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From the moment we enter the education system, we’re sorted into lanes- science kid, commerce kid, arts kid. Soon after, those lanes turn into job titles. Banker. Engineer. Marketer. Manager.But what happens when the role disappears? When layoffs hit, when AI reshapes work, when burnout creeps in, or when the identity you carried for years no longer fits?In this episode of Small Talk: Work, Play, Build- Subha and Hasita unpack the uneasy truth many of us are sitting with: how deeply our sense of self is tied to work, and why learning to decentre our job title might be the most important career skill of the next decade.This is a conversation about career fluidity, loyalty, burnout, sabbaticals, parallel identities, and the courage it takes to ask a hard question: who am I beyond what I do?00:00 Highlights01:33 Why career identity feels so fixed04:50 Education, labels, and early narrowing07:40 Losing old identities and adopting new ones10:30 Layoffs, AI, and roles disappearing14:00 Long hours, 9-9-6 culture, and lack of real choice18:05 Loyalty, pressure, and parallel identities23:50 Burnout, boundaries, and learning to disconnect33:20 Decentring work without throwing it away41:28 Read | Watch | Listen--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. 📅 New episodes every fortnight📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalk_wpb🌐 Website: https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Media enquiries: [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) ---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)

Did women ruin the workplace or did the workplace finally have to evolve?In this episode, Hasita and Subha with their long, hard-earned careers unpack why that question keeps resurfacing and why it feels wildly out of step with the realities of work in 2026.Sparked by a recent piece from The New York Times, we look past the headline and into what’s really being debated: power, change, and discomfort when old systems stop being centered by default.We talk about:- Why progress often gets framed as “decline”- What actually changes when women gain influence at work- Why flexibility, boundaries, and empathy get labeled as weakness- How blaming women distracts from deeper structural failures- And why this conversation feels more like 1986 than 2026This isn’t a rant. It’s a calm, clear-eyed conversation from people who’ve been in the room, built careers, managed teams, and watched workplaces evolve in real time.If you’ve ever felt gaslit by “back in my day” arguments, or wondered why equality still triggers backlash, this episode is for you.00:00 – 01:00 Highlights: Did Women Ruin the Workplace?01:00 – 02:10 Apparently, We Ruined the Workplace02:10 – 04:05 The NYT Podcast and Why This Debate Feels Ancient04:05 – 06:40 MeToo, Safety, and the Cost of Calling Out Harassment06:40 – 09:35 Old Boys’ Clubs, Networking, and Invisible Barriers09:35 – 12:00 Who the Workplace Is Really Built For12:00 – 18:00 Women at Work: Leadership, Community, and Real Progress18:00 – 23:55 Why We’re Still Here, Still Talking, Still Not Done23:55 – 26:40 Read, Watch, Listen--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------

What does it really take to build spaces that don’t just function, but transform lives?In this episode of Small Talk: Work, Play, Build, we sit down with Saraswathi Padmanabhan, founder of Diyaghar, and Meghana Dutta, architect and co-founder of Studio Decode, for a deeply moving conversation on purpose-led work, community building, and scaling impact without losing soul.From creating safe learning spaces for children of migrant workers to designing architecture that holds emotion, dignity, and belonging, this episode explores what it means to lead with care—and why real change is built slowly, collectively, and with conviction.This conversation is for anyone questioning impact, purpose, second acts, or how to build something meaningful beyond traditional career paths.00:00 Highlights01:33 Why This Conversation Matters04:05 Choosing Purpose Over Comfort07:45 Listening to the Inner Nudge11:40 Rethinking Work and Success14:05 Architecture as Social Impact18:30 Designing for Safety and Belonging22:40 What Community Building Really Takes26:10 Funding, CSR, and Scaling Impact32:10 Training Teams for the Long Term37:30 Education, Dignity, and Generational Change42:10 Midlife Questions and Second Acts48:50 Faith, Energy, and Avoiding Burnout54:30 Joy, Surrender, and Sustaining Impact1:14:49 Read | Watch | Listen--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------

If 2025 was chaotic, inspiring, and confusing in equal measure… welcome to our love letter to 2026.This episode is part vision board, part workplace therapy, part manifesto. Subha and Hasita talk about everything they want the next year to hold, from AI that finally does the small things right, to workplaces that stop treating women like a disruption, to career paths that make room for joy, skills, hobbies, travel, and side quests.They reflect on the rise of multi-interest professionals, the courage it takes to experiment, why community keeps us sane, and how a simple shift in language (“midlife crisis” to “midlife clarity”) can change everything. And yes, they share what’s next for SmallTalk too.If you’re ending the year with big feelings and bigger questions, this conversation will make you feel understood, and ready for your next chapter.00:00 Highlights01:05 Our 2026 Wishlist Begins 04:43 AI Needs to Get Personal 12:54 Women at Work: Can We Please Move Forward 18:48 Careers Beyond the 9–5 Path 24:02 Permission, Play & Reinventing Yourself 27:55 Finding Community in Your City 31:38 Collaborations & What’s Next for SmallTalk --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------

Gen Z has entered the chat, and the workplace, and nothing looks the same anymore.From side hustles to Zoom etiquette to why loyalty looks completely different today, this episode breaks down the real tensions, the misunderstandings, and the untapped potential of the youngest workforce entering India’s offices.Subha and Hasita get candid about shifting workplace norms, the collapse of shared culture, managers struggling to adapt, and why Gen Z’s hyper-individualism might actually be their greatest strength.If you work with Gen Z, if you are Gen Z, or if you're a manager trying to decode this new energy, this conversation will help you see the workplace with fresh eyes.00:00 Highlights01:01 Why Gen Z feels different03:37 How the pandemic rewired work and presence07:01 Remote culture, hierarchy, and new etiquette10:15 Side hustles, ambition, and the pace problem14:19 Algorithm culture and misplaced workplace conflict16:22 Purpose, passion, and the need for something “real”21:02 Loyalty, one-year stints, and shifting expectations27:58 How to bridge generational gaps at work32:37 Read Watch Listen --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------

Here’s the thing: power has always been seen as masculine, and nurturing as feminine. But what if true leadership needs both?In this conversation, Nirupama Subramaniam, author of Powerful and The Nurturing Quotient, joins Subha and Hasita to talk about leadership, guilt, gender, and the courage it takes to claim your voice.She shares stories from her own nonlinear career, what stops women from feeling powerful, and why the next generation of leaders can’t rely on old-school command-and-control anymore.A deeply human episode for anyone figuring out how to grow without losing who they are. Expect stories of reinvention, the guilt women carry at work, why 95% of CEOs are still men, and how the next generation of leaders can balance ambition with self-awareness.Chapters:00:00 – Highlights01:56 – Her Nonlinear Career04:35 – Leaving Banking08:05 – Motherhood and Reinvention13:06 – Why Women Wait for Clarity16:00 – Birth of the Archetypes21:45 – The 4 Power Barriers25:59 – Girls and Leadership Hesitation27:02 – Nurturing as Leadership41:18 – Boardrooms and What’s Next45:21 – Read Watch Listen--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------

A candid Subha × Hasita conversation on our emotional relationship with money, what we were taught (and not taught), and how that silently shapes career moves, risk-taking, freelancing choices, and freedom.Subha & Hasita explore how our “money scripts” - family beliefs and cultural stories about earning, saving, and risk - quietly influence every career move we make. They discuss:- Why money conversations are emotional, not mathematical.- Women’s hesitation with numbers and its impact on leadership.- How to research, negotiate, and benchmark pay.- Freelance work, pricing your time, and knowing your worth.- Credit, compounding, and living within your means.- Re-writing inherited beliefs to build both security and freedom.Timestamps00:00 Why money is emotional, social, and often missing from career planning.3:00 Money Stories: Childhood conditioning, family beliefs6:00 Middle-Class Money Scripts - salaried-class thinking and financial risk-taking.9:00 Unequal Pay & Career Choices 12:00 Women & Money: Confidence gaps, avoiding numbers, and why understanding financials boosts leadership.15:00 Pay & Negotiation — Learning to benchmark, ask, and value your own time.18:00 Freelancing & the Gig Reality 24:00 Living Within Your Means: Leverage, EMIs, and distinguishing good vs. bad debt.29:00 Financial Mindset Shift34:00 Read | Watch | Listen reccos #careergrowth #smalltalkwpb #moneymindset #psychologyofmoney #moneyscript #middleclassfamily #careerchoices #womenandfinance #womenandmoney --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)

Feeling stuck in your career? Wondering what to do next or how to make sense of all the skills you’ve picked up over the years?In this episode of Small Talk: Work Play Build, Subha and Hasita break down how to uncover your hidden skills, identify what really energizes you, and find direction that actually pays, in every sense of the word.Perfect for anyone on a career break, midlife pivot, or just feeling the itch for something more.Chapters00:00 Highlights00:50 How to spot what you’re naturally good at02:07 Why most of us downplay our strengths06:10 The difference between doing and being07:53 Play as the window into your real skills13:35 Why “easy” doesn’t mean “less valuable”17:44 Experience itself is a skill18:55 Create your own language of strengths24:44 Tracing the thread across career chapters25:44 How sabbaticals reveal what matters34:14 The end of linear careers, and what replaces them37:02 Read Watch Listen#careergrowth #hiddenstrengths #skills #futureofwork #smalltalkwpb--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)

We live in an age when your phone can finish your sentences, but can it finish your thoughts?In this deeply reflective episode, Subha and Hasita sit down with Kashyap Kompella and Dr. Sujata Kelkar Shetty to ask: What is technology doing to our emotional lives, particularly for teenagers growing up in a hyper-connected era?Meet our guests- Kashyap Kompella leads RPA2AI Research, advising global enterprises on AI, automation, and governance. He brings clarity to complex systems in a way that’s practical and human. - Dr. Sujata Kelkar Shetty is a resilience coach, trained biologist, and author. Her work centers on helping people, especially youth, build internal strength in the face of external turbulence. In this conversation, we explore:- The dual nature of AI: tool vs. trap- How youth brains respond differently to digital stimuli- The quiet costs of dependency: on cognition, creativity, agency- Frameworks for resilience: the four key pillars- How we regulate what should (and should not) be outsourced- What care, community, and context look like in a tech-steeped worldWhether you’re a parent, educator, psychotherapist, or a curious human trying to stay grounded, there’s something here for you.Chapters:00:00 Highlights01:29 Framing AI’s emotional impact07:41 Teens, thinking, and identity13:51 Cognitive decline & emotional fragility19:26 Algorithms, anxiety & addiction loops25:46 Four resilience boosters revealed32:21 Guardrails: regulation, design, ethics36:51 Support systems: home, school, system42:31 Narratives of hope & paths forward1:01:02 End Read | Watch | Listen[AI mental health, adolescent resilience, digital wellbeing, teenage anxiety, tech addiction, neuroscience, wellness, career podcast]--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna

Everyone says ‘communication is key’, but why do so many of us still get it wrong?From endless WhatsApp pings to performative LinkedIn posts to the dreaded unreadable work email, we’re surrounded by noise. But is anyone truly listening?In this episode, Subha and Hasita dive into why communication has become a lost art, why good listening is rarer than original thought, and how being intentional in what you say can actually change the course of your career.This isn’t another ‘improve your communication skills’ pep talk. It’s a call to rethink how we talk, write, and listen, because your next big career leap may depend on it.00:00 Highlights00:57 Why Are We Talking So Much? 03:05 Synchronous vs Asynchronous Chaos 05:42 Losing Human Cues in Digital Work 07:27 Listening Is a Superpower 10:03 What Supercommunicators Do Differently 12:17 Storytelling Beyond Buzzwords 16:10 Asking Better Questions at Work 20:15 Knowing Your Real Audience 23:32 Emails, Inboxes & Clarity Under Pressure 26:32 Intentional Conversations over More Noise 28:21 Read, Watch, Listen --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a career podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpb Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@smalltalkpod_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)

In this episode of Small Talk: Work, Play, Build, we dive into the hidden side of toxic workplaces, where the abuse isn’t obvious, but it’s real. From micromanagement and gaslighting to manipulative clients and power plays, these behaviours destroy careers and confidence without anyone noticing. What you’ll learn in this episode: - How to recognize subtle signs of toxicity at work - Why leaving a toxic job is harder than you think - Strategies to protect yourself, and your team, from abusive dynamics - Real stories that will make you say, “That happened to me too” If you’ve ever felt drained, anxious, or second-guessed yourself because of work, this conversation is for you. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 Intro – Why toxic workplaces are more common than you think 02:30 The myth of the “client from hell” 06:00 Gaslighting, micromanagement & emotional manipulation 15:00 Why speaking up feels impossible 25:00 What to do when leaving isn’t an option 34:30 How leaders can protect their teams #careerpodcast #worketiquette #professionalism #smalltalkwpb #toxicboss -------------------- Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpb Website http://www.smalltalkpod.com Media enquiries [email protected] Copyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators. Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)

Can stories really save a city? Ecologist, author, and professor Harini Nagendra believes they can; and Bengaluru needs them now more than ever.Once a city of a thousand lakes, today Bengaluru struggles with traffic gridlock, water shortages, and extreme heat. In this conversation, Harini takes us through the city’s forgotten ecological history, the science behind urban resilience, and why collaboration and storytelling could hold the key to its future.Dr. Harini Nagendra is the Director of the School of Climate Change and Sustainability at Azim Premji University, and Director of the University’s Research Centre. (https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/p...)An internationally recognised scholar and a proud Bengalurean, she combines a career in urban sustainability research with a passion for storytelling. (https://harininagendra.com)For over two decades, her work has explored the intertwined histories of Bengaluru’s lakes, trees, and communities, documenting their transformation through books, teaching, and on-ground engagement. She is the author of several acclaimed non-fiction works on ecology and urban change, as well as the popular Bangalore Detectives Club mystery series, which blends historical fiction with the city’s vibrant past.On the global front, she served as a Lead Author on the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report and served on the Steering Committee of the programme for Ecosystem Change and Society and Future Earth’s urban advisory network. Dr. Nagendra’s approach bridges science, history, and culture, making complex ideas accessible while inspiring conversations on how cities can grow sustainably without losing their ecological and cultural heritage.We talk about:✔ The rise and fall of Bengaluru’s iconic lakes✔ Why restoring them isn’t just nostalgia, it’s survival✔ The hidden role of community action in saving nature✔ How a single illustrated story sparked state-wide policy change✔ What the next generation needs to build sustainable cities✔ Beloved fiction series The Bangalore Detectives ClubThis episode is for everyone who loves Bengaluru, and everyone wondering what it takes to make a city livable again.00:00 – Why this conversation matters01:45 – Meet Harini: Beyond the job title05:20 – Early career choices & big pivots13:40 – The turning point that changed everything18:00 – Mentors, networks & lessons learned28:10 – Leadership truths & navigating self-doubt38:00 – What success looks like today42:15 – Advice to your 25-year-old self--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)

What really counts as bad workplace behaviour in 2025?Moonlighting. Faking bills. Ghosting on Zoom. Showing up in sliders. We’ve seen it all. In this episode, Subha and Hasita get into the real (and absurd) stories that shape today’s evolving idea of “professionalism.” What’s fair, what’s foul, and what’s just funny?From Soham Parekh’s multiple-job moonlighting saga to office party meltdowns and Coldplay concert scandals, we explore what makes (or breaks) your workplace reputation.In this episode:00:00 Highlights00:52 Welcome to the Workplace Circus 03:40 Soham Parikh: Hero, Villain or Meme? 10:30 Can You Work for 5 Clients and Stay Sane? 16:10 Please Don’t get drunk at Office Parties 21:06 Reply All Chaos & Passive-Aggressive Threads 26:08 Zoom Calls Deserve Pants 30:35 Workplace: The Original Reality Show 32:05 Read Watch Listen#careerpodcast #moonlighting #worketiquette #professionalism #genz #smalltalkwpb #sohamparekh #coldplay #astronomerceo --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)

Everyone sees the applause, the costumes, the final performance.But what about the hustle behind it? In this powerful guest episode of Small Talk: Work| Play| Build, host Subha speaks with acclaimed dancers Smt Anuradha Vikranth and Shri Parshwanath Upadhye, about building a creative life in full public view. From facing self-doubt and burnout to carving a space for themselves as performers, educators, and entrepreneurs, this episode is a masterclass in creative resilience, ambition, and authenticity. Smt. Anuradha Vikranth is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, founder of the cultural institution Drishti Art Centre, and one of Karnataka’s foremost arts educators and curators. Trained under illustrious Gurus and a recipient of accolades including the Karnataka Kalashri Award, Anuradha has not only performed across the world but has also brought classical dance to public consciousness through platforms like the Drishti National Dance Festival. Shri Parshwanath Upadhye is one of the most compelling Bharatanatyam artists of our time. An Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar awardee from the Sangeet Natak Akademi and founder of the acclaimed Punyah Dance Company, Parshwanath is known for his bold interpretations of mythology, his precise technique, and his ability to connect with diverse audiences across the world. A trained Carnatic vocalist, black belt in karate, and now educator with students worldwide through the Upadhye School of Dance, Parshwanath constantly straddles art and entrepreneurship. You can learn more at: https://drishtiartcentre.com https://anuradhavikranth.com/ https://www.punyahdancecompany.com https://linktr.ee/parshwanathupadhye https://www.instagram.com/anuradhavikranth/ https://www.instagram.com/parshwanath_upadhye/ Episode guide: 01:30 Growing Up in the World of Dance 09:15 Why Passion Alone Is Not Enough 15:10 Learning from Teachers, Learning from Failure 21:50 How to Build Institutions Without Losing the Artist 29:40 Why Dance Needs to Evolve (But Stay Rooted) 37:30 Showing Up with Joy, Even When It’s Hard -------------------- Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpb Website http://www.smalltalkpod.com Media enquiries [email protected] Copyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators. Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna --------------------- If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)

We hear it all the time. "Just manage your stakeholders."But who are they really? Your client? Your team? Your toddler?In this episode of Small Talk: Work, Play, Build, Subha and Hasita untangle the very human mess of stakeholder management. From clients with invisible influence to HR teams that make or break your deadlines, we break down what it really means to manage relationships at work — and how doing it right might just save your energy, your projects, and your peace of mind.In this episode:00:00 Highlights01:52 Introduction03:40 Who’s Really in the Room? 06:36 The Client Isn’t One Person 07:52 What Makes Someone a Stakeholder 10:02 Power vs Influence 12:33 Mapping Stakeholders Simply 17:39 Managing Energy, Not Just Time 18:58 The 2x2 Matrix That Helps 23:02 Peer Visibility = Career Growth 29:17 Life Has Stakeholders Too 33:08 Hybrid Work & Missed Voices 36:00 Read, Watch, Listen #stakeholdermanagement #projectmanagement #leadership #careerpodcast #workculture #smalltalkwpb --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. Subscribe to stay tuned when a new episode releases, every fortnight. Instagram @smalltalk_wpbWebsite http://www.smalltalkpod.comMedia enquiries [email protected] © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran Hasita Krishna---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)