She Left a Corporate Job in 1984 to Serve Millions And Never Looked Back

Guest Introduction: Smt. Geeta Gunde

What does it take to walk away from a successful career at the height of it — not for another job, not for more money — but for a calling? Today's guest did exactly that. Smt. Geeta Gunde holds an M.Sc. in Chemistry and spent twelve years as a Production Officer at Glaxo — building expertise, earning respect, and doing everything right. And then, in 1984, she made a decision that would define the rest of her life. She left it all behind to pursue social work full-time. That bold step eventually led her to become a founding member of Bharatiya Stree Shakti — an organisation dedicated to empowering women across India through education, economic independence, health, and self-respect. Decades later, affectionately known as Geetatai, she remains one of the most respected voices in women's empowerment in the country. She is proof that the most powerful thing a woman can build isn't a career — it's a movement. (00:00) Teaser: A Life Built on Purpose

(01:00) Welcome to Business of Building

(01:25) Introducing Today's Guest

(03:06) The Beginning: From Campus Activism to a Calling

(05:00) Redefining "Career" — It's Not Just a Paycheck

(06:22) Why She Couldn't Do Both: The Time Constraint

(07:11) The Progressive Unfoldment — No Single Turning Point

(08:09) Family, Marriage & The Road Less Taken

(09:18) How to Know What You Truly Want

(10:32) The People Who Shaped Her Journey

(11:19) On Nationalism: What It Really Means

(12:40) Are Humans Tribal by Nature?

(13:09) The Human Need for Community & Support

(15:27) Making the Bold Decision: Leaving Stability Behind

(16:30) Women's Empowerment Is Not Separate from Society

(17:04) A Philosophy of Interconnection & Gratitude

(20:06) Complementary, Not Compromising

(20:33) Why Women's Issues Are Society's Issues

(22:40) Who Is Responsible? Changing the Mindset on Safety

(25:15) Equity Over Equality

(25:50) The Role of Motherhood & Nature's Design

(29:10) The Systemic Support Women Need to Re-enter Work

(31:00) Did She Ever Have Regrets or Difficult Times?

(31:39) Leading People: Beyond Communication

(32:18) Understanding People's Real Barriers

(35:38) Paying It Forward: The Ripple Effect of Kindness

(38:02) The Unsung Heroes: Stories That Touched Her Heart

(39:25) A 15-Year-Old Girl Who Walked 5 Days Through Jungle

(43:35) The Cancer Patient Who Never Forgot

(44:10) The Biggest Risk She Ever Took (A First-of-its-Kind Answer)

(44:42) Closing Thoughts & Thank You

Business of Building celebrates the normal and the regular; the inspiring risk taker; the dreamer in all of us and hear from those who have walked the path before us and dared to dream. We will hear their journey, their stories, and what they learned along the way.

So please subscribe or follow wherever you get your podcasts, and remember to leave a review so others can find us.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Boutique.

Join us for a powerful conversation between Gauri Lamb and her co-founder and husband, James Lamb, as they open up about the leaps of faith, career shifts, and life defining moments that shaped their journey.

In this episode, they dive into:

• From Pedicab to Purpose – James’ journey began as a pedicab taxi

driver and evolved into co-founding a student storage company for international

students.

• Consulting for Big Retail – He consulted for major retail brands and

gaining a deep understanding of finance and business strategy.

• Finding His Own Path – Despite success, James felt the itch to do something for

himself.

• A Life-Changing Adventure – Taking a break to row across the Atlantic

helped him realise it was time to launch his own venture with clarity, purpose,

and courage. James' story is an honest look at the courage it takes to walk away from comfort, trust your gut, and build a business that aligns with your values.

🎧 Listen now! For a candid, inspiring episode about transformation, teamwork,

and daring to live life on your own terms.

(3) Gauri Talathi- Lamb | LinkedIn

(3) James Lamb | LinkedIn

Join us for an insightful conversation with Nick Johnson who has experience in retail, hospitality and residential sectors. He has contributed to winning competitions and awards throughout his career, both in projects in the UK and overseas. He leads the management team at Johnson Pinney Architects.

In this episode, we explore:

• Managing the business for the wrong reasons- Some people are determined to be in that position “to feel on top of the tree”.
• Leadership- Doing it for the right reasons and fundamentally caring about bringing the next generation through is really important and to create an environment to be as good as it can be as well as culture
• Challenges in SME business – It’s really challenging, Nick and team try to create a competitive package. They give people without experience the exposure to be able to get it, giving them exactly what they need to further they’re career along with bench marking salaries.
• Creating value- As a business leader you have to do the things that other people can’t, or they do not want to. You have to be prepared to pick up from that.
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This episode enlivens one to take the challenge within the business a way to flourish by being surrounded by those who support you rather than push you down.

🎧 Listen now to hear how we can learn a lot from others.

Gauri Talathi- Lamb | LinkedIn

(1) FHP Group: Overview | LinkedIn