Confessions of a Podcast Host: 3 Blunders, 3 Leaders, 1 Grateful Heart
Lights ✅
Mic ✅
Prep ✅
Hit Record ❌
Yes, it happened. Not once, but twice. 😅
Story #1: My “Superboss” Moment
When Shubhayu Sengupta—yes, my boss’s boss from my corporate days—graced my podcast, I was over the moon. I introduced him with all the enthusiasm in the world… and relaxed as he began speaking.
That’s when my eyes slowly drifted down to the screen.
🎥 RECORD: OFF.
😱 Facepalm moment of the decade.
I gasped. I apologized.
He smiled, said “No worries,” and we started over. Calm, cool, and kind—that’s leadership.
Story #2: The Grace of Poonam
Poonam Gupta joined the show with the same dignity and warmth. And guess what?
Same blunder. Forgot to hit record.
But instead of frustration, she smiled and said, “Let’s do it again.”
Her grace was humbling.
Story #3: When LinkedIn Misled Me 😬
For our Trio Series pilot, Nidhi Pratapneni was the first to log in, and we got talking. I assumed—based on her LinkedIn—that she was still SVP at Wells Fargo.
So, when I introduced her… proudly saying “SVP at Wells Fargo”… her face froze. 😳
Only later did I realize the expression.
She graciously clarified during her first answer that she had moved on. And laughed it off.
Lesson learned: LinkedIn is not always real-time. Neither is my awareness.
💡 What I’ve learned:
Even with the best prep, blunders happen. But the kindness, maturity, and presence of these leaders turned those moments into memories.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real, respectful, and resilient.
🙏 Grateful for guests who inspire me with their leadership—not just in what they say, but how they respond.
I also admire your open minded approach in seeing these blunders as opportunities to introspect and grow ! Awareness is the key that can open great truths and you are blessed that you have that key !
Thanks v much for your kind comment Harish, Sairam
Ravi – So kind of the leaders to accept it and doing it again for the benefit of larger audience. Hats Off.
The same way, very humble expression from your side makes it more meaningful to understand when everything is done by a single person. Some roles ( Orator, Host and recording)
Thanks much Vishwanath, Now we have a team,with Subramani, Pankaj and Nidhi taking off a lot of load!
Its a good platform to bring the Industry experts together and share their insights.
Thanks much Raj
In these days when camera tends to capture a different person altogether for the world, thanks for bringing us true leaders who are forged to the core with the same metal and without a need to toggle between personalities between camera rolling and off!
So true Dan…Wells had/has a lot of such leaders. The next podcast will be exciting, wait for the announcement.
Enjoyed reading this!!!
Your secret for success – RRR — being Real, Respectful and Resilient!!
Thanks much Swetha, you always have the cinematic touch!