bansal (Strategy Manager, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Spotify) and Avi Anurag (Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company), the thought-provoking Gen Zs believe phones are a filler for dead time.Together, they dive into:Is YouTube really better than Instagram?The rise of “phone as a boredom cure”.Why do parents trust WhatsApp more than other applications?And whether brains are truly at risk, or simply evolving!Watch now to hear both sides unpack the real truth behind screen time.Tell us in the comments: what do you want us to break down next?

Is owning a home still the ultimate goal, or are there smarter, more flexible alternatives in today’s fast-changing world?This week on The Bridge, the guests debate about one of the most talked-about life decisions in a GenZ’s life today: to buy a home or rent, with perspectives from seasoned business leaders and the next generation of entrepreneurs.On one side, we have industry veterans Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO of SBFC Finance Ltd.), and Luis Miranda (Former Bank Treasurer at HDFC and Ex-CEO of IDFC), who share their views on the financial and emotional implications of homeownership, and why, in some cases, it may still be a solid investment.On the other side, we hear from young trailblazers Ishan Gulati (Chief of Staff to the CEO at Rebel Foods), and Arshi Gupta (Senior Associate, Investments at Singularity AMC) who provide fresh insights on how they’re rethinking traditional paths to financial stability and whether owning property still makes sense in an increasingly mobile world.In this episode, we dive into:The emotional, financial, and practical considerations of owning versus renting a home.How shifting economic landscapes and new technologies are changing what it means to “settle down.”What today’s young professionals really think about homeownership.Don’t miss this candid conversation that explores one of the most significant decisions of our lives.

Is going to college still the best way to succeed, or is it time to rethink the traditional career routes?In this week’s episode of The Bridge, Shantanu sits down with a diverse group of leaders to explore one of today’s most debated topics: The true value of college education in a fast-evolving world.On one side, we have seasoned entrepreneurs who have led the way in shaping businesses and brands. Abhijeet Dabas, Executive VP & Business Head at Nykaafashion, and Ankush Grover, Co-Founder & CEO at Rebel Foods, share their insights on how formal education played a role in their success stories and whether it’s still essential in today’s business landscape.On the other side, we hear from the next generation of leaders: Akansha Padmane, a final-year undergraduate at IIT Bombay, and Vidit Dugar, Chief of Staff at Bombay Shaving Company. They provide a fresh perspective on the evolving role of education, career-building, and how new-age skills and experiences are reshaping what success looks like for Gen Z.In this episode, we dive into:Is a degree still essential for career success, or is it a barrier?How are Gen Zs navigating their educational journeys in a world dominated by digital transformation?The rise of alternative career pathways and the new ways of learning that are gaining momentum.This conversation challenges the conventional thinking about education and explores what the future of learning looks like for the next generation. Don’t miss this compelling discussion to truly thrive in today’s competitive world!

Is consumerism in India really making our lives better?Or is it a trend everyone is chasing because of FOMO?From the latest gadgets to fashion trends, the young generation is bombarded by ads, influencers and social media. But at what cost? Are they even thinking about the consequences of overconsumption?This week, the roundtable isn’t here to judge, it only unpacks how Gen Z deals with the pressure of staying on top of trends with the mindset of "buy now, pay later".In the new episode of ‘The Bridge’, Shantanu is joined by Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO, SBFC Finance Ltd) and Damodar Mall [CEO (Grocery Retail), Reliance Retail], two industry veterans who bring their years of experience and wisdom to the table, alongside Gauri Bansal (Strategy Manager, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Spotify) and Avi Anurag (Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company), the next-gen leaders who are unafraid to confront the world head-on.If you've ever bought something just to feel better or questioned where your money’s going, this episode is for you.Here’s what went down:If 70% of iPhones in India are sold on EMI, how do we save for the future or do we even want to?How social media is amplifying FOMO and fueling consumerism.Is consumerism a tool for empowerment or a path to more debt?Now, get ready for a real conversation about how consumerism affects wallets and mental health. This problem is not shopping; it's purchasing decisions that make a difference in your life.Tune in to hear from both sides of the spectrum, and let us know if you also feel trapped by your own spending habits.Drop your comments below, and let’s bridge the gap.

Is Startup a real problem-solver or just a way out of toxic jobs?For next-gen, it’s the real escape from 9-to-5s and societal expectations. But as startup culture grows louder, are the deeper motivations being overlooked?In this episode of The Bridge, Shantanu hosts a multi-generational roundtable with industry veterans, Abhijeet Dabas (Nykaafashion Executive VP & Business Head - Fashion) and Ankush Grover (Rebel Foods - Co-Founder & CEO), who unpack what decades in finance and leadership have taught them. From the other side, Vidit Dugar (Chief of Staff at Bombay Shaving Company), and Akansha Padmane (Final-year Undergraduate at IIT Bombay), representing the Gen Z lens, question whether the facade of hustle culture hides the harsher reality.Together, they debate on:1.⁠ ⁠If startups are driven by purpose or frustration2.⁠ ⁠Why bad jobs often spark better ideas, Gen Z redefines3.⁠ ⁠How ‘act like an owner’ mindset wins the game, with zero funding4.⁠ ⁠Why failure might open more doors than success, Founders decoded.If you’ve ever thought, “Should I just leave everything and start up?”, this conversation is a must-watch.🎧 Watch now to hear both sides and determine if Entrepreneurship is still worth the hype.

Is organisational loyalty outdated, or are we asking the wrong questions?This week, on the latest episode of ‘The Bridge’, Shantanu engages in a thought-provoking discussion with leaders from both sides of the generational spectrum.On the one hand, Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO at SBFC Finance Ltd.) and Luis Miranda (Former Bank Treasurer at HDFC and Ex-CEO at IDFC) share valuable insights on why internal promotions, career patience, and organisational commitment remain the bedrock of professional success.On the other hand, Ishaan Gulati (Chief of Staff to CEO at Rebel Food) and Arshi Gupta (Senior Associate, Investments at Singularity AMC), the Gen Z voices, reflect on how they view career progression with their fast-moving approach to work and the gig economy.Tune in for a raw, honest conversation about:- Why does career patience and internal promotions still matter?- The unspoken pressure of choosing the “dream career”.- How Gen Z’s approach to job hopping is reshaping workplace norms.For those eager to understand what’s driving these shifts, this latest episode provides all your answers. Tune in and share your thoughts in the comments.Also, don’t forget to let us know what topics you’d like to see on The Bridge next!Navigate your way through these chapters00:00 Coming up00:52 Introduction01:38 Organisational loyalty: a two-way street?02:42 Founders on organisational loyalty04:56 Role of self-interest in job-switching vs commitment08:00 Loyalty: from promotion to retention to trust14:47 Jobs: situationship or relationship? Gen Z’s FOMO decoded19:30 Rise of JOB culture & Gen Z lost in Career Choices21:09 What senior leaders look for in hiring22:28 Closing thoughts

Thank you for the overwhelming response to Episode 1 of The Bridge!We absolutely loved reading your comments, your thoughts, reflections, and even disagreements made it clear: We need more conversations like these.So, here we are back with Episode 2.This time, we’re asking: IS PERSONAL BRANDING NECESSARY?Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with “being seen”?Why does every Gen Z feel the need to show up online all the time?And is that visibility actually translating to value?Joining Shantanu this time are two sharp Gen Z voices, Avani Rathore (Entrepreneur, Ex-BCG) and Goutami Rane (Senior Account Executive at Ogilvy), who’ve built their presence in the digital world and understand the trade-offs that come with it.Across the table are Revant Bhate (Co-Founder & CEO, Mosaic Wellness) and Kaushik Mukherjee (Co-founder & COO, SUGAR Cosmetics). Two seasoned founders who’ve built iconic brands from scratch without ever turning themselves into a ‘brand’.Together, they unpack what personal branding really means today, beyond LinkedIn carousels and viral reels.Tune in for an honest debate on:1. Does Gen Z value visibility over actual value?2. Can your LinkedIn presence really get you promoted?3. Where’s the line between authenticity and performance?Drop your thoughts in the comments below!Tune in now to hear both sides of the debate and rethink how we show up in the world of work.Navigate your way through the chapters00:00 Coming up01:00 Introduction02:06 Views of Gen Z on Personal Branding03:45 The gap between the true self and the public persona06:59 The role of branding in starting a career08:25 Employee views on Personal Branding11:52 Promoting online presence vs. valuing offline skills14:28 The importance of storytelling in building a brand18:42 How social media impacts personal branding19:08 Recruitment parameters based on personal brands22:27 The reality and effort behind personal branding25:41 Founders on using podcasts to boost growth27:54 Closing thoughts

Is hustle culture quietly killing India’s next generation?Is Gen Z actually giving up at their jobs for reasons evident but often unsaid?Where really is this gap and why is it important to fill it?Next season of the Barbershop is not a season, it’s a completely different story.A whole new setup, a mix of old and new voices, unfiltered views, and debates that often make it out of these leaders’ LinkedIn's, onto the news! 😂Only this time, we don’t have a 1:1 setup, we have a round table.Joining Shantanu are Vidit Dugar (Chief of Staff at Bombay Shaving Company) and Gauri Bansal (Product and Strategy at Spotify), on the one side. Ambitious. Sharp. Super switched on. They represent India’s blue-eyed Gen Z at workplaces.Sitting on the other side are Radhika Gupta (MD & CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund) and Damodar Mall (CEO, Reliance Retail). Two veterans who made it to their CXO roles in their early thirties, all with patience, clarity, and grit.This is not a podcast, it’s a debate. Someone’s got to start it!Where aspirational Gen Zs meet inspirational leaders.Tune in for a brutally honest conversation on:- Are Gen Z an employer's nightmare?- The 9-to-5 job was made for people who worked in factories. So why are we still working like that?- Why does every Gen Z worker feel like they are underpaid?- Why comparison is the key recipe for unhappiness.So, on this note, dear Gen Zs, this is for you. YOU are the hero of this show.Here it is. The wait is over. This platform is now officially yours.Talk to us, drop a comment and tell us if you’d like to be a part of the next bridge debate. 🙌🏻Navigate your way through:00:00 Coming up0:55 What is ‘The Bridge’?2:03 Hustle culture through Gen Z’s lens5:23 Senior leaders on generational clashes and hustle culture9:57 The truth about time and work quality14:40 Gen Z on no fixed hours and transforming digital life17:22 Women and hustle culture20:14 Generations on grind: accountability, rewards, hard work, and purpose24:08 Hustle culture and mental health struggles27:02 Backstage performers vs. Frontstage seekers30:41 Closing Thoughts

What if playing it safe is the real courage in entrepreneurship? In Barbershop’s latest episode, Shantanu sits down with Alok Sama (Writer & Investor) to explore what truly makes a CEO great. It’s not just about flashy risks, but staying humble and adapting as things change.How Alok brought his first book ‘The Money Trap’ to life, and how getting a degree in Master of Fine Arts, from NYU at 58 proves that growth has no age. Key Takeaways:- Leadership is as much about humility and adaptability as bold risks.- AI and disruptive tech are shaking things up, but also raise questions on creativity and originality.- India’s startup scene faces unique socio-economic challenges alongside fresh growth chances.- How and why to go back to school if you feel a passion strongly. So, Alok’s story exhibits that sometimes fortune favours the unexpected. Join us, and maybe you will see your professional path a little more differently in the aftermath. Also, if you’d like to join our next conversation as live audience, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming Up01: 17 Introduction2:30 Top CEOs in Alok’s views7:44 Comparing CEOs' operating styles: global vs Indian leaders11:14 Billionaire behaviour: insecurity or personal quirk?14:40 How do visionary CEOs adapt and grow?17:30 From Instagram to ChatGPT: Alok on AI24:44 Top CEO behaviours: founder vs manager?31:11 Alok on Indian founders and tech evolution42:53 Alok’s take on the tariff situation44:00 Indian conglomerates in US: capital drives disruption?49:31 India’s middle class: unemployment and consumption issues53:35 Risk-taking: entrepreneur or investor, Alok?58:27 Alok on MFA, writing, and nonfiction passion1:03:06 Money Trap duration and AI’s originality threat/His Book journey length and AI vs originality1:07:48 Living and investing: Alok’s India perspective1:18:14 Closing Thoughts