Former CEO of Gillette Tells Shantanu How To Beat Them

Former CEO of Gillette Tells Shantanu How To Beat Them

Author: The BarberShop with Shantanu January 31, 2025 Duration: 2:13:12

In this episode, Shantanu is clearly thrilled to welcome back Shantanu Khosla, the former MD of Procter & Gamble, back to the Barbershop. This one is a masterclass for all consumer brands in India!

There’s so much wisdom in Shantanu Khosla’s words, that of course comes with his fair share of experience in brand building across the globe. He talks candidly about new channels and technologies that are emerging, and how all it takes for a brand to be a hit in front of the masses is an idea that sticks.

This time, the conversation is even more exciting, as they’re joined by a curious live audience, ready with their hard questions.

From this episode you will learn about the latest consumer trends, the magic behind viral marketing strategies and most importantly how to build and distribute a product of your own in the consumer space.

And here’s the twist—sir Khosla has some great advice for Shantanu on how he could beat Gillette and that is something you don’t want to miss!

We hope you love this conversation and learn something that will be super actionable for your entrepreneurial journey.

Drop your takeaways in the comments if any of this advice worked for you! And if you’d like to be a part of the live audience for the next shoot, drop and comment and fill this form - https://bit.ly/3WEZpHf

Navigate your journey through this conversation:

00:00 Coming up

01:20 Podcast summary

02:08 Economic Insights on India

08:12 The Impact of Technological Change

13:10 Key Conditions for Brand Success

23:38 Challenges in Brand Expansion

26:50 The Future of Brands in a Changing Market

34:30 Evolving Consumer Expectations

38:02 Importance of Authentic Communication

43:30 Timeless Marketing Ideas

44:59 Marketing and Advertising

47:50 Atlanta Braves Baseball Case Study

50:00 What Customers Want

52:11 Gillette's advice to Bombay Shaving Company

59:16 Need-Based Segmentation in Marketing

01:06:58 Adapting to Market Changes

01:12:38 How to Build a Successful Career

01:33:05 What matters more: Quality or Pricing

01:38:18 Word of Mouth Marketing

01:46:10 Strategies for Entering Tier 2 and Tier 3 Markets

01:51:58 Alternate career for Shantanu Khosla

01:54:22 Importance of Execution in Marketing

01:58:15 Challenges in Launching New Products in Established Markets

02:07:11 Career Paths: Corporate vs. Startups


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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