This conversation with Shayak Sen, the Head of Design at Myntra, is a masterclass in navigating the complexities of design leadership and e-commerce at massive scale.

Shayak, who transitioned from an architecture background to co-founding one of Bangalore's earliest UX agencies, offers a rare, insider's view on how design truly operates in a major Indian consumer tech company.

The E-Commerce Playbook & Design Ethics
Shayak shares that in the B2C space, 80% of design is a derivative of the Amazon playbook-making e-commerce the foundational space where design patterns are built before propagating to health tech, fintech, and other industries.
As a design leader at a platform transacting for millions of people, his role is to be the "guardian" of design standards, setting benchmarks for dark patterns, ethics, compliances, and accessibility in the industry.
Innovation, Gen Z, and the Future of Work

• Innovation Framework: The key to continuous innovation is making the cycle of micro-experiments really, really short.
• The Gen Z Factor: Shayak argues that the new generation's behavior is often misrepresented. While superficial "gentrification" of the experience is possible, what's truly critical is solving their core need states—like the need for affordable clothing.
• AI's Transformative Role: He provides a four-stage model for AI adoption, predicting it will first increase efficiency, then re-design workflows, and eventually remove workflow steps altogether.
• The Designer's Evolved Role: The future designer will shift from creating individual UIs to orchestrating complex design systems and frameworks. He sees this as moving from a craftsperson to a "pseudo-mathematician"—creating core rules and tokens that allow the UI to be "emergent".

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Shayak discusses:
- The Power of Storytelling: He reflects on the need for India to build its own unique, extensive, and globally recognized creative "worlds" and narratives.
- Expert vs. Professional: He breaks down the three levels of employees in an organization: the Expert (consumed by their craft, to whom business comes), the Professional (who adapts their expertise to an organization), and the Apprentice (who needs supervision). He stresses the need for India to celebrate more such deeply focused experts.
- The Next Big Leap: He expresses excitement about the potential consumer adoption of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), as humans still lack a discreet input method beyond the keypad.

He believes this is a technology that could fundamentally change the world.
This episode is a highly relevant listen for design leaders, product managers, e-commerce professionals, and any creative professional looking to understand how to build and scale with integrity in the age of AI.

CONNECT:
Find us at [https://www.groundbreak.in] [q@groundbreak.in]

dipaq@substack.com

Supported by Syqi: https://syqi.art/

In this refreshingly honest conversation, Dipaq sits down with Ekta Manchanda, co-founder of Everything Design, a multidisciplinary design studio specializing in B2B branding. Ekta shares the story of her 12-year journey from a graphic designer working at various agencies to co-founding her own firm, which now employs 36 people under one roof. She provides a masterclass on the importance of authenticity and trust in client relationships, the challenges of the industry, and the power of a collaborative, flat organizational culture.

Ekta pulls back the curtain on why B2B branding is no longer a "good-to-have" but a must-have, why her firm avoids free pitches, and how they built a business model that is both profitable and rooted in integrity. She also shares her vision for the future of design, where strategy and business acumen will be the real differentiators in the age of AI. This episode is for any creative, founder, or entrepreneur looking to build a business that is not only successful but also sustainable and fulfilling.

In this episode, you will discover:

- Ekta's journey from a graphic designer to building a 36-person agency.
- The shift in B2B branding from an afterthought to a competitive necessity.
- Why Ekta's agency, Everything Design, avoids pitches and focuses on advisory services.
- The framework they use to convince clients and the non-negotiable role of research in their process.
- How they are navigating the impact of AI and the future of design.
- Why they prioritize a flat hierarchy and a culture of collaboration.
- The importance of authenticity and good work ethics in building a sustainable business.

Location Credits: Ecole Intuit Lab, Bengaluru.

CONNECT:
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Z3cMsbvkTT
Find us at [https://www.groundbreak.in](https://www.groundbreak.in/)
q@groundbreak.in - dipaq@substack.com
Supported by Syqi: [https://syqi.art]

What does it take to build a career that truly aligns with your passions? In this
conversation, Dipaq sits down with Nitin Ravi, Director at SaaS company Pazo,
whose journey is a masterclass in exactly that. From his start in engineering to the
early days at Byju's, and from launching startups to his current mission to
revolutionize retail tech, Nitin’s story is packed with insights for anyone looking to
build, grow, and lead.

We get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the biggest trends in business: why
direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands are rushing to open physical stores and what it
takes to create an "experience" that wins. Nitin also breaks down the genius of
Decathlon's business model and shares the heartfelt mission behind his own
passion project, Khel India, an initiative to champion India's less-appreciated
sports.

This episode is for creatives, entrepreneurs, marketers, and sports lovers
curious about where business is headed next.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Nitin's career journey from engineering to EdTech (Byju's) and SaaS leadership.
• The core problem Pazo is solving for retailers and how it brings "method to the madness" in operations.
• Why successful D2C brands are now heavily investing in offline "experience centers".
• A deep dive into Decathlon's success: affordability, in-store experience, and knowledgeable staff. The mission behind Khel India: to create awareness for underappreciated sports in the country.
• The power and potential of India's growing sports ecosystem, from the grassroots to the professional level.
• An inspiring conversation on how pursuing what you love can shape a fulfilling life and career.

CONNECT: 

Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

q@groundbreak.in - dipaq@substack.com

Supported by Syqi  : https://syqi.art

Discover the untold stories and behind-the-scenes insights of the iconic Nike brand as we sit down with Scott Reems, a retired Nike historian who spent nearly three decades preserving the company's rich history. Join us on this captivating journey as Scott shares his family's connection to the shoe business and how it led him to his role at Nike.

In this episode, we dive deep into the impact of Scott's work in capturing the stories of those involved in Nike's history, from its earliest days to its present-day success. Learn how he created an intranet site to make Nike's materials accessible to their global population and used reunions as a model for crafting stories that transcend borders. Explore the rise of the Jordan brand, the process of selecting college basketball players to join the Jordan family, and the importance of preserving Nike's history for future generations.

Join us as Scott shares the incredible tale of reuniting the four people who created the Nike name and swoosh, capturing their stories on film for the first time. We also delve into the design innovations of Nike, from the groundbreaking Nike shocks and Presto to the rise of the Jordan brand and the process of selecting college basketball players to be part of the Jordan family. Plus, Scott reveals his involvement in aiding Phil Knight with his memoir, "Shoe Dog," and the crucial role of marketing and advertising in Nike's success.

Tune In as we discuss his journey as a Nike Historian on The Groundbreakin Podcast

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Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in
Supported by Syqi  : https://syqi.art
Kappiri Studio : https://kappiri.Studio

Ever wondered how to unleash your untapped potential and create a powerful personal brand? We sat down with Lulu Raghavan, the incredible Managing Director at Landor & Fitch India, to get her invaluable insights on personal growth, creativity, and vulnerability. Lulu's journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing vulnerability and forming authentic connections, and in this episode, she shares her story and gives practical tips and strategies to stay creative.

Discover the branding services market in India, the differences between design agencies and advertising agencies, and the various factors that have contributed to the growth of design. Lulu shares her journey from setting up Landor in India to becoming a powerhouse in the industry. Her disciplined daily routine, including her hybrid working arrangements, and how she fits deep thinking into her day, offers valuable insights into the mindset required to succeed in the space.

Lastly, we dive into the art of personal branding and building a strong reputation that sets you apart. Lulu shares her thoughts on the 'acts of personal branding' and how to define your unique sauce. We also discuss how to be authentic and transparent on social media and how to use vulnerability as a superpower. So, join us for this insightful conversation with industry leader Lulu Raghavan and learn how to build a powerful personal brand and legacy.

Tune In as we discuss her creative leadership journey on The Groundbreakin Podcast

Join Discord : https://discord.gg/Z3cMsbvkTT

https://www.linkedin.com/in/luluraghavan/
https://www.thebrandberries.com/2022/12/02/whats-ahead-for-branding-by-landor-fitchs-lulu-raghavan/
https://landorandfitch.com/en
https://www.instagram.com/lulu.raghavan/

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in
Supported by Syqi  : https://syqi.art
Kappiri Studio : https://kappiri.Studio

What is it that makes a design truly captivating, and how can you lead a team of talented creatives to craft such masterpieces? We had the pleasure of sitting down with Tassia Swulinska, design visionary and design director at Dixon Baxi, to uncover the secrets behind her staggering success in the world of book cover design and creative leadership.

Throughout our conversation, we explore Tassia's unique approach to managing a highly creative team, striking a delicate balance between individual creativity and the overall vision of a project. Hear about the fast-paced world of design, the importance of taking a step back to find a fresh perspective, and how Tassia's team collaborates to tell a story through their designs. We also discuss the invaluable advice she has to offer on finding creative confidence and fostering it in the next generation of designers.

Join us for this inspiring conversation, as we dive into the fascinating world of creative leadership and design with Tassia Swulinska. Discover her journey from her early beginnings to her current role as design director, and learn how embracing the freedom of creativity and the beauty of messiness in the process can lead to truly captivating designs.

Tune In as we discuss her creative leadership journey on The Groundbreakin Podcast

Join Discord : https://discord.gg/Z3cMsbvkTT

https://www.dixonbaxi.com/newsroom/who-the-hell-is-tassia-swulinska
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tassia-swulinska-64411821/
https://www.dixonbaxi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dixonbaxi/?hl=en

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in
Supported by Syqi  : https://syqi.art
Kappiri Studio : https://kappiri.Studio

For this episode, we have Hussain Almossawi aka Mossawi, a design visionary and industry leader who has made a lasting impact in the world of design. In our conversation, we explore his incredible journey from his deep-rooted passion for design to his remarkable work with renowned innovation brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Ford. Hussain shares his invaluable insights on making a meaningful impact in the design world and emphasizes the value of staying humble and hungry throughout the creative process.

With a contagious energy and an unwavering drive, Hussain takes us on a captivating ride through his experiences, offering wisdom and inspiration to both seasoned professionals and aspiring designers. From his early days at top brands to the founding of his own studio, he shares the secrets of success and the importance of continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity.

So, get ready to embark on a thrilling journey as we dive into the world of design with Hussain Almossawi. 

Tune In as we discuss his journey on The Groundbreakin Podcast

https://mossawistudios.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mossawi_/
https://www.ncycle.net/
https://www.behance.net/mossawi
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mossawi-studios/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NAlz3floXU&ab_channel=HussainAlmossawi

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Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 

Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in
Supported by Syqi  : https://syqi.art
Kappiri Studio : https://kappiri.Studio

For this episode, we have Hector Silva, the founder of Advanced Design and the host of the Context Podcast. In our conversation, we delved into his journey in the design industry, from his beginnings in toy design to creating an impactful education space for the next generation of designers. We also talked about the importance of building a strong foundation in design education, and the power of networking and community-building in the field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, there's something for everyone in this discussion.

So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the world of Industrial design and Design Education with Hector Silva.

Tune In as we discuss his journey on The Groundbreakin Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/adv_des/
https://www.instagram.com/offsite.design/
https://www.instagram.com/quicktake_/
https://advdes.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hsilvadesign/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BwnLTa4L1BSjZPrRIumLm?si=465703508c444cb3

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Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 

Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in
Supported by Syqi  : https://syqi.art
Kappiri Studio : https://kappiri.Studio

For this episode of the #Groundbreakin , we have Devargh, a copywriter and advertising strategist works at the Talented, we talked about his journey and insights into the ever-changing world of copywriting. We discussed the challenges of balancing unsexy work with the sexy stuff. We also delved into the strategy of making it in the advertising world and the role of social media beyond just selling your product. Devargh talked about his passion for watching movies and how it led him to choose advertising as a career, after being inspired by the TV series Mad Men.

Tune In as we discuss his journey on The Groundbreakin Podcast

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devarghmukherjee/
https://www.instagram.com/devarghmukherjee/
https://growthschool.io/mentors/devargh-mukherjee
https://www.behance.net/devarghmukherj
https://www.socialsamosa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/AGENCY-CON-Individual-Winners.pdf  
https://www.schbang.com/
https://www.talented.agency/

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Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 

Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in
Supported by Syqi  : https://syqi.art
Kappiri Studio : https://kappiri.Studio

For this episode, We have the amazing Vyasateja Rao, founder of Analogy Design, a product design and innovation studio based in Bangalore, India. Vyasateja shares his inspiring journey of learning design in the United States and returning to India to establish a successful design business.

Throughout our conversation, we delved into the changing landscape of design in India and explored the exciting opportunities for design education to improve in the country. We also explore the valuable insights about the business of design and innovation, and how he's making his mark in this rapidly evolving field.

Tune In as we discuss his journey on The Groundbreakin Podcast

Join Discord : https://discord.gg/Z3cMsbvkTT

https://analogydesign.co/
https://youtu.be/pThmayNLOL0
https://www.instagram.com/analogy.design/
https://www.behance.net/analogydesign
https://analogydesign.co/work/

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 

Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in
Supported by Syqi Lab : https://syqi.art
Kappiri Studio : https://kappiri.Studio

For this episode, We have Mayya Geo, She's a founder at Geobo a design company works around brand design for fashion companies of the future, they help fashion tech companies build their brand using their 6-step brand process. We had a fun chat about her journey pursuing design, picking art in school, her love for mentoring and sharing knowledge.

We had a deep dive about the process they follow at Geobo and future of sustainable fashion and phygitals in the web 3.0 world.

Tune In as we discuss her journey on The Groundbreakin Podcast

Join Discord : https://discord.gg/Z3cMsbvkTT

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 

Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in
Supported by Syqi Lab : www.syqi.art
Kappiri Studio : Kappiri.Studio

For this episode, We have Ravinder Kumar aka Ravinder Design on Instagram. Ravinder is a brilliant artist who's been making waves in the world of 3D visuals. His work is a solid slap of 90s desi/Indian nostalgia that's captured the attention of millions around the globe. In fact, one of his pieces has been seen by a staggering 40 million people! But what sets him apart is not just his technical skills, but also his approach to creativity. We discuss the difference between simply knowing a tool and truly being creative.

Tune In as we discuss his journey on The Groundbreakin Podcast

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Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

Supported by Syqi Lab : www.syqi.art

What is the future of branding in a world where AI is accelerating every creative process, and the lines between physical and digital are blurring? In this mind-bending conversation, Dipaq sits down with Anshul, a Design Manager at BCG, to unpack the paradigm shifts happening in the creative industry. Anshul's journey from aerospace engineering to his current role at a top-tier consulting firm is a masterclass in adaptation and a testament to the power of a multidisciplinary mindset.

We get an exclusive look at the future of brand building—from the strategic secrets of timeless brands to the immersive experiences of gaming and the unexpected applications of AI. This episode is for designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about how technology is reshaping creativity and human connection.

In this episode, you'll discover:

- How Anshul's career journey from aerospace engineering to design at Swiggy, Razorpay, and BCG shaped his unique perspective.
- The key difference between an 80-year-old brand and a 20-year-old brand, and why one is built to last while the other is constantly reinventing itself.
- The connection between world-building in gaming and crafting a cohesive brand experience across different touchpoints.
- How AI is not a threat, but a "personal assistant" that can accelerate the creative process from months to days.
- The real reason why successful D2C brands are investing in physical stores and the future of retail experiences.
- Why the process of branding remains the same, but the speed of execution has been massively accelerated by new technology.
- A peek into the world of AI-driven copywriting, sonic branding, and augmented shopping.

CONNECT:
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in/episodes

q@groundbreak.in | dipaq@substack.com

Supported by Syqi: https://syqi.art

For this episode of #Groundbreakin, we are thrilled to have Puneet Singh, an Industrial Designer with a passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in design. Puneet brings a unique perspective to his work, one that is detail-oriented and forward-thinking. During our conversation, we discussed his vision for the future of industrial design, including his approach to designing for robotics, as well as the critical role of industrial designers in sensitive projects such as those related to space exploration. We also delved into his journey of building his company, Opacity & Co, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Join us for this exciting conversation as we get ready to be inspired by Puneet's creative spirit.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/puneetsingh99/
https://www.puneetnagi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/opacityandco/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSezqTrDX3t/

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Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

Supported by Syqi Lab : www.syqi.art

For this episode of #Groundbreakin , we have Aakanksha Mirdha, who takes care of the design at Playground AI, a free-to-use online AI image creator based in the Bay Area. Aakanksha has extensive experience in using AI effectively and has worked with some of the most innovative teams at brands like Uber. During our conversation, we discussed the future of AI, her experiences working as the only designer in the team at Playground, and her approach to building effective design teams. She also shared insights into her collaboration with design teams at Mid Journey and how they successfully integrated AI into their design processes. So, without further ado, let's dive into this exciting conversation!

Join us as we explore Aakanksha's story! 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aakankshamirdha/
https://playgroundai.com/
https://www.midjourney.com/
https://www.uber.com/in/en/

Join Discord : https://discord.gg/Z3cMsbvkTT

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

Supported by Syqi Lab : www.syqi.art

For this episode of #Groundbreakin, we have the pleasure of hosting Saurabh Uboweja, the founder and managing director of BOD Consulting, a management consulting firm that builds promising brands. Saurabh is an international award-winning management consultant and adjunct faculty member at leading B-Schools in India and Europe, where he teaches digital entrepreneurship, strategic thinking, and leadership. During our conversation, we delved into Saurabh's experience building BOD Consulting and his journey studying at the finest B-School in India. We also discussed his collaborative mindset, which he has honed through design thinking, and the positive impact it has had on his career. 

Join us as we explore Saurabh's story and gain valuable insights into building successful brands and fostering a growth-oriented mindset. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/uboweja/
https://www.bod.consulting/
https://www.euruni.edu/
https://www.credihealth.com/

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Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

Supported by Syqi Lab : www.syqi.art

For this episode of #Groundbreakin , We have the amazing Clim from the Clim Studio, Starting his creative path as an independent designer, he has since transformed his passion for design into a successful design studio. Clim Studio has become known for their innovative approach to design and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the industry. In this episode, we'll be diving deep into his journey and how he's been able to stay ahead of the curve with his unique blend of creativity and business acumen. Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, or simply interested in the latest trends in the design world, this is one episode you won't want to miss.
Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://www.studioclim.com/
Clim Studio Reel : https://vimeo.com/clim/reel2022
Project for Samsung : https://vimeo.com/796602219
Clim's Favourite : https://vimeo.com/455516621
TVC we did for an Indian brand : https://vimeo.com/clim/frootifizz
Viral Job with Sebas and Clim : https://vimeo.com/18678091
https://www.instagram.com/clim_studio/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clim-15637233/
https://hellohornet.com/
https://www.labasad.com/

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Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

Supported by Syqi Lab : www.syqi.art

For this episode of #Groundbreakin, we have Vincent Wagner, aka Computer Vincent, a highly sought-after designer known for his expertise in 3D lettering, typography and animation. We having a chat about his background in law and media to his current state in the design world. We also talking about the importance of typography and animation in design, and how Vincent approaches these mediums in his work.
We'll also dive into the topic of finding one's niche in the competitive design industry, and his thoughts on the role of typography in today's design landscape, as well as his experience with being featured in Slanted Publishers Zine and being a judge at the type directors club.

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://vincent.computer/
https://vincent.computer/pilowlava-3d/
https://www.wearesaatchi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/velvetyne_type_foundry/
https://www.slanted.de/

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Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

Supported by Syqi Lab : www.syqi.art

Join us for this episode of #Groundbreakin as we chat with Jeremy Mura, a creative powerhouse known for his unique mindset and passion for design. Jeremy shares his journey in the industry, from teaching and creating content to working with big clients as a successful freelancer. We dive into his creative process and explore the lessons he's learned along the way. Get ready for an inspiring and laid-back conversation about design, taking the leap as an independent professional, and the mindset that drives success in the industry.

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://www.jeremymura.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thejeremymura/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsKxAGJpOi-tsJK18MQ9Fbg
https://au.linkedin.com/in/jeremymura
https://www.skillshare.com/en/user/jeremymura
udemy.com/user/jeremy-mura/

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Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

Supported by Syqi Lab : www.syqi.art

For this episode of #Groundbreakin, We sit down with Benjamin Maclaren, a designer by day for the Australian government on sensitive projects and a community leader at CaseStudy.club by night. Benjamin shares his creative journey hopping careers and the challenges he faced along the way. He also delves into his role as a community leader at CaseStudy.club, a platform offering curated UX case studies and a community of high-level creatives from companies like Apple, Google, and Spotify. Don't miss this amazing conversation about design, community building, and the importance of feedback and critique in the creative process.

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://www.casestudy.club/
https://www.casa.gov.au/
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/13155290
Join Discord : https://discord.gg/Z3cMsbvkTT

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

Supported by Syqi Lab : www.syqi.art

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Jutta Jerlich, a Lecturer and Consultant at Vienna University of Technology. With a wealth of experience in a variety of disciplines, from engineers to designers, Jutta has a unique perspective on the importance of collaboration in building thriving teams and creating successful products. Whether she's running her course on collaboration and cocreation or helping with design sprints, Jutta's approach is always centered around the power of a collaborative mindset to drive creativity and innovation. So, if you're looking to take your team or business to the next level, don't miss out on the insights and strategies that Jutta has to offer. 

Tune in as we discuss her journey on the stream.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juttajerlich/
https://imoox.at/course/collabcocreate
https://mostattractiveemployers.ch/most-attractive-careers/juttajerlich
https://confare.at/fuckup-unternehmenskultur/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCGIEjymqlM&ab_channel=JuttaJerlich

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

Supported by Syqi Lab : www.syqi.art

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, Kunal Vora, the founder of ABND, a brand design studio that helps companies create compelling and effective brands. Kunal started his career as an industrial designer and has since transitioned into the world of branding. He also shares his knowledge by teaching at various design colleges. We are excited to have Kunal on our show to share his insights and experiences building ABND and making promising brands.

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunalvora1/
https://abnd.in/
https://signarama.com/
https://artvillage.co/
https://ecole-intuit-lab.com/
https://www.socialsamosa.com/2020/03/7-tips-hiring-a-graphic-designer/


Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Carla Traini who is a  design director at Frog based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She has worked with luxury brands such as Ferrari, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, as well as consumer brands such as Nespresso and Phillip Morris. She is a champion creative who is always creating a sustainable system around her by establishing the right culture in which creativity and innovation can thrive. She is a person who always maintains a positive attitude and strives for excellence.
We'll talk about her experiences working with high-level creative teams all over the world and what it takes to be a leader. 

Tune in as we discuss her journey on the stream.

https://www.carlatraini.com/
https://www.carmieubertis.it/
https://cba-design.com/
http://www.fontegrafica.it/
https://www.futurebrand.com/asia
https://landorandfitch.com/en
https://www.designbridge.com/
https://www.theapcinternational.org/
https://www.frog.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainicarla/

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

What's it like to be a creative professional in today's world of rapidly evolving technology and changing industry landscapes? In this deep-dive conversation, Dipaq sits down with Vibhor, a seasoned design leader and former creative professional at Grofers and now Razorpay, who shares his unfiltered thoughts on the creative industry.

Vibhor unpacks his journey from a B2C brand like Grofers to the B2B world of fintech at Razorpay, and the surprising creative opportunities that came with it. He talks about how the B2B space, traditionally seen as "boring," is now an open ground for creative expression. He also shares his insights on team building, the importance of a designer's mindset, and the role of AI as a tool for creating efficient workflows.

This episode is for designers, entrepreneurs, and creators who want to stay ahead in a fast-paced industry and are curious about the future of creative work.

In this episode, you will discover:

- The shift from B2C to B2B design and the creative possibilities in fintech.
- Why brand-building is a missed opportunity for many B2B companies.
- How designers are navigating the "messy truth" of burnout and personal pressure to create something new.
- The importance of understanding marketing strategy and the business side of creative work.
- The future of design and why prompt engineering will become a prerequisite for designers.

CONNECT:
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

q@groundbreak.in | dipaq@substack.com

Supported by Syqi: https://syqi.art

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Sudhir Sharma who is a founder of Indi Design based in Pune, India. He is also the founder and chief editor of Design India Magazine, which was founded in 2010. It began as an interaction platform for the design community in India and around the world.  It has evolved into a thought-leading community over the years, with a forum spread across many social and professional networking domains. We'll talk about his experiences founding multiple design companies and running a design magazine for over a decade. We also will be talking about his perspective on design and life in general, as well as what kept him going.

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://www.sudhir-sharma.com/
https://www.indidesign.in/
https://design-india.com/
https://elephantdesign.com/
https://indiadesigncouncil.org/
https://www.nid.edu/home
https://www.dutchdesignawards.nl/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudhir-indi/?originalSubdomain=in
https://www.instagram.com/sudhir_indi/
https://www.instagram.com/designindiamag/?hl=en

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Mohamed Basil aka Bacosil who is a self-taught 3D Artist who works around Graphic Design, Typography, and Motion Graphics. Bacosil has been posting daily designs for more than two years and continues to do so. In addition to working with other artists to produce dreamy abstract graphics, he constantly learns about design to push the boundaries of his creativity. We have discussed his outlook on life and the things that motivate him to keep going.

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://www.behance.net/bacosil
https://foundation.app/@bacosil
https://showtime.xyz/@bacosil
https://opensea.io/collection/glass-scape
https://objkt.com/profile/tz1SCob3nA9MUi9EPdnG5kJqw35NPC3fWqM4/created


Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and exciting.
Please send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Karan Adivi who is a Designer and an Automotive CGI artist. Adivi creates exquisite car renders and has made a significant impact on the world's biggest OEMs. Adivi is an automotive warrior and constantly learning new tools to get the most out of his work. We've talked about his mindset, creative process as well as his distinct approach to design life.

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://www.behance.net/gallery/133053051/The-Eclipse
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pimp_My_Ride
https://corona-renderer.com/
https://www.keyshot.com/
https://www.blender.org/
https://www.behance.net/karanadivi
https://www.artstation.com/karanadivi
https://www.yankodesign.com/tag/karan-adivi/
https://www.gizmodo.cz/?tag=karan-adivi
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/lamborghini-huracan-sto-fat-iron-man-drops-the-massive-wing-keeps-the-attitude-169601.html
https://www.motor1.com/news/550737/chevrolet-corvette-c2-lamborghini-engine/
https://autobild.jp/15166/


Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Rishav Kumar who is a Designer at Canoo, a transportation designer, and an automotive futurist who has worked for brands like Honda, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Volvo and Polestar. Rishav has a distinctive exquisite style which is has made a lot of impact already in the automotive design world and inspiring a lot of people who are in the process of learning mobility design. We'll discuss his creative process, as well as his distinct approach to design.

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://www.lunatickoncepts.com/
https://www.behance.net/gallery/109370493/Volkswagen-2017-internship-project
https://www.behance.net/RishavKumar4
https://www.visualatelier8.com/fashion/2021/6/rishav-kumar-peugeot-runner
https://abduzeedo.com/polestar-precept-official-sketch-renders
https://www.sohu.com/a/537523602_120075288
https://about.polestar.com/polestar-design-contest/
https://www.canoo.com/
https://moveaward.com/winners/

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Anish Shakthi Industrial Designer at Logitech, living and working in Cork, Ireland. Anish gained industry experience before and after graduation, working in companies such as Mullen Lowe Lintas, Bosch, and Logitech. This has made him super efficient in communicating design intentions to his team and together creating everlasting experiences. We have talked about his journey of being creative. Anish also shares his process of shifting gears and constantly creating and learning.

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/eol/mx-anywhere-2s-mouse.910-005132.html
https://www.logitech.com/en-in/products/keyboards/mx-keys-mini.920-010506.html
https://anishshakthi.in/
https://www.instagram.com/cosmo.graph/
https://www.yankodesign.com/tag/anish-shakthi/
https://www.behance.net/AnishShakthi
https://www.mullenlowegroup.com/

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Sainath Ajayan who is a Senior Mobility Designer at NIO, with previous experience as a Designer at AUDI AG and Peugeot. He is a Transportation design & Management Graduate from Institut supérieur de design (ISD Rubika). 
He focuses on creating progressive products and experiences that have meaning and exude humane and sustainable qualities. He has vast experience in series production, advanced design, and concept mobility projects in an array of specialized fields like interior architecture, components design, Special Edition & Limited-Series Projects, Luxury seat design & development, Product-Facelifts, and design strategy. Prior to his role as a full-time designer at Audi, he has had internship experiences at AUDI Design (Interior) at AUDI AG, Ingolstadt (DE), and PSA Peugeot Citroen Paris (FR). He is an awardee of the MOVE 2030 Future Vision of Mobility contest (2012) held in Milan, Winner of the SIAM ADC Challenge 2013, and an awardee of many Master class honors at University.
We have talked about his struggles and mindset throughout his career of pursuing design and life. 

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sainathajayan/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYhur01P7p0&ab_channel=Audi
https://www.audi.com/
https://www.nio.com/
https://www.stellantis.com/en
https://moveaward.com/winners/

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Dhruti Soni aka Minimal Cacti, an Independent Designer and a Creative Consultant who works around UI/UX, Packaging Design, and Industrial Design. Dhruti is also a co-founder of Women in Design | India.  We discussed her experience learning in an artistically stimulating atmosphere while growing up traveling across the world. We also broke down the WID (Women In Design) journey and discussed the goal of developing this network with her colleague and the cofounder. Dhruti is a lifelong learner and generative art enthusiast who has been experimenting with creative coding to generate some truly fascinating graphics.

Tune in as we discuss her journey on the stream.
 
https://www.dofe.org/
https://www.kokuyocamlin.com/
https://www.minimalcacti.com/
https://www.widindia.org.in/
https://hike.one/
https://openprocessing.org/sketch/1241271

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Sushant Vohra, Industrial Designer at ASTRO Studios. He has experience in a variety of design fields, including Furniture, FMCG, and Consumer Electronics. During our interview, he shared his insights into what enabled him to ask the right questions in order to get the most out of his practice. Sushant is an empathic individual who is also the founder of one of the best online communities of design practitioners, educators, and professionals based on Discord. He's also discussed why, in this day and age, a community-driven culture is critical for businesses. Sushant's passion for music has pushed him to stay motivated despite professional and personal obstacles. He also discusses the thought and method behind some of the most important projects he has worked on.

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.
 
https://www.sushantvohra.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vohrasushant/
https://www.astrostudios.com/
https://www.steelcase.com/
https://medium.com/@sushantvohra
https://kiska.com/
https://www.behance.net/sushantvohra
https://www.behance.net/gallery/122743239/deets_
https://www.behance.net/gallery/47470967/Exeo-Modular-Gaming-Controllers


Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments! 
Find us at www.groundbreak.in

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Sneha Yelluru, CMF Designer at Mitsubishi Fuso, based in Kawasaki, Japan. She studied Product Design and started her career in Packaging Design. She channelized her career trajectory towards what she loved doing and has established a process of learning on the go and solve her problems with the process. Sneha values learning and don't believe in boredom — not in a world with so many new things to learn. With all this, she sees design as a platform to build a world that’s more connective and more deeply rooted in the diversity of circumstance and lived experience. 


Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sneha-yelluru-3046a837/
https://dyworks.in/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUXmV2pYZxI&ab_channel=FUSOOfficial
https://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/en/

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Akshay Pardeshi, Motorcycle Designer at Ducati, based in Bologna, Italy. He has worked with motorcycle brands across the globe and has a unique style of design which makes him different from others. Akshay has established an incredible understanding of motorcycle anatomy, from the ideation phase through to manufacturing and as he continues to push the boundaries of innovation at Ducati. 

Tune in as we discuss his journey on the stream.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-pardeshi-00303358/
https://futuring.design/
https://www.behance.net/Akshay_Pardeshi
https://www.muz.de/


Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

What does it take to build a career that's a masterclass in curiosity and adaptation?

In this episode, we sit down with Nivedita Saikia, a Design Leader at Smallcase, whose career journey is anything but linear.

From her beginnings in architecture and furniture design to her current role in the fast-paced world of fintech, Nivedita's story is a powerful guide for any creative navigating a changing industry.

She shares the honest truth about pivoting between fields, the unique challenges of designing for finance, and why a generalist mindset is a superpower in today's world. This conversation is for every creative, designer, and entrepreneur who wants to understand how to build, lead, and stay relevant in an era of constant change.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Nivedita's career journey from furniture design at Urban Ladder to leading a creative team at fintech giant, Smallcase.
• The surprising reason why she decided to pivot from a physical design job to a digital one.
• How to find the "fun" in designing for a "boring" space like finance and the power of designing with constraints.
• The business value of brand building and storytelling, and why it's a crucial differentiator for tech companies today.
• The behind-the-scenes story of the viral Swiggy "appraisal email" and the value of topical storytelling.
• Her strategy for managing a design team by balancing specialists and generalists.
• How to build a career on a foundation of curiosity, a growth mindset, and intentional habits.
  
  CONNECT:
  Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in
  
  q@groundbreak.in | dipaq@substack.com
  
  Supported by Syqi: https://syqi.art

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Trishala Alva, Product Designer at Tamanna, based in Aveiro, Portugal. Trishala is also a Human Centred Design Practioner and believes in solving design projects with the same approach. She has worked with brands across the globe from bringing products to market building strategies for them. A champion of a professional always on a mission to get better. Trishala has established an incredible understanding of solving issues in the design process and learning through them. She has also spoken about her learnings and overcoming her struggles with Mix Martial Arts. 

Tune in as we discuss her journey on the stream.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellotrishala/
https://www.designpossibility.com/
https://www.tamanna.com/
https://www.vivekamberkar.com/

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Swagat Rath, Design Manager at Ather Energy, Bangalore, India. Swagat started his career as an engineer and has always been intrigued by the world of Industrial Design. He has been in a constant pursuit to create products that solve problems in an honest, understandable, and unobtrusive way with an aesthetic that is easy on the eye and has a long-lasting impact.

Tune in as we discuss the journey of his career and the insights of creating India's one of the first homegrown EVs at Ather Energy.

Check out his work: 
https://www.behance.net/swagatrath
https://twitter.com/swagat25

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Nikhil Sorte, a Concept Automotive Designer working at Renault Design, India. Nikhil started his career studying art, creating traditional portraits, and later ventured into designing concepts. He is a champion designer with a futuristic design vision.  Among the first to join Renault Academy, Nikhil's concepts were showcased at Auto Expo 2018 and won massive appreciation.

Tune in as we discuss his journey in art and design. Recognition and the relevance of a creative mindset to make a mark in the industry.

Check out his work: 
https://www.instagram.com/nikhilsorted/
https://www.behance.net/njunior
https://lucianobove.com/tag/design-academy-india/

https://www.financialexpress.com/auto/car-news/renault-launches-its-first-design-academy-in-india/572532/

Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Abu Shaikh, a multidisciplinary designer with a keen eye for visuals. He is a core team member at CHLP and project lead at Sahay. Both initiatives of SOCHARA. SOCHARA is a public health resource group, they work with Civil Society organizations and governments on a variety of Community Health initiatives across India. Abu is also a mental health advocate and runs an after-school support initiative for creating the safe and stimulating learning environment and to kindle a learning attitude amongst the children marginalized settings in urban slums of Bengaluru, India.

In the podcast we go over his journey in design, his experiences and recognitions. Mostly how design helped him create an environment where he could nurture himself as a human.

Chlp :
Sophea-sochara.org

Adverse childhood experiences / Impact of early adversity on a life long health outcome / his area of interest, working with young children is inspired by this study
https://youtu.be/95ovIJ3dsNk

After school center: https://www.vismayakalike.org/.
Paulo Freire : https://iep.utm.edu/freire/
SOCHARA: https://sochara.org/
Gabor Mate on The Tim Ferris Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9B5mYfBPlY&ab_channel=TimFerriss

https://www.behance.net/abuhuraira
https://in.pinterest.com/abuhuraira/
Michelin Design Challenge Winner: https://www.michelinchallengedesign.com/the-challenge-archives/2016-mobility-for-all/2016-showcase-of-selected-entrants/

For People, London : https://forpeople.com/
https://globaldigitalmojo.com/

Find support for mental health : 
https://themindclan.com/


Thank you for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Vidur Madhav, User Experience Designer at Virgin Pulse, United States. He has been working in the Healthcare scene and been a design enthusiast throughout his life. A champ of a designer who keeps empathy on the prime aspect of design, Vidur has established a sense of design by participating in numerous design festivals and workshops. We have delved into his journey of studying in top design schools around the globe, his experience in tackling design problems in rural India and insights into becoming an empathetic designer working with a focus on making a societal impact through design.

Thanks for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

Check more about him on:
https://www.vidurmadhav.com

https://www.boisbuchet.org/
https://thedesignvillage.org/
https://www.londondesignfestival.com/
https://www.risd.edu/
https://www.uca.ac.uk/
https://www.brown.edu/
https://www.ied.edu/
http://designfactoryindia.org/
https://www.virginpulse.com/

Documentary Recommendations
Gary Hustwit design films:
Objectified: https://www.hustwit.com/objectified
Helvetica: https://www.hustwit.com/helvetica
Urbanized: https://www.hustwit.com/urbanized

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Swati Dhanda, Lead CMF Designer at Rimac Automobili, Croatia. We'll be talking about her experiences in the sector of Service Design and Research for Public Transportation and Car Interiors. Her journey of transitioning from agency environment to an OEM. Join us to hear her views about the Indian Design scene, the importance of constantly up-skilling, adopting storytelling in personal design and the role of User-Centric tools in the Design process!

Thank for tuning in and I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!




- Link to Swati's Behance profile: 
https://www.behance.net/swatidhanda
- https://www.yellowwindow.com/
- https://www.alstom.com/
- https://www.adient.com/approaches/industrial-design-and-research
- https://www.rimac-automobili.com/news/articles/rimac-people-on-record-swati-rai-dhanda/
- https://www.rimac-automobili.com/

Book Recommendation :

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34918578-an-introduction-to-service-design

For this episode of #GBINSTREAM, We have Yash Thawani, an Industrial Designer at Honeywell, India. We will be talking about his journey as a Professional Go-karting Driver and his passion for cycling and Aerospace. Our conversation also talked about the struggles behind pursuing design and the salient role mentorship could play in converting a zealous dreamer's desire to work in aerospace into reality!

Thank you @yashthawani for the conversation. I hope our listeners find it both insightful and interesting.
Send us a DM or email at info@groundbreak.in to provide us with your thoughts and comments!

- Link to Yash's Behance profile:
https://bit.ly/3unE9oc
- Cero Design - http://www.wearecero.com/
- http://www.shejijingsai.com/2017/10/39248.html
http://ibdc.tbnet.org.tw/?p=2836
- https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/massive-response-for-first-round-of-force-india-academy-selections/8335/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs1lPSQ96jQ&ab_channel=HoneywellAerospace


Designers to follow on IG :
@tymodsgn
@torgny_f
@jordantrex
@jon_russell_design
@vonrafael
@cyclinginnovation
@bicycledesign

Is making a full time freelance career in India a myth? Should you take the leap of faith? How to build your own brand?
We are celebrating the launch of the podcast with a banger first episode of #GBINSTREAM,  featuring Puneet and Pragya, Founder of Opacity & Co. 
Together, we delve how to build yourself as a freelancer.

Book Recommendations : 
Transparent. Transparencies in Design  - Victionary
Deep Work - Cal Newport

Follow us on Instagram!

Have something ground breaking to share?
Write in to us : info@groundbreak.in or DM @groundbreak.in on Instagram

Burnout. AI. Broken design education. The messy truth about running a studio.

In this episode of Groundbreakin, Dipaq sits down with Apeksha Gupta — design leader, entrepreneur, and writer — who goes unfiltered on the realities every creative faces but few talk about.

From starting her design career at 19 to leading projects for Coca-Cola, Target, and Landor, and from building her own women-led studio to becoming a voice for burnout and unpopular opinions, Apeksha’s story is a masterclass in resilience, pivots, and raw honesty.

She opens up about why small agencies struggle, the gaps in India’s design education system, the role of AI in creative work, and the future of design in India — while also sharing her personal journey of writing, influence, and rebuilding her studio with a new vision.

This one is for the designers, entrepreneurs, and creators trying to navigate the balance between craft, career, and survival in the creative industry.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

•⁠  ⁠Apeksha’s early start in design and lessons from 8 internships before graduation
•⁠  ⁠Her leap from agencies to being the only designer at a travel-tech startup
•⁠  ⁠What running a women-led creative studio taught her about leadership and limits
•⁠  ⁠The truth about burnout, stagnation, and why so many small studios close
•⁠  ⁠The power of writing and building a voice that resonates with thousands
•⁠  ⁠How she sees AI not as a threat, but as a companion in design
•⁠  ⁠Why India’s design education is broken — and how it needs to evolve
•⁠  ⁠The future of her new holistic design practice and leadership research
•⁠  ⁠Practical advice for young designers and brand-builders starting from scratch

CONNECT:
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in

q@groundbreak.in | dipaq@substack.com

Supported by Syqi: https://syqi.art

What does it take to lead design through one of the biggest shifts in the creative
industry? In this episode, Dipaq sits down with Sourajit Sengupta, Design Leader at Razorpay and former Head of Design at Lenskart, to explore the evolution of communication design from a “nice-to-haveˮ to a strategic growth driver.

From building an award-winning in-house design team at Lenskart to leading a 
massive global rebrand, and now driving AI-first design transformation at Razorpay, Sourajitʼs story is a deep dive into the skills, mindset, and adaptability needed to stay ahead in design.

We unpack the power shift from agency dominance to self-sufficient in-house 
teams, the rising parity between product and communication design, and the role AI is playing in reshaping how brands work, scale, and connect with consumers.

This episode is for designers, brand strategists, founders, and marketers curious 
about the future of design, branding, and creative leadership.

In this episode, youʼll discover:

• Sourajitʼs journey from fine arts student to leading design for global brands.
•  How he built Lenskartʼs in-house design team from scratch into a 30-member global powerhouse.
• Behind the scenes of Lenskartʼs rebrand with Design Studio London and why systems kill subjectivity.
• Why communication design is finally earning equal respect alongside product design.
• The challenges and benefits of moving from an agency model to in-house design leadership.
• How AI is changing design workflows, scaling creative output, and optimizing costs.
• Key lessons for startups on integrating design early as a growth engine.
• A breakdown of the “Backing Indiaʼs Boldˮ campaign and how Razorpay used AI to amplify foundersʼ voices.

🎧 Tune in to the Groundbreakin podcast and discover how to build teams, 
brands, and systems that stand the test of time.

CONNECT
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Z3cMsbvkTT
Website: https://www.groundbreak.in
Email: q@groundbreak.in | dipaq@substack.com
Supported by Syqi: https://syqi.art

What’s it really like to run a design studio today in a world of niche branding, long
sales cycles, remote teams, and impatient clients?

In this refreshingly honest conversation, we speak with Harish Venkatesh, founder
of Become and Frontrunner, a studio redefining what it means to build meaningful brands in India.

Harish unpacks the decade-long journey from freelancing in college to leading a
positioning-led strategy studio reflecting on why his first project changed his life,
how rebranding became his niche, and why empathy not aesthetic is at the core
of every client relationship.

He doesn’t hold back from naming what many studios silently navigate: working
“on” the business versus “in” it, learning how to sell without a portfolio, and
redesigning not just brands, but also the clients’ clarity.

If you’re an independent creative, designer, studio head, or someone who’s ever
tried to scale a passion into a business this one will feel like a mirror.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How a ₹500 college poster turned into a 10+ year design career
• The transition from generalist studio to a brand positioning firm
• What it really means to rebrand, and why most clients don’t know their actual problem
• The power of process-led design and how it builds trust, not resistance
• Why most high-ticket projects close without a portfolio
• Lessons on client fit, emotional unlearning, and building trust through sales
• Why Harish founded Frontrunner a startup-focused brand that’s already helped raise $75M+

The mindset shift every creative needs to run a business in 2025

CONNECT
🌐 https://www.groundbreak.in/episodes
✉️ q@groundbreak.in | dipaq@substack.com
🎧 Supported by Syqi: https://syqi.art

What does it take to stay original in an industry obsessed with
trends, algorithms, and speed?

In this episode, we sit down with Bharath Adharsh, Creative Lead at StayVista an
ex-engineer turned storyteller who found his voice through language, not layouts.

From writing his first lines of copy to now leading a growing creative team,
Bharath reflects on a journey shaped by instinct, unlearning, and navigating the
blurry lines between strategy and storytelling. He shares what the industry often
gets wrong about creativity, why traditional agencies are losing relevance, and
how AI might get your tone but never your tension.

If you’ve ever felt torn between clarity and chaos, craft and content, this episode
will hit home. It’s a conversation about building brands, breaking molds, and
staying human in a world that’s increasingly automated.

In this episode,you will discover:

• Bharath’s journey from engineering classrooms to ad agencies, and eventually to brand leadership.
• Why language not design was his first creative tool.
• What it takes to grow from a solo creative to a team leader in a high-growth startup.
• His thoughts on the “post-agency” world and what brands really need from creatives today.
• Why tension is the heart of every story and why AI can’t replicate it.
• How to balance instinct with insight in your creative process.
• Why humility, obsession, and self-editing are underrated creative skills.

CONNECT
Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in
📩 q@groundbreak.in | dipaq@substack.com
Supported by Syqi → https://syqi.art

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
01:38 – From Engineering to Copywriting: The Unexpected Pivot
04:20 – Language as a Starting Point for Creativity
07:05 – Learning on the Job: The Real School of Advertising
10:10 – Moving Beyond the Agency Model: A Brand-side Perspective
14:40 – Managing a Team: From Writer to Creative Lead
18:01 – Why Intuition > Trends
21:45 – AI and Creativity: What Can Be Automated (and What Can’t)
25:34 – Leading with Empathy in Fast Teams
30:16 – The Balance Between Chaos and Structure
33:29 – Tension Is Where the Story Lives
36:02 – How to Stay Original (Even When You’re Tired)
40:21 – Advice to Young Creatives: Clarity, Curiosity, Craft
44:05 – Final Thoughts: Why the Best Stories Are Still Untold

What is the future of a creative career in a world of AI, rapidly changing tech, and
new opportunities?

We explore this and more in a deep and inspiring conversation with Madhu Amodia, a seasoned design leader and the Dean of École Intuit Lab,
Bangalore.
Madhu draws from her rich experience leading design for brands like Air India and
CNBC, sharing why she pivoted from the corporate world to focus on social
impact and education. She offers a vision for modern design education: one that
values real-world application over "utopian" projects, strengthens foundational
skills in the age of AI, and prepares students to become adaptable,
multidisciplinary thinkers.

This episode is for anyone passionate about design, art, and creativity. Learn why
India is an "untouched territory" for designers and how the next generation is
poised to shape a new, authentic creative narrative.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Madhu's journey from leading design at major corporations to finding her calling in education.
• The biggest gap in traditional design education and how to bridge it.
• Why professionals who "practice what they teach" make the best mentors.
• How AI can be a powerful facilitator but can never replace human problem solving and empathy.
• The importance of developing a mindset to "learn and unlearn constantly" to stay relevant.
• Madhu's prediction for a "golden decade" for designers in India.
• Why the future of design lies in the authentic, untold stories from smaller towns, not just tier-1 cities.

CONNECT: 

Find us at https://www.groundbreak.in/episodes

q@groundbreak.in - dipaq@substack.com

Supported by Syqi  : https://syqi.art