Brain Box Gurukul

Hi Reader, In a world where everyone’s building something, talking about everything, and trying to be everywhere — the ones who stand out are remembered for just one thing. Not five, not three. One. So I’ll ask you what I’ve asked myself multiple times over the years: What’s your One Thing? The Mental Bias We All Have: Cognitive Hooking Humans are wired to slot people into “buckets.” It’s how we reduce complexity. When someone sees your profile or listens to your podcast, they’re not thinking...

Hi Reader, In the crowded, fast-paced world of modern marketing, one principle has stood the test of time: "The Rule of 7". This concept suggests that a potential client needs at least seven meaningful interactions or “touch points” with a brand before they are ready to make a purchase or take a significant action. The number seven is not arbitrary. George Miller’s 1956 paper “The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two,” argued that the average human working memory can hold 7 ± 2 items at a...

Hi Reader, After 2 decades of corporates, startups & founding businesses, the most common misconception about leadership is that it’s the title (or designation) that grants you command. But if you’ve ever worked with real leaders, you know that true authority is rarely assigned. It is inferred. It is felt. And it is almost always earned through conduct. This was the singular insight that resonated deeply with me when I interviewed Dulles Krishnan on Brain Box - The Leadership Podcast, voted...

Hi Reader, What happens when a global giant tries to “fix” what isn’t broken? Many of you may not be aware - but in 1985, Coca-Cola made a bold move to reinvent its iconic drink based on taste tests.. and it backfired spectacularly! This is a masterclass in the power of emotional branding, customer loyalty, and the dangers of ignoring your audience. Remember, as a founder YOU WILL PIVOT.. but it's always a strategic decision. The Bold Gamble That Shocked America In the early 1980s, Coca-Cola...

Hi Reader, We've been sharing newsletter-exclusives from our launch this year. In addition to free Perplexity Pro licenses, exclusive discounts.. today we are sharing a "FREE 9-step LinkedIn Audit Framework" that we've personally used for 40+ clients, which have eventually got them over 1 Billion engagements (yes, with a B!). Here’s the reality:People decide in under 6 seconds whether you’re worth following. This isn't fluff. It's just what works in 2025. Do You Want The Framework? Oh......

Hi Reader, Only humans make mistakes. I've made a whole tonne of them. Before I get to my biggest "branding mistake", here's a near-miss! September 2021: After successfully exiting my 15-franchise mobile refurbishing chain, I didn't quite know "What Next?" I'm a huge Gary V fan & he was recommending everyone to start a podcast. I knew the criticality of a brand (we built 3 in the past 3-1/2 years), so I was keen on tapping into distribution. I bounced this idea off my co-founder, wife & best...

Hi Reader, Are you thinking "What the hell's Saratoga Water?" You're not alone. On February 6th, hardly anyone had even heard of them - but after fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s viral morning routine video and amassing a billion views, many people now know the premium bottled water brand. Unprecedented Business Impact The viral moment has had tangible effects on Saratoga Water’s visibility and sales. Google searches for the brand surged by an astonishing 1,379%, while its parent company,...

Hi Reader In the dynamic realm of social media, short-form video content has become a dominant force, captivating audiences with bite-sized entertainment and information. Platforms like TikTok revolutionized the landscape with snappy, engaging videos that captivated audiences worldwide. However, a notable shift is underway. There's a major shift from bite-sized clips (30 to 60-seconds) to more substantial three-minute narratives. This transition is evident across major platforms —YouTube...

Hi Reader In the fast-paced world of startups, resilience is often celebrated. Being a 4x founder, I can vouch that founders are encouraged to “never give up,” “push through adversity,” and “keep going no matter what.” But what if perseverance is actually holding you back? Enter the Dead Horse Theory—a concept that every entrepreneur, founder, and leader must understand to avoid sinking time, energy, and resources into a lost cause. What is the Dead Horse Theory? The Dead Horse Theory is a...