This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode, Sumit Gupta sits down with David Lapin to explore what it really takes to lead with depth, purpose, and humanity in a world that’s moving faster than ever.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “keep up” while craving more meaning in your work, this conversation will hit home.

David brings a rare blend of ancient wisdom and modern leadership insight, showing how real influence comes from presence, inner clarity, and authentic connection.

Together, they unpack why so many leaders feel lonely, how to build environments where people feel safe to speak truthfully, and why slowing down might actually accelerate your growth.

If you’re ready to lead with more courage, more soul, and more impact — this episode is your new compass.

You can find David Lapin at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlapin/
• https://lapininternational.com/

In the interview, David shares

• "Leadership is the ability to inspire people to think, act, or feel differently without ever forcing them."
• "Technology can spread information fast, but only human connection can transmit energy and trust."
• "Every person carries a spark of greatness — leadership is helping them uncover it."
• "We're more digitally connected than ever, yet lonelier than we've ever been. Leaders must bridge that gap."
• "Boundaries create safety; barriers create distance. Leaders should know the difference."
• "Ancient wisdom still solves modern problems — if we're willing to slow down and listen."
• "Silence isn’t absence. It’s the space where we hear ourselves clearly enough to lead courageously."
• "Human experiences move slowly by nature — progress only accelerates when we balance pace with presence."
• "If leaders don’t model depth, purpose, and connection, the next generation will never learn how."
• "A thriving future depends on honoring our individuality while eliminating the walls that keep us apart."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

This conversation with Jeff Perkins goes straight into the real tension every modern leader faces: how do you scale a company without losing your sanity, your team, or yourself?

Jeff opens up about shifting from hands-on operator to big-picture CEO, and the messy, very human challenges that come with that leap.

We dig into the people side of growth—tough role changes, honest conversations, and why some folks thrive in scale while others don’t.

Jeff also shares how fitness, family, and small daily practices keep him grounded while leading a fast-moving startup.

If you’re wrestling with growth, communication, or the weight of leadership, this episode will give you clarity, companionship, and a few hard-won lessons you’ll want to steal immediately.

You can find Jeff Perkins at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/suchitbachalli/
• https://www.unilogcorp.com/

In the interview, Jeff shares

• “Great leaders evolve from doing the work to empowering others to do it even better.”
• “Scaling a company isn’t just about growth—it’s about whether your people can grow with you.”
• “If you can’t trust your team, you’ll never free yourself to lead at the level your company needs.”
• “Storytelling isn’t a one-time event; it’s the drumbeat that keeps a company aligned.”
• “The hardest leadership conversations are the ones that determine whether someone can thrive in the next chapter.”
• “Well-being isn’t a luxury for leaders—it’s the fuel that keeps decision-making sharp and grounded.”
• “A leader’s job is not to have all the answers, but to create the space where the best answers emerge.”
• “Executives aren’t taskmasters—they’re humans trying to balance ambition, empathy, and responsibility.”
• “Your culture grows only when your people grow; everything else is just noise.”
• “Clear communication is the hidden architecture of every successful modern company.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this insightful episode of Choosing Leadership, Suchit Bachalli CEO of Unilog, sits with me for a raw and thought-provoking conversation on what it really takes to lead in times of rapid change.

From selling software door-to-door in Mumbai to scaling a global tech company, Suchit shares how trust, adaptability, and servant leadership have shaped his journey.

Together, they explore how leaders can stay ahead of AI-driven disruption, empower their teams, and build organisations that thrive on innovation rather than fear.

Suchit also reveals the surprising connection between personal joy, balance, and sustained leadership excellence.

Tune in if you’re ready to rethink leadership—not as a position of power, but as a daily practice of trust, evolution, and service.

You can find Suchit Bachalli at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/suchitbachalli/
• https://www.unilogcorp.com/

In the interview, Suchit shares

• "Leadership begins when you choose to step into uncertainty—with trust as your foundation, not fear."
• "True leadership isn’t about control; it’s about creating the conditions for others to thrive and innovate."
• "The most valuable currency in business isn’t money—it’s trust."
• "You can’t force behaviour change, but you can identify and nurture the behaviours that drive progress."
• "AI won’t replace leaders, but it will expose those unwilling to evolve."
• "Servant leadership means clearing the path so your team can see farther than you ever could."
• "If leaders don’t change with the times, the times will change without them."
• "Your words as a leader can either build trust or break it—choose them as carefully as your strategy."
• "Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a daily choice to show up with integrity, curiosity, and courage."
• "The future of leadership lies in hyperscaling humans—not machines—by freeing people to do meaningful work."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Ashwin Didwania shares how he transformed his fourth-generation family business into a global enterprise by blending professional management with deep-rooted values.

From moving to the Netherlands to leading a cultural shift within his organization, Ashwin’s story is a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and long-term thinking.

He opens up about the challenges of leading through change, the balance between tradition and innovation, and how spirituality keeps him grounded and inspired.

His perspective will challenge you to rethink how you lead—not just with strategy, but with presence and purpose.

Tune in for a refreshing reminder that true leadership is as much about who you are as it is about what you do.

You can find Ashwin Didwania at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwindidwania/
• https://newglobegroup.com/

In the interview, Ashwin shares

• “Leadership is about making bold choices—sometimes that means stepping out of your comfort zone and into a whole new country.”
• “Transforming a family-run business into a professional organization isn’t just a structural shift—it’s a cultural awakening.”
• “Patience, the right mindset, and wise capital allocation are the three pillars that helped me navigate change and uncertainty.”
• “Balancing tradition with innovation is one of the greatest tests of leadership in a family business.”
• “My vision is to be more than a service provider—I want to be a trade partner who helps Indian companies thrive globally.”
• “Spirituality has taught me to see work as worship. When you bring positive energy to business, trust naturally follows.”
• “The teachings of the Art of Living have shaped how I lead—with calmness, clarity, and compassion.”
• “Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about creating space for others to grow and contribute.”
• “Whether I’m mountain biking, flying, or leading my company, I see it all as part of one continuous journey of learning.”
• “When leadership and spirituality come together, business becomes more than profit—it becomes a path of purpose.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Miguel Alves Ribeiro — founder and CEO of Sheer Me — opens up about the real work behind scaling a vision-driven company without losing your sanity. From selling his first startup to TripAdvisor to now transforming the wellness industry, Miguel shares what it takes to turn bold ideas into sustainable growth. He talks about the tension between speed and stability, and why slowing down is often the smartest move for any ambitious leader. Expect honest insights on balancing innovation with wellbeing, and how to keep your team aligned while expanding across borders. If you’re a leader navigating growth, this conversation will remind you that persistence, presence, and purpose are your ultimate scaling tools.

You can find Miguel Alves Ribeiro at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelalvesribeiro/
• https://sheerme.com/

In the interview, Miguel shares

• “Sometimes, to speed up, you have to slow down — that’s how I make better decisions and avoid burning out.”
• “Scaling a business isn’t just about growth; it’s about aligning ambition with sustainability.”
• “Technology isn’t just about management tools — it’s about empowering people and industries to grow.”
• “Every entrepreneur needs to adapt their mindset. What worked for investors ten years ago won’t work today.”
• “Persistence is my superpower. There’s always a solution if you’re willing to keep searching for it.”
• “Sheer Me is more than an app — it’s about transforming how people access and experience wellbeing.”
• “Digitizing an industry isn’t about replacing the human element; it’s about amplifying it.”
• “Leadership is a balancing act between relentless ambition and intentional rest.”
• “Scaling across countries isn’t just an operational challenge — it’s a test of culture, mindset, and vision.”
• “In leadership and entrepreneurship, the real growth happens when you stop managing and start transforming.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this inspiring episode of the Choosing Leadership podcast, Sorabh Gupta, Managing Director of Dhampur Green, shares his incredible journey from growing up on a farm to leading a purpose-driven enterprise that’s transforming Indian agriculture.

Through honesty and humility, Sorabh reveals how he built a business that empowers farmers, uplifts women, and brings fairness back into the food chain.

He opens up about the long game of leadership—choosing patience over profit, people over process, and sustainability over shortcuts.

This conversation is packed with insights on balancing growth with impact, staying centred through change, and leading with heart in high-pressure environments.

Tune in if you’re a leader who wants to build something that not only scales but truly matters.

You can find Sorabh Gupta at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorabh-gupta-32151667/
• https://www.dhampurgreen.com/
• sorabh@sugarindia.com

In the interview, Sorabh shares

• “Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about creating space for others to grow.”
• “When you come from the soil, you understand that growth takes time, patience, and care.”
• “Empowering farmers isn’t charity—it’s smart business. When farmers thrive, the entire ecosystem thrives.”
• “Sustainability isn’t just about the planet; it’s about building businesses that last generations.”
• “True leadership is knowing when to step back so others can step up.”
• “Consumers don’t just buy products—they buy into the story and purpose behind them.”
• “We’re proving that you can scale a business without compromising fairness or integrity.”
• “My journey from driving tractors to leading Dhampur Green taught me that purpose is the ultimate fuel for success.”
• “Health—mental, physical, and spiritual—is the foundation of great leadership.”
• “The goal isn’t just to build a business; it’s to build a movement that uplifts farmers, empowers women, and inspires change.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this powerful episode of Choosing Leadership, host Sumit Gupta sits down with Don Hammond, CEO at Tech Consulting, for an unfiltered conversation on what it really takes to lead with authenticity and courage in today’s fast-changing world.

From turning around struggling teams to aligning entire organizations, Don shares hard-earned lessons on building trust, accountability, and progress that lasts.

Together, they challenge the myth that leadership is about being liked — revealing instead how fairness, honesty, and clear expectations drive true excellence.

Whether you’re leading a startup or scaling a global team, this episode will help you rethink how you empower people and make bold, strategic moves without burning out.

Tune in to discover how to lead with more clarity, courage, and joy — starting Monday morning.

You can find Don Hammond at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/donhammond100/

In the interview, Don shares

• "Leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers — it’s about creating the space where everyone can make progress together."
• "Authenticity in leadership isn’t about being nice — it’s about being honest, fair, and consistent, even when it’s uncomfortable."
• "True empowerment only happens when accountability is shared — between the individual and the organization."
• "Great leaders don’t chase perfection. They take bold, strategic risks that move the whole team forward."
• "If your people are dreading Mondays, it’s not a motivation problem — it’s a leadership problem."
• "Turning B and C players into A players is the ultimate act of leadership — it starts with clarity, courage, and care."
• "Leadership negligence often hides behind being 'nice.' Authentic leaders tell the truth with love — no sugarcoating, no surprises."
• "Progress beats perfection. Leaders who wait for the perfect moment often miss the moment that matters most."
• "When leaders explain their decisions with fairness and transparency, they earn trust — not compliance."
• "Choosing leadership is a daily act of courage — to design not just success, but a life of joy, meaning, and impact for everyone around you."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What happens when a math and computer science guy stumbles into leadership and realizes he’s completely unprepared?

That’s exactly what happened to Bill Benjamin, now a partner at the Institute for Health and Human Potential, and his journey into emotional intelligence holds powerful lessons for today’s leaders.

In this episode, Bill shares how vulnerability, courage, and connection can transform not just your leadership style, but the very culture of your team.

From handling the “last 8%” tough conversations to building psychological safety in hybrid workplaces, he offers practical insights leaders can apply immediately.

If you’ve ever struggled with feedback, avoided conflict, or wondered how to inspire true accountability, this conversation is one you can’t afford to miss.

You can find Bill Benjamin at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-benjamin-12b671/
• https://hbr.org/2025/09/the-secret-to-building-a-high-performing-team
• https://ihhp.com/

In the interview, Bill shares

• “Leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about managing your emotions in the toughest moments.”
• “The feedback that hurts the most is often the feedback that helps us grow the most.”
• “Avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t protect your culture—it poisons it.”
• “True leadership starts when you embrace vulnerability instead of hiding behind perfection.”
• “Courage and connection are the twin pillars of a thriving workplace.”
• “If you don’t address underperformance, you’re quietly teaching your team that mediocrity is acceptable.”
• “Culture change begins at the top—leaders must model the behavior they want to see.”
• “Leadership is a choice you make every day, not a title you hold.”
• “Psychological safety fuels performance—without it, courage and innovation wither.”
• “The moments you least want to face—the ‘last 8%’—are the ones that define you as a leader.”