Nikhil Kamath x Kumar Birla | People by WTF Ep #5

We often underestimate how complex leading a legacy might be. Success, I think, beyond a certain point is perhaps not as proportional to hard work as much as it becomes about who you are, where you are and the opportunities you create for yourself.

To me, Authenticity should be transient. The most interesting question of life is why we are, how we are. In this episode of People by WTF, featuring Kumar Birla, we discuss the different nuances of just that, Life and other things..

#nikhilkamath Co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon and Gruhas
Host of 'WTF is' Podcast & People by WTF

#KumarBirla - Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group

Time stamps -
00:00 - Introduction
2:33 - Chapter 1 - Kumar’s Childhood
4:00 - Last Interview years ago with Simi Garewal
5:00 - Creativity in Business
9:20 - Aspirations and Fears as a child
15:56 - Birla Generational Distinction
28:50 - Attachment types
38:00 - “Life is much easier when your need to conform is lower”
44:38 - Kumar’s private life
50:20 - What does “legacy” mean to Kumar? | Philanthropy side
55:08 - Birla Family’s relationship with Mahatma Gandhi
1:01:55 - Kumar’s College Life
1:04:50 - Thoughts on Expressing Extreme Emotions

1:14:49 - Chapter 2 - Life, post becoming a Chartered Accountant
1:21:56 - Early days at the company at 20 | Sacrifices, Hard Work
1:25:15 - Friends from back in the day
1:26:40 - Habits | Food & Sports, Varied Interests
1:36:10 - Thoughts on Social Media
1:38:30 - Nikhil’s Transient Point of Views

1:49:40 - Chapter 3 - Taking Over The Reigns
1:55:20 - New Economic Policy In India 1991
1:57:15 - Thoughts on Private Equity/ Venture Capitalists
2:00:50 - Birla’s brands | Paints & Jewelry insights
2:05:00 - What would Nikhil build with 10 CR?
2:07:38 - Advice to young entrepreneurs
2:10:27 - Time to Pivot in Business | People Management
2:15:08 - Kumar on Intentional Living
2:17:20 - Closing Thoughts

#peoplebywtf #wtfiswithnikhilkamath

[starthakog]

The best part about being a billionaire youtuber, is that u get to hang out with ur billionaire friends and we are able to know them better and get insights.

[RajjatKumarchauhan]

Growing up, we were constantly reminded by our parents with the classic line, "You're not Tata or Birla's offspring, " every time we left the fan on. It turns out, life here isn't much different. Wondering what will be your lines..

[rockyhiranandani]

Birla shows class is not just money but values

[nitinbelvi]

Nikhil is trying to discover himself whereas Mr Birla comes across as an evolved person comfortable in his own skin.Enjoyed watching the deep conversation.

[anupjalota]

There is this ease about him. He looks like someone who is at ease, in control. Comes through very clearly.

[beerquadriceps]

01:02:20 KMB was humble enough to not to mention that not only did he cleared CA in his first attempt right after his graduation, but he also ended up getting an All India Rank 2nd. Hatts off to such a dedication despite coming from such a lineage. Thanks for the conversation, Nikhil. 🙌🏻

[gayathrirajesh]

We are among the 1, 80, 000 people, truly indebted to him and the family…. Highly dependable company( never axed any employee even at the most difficult times) respectful employer, highly ethical company… Sir, May your tribe increase.. Wishing you, your family and families depended on you a great year ahead!

[rishitadas]

Tatas and Birla are the OGs of Indian business

[vaishnavikarad]

Mr. Birla seems extremely composed gentleman. Such an authentic conversation, did not release how 2 hrs of it passed by. Very inspiring.

[chinnuchinnu]

His views on creativity are exactly the kind of mindset we all need in business and life.

[kunaldubey]

Waiting for Mukesh Ambani on the show ☕

[anjanadey]

At the heart of Birla ji is a middle class Indian family values. Then switching off light was out of virtue and practice, now it has become a requirement to save the world. Only if we had learned sooner.

[IshanGokhale]

The generational change within the Birla family is nothing short of fascinating.

[nidhikhemka]

Just so authentic. There is something so likeable about the man.

[abhijitchaterji]

I met one of their cousin and it’s mind blowing to hear stories about some of their honesty and fairness. Apparently, the cousin in early years introduced senior Birla sir to a new business and when the business grew, they didn’t forget about the cousin who did the first introduction. They wrote out a cheque running into massive amount even by today’s standard and paid him as referral fee. Obviously the cousin didn’t even expect to receive anything as it was just an introduction made.

It reminds me of an Arab adage, if someone bakes a bread for you, give him 50% and break the rest of the bread amongst others at the table. That’s a way to show respect and goes a long way

[jjtrader]

Very dedicated man and less talking, talking birla new heights

[Siya-rdnq]

His story shows us that success is built on overcoming challenges

[RamaRama-bs]

Truly motivating to hear someone so successful talk about overcoming struggles.

[ramya]

When we were kids we used to say Tata, Birla… there is no new business that has such reputation

[Radha_Raman]

The Theherav that Mr. Birla is having in his voice, shows his wisdom and experience ❤