The xMonks Drive

Gaurav Arora

Don’t let your assumptions define you. Be driven by choices that provide experience and teach you. When you set out to discover what you really care for by identifying your purpose and living from that space, you have access to Gaurav’s podcast, “The xMonks Drive”. It’s about beginning the journey to be your best self and live what you really care for! Hear Gaurav’s personal selection of his interviews with thought-leaders, social change makers, masterful coaches, spiritual gurus, entrepreneurs as well as business giants, who are doing something meaningful in their life. With this extensive selection of episodes featuring insightful lessons, you can learn a great deal while listening to the podcast when you are in between activities or a daily workout. Get started today by choosing an episode that helps illuminate your path to identify your purpose and live from that space!

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Top 10 The xMonks Drive Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The xMonks Drive episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The xMonks Drive for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The xMonks Drive episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

S2 E1: Ramkumar Narayanan - From Line Leader to CXO: Flexibility in Purpose

The xMonks Drive

04/03/23 • 45 min

As we kick off this brand-new season, I can feel the excitement bubbling up inside me!
With a remarkable ability to speak comfortably in front of audiences, our guest Ramkumar's story is filled with invaluable lessons on personal growth, exploring different perspectives, and stepping into unknown territories.

You'll also hear about his journey from entrepreneurship to corporate, and how he turned around businesses within larger organizations with his entrepreneurial mindset.

With deep insights into the importance of purpose statements, flexibility, and listening to others.
And that's not all! The episode also touches on the importance of being open to experiences and creating a portfolio life, as well as the value of measuring progress daily.
About The Guest
Ramkumar (Ram) Narayanan is a global leader focusing on data driven, digital product innovation spanning consumer and enterprise markets. He has been an advisor to Enterprises, large and small, in the arena of digital transformation, product strategy and product marketing.
Ram is currently VP Technology and Managing Director of VMWare India. Before joining VMWare, he served in global leadership positions at eBay, Yahoo! and Microsoft. He started his career in the auto industry in US developing software solutions for design and packaging of automotive suspension and powertrain systems.
Ram serves on the Executive Council of NASSCOM and as Chairman NASSCOM Product Council, Governing Council of DERBI Foundation, an academic incubator and is a Board Member of Sukino Healthcare, a leading company in the leading provider of long-term health care management for patients with chronic ailments.

Follow us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmonks.ecosystem/
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S2 E84: The Mindset Shift that will make you a Crorepati ft. Ankur Warikoo

The xMonks Drive

12/28/24 • 62 min

Yes, we finally have him here.
This is indeed one of the most special episodes we have shot on the xMonks Drive, because today we have a guest known to most of us, a personality that has captivated millions of people online making them financially sound.
If you haven't guessed already it's none other than Mr. Ankur Warikoo,
The idea behind this episode was not just to bring Ankur to the camera and ask questions about finance or his life as an influencer, but to peep inside the the human side of this flamboyant, aspirational personality that everyone desires.
So tune in until the very end because this episode is full of value, entertainment, and crores and crores.

Ep - 102 - Cameron Herold - Leading Up, Leading Down: Understanding Your Second-in-Command

The xMonks Drive

01/30/23 • 40 min

In this episode, we’re talking about a topic that is crucial for all leaders - having a strong second-in-command! We’re thrilled to have Cameron Herold, a former COO and business coach, join us as our guest. With over 1,000 entrepreneurs and CEOs under his belt, Cameron has a wealth of knowledge to share on this topic.

We’ll be discussing everything from what qualities to look for in a potential second-in-command, to how to communicate effectively and establish trust. And we’ll be covering the role a second-in-command plays in decision-making and problem-solving. Plus, we’ll talk about the benefits of a well-functioning second-in-command relationship for both the leader and the company.
So, if you’re a leader or entrepreneur looking to build a high-performing team and create a successful business, this episode is a must-listen! We’ll be asking Cameron questions like:

How do you know if someone is ready to step into the role of a second-in-command?
What are some common mistakes leaders make when working with their second-in-command?
How can you ensure that your second-in-command is aligned with your company’s goals and vision?

Key Questions Answered In This Episode:

How do you know if someone is ready to take on the role of a second-in-command?
What are some common mistakes leaders make when working with their second-in-command?
How can leaders ensure that their second-in-command is aligned with the company’s goals and vision?
How does having a strong second-in-command impact your personal and professional growth as a leader?

This episode will be valuable for leaders and entrepreneurs who are looking to build a high-performing team and create a sustainable, successful business. Tune in for insights and practical advice from Cameron Herold on how to lead up and lead down effectively.

We’re excited to dive into this topic with Cameron and to share his insights and practical advice with you on how to lead up and lead down effectively.
Cameron Herold is a former COO and business coach with over two decades of experience in the industry. He is known for his work with over 1,000 entrepreneurs and CEOs, helping them grow their businesses and reach their full potential. Cameron is a sought-after speaker and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes, and Inc. Magazine. He is the author of several books, including "Double Double" and "Meetings Suck". With his wealth of knowledge and practical experience, Cameron is considered a leading expert on business growth and leadership.

S2 E3: Sandeep Jethwani - Why We Make Bad Investment Decisions?

The xMonks Drive

04/21/23 • 58 min

Investing can be a tricky game, and despite our best efforts to make rational decisions, emotions often come into play. Fear and greed can cloud our judgment and lead to bad investment decisions.
But it's not all bad news!
In this session, we'll explore why we make these mistakes and how our minds influence our money.

Drawing on insights from behavioral economics and psychology, we'll reveal the many ways our brains can be our own worst enemy when it comes to investing. But don't worry - Sandeep will share some practical strategies for managing your emotions and making better investment decisions. You'll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and outsmart your brain to achieve your financial goals.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this session will provide valuable insights into the often-overlooked role of psychology in investing. So join us for a thrilling ride as we explore the wild world of money and emotions with Sandeep Jethwani, co-founder of Dezerv.
[Also, Signup for ICW 2023 at www.xmonks.com]
About Sandeep
Introducing Sandeep Jethwani, a renowned investment manager and co-founder of Dezerv, an innovative wealth management firm that provides simplified investment solutions for working professionals in India.

As the son of two PSU bankers, Sandeep grew up with a deep understanding of the importance of managing money well. After graduating from IIM Bangalore, he embarked on a 17-year career managing wealth for India's ultra-wealthy across different industries and geographies.

However, Sandeep felt restless because he knew that most Indian working professionals did not have access to the same level of expertise and investment opportunities as the ultra-wealthy. Many people either did not invest or invested ad-hoc, leading to poor long-term returns.

Determined to solve this problem, Sandeep and his team at Dezerv offer an investment management program designed to cater to the investment needs of Indian working professionals. With Dezerv, you can invest in expert-managed mutual fund portfolios, market-linked debentures, and early-stage businesses or startups alongside top VCs and founders.

In just one year, Dezerv manages over 1400+ crores of assets for their clients. With their wealth check-up app, you can receive a comprehensive assessment of your investment portfolio from top financial experts in India and get recommendations on how to optimize your investments.

S2 E23: Masculinity As A Concept Is Questionable ft. Jindy Mann

The xMonks Drive

09/08/23 • 45 min

Take a moment to think about the ideas of masculinity you have grown up with. How do they affect your life and the men around you?
Our guest today comes with a mission to break down these norms. Jindy Mann everyone. A coach and mentor. And facilitator who works with men to help them discover and express their authentic masculinity.
This conversation is for everyone, not just men. Help this episode reach the right people by leaving a rating and a review on either Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Every share counts. Every like counts.
In this episode, we explore Jindy's life, dented by the loss of his father at a tender age, and how it shaped his perception of what it means to be a man in a dual-patriarchal world.
As you listen, think about the assumptions you've carried about your own masculinity or that of the men around you. What does it truly mean to be a man in today's world, and how can we redefine those notions for a more fulfilling life?
We humans are complex and messy creatures. We crave certainty in the form of patterns and neatly defined categories just to make sense of this world. And change is a threat to that.
If you're already living by the definitions of others, how would you define life for yourself?
Jindy's story is another inspiring example where individuals have boldly navigated the turbulent waters to reach their true potential and to be their authentic selves.
(00:00:00) - Introduction
Gaurav and Jindy introduce themselves and set the stage for their conversation about identity.
(00:03:10) - Dual Identity and Cultural Confusion
Gaurav and Jindy discuss the complexities of having dual identities and how names can shape one's sense of self.
[00:04:36] - Identity Conflict in Germany
Jindy shares his experience of living in Germany and how it has further shaped his identity.

Ep 30 - Alain Hunkins - How everyday people can become everyday leaders?

The xMonks Drive

08/06/21 • 50 min

Did you not know that your assumptions are the ones making you who are? Are you still running behind something? You don't know when this will stop. You have the pause button with you. Explore how you can design your destiny.
A sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, coach, and author, Alain Hunkins helps leaders achieve performance goals, easier.
His work connects the science of high performance with the performing art of leadership. Leaders trust him to help unlock their potential and expand their influence, leading to superior results, increased engagement, higher levels of retention, and greater organizational and personal satisfaction. He has a gift for translating complex concepts from psychology, neuroscience, and organizational behavior into simple, practical tools that can be applied on the job.
With his Master’s in Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Professional Theater Training Program and a BA from Amherst College, Alain is on the faculty of Duke Corporate Education, ranked #2 worldwide in 2019 by Financial Times on its list of customized Executive Education programs. He also serves on the Academic Advisory Board for the New Delhi Institute of Management and has lectured at UNC Kenan-Flagler’s business school, Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology, UMass-Boston College of Management, and Columbia University. Alain was invited to Den Helder, Netherlands to give a TEDx talk called "The Basic Truth Most Leaders Neglect."

Ep-90-Pat Hedley - 3 Ways To Build Life-Long Connections

The xMonks Drive

10/27/22 • 41 min

The festive season just got over! And I am sure you had a great time with your family and friends.
What each festive season or to say good or bad times teach us that --Connections Matter. There could not have been a better time to discuss more deeply on the matter.

My guest, Pat Hedley joins us to offer hard-earned wisdom about the true spirit of making a connection. One being learning and sharing, a learned skill that can be mastered by anyone, even introverts. She debunks the notion that networking is a self-interested act. Instead, she makes networking accessible, joyful and life-affirming.

In this episode, you will learn—-

1) How to stay in touch with people?

2) How to build curiosity in people?

3) What stops people from nurturing their connections?

4) What are the parameters to look for before investing in a relationship?

5) What is the true essence of connection?

Pat looks for great opportunities to bring people together to help one another. With three decades of global private equity experience at General Atlantic, now she independently invests in and advises innovative growth companies.

Current investments include business services (Triple Mint, Mogul, BrandVerge, Sorcero), wellness (Hint, Milk+Honey, Leda Health) and consumer (Margaux, Bespoke Post, Omsom). More than half of these companies are founded and led by women. She selectively takes on advisory or board assignments helping CEOs accelerate growth and translate strategy into results.

She is the author of Meet 100 People, A How to Guide to the Career and Life Edge Everyone's Missing, encouraging young people (and all of us) to meet people and build valuable life-long relationships. She speaks at corporations, alumni events, colleges, and other venues. TEDx speaker at Dartmouth College 2018. www.meet100people.com

Ep 71 - Gaurav Arora - My Encounter With Life

The xMonks Drive

06/09/22 • 11 min

Life has given us gifts that we cannot even imagine. Life gives us messages to aline, realign or even reorient itself and we often even miss them or misinterpret them. But these messages bring out the best in us. In this episode, I talk about one such incident that left a huge impact on my life.
Gaurav has a decade of rich experience in the professional services industry as a Facilitator, Coach, and Speaker, with a strong track record of building high-performing leadership teams. As a facilitator, he has been recognized for creating stimulating and interactive learning environments, and encouraging participation and individual creativity. As an Executive Coach, he works to dismantle barriers that come up in the workplace for leaders and help them in fulfilling their intent. A storyteller by heart, he leverages various methodologies and technique to put his point across and create the breakthrough.
He founded Inspire Coaching Systems in 2009, now known as xMonks and started a social development initiative “iOwn” in 2016, which is a platform to connect coaches with Social Development Sector to create possibilities and transformation for the change makers and bringing coaching to the grass root level.
Gaurav is an Engineer and a Management Graduate in Marketing. He is a recipient of the “Young HR Professional of the Year 2009-10” by Employer Branding Institute and has been awarded as the 100 top Leadership Coach in 2017. Recently, Gaurav has been honored with the 2019 ICF Young Leader Award. Gaurav is a voracious reader and loves adventure sports. In his free time, he does calligraphy, painting, and reads books.

Ep 67 - Gaurav Arora - 3 Lessons From 3 Important Women (Mother's Day Special)

The xMonks Drive

05/08/22 • 12 min

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.”
Isn't this true, god made angels and sent them on earth as our mothers.

In this special episode on The xMonks Drive, I celebrate the three most important women in my life. Listen to this episode and celebrate motherhood because life doesn’t come with a manual—it comes with mothers.

Gaurav has a decade of rich experience in the professional services industry as a Facilitator, Coach and Speaker, with a strong track record of building high-performing leadership teams. As a facilitator, he has been recognized for creating stimulating and interactive learning environments, encouraging participation and individual creativity. As an Executive Coach, he works to dismantle barriers that come up in the workplace for leaders and help them in fulfilling their intent. A storyteller by heart, he leverages various methodologies and technique to put his point across and create the breakthrough.
He founded Inspire Coaching Systems in 2009, now known as xMonks and started a social development initiative “iOwn” in 2016, which is a platform to connect coaches with Social Development Sector to create possibilities and transformation for the change makers and bringing coaching to the grass root level.
Gaurav is an Engineer and a Management Graduate in Marketing. He is a recipient of the “Young HR Professional of the Year 2009-10” by Employer Branding Institute and has been awarded as the 100 top Leadership Coach in 2017. Recently, Gaurav has been honored with the 2019 ICF Young Leader Award. Gaurav is a voracious reader and loves adventure sports. In his free time, he does calligraphy, painting, and reads books.

S2 E48: Corporate Power Games and Manipulation

The xMonks Drive

03/09/24 • 42 min

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FAQ

How many episodes does The xMonks Drive have?

The xMonks Drive currently has 201 episodes available.

What topics does The xMonks Drive cover?

The podcast is about Entrepreneurship, Life Coach, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Leadership Development, Business and Coaching.

What is the most popular episode on The xMonks Drive?

The episode title 'Ep-94- Rohit Thakur- Realities Of The Two Worlds: The Corporates and The Start Ups' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The xMonks Drive?

The average episode length on The xMonks Drive is 49 minutes.

How often are episodes of The xMonks Drive released?

Episodes of The xMonks Drive are typically released every 7 days, 1 hour.

When was the first episode of The xMonks Drive?

The first episode of The xMonks Drive was released on Jan 20, 2021.

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The xMonks Drive

Gaurav Arora

Top 10 The xMonks Drive Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does The xMonks Drive have?

What topics does The xMonks Drive cover?

What is the most popular episode on The xMonks Drive?

What is the average episode length on The xMonks Drive?

How often are episodes of The xMonks Drive released?

When was the first episode of The xMonks Drive?

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