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Jun 2026

Being a Leader – The Journey of Dr. Tathagat Varma

This is a conversation I had been waiting to record for many years. Finally, I recorded it on a wintry Sunday evening, 15 February 2026. However, it took me quite a long time to edit and publish it.

I have known Dr. Tathagat Varma for many years. He was the person who inspired me to start sharing my knowledge, which eventually led me into content creation. His passion for learning is truly infectious.

The qualities I admire most in him are his humility and confidence, and his clarity of thought, yet openness to being challenged. Most importantly, he is very approachable, and the conversations I have had with him over the years have helped me make some important decisions in my life.

Unlike many of his other podcast appearances, in this episode, he shares his personal journey, the influences that shaped him, and the life experiences that helped develop his leadership qualities.

I hope you enjoy this episode. Please feel free to share your comments and feedback.

Being a Leader — In Conversation with Dr Tathagat Varma PhD
Podcast Episode · The Bystander Podcast · May 31 · 2h
Apple Podcasts
Being a Leader — In Conversation with Dr Tathagat Varma PhD
Being a Leader — In Conversation with Dr Tathagat Varma Hosted by Raghavendra Mithare, PCC What does it mean to lead from the inside out, when the world around you is in constant flux? In this reflective conversation, Dr Tathagat Varma traces a journey shaped by continents crossed, disciplines bridged, and a remarkable expedition to Antarctica. Together, we explore how formative experiences, from childhood curiosity to confronting the edges of the known world, quietly build the foundations of who we become as leaders. The conversation moves through the terrain of resilience, decision-making under uncertainty, purposeful growth, and the inner compass that keeps us anchored when external certainty runs out. Dr Varma’s stories carry something rare: the kind of wisdom that is lived, not borrowed. Life doesn’t just happen to leaders. It shapes them. The question is whether we are paying attention. I learned a great deal in this conversation. One phrase in particular stayed with me: “Deserve before you desire.” Simple, but it reframes everything about how we show up as leaders. We also explored what it means to lead from not-knowing, holding ambiguity not as a weakness but as an invitation to stay curious and stay honest. A thoughtful conversation for leaders, professionals, and anyone on the journey of understanding how life, in all its complexity, shapes the people we are becoming. I hope you enjoy it.
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