2 CEOs vs 2 Gen Zs | The Bridge S1E6: Is Going to College Still Worth It?

2 CEOs vs 2 Gen Zs | The Bridge S1E6: Is Going to College Still Worth It?

Author: The BarberShop with Shantanu June 27, 2025 Duration: 27:05

Is going to college still the best way to succeed, or is it time to rethink the traditional career routes?

In this week’s episode of The Bridge, Shantanu sits down with a diverse group of leaders to explore one of today’s most debated topics: The true value of college education in a fast-evolving world.

On one side, we have seasoned entrepreneurs who have led the way in shaping businesses and brands. Abhijeet Dabas, Executive VP & Business Head at Nykaafashion, and Ankush Grover, Co-Founder & CEO at Rebel Foods, share their insights on how formal education played a role in their success stories and whether it’s still essential in today’s business landscape.

On the other side, we hear from the next generation of leaders: Akansha Padmane, a final-year undergraduate at IIT Bombay, and Vidit Dugar, Chief of Staff at Bombay Shaving Company. They provide a fresh perspective on the evolving role of education, career-building, and how new-age skills and experiences are reshaping what success looks like for Gen Z.

In this episode, we dive into:

  • Is a degree still essential for career success, or is it a barrier?
  • How are Gen Zs navigating their educational journeys in a world dominated by digital transformation?
  • The rise of alternative career pathways and the new ways of learning that are gaining momentum.

This conversation challenges the conventional thinking about education and explores what the future of learning looks like for the next generation. Don’t miss this compelling discussion to truly thrive in today’s competitive world!


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

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