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Former McKinsey Partner Sri Kaza Exposes the Brutal Truth About Scale, Profit and Why Founders Fail (#520)

The Deep Wealth Podcast

Hosted by Jeffrey Feldberg

February 25, 2026

Former McKinsey Partner Sri Kaza Exposes the Brutal Truth About Scale, Profit and Why Founders Fail (#520)

Sri joins Jeffrey Feldberg on the Deep Wealth Podcast to challenge conventional business wisdom and explore why small businesses win not by copying corporate playbooks but by thinking differently. The conversation digs into the COVID-era PPP failures that revealed how the system was stacked against small businesses, why chasing scale is a trap for most founders, and how AI is leveling the competitive playing field. Sri shares the three Underdog Principles—positioning, proximity, and purpose—and explains why the rules founders have been taught may be the very chains holding them back.

About This Episode

Date: February 25, 2026

Type: Podcast

Host: Jeffrey Feldberg

The Underdog Principles

positioning

Positioning

The ability to focus on a set of customers who value what makes you unique

Big companies must appeal to everyone, you have the freedom to focus on your customers. Its ok to put your personal favorite products on the shelves, if customers love your taste. You don't have to offer every type of french pastry when you have fantastic coffee. Success comes from leaning into what makes you special.

proximity

Proximity

The deep understanding that comes from direct customer interactions

Big companies spend millions trying to understand their customers through data and research. You gain that understanding from serving your customers every day. This direct connection gives you insights that big businesses can't match and informs your decisions to grow and adapt changing needs.

purpose

Purpose

The freedom to build something meaningful beyond just making money

Unlike large corporations driven by financial metrics, you can build your business around your values and vision. Whether it's serving your community, pursuing your passion, or feeding your family, a purpose beyond profit gives you more ways to grow and the freedom to be creative in solving problems.

Want to learn more about how these principles can transform your business?

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Sri Kaza