In this special episode of Decoded, we sit down with the incredibly accomplished Shiv Mohan Dutt—former Head Boy of Vasant Valley School (2007), Princeton Math graduate, Wall Street veteran, and serial tech entrepreneur.

They dive deep into Shiv's journey from the trading floors of Goldman Sachs to launching startups across the U.S. and India. From burning out in finance to building platforms like MeaVana and Yap Media, Shiv shares the real highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

Topics covered:

- Life at Princeton and on Wall Street

- Why he left high finance to build something meaningful

- What no one tells you about launching a startup

- India vs. the West: where is tech heading next?

- Smart investing for Gen Z

- One bold prediction for the future

- Advice for anyone figuring out life, money, or career

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to leave a high-paying job to chase a dream—or just want a no-BS view into India’s booming tech world—this episode is for you.

In this episode of Decoded, Akshat Bhaskar and Amaira Akbar explore international marketing, financial planning, and global trade with Soumitra Mookherjee, an industry veteran with deep expertise in strategy and economics.

We discuss pivotal moments where marketing strategies had to be restructured due to cultural and regulatory challenges, the balance between global brand consistency and local adaptation, and the role of digital platforms in reshaping traditional marketing.

On the financial front, we dive into critical investment decisions, market forecasting, and ESG integration, uncovering how mutual funds, sector analysis, and debt evaluations influence financial strategies. We also tackle export-import complexities, the impact of free trade agreements, and how AI and blockchain are transforming global trade efficiency.

Through personal reflections, Soumitra shares insights into career-defining decisions, global economic trends, and lessons learned from decades in business.

Join us for a conversation packed with real-world experiences, strategic insights, and financial wisdom, offering valuable takeaways for professionals navigating international markets.