Founder in the Chair

Founder in the Chair is more than just a podcast—it’s a platform where real stories meet real ambition. Every business has a beginning, but what truly drives an entrepreneur to take the leap? What fuels their resilience through the highs and lows? In each episode, we dive deep into the why behind the brand, uncovering the personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs of founders from all industries. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner looking for inspiration, or simply someone who loves hearing raw and honest stories of success, failure, and perseverance—this podcast is for you. Your story matters. Your journey is worth sharing. And Founder in the Chair is here to help you tell it. 🎧 Tune in. Get inspired. Take your next step.

Founder in the Chair is a business podcast hosted by Veena, with 55 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Veena hosts Founder in the Chair, a business show with 55 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #52

  Turning Pain Into Powerful South Asian Stories | Ajit Mann

  Aug 18, 202651 minS1

  In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena speaks with award-winning independent filmmaker Ajit Mann about turning pain into powerful South Asian stories. Ajit shares how he overcame financial struggles, career setbacks, the pandemic and the heartbreaking loss of his father before finally stopping waiting for permission and creating his own films. His latest short film, Dukh, confronts generational trauma, casteism, toxic masculinity and domestic abuse within Punjabi families. Ajit discusses the risks involved in telling such a sensitive story, screening the film at New Scotland Yard and the emotional moment survivors told him: “I felt seen and heard.” They also explore the realities of independent filmmaking, breaking generational cycles and why aspiring filmmakers don’t need expensive equipment or a university degree to get started. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/PcQ9A0uiWFw Watch Dukh for free: Indie Crib: https://indiecrib.com/watch/66f76cc4-2dcc-424a-be34-72cb3a09f4c1 Support Ajit’s London Marathon fundraiser for Myeloma UK: Fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ajit-mann Connect with Ajit Mann: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajitmannfilmmaker/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajitveer-mann-835794136/ ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mandkfilms Would you like to share your own story on Founder in the Chair? Apply to become a guest: ️ Guest application: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

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  Episode #51

  Su Pattni

  Aug 7, 202624 minS1

  What if the way you parent isn’t coming from your own beliefs, but from patterns you inherited? In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena speaks with Su Pattni, founder of The Recoded Woman and a neuroscience coach with over 25 years of experience in personal development. After becoming a mother, Su began recognising the beliefs and behaviours she had unconsciously inherited from previous generations. She realised that unless she addressed them, those same patterns could be passed on to her daughter. Su shares how women can identify their conditioning, reconnect with their own values and create healthier relationships with their children - without blaming the generations that came before them. In this episode, they discuss: How inherited patterns influence the way we parent Recognising when a belief isn’t truly your own Breaking generational cycles without blaming your mother Teaching children boundaries, autonomy and self-worth Why changing yourself can transform the whole family dynamic Su’s experience helping coordinate Tony Robbins’ first event in Mumbai How Su helps women through her 12-week programme Connect with Su Pattni: Website: https://www.supattni.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/su_pattni_neurosciencecoach/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@su.pattni Interested in sharing your founder story? ️ Apply to be a guest: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej If Su’s story resonates with you, share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. Subscribe to Founder in the Chair for more honest conversations about entrepreneurship, adversity and the stories behind the success. #FounderInTheChair #GenerationalPatterns #PersonalDevelopment If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

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  Episode #50

  Navraj Dhesi

  Jul 31, 202631 minS1

  In this deeply personal episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena sits down with Navraj Dhesi - co-founder of Nekta Drinks and founder of No More Pretending. Navraj shares his journey from alcohol dependency and suicidal thoughts at the age of 29 to achieving 14 years of sobriety. He opens up about reaching rock bottom, the reality of recovery and the often-overlooked impact addiction has on the entire family. The conversation also explores the stigma surrounding alcohol harm within Punjabi and wider South Asian communities, and why more honest conversations are desperately needed. Navraj explains how his lived experience inspired him to co-found Nekta - an alcohol-free drink designed to stand on its own rather than imitate alcohol - and establish No More Pretending, an organisation supporting families and communities affected by alcohol-related harm. He also discusses the reality of building a purpose-led business alongside a full-time cybersecurity career, recovery and family life - and why no successful founder is ever truly self-made. In this episode: Navraj’s journey from alcohol dependency to 14 years sober The hidden impact of addiction on families Alcohol stigma within South Asian communities Turning lived experience into a mission to help others Creating an alcohol-free drink that doesn’t imitate alcohol Building a purpose-led brand alongside work and family Why every founder needs a strong support network Connect with Nekta Website: https://www.nektadrinks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nekta.drinks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nekta.drinks Connect with No More Pretending Website: https://www.nomorepretending.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-more-pretending Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomore_pretending/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nomore_pretending Content note: This episode contains discussions of alcohol dependency, addiction and suicidal thoughts. Interested in joining Veena on Founder in the Chair? If you’re a founder with an honest story, valuable lessons and experiences that could inspire others, apply to become a guest: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

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  Episode #49

  From a Council Estate to a Seven-Figure Marketing Agency - Rick Parmar

  Jul 29, 202643 minS1

  From completing paper rounds at 12 years old to building an award-winning seven-figure performance marketing agency, Rick Parmar’s journey proves that where you start does not determine where you finish. In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena speaks with the founder of Disturb Digital about growing up on a council estate in northwest London, how his early work experiences shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and why corporate life eventually left him feeling creatively restricted. Rick shares practical lessons on generating sales, choosing the right business idea and building a complete digital marketing strategy. He also explains why relying solely on word of mouth or organic social media can limit growth - and why founders should test their ideas before spending months perfecting logos and branding. In this episode: How Rick went from paper rounds to a seven-figure agency Why he walked away from corporate life The marketing mistakes holding businesses back How to choose a business that matches your interests and talents Why speed and customer feedback matter more than perfect branding Connect with Rick Parmar: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rick.parmar/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickparmar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickparmar/ Connect with Disturb Digital: Website: https://disturbdigital.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disturbdigital/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@disturbdigital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disturb-digital/ Interested in sharing your founder story? ️ Apply to join Founder in the Chair: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey. Instagram @founderinthechair YouTube - Founder in the Chair https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

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  Episode #47

  From Deep Loss to Inner Power: A Founder’s Journey of Healing

  Jan 26, 202631 minS1

  <p>What happens when life forces you to stop, walk away, and truly listen to yourself?</p><p>In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena Nayyar is joined by Sonali, founder of Lilac Rose Designs - a brand identity strategist who blends deep strategy with intuition, alignment, and self-trust.</p><p>Sonali’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning how to trust herself again - not just in business, but in life. Through loss, healing, and deep inner work, she rebuilt her confidence and created a business that reflects who she truly is.</p><p>Episode Hi...

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