2 CEOs vs 2 Gen Zs | The Bridge S1E5: Is Consumerism Improving Our Lives?

2 CEOs vs 2 Gen Zs | The Bridge S1E5: Is Consumerism Improving Our Lives?

Author: The BarberShop with Shantanu June 24, 2025 Duration: 27:11

Is consumerism in India really making our lives better?

Or is it a trend everyone is chasing because of FOMO?

From the latest gadgets to fashion trends, the young generation is bombarded by ads, influencers and social media. But at what cost? Are they even thinking about the consequences of overconsumption?

This week, the roundtable isn’t here to judge, it only unpacks how Gen Z deals with the pressure of staying on top of trends with the mindset of "buy now, pay later".

In the new episode of ‘The Bridge’, Shantanu is joined by Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO, SBFC Finance Ltd) and Damodar Mall [CEO (Grocery Retail), Reliance Retail], two industry veterans who bring their years of experience and wisdom to the table, alongside Gauri Bansal (Strategy Manager, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Spotify) and Avi Anurag (Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company), the next-gen leaders who are unafraid to confront the world head-on.

If you've ever bought something just to feel better or questioned where your money’s going, this episode is for you.

Here’s what went down:

  1. If 70% of iPhones in India are sold on EMI, how do we save for the future or do we even want to?
  2. How social media is amplifying FOMO and fueling consumerism.
  3. Is consumerism a tool for empowerment or a path to more debt?

Now, get ready for a real conversation about how consumerism affects wallets and mental health. This problem is not shopping; it's purchasing decisions that make a difference in your life.

Tune in to hear from both sides of the spectrum, and let us know if you also feel trapped by your own spending habits.

Drop your comments below, and let’s bridge the gap.


Step into a space where business talk feels less like a lecture and more like a conversation happening in the back of a classic barbershop. The BarberShop with Shantanu is built on that exact feeling-a place for honest, meandering, and deeply insightful dialogues about the real journey of building something. Host Shantanu, who founded Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae, doesn't just interview guests; he engages in a form of mutual mentorship, drawing on his own experiences to unpack the stories, struggles, and small victories that define entrepreneurship. Each episode feels like a candid exchange, stripping away the polished veneer often found in business media to explore how ideas actually take root and flourish. You'll hear from a variety of voices navigating their own hustles, with conversations that naturally touch on strategy, personal growth, and the often-overlooked human elements behind the brands. This podcast thrives on the free flow of genuine perspective, offering listeners not just lessons, but a sense of camaraderie. It’s a platform dedicated to growth, framed through storytelling that’s as much about the missteps as the milestones. Tune in for a regular dose of reflection and practical wisdom, all shared with the ease of a good chat.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The BarberShop with Shantanu
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