Many of us are sleepscrolling through life. We have big dreams but for some reason, have given up on them. It might be laziness or ennui or procrastination or addiction to our gadgets. We are looking for a jolt to wake us up, much like a strong cup of coffee.
Some conversations can do the same. They jolt us out of our humdrum existence.
Bangalore has a practice of 'by two' culture where two people share a cup of coffee.
The name of the podcast is a tribute to that.
What makes someone a good storyteller, a term thrown around loosely these days? And why do so many of us become terrible storytellers the moment we open PowerPoint?
I sit down with Sachin Bhandary of The StoryCo. for what was supposed to be an hour and became a two-hour conversation about storytelling, careers, travel, serendipity, AI and Mysuru.
Sachin's own story is anything but linear. From growing up between New Bombay and Udupi, to walking away from a corporate career and travelling across 14 countries over 18 months, and choosing to settle down in relatively quiet Mysuru, the episode traverses multiple paths.
Like I told Sachin at the end of the episode - whenever a recording runs over the time limit, I know it's a good one.
3 Oct 2025
Writing the rookie handbook with Pawan Kumar Marella
Key takeaways:
Backstories shape choices
His father’s failed businesses made him crave stability, while others chase variety to make up for their parents’ steady lives. Our career choices are never random.
Luck and serendipity matter
We often underplay how much timing, mentors, and chance encounters influence a career. Success is not only about effort.
Everyone wears masks
At work, most people pretend to have it figured out. Realising this makes it easier to drop the act and have honest conversations.
Rookie mistakes: health and permission
He neglected his health early on and is still paying for it. He also waited too long for permission, instead of taking initiative.
Bosses and structures aren’t chosen
You don’t pick your parents or your bosses. Surviving and thriving means learning to adapt to hierarchies and seeing the bigger picture.
Difficult people vs difficult situations
Many struggles at work come from context, not individuals. Diagnose the difference, understand values, and if needed, act as a collective.
One-liners to remember
“Don’t come to a football match and play tennis” (adapt to the system you are in) and “The person you miss saying hello to will be a roadblock later on” (relationships matter).
Three-year detox
He went on a complete digital detox — no TV, no social media — for three years. It helped him reconnect deeply with his wife and with life offline.
It’s not about hot jobs
His wife Ruchi’s insight: “There are no hot jobs, only hot people.” Culture and colleagues matter more than perks or branding.
What matters most
He’d choose to have coffee with his late father. A reminder not to put off time with loved ones.
30 Sept 2025
Episode 15 - So, you're a rookie with Pawan Kumar Marella
Some key takeaways from this episode:
Backstories shape choices – Career decisions often reflect family influences; stability or risk-taking can stem from what we’ve seen at home.
Luck matters – Beyond effort and talent, serendipity, mentors, and timing play a big role in shaping careers.
We all wear masks at work – Everyone seems sorted, but most are figuring it out. Honest conversations are rare, but vital.
Health isn’t optional – Neglecting well-being early in a career can have lasting costs. Prioritising health is now part of workplace wisdom.
Stop waiting for permission – Initiative doesn’t come from approval. If you wait too long, waiting becomes the habit.
People vs. situations – Differentiate between dealing with a difficult colleague and a difficult context. The response is very different.
Corporate paradox – Workplaces preach teamwork but reward individual performance. Success comes from understanding the larger system you’re part of.
Relationships are everything – A simple hello can prevent roadblocks later. Acknowledgment is one of the most powerful tools at work.
Detox from noise – Marella’s three-year social media retreat highlights the value of focus, presence, and deeper human connections.
It’s about people, not perks – There are no “hot jobs,” only people who bring fire to what they do. Culture and energy come from people, not glossy benefits.
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
14
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
30
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