You see the brand name on the tag, but we found the company that powers everything behind it. PDS Limited is the Value-Focused global infrastructure powerhouse. Group CEO Sanjay Jain gives us a rare look into how major retailers define the single most important word in fashion: Value. He also shares a personal lesson from a favorite movie character and his bullish outlook on the "exploding" future of Indian retail.

What You'll Learn:


The Core Selling Point: Why "Value" is the one word that determines whether a piece of clothing sells, and how its definition changes based on the customer segment.


The India Paradox: The "globally integrated, yet locally rooted" characteristics of the 18+ Indian youth, making a pan-India retail strategy a careful aggregation of clusters.


From Landfill to Legacy: The circular economy innovations, including converting textile waste into anti-combustible bricks to actively combat clothes pollution.


Scaling Secrets: The two qualities PDS seeks when investing in founders: Differentiation (disruptive idea/consumption) and Scalability.


Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana & more 
Watch full episodes right here on YouTube 
Explore more at ivmpodcasts.com 

Connect with Anupam Gupta: 
Twitter: @b50 
Instagram: @b_50 
LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta 

Follow IVM Podcasts We’re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

You see the brand name on the tag, but we found the company that powers everything behind it. PDS Limited is the Value-Focused global infrastructure powerhouse. Group CEO Sanjay Jain gives us a rare look into how major retailers define the single most important word in fashion: Value. He also shares a personal lesson from a favorite movie character and his bullish outlook on the "exploding" future of Indian retail.
What You'll Learn:
<ul data-indent-level="1">
<li>
The Core Selling Point: Why "Value" is the one word that determines whether a piece of clothing sells, and how its definition changes based on the customer segment.
</li>
<li>
The India Paradox: The "globally integrated, yet locally rooted" characteristics of the 18+ Indian youth, making a pan-India retail strategy a careful aggregation of clusters.
</li>
<li>
From Landfill to Legacy: The circular economy innovations, including converting textile waste into anti-combustible bricks to actively combat clothes pollution.
</li>
<li>
Scaling Secrets: The two qualities PDS seeks when investing in founders: Differentiation (disruptive idea/consumption) and Scalability. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana &amp; more Watch full episodes right here on YouTube Explore more at ivmpodcasts.com Connect with Anupam Gupta: Twitter: @b50 Instagram: @b_50 LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta Follow IVM Podcasts We&rsquo;re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter &amp; Instagram
</li>
</ul>

Paisa Vaisa is India's premier podcast on personal finance, boasting over 4 million downloads, featuring over 200 hours of insightful content and discussions, hosting more than 250 guests, and presenting a wealth of knowledge through over 450 episodes. Since 2017, Paisa Vaisa hosts experts from mutual funds, stocks, real estate, loans, education financing, insurance, and much more. It has recently introduced a sub-series offering valuable insights in businesses and entrepreneurship.

You can catch this podcast on YouTube 'Paisa Vaisa with Anupam Gupta' or find it on top audio streaming platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, and others.

Paisa Vaisa is India's premier podcast on personal finance, boasting over 4 million downloads, featuring over 200 hours of insightful content and discussions, hosting more than 250 guests, and presenting a wealth of knowledge through over 450 episodes. Since 2017, Paisa Vaisa hosts experts from mutual funds, stocks, real estate, loans, education financing, insurance, and much more. It has recently introduced a sub-series offering valuable insights in businesses and entrepreneurship. You can catch this podcast on YouTube 'Paisa Vaisa with Anupam Gupta' or find it on top audio streaming platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, and others.

The Paisa Vaisa podcast helps you understand all things money so that you can make well-informed financial decisions. Understand the basics every week as host, Anupam Gupta, talks with experts across a wide spectrum of the banking and financial services

Paisa Vaisa with Anupam Gupta

Beyond Quarterly Results: The Financial Discipline Required to Build a 30-Year Retail Platform | Paisa Vaisa | Anupam Gupta

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Akshat Seth, MD & CEO of Birla Nu. They deep dive into the 170-year legacy of the CK Birla Group and how one of India's oldest conglomerates is transforming for the modern age. Akshat shares his personal journey from a decade in management consulting to leading major operating businesses in healthcare and manufacturing.

If you are interested in business strategy, how large groups manage synergies, or want career advice on making the leap to the C-suite, this conversation is for you. We also discuss the massive rebranding of HIL to Birla Nu and the future of sustainable construction in India.

Key takeaways

 


The Quality Litmus Tests: Akshat uses the "Family Test" for healthcare (treat patients like family) and the "Home Test" for manufacturing (make products you'd use in your own home) to ensure excellence .


From Consultant to CEO: The transition requires shifting from pure strategy to execution—specifically the ability to build businesses from scratch (0-100) and scale mature ones (100-1000) .


Rebranding HIL to Birla Nu: The rename wasn't just cosmetic; it signals a strategic shift to connect with modern consumers who demand technology and sustainability .


Conglomerate Strategy: The CK Birla Group operates on professional management where individual CEOs run companies, bound together by shared values rather than micromanagement .


Sustainability is Essential: Green manufacturing is no longer a differentiator but a "hygiene factor" necessary to compete in global markets like Europe and the US .


Hiring Checklist: For leadership roles, Akshat prioritizes three traits: Hunger for growth, Ownership of the business, and Culture Match .

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Akshat Seth, MD &amp; CEO of Birla Nu. They deep dive into the 170-year legacy of the CK Birla Group and how one of India's oldest conglomerates is transforming for the modern age. Akshat shares his personal journey from a decade in management consulting to leading major operating businesses in healthcare and manufacturing.
If you are interested in business strategy, how large groups manage synergies, or want career advice on making the leap to the C-suite, this conversation is for you. We also discuss the massive rebranding of HIL to Birla Nu and the future of sustainable construction in India.
Key takeaways
&nbsp;
<ul data-indent-level="1">
<li>
The Quality Litmus Tests: Akshat uses the "Family Test" for healthcare (treat patients like family) and the "Home Test" for manufacturing (make products you'd use in your own home) to ensure excellence .
</li>
<li>
From Consultant to CEO: The transition requires shifting from pure strategy to execution&mdash;specifically the ability to build businesses from scratch (0-100) and scale mature ones (100-1000) .
</li>
<li>
Rebranding HIL to Birla Nu: The rename wasn't just cosmetic; it signals a strategic shift to connect with modern consumers who demand technology and sustainability .
</li>
<li>
Conglomerate Strategy: The CK Birla Group operates on professional management where individual CEOs run companies, bound together by shared values rather than micromanagement .
</li>
<li>
Sustainability is Essential: Green manufacturing is no longer a differentiator but a "hygiene factor" necessary to compete in global markets like Europe and the US .
</li>
<li>
Hiring Checklist: For leadership roles, Akshat prioritizes three traits: Hunger for growth, Ownership of the business, and Culture Match .
</li>
</ul>

Inside the CK Birla Group: Managing 35,000 Employees Across Diverse Industries

Did you know that the addictive McDonald's Piri Piri mix or the Sour Cream & Onion flavor of Balaji Wafers were created by the man sitting in this chair? 🍟😲

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Ajay Mariwala, the visionary behind VKL Seasonings and Food Service India (FSIPL). Ajay is the "Secret Sauce" of the Indian food industry—literally! He shares the untold story of how his team beat global multinationals by a "mile and a half" to become India's #1 seasoning company.

From flying to Valsad to pitch a new flavor to the owners of Balaji Wafers to turning his mother's pickle recipe into ITC Bingo’s iconic Achari Masti, Ajay reveals exactly how billion-dollar flavors are invented.

We also dive deep into the brutal reality of the restaurant business. If you dream of opening a cafe, you need to hear Ajay’s "Head vs. Heart" advice , why 35% is the magic number for food costs , and the unique "Toilet Test" you must do before buying a franchise.

Takeaways


The Creator of Icons: Ajay’s team is responsible for creating the McDonald’s Piri Piri mix and Balaji Wafers’ Sour Cream & Onion flavor, beating global competitors.


The QSR Golden Ratio: For a Quick Service Restaurant to be viable, food costs must stay between 33-35%. Rent should always be the second highest cost, not the first.


Head Over Heart: Don't open a restaurant just because you love food. You need a 24-month cash runway because most restaurants fail in the first 9 months due to quality inconsistency.


The "Toilet Test": The best way to judge a franchise's operational discipline isn't the food—it's the hygiene. If the toilet is clean, the kitchen is likely clean too.


The Tier-2 Opportunity: Expansion in major metros (Mumbai/Delhi) is slowing due to high rents and saturation. The real ROI is now in Tier 2/3 cities where rents are 8-12% (vs. 15-20% in metros).

From decoding your personal finances to demystifying business models, Paisa Vaisa delivers candid, insightful, and jargon-free conversations.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana & more 
Watch full episodes right here on YouTube 
Explore more at ivmpodcasts.com 

Connect with Anupam Gupta: 
Twitter: @b50 
Instagram: @b_50 
LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta 

Follow IVM Podcasts 
We’re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Did you know that the addictive McDonald's Piri Piri mix or the Sour Cream &amp; Onion flavor of Balaji Wafers were created by the man sitting in this chair? 🍟😲
In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Ajay Mariwala, the visionary behind VKL Seasonings and Food Service India (FSIPL). Ajay is the "Secret Sauce" of the Indian food industry&mdash;literally! He shares the untold story of how his team beat global multinationals by a "mile and a half" to become India's #1 seasoning company.
From flying to Valsad to pitch a new flavor to the owners of Balaji Wafers to turning his mother's pickle recipe into ITC Bingo&rsquo;s iconic Achari Masti, Ajay reveals exactly how billion-dollar flavors are invented.
We also dive deep into the brutal reality of the restaurant business. If you dream of opening a cafe, you need to hear Ajay&rsquo;s "Head vs. Heart" advice , why 35% is the magic number for food costs , and the unique "Toilet Test" you must do before buying a franchise.
Takeaways
<ol data-indent-level="1">
<li>
The Creator of Icons: Ajay&rsquo;s team is responsible for creating the McDonald&rsquo;s Piri Piri mix and Balaji Wafers&rsquo; Sour Cream &amp; Onion flavor, beating global competitors.
</li>
<li>
The QSR Golden Ratio: For a Quick Service Restaurant to be viable, food costs must stay between 33-35%. Rent should always be the second highest cost, not the first.
</li>
<li>
Head Over Heart: Don't open a restaurant just because you love food. You need a 24-month cash runway because most restaurants fail in the first 9 months due to quality inconsistency.
</li>
<li>
The "Toilet Test": The best way to judge a franchise's operational discipline isn't the food&mdash;it's the hygiene. If the toilet is clean, the kitchen is likely clean too.
</li>
<li>
The Tier-2 Opportunity: Expansion in major metros (Mumbai/Delhi) is slowing due to high rents and saturation. The real ROI is now in Tier 2/3 cities where rents are 8-12% (vs. 15-20% in metros). From decoding your personal finances to demystifying business models, Paisa Vaisa delivers candid, insightful, and jargon-free conversations. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana &amp; more Watch full episodes right here on YouTube Explore more at ivmpodcasts.com Connect with Anupam Gupta: Twitter: @b50 Instagram: @b_50 LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta Follow IVM Podcasts We&rsquo;re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter &amp; Instagram
</li>
</ol>

How to Start a Food Business in 2025-26: Franchise vs. Own Brand | Ajay Mariwala | Anupam Gupta | Paisa Vaisa

Anupam Gupta and Vishal Bhargava dive deep into selecting the right property. Vishal explains why apartments should have a minimum of 650 sq ft carpet area for a 2BHK and warns against the deceit of sample flats (no doors, small beds). They expose the Amenity Illusion (swimming pools are "item numbers") and the low quality of construction from branded developers, who often prioritize timely delivery over quality. They discuss Bombay's enduring strength (waterfront, 24/7 energy) versus the "race to the bottom" in Gurgaon, and the extreme tenant profiling happening in markets like Bangalore. Don't fall for the "inventory of choice" fear—there is always supply, so Don't Rush! #MumbaiRealEstate #PropertySelection #BuilderQuality

Takeaways-


1. Rule of 35 & 5-20-30-40: Buy a house only after 35, following the 5x annual income, 20-year loan max, 30% down payment, 40% EMI limit rules.


2. Location vs. Address: Prioritize a good Location (e.g., Dharavi connectivity) over a vanity Address (Pali Hill), as location eventually becomes the address.


3. Builder Due Diligence: Check the builder's delivery history and the interest rate their lender charges to assess risk.


4. Property Specs: Aim for a minimum 650 sq ft carpet area for a 2BHK and beware of deceptive sample flat tricks (small beds, no doors).


5. Investment Strategy: For aggressive investment, bet on migration to convert a "bad address" (good location) into a "respectable address."


6. Small Ticket Investment: REITs are preferred over Fractional Ownership due to liquidity, despite REITs offering less asset-specific focus.

Anupam Gupta and Vishal Bhargava dive deep into selecting the right property. Vishal explains why apartments should have a minimum of 650 sq ft carpet area for a 2BHK and warns against the deceit of sample flats (no doors, small beds). They expose the Amenity Illusion (swimming pools are "item numbers") and the low quality of construction from branded developers, who often prioritize timely delivery over quality. They discuss Bombay's enduring strength (waterfront, 24/7 energy) versus the "race to the bottom" in Gurgaon, and the extreme tenant profiling happening in markets like Bangalore. Don't fall for the "inventory of choice" fear&mdash;there is always supply, so Don't Rush! #MumbaiRealEstate #PropertySelection #BuilderQuality
Takeaways-
<ul data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="bulletList" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
<li data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="listItem" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
1. Rule of 35 &amp; 5-20-30-40: Buy a house only after 35, following the 5x annual income, 20-year loan max, 30% down payment, 40% EMI limit rules.
</li>
<li data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="listItem" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
2. Location vs. Address: Prioritize a good Location (e.g., Dharavi connectivity) over a vanity Address (Pali Hill), as location eventually becomes the address.
</li>
<li data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="listItem" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
3. Builder Due Diligence: Check the builder's delivery history and the interest rate their lender charges to assess risk.
</li>
<li data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="listItem" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
4. Property Specs: Aim for a minimum 650 sq ft carpet area for a 2BHK and beware of deceptive sample flat tricks (small beds, no doors).
</li>
<li data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="listItem" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
5. Investment Strategy: For aggressive investment, bet on migration to convert a "bad address" (good location) into a "respectable address."
</li>
<li data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="listItem" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
6. Small Ticket Investment: REITs are preferred over Fractional Ownership due to liquidity, despite REITs offering less asset-specific focus.
</li>
</ul>

Beyond Quarterly Results: The Financial Discipline Required to Build a 30-Year Retail Platform | Paisa Vaisa | Anupam Gupta

Paisa Vaisa with Anupam Gupta

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Paisa Vaisa with Anupam Gupta

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