Life

Beyond Success: Finding Meaning Through Inner Guidance

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with senior leaders across various organisations, both in my professional career and now in an advisory capacity. These are outstanding individuals who, on paper at least, possess all the requisite attributes; prominent titles, significant responsibilities, and an outwardly successful demeanor. However, when you dig deeper, […]

From Careers to Crypto: The Rise of Speculation in Modern Life

The budget this year has made me think about where this world is going. Not that there was anything good expected from this meaningless annual exercise. From the casino-like world of crypto (now boosted by the highest levels of our government) to the pursuit of easy profits for a few through finance and real estate, […]

AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement: Why Human Judgment Still Matters

Here is my attempt to understand Artificial Intelligence from a different perspective. The current debate about AI often focuses on its potential to automate knowledge work. It is assumed that AI will gradually replace human cognitive functions, eventually surpassing our capabilities in all areas. This seems to be correct as computational power, algorithm sophistication, and […]

The Power of Stillness: How Quiet Moments Deepen the Mind

I was travelling the last few weeks – during the so called war in south asia. Since I could not fly back home nor could I help do anything about the situation, I got to spend alone time with myself without many distractions. I did not have to do anything; not perform for work, not […]

Stand Out by Saying Less: Quality Over Quantity in Achievements

I recently interviewed someone fairly senior for a client. This person had so many achievements on his cv and he went on a spree trying to explain everything in detail. I kept wishing throughout the interview that he would focus on one or two and be able to go deep into those. When seeking to […]

How to Recognize Integrity in Everyday Behavior

Human nature inherently leads us to give greater prominence to the thoughts we focus on. Consequently, it is crucial to refrain from sowing negative thoughts in others’ minds. Ideas remain abstract until they are articulated, whether verbally or in writing. The more time and repetition an idea receives, the more tangible and realistic it becomes. […]

Freedom of Thought: The Rarest Skill No One Teaches

In one of my previous organizations, the annual appraisal/potential assessment form had an unusual section. It wanted to know if the person being assessed was an ‘independent thinker’. It was unusual because businesses don’t usually allow for much independent thinking! To my mind, an independent thinker is someone who has their own ideas about what […]

The Manager’s Dilemma: Balancing Autonomy and Collaboration

How does one manage a team? If you ask seasoned team managers about their most challenging task, you are most likely to hear about managing conflicts among team members as a significant contender for the top spot. Experienced team managers also recognise that conflicts primarily arise from the inherent human desire of each team member […]

The Power of Stepping Back Gracefully

During my gym workouts, I often see younger folks approach every exercise with a lot of passion, showing their strength and endurance. It is inspiring and sometimes I am tempted to follow them, but I remind myself that just because I can perhaps still do some of those heavy bench presses and squats, doesn’t mean […]

True Independence Means Freedom from Validation

I have been pondering the concept of independence. While I see financial and intellectual independence as important I feel true independence means breaking free from the need to seek validation from others. Our society puts a lot of emphasis on getting approval from strangers through physical cues (like clothes, cars, and homes), attention-seeking (likes on […]