One of the most talked-about interviews in the Indian startup scene is the recent edition of Raj Shamani’s “Figuring Out” podcast, which featured Deepinder Goyal, the founder and CEO of Zomato (now parent company Eternal). Raj Shamani’s questions, which are rarely probed by mainstream media, traditional journalists, or even business reporters, were what really set this episode apart.

Here, we analyze the unusual, audacious, and viral questions Raj Shamani posed to Goyal—questions that no one else had the courage to pose—as well as the subsequent disclosures.

Related: What Raj Shamani Asked That No One Else Ever Asked Deepinder Goyal

Goyal disclosed that his desire to be respected and heard was what first inspired him to launch a business rather than fame or wealth. He once claimed that he founded Zomato in order to rise to a position in society where he could finally be heard.

Lesson: Purpose fuels persistence — if you start for a deeper reason, you’re more likely to endure the tough times.

According to Deepinder, Zomato doesn’t worry over quarterly or annual targets, which goes against conventional business ideology. Rather, it thrives on a culture of extreme trust and mission obsession.

Lesson: Strategic flexibility can beat rigid goal-setting in fast-moving startups.

Goyal’s presentation of his “gravity aging” hypothesis and the brain-monitoring device Temple, which he is personally testing, was one of the most talked-about parts of the podcast. This is a sign of his belief in investigating novel concepts.

Lesson: Don’t be afraid to explore ideas that others may initially dismiss — innovation often begins at the edge of conventional thinking.

Being a leader isn’t always enjoyable. Goyal candidly discussed how he had to ask Blinkit’s CEO to resign twice following the company’s acquisition, highlighting a difficult but essential choice to match leadership with business strategy.

Lesson: True leaders make difficult calls, even when they affect friendships or face public scrutiny.

Goyal talked on his personal hardships, such as being teased as a child because of his skin tone and stammer. He discovered how to accept discomfort and keep going in spite of these early disappointments.

Lesson: Personal adversities often shape the resilience required to succeed as a founder.

In an open statement, Goyal emphasized that businesses cannot be developed with a 9–5 attitude; instead, they need leaders and core team members to be fully committed and urgent.

Lesson: Expectation alignment is critical — not everyone fits the founder mindset.

The podcast tackled difficult subjects head-on. Goyal discussed Zomato’s high gig worker turnover, disclosing that 5,000 delivery partners are fired each month for fraud or poor performance.

Lesson: Transparency builds trust — even about difficult operational truths.

Goyal made news when he acknowledged rivals like Swiggy and even made light of Zepto’s “quirky marketing,” pointing out that several former Zomato employees now manage rival teams.

Lesson: Respect your competition — and remember that talent movement fuels industry evolution.

Goyal’s leadership philosophy of pushing high-potential people to “rock bottom” in order to unlock their real potential—even if it occasionally means harming them in the process—was one of the most contentious discoveries.

Lesson: Extreme honesty can drive innovation, but empathetic leadership should balance bold expectations with human care.

Deepinder acknowledged that his stammer made the podcast difficult, but he still decided to participate, showing that pain and vulnerability can be effective teaching tools.

Lesson: Growth begins at the edge of discomfort — leaders move forward despite fear.

The Raj Shamani podcast with Deepinder Goyal was more than simply a business conversation; it was a master lecture on leadership sincerity, tenacity, and truth. Every entrepreneur should listen to (and rewatch) Goyal’s talk, which covers everything from facing personal insecurities to making difficult business decisions. These teachings have practical applications that go well beyond India’s food delivery industry, whether you’re starting a business or managing a team.