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Join us for an insightful conversation with Martin E. Hellman, Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University and a pioneering force in secure digital communications. Best known as a co-inventor of public-key cryptography, Hellman shares the experiences and defining moments that shaped his extraordinary journey—from his childhood in the Bronx and early academic pursuits to groundbreaking contributions to cryptography and global peace advocacy. The discussion explores the personal and professional milestones that influenced his career, including overcoming prejudice, nurturing scientific curiosity, developing resilience, and building lifelong partnerships. It also examines the intersection of technology, ethics, international relations, and personal growth, addressing critical issues such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, nuclear security, and the future of global cooperation. This episode offers valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and the importance of questioning established assumptions. Hellman highlights the urgent need for humanity to match its growing technological power with ethical maturity and responsible decision-making. Whether you are interested in cryptography, cybersecurity, global security, technological innovation, or personal development, Martin E. Hellman's journey offers inspiration and valuable lessons.

In this episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY), host Stephen Ibaraki speaks with Dr. Nima Javanbakht, Senior RF Engineer at Sanmina, about his inspiring journey across academia, industrial research, engineering innovation, and professional volunteering. Discover how growing up in an engineering-focused family, pursuing academic excellence, and transitioning from Iran to Canada shaped Dr. Javanbakht's approach to problem-solving, research, and leadership. The conversation explores his transition from academia to industry, his work within Sanmina's Advanced Microelectronics Technologies (AMT) division, and the challenges of transforming theoretical research into practical, scalable, and commercially viable solutions. Dr. Javanbakht also shares insights into the evolving relationship between RF engineering, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Beyond technological advancements, he emphasizes the importance of empathy, teamwork, mentorship, and volunteering, offering valuable lessons for engineers, researchers, and aspiring technology leaders. In this episode, discover: The journey from engineering studies in Iran to professional research in Canada. The transition from academic research to fast-paced industrial R&D. How manufacturing constraints influence engineering innovation. The role of RF and microwave technologies in quantum computing. How AI, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing are shaping the future. Why empathy, teamwork, and volunteering are essential leadership qualities.

In this episode of TBCY, we explore the remarkable career and insights of Paul Swider, CEO and Chief AI Officer of RealActivity. The conversation covers pivotal moments in his life, early entrepreneurial lessons, and a professional journey driven by curiosity, service, and a passion for technology and healthcare. The discussion explores his expertise in the Microsoft ecosystem, leadership in global technology communities, and the development of practical software solutions for healthcare operations. Key themes include his evolution from hardware tinkering to pioneering healthcare AI solutions, the inspiration behind Tula, his open-source patient health agent, and his commitment to patient empowerment and data ownership. The conversation also examines how AI can streamline hospital compliance and provider activity tracking, alongside the growing importance of robust governance as AI agents become increasingly prevalent in healthcare and beyond. Other topics include the changing landscape of technology, open-source versus proprietary AI models, Microsoft's evolving role, and valuable advice for the next generation of technologists. Tune in for inspiring stories of resilience, purpose-driven innovation, and practical advice for students, professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI, healthcare, and social impact.

How can technology make quality education accessible to millions of students across India? Join us for an insightful episode of The Brand Called You, featuring Vivek Varshney, Founder and CEO of SpeEdLabs. In this conversation, hosted by Ashutosh Garg, Vivek shares his journey from a Hindi-medium school to IIT Kanpur and IIM Lucknow, explaining how his academic experiences and professional journey shaped his vision for transforming Indian education. Discover how SpeEdLabs uses technology to personalize learning, bridge educational gaps in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and prepare students for the future. The discussion explores: How adaptive technology can improve personalized learning and student outcomes. Why affordability and language barriers continue to affect educational access. Why purely digital EdTech models struggled after the pandemic. How AI can transform student assessments and identify individual learning gaps. Why human teachers remain essential in an increasingly technology-driven education system. How schools can move beyond rote learning towards creativity, critical thinking, and future-ready skills.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, the conversation explores the evolving global technology landscape, artificial intelligence, international industry collaboration, and the pioneering work of WITSA (World Innovation, Technology & Services Alliance). Featuring Dan E. Khoo, CEO, and Anders Halvorsen, VP of WITSA, the discussion examines the contributions of global technology leaders, the growing influence of national technology associations, and the transformative role of international platforms such as the World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) and the Global AI Summit. A major highlight of the conversation is the launch of the WITSA Global AI Index, a comprehensive benchmarking initiative covering 105 economies across seven pillars, 16 sub-pillars, and 83 indicators. The Index aims to help governments, businesses, and other stakeholders understand the strengths and weaknesses of their AI ecosystems and identify opportunities for improvement. The discussion also explores gaps in entrepreneurship and investment, the evolution of regulatory frameworks, public trust in AI, and the growing importance of sovereign AI strategies and strategic interdependence. Additionally, the episode examines the geopolitical challenges facing global technology supply chains, the debate between open-source and proprietary AI models, the future of quantum computing, post-quantum cryptography, and the possibilities surrounding artificial general intelligence (AGI). Through insights from WITSA's leadership, this conversation highlights why international collaboration, responsible innovation, and strategic policymaking are essential to building a more connected and competitive digital future.

In this episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY), we sit down with Seung Chan Lim, also known as Slim, the founder of Kru. Slim’s remarkable journey spans computer science, fine art, business, coaching, and human-centered design. Discover how his experiences growing up across cultures, his encounters with influential mentors, and his transition from technology to art school shaped his unique perspective. The conversation explores the relationship between empathy, innovation, and leadership. Slim explains the idea of “realizing empathy” as a shift in perspective and shares why understanding people is essential for personal growth and organizational success. Learn how Slim founded Kru to support mission-driven technology founders, foster meaningful peer connections, and help leaders navigate challenges at the intersection of technology and humanity. Whether you are a technology entrepreneur, business leader, creative professional, or lifelong learner, this episode offers valuable insights into cross-disciplinary thinking, human-centered innovation, and more effective problem-solving.

How is AI transforming sales, revenue operations, and the future of work? In this episode of The Brand Called You, we explore AI-driven sales innovation, entrepreneurship, and business transformation with Sahil Aggarwal, Co-founder and CEO of Von and Rattle. Sahil shares how his experiences in consulting, product leadership, and entrepreneurship shaped his approach to building technology companies. He explains the strategic thinking behind transitioning from Rattle to Von, an AI intelligence layer designed specifically for revenue teams. The conversation explores Von's specialised AI capabilities, including context graph technology, organisational memory, and integration with company data sources to deliver actionable business insights. Sahil also discusses how Von is helping sales organisations reduce repetitive work, improve productivity, and make better business decisions. Through examples from companies like Qualified and Cresta, he highlights the growing impact of AI on revenue operations. The discussion further examines the evolving relationship between humans and AI, the importance of building specialised enterprise AI solutions, and the opportunities available to entrepreneurs in an increasingly AI-driven world. If you are interested in artificial intelligence, sales automation, entrepreneurship, SaaS innovation, and the future of business, this episode is for you!

In this episode of The Brand Called You, we welcome Ernesto Gomez, author of The Soul Edge: Leading at the Human Frontier in the Age of Intelligence and Founder and CEO of Aspen Mindset One. Join us for an insightful conversation about leadership in the age of artificial intelligence, the limitations of traditional performance models, and the importance of leveraging what makes us uniquely human. Ernesto shares his journey from food-service entrepreneur to CHRO of a $9 billion company, the mental shifts he experienced along the way, and why he believes the future of leadership is about out-humaning, not out-automating, the competition. Discover the principles of regenerative leadership, learn how leaders can unlearn extractive habits, and explore practical ways to build organizations driven by meaning, alignment, and human capacity. Key takeaways include: Understanding the “soul edge” as a source of human differentiation in the age of AI. Rethinking performance models as artificial intelligence transforms the workplace. Exploring regenerative leadership and its distinction from other leadership approaches. Building organizational alignment, purpose, and authentic human connections. Taking practical steps toward more sustainable, human-centered performance. As AI continues to transform the business landscape, the question is no longer simply how leaders can automate more. It is how they can bring out the best in people.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, we welcome Kapel Malhotra, Founder & Managing Director of Total Solutions Group, a company described as one of Asia’s leading mystery audit firms. The conversation explores Kapel’s entrepreneurial journey, his early entry into business after qualifying as a Chartered Accountant at the age of 22, and his transition from auditing to building a specialized mystery audit business. A central theme is the importance of bridging the gap between management perceptions and actual customer experiences. The discussion examines how AI, automation, and data analytics are transforming the mystery audit industry while highlighting why human judgment remains essential. Kapel also shares his approach to investing in early-stage startups, emphasizing execution capability and founder resilience alongside market opportunity and business models. The conversation covers common mistakes founders make while scaling, the importance of establishing governance and accountability early, and practical ways to validate customer demand and build meaningful business networks with limited resources. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, business leader, or customer experience professional, this episode offers practical insights into building resilient, customer-centric, and globally competitive businesses. Watch the full conversation for real-world examples, entrepreneurial lessons, and actionable advice for founders at every stage of their journey.

In this insightful conversation, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Susie Gidseg, author of BOSS: Becoming the Leader You Always Wished You Had, about her leadership journey, the challenges of managing a team during the pandemic, and the importance of building a workplace culture rooted in kindness, trust, and authenticity. Why are so many high-performing professionals promoted into management without being taught how to lead? How can leaders build genuine trust, deliver difficult feedback with kindness, and guide their teams through uncertainty? Susie shares practical insights on the “high performer paradox,” the power of vulnerability, and the importance of treating kindness as a foundation for high-performing teams. In this episode, you'll discover: Why kindness is an essential part of effective leadership. How to build genuine trust and encourage open communication. Why honest and clear feedback helps people grow. How vulnerability enables leaders to learn from mistakes. Why leaders must embrace uncertainty rather than pretend to have all the answers. How to create a positive team culture where people feel valued and supported.

What does it mean to discover your true self beyond personality, conditioning, and societal expectations? In this thought-provoking episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Acharya Nilay, a spiritual teacher, author, and speaker, about practical spirituality, self-inquiry, and the search for deeper self-understanding. Drawing on his experiences and reflections, Acharya Nilay explores how childhood curiosity can lead to deeper questions about life, why conventional definitions of success may not bring lasting fulfillment, and how our identification with thoughts, emotions, and social roles shapes our understanding of ourselves. The conversation also examines primary ignorance (avidya), the influence of superstition and orthodoxy, and the importance of questioning established beliefs rather than accepting them unquestioningly. Whether you are new to spirituality or have been exploring self-inquiry for years, this episode offers ideas to help you reflect on your identity, challenge assumptions, and approach everyday life with greater awareness. KEY HIGHLIGHTS The importance of questioning and childhood curiosity Personality, conditioning, and the discovery of the true self Rethinking conventional definitions of success Understanding self-image, ego, and awareness Primary ignorance (avidya) and human suffering Practical approaches to self-inquiry Questioning superstition and unquestioned beliefs Making spirituality relevant to younger generations and skeptics

How is technology transforming indirect procurement and reshaping manufacturing supply chains? In this episode of The Brand Called You, we speak with Anish Popli, CEO & Founder of ProcMart, about his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges of digitizing indirect procurement. Anish explains how fragmented vendor management creates hidden costs for enterprises, why traditional suppliers need accessible digital solutions, and how ProcMart builds trust with large organizations. He also discusses balancing the needs of enterprise buyers and suppliers, scaling across industries, and his vision for a connected manufacturing procurement ecosystem. In this episode, discover: Why indirect procurement presents significant opportunities for efficiency and cost optimization. How WhatsApp and mobile technology help traditional suppliers participate in digital procurement. How to overcome resistance to change and build trust with enterprise clients. Why successful procurement platforms must create value for both buyers and suppliers. How ProcMart plans to evolve into a broader manufacturing ecosystem.

Welcome to another episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY)! In this insightful conversation, Ganzo Ulziibayar, author of Strategy Is Attitude: The Missing Half of Strategy, founder of the Education Reform Movement, and an experienced business leader from Mongolia, shares his perspective on what defines effective strategy. Drawing on his upbringing on the Mongolian steppe, his experience as a CEO, and his research into productivity and human behaviour, Ganzo challenges conventional approaches to strategic thinking. He explains why strategy may be rooted in subconscious attitudes and why empathy, risk awareness, and responsibility are essential qualities of effective leaders. In this episode, discover: How growing up on the Mongolian steppe shaped his understanding of risk and responsibility. What becoming a CEO at 27 taught him about people, productivity, and leadership. Why he believes strategy goes beyond traditional frameworks and analytical tools. What leaders can learn from Genghis Khan’s approach to developing strategists. What the third eye and eight arms symbolise in the book’s strategist figure. Why attitude, empathy, and responsibility can be fundamental to strategic success.

Join Ashutosh Garg on The Brand Called You for a compelling conversation with Haresh Patel, Silicon Valley entrepreneur, author of The Ghost in My Body, and Co-founder of Sanare Health AI. After years of struggling with a mysterious medical condition and multiple misdiagnoses, Haresh began searching for answers beyond the symptoms. His personal journey led him to explore the connections between health history, life experiences, and patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed. In this candid conversation, Haresh discusses the emotional challenges of living with chronic illness, the breakthroughs that helped him better understand his condition, and the experiences that inspired his book. He also explains how these insights influenced the development of Sanare Health AI, an initiative focused on using technology to organize health information and help identify meaningful patterns. In this episode, discover: Haresh Patel’s transition from Silicon Valley entrepreneurship to healthcare innovation. The personal impact of years of misdiagnosis. The inspiration and meaning behind The Ghost in My Body. How pattern recognition and chronological health histories can support the investigation of complex conditions. The role of personal experiences, grief, and holistic perspectives in his journey. The vision behind Sanare Health AI and its approach to connecting health information. Whether you are interested in healthcare innovation, artificial intelligence, patient advocacy, or personal resilience, this conversation offers insights into the challenges of complex diagnosis and the possibilities of technology-enabled healthcare.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sabina Posadziejewski, CEO of the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS), hosted by Stephen Ibaraki on The Brand Called You (TBCY). With more than four decades of experience in IT, Sabina reflects on her remarkable career across private industry, public service, consulting, and professional leadership. She shares the personal turning points that shaped her resilience, the people-centred philosophy that guides her leadership, and the importance of ethical standards in the technology profession. Discover Sabina’s contributions to IT governance, her commitment to mentoring immigrant professionals, and her perspective on the role of professional standards in building public trust. Learn how CIPS supports Canadian IT practitioners through professional designations such as the Information Systems Professional (ISP), professional development, advocacy, and collaboration. Sabina also discusses her vision for CIPS, the importance of partnerships, the advancement of women in technology, and the need to build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready IT community. In this episode, you’ll discover: How personal challenges can build resilience and strengthen leadership. Why people-centred leadership matters in technology and organizational transformation. How professional standards and ethical practices help build public trust. Why mentorship, inclusion, and lifelong learning are essential to the IT profession. How CIPS is working to support IT professionals and advance professional excellence in Canada.