Are Indian workplaces designed to support employee well-being? In this episode, I sit down with two close friends and passionate advocates, Bala Swaminathan and Ritu G. Mehrish, who are dedicated to rethinking corporate culture. Bala shares the heartbreaking events that pushed him to speak out on workplace stress and ethics, drawing on decades of experience in the Big Four. Ritu, an author and coach, brings her insights on mental health challenges facing today’s leaders. Together, we discuss how leaders can create workplaces where well-being is genuinely prioritized. Join us for this heartfelt and necessary conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Can we create workplaces where well-being thrives?
(01:00) The shocking story that pushed Bala to speak up
(02:30) Ritu’s insight: What corporate leaders are still missing
(03:30) Can workplace success coexist with mental health?
(04:30) The untold truth about mental abuse in the corporate world
(06:30) How the “no” boundary could change work culture
(14:00) Is hybrid work truly the best of both worlds?
(17:00) What does it mean for leaders to “walk the talk”?
(19:00) Why nostalgia makes us forget what needs to change
(24:00) The surprising connection between well-being and visibility

Ritu G. Mehrish
Ritu G. Mehrish is an executive coach and speaker with twenty years of corporate experience in companies such as Procter & Gamble, GE Capital and its spin-off, Genpact. Throughout her career, she has worked with, coached and conversed with leaders from diverse industries across the globe.
https://www.ritumehrish.com/

Bala Swaminathan
Bala Swaminathan is the Founder and CEO of a regulated fund management and wealth advisory business in Singapore, focusing on credit opportunities and advising accredited investors on their investment portfolio. He is also an investor in early-stage companies. With almost two decades of banking experience in Asia, Bala has a proven track record in building regional businesses and deep expertise in risk management. Prior to his current venture, Bala was Westpac Banking Corporation’s CEO of International Business Division between 2012 and 2018 with overall responsibility for Westpac’s operations in Asia, Europe & America, growing the Bank’s footprint and supporting Westpacs international customers. Bala was part of the Bank’s global leadership team in Sydney and built robust relationships with regulators and financial institutions in Australia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. He worked very closely with Australian companies doing business in Asia, as well as large companies expanding into Asia. Bala was closely involved with Australian and Chinese regulators to get Westpac an approval to trade AUD / RMB. He worked closely with the Australian High Commission in advocating for trade in Asia, and was a regular speaker at conferences in Australia, and he continues to maintain a strong relationship with large Australian banks.

Prantik Mazumdar
President, TiE Singapore | Ex-Dentsu & Happy Marketer | Venture Investor
Prantik Mazumdar is a respected entrepreneur, venture investor, and digital transformation catalyst, currently serving as President of TiE Singapore, where he supports and mentors startups across the region. As the co-founder of Happy Marketer, he built one of APAC’s most awarded digital marketing firms, leading to its acquisition by Merkle, part of Dentsu International. At Dentsu Singapore, he served as Managing Director, driving CRM, analytics, and marketing automation for global brands. Now, Prantik continues to shape the digital landscape through venture investments and by helping businesses navigate transformation and sustainable growth.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/prantikmazumdar/

ABOUT TiE Talks
TiE Talks brings to you leadership and venture-building lessons from founders, investors and experts in the TiE Singapore network, a vibrant ecosystem of Asian entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, and industry professionals.

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