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Journalism of Courage
Chef Gauri Kaushish, a contestant on Shark Tank India Season 4, recently spoke about her challenging experience during her pitch on the show.
The founder of Confect, a brand offering baking materials for cakes such as fondant and other consumable accessories, encountered significant challenges during her pitch. She specifically called out judges Vineeta Singh and Anupam Mittal for “not listening but just putting forward their narrative.”
Reflecting on the moment, Kaushish told SCREEN, “It was one of a kind experience. Every entrepreneur must go through this journey with Shark Tank. It’s not about just being in the tank but the entire process. I believe I have come out as a much better version of myself after this experience. It was great to meet other entrepreneurs. We usually get so isolated due to our work that we forget the outside world. Getting into this was one of the best decisions I made in my life.”
When asked about the grilling and cross-questioning she had to endure on the show, Kaushish said, “In the first 3 minutes in the tank, you have absolute freedom to talk, but post that it’s a frenzy. I felt it was a feeding frenzy because I was not able to complete a single sentence or put my point across before getting interrupted by the sharks. Honestly, that is one of my pet peeves. At some point, I just felt that they were not listening but just putting forward their narrative or little understanding of the industry.”
She added, “Speaking from my experience, I felt they were not interested in the business or it was a commodity or a category that didn’t intrigue them. They were a little dismissive. They wanted to say something for the heck of saying it. They didn’t give me a chance to put forward any valid points.”
She revealed how not a single figure, aside from her turnover, was discussed during the episode. “Right from the time I entered the tank, Vineeta just went after me. When I showed the cake and said it was a disaster, she said, ‘Theek toh hai.’ I was like are you for real. I was just not understanding how they were not seeing what I was seeing. Similarly, when Anupam said it was my nature to do something different every few years, he gave it a completely different connotation. He found a hook and went with it,” Kaushish stated.
While maintaining composure under pressure is crucial for making a strong impression, it’s not always easy when the dynamics become tense or one-sided. Gauri’s experience resonates with many who have faced similar challenges, raising questions about how to stay confident and calm in such moments.
Gurleen Baruah, organizational psychologist and executive coach at That Culture Thing mentions, “It’s natural to feel nervous before high-pressure situations like interviews, pitches, or public speaking. That nervousness often stems from the anticipation and importance we attach to these moments. However, with the right mindset, it’s possible to approach them with a sense of calm and control.”
She suggests, “Start by reminding yourself of your ultimate goal. Why are you doing this? What’s the bigger picture? Remembering your purpose can help you stay grounded and focused, even when emotions run high. Instead of trying to eliminate nervousness, acknowledge it — it’s a sign that you care about the outcome. Use that energy as motivation to deliver your best effort.”
It’s also helpful to mentally prepare for differing opinions, notes Baruah. Not everyone will agree with you or see things from your perspective, and that’s perfectly okay. Instead of seeking approval from everyone, focus on presenting your thoughts clearly and confidently. “Remember, strong personalities or biases from others are beyond your control. What you can control is your preparation, your tone, and your delivery. Centering your attention on these aspects can make a significant difference,” the psychologist says.
“Finally, accept that no one is perfect, which makes us human. Even if everything doesn’t go as planned, reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can improve for the next opportunity,” she adds.
