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697. How Procrastination Costs Indians MILLIONS in Lost Wealth? | Mukesh Mansukhani | #TGV697
50:24||Season 1, Ep. 697In this episode of The Guiding Voice #TGV697, Naveen Samala sits down with Mukesh Mansukhani, a seasoned chartered accountant with over 25 years of global financial experience, to explore the critical importance of financial literacy in India and practical tips to master personal finance. Discover how habits, mindsets, and early investments can transform your financial future.Main Topics Covered:The state of financial literacy in India and its impactCommon psychological barriers to financial decision-makingPractical habits for wealth creation and financial securityMyths around insurance, debt, and investingHow to nurture financial literacy across generationsEvaluating financial advice and advisor relationshipsThe power of early investing and compoundingStrategies for building wealth while paycheck to paycheckKey Insights & Takeaways:Indian financial literacy is only 36.8%, ranking 19th globally, indicating a significant knowledge gap.Managing finances involves understanding the metaphor of buckets—covering income, expenses, savings, and investments—and avoiding holes like debt or lack of emergency funds.The biggest psychological hurdles include fear, procrastination, and ego; overcoming these requires making friends with money and automating savings.Early investment habits, consistency, and patience through compounding are essential. Waiting for perfect conditions or market timing often leads to missed opportunities.Not all debt is bad; responsible debt for assets like houses can be beneficial, but overspending on liabilities (e.g., vacations) is risky.Insurance is risk mitigation; avoid complex products with high commissions and focus on simple term plans.Women’s financial empowerment leads to better decision-making; conversations about money should begin early in families.Formal financial education in schools is limited; parents and families should take an active role in imparting financial skills.When choosing financial advisors, always ask, "Where are you getting paid from?" to avoid conflicts of interest.Chapters:0:00:00 - Precap0:00:00 - Introduction and episode overview0:02:17 - Rapid fire: Mukesh’s quick insights on curiosity, future, leadership, money, savings0:05:14 - Influences: The guiding voices of Mukesh’s childhood and mentors0:07:24 - India’s financial literacy in comparison globally0:09:23 - Why good salaries often don’t lead to financial security0:10:53 - Psychological reasons behind money procrastination0:12:28 - Common financial mistakes Indian families repeat0:16:36 - Understanding different money personalities and tailored planning0:18:21 - The myth of insurance and employer schemes as comprehensive plans0:20:32 - Rethinking debt: When is borrowing beneficial?0:22:03 - The importance of patience and consistency for compounding0:25:18 - Emotional baggage and childhood beliefs around money0:27:54 - Breaking the silence on family money discussions0:30:02 - Why financial literacy is critical for women and practical family steps0:33:06 - Integrating financial education at home & school0:36:20 - How to evaluate financial advisors critically0:38:42 - Early decision that compounded positively & one to avoid0:43:50 - Advice for young professionals and aspiring CFOs0:44:36 - Mukesh’s experience on the Guiding Voice podcast & parting words0:45:49 - Global stats: Financial literacy crisis in India and its significance0:47:44 - Self-assessment and tips for building financial literacy and wealthGuest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mukesh-mansukhani-5b64466/https://www.linkedin.com/company/finpllaners/Connect with the host on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on AmazonVolume 2:Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryUse the Coupon code: NAVEEN20 on notionpress.com to avail a 20% discount
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696. Reincarnation Decoded: Do Past Lives Control Your Present? Hema Subramanian & Sowmiya Bhas | #TGV696
57:29||Season 1, Ep. 696SummaryIn this enlightening episode of The Guiding Voice, hosts Hema Subramanian and Sowmiya Bhas delve into the intriguing world of Past Life Regression Therapy (PLRT). They explore how past lives may influence present-day issues, the skepticism surrounding PLRT, and the transformative experiences of clients. The conversation also touches on the mind-body connection, the role of belief in healing, and the ethical considerations of karma in therapy. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, the guests provide a comprehensive understanding of PLRT and its potential to facilitate healing and self-discovery.TakeawaysPLRT can help uncover the roots of present-day issues.The mind is more complex than just a memory storage.Skepticism about PLRT often stems from a lack of understanding of the mind.Healing can occur through emotional release linked to past experiences.The body has an innate intelligence to heal itself when blocks are removed.Belief in reincarnation is not necessary for PLRT to be effective.Clients often experience profound transformations in just one session.Karma should not be used to excuse victimization or suffering.The process of PLRT involves guiding clients to access their subconscious memories.Therapists must respect the client's truth and personal journey. Sound bites"Your mind knows what it is doing.""We are not the bodies, we are beyond it.""The past has no holding over us."Chapters0:00:00 Precap0:03:00 Introduction to Past Life Regression Therapy0:06:51 Understanding the Practitioners0:09:06 Exploring the Concept of Reincarnation0:12:30 Addressing Skepticism Around PLRT0:14:15 The Process of a PLRT Session0:17:50 Client Experiences and Transformations0:23:39 The Science Behind Memory and Healing0:27:17 The Role of Belief in Healing0:32:58 Karma and Responsibility in Therapy0:38:53 Rapid Fire Round and Personal Insights0:45:28 Final Thoughts on PLRT and Its Impact0:51:00 TriviaGuest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hema-subramanian-8b645b26/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sowmiya-bhas-7a2ab41/Connect with the host on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on AmazonKindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXjVolume 2:Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryUse the Coupon code: NAVEEN20 on notionpress.com to avail a 20% discountKindle Edition:http://surl.li/tmmmnAMZ IN: http://surl.li/tmmnbAMZ UK: http://surl.li/tmmnlFOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala
695. Beyond Flipping: The Systems Behind Sustainable Success | Dave Sermour | #TGV695
33:54||Season 1, Ep. 695SummaryIn this inspiring and deeply practical conversation, Dave Seymour shares his remarkable journey from firefighter to fund leader, drawing powerful parallels between confronting fear in emergency service and navigating high‑stakes decisions in business. Going beyond real estate or entrepreneurship, the discussion explores the mindset shifts, systems thinking, and leadership discipline required to turn mission into execution—especially in an AI‑driven world. For entrepreneurs, founders, leaders, and aspiring investors, this episode is a masterclass in choosing systems over hustle and using fear as a catalyst for sustainable growth.TakeawaysFirefighters are trained to run toward danger, not away from it—a mindset that translates powerfully to business.Fear is inevitable in entrepreneurship, but it should inform preparation, not dominate decisions.Courage is a critical performance skill and can be trained and developed over time.Facing challenges head‑on accelerates both personal and professional growth.The ability to confront fear often separates high performers from the rest.Success requires a mindset shift—from avoiding risk to engaging it with discipline.Training and mental conditioning matter as much in business as they do in emergency service.Systems beat hustle when it comes to sustainable success.Scale requires identity evolution, not just bigger goals.Process creates freedom by reducing chaos and decision fatigue.Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s structured feedback.As AI and automation rise, leadership is becoming more human, not less.Sound Bites"run towards the danger""not let fear be the dominant factor"Chapters0:00:00 Precap0:03:00 Introduction to Dave Seymour and His Journey0:06:35 The Importance of Systems in Business0:09:00 Who Is Your Guiding Voice?0:12:00 The Top 3 Contributors to Dave’s Success0:15:00 Toughest Lessons from the Entrepreneurial Journey0:18:00 From Firefighter to Fund Leader0:21:00 Hustle Without Systems Burns Out Fast0:24:00 Failure as a Leadership Sharpener0:26:00 Thinking Like a Value Investor in Life & Business0:28:00 Structured Underwriting & SOP-Driven Operations — 0:00:00 Turning Mission & Vision Into Executable Systems0:30:00 Innovation vs Process0:31:00 Leadership in the Age of AI & Automation0:33:00 A Message to His Firefighter SelfGuest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveseymour343/Connect with the host on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/Also, Tune into our Hindi, Telugu & Kannada podcasts here:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TGVHindihttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVTeluguhttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVKannadaSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1GvX6tvmfelawEba0F6KS4http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on AmazonKindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXjVolume 2:Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryUse the Coupon code: NAVEEN20 on notionpress.com to avail a 20% discountKindle Edition:http://surl.li/tmmmnAMZ IN: http://surl.li/tmmnbAMZ UK: http://surl.li/tmmnlFOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala
694. From Gay Bombay to the Boardroom: Building Belonging Everywhere | Umang Sheth | #TGV694
37:10||Season 1, Ep. 694SummaryIn this conversation, Umang shares his personal journey of self‑discovery, reflecting on how being gay is far more than a label—it is one aspect of a larger human identity. He speaks about the need to move beyond stereotypes and highlights the importance of creating safe, meaningful spaces where honest conversations about identity, acceptance, and humanity can take place.Building on this openness, Umang Sheth and Naveen Samala discuss vulnerability and the courage required to ask for help. They reference well‑known personalities who have publicly spoken about their struggles with mental health, addiction, and career challenges, reinforcing the idea that such difficulties are phases of life rather than definitions of one’s worth. Through shared experiences and honest dialogue, they emphasize that embracing vulnerability can be a powerful source of strength—one that encourages others to seek support, normalize self‑reflection, and show up authentically in their own journeys.TakeawaysUmang's journey began with personal discrimination.He realized being gay is more than just sex.The media often portrays stereotypes that are limiting.Umang seeks to create spaces for deeper conversations.He emphasizes the importance of human identity over labels.The journey involves challenging societal norms.Creating awareness is key to understanding diversity.Conversations should focus on authenticity and connection.Umang encourages discussions beyond sexual identity.The need for community support in the LGBTQ+ space.People often fear judgment when admitting struggles.Vulnerability is a sign of courage, not weakness.Asking for help can inspire others to do the same.Famous personalities have shown that it's okay to seek help.Life phases do not define who we are as individuals.Acknowledging one's situation can lead to personal growth.Sharing struggles can create a supportive community.There is strength in admitting one's vulnerabilities.Mental health issues are common and should be openly discussed.Empowerment comes from embracing our challenges.Sound bites"My journey started to that there has to be more.""Can we talk of something else?""Amitabh Bachchan asked for help in debt.""Vulnerability is courage, not a weakness.""My situation is bad, not me."Chapters0:00:00 – Precap0:03:00 – The Guiding Voice Within 0:06:00 – Foundations of Success 0:09:30 – Where the Journey Truly Began 0:12:00 – When Safety Became Non‑Negotiable 0:15:30 – What Real Safety Feels Like 0:18:00 – The First Experience of True Belonging 0:22:30 – From Community to Corporate DEI 0:25:30 – The Truth About DEI Beyond Policies 0:28:00 – The Science of Connection 0:31:00 – A Story That Changed Everything 0:33:30 – Redefining Vulnerability as Strength0:35:01 Rapid Fire InsightsGuest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/umangshethchangeenabler/Connect with the host on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/Also, Tune into our Hindi, Telugu & Kannada podcasts here:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TGVHindihttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVTeluguhttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVKannadaSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1GvX6tvmfelawEba0F6KS4http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on AmazonKindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXjVolume 2:Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryUse the Coupon code: NAVEEN20 on notionpress.com to avail a 20% discountKindle Edition:http://surl.li/tmmmnAMZ IN: http://surl.li/tmmnbAMZ UK: http://surl.li/tmmnlFOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala
693. Zero Blind Spots: The Truth About Impairment in Leadership | Chuck Marting | #TGV693
27:19||Season 1, Ep. 693SummaryIn this conversation, Naveen Samala and Chuck Marting shine a light on the misunderstood and often invisible world of workplace impairment. They unpack the blind spots leaders commonly have about what impairment actually looks like — far beyond the obvious signs. The discussion reveals how impairment can hide behind overperformance, burnout, or sudden dips in productivity, and how employees often mask their struggles behind a facade of normalcy. They debunk myths that impairment is always visible and stress the urgent need for retraining, awareness, and open conversations. Ultimately, they call for leaders to better understand mental health nuances and team dynamics to build healthier, high-trust workplaces.TakeawaysImpairment is widely misunderstood and often invisible.Leaders frequently misinterpret signs of impairment, confusing burnout for high performance.Employees may hide their struggles until performance collapses.Millions experience some form of impairment at work, yet it rarely gets identified.Retraining leaders is essential to recognizing subtle indicators.Impairment isn’t always external — it can manifest as overachievement.Sudden performance dips may signal deeper issues.Open communication helps uncover hidden struggles.Understanding impairment improves team health and outcomes.Educating leaders breaks myths and supports a more inclusive, aware workplace.Sound BitesWhat is the biggest blind spot that leaders have?Impairment hides in plain sight.It’s not always what we think it is.High performance can mask deep struggle.Chapters0:00:00 Precap and the introduction0:03:00 The Real Face of Workplace Impairment0:06:14 The Myths Leaders Still Believe0:09:00 The scariest trend that employers are completely ignoring0:12:00 The CODE in Mastering the Impairment Code0:14:30 How to spot a high-functioning impaired person versus someone who's just having a bad day?0:17:00 Exact signs that managers should look for within an impaired employee0:19:00 How to distinguish between 'they need mental health support' versus 'they're impaired'?0:21:00 What's the mental gymnastics?0:23:24 Zero Blind Spots: A Leadership Essential0:25:00 If someone is struggling with impairment, here’s the one thing they should knowGuest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-marting-aa849660/Connect with the host on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/Also, Tune into our Hindi, Telugu & Kannada podcasts here:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TGVHindihttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVTeluguhttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVKannadaSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1GvX6tvmfelawEba0F6KS4http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on AmazonKindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXjVolume 2:Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryUse the Coupon code: NAVEEN20 on notionpress.com to avail a 20% discountKindle Edition:http://surl.li/tmmmnAMZ IN: http://surl.li/tmmnbAMZ UK: http://surl.li/tmmnlFOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala
692. We’re Spending Trillions on Stress — But Are We Healing the Right Way? | Trupti Gokani | #TGV692
44:54||Season 1, Ep. 692SummaryIn this enlightening episode, Dr. Trupti Gokani, an award-winning neurologist, discusses the profound impact of stress on both mental and physical health. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of stress and how merging Western neurology with Eastern Ayurvedic wisdom can lead to effective healing. Dr. Gokani shares insights on the neurological links between chronic stress and illness, debunks common myths about stress, and highlights the significance of gut health in emotional balance. The conversation also explores practical strategies for managing stress and achieving high performance without succumbing to pressure.TakeawaysStress impacts both mental and physical health significantly.Root cause healing involves understanding the subtle energies within us.Chronic stress can lead to serious health issues if untreated.The gut-brain connection is crucial for emotional balance.Forgiveness is essential for reducing emotional baggage.Simple daily rituals can help reduce stress and anxiety.Understanding stress markers can help break free from stress loops.A balanced approach combining Western and Eastern medicine is vital.Sleep plays a critical role in healing and stress management.Empowering oneself through knowledge can transform stress into growth.Sound bitesFailure is just feedback.Sleep is healing.Clear out the baggage to be present.Chapters0:00:00 Precap0:05:00 Introduction to Stress and Healing0:11:48 Understanding the Guiding Voice0:16:10 The Impact of Stress on Health0:22:51 Root Cause Healing vs. Symptom Treatment0:25:47 The Merge of Western and Eastern Medicine0:28:40 Myths and Realities of Stress0:32:56 Neurological Markers of Stress0:38:18 The Gut-Brain Connection0:41:11 Managing High Performance Without High StressGuest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/trupti-gokani-md-17533a8/Connect with the host on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/Also, Tune into our Hindi, Telugu & Kannada podcasts here:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TGVHindihttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVTeluguhttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVKannadaSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1GvX6tvmfelawEba0F6KS4http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on AmazonKindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXjVolume 2:Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryUse the Coupon code: NAVEEN20 on notionpress.com to avail a 20% discountKindle Edition:http://surl.li/tmmmnAMZ IN: http://surl.li/tmmnbAMZ UK: http://surl.li/tmmnlFOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala
691. Why Billionaires Can’t Save the World — But You Can | Suzanne Smith |#TGV691
33:03||Season 1, Ep. 691SummaryIn this conversation, Suzanne Smith and Chanda Khanwani discuss the common misconceptions surrounding the role of money in making a difference in the world. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the core values and impact ('stake') rather than just the financial aspects ('sizzle'). The dialogue explores how money can be a tool to amplify efforts towards meaningful change, rather than the primary driver.Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTakeawaysOne of the biggest myths is you need money to make a difference.Money helps fuel the efforts to create change.It's essential to start with a focus on impact.The concept of 'stake' should guide our actions.Money should follow the mission, not lead it.Everything done to make a difference should be stake-oriented.The 'sizzle' is secondary to the 'steak' in impact work.Opportunities arise when the focus is on meaningful change.Financial resources can amplify efforts but are not the core.True impact comes from a commitment to values and purpose.Suzanne shares:The story of becoming a Big Sister at age 18, and how it shaped her purpose.The daily moments that reaffirm her belief that ordinary people move mountains.Her definition of success:→ “Significance with receipts.”Guest LI profile link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannesmithtx/Connect with the host on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/Also, Tune into our Hindi, Telugu & Kannada podcasts here:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TGVHindihttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVTeluguhttps://www.youtube.com/c/TGVKannadaSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1GvX6tvmfelawEba0F6KS4http://surl.li/tmksx (#tgvtelugu)Grab a copy of Naveen Samala’s latest book, “69 Naked Truths”Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/69NTAMZNFlipkart: https://tinyurl.com/69NTFPKTTGV Inspiring Lives Volume 1 & 2 are on AmazonKindle:https://amzn.eu/d/cKTKtyCPaperback:https://amzn.eu/d/4Y1HAXjVolume 2:Notion Press: http://surl.li/tmkryUse the Coupon code: NAVEEN20 on notionpress.com to avail a 20% discountKindle Edition:http://surl.li/tmmmnAMZ IN: http://surl.li/tmmnbAMZ UK: http://surl.li/tmmnlFOLLOW ON X:@guidingvoice@naveensamala