Shows
Two Founders Walk IntoThe Volunteering Revolution in Indian Workplaces | Ajit & Satish | Ep 16There’s a quiet revolution happening in corporate India and it’s not about profits. It’s about purpose.In this episode, we unpack how corporate volunteering is shifting from a “nice-to-have” CSR activity to a strategic tool for employee retention and engagement.Why are more companies investing in giving back? Because the data says it works:🔹 96% of companies report more engaged employees🔹 52% drop in employee turnover🔹 93% of volunteers feel happier at workWe explore what’s driving this change, the “soc...2025-07-2811 min
Two Founders Walk IntoWhat Friends Got Right About Influence | Ajit & Satish | Ep 15Is influence something you’re born with or something you build?In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind real influence.Not the kind that comes from titles or connections, but the kind you earn through trust and capability.From a personal stories to Princeton research on warmth and competence, we explore why the most influential people aren’t always the loudest but they’re almost always the most trusted.#Leadership #SoftSkills #TrustBuilding #Influence #PowerSkills2025-07-1416 min
Two Founders Walk IntoAmul’s Secret | How Collaboration Wins | Ajit & Satish | Ep 14School taught us to compete. Work demands we collaborate.From solo ranks to team projects, we’re navigating a system we were never trained for. In this episode, Ajit and Satish unpack the big collaboration crisis and walk you through the 4 levels of working together, from unhealthy competition to powerful co-creation.Featuring stories from Microsoft, Pixar, and Amul This one’s packed with insight, laughs, and uncomfortable truths.Listen in if you’ve ever thought:“Why is teamwork so hard...2025-07-0811 min
Two Founders Walk IntoMicrosoft's Comeback Story & The Power of Vulnerable Leadership | Ajit & Satish | Ep 13What does it take to turn around one of the world’s biggest tech companies?When Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft, he didn’t come in with bravado or buzzwords. He came in with humility. He admitted the company had lost its edge, encouraged unlearning, and shifted the culture from “know-it-all” to “learn-it-all.”In this episode, we explore how vulnerability can be a leadership superpower—and how Nadella’s approach offers a blueprint for anyone looking to lead with purpose, presence, and growth.🎙️ Let’s talk about armo...2025-06-3010 min
Two Founders Walk IntoWhy Ignoring Power in Leadership Is a Big Mistake | | Ajit Sivaram & Satish Manchikanti | Ep 12We love talking about leadership—vision, values, collaboration. But there’s one word we avoid like the plague: power.In this episode, we get real about power dynamics at work. Inspired by Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power (yep, the book 50 Cent swears by), we break down how power actually shows up in organizations—through access, influence, and narrative.We’re talking: The “shadow org” behind your org chart Why ignoring power = losing trust What managers...2025-06-2411 min
Two Founders Walk IntoAre CSR & NGOs Really Partners or Just Playing Roles? | Ajit & Satish | Two Founders Walk IntoIndia’s CSR landscape has exploded ₹30,000 Cr annually and counting. But has the mindset evolved?This episode dives into the unspoken power dynamics between funders and purpose-holders, the evolution of CSR (from compliance to co-creation), and what both NGOs and corporates must do to build with, not just for.🎧 What you'll hear:– The 3 phases of CSR in India– The "vendor mindset" trap– Advice for NGOs: hold your purpose, not just your pitch– Advice for CSR teams: fund long-term, not just quarterly– What gre...2025-06-1613 min
Two Founders Walk IntoDoordarshan to Discord : Leading Across Generations | Ajit Sivaram & Satish Manchikanti | Two Founders Walk IntoAre we really that different or just misunderstood across generations?In this episode, we explore:Why leading across generations means designing for values, not labelsWhat vulnerability looks like at work (and why it matters more than ever)The invisible ways power shapes your culture—and how to use it wellTune in for fresh insights from thought leaders like Adam Grant and case studies from TATA Steel and Disney.#LeadershipPodcast #WorkplacePsychology #PowerDynamics #GenZatWork #MultigenerationalWorkforce2025-06-0913 min
Two Founders Walk IntoDid Google make a Leadership Mistake? | Ajit Sivaram and Satish Manchikanti | Two Founders Walk IntoLeadership isn’t a checklist.You can’t scale it by running workshops or tracking metrics alone.In this episode, Ajit and Satish explore:✅ Google’s Project Oxygen—what worked and what didn’t✅ Two levers that actually scale leadership✅ Why your org rises only to the level of your leadership bench✅ Three frameworks we use to grow leaders at U&I and beyondIf you're growing a team and want leaders who uplift—not just manage—this one’s for you.2025-06-0312 min
Two Founders Walk IntoEp #8 l Two Founders walk into Conflict | Ajit Sivaram and Satish ManchikantiIf you’re building something meaningful with someone, you’re bound to clash. And that’s not dysfunction, it’s just what happens when purpose meets pressure.In this episode, we explore the dynamics of conflict between leaders. Why it shows up, what it reveals, and how to move through it without losing connection (or your cool). From fake peace to full-blown drama, we unpack how to stay in the sweet spot: constructive conflict.Learn how to use tension to build trust, navigate disagreement without derailing relationships, and grow stronger...2025-05-2607 min
Two Founders Walk IntoEp #7 l Two Founders walk into Scaling Values | Ajit Sivaram and Satish ManchikantiIn this episode, we dive into the importance of scaling your company’s culture.Learn how successful businesses created rituals that made their values stick, no matter how big they grew.Tune in for actionable insights on building culture that lasts.#ScalingCulture #Leadership #CompanyValues2025-05-2010 min
Two Founders Walk IntoEp #6 l Two Founders walk into 10x Growth | Ajit Sivaram and Satish ManchikantiExponential growth is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s the future. The question is: Is your business ready for it?This episode dives into the forces that can unlock 10x growth. We break down why traditional, linear thinking won’t get you far and how to build a business that’s designed for scale.The real magic isn’t about waiting for growth to happen; it’s about setting the stage for it.#ExponentialGrowth #ScaleSmart #Leadership #Innovation #BusinessStrategy2025-05-1209 min
Two Founders Walk IntoEp #5 l Two Founders walk into Ownership | Ajit Sivaram and Satish ManchikantiTeams today don’t want to be told what to do; they want to feel like they’re building something real. This episode explores how autonomy, trust, and co-creation can help you unlock true team ownership. From the IKEA effect to Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why,” learn how to create a culture where your team isn’t just following orders—they’re driving the vision. #Leadership #Autonomy #TeamCulture #Motivation2025-05-0607 min
Two Founders Walk IntoEp #4 l Two Founders walk into Decision Making | Ajit Sivaram and Satish ManchikantiGreat leaders don’t just make big calls, they build systems that scale smart decision-making across the team.In this episode, we dive into:What’s slowing your team downHow to separate trunk vs. leaf decisionsWhy 70% of the data is enoughThe value of asking “And then what?”If you’re ready to ditch decision drama and lead with clarity, this one’s for you.#LeadershipPodcast #DecisionMaking #ScaleSmart #TeamCulture #StartupLeadership #PodcastIndia #WorkSmarter2025-04-2909 min
Two Founders Walk IntoEp #3 l Two Founders walk into AI| Ajit Sivaram and Satish ManchikantiThis episode dives deep into the world of AI. How it’s transforming industries, reshaping education, and widening (or narrowing) the gap between India's rich and marginalized.We explore:- Why AI feels like the new electricity- How it can help solve India’s learning crisis- The real question: Will it uplift or leave people behind?Listen in to understand where we’re headed and how to make sure no one gets left out.Jeff Bezos TED talk: https://www.youtub...2025-04-2211 min
Two Founders Walk IntoEp #7 l Two Founders walk into Culture | Ajit Sivaram and Satish ManchikantiIn this episode, we dive into the importance of scaling your company’s culture.Learn how successful businesses created rituals that made their values stick, no matter how big they grew.Tune in for actionable insights on building culture that lasts.#ScalingCulture #Leadership #CompanyValues2025-04-2010 min
Two Founders Walk IntoEp #2 l Two Founders walk into Purpose | Ajit Sivaram and Satish ManchikantiIn a world of rapid change, what’s the one thing that still holds teams together? In this episode, we talk about why purpose at work isn’t fluff; it’s the glue that holds organizations together. From small team hacks to big vision casting, this is a masterclass on making meaning.Subscribe for new episodes every week. Rate & review to support us!#LeadershipUnfiltered #PurposeDrivenTeams #ScalingFailingLeading00:00 – The Indian Dream vs Gen Z’s Purpose01:00 – Is Purpose a Fad or a Fundamental Need?03:00 – Building Compa...2025-04-1507 minTwo Founders Walk IntoEp #1 l Two Founders walk into Genz | Ajit Sivaram and Satish ManchikantiAre we getting Gen Z all wrong—and is that going to cost us dearly? Roti, Kapda, Makaan? That’s a relic.For many of us leaders, work was like eating at home—eat what’s served, follow the rules, and don’t ask questions. Gen Z? They’re at a restaurant. They get a menu, pick what they like, and if the food’s cold or the service is poor, they’ll walk right out. No hesitation.So how do you manage Gen Z, are they entitled, distracted, too sensitive... ?But here’s the re...2025-04-0708 minTwo Founders Walk IntoTrailer - Two Founders Walk IntoOne got fired. The other one's business went close to bankruptcy. Naturally, they did the most illogical thing—built one of India’s fastest-growing Change Movement with 37,000 changemakers.Now, on this podcast, with all the wisdom (and battle scars) of scaling, failing, and shaping culture, Ajit Sivaram and Satish Manchikanti are here to spill the secrets of leadership. Expect sharp insights, a few uncomfortable truths, and enough jokes to make your HR team nervous.Because let’s be honest—great leadership isn’t built in boardrooms. It’s built in the moments when everything goes spectacularl...2025-04-0201 min