Deconstructing the Saga: Jatin Modi
In the latest episode of The Career Circus podcast, Jatin Modi - CEO of Renaissance - shared stories from an unusual journey spanning entrepreneurial endeavors in India, Silicon Valley and Lithuania. Yes, Lithuania.
Let’s unpack what made his stories so compelling and engaging.
Setting the Scene
Silicon Valley and Stanford University conjure up images of intelligent young people pushing the boundaries of possibility through tech innovation.
Jatin subverted this premise by sharing a story from his time in Silicon Valley that didn’t conform to the typical Silicon Valley archetype. Instead, he described feeling overwhelmed and inadequate because of the scale of the ambition of Silicon Valley.
“If somebody sold a company for $100 million, they’re sad it’s only $100 million’ it wasn’t a billion.” - Jatin Modi
What made this story more powerful was that Jatin directly linked it to introspection and life’s purpose by questioning whether he wanted to raise a family in Silicon Valley and whether the only purpose of life is to work.
This works partly because over time, almost everyone has come to question deeply held beliefs; about a place, a person, a career, a product or otherwise.
Jatin then quickly pivots to explaining why he’s in Lithuania: because of his wife. This answers the original question: what is an Indian guy doing in Lithuania?
While this element of the story is resolved, a new level of intrigue is added because Jatin explains that he stands out as an Indian in Lithuania because of how homogenous and white the population is.
By then describing Lithuanian’s “deep sense of rootedness to their language, culture and land”, connection to nature and distinct seasons he paints a vivid contrast to the hustle and money-driven culture of Silicon Valley and demonstrates how purpose and happiness can exist outside of money.
Storytelling through history
Jatin’s super power is using historical happenings to describe current events.
And human nature, you know, regardless of what happens external to us, human nature remains constant. - Jatin Modi
He then leverages the adage “show don’t tell” by linking historical figures to today. More specifically he mentions the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and how his Meditations may help us navigate the world around us because we are always plunged in chaos and threat.
This is powerful because it reminds the audience that human nature remains constant throughout the ages and no matter what technological, political or economic forces are shaping the era.
Maturing through business
Jatin later revealed why he changed the name of his company from Frog Ideas to Renaissance.
Rather than say “we’d simply outgrown the name” or “wanted to communicate a different brand” he added specific details that make the story relatable.
Firstly, he mentions that he founded the company in 2012 and until 2018 his company operated in India. This forces listeners to immediately consider where they were in their own life/career journey in 2012 and 2018. It also prompts listeners to recall any international expansion projects they may have worked on.
He then tells a story of maturity: in 2012 the Internet was nascent in India, Frog Ideas “sounded like a cool name” and the .com domain was available.
He then shares the inciting incident: Frog Ideas “expanded scope to work with global B2B companies.” and adds specifics: he’s working with the likes of Schneider Electric and SAP.
Without saying it, he reverts to a feeling of inadequacy by acknowledging that when working with such large European enteprises Frog Ideas seems to lack gravitas.
What makes this even more powerful is that Jatin links this name change to his own personal journey by describing his own deep transformation.
More specifically, Jatin describes maturing as a business owner. When he first started 20 years ago, he aimed to serve the business and optimized his life accordingly.
Then comes a big switch and realization that he’s not supposed to serve the business; rather than business is supposed to serve him, and allow him to help contribute to a version of the world that he wants to see.
He then adds specifics: he doesn’t work 80 hours per week (again a contrast with Silicon Valley culture). And he spends a lot of time thinking and writing which isn’t directly profitable but shows up in how he can serve clients.
Linking the micro to the macro
Jatin connects his maturity as a business owner to a reflection on how business is operating as a whole.
Business and capitalism has reached a stage where its nature has to be reformed - Jatin Modi
Capitalism in its current form is not working for the masses, as evidenced by the popularity of populist politicians in the United States and Europe.
By identifying the need for capitalism to evolve beyond shareholder value and consider societal implications, Jatin acknowledges the pain points and frustration of the audience.
By describing the need for a “renaissance of capitalism” he intelligently links the current state of capitalism to his own business, thereby implicitly (and perhaps subconsciously) indicating that his approach and his business can serve as the antidote to the current state of capitalism.
Describing threats
Jatin doesn’t just decry the state of capitalism, he adds details to explain what he means: U.S. debt is too high and unsustainable, the reserve currency status of the dollar is diminishing, extreme political polarity, massive wealth and income inequality and the post-World War II political and economic order being disrupted by China.
This works because audiences respond to external threats (in this story: China) and can relate to the issues that Jatin is describing as these economic challenges touch everyone, regardless of chosen industry.
Key Factors Making These Stories Compelling
Surprising Contrasts: Jatin creates a sense of intrigue by not buying into Silicon Valley culture and describing his experience as an Indian in Lithuania
Emotional Authenticity: Jatin’s admissions of doubt and struggles invite empathy, turning vulnerability into a strength
Depth and Relatability: By linking current issues to historical arcs, Jatin positions his stories to offer wisdom and connects to what the audience is already familiar with
Universal Resonance: Themes of ambition vs. balance, business ethics, and societal divides are timeless, allowing audiences to project their own experiences with these topics
Embracing Transformation: Stories about changing his business’ name of and switching from a business servitude mindset to a business master mindset demonstrate growth
These factors combine to make Jatin’s stories thought provoking as they reveal deeper truths about living purposefully.
Further Reading
For more from Jatin, check out his Substack which connects empires and culture to modern business.
And for more on what makes for compelling personal storytelling, visit the Deconstructing the Saga newsletter.