I was scrolling through the LinkedIn feed after a long meeting with my associates on a peaceful afternoon when I saw #70hourswork was trending. Given my tight schedule, experience, and age, my first instinct after seeing a trending hashtag is generally to wait. So, I waited. By the night, the internet was abuzz with this one trend. Netizens, millennials, and Gen Z alike were talking about it. Even I saw that some of my team members at MSys were also posting on LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter). So, what is this 70-hour work thing?What is the 70 Hours Work a Week Controversy?Mr. Narayan Murthy, the famous Indian billionaire and one of the co-founders of Infosys, has mentioned about 70 hours of work a week in an interview. While talking about development and nation-building, Mr. Murthy has mentioned, “India’s work productivity is one of the lowest in the world […] so therefore, my request is that our youngsters must say, ‘This is my country. I’d like to work 70 hours a week’.”In the next couple of days, many other experts, entrepreneurs, and influencers came to support Mr. Murthy’s claim on the internet. Many of them argued that they, during their initial days of employment, had never felt like wasting time. They worked longer hours and ensured that they had always gone the extra mile for their jobs. To compete with developed countries like the USA, the UK, China, Japan, and so on, the workforce in India must bridge the development gap.&nbsp;How Long Do Indians Work?Now, amidst this debate, let’s think about how much Indians work. On average, an Indian worker aged about 15 works around 47.7 hours per week according to the reports of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ilostat.ilo.org/topics/working-time/#">International Labour Organization</a> which is higher than the U.S. (36.4), the UK (35.9), and Germany (34.4), and also Asian countries like China (46.1), Singapore (42.6), and Japan (36.6). Also, those who work with global teams and clients, are always responsible for answering calls and emails even during odd hours.&nbsp;Several surveys will show you that most of the youngsters, aged between 16 and 25, are mostly involved in gig work like driving taxis, rental bikes, or delivery. These jobs neither offer any growth opportunities nor the right remuneration. If you ask a labourer, an electrician, a plumber, or people working with platforms like UrbanCompany, Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, and Uber, the hours they put in at work are mostly around 11–12 hours a day. So, youth are spending more than 70 hours at work.&nbsp;Now, one might ask, why is the uproar all around, especially from the people working in IT and corporate? Let’s dive deep into this problem.Why are IT Employees Against 70 Hours Work Idea?According to government reports for 2021, India annually produces 1.5 million engineering graduates. India's technical education infrastructure includes 2500 engineering colleges, 1400 polytechnics, and 200 schools of planning and architecture.There are several reports as of 2024 that say that employability among Indian engineering graduates was about 64 percent. According to a report from the New Indian Express, 48% of all newly graduated engineers are unemployed. What do these unemployed engineers do if they cannot get a job at an IT firm? Mostly, they get gig jobs, contributing to the rising economic contribution of this sector. Currently, there are approximately 15 million gig workers in India, among whom many are overqualified.&nbsp;&nbsp;The people who work in the IT and corporate sectors are dealing with an excessive workload, as only 64% of the engineers are hired, and as a result, the number of employees remains fewer in comparison to the demand.&nbsp;Now, let’s think about the remuneration they get in the IT and corporate sectors. In India, the average fresher salary is around 3 lakh per annum, as per various reports and surveys. The growth rate of every salaried employee is not more than 15% in a year in the Indian IT sector. As of February 2024, consumer price index inflation in India is 5.09%. Now, if you calculate the average salary of an IT employee, it will seem inadequate given the 9–10 hours they are already spending at work. However, the finances of billionaire entrepreneurs are growing exponentially every year. The financial disparity is so great that an average employee feels that working 70 hours a week is unfair, and rightfully so from their perspective.&nbsp;Other Problems Employees Face with Long Working HoursAs of now, we have talked about the financial aspect of the 70-hour work schedule and why this is unrealistic in India. Now, let’s talk about the mental and physical effects of long working hours. As per the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/mental-health-in-the-workplace">reports of the World Health Organization</a>, around 15% of working adults are suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders that are affecting their daily lives in various ways. Not only that; these conditions are resulting in a loss of 12 billion working days and globally costing us $1 trillion dollars each year. So, it is not difficult to understand that pushing the employees to work harder and for more hours will only result in more loss, less productivity, and increasing grievances.&nbsp;Exposure to a screen for longer hours, strict postures at workstations, a lack of movement, and an unhealthy lifestyle due to the lack of physical activity are all contributing factors to various health and co-morbidity issues for boomers, millennials, and Gen Zs alike.&nbsp;Why Some People are Still in Favor of 70 Hours Work Schedule?The biggest reason for that is a lack of empathy in leadership. As a leader, one must foster a healthy work culture that will show empathy towards their team. But when a leader behaves like a boss or an employer and measures the contribution in terms of billable hours, it becomes difficult. Also, the generation gap plays a big role in this discussion. The boomers and their previous generations were believers in hard work, which is synonymous with long working hours, while their awareness regarding mental health and physical effects was not enough. But now, despite knowing the effects of long working hours, pushing employees to work for 70 hours a week sounds unjust and brutal.What Can Be Done?Fostering a flexible work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation is important. At the same time, taking breaks from busy work schedules is also important to retain and nurture one’s creativity. It is high time that leaders start to recognise this fact. Instead of making the existing workforce work for longer hours, hiring resources and empowering them can solve many issues. On one hand, it will create more jobs and on the other hand, the productivity rate will also increase.As I always say, I am a believer in anti-hustle culture, and I endorse a healthy work-life balance. That is why I feel that instead of following the 70-hour-a-week dictum, we can come up with more realistic solutions that will help employers and employees alike.&nbsp;

Is Working 70 Hours a Week Realistic in India?

Given the current economic climate all over the world, it has become imperative for any company to build a global team. A team that will comprise team players not only from the cities where one has opened the doors of the office but also from far-off places. The diverse work culture and global business expansion demand a global team. But when you have one, it is never a cakewalk.My Perception Shift for a Global TeamAs an entrepreneur hailing from the USA, I always preferred to have a team working from India. Even though, with MSys, we opened an Atlanta office, our headquarters were in Chennai from the beginning. This was a great place to attract the talent pool that was needed for a company like MSys.With the idea of expansion, we started choosing locations, and Bengaluru seemed to be the next amazing option for us. A thriving city with so much talent and potential, there will be hardly any entrepreneurs who can resist the charm that Bengaluru offers. Soon after, We started our corporate office in Pune too. Over the years, we have opened our doors not only in Atlanta but also in Vietnam and Australia. But for India, most teams remained around the base locations. But things changed with the pandemic.When COVID hit us hard, all our teams had to retract to the work-from-home model and continued doing so. And then we realised that when our teams are working efficiently and seamlessly from all the remote locations across the country, why don’t we make our recruitment process pan-India and global? As a result of that, now we have team members working from their homes in North East India as well as remote locations in South and North India. Many of our team members are working from abroad seamlessly with their teams.Benefits of a Global TeamWhen you are running a global team, it offers you a large number of benefits. That will include the following:A study conducted by the 20th CEO Survey says that 83% of tech leaders feel that the most difficult part of running a business is the availability of the right talent. When a company is hiring from the global talent pool, there is a higher chance of getting the right people on your team. It will increase efficiency by up to 8% compared to working with the average team.Office establishment expenses go down quite a bit as a global team does not always work from the same location. From saving on the cost of space to electricity, water, internet, and so on, you can easily save when your team is located in different corners of the world.A decentralised global team can increase efficiency by working from convenient locations. This will give them more time to invest in work during the scheduled working hours.Running a global team also increases employee retention in the company. On the one hand, the team can collaborate seamlessly, and on the other, creativity and innovation never stop.Challenges of Running a Global TeamBut while there are so many advantages to running a global team, there are also some challenges. However, that does not mean it is impossible to run one. Now, let’s discuss the challenges and how to overcome them.Communication IssuesThe biggest challenge when you are working with a global team is the lack of communication. A distributed global team has to communicate well for deliberate purposes. Given the advantages of technology and the availability of different platforms for communication, there should not be any difficulty in doing so. So, the most important thing you need to do is set clear communication regulations for your workforce. Choose a platform that allows you to easily share data while also being easy and flexible to ensure internal security. Choose a common language of communication within your organisation to create an atmosphere of inclusiveness. While doing all of these things, make sure that your employees also get the freedom to plan their workday the way they want. The purpose of communication is not just to discuss projects and deliverables. The channels of communication are there to create a bond within your team, to create a great work environment, and to ensure that everyone feels heard and understood.Dissolving Cultural BarriersOne of the most unique things about global teams is that you work with people from different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. While a team is working together, they need to have a team culture that is collaborative and easy. Building a cohesive team that fosters collaboration and great bonds can become easy when time is invested in team-building exercises. Non-work-related activities and events, relaxing sessions, or even talking once a week apart from work can be great ways to dissolve cultural barriers.Boosting the Productivity of the TeamsWhen a team is working remotely, productivity during the day often becomes a detrimental factor in performance. If the managers keep bombarding the team members with questions regarding the progress of the project throughout the entire day, then it will become micromanaging and create an unhealthy work environment. That is why tools like Jira can be implemented to track the progress of the project or address deadlocks. With daily scrum meetings and staff meetings between teams, it can be determined how the team is collaborating and what challenges they are facing so that they can be resolved quickly.Keeping TransparencyMaintaining transparency in the team is of utmost importance. Teams should foster a sense of community. That is why creating a team dynamic is important. A team should work together like a well-oiled machine where employees complement each other. While managing a team like this, setting clear deadlines, expectations, and milestones is necessary. How each team member is finishing the project should be transparent so that high-quality deliverables can be assured.A global team can be a great asset for any organisation when it is managed well. So, dealing with the challenges mentioned can make things much easier for the leadership. At the same time, my personal suggestion will be, show empathy. It will help your team offer you the value you are looking for.

The Challenges of Building a Global Team

While setting up a company, people talk a lot about innovation. Being innovative while bringing a product or service to market is not enough. For a company, it is imperative that they maintain a culture of innovation within the organisation. In an atmosphere where innovation is widely accepted, new ideas are welcomed, and creativity is encouraged, a company like this will always stay ahead of the competition.Personally, I have always been a lover of innovation. Maybe that is why I could leave the position of a technocrat and start working in sales and marketing, which actually helped the company get millions of dollars in revenue. It was my thirst for innovation and creativity that led me to the next phase of my career, as an entrepreneur after leaving my lucrative career at its peak. This is the reason why, in my company, I love to work with team members who don’t shy away from being innovative and resourceful. This quality reflects how they can be if given a leadership position.Example of Innovative Culture in OrganizationsWhen it comes to fostering an innovative culture within the organisation, Google is the best example for anyone. What policies do they have to encourage innovation?Google’s famous 20% time policy is actually about encouraging the staff to spend 20% of their time outside of the primary responsibilities of their projects. During this time, they can pursue their passion project, work on new innovative concepts, and so on.Their innovation labs and hackathons encourage the team members to collaborate and brainstorm together.Google stresses a "fail-first" policy that allows the staff to approach a project without the fear of failing. The perception of treating failures as learning experiences is a great thing.Google’s supportive leadership has made it possible for the company to establish a culture of innovation quite organically.In fact, in my personal experience, I have seen that people, given a chance and a changed environment, can even perform better. I have worked with excellent team players as well as geniuses who prefer to work alone. Often, the ones who are lone wolves underperform when forced into a team. But when they are working alone, they are outstanding. To recognise these qualities in your employees, you must create a culture of innovation in your organisation.The Importance of Innovation Culture within the OrganisationInnovation culture is a certain type of work culture that encourages innovation and fosters an environment where employees collaborate and brainstorm together to ensure growth.What is the importance of an innovation culture? Take a look.The market's needs are constantly changing. To keep up with that, any company needs to change their business model, create new products, and go beyond the traditional ways to meet the customer’s expectations. This can happen with innovation. Companies that foster an innovation culture can come up with unique new ideas that solve problems for consumers while penetrating the relevant market.As a leader, you want to hire the best talent out there. But what is the point of that if you force these talents into a pre-determined culture that has existed for ages? Instead, you should encourage them to innovate, rely on their insights, and value their input. That will ensure their personal growth and the company's growth.You launch a new product that will solve problems for your customers. Now, your competitor will launch something similar with a little bit of tweaking here and there to engulf your market. To outrun them, some other company will do the same. But how can you get ahead of this rat race? Your innovation culture will help you come up with something unique for a pain point that your competitors have yet to think about. That happens when you let your team members be innovative.So, how can you be an innovative parent and foster a culture that ensures sustainable growth for your organisation? Follow these steps for that:Support Diversity and InclusionIn a rapidly changing world and perceptions, it has become paramount for an organisation to not only acknowledge but also support diversity and inclusion. People from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and communities should feel safe in the work environment to express their ideas and opinions. LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as people of colour and women, should all get not only equal opportunities but also their inputs valued at work. To create such an environment, a leader should be proactive.Create Positive EnergyPeople in leadership positions should be accountable for creating positive energy at work. No matter how talented your team is, if they are working with a sword hanging over their heads that one mistake can lead to unemployment, then they will never be able to innovate and perform. Create a culture where mistakes are accepted. For that, as a leader, you have to become self aware. We all make mistakes, don’t we? Mistakes are how we learn. One mistake means you get another chance to do it right. So, encourage your team members to innovate. Tell them that even if they make mistakes, they can still get another chance. Your positive energy should be infectious to make them feel more positive.Invest in Their GrowthI strongly believe in empowering staff members. When I hire people, I make sure that I am onboarding the right talent for the job. Now, to make them feel valued and accountable within the organisation, it is necessary to empower them. So, I believe in investing in them. At MSys, we offer multiple training and upskilling programs along with certifications that help them become empowered. In turn, they will come up with innovative solutions to problems that will help the organisation grow faster. So, if you want to create an innovation culture, investing in and empowering your employees is a must.To sum up, an innovation culture looks and feels democratic, where everyone is treated equally and given equal opportunities. This culture encourages learning, achieving, and being forthcoming with input. Build your organisation this way, and you never have to worry about its progress and growth.

How to create a culture of innovation

I can bet that you are imagining a paperback that you might enjoy on your next beach holiday while you sip from your glass of martini. Or something, a fable or a tale, that you have listened to while growing up. If you are from India, then you surely know how storytelling has been an integral part of our childhood and culture.We all grew up listening to stories. As a child, mythology fascinated me. While I grew up with the stories of freedom fighters and their hardships, the stories of thought leaders who transformed society despite multiple obstacles inspired me a lot. Most of the time, the personal stories touch a chord inside my heart. And why wouldn't it? Personal stories have an emotional connection and authenticity. They are weaved into cultural and social contexts to inspire and empower people. These stories connect people to their heroes or the ones they look up to. That is why personal stories work so well.Even though we have come so far, in terms of technology and innovations, the appeal of stories is still undeniable. Now, if you are a leader who wants to inspire people or a brand that wants to connect more with potential customers, you need to be a master storyteller.The Role of Stories in My LifeI grew up listening to stories about my grandfather. He used to live in Fateh Jung in undivided India, and his workplace was in Peshawar. He used to run brick kilns in Peshawar in those days. During the partition, he left his home and business in Pakistan and came to India with the family to start from scratch. Little did Pitaji (as I lovingly called my grandfather) know back then that his stories of business, hard work, and dedication were actually planting the seed of becoming an entrepreneur in my mind. That is the power of storytelling.Some of the Best Brand StorytellingWe all remember the famous Cadbury ad where a girl sits in the gallery watching a cricket match and bites on a Cadbury with a worried face. And the moment, the batsman strikes an over boundary, she comes down on the ground, dodges the umpire, and does a crazy dance on the pitch. How many women in the 90s actually found that one ad so fun, fresh, and inspiring that they also dreamed of doing something like that? In fact, her dance became so famous that people mimicked it even much later. That was a great story, I think. Women are often believed to be far from sports. This preconceived notion gets swiped away by this one ad, where this girl shows that women not only understand sports but can also celebrate them with equal enthusiasm as men, if not more. And what better way to do so than with Cadbury?Today, the Patanjali brand has become very popular in India. If you see, they do not invest so much in brand advertising. But they caught the attention of Indian buyers with their storytelling. Modern Indian consumers are shifting more towards products that are authentic, natural, anti-cruelty, vegan, and organic. Patanjali has told them the story of the revival of our ayurveda and how that can help in healing and wellbeing. That did the trick.So, as you can see, the story of the brand or the story in the content should be engaging and inspiring so that the audience falls in love with your brand.How to be a Master StorytellerThe tips that I am going to share now are time-tested ones. So, pay attention to them and try to implement them where you can.<ul><li>Choose your character. What are you? Are you a friend, an ally, or an authentic source of knowledge? Choose who you want to be depending on the buyer’s personality.</li><li>Connect to emotions. Today’s purchase decisions are just about brand loyalty. Connect with emotions.</li><li>Be original. When your competitors are crowding your potential customers, your originality will make you stand out.</li><li>Finally, know when to stop. A storyteller does not ask the listeners to come back again; the listeners go back for the stories.</li></ul>Storytelling and influencing people are about creating an authentic narrative that makes your audience feel adequate. Those who follow you should feel, "If this man can, we can too." That is how to tell a story, and that is how you lead.

The Power of Storytelling

For Indians, studying abroad has always been a lucrative idea that everyone has aspired to but only a few could achieve. While studying abroad is an amazing opportunity for anyone, most people don’t go for it because of the excessive expenses. If you aspire to travel abroad and get a degree that will open doors for multiple avenues for you, then you might do it without worrying about expenses.According to CNBC TV 18, India and China are the biggest sources of international students all over the world. As per research conducted by the British Council, around 40% of MNCs look for employees who have an international education. That is why getting an international education is now crucial for anyone. Apart from that, there are some other benefits of studying abroad, like:<ul><li>Multicultural education and proficiency</li><li>Exposure</li><li>Networking opportunities</li><li>Diverse course options</li><li>Lifetime experience</li></ul>So, if you are someone who wants to pursue a degree abroad, then you are at the right place. You don’t have to worry about the expenses, as there are some great government scholarships and funding options available for students studying abroad.Fulbright-Nehru Master’s ScholarshipThis is one of the most well-known merit and need-based scholarships for Indian students who want to study abroad. With this scholarship, students with outstanding performance can get a chance to finish their Master’s degree at selected colleges and universities in the US. The students should complete US equivalent bachelor’s degree and must have at least three years of working experience. Also, students must have leadership qualities, as the scholarship aims to aid future leaders of the country. Along with the funding for education, you can get the cost of living and other expenses, tuition fees, and J-1 Visa support.National Overseas ScholarshipThis scholarship was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The aim is to promote social and economic development and justice. The beneficiary of this scholarship is from a low-income group in society, especially those who belong to the scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, and other backward classes. Agricultural labourers with no land, and artisans of local art and traditions are also included in this scholarship. This is given to pursue a Master’s degree, Ph.D., or post-doctoral degree abroad. In fact, there is a 30% seat reserved for women aspirants too.The JN Tata Endowment - Higher Education of IndiansThis is a one-time loan scholarship for Indian students who want to do full-time postgraduate, Ph.D., post-doctoral, and research fellowships. Even though this scholarship does not cover the whole expense of education, those with outstanding performance can obtain a partial travel grant of 50,000. The loan amount can range from 1,00,000 to 10,00,000. An online test and interview will determine whether the applicant is eligible for the scholarship or not. This test will not be subject-specific. Rather, it is based on thinking skill assessment.&nbsp;Erasmus Mundus Joint Master DegreeErasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees are master's-level study programmes for which the EU provides financing to grant scholarships to Indian students. An international collaboration of higher education institutions (HEIs) designs and delivers an EMJM study programme. An EMJM consists of at least three HEIs from three different countries (at least two of which must be EU member states). As a result, students have the opportunity to study in at least two European nations. The scholarship covers tuition, air travel, insurance premiums, and living expenses, although the amount varies depending on the country and course chosen.There are many other scholarships available for students who aspire to obtain degrees from international schools and universities. So, if you want to travel abroad with a dream of achieving big, don’t stop yourself because of financial constraints. Expand your horizons and find out what scholarships will suit your case. Apply soon, prepare, and spread your wings.

Supporting Education in India: Scholarships and Funding Initiatives for NRIs

As a frequent flier, when I travel by plane, I have a habit of striking up conversations with people. This sometimes turns out to be a remarkable experience. So, on my way to India from the US a few weeks ago with my wife, I had a conversation with an NRI who, just like me, runs a company in the US.While having a conversation with him, I got to know about his recent stress, his son’s decision to quit grad school and start his business. Even though his son started a business a year ago and acquired initial funding, as a father, this man is still not at ease. As an NRI, doing a job in a foreign land, he has experienced life differently. And now, that his son is creating his own path, the father feels uncertain about his financial security and stability.The Difference between Generations in a FamilyThis conversation made me realise that this is actually a problem for many people all over the world. When our kids are in their initial years, they live up by our expectations. But when they grow up, it is natural for them to choose their own journey. But as their parents, we often don’t agree with the choices they make. Call it a generational gap or a gap in communication, but while we feel sad that our kids are not respecting our traditions and opinions, they feel frustrated as we as parents fail to understand them. And often, this becomes a huge reason for a lasting conflict. But how about we change this now?What Have I Learned from My Life&nbsp;My grandfather, in his time, was an entrepreneur. In Peshwar, he had a thriving business of brick kilns. During partition, he had to leave that behind and come to Delhi and settle with his family. While the next generation, my father and uncle, decided to go for government jobs, their next generation, I, decided to join IT at the time of the internet boom. When I moved to the US, I had a thriving career in IT and later in sales and marketing. From there, I decided to become an entrepreneur. Today, my son, Suraj, is carving his own path, making his own choices. While we all come from the same family, our times and lives are very different from each other. That is why the decisions we have to make are different too. The main thing that we needed was to communicate our decisions well and respectfully. To me, this can solve the conflict between generations.Managing Family Expectations While Priorotising Your DesiresThis is a delicate balance to strike. Not letting go of our traditions while still making personal choices can become easier in the following ways:Separate Expectations from GoalsIn any Indian family, even today, parents think of white collar jobs as the best thing for their kids. But it is high time that we understand that time has changed. We are living in an age where people, from a very young age, start to innovate. Someone who is meant to break new ground cannot fit into the boxes society has created. Do you remember that scene from 3 Idiots where Rancho says what if Lata Mangeshkar’s father told her to play cricket or Sachin Tendular’s father told him to sing! So, as parents, your duty should be to separate your expectations from your kids goals. Let them chart their own course and experience life their own way.Communicate and UnderstandMaybe you are the first generation in your family to settle abroad. That shaped your life. But your child grew up in a foreign land with their own perceptions. It might not be easy to always understand them. But there is a solution. Communicate with them. Try to understand what they want from their lives and respect that.Loose the GripWhen a child lets go of their parent’s hand for the first time, it makes the parent proud and worried at the same time. Similarly, when your kids are building their own lives, it might make you worry about them. After all, you never want them to face uncertainty or failure. But that’s how we learn, don’t we? Unless they make mistakes, fail a few times, and take a few detours, they will not learn. So, let them be. Let go of your grip and let them find their own way.Having patience and a willingness to adjust are two ways you can manage your expectations while your next generation achieves their goals. Have faith that while making personal choices, your kids will still respect the values you have instilled in them.

Managing Family Expectations: Balancing Tradition and Personal Aspirations 

Since the emergence of the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT, AI has become the most tossed-around term in the IT sector. In fact, it is wider than just information technology. Sectors like healthcare, automotive, hospitality, and even government are seriously considering AI. While this technology has been incorporated into various industries, there is also the fear of losing jobs due to the efficiency and advanced operations of AI. So, people keep asking me what I think about it.&nbsp; So, a month or so ago, I came across a forwarded message on my WhatsApp that ChatGPT could write a poem. I'm not exactly a poet, but I can still tell you how good poetry reads. And it was a good poem! When people used to talk about AI before, it used to be about mechanical chatbots or different software for tasks. But this AI could almost think and feel like a human being to write a poem, \"almost\" being the keyword here. Within a couple of days, a newspaper reported that ChatGPT had cleared the exams at the US Law School. Well, we are finally living in the era of sci-fi films! But again, I would stress the word \"almost\".&nbsp; What is AI? AI, or artificial intelligence, refers to machines that can perform the tasks for which human intelligence is required. AI can do simpler tasks like organising data as well as complex tasks like communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. Owing to the current growth of AI technology, the buzz is that it might become the reason for many job losses. Can Artificial Intelligence Replace Human Intelligence?&nbsp; The morning I sat down to write this piece, I saw the news of Dr. Geoffrey Hinton’s, the \"AI Godfather's,\", resignation from Google. To the BBC, he said that we are living in a dangerous time when AI is \"almost\" as intelligent as human beings and soon it will catch up. In March, an open letter was released and cosigned by the biggies in the AI tech world, including Elon Musk, to stop all development in the AI world after the current version of ChatGPT.&nbsp; As I have said on multiple platforms, AI is not yet equal to the human mind, and I stick by that. However, it is undeniable that it has a lot of potential. Can it become an alternative to human intelligence? Well, in my opinion, the biggest difference between a human being and AI is creativity. As long as humans are creative, there will be no competition. That also leaves the opportunity for upskilling.&nbsp; How Can We Work with AI and How to Prepare for It? AI can be used in various fields that will only enhance the operation. No, we are not in the era of robots where we will all be replaced. That will not happen, at least not now. But what can be done is incorporate AI into business, in areas where efforts are required for repetitive tasks. In any field, repetitive tasks can take a lot of time and be tedious enough to cause unwanted human errors. With the help of AI, this can be changed. With data augmentation, AI can perform this kind of task way better than we, humans do. This reduces the chance of errors too. After all, unlike us, AI does not get bored easily.&nbsp; On the other hand, it frees up a lot of time for the staff so that they can focus on the tasks that demand creativity, innovation, and ideation. This is the scope for the team members upskilling. As AI takes care of the repetitive tasks, they can use the time to train, get certified, innovate, and create. Also, to enable AI more specifically for the&nbsp; requirements of businesses and industry, the workforce needs to be equipped with the proper training and data. This will create more job opportunities in machine learning, data analysis, and AI development. So, instead of thinking about how many are going to be unemployed, we can think of constructive ways to use AI to our advantage. Henry Ford once said, \"Men minus the machine are slaves; men plus the machine are freemen.\" So, you have the potential to be more independent and efficient if you can master how to use machines for your own good. And finally, rely on your creativity.&nbsp;

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Workforce and How to Prepare for It

Do you struggle with procrastination? Here are a few tips to get out of the vicious circle As a teenager when my parents used to nag me for eating my meals on time, doing my homework on time or finishing my chores before I was rewarded with much awaited play time, I would dream about being a carefree adult who could live life on his own terms. Several decades and now a generation later, I fondly remember them for inculcating those good habits and those reminders. Because today we find ourselves looking for root causes to procrastination, which can be easily fixed by going back to our roots and simplifying the ways of our life. This Monday, I hope you start your week with the resolve to get things done, here are some ways you can be cognizant of your procrastination.&nbsp; Quitting procrastination with bad mental health is like riding a broken bike uphill -&nbsp; Examine if this stems from a deeper emotional struggle or a burden that's weighing your mental health down. No matter what formula you try it won't work unless you address the matters of the mind first. Also be kind to yourself when you feel overwhelmed by the quantum of tasks, once you allow yourself to feel it, acknowledge it and overcome it, you will truly find a solution Lists maketh man -&nbsp; It is imperative to start your day with a list of your daily tasks. Even on days when you just cannot get anything done, don’t, make a list of tasks at the very least so that you are vigilant about managing your time. And just as your parents rewarded you for completing the chores, reward yourself too for achieving them&nbsp; Dopamine deficiency -&nbsp; It is proven that when your brain does not produce enough dopamine which is a hormone responsible for satisfaction &amp; motivation, you tend to feel really lethargic &amp; procrastinate. Effective production of dopamine plays a role in many important body functions, including movement, memory and pleasurable reward and motivation. Getting 8 hours of sleep, exercising, dancing, listening to music, meditating, and spending time outdoors in the sun can all boost dopamine levels. Overall, a healthy lifestyle &amp; balanced diet can go a long way in increasing your body's natural production of dopamine and aiding your optimal brain function. Time management- An efficient time management comes from knowing yourself better - learn what are your peak performance timings in a day and keep the hardest tasks for those hours. Avoid lengthy calls, discussions or interruptions during that time and you will realise most of your output is only dependent on good efficiency. Are too many breaks breaking you?- Understand if a break does you more harm than good then it's better to power through the task. Too many breaks during a task can break your efficiency and too little can burn you out. Find your sweet spot of functionality by recording time taken to do tasks.&nbsp; Eventually, some days will just be too hard to do your best, and that’s okay too. Afterall, boredom fosters creativity!&nbsp;

Do you struggle with procrastination?

When one hears the word legacy, you tend to think about death and what material possessions you leave in case of the event. But death is a very grim outlook so let's talk about life when we examine what leaving a legacy truly means. I read a beautiful quote on the internet that sums this up neatly, ‘Legacy is a gift from the past that helps create a better future’. Your age, profession, and net worth is just a small fraction of it, what beyond it is there to consider? Let's evaluate the building blocks of a legacy.&nbsp; What beyond material possessions? Legacy is families &amp; individuals sharing their choicest ways of life, old books of family recipes, cultures, customs, values, and traditions that shape not one but many generations. I would think one of the biggest legacies my family left me was this indomitable spirit to pursue my dreams. How does one start a new lineage of legacy then? - in order for the next few generations to remember you, first you must decide what is the story you would want to tell them? This story can be in the form of something as small as a trinket or as elaborate as a family ritual of holidays. For my son and more generations to come, I hope to leave them with good memories, value systems, and a strong communication system that helps them evaluate &amp; iron out any difficulties&nbsp; And lastly, how does one build a legacy that also gives them wealth - Well, we can discuss the importance of values &amp; traditions as a legacy all day but even leaving material wealth is just as important. You may think that this is a conversation for my 50s or 60s but that is not true! Most professionals build their wealth well before that age and even with less capital to begin with, the amount can still grow as a substantial pool of wealth if planned well. For starters, an investment in SIPs in your early 20s is imperative to not just build capital but form a habit of saving first and then spending.&nbsp; Look at legacy as a beginning and not the end, a new chapter of reinventing and redefining the norm. A true cultural reset for you and the ones you leave behind.&nbsp;

What is one's legacy?

When and how often should one take breaks during workday? We have to change the narrative where it's only okay to take a break when you burn out or are on the verge of doing so.&nbsp; Let us equip ourselves with a better understanding of when you should take a break, why you should take it and the most efficient way to take it. This entails breaks between tasks, breaks as in a leave of absence or break of just a few seconds to look away from the screen.&nbsp;<ul><li>Financial planning beyond savings &amp; taxes - While the first quarter of the year is almost over, it's still not too late to book your next vacation and plan your next set of leaves. Pre-empt how many breaks you can take in a year while keeping a buffer for emergencies and sickness. A good financial planning does not just entail savings and taxes but also sparing money for traveling/ any other leisure activity.&nbsp;</li><li>Efficiency vs productivity - Productivity entails how much work you can do in a time frame and efficiency entails how well you utilize your time to do so. Studies show that humans even during their 8 hour shifts are only productive for less than 4 hours as we are not hardwired to sit and work in one place. Hence, know your least productive hours in a day and kick back during that time. If not kick back, you can efficiently use the time to complete relatively easier tasks.&nbsp;</li><li>How many breaks is too many breaks? - Several studies have suggested that it is ideal to take breaks after every 50 minutes, but how to differentiate between a break and a distraction? Well, a break is a disciplined time period that helps you take a step back and give your brain a rest. But when you extend that period at the cost of derailing a task even an entire day, it ends up becoming a problem. Identify the root cause of it, as it can be an early onset of burnout, fatigue and a true need for a longer break.&nbsp;</li></ul>But then what should one do during a break? Well, anything but work or use a screen. Idea of a break should not be to shift from one screen to another, please know that your attention towards the white noise of the internet is not helpful. Instead, move your body, take a walk to grab a beverage, hydrate yourself, take up a menial task which does not require great concentration or just talk! Humans are social animals and a prolonged time working by yourself can take a toll on your mental health. Take breaks for your friends, family and loved ones. After all you work to live and not vice versa.&nbsp;

Breaks from work

On a long flight from the States to back home, my extrovert personality often leads me to strike up a conversation with my fellow travelers. I had the opportunity to talk to a parent of a teenager and while she did not accompany, as any Indian parent would, we ended up talking about her. After learning about my entrepreneurial journey the mother confided in me about the rough patch the kid was going through as she didn't land her dream college. She explained that she is at a crucial crossroads of her life where one decision will dictate her entire life and its quality.This stands true for most well intentioned but often misinformed Indian parents, where they present marksheets of 10th &amp; 12th grade and getting into the right colleges as life milestones. The undue pressure to excel in an educational system that doesn't award consistency, creates a lifelong mindset of ‘crash &amp; burn’ attitude towards education and eventually their profession. Here are some ways to ‘know better’ and ‘do better’ so that when life throws lemons at you, learn how to make a profitable business of making lemonade.<ul><li>Eat, Sleep, Upskill, Repeat - Taking a gap year may seem like a drastic step in an Indian household but it is always okay to take your time to figure out next steps. Remember, you are the driver of your life and while it is okay to take different directions than what you thought of, it's not okay to sleep on the wheel. Keep yourself abreast with dynamic shifts of the industry, learn new courses to figure out what path suits you best and always stay curious!</li><li>If not dream college, chase your dream job - Figure out what qualifications does your dream job require and work backwards to build your profile for it. Speak to headhunters, mail the employees and assess what it takes to make it there. Sometimes just showing up at the right places with the right skillset works wonders and can propel you into a whole new direction in life.&nbsp;</li><li>Experience, Experience and Experience - Let’s be honest, sometimes you may have the perfect resume but no experience to strengthen your educational background. We often dive straight to higher education after graduation without any actual work experience. To make the best of college experience, one should try to intern/ work at any of their preferred professions to make an informed decision about investing in education for the particular field.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Turn to the next page - Explore the other options of the next best college, don’t get stuck on one page of your life’s chapter just because it is too hard to get through. In the long run it won’t matter because eventually you will be recognised for the results you bring and not the sum total of your past achievements.</li><li>Resume your A-game with a good Résumé - A good resume is an accurate reflection of your journey, talent and potential. Hone the skill of perfecting it like a craftsman would in creating sculpture, taking time to perfect the nooks and crannies of each part and envisioning his masterpiece with patience. Remember, a hiring manager goes through hundreds of it in a day, make sure yours stand out through good format, concise write-ups and a cover letter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Always know this, some of the most successful people to walk this earth may not have had the right degree, but what they had in common was the right mindset. At the end of the day, you are only limited by the opportunities you create for yourself.&nbsp;

Didn't land your dream college?

Dreamers only have a vision; leaders make dreams come true and change the world. Last week I had the opportunity to meet with this bright individual who graduated from a Tier 1 school and seemed like a sharp and witty guy with a ‘can-do’ attitude. As the conversation progressed we chatted about various aspects of skill set &amp; mindset that helps someone be successful and the topic of overthinking came up. His worldviews were that an overthinker is just an efficient individual who evaluates all possibilities and prepares himself for anything that comes his way. He further added that some of the most successful friends in his circle were the ones who are chronic overthinkers. It then dawned on me that this is not just him but a collective mindset that a dysfunction was almost glorified if not perceived as a sought after way to live. So, here I am on a bright Monday morning to offer my readers with (as Anton Ego would say in Ratatouille) a ‘perspective’. A new perspective on why we should stop wearing our habits of overthinking like a badge of honor and a real shift in self awareness &amp; sincere efforts towards improving your mental health.<ul><li>Burn bright, not out - When athletes push themselves to the limits of endurance, or people who engage in strenuous work, there is an overwhelming fatigue produced called Performance Fatigue. If you put yourself through limits of endurance for almost every task, you are over-riding your senses to constantly be in fight mode and eventually it causes prolonged periods of exhaustion.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>‘The Detached Empath’ - Sometimes overthinking can also stem from our emotions getting tangled into processing how others feel about you or your work while disregarding the connection to ourselves. Take a firm step towards being more self aware and check yourself if you need to spend more time with yourself and how you as an individual perceive a situation without anyone’s bias. Afterall even in the most dire situations, you are supposed to put an oxygen mask on yourself first.</li><li>Crack the case like Sherlock - Even the smartest detective has Watson helping him and even he takes a process of solving a case with a methodical approach. Sometimes finding a solution is a slow, time consuming process and trying to rush that by overthinking &amp; over analyzing just causes you to skip a few steps. This may lead to creating problems that weren't there in the first place. Realign yourself when you find yourself running in circles around anything, sleep on it, ask for help and try to look at it in the morning from a fresh perspective.&nbsp;</li><li>Slow down, for fast acting relief - It is proven science that overthinking can disrupt your mental and physical well-being as your inability to get out of your head may leave you in a constant state of anguish. While we do tend to overthink sometimes, if this goes unchecked it leads to sleepless nights, prolonged headaches and more. Meditate, center yourself and feel the joy of being grateful for what you have, a visionary mind and above all a healthy functional body.&nbsp;</li></ul>And lastly, as a wise man on an internet thread said, ‘Erasers are not made for people who make mistakes but for those who are willing to correct them’. Sit with yourself this week and see if your overthinking needs course correction.&nbsp;

Overthinking is not a skill

If there is anything 2022 showed us, SaaS is here to stay, and most importantly, businesses of all sizes and strengths will benefit from SaaS. The features and convenience that SaaS has to offer are not possible with on-site infrastructure.&nbsp; There is a very good reason why people prefer SaaS over other technologies. The reliability, simplicity, speed, and security that come with SaaS have made it a preferred option for businesses and developers. API connections, AI insights, and cybersecurity are the options that will probably impress developers in 2023 too.&nbsp; Now, as an entrepreneur and owner of a startup, you are probably wondering if SaaS is really for you or not and whether you can afford it or not. So, for you, I have come here to share some of my insights. Take a look. What is SaaS? Before you jump on the bandwagon, you need to understand what SaaS actually is. SaaS, or software-as-a-service, is currently very popular among businesses. Instead of paying for some new software, SaaS gives you the option of a subscription-based service that you can easily manage or upgrade as per your requirements. This is a cost-effective way for businesses to use the software with only monthly subscriptions. This way, the software remains updated and secure too. Right now, no matter whether you are running a small or large business, investing in SaaS is a big step as it will give you a competitive edge in return for much lower investment and overhead costs. Here are some SaaS trends for 2023 that you need to look out for: Vertical SaaS Vertical SaaS will gain momentum this year. It is quickly taking the place of the generic tools that have been offering somewhat similar results but mediocre value. For example, Mailchimp is currently a sought-after email marketing service as it targets digital marketers who rely on email marketing. So, if you have a solution that can attract a niche audience, then it is always preferred by businesses. This year, vertical SaaS will rise in popularity. AI and Machine Learning AI and machine learning have become integral parts of businesses these days. ChatGPT has taken the search world by storm. Search engine giant Google has also been working on this relentlessly. So, it is safe to say that in 2023, AI and machine learning will still be a dominant trend. AI will continue to save businesses time by automating manual, repetitive tasks while providing data and analytics that humans could not previously provide in real-time. Business decisions will be taken depending on AI and machine learning. So, your business should embrace this technology too. Low or No-Code SaaS In today's world, businesses rely on low- or no-code SaaS to reduce technology complexity. Businesses adopt technology now with customization so that they can get the necessary perks that are unique to their business. With low-code or no-code SaaS, businesses aim to remove the dependency on a specific part of the workforce. While using SaaS, companies won’t need to reach out to the technical team for minor support. They can use the custom options on their own. This will undoubtedly increase in number, allowing even smaller startup teams to benefit. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy With the advancement of technology, even hackers are getting smarter. To combat that, you have to stay a step ahead of them. With the help of SaaS, companies are prioritising cybersecurity and data privacy this year. The technology can implement different security measures to ensure enhanced security for the users and the business. This can prevent email spoofing, redirections, malware, ransomware, and IT outages. SaaS can effectively reduce the downtime of businesses due to random attacks. Privacy is also an important factor, as these days, businesses are in charge of an unimaginable amount of customer data. And if it is not kept safe, the brand will lose its credibility.&nbsp; Micro SaaS Product To keep up with the demands of small businesses, the rise of micro-SaaS will continue in 2023. Most SaaS products are designed to address multiple issues for large businesses. However, micro-SaaS products are only intended to meet the customers' specific needs. If you are a startup owner, then micro SaaS products are meant for you. Staying on top of SaaS trends as a business will help you combat risks and excel in your services in a variety of ways. This is undoubtedly an investment that will give you more returns than you can imagine.&nbsp;

What is the future of SaaS in 2023?

No matter how great the idea behind your business is, it can go under at any point. Well, believe it or not, this is the harsh reality of the business world. The business landscape keeps changing. Your business idea or product should evolve according to that. Without that, your business can fail.&nbsp; But what after that? Depending on the size of the company, failure could impact investors, employees as well as customers. But what happens with the CEO and co-founders when a tech startup fails after a few rounds of funding and possibly with some revenue. Suggested Read: <a href="\&quot;https://www.sehgalnotes.com/blogs/taking-leap-towards-digital-entrepreneurship\&quot;">https://www.sehgalnotes.com/blogs/taking-leap-towards-digital-entrepreneurship</a> Corporate Structure and Finance The finances will be determined depending on the structure of the company. Often, startups are listed as limited liability companies, LLCs, S or C corporations, (Pvt Ltd companies in India)&nbsp; or something along those lines. If you are the sole proprietor and CEO of the company, then you become liable. Your name becomes interchangeable with the company’s name. So, if your company has debts from the bank,, you have to take care of it after the company is closed.&nbsp; However, if you are involved with an LLC or a corporation, then legally you are a separate entity, and you can walk away without any liability if the business goes under as long as there is no loan or debt with your personal guarantee behind it.&nbsp; Aside from these two things, if a company has a different type of financial situation, then the question of liability will be treated differently. For instance, if the company is extremely profitable and has some cash on hand at the time of closing, the owner or the board&nbsp; can take a few steps. Banks or financial institutions will first collect the outstanding debts which could also have different priorities of payment based on the contracts.. And then they would pay out the creditors and lenders. If the cash is finished, then the company might decide to liquidate assets to do so. In this phase, the investors will get some money for contributing to the startup. But in most cases, venture capitalists and other investors end up losing more than they gave unless the IP of the company is worth a lot more to someone. Aside from these options, filing for bankruptcy is another option for businesses. This is basically an option given by law to a company or an entity to declare that they are in no situation to pay the debts. For this, the company needs to submit a complete valuation of the assets and debts and will have to work together with the court and the debtors to come up with a feasible solution. In the case of personal bankruptcy, entrepreneurs can file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. But filing for chapter 11 for businesses is often a good option. Even if you file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the court may allow you to continue operating your business. The Closing Process If you are a CEO or involved with a struggling business, you will need to go through an unpleasant process to "close" the business. Firstly, it is necessary to determine whether the business is salvageable or not. A tech business failing financially is not always the result of poor financial performance. A lot of things can happen to a business. The market demand for a specific product can decline. The competition can increase. The technology or the app you have developed might not be working as you expected it to. In many cases, after losing money on paper, a company can still remain afloat with new investments or debts and eventually become successful.&nbsp; This is where the board of directors and investors come into the picture. They consult with the entrepreneur to figure out how to keep the business running.&nbsp; They can also decide that it is time to close it. Or they can unanimously decide that the company needs new leadership, a new CEO, at this crucial time.&nbsp; If the decision is to close the business, first the CEO needs to inform the stakeholders and lawyers and find out a proper plan to do this. Then the employees should know about it. Releasing a press release can be a good way to make it public.&nbsp; This will be followed by the liquidation of the assets and the payment of debts and tax liabilities. The leftover money, if there is any, will be distributed among the shareholders. The staff members will be released from their responsibilities. The business accounts will be closed. Finally, the company will close its doors.&nbsp; Technology and Intellectual Property Most of the time, a tech startup comes into the business with new technology that is designed to solve customer’s problems. When the business is closing, it does not have to be the end of that technology or intellectual property. During the liquidation process, the technology can be bought along with the patent by other shareholders or interested entities. As a lost resort there could even be an auction-based if multiple interested parties are there. Communicating with the Market This is the final step. After all of these, the entrepreneur can address a letter or a press release to the shareholders, investors, and the market about what went wrong in the business. This is taking accountability, which will help the entrepreneur and their peers learn more.&nbsp; To conclude, closing a business does not have to be the end of the world. It can be both a lesson and a new beginning. For the best of entrepreneurs, failures are inevitable, and from failures, they always learn. So, if you are in a situation where your company is about to close, don’t be disheartened. Do the right things first and reflect on your lessons. Soon you will find another way to create something new, and build something massive. Remember, "Haar ke jitne wale ko baazigar kahte hai". (Those who lose to win later are the true champions.)

What Happens When a Tech Startup Fails?

As an investor, I often encounter the CEOs of startups who either undervalue themselves or go for a much higher number than they should. Valuing a startup is a crucial process, especially when you are raising funds or seeking investments. You might have a great idea that will solve the customer’s problems most effectively. You probably have the MVP for that. When you go to investors for additional funding, you must first determine the valuation of your startup. How to Value My Startup As a budding entrepreneur, this might be the first question that comes to mind. You've probably heard that the valuation of a startup is more of an art than a science. What is it? When a startup is embarking on the market, generally, they don’t have any financial history. Maybe the company is newly opened. Maybe the company has yet to see any solid profit in the market. Because startups frequently create their own markets, finding any precedent information will be impossible.But even in this situation, the valuation of the startup is necessary. So, it often goes beyond the value of the components of the company. Resources, technology, intellectual property, financial assets, brands all these are taken into account while valuing the company.&nbsp; Factors that Might Affect Your Startup ValuationSo, if you want your startup to be evaluated correctly, there are a few factors that you should consider. These factors are often very important to decide whether a startup is even worthy of investing in or not. Take a look.&nbsp;<ul><li>A Strong Customer Base Irrespective of the market you are catering to, you need to have a loyal customer base the people who will purchase your product and add to your revenue. Even if you are a one-of-a-kind company with no existing customer base as of now, you should have a plan in place to attract these customers. After all, if there is no promise of revenue, the company is not worth investing in. &nbsp;</li><li>Growth Potential You bring a new idea to the table, which is excellent. But does it have the potential to grow and scale? When investors are looking at your business plan, they are looking for ways in which their money is going to get multiplied. If your startup does not have a plan to win the race with its competitors, then no money will come your way. You must have a plan that includes achievable long and short-term goals and a timeline. The investors will want to know where you see your company in the next 12 months, 5 years, or 10 years. You should have answers to these questions.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Profit This one goes without saying. Profit is what you and your investors are looking for. Without profit, what is the point of your business and its ideas? In the end, you want to make a profit from what you do, and your investors want the same. Having profit or the potential for it will not only give you the right value for the company, but it will also give you an exit strategy too. &nbsp;</li><li>Brand Value Brand value is a great factor to get traction with the target audience. For a startup, it is important to make their presence felt in an already crowded market. You must create a brand identity and meaningful connections with your customers. This will be considered critical for your company's value.&nbsp;</li></ul> What are the Different Methods of Company Valuation? Whether you are seeing any profit or you are issuing stock options to your employees, ultimately, the value of your company is what you and your investors agree on. Here, I am going to tell you about four popular methods that can be used to determine the value of your startup.<ul><li>The Berkus&nbsp;Method Venture capitalist Dave Berkus created this method first, and he did it specifically for the pre-revenue companies, the ones that have yet to make a sale. This is a simple formula that assigns dollar amounts to the company’s five success metrics. In this method, the market value is not taken into account. This is a very useful, uncomplicated tool for the valuation of your company. &nbsp;</li><li>Comparable Transaction Method This is a very popular method that helps you find out how much similar companies like yours were acquired for. In this case, you have to keep in mind that SaaS companies can make five or seven times more revenue than you are currently making. Also, you have to use ratios and comparisons to account for the probable drastic events that can affect the value of your company. &nbsp;</li><li>Scorecard Valuation Method</li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Created by Bill Payne, this method is used for pre-revenue startups. Your startup will be compared with the other companies that have received investments. Then you will have to calculate while keeping the following qualities in mind: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Strength of the team</li><li>The size of the opportunity</li><li>Product or service</li><li>Need for additional investment</li><li>Marketing, sales channels, and partnership</li><li>Competitive environment</li><li>Others</li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; You will assign a percentage to each of these factors depending on the expertise or excellence of that particular department.<ul><li>Cost to Duplicate Approach This is exactly what the name means. You have to find out how much it will cost to set up your company elsewhere. In this case, you have to strike out intangible assets like brand influence and goodwill. You will have to calculate the fair market value of the physical assets, the cost of development, operation, prototype, product, patent, and so on. This is a more effective method for companies that are already making profits.&nbsp; To conclude, the valuation of a startup is crucial when you are raising money from investors. This will determine the future operation of the company and how successful it can become. The valuation should be precise and accurate, as this will determine whether the investors see any value in your business or not. In my opinion, there is no single method that can claim ultimate accuracy. You have to combine more than one method to get the value of the company. While you are doing this, take advantage of the company database and ensure you are keeping your investors’ decisions in mind.&nbsp;</li></ul>

How Does Startup Valuation Work?

Since the pandemic, you have probably been asking yourself, "Are we heading into a recession?" The looming recession for India is a hard pill to swallow. But one must accept the fact that it is coming, and once it impacts the entire globe, India will not be immune to the effects. The cumulative impact of COVID and the Russia-Ukraine war has left the global economy in dire conditions.&nbsp; According to a private survey, approximately 66% of CEOs in India anticipate a global recession, while 86% of CEOs worldwide concur. They also believe that it will come in the next twelve months and will be mild and short. However, no matter how short or mild you think it is, you need to be prepared before it takes a toll on your business and finances.&nbsp; Is Recession Coming to India Too? Chaos in the stock market, inflation, and rising interest rates have left the economy open and vulnerable. According to the World Bank, a recession is imminent. Since the beginning of 2022, there has been a consistent slowdown in global funding. Since 2016, the global output should have increased by 22%. But then the pandemic hit us hard. This resulted in the output currently being at 17%. The slowdown is resulting in the GDP going down, which is affecting India in more ways than you can imagine.&nbsp; Also Read: <a href="https://www.sehgalnotes.com/blogs/How-to-recession-proof-your-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Recession Proof Your Retirement</a> How will the Recession Affect the IT Sector? The impending recession will have a huge impact on the economy of the US and subsequently in India as in the Indian IT sector, a huge chunk of revenue comes from the US. The revenue that India gets from businesses in the US can be between 40% and 75%.&nbsp;&nbsp; However, despite all of these facts pointing out that it is not really a good time for the IT sector, the good news is that we are quickly shifting to digital transformation. One of the best investments businesses can make during the recession is getting everything digital. Meta, 5G, AI, and Digital Thread are now currently dominating the digital transformation trend. During this time, mobile development, analytics, and outsourcing are going to become big for IT companies too. For the last several years, Indian IT companies have become strategic partners, which should give them some leverage when the recession hits. How are the Startups Being Impacted by the Funding Slowdown? India is the third-largest startup country in the world. There has been a 15% growth in startups between 2016- 2022, as the number of investors and incubators increased a lot during this time. The report says that the startups received more than $21 billion as funding in 2021 alone.&nbsp; However, when we are talking about the impact of a recession on business, we must recognize that there is a funding slowdown. This is giving birth to many struggling startups as they are coping with the increased cost of resources and energy. Startups are considering layoffs as global investment falls. While downsizing and unit economics have become the priorities of struggling startups, it is important to focus on scalability too. The scalability of the company also determines if it can sustain itself in a time of rapid growth. How to Prepare for the Coming Recession India is ranked the 6th largest economy in the world, and the World Bank reports that India has gone up 23 positions with rapid growth in business and entrepreneurship. Being at the 46th spot on the Global Innovation Index, India has been consistently proving that the companies here are not going to get affected that easily. In fact, most of the CEOs in the country are determined to bounce back in no time.&nbsp; While the banking sector is taking its own measures, companies in India are becoming more proactive too. From digital transformation to strengthening digital security, they are investing in what is crucial for the business. Along with this, at least 97% of companies are also focusing on keeping employee morale high.&nbsp; You can survive this recession too. Only, refrain from making major investments and business decisions. Do not start selling your shares out of fear, and do not get new debts. Cost cutting is necessary, but at the same time, upgrading is also important. Hence, choose wisely. Also, accept the fact that, in the face of a recession, your business will most likely be affected. But this does not mean that there is no turning back.&nbsp; How the Government of India can Help Businesses in a Time of Recession? When a crisis hits, it is obvious that everyone will wait for the government to step in and save the day. The government of India can do that in the following ways:<ul><li>Introducing funds and financial support for the smaller companies that are suffering to survive</li><li>Bringing in new schemes and support for MSMEs</li><li>Providing financial aid to different sectors like agriculture and real estate so that the recession does not create a huge job crisis</li><li>Offering aid to the companies that do not lay off their employees.</li><li>Supporting the banking sector and digital transformation</li><li>More aggressively supporting Made in India campaign &nbsp;</li></ul> 2023 is going to be a difficult year for many companies all over the world. But if you have the protective shield of strategies in place, you can survive and thrive even then. Watch this space for more such ideas.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Will the Recession Impact the Indian Startup Landscape?

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Some of the buzzwords in business these days are "corporate philanthropy" and "corporate citizenship." Corporate philanthropy is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes and industries. On the one hand, investors see opportunities in investing in a socially responsible venture. On the other hand, corporate philanthropy is important in retaining talent and resources. Most importantly, according to customer demographics, people are more likely to trust brands that are involved in a social cause. So, as an entrepreneur, only chalking out business plans and doing mainstream work is not enough anymore. You must take the lead in corporate philanthropy. Understanding Corporate Philanthropy Corporate philanthropy refers to the social, environmental, economic, and legal responsibilities of a company towards society. The goal of business philanthropy is to improve people's lives by raising their standard of living and quality of life while remaining profitable for the stakeholders. Most philanthropic companies show their commitment to ethical behaviour while ensuring that their shareholders remain satisfied. It creates more business loyalty and credibility. A<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/salesforceresearch/viz/GlobalStakeholderSeries2020/Home"> survey conducted by Salesforce in 2020</a> shows that 60% of respondents find an employer trustworthy if they contribute to society and champion social causes, both locally and globally. Therefore, becoming a corporate philanthropist should be your goal.&nbsp; Also Read: <a href="https://www.sehgalnotes.com/blogs/the-business-monking" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Business Mon-king</a> How Companies Can Benefit from Corporate Philanthropy Are you wondering how philanthropy helps a company? The general idea is that philanthropy can prove beneficial for only the people or the community at the receiving end. However, companies can benefit immensely too when they choose corporate philanthropy.<ul><li>Corporate philanthropy has been shown to be effective in increasing employee engagement and productivity. Allowing the employees to choose a charity, engaging them in crowdfunding, letting them take initiative, and finally, offering paid volunteering can encourage employees to get more engaged.&nbsp;</li><li>It will increase brand awareness and the reputation of the company. During the COVID situation and later on, at the time of protesting against racial violence, many companies got involved with these causes, which led to a better reputation and trustworthiness among customers, employees, and the community at large.&nbsp;</li><li>In today’s world, when an employee joins a company, they not only check the company website but also the reviews and social media platforms. It has been a proven fact that the companies that do philanthropy actually attract a lot of fresh talent. It boosts a positive work environment for the employees.</li><li>There are several studies in the market showing that customers engage more with socially responsible brands. Almost 90% of customers will choose a cause-driven brand to engage with.</li><li>Entrepreneurial philanthropy actually comes with tax benefits. Charitable activities come with tax benefits. Though saving money should not be the only motivator, in this case, it is surely not to be ignored.&nbsp;</li></ul> The Difference Between CSR and Corporate PhilanthropyThere is a fine line between corporate social responsibility and corporate philanthropy. But they are not synonymous. While corporate philanthropy is getting involved with some social cause for community benefit, corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is directly related to business structure and how a company functions.&nbsp; According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the definition of CSR is, "the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families, as well as of the local community and society at large." So, you have a chance to basically go beyond just donations in terms of your philanthropic activities. I am grateful that I got a chance to do that with my association with Heartfulness. With this global community of meditators and Daaji’s guidance, I can help people today to offer them calm and peace while they struggle with the demands of modern life. Also, becoming a part of Heartfulness Education Trust and Forest by <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Heartfulness</a> Initiatives was a good decision for me as I could give back to the future generator as well as our environment which is needed now more than ever. Types of Corporate Philanthropy Corporate philanthropy can be of several types and when you are choosing one, you need to consider how it can benefit you.&nbsp;<ul><li>Matching gifts are a common form of corporate philanthropy. The companies pay the matching amount to the employees who donate to a selected charity.&nbsp;</li><li>The volunteer grant programme is another popular type of corporate philanthropy where companies donate money to a charity that is equivalent to the value of the volunteer hours of their employees.</li><li>Employees' grant stipend is very straightforward: a company gives the employee a grant that is equivalent to the money that they donate to their chosen charity.</li><li>Companies can offer community grants to charitable organizations to support their nonprofit missions. This is another straightforward example of a philanthropic business model.</li><li>Volunteer support initiatives let companies partner with nonprofit organizations to provide services as a charity, which only companies with philanthropic programmes can provide.&nbsp;</li></ul> Business philanthropy is a great practice for any corporate house and can benefit a company in manifold ways. And giving back to the community is also noble. So, choose to give back to society and establish yourself as a credible name to everyone. Find your callings just like how I did with Heartfulness and help people make their lives better. Think of giving not as charity but as your duty as a human being so that you can leave this world a better place for future generations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Philanthropy and Business - The New Corporate Citizenship

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If you want to keep your startup up and running, you will need funding. For startup funding, there can be multiple sources, or you can go with one. No matter what you choose, you need to ensure that the cash flow never stops.&nbsp; Depending on how much money you are getting into the field in the beginning and what events you are planning to launch, you need to start seeking the right kind of funding. And this is where the seed funding comes into the picture.&nbsp; What is Seed Funding and How Does it Work?The word "seed funding" comes from the analogy of planting a tree. A startup generally starts with a great idea. However, to bring that idea to fruition, you need to have the money that will make it happen for you. This is why getting seed funding is crucial. Seed funding is generally not a loan. The investor will fund your business with the right to own shares of the company or get a share of your profits. In exchange, you get the startup capital to take your idea off the ground.&nbsp; Suggested Read: <a href="https://www.sehgalnotes.com/blogs/5-tips-for-the-entrepreneurially-challenged" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">5 Tips For The Entrepreneurially Challenged</a> Types of Seed FundingThere are several types of seed funding options available for any company that is about to embark on a journey of success.&nbsp;<ul><li>Crowdfunding Platforms: In recent years, crowdfunding platforms have proven themselves useful for getting seed funding for startups. It is a good idea for budding entrepreneurs to run a campaign so that they can start with their idea. However, while going for this option, one needs to identify the potential challenges, like the processing fee of each transaction, the campaign goal and timeline for each platform, and devise a plan to handle them all.</li><li>Angel investors or HNI (high networth individuals) can be helpful at the initial stage of a business. HNIs are individuals who can give you the startup capital, and in return, they get equity in the company. Using convertible debt lets these investors get the ROI back as equity.&nbsp;</li><li>Incubators and accelerators are also great options for startup fundraising. While incubators can offer a small amount of capital for businesses, accelerators can offer not only capital but also mentorship and networking opportunities.</li><li>Venture capital investors are also helpful if you have a great idea, a business plan, and a team of resources. They typically get the shares in equity for their investment.</li><li>Other startup funding organizations - There are many other startup funding organizations too that invest in startups in exchange for quality work, new talent, and ideas.</li><li>Bootstrapping - is always an option, depending on how much capital you have as an individual. However, this option might lead to higher debts if your startup goes belly up.&nbsp;</li></ul>How Does Funding Work for Startups? Your Work as a Founder Does Not End with the Start of Your CompanyYou need to develop your product, find a customer base, market the product, expand, and again launch new products subsequently. All of these endeavors will need funding. From product development to hiring resources, you will need cash flow to ensure that the process runs smoothly. So, getting the funding begins with searching for outside investors.&nbsp; Angel investors, venture capitalists, financial institutions, or anyone else for that matter, will consider funding your business depending on your business plan, company maturity, potential market, track record, profits, and risks. And when you start making profits, they will get the initial returns along with a slice of company equity. Before you get the seed funding, the valuation of the company will be considered by the investors, and after that, you will get the first stage of startup financing. After seed funding, your investments will go through other funding rounds called Series A, B, and C based on the type of shares issued by the company:. While series A funding will help you develop the product and build a customer base, series B funding will be used for company development. In this stage, you will hire new talents to support the demands, expand the marketing base, and focus on customer support. Series C funding is for successful startups that are now planning to develop new products, expand into different markets, and get a great leadership team on board. For each of these rounds you will be issuing Series A/B/C shares with certain terms and conditions. How Much Money Does a Startup Need? Well, there is hardly a clear-cut answer to this question. You, as a founder, might want to get as much money as possible. At the initial stage, this is not going to happen. Hence, keep in mind your funding goals for at least the next 12–18 months and calculate the timeline by which the company should start seeing profits.&nbsp; In terms of equity, the best decision will be if you offer only 10% to the investors. But for startups, most likely, the investors will require 20% dilution. However, keep in mind that anything more than 25% is not an option if you want to see long-term profits and keep the company afloat.&nbsp; Funding for Startups in India by the Government If you are the founder of a startup in India, then surely you want to know how to get initial funding for startups. You can get connected with angel investors in India or startup funding organizations. But along with these, the government of India offers several financial schemes that can help your startup take off. Some of the most prominent schemes are as follows:<ul><li>ASPIRE – A Scheme for the Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries, and Entrepreneurship</li><li>Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana</li><li>SAMRIDH Scheme</li><li>Multiplier Grant Scheme (MSG)</li><li>Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)</li></ul>The beginning of your startup journey is stressful especially if you are yet to find the right source of funding. However, my journey has taught me that everything starts with you. So, instead of fretting over everything, first, manage yourself and your mind. When you start believing in yourself, the world follows suit. As a wise man once said, defeating a persistent man is the most difficult thing. So, persist and persevere.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Funding for Startups 101 - Everything You Need to Know

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The only thing in this world that does not change is change itself a wise man once told me. Change of any kind is potentially transformative. But the challenge lies in championing this change – identifying the factors that indicate impending shifts and being prepared proactively.This ethic can be applied globally, nationally, organizationally, and even individually. Good leaders know that a company is not just a company, a company is its people. Hence, championing change becomes not only crucial but also challenging, because any transformation has the consequence of affecting the lives of many.Why is it a challenge?Reports of employers struggling to find suitable workers amid an economic recovery plagued by uncertainty and inflation, have become globally ubiquitous. A report published by Korn Ferry has said that by 2030, more than 85 million jobs could go unfilled because there aren’t enough skilled people to take them. This is alarming because in the past few years workforce shortages have coincided with elevated employment rates.What does this signify?A need for change. Ask any executive about their company and you can expect a response complete with a presentation showing the organizational chart. This response seems standard in leaders today, who grew up with management concepts like coordination, hierarchy, and a matrixed organization. But the passion to build, cultivate, to retain a beginner’s mindset, values from the previous generation of leaders, were left out of the current equation. These are all values necessary for growth and transformation. And that’s the challenge.&nbsp;There are many big companies that are set up as traditional hierarchies, templates for organizations conceptualized during industrial revolutions. These concepts are theoretical, look good on paper, but problematic when it comes to managing disruption and change.&nbsp;So how do we champion change?Disruptions are important for business growth. They improve flexibility and bring new opportunities. They are the catalysts for the discovery of new markets. But that is just an overview. At present, businessmen within the post-pandemic supply chain disruption, know that they require some astute business handling to ensure continuous growth despite the inflation.So, what can these businesses do to balance their interests?They can identify the approaching shifts in trends and act accordingly. The best example would be TSMC that fundamentally shaped the semiconductor industry. Though there are many leading companies like Huawei and Apple who design but they don’t manufacture their chips. TSMC identified the supply chain gap between designing and finally producing the device, and the gap was that of the chip which in itself was more than a trivial process. In the last few decades, we saw a lot of attention being paid to software. Most people appeared to forget that running software requires devices like iPhone to run the apps, or laptops or tablets or larger servers. And these devices need processors, memory, I/O devices, etc. And to connect the device and the software, they would need an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or in simple words, a CHIP!Leaders like Steve Jobs took pride in holding that first device, with its chips hanging out, while giving the demo on how to run the browser. But running that browser was only made possible by some unique features in the chipset. There has been need for chips ever since computer technologies exploded into the marketplace. But only a few companies like TSMC identified and anticipated that impending shift and developed an advanced business model. When the world was focused heavily on investing in software, they invested in building foundries to developing cutting edge semiconductor devices&nbsp;Today, TSMC produces approximately 80-90% of the world’s semiconductor devices. Although there are others, not many can match the level of technology offered by TSMC.&nbsp;At present, the most advanced processors like Apple’s M1, M2, M3, those used in MacBook, and A14 the processor that powers iPhone 13 are all manufactured by TSMC. Therefore, unlike companies like Intel and Samsung that design and then make the chips, TSMC’s business model designed exclusively to fill the gap. TSMC’s foundry styled model only operates on a contract basis and doesn’t sell devices of its own. Giving it time not only to enhance its expertise in chip building but also be exclusive and quick in bulk delivery.KeynoteCompanies like TSMC have thus championed the various phases of change.How do we follow suit?Whether it is a country, a company, or an individual, to stay balanced in the face of disruption, you have to pay attention to the external and the internal aspects. For example, before designing any digital transformation model, a company reads the market and identifies the need. That is fine. But that is just the external aspect of business development. What happens if the company is unable to integrate the digital transformation model internally? Sooner or later the model would fall apart, costing the company its reputation and eventually its future. The same applies to countries. What happens if a country like India with the largest youth population is unable to integrate the young into the system? The country will lag.Recent schemes launched in countries like India called, Agniveer (Meaning - A Valorous Person Honed with Fire) should be welcomed as an effort to maintain the health of the nation. It will not only allow the youth to be integrated into the mature corporate world but also stand out. Anyone who has undergone an aggressive and disciplined training for four years is bound to be skilled and a fearless leader. This person will not shy away from taking any kind of assessment or adapting to the dynamics of the corporate and technology world.An inherent trait found in successful people and leaders. Probably a reason why I believe in hiring people who can lead, irrespective of whether they will be filling a leadership position or not. Leadership as a skill that exhibits how well you adapt to any situation or conduct yourself in everyday life. Perfect way to bring about changes at the country level.Summarizing itChampioning the change is the need of the hour. Companies cannot afford to stay stagnant in today’s dynamic markets. To survive they must identify, anticipate, and adapt to the changing needs of their consumers. And, work on building a skilled workforce that will not shy away from aligning themselves to the changing needs of the company and market. That is my definition of an ‘E(in)TERNALLY’ strong company or country!! &nbsp;

Championing Change Is The Only Way Forward

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Yes, there is, and it is called – INTEGRATION.We all start our days with a certain amount of energy. The amount may vary, but this energy is what keeps us alive, and we die with its depletion. The secret to being the best version of yourself lies in how tactfully you manage your energy.A baby grows better with the mother’s attention, better than just with food. It’s called the biorhythm – the rhythmic biological cycles that influence a person’s ability.For a baby, as it’s growing it is even more important. As we grow up, we seek attention. It’s a natural tendency. As a child, we get energy from attention, and as we grow up, we look for attention from others to maintain energy levels.Sometimes we get lucky, other times we are left feeling lonely. But unless we find an alternative, we remain attention seekers, because it is like food for consciousness – nourishment for the ego and mind.Once you begin walking on the spiritual path and meditating, you might notice that this need to seek attention from others, withers away.Because you’ll know how to tap into the source of your energy.Energy is in IntegrationIntegration is a process where your physical body, intellectual mind, and open-hearted spirit collaborate. You must have noticed it when you exercise.When you are done with your daily workout regime, it makes you feel better. And even though you may be physically exhausted at that time, you also feel a surge of energy; this is because when you exercise or do yoga, all your body parts and mind orchestrate in symphony.“Integration gives energy. Disintegration depletes energy. Integrated people, I suggest, are more content with their lives and thus happier than people who are falling apart—physically, mentally, socially, or economically.” – Prof. Ichak Adizes.In the context of life and its journey, integration is about utilizing the gifts you have attained as a human, rather than just thinking about them.Here is how you can do that and be your best version:AutomatismOur ancestors knew the significance of performing a significant activity at the same time every day. My mentor, Daaji calls it “Automatism”. Following any form of spiritual or mental practice helps in integrating the deepest cores of the heart, but is more effective if done at the same time every dayNow, this can be as simple as meditating for a few minutes or doing a mental wellness routine but as long as it is done at the same time and preferably at the same place to develop automatism.ContemplationWhen you push yourself constantly to do more, be better, get faster results – all without allowing your mind a breather, you are hurtling towards burnout.To keep your mind healthy, and in a working state, it is necessary to take some time out and simply do nothing – just breathe.Experts say that taking time to simply breathe and ponder on your actions is a productivity enhancer. It’s comparable to allowing fresh and clean air into the room of your mind, that’s been shut off by ‘all action, and no contemplation.’PurgingPurging is throwing away stuff that you are no longer using – like clothes, accessories, books, or even old photographs.When you purge yourself of all the junk and clutter in your life; physical junk made from useless materialistic things (like clothes), mental junk consisting of unnecessary thoughts, ideas, and beliefs, you actively make space and allow yourself to live more soulfully.Here’s what you should be purging:• Commitments that are unnecessary or time-consuming• Unhealthy connections or relationships• Destructive habits• Philosophies or interests that no longer suffice to your growth goalIn essence, anything that no longer serves a functional purpose in your life.But do not purge people or memories; rather, let go of the unnecessary mental baggage surrounding them.CreativityThis is probably the best way to be the best version of YOU.You know you do not need to be an artist to create a piece of art. Art is an act of expression. It comes from within.Creativity helps you to probe into the source of your thoughts because thought is nothing but the impulse of energy and intelligence.Often, we have this tendency to filter out something that doesn’t fit into our belief system. This tendency blocks creativity.Why is creativity vital in integration, and why should we be aware of our tendencies?Because a crucial aspect of creativity is imagination, and when we link that image to the present state of reality, we establish an integrated condition where the mind and the body arrive at a state of balance.ConclusionTo be the best of who you can be, it is important to take care of your mental and physical health. Everyone needs time for quiet contemplation in a noisy world where information all around is a steady electronic buzz.Meditation has been proven to help with stress levels and increase productivity. Some time out each day—whether 15 minutes or an hour—to simply contemplate what truly matters most will leave you more energized when confronted with life’s challenges.It takes effort at first but soon becomes second nature as our mind automatically begins to clear itself of unnecessary thoughts after a few weeks, if not sooner!For those who have difficulty finding their routine or cannot seem to find enough time or space, it is good to indulge in creative activities that you can bring with you anywhere.This doesn't necessarily have to be painting or a musical instrument; any hobby that enables your mind to wander for two minutes will do the trick!Here are some examples: swimming, walking outdoors, reading fiction (it’s very different from non-fiction), attending meditation and spiritual events are also creative ways to help your mind get some much-needed downtime.Remember: There is always a way out, you only need to look for it.

How to be best you can be

I recently read an article that was themed around ‘why DevOps will cease to exist soon’, and thought, “Well! Because the future of DevOps is already here.”And it’s called DevSecOps – short for development, security, and operations.We all know how DevOps reached prominence. The rapid growth of powerhouse sites such as Amazon, Netflix, etc., meant going from the use of one server to hundreds and then thousands. The concept allowed these companies to improve the quality of service and increase revenue but brought along major setbacks such as downtime, poor performance, and more.Consequently, DevOps emerged as the savior, fighting the crisis, and eliminating boundaries between development and operations. But, just as every problem has a solution; in IT we say, ‘every solution brings along the next set of problems’, to ensure we are never out of work.The Past:The bond between development and security is contentious. That’s because security sees developers as a liability when it comes to protecting data, and for developers, security is a roadblock to innovation.But DevOps as a solution cannot afford to overlook security or set it aside as just another problem, especially when we look at the recent past – the beginning stage of the pandemic that proved to be the testing period for businesses.Back then every business was moving to cloud and used digital tools to do the work, and that led to growing concern about securing the data. Everybody was working remotely, which increased the chances of data breaches in the first half of 2020, and compelled organizations to look for a new resolve – DevSecOps.The Present:“DevSecOps should not be defined as a team consisting of development, operations, and security roles. In fact, I believe that DevSecOps is a term that describes a cross-functional DevOps team that integrates security practices within their own processes to deliver secure software and infrastructure.” – Glen Wilson, Consultant, and Author.I think this summarizes the actual role of DevSecOps.The pandemic has taught us why security is a grave concern. As per a 2021 IBM report, the cost of data breach had hit a record high in the 17-year history of the report. It was $4.24 million per incident on average.In most cases, the pandemic pushed many companies to integrate new technology projects three times faster than their usual speed, without bothering to seek consultation and support from seasoned firms who are there to offer aid and enable smooth digital transformation.As a result, these firms were left with overwhelming complexities across IT, app, and network infrastructure, unable to fathom their full IT landscape, and ignored security. Something that matters the most especially in a startup.The Future:If organizations are to survive in the dynamic market changes, deal with supply chain upheavals, and manage a hybrid workforce, then the only way forward is to invest time and effort in developing a robust DevSecOps program.DevSecOps is a framework that integrates security in each stage of development, making it a natural part of the development process, thus making developers see it as a part of their job and not as a book of rules that they need to abide by.With more than 70% of IT leaders confirming a need to accelerate initiatives to secure software development, DevSecOps will be the DNA of all digital transformations.Here’s how?<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Harnessing Automation</li></ul>&nbsp;For any project silos between developers, business development and testing teams become the major reason for the creation of gaps in the feedback loops leading to a slower product rollout.DevSecOps will ensure continuous testing and deployment. It will make teams across all business units to codify their shift left practices with automation, and thus increase the frequency of communication to reduce the chances of failures.<ul><li>Smoothening CI/CD</li></ul>With more robust security products to manage the tasks such as CI/CD that are inherent to cloud-native software development, a lot of time can be saved, and it will also empower teams to address issues proactively, as the feedback loop in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) would be thoroughly covered.<ul><li>Faster New App Launches</li></ul>DevSecOps is the best source when it comes to engaging security in business as usual. It will allow the cybersecurity teams to be more participative in business initiatives. DevSecOps as a hybrid program will include security advisors at the planning phase itself, adding more value and less friction to software releases and developer teams.Summarizing it:Research suggests that enterprises are the most common targets for cyberattacks, and after reading this article you will surely understand why enterprises are the most vulnerable, especially after coping with the pandemic.With security being the top concern for IT leads, DevSecOps is the only way to manage and secure organizational data and reduce the risks involved in collaborative citizen developments, as in this program security and compliance requirements are validated at every step of the development lifecycle.Afterall, the ultimate objective of development platforms is to simplify the creation of codes, and DevSecOps is the best option to reach the goal of a Zero Trust security model.

DevSecOps – What the future holds?

"Winning" – the word has a multitude of meanings.&nbsp;To some, it may mean to be at the top in every sense, ahead of everyone; and to some, it may mean chasing perfection. But what happens when you reach the “pinnacle” of Success?&nbsp;How do you stay a winner when you’re already at the top, and there’s nowhere else to go? How do you maintain that winning streak that syncs your flow through life? And most importantly how do you reap the possibilities created through ‘The Winning’?&nbsp;“You and your organization are most vulnerable when you are most successful.” – Robin Sharma, The Greatness Guide&nbsp;A real win is when you truly feel happy from within, and not vulnerable – Which can only happen when you can ‘Stop Worrying and Start Living.’&nbsp;The art of winning lies in knowing how to build yourself to a level where you are capable of giving what you have gained to others. This translates to using the knowledge, experience, skills, or wealth you’ve gained to create better opportunities for others. You may question the need to create better opportunities for others. After all, when the win is yours, the opportunities should also be for you!&nbsp;&nbsp;So Why Give your gains to others?&nbsp;Two friends were playing in a garden. One of them told the other about his collection of marbles. The other responded by telling the first about some homemade sweets in his possession. The marble owner immediately suggested to the sweet owner that there be an exchange – marbles for sweets. The sweet owner agreed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sweet owner went and packed all the sweets he had in a box and returned. Meanwhile, the marble owner kept some of the beautiful and bigger marbles at home and brought the remaining marbles for his friend. Both the friends exchanged their possessions and went back home. However, that night, the sweet owner, who lost his sweets to win marbles slept peacefully. But the marble owner, who had the homemade sweets, as well as the beautiful and bigger marbles still in his possession, kept thinking about the exchange. He was wondering whether his friend had hidden some sweets like him. The whole night he kept thinking about it and lost sleep.&nbsp;To me, the winner in this situation, and others is the one who got a good night’s sleep with a clear conscience. Moreover, sleep is what keeps us charged and helps us win more battles in life. And if that statement sounds naïve and vague, then maybe these pointers will help illuminate the ‘Art of Winning’ further:&nbsp;&nbsp;The Power of Thought&nbsp;You master the art of winning when you realize the power of your thoughts. It is however very difficult to manage thoughts, as they happen at the subtler level, therefore mind management becomes even more crucial. A mind is an amazing machine that can transform itself into any form per its dominant thought process. Take for example how you embark on a new job search. First, you realize you do not like what you’re currently doing, followed almost immediately by the consideration that you could be doing something you like better instead. Continuing along these lines, you become convinced that you do need to find a new job, and then you begin an active search.&nbsp;Thoughts are powerful.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through regular meditation, you gradually learn to identify the relationship between thoughts and behavior. It helps in harnessing the power of your thoughts and allows you to grow into a better version of yourself. Living in Harmony There is an inexplicable thrill to winning, but it also brings along the fear of losing, and the result is your mind losing the peace.&nbsp;If you only think of winning in terms of defeating others, you may never be able to create harmony around you. But when you look at winning as a way to share your abundance, you can create an environment of harmony around.&nbsp;Think like a king, when you define “winning.” In ancient Hindu scriptures, kings were defined as compassionate and exalted. They were conceived as being above the competition, and thus beyond nominal ideas of winning. When you are beyond competition, there is no conflict. There is harmony around.&nbsp;So being compassionate and living in harmony is the second step towards learning the art of winning.&nbsp;Finding Your Rhythm&nbsp;Apart from being compassionate, the other most important rule of harmony is finding your rhythm, which could easily translate to being confident in yourself. When you are a lover of wisdom, you automatically generate a feeling of confidence, strength, and awareness.&nbsp;Learning the art of winning is like American New Thought leader and teacher Christian D. Larson says:&nbsp;&nbsp;“To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.”&nbsp;Being Before the Happening&nbsp;&nbsp;A real victory cannot be savored unless you’ve consumed the bitter taste of defeat. And this can only happen when you are centered. You may feel overjoyed after winning a tournament or getting a big project, but that kind of joy may be short-lived if you lose focus. There is a singular kind of joy in being involved in events and activities and another kind of joy in solitary repose.&nbsp;If you can comprehend the space of being where both yes and no can simultaneously be right, you are privy to a whole new dimension of infinite possibilities.&nbsp;The true art of winning is when you are awake and aware of this truth.&nbsp;Summarizing It:&nbsp;The art of winning is a very personal thing. For some, it’s about the pursuit of happiness and finding joy in every moment; for others, success means following their passions to create something that has never been done before. There are as many ways to win in life, as people are living on this planet—but what we can all agree on is that when you find your rhythm and learn how-to live-in harmony with yourself, you will have won against any odds.&nbsp;

The Art of Winning - Living All Possibilities in Life

An aspect of spiritual wisdom is learning to discriminate. In the real world, the word discrimination has been portrayed in a negative sense. But in the world of spirituality discrimination means ‘Viveka’ – the ability to recognize the truth.How can you imbibe this quality of recognizing the truth? With the ability of Divergent Thinking. Meditation helped me hone this skill.There is a very popular book people must have read, and I have also read, it's called ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’. I consider myself as the ‘Monk’ who has kept his Ferrari. Spiritual wisdom helped me understand that as part of this journey of life its not necessary for you to sell your Ferrari, or sell any material belongings that you have, but the important thing is not be attached to it. When you are not attached to something or cease to identify yourself with your desires, that is when you become capable of recognizing the truth.This thought made me reflect further on the kind of people I want to be surrounded with, in my day-to-day work life. I realized, it is situational and figured that on a broader spectrum people can be classified as Fools, Intelligent Wits, or Wise Sages.This form of knowledge also helps me select the right candidates for the desired profile, in my company.So, first, a few thoughts on ways to discern a fool, an intelligent wit, and a wise sage – an important distinction when hiring or meeting new people.Many quotes make this distinction; along the lines of: “A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.” But my favorite is Otto von Bismarck “Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.”The quote indicates that those who are full of themselves, narcissistic, and arrogant may generally be classified as fools. You might want to avoid this kind of person in general. I had covered this topic in detail in one of my webinars – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=907R_2niNKw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">‘The world does spin but not around you’.</a>On the other hand, the flip side – intelligence and wisdom, are attractive traits.Intelligence, according to a recent post by my mentor and friend Dr. Adizes may be defined as “One’s ability to handle information, and derive conclusions based on information that is analyzed and deliberated upon.” He added, “The better your analytical capabilities to find patterns, and understand these patterns, the more intelligent you are. You can derive conclusions from the information faster and better than somebody else who’s not as intelligent as you are.”Those of us in the technology domain may think of this person as a Data Scientist. But, I think we have all come across analytical individuals in our business and technical associations as well as in social interactions. These are people who will not take any action unless they analyze a situation completely, and thus they often end up taking time in their decision making, be it shopping for the next big Screen TV or choosing a life partner.Now too much of anything is good for nothing, so what we are left with when it comes to hiring the right person is ‘The Wise’.But, how would we describe the Wise Sage? Drawing again from the wisdom of my mentor and friend Dr. Adizes – “Wisdom is based on experience. An intelligent person knows how to get out of a hole. A wise person knows how not to fall into the hole in the first place. Why? Because he has experience. And the best experience is learning from other people who fell into the hole.”I find it quite logical and in line with what I learned over the years, that intelligence is analytic, but it is the wise who is intuitive.However, my friend contends that wisdom comes with experience and age, which is kind of disagreeable. I do not believe age equates with wisdom by default. For me, it is the quality of experience, not the quantity, that makes someone wise.And the quality of wisdom is synonymous with leadership, just as the book ‘From Smart to Wise’ (by authors Prasad Kaipa, Navi Radjou) states that “Wisdom distinguishes great leaders from the rest of the pack”.A statement that coincides with my earlier take on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCHKqant1LE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">how to hire the right person</a> based on their leadership qualities. Simply put, a leader is someone who refuses to stay stuck in the state of victimhood, instead sees opportunity in every situation. I also see this as ‘the trait of the wise’. A wise sage sees opportunity in every situation and learns from it.Wisdom emerges not just from experience, but through thoughtful reflection on the lessons gained through experience. That is where contemplative practices such as meditation come in. Meditation like I mentioned earlier can develop divergent thinking in an individual, which means being able to simultaneously process all possible combinations in a given situation without having to think through each, separately; in other words a super-computer-type ability in the human mind. This may correspond with what we also refer to as intuition or gut feeling.The one who is intuitive and meditative also hones the ability to rise above personal interest; or seeking pleasures, the third important trait of the wise. And one who conquers desires can connect easily to a higher purpose. A connection to a higher goal brings clarity in thoughts, takes us to a different dimension, the path on which wise sages walk.It is time we see that, and sift through to find wisdom and intelligence, and cultivate the leadership we need for tomorrow.Coming back to right where I started, how to hire the right person? And whether to hire young intelligent people vs old wise people for leadership?This is where spiritual wisdom helps. One needs to be wise to spot and appreciate the wisdom in others. Work on yourself to be wise first, and then learn to hire young wise people for leadership.Source: <a href="https://thriveglobal.com/stories/spiritual-wisdom-while-being-in-the-real-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://thriveglobal.com/stories/spiritual-wisdom-while-being-in-the-real-world/</a>

Spiritual Wisdom While Being in the Real World

Spiritual_Wisdom_while_being_in_the_real_world

The saying “As you sow, so shall you reap,” is considered one of the best-known representations of the concept of “Karma.”It got me thinking when it comes to work, how far can we caution ourselves about what we are “sowing” into our business (money, work, culture, decisions, conflicts, resolutions, etc.)? More importantly, how will we know if our dealings are in line with constructive evolution (the good side of the scale of karmic balance) or submerging us further into karma’s vicious cycle (the bad side of the scale of karmic balance)?A rare tale of a leap of good faithI still remember reading this inspiring news that made me smile with moist eyes. In 2015, Dan Price, the CEO of Gravity Payments, raised the minimum wage of all his employees to $70,000 a year. Dan had slashed his salary to $70,000 from $1.1 million to do so. Dan had once pronounced that he wishes to buy his dream car. To return the favor, 120 employees of Dan’s firm saved their one month’s salary and gifted him his dream car. It was Karma unfolding in its classic style.Karma – the good, the bad, and the uglyThe notion of karma is comparable to a balance sheet, with the golden principle – debit in, credit out. You earn credit for all your debits. This credit will be good, bad, or ugly, depending on the debit you produce.When you marry karma and business, you are bounded by the law –A. Good karmic debits = Good Credit&gt;inputB. Bad karmic debits = Bad Credit &gt;inputC. Ugly karmic debits = Ugly Credit &gt;inputWhere karmic debits are your intentions, the input is your action based on intentions, and credit is your output. In any way, your output is greater than the input. Therefore, rule A is what we all must aim.After having set up several ventures, and mentoring start-up enthusiasts I’ve consolidated the five Sutras of Karmic Management, which I feel can be applied in almost all situations:&nbsp;1. The Law of GrowthWhile starting a new project, venturing out to materialize an idea, or managing a team, hasten the course of inevitable failure and stop doing anything that is not working out. That way, you may fail fast but it will turn out better if you also learn fast, and can help you grow faster. Take a new path that promises to take you to your destination. The great Abraham Lincon lost elections eight times and failed in business twice. But, he quickly moved on by failing fast and recovering faster for success.2. The Law of SynchronicityYou’re thinking of replacing your car while driving on a highway, and you drive past a billboard, which advertises a good exchange offer on a car. This phenomenon is called synchronicity. The law of synchronicity is looking out for signals or events in the external surroundings that can help us achieve our objectives. You’re attracted to such signals unconsciously; as you’re constantly thinking of your objective, you are linking everything around to it. Logically, the idea emanates from the bedrock of curiosity that makes one look for the answer in everything around. Therefore, you are more aware of the external world that attracts you to the desired answer quickly, just like the law of attraction.3. The Law of ReflectionWe reflect our surroundings, and our surroundings mirror us. When we carry positivity within, we also reflect the same in people around us. Resultant – you are appreciative of people’s efforts and become a source of motivation. On the contrary, when you’re always complaining and criticizing, it is a clarion call to look within and reignite the fire of positivity. Take someone like Mahatma Gandhi, who was filled with hope and selflessness. He invariably saw the same in everyone and inspired the whole world to lead the life of righteousness.4. The Law of FocusIn the face of problems, if you tend to lose direction, you are giving way to insecurity and rage. Instead, the best way to rise above challenges is by seeing them as opportunities to focus on your goals. Despite hurdles and lawsuits, the great Nicolas Tesla never lost sight and created over 300 patents to his name. It is said that he once worked 84 hours straight.5. The Law of Significance and InspirationYour good returns are the fruits of your energy and intent. Fair use of intelligence is to have positive intentions and to put your energy into fructifying them. Invest in improving your business conduct. Use the profits to thank, encourage, and improve the lives of those who helped you succeed. Humility is the best form of investment.The Karmic Philosophy of Business SustainabilityThe core objective of any business is sustainability. A good business Karma will ensure a long run for any organization. Let’s decode further. The business Karma consists of four key elementsStrategy – Implementing decisions that are thought through and would reap long-term benefits. For example, mergers and acquisitions or product diversification.Transparency – Acting per policies and communicating in all openness, honesty, and goodwill to employees and customers. For example, intimating clients in case of an operational-hiccup.Nurturing – Promoting a culture of care and empowering employees to grow in the system. For example, a manager guiding his/her team by sharing expertise and wisdom.Objectivity – Acting fair by ensuring pragmatic criteria to arrive at a decision. For example, eliminating personal biases when addressing employee grievances.When actions comply with these four elements the good business karma is manifested in form of sustainability. On contrary, bad business karma will impact a business’s lifeline.Source: <a href="https://yourstory.com/mystory/apply-good-karma-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://yourstory.com/mystory/apply-good-karma-business</a>

Can you apply Good Karma to Business?

Humanity never fails to surpass itself. Just when we think innovation has reached a pinnacle, there are challenges that push us towards finding new ways to reach new heights – Digital Entrepreneurship being the latest and best.<h4>CHANGING FACE OF LIFE</h4>Emerging trends in hybrid lifestyles, where the private and work spheres have merged out of necessity are fast becoming the preferred ways to live. And technology has had to adapt and evolve.With people confined indoors, remote work became a compulsion, putting the ball in employees’ court to remain alert about world news as well as work, which to a great extent opened Pandora’s box for greater Digital Entrepreneurship opportunities.“A boom in e-commerce in India accelerated last year when the COVID-19 pandemic drove more shoppers online. Flipkart, in which Walmart invested $16 billion in 2018, and Amazon are among the top two players.” – Economic Times.Being a technology expert and a compulsive entrepreneur, I believe that digital entrepreneurship is the way forward to identify and create markets, but also to help reach out to existing customer bases to push sales.Take, for instance, the extraordinary rise of chatbots. Thanks to platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, etc., familiarizing us and connecting us with friends and family virtually, we’ve taken to chatbots naturally and easily. Thus, Manychat, MobileMonkey and so many more are helping businesses streamlining customer service.On the internal communications front, e-learning platforms are helping companies generate around 20 percent more revenue per employee while they are still “at work”. Building an e-learning platform involves putting together a learning management system, a CBT instruction unit, metadata, author software, and other general components. Each phase is an entrepreneurial opportunity, and all are great examples of working effectively in the digital realm.Essentially, the current scenario gave rise to new business challenges making the traditional economy look for immediate solutions for business continuity. And the IT industry after some initial blips is slowly rising to the occasion, refining new ways of working, living, and existing in a digital-first world.Here are a few tried and tested methods that will help you too in taking that big leap towards digital entrepreneurship:<h4>1. IT IS MORE OF AN ECOSYSTEM</h4>Digital entrepreneurship is never about one line item, it is an ecosystem. So, when you think of building a business, think about how you’ll build and exist within an integrated ecosystem of digitally powered ventures.In the words of Julian Birkinshaw, Professor at London Business School, “One huge benefit of being an ecosystem orchestrator is privileged access to information about the entire ecosystem. You see what’s selling well, and you see how the market is evolving before others.” – Harvard Business Review.The thing is when you shift your focus from a single need, product, or service; to creating a business ecosystem, you open the door to cultivating a diverse set of capabilities, and the innovation to resolve issues quickly.Great case studies of hybrid models in digital ventures are companies like Alibaba and Amazon who first started as transaction ecosystems but catapulted themselves into other big ventures by adding further domains and offerings, but only after firmly establishing themselves.<h4>2. FOCUS, ADAPTABILITY, AND LIFELONG LEARNING</h4>The three main aspects to work on, while establishing any digital entrepreneurial venture are – focus, adaptability, and the tacit acceptance that you will remain a lifelong learner.The growth scale of any company is the same. It begins as a startup, grows into teams, and then rationalizes to develop further; but what helps you stay in the game and grow, is a steely intent and focus.“How to be successful: focus, choose a good market, believe in yourself, and learn to identify unproven talent”. – Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI.As an industry changes, and grows, so would your ecosystem, and the competitors you end up with may be different from the ones you originally targeted. And that’s ok, good even; because your focus is growth, not competition.And it is a sign of success when you can adapt and still swim alongside others instead of sinking into oblivion. Remember you are charting your own course, there is no map to your destination.<h4>3. THE IDEA IS THE KING</h4>If you find yourself willing to take that leap into the sea of digital entrepreneurship, then make these words your mantra, “No idea is a bad idea.” In the digital world, the idea is the king.This is especially true when you look at something like building apps. Digital entrepreneurial ideas such as app-making are idea-intensive. You may be sitting in some nondescript place, but if it is with a good idea that has the potential to make millionaires out of entrepreneurs, then nothing can hold you back from leaping ahead.And if you want to see an example, let me present Rohit Bhat, the founder of Robosoft, and an app maker from a town called, Udupi in India, who put his unique idea into action, and looped in Apple as one of his consistent clients.“When Steve Jobs went on the stage in 2008 to announce the App Store, he showed the first 500 apps, and the five of them were built in this building, in Udupi,” – Rohit Bhat, Robosoft.<h4>4. BE THE CHANGE AGENT</h4>Innovation is of no use if it cannot trigger a change in mainstream living. There are so many innovations that have died a silent death due to lack of strategy or misappropriation. Taking that positive leap towards Digital Entrepreneurship also means being the window to innovation.Work towards building new customer behaviors, but before that, you need to first identify and then marry two very different concepts or industries together.For instance, the idea of building an app such as a QR code and using it for payment. Paytm became the change agent that brought this concept to the mainstream audience. They were also the change agents who introduced mobile payments to the public.“We are the champions of creating new customer behaviors using cashback, using easy customer experience, using reach, which is unprecedented, thanks to the internet reach”. – Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder, Paytm (a mobile payment company).<h4>5. DREAM BIG</h4>Unless you dream big you won’t feel the impetus to act. Don’t fall into the trap of debating between the conventional and unconventional.“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it is better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring” – Marilyn Monroe.Come to think about it, people like Steve Jobs were mad about their dreams, ideas, and innovation. They were so mad to the extent that after a point in time people labeled them crazy. But it was this “crazy” that helped Steve Jobs take the leap and build a digital venture.Dreaming big plays a very essential part in building a business venture. At the start of my entrepreneurial career, when I used to approach the venture capitalists with my presentations, the first question that most of them asked was, “What kind of customers would you want to get if you had a magic wand?”Does the same question apply to when taking the leap towards digital entrepreneurship – How big is your dream?Because it is only when you aim high that you’ll know what lies outside that dream.The only way your idea can take shape is by trusting your instincts and giving an opportunity to your team. That is also how you will build a worthy team.“Strategy is not a solo sport, even if you’re the CEO.” – Dr. Max McKeown, Strategist, Innovator, Speaker.I stay in the US, and most of my team works in India and other countries. Though we connect regularly, trust is a big part of making all of it work. People are working remotely; they have their own challenges to face. I believe that everyone should be given the fair chance to earn trust.A worthy team has the potential to achieve any dream, no matter how crazy it may be. They’re a huge asset to the process.Wrapping Up: Taking a Leap into Digital EntrepreneurshipIn the end, I’d say that taking that first plunge is important because if you shoot for the moon, you will at least end up among the stars.When I started my entrepreneurial stint, I too aimed high, as high as being the next Steve Jobs. And while my revenues may be a lot lower than Apple’s, I’ve led a decent life.I had some successful startups, which ended up being sold for good money. But had I not tried to aim that high, I would not have landed where I am today.You unlock the numerous opportunities that come with aiming high, and that magnifies your impact. But, unless you take the leap, you can never know what lies outside.For the first ten years of my career, I used to work for a company, and despite coming from a family where nobody thought about “doing business,” I dared to do just that.Today, if you ask me, what is that one thing that I would change in my life if I could go back; I’d say that I should have started my first company after one year of working for other people.I hope Dear Reader, that these thoughts resonate with you enough for you to find the courage to take that leap!Source: <a href="https://ideasplusbusiness.com/digital-entrepreneurship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ideasplusbusiness.com/digital-entrepreneurship/</a>

Taking Leap Towards Digital Entreprenuership

We all know about how a class of calligraphy became the ground of innovation for Steve Jobs, who introduced the ‘first computer with beautiful typography’ to humanity.Or, how while walking, Nikola Tesla got the breakthrough idea of a brushless AC motor. These were two remarkable gentlemen who lived centuries apart, but there was one thing common about them – they dreamt big!Just like Jobs or Tesla, there are others with an entrepreneurial mind, ambitious and full of ideas. But the difference between someone who could materialize an idea, and one who couldn’t is the notion of ‘alternatives’.Saying ‘NO’ to alternatives makes space for monomaniacal (obsessed with a single idea) focus, and focus as we know is the key to success.“Build your life around the vital few. Distraction dilutes your genius.” – Robin SharmaYou may be a genius with many ideas, but the moment you start thinking on the lines of choices, your ideas lose potential.How?When we have multiple ideas, instinctively we start working on them. All at once. This creates restlessness within us. It clogs our thoughts, mars our actions, and instead pushes us towards reacting on unnecessary issues.It’s the point where we get stuck in the myth of multitasking. We look busy working on multiple ideas but end up wasting a lot of time.Hence, to save yourself from getting stuck, here are a few tricks:<h4>Do the most difficult things first</h4>Author Brian Tracey in his book, Eat the Frog, explained that when you jot down all your tasks, look at them, and pick the one that scares the most, it imbibes monomaniacal focus very easily, because once you take up the most difficult task, nothing else can shake you.Probably a reason why it was Arjuna (one of the protagonists in the Indian epic Mahabharata) who could look at the fish’s reflection in the water and hit the arrow straight-up to strike the fish’s eye. His level of focus was such that nothing could shake him off of his goal of hitting the revolving fish’s eye.<h4>Beware of the myth of multitasking</h4>Multitasking means messing up several things, at once. More like sitting in a History class and thinking of Mathematics. Instead, when you dedicate more time to one task, it helps you hone your craft faster.For the longest time in my life and career, I have been known as an efficient multitasker. But, all these experiences helped me realize that multi-tasking damages the quality quotient of any work, which is nothing but the ability to apply the power of intellect and emotions for producing anything.And, all this does affect you adversely over years.<h4>Regenerate and keep up your energy</h4>You need to have a lot of energy to focus, and the best way to regenerate energy is by taking occasional breaks and spending some ‘me time’.Being a forerunner of a global organization, a business advisor, and an entrepreneurial coach, I am always surrounded by people and meetings.After the pandemic hit, my meetings never reduced but transferred their base to a virtual platform. This meant more time near the system, and with my phone. The process kind of drains me but instead of techlashing, I regenerate my energy by meditating early in the morning and then going on daily morning and evening walks with my wife. It’s soothing and keeps my spirits high the whole day, besides the usual rounds of espresso or two.<h4>Constantly remind yourself of your ultimate goal</h4>Getting diverted due to daily trivialities is obvious. Hence, set a regular reminder for yourself. Create deadlines for yourself, but also be humble with your deadlines, and meet them. This will boost your confidence and keep you centered.In bygone days, Brahmin scholars (the working class of Hindu professors, teachers, priests) use to tie the tip of their hair to a nail on the wall. This is to ensure that they didn’t doze off while studying. They used to read the chapters aloud and that is how they could byheart entire books of shlokas.There’s a saying that ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’.So, if you dare to think big, learn to make no room for alternatives, first.Source: <a href="https://www.dumblittleman.com/how-do-you-say-no/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.dumblittleman.com/how-do-you-say-no/</a>

Learn to Say No to Alternatives

It is incumbent upon us to create a harmonious existence to align technology and its use with human valuesWe indulge in techlashing every day even as we go on increasing our dependence on and interactivity with technology — at times knowingly, and at other times unknowingly. The rush to shrink is increasing and this translates into added whiplashing of all things technology has introduced us to. However, ironically, even to vent out our frustrations with technology, we tend to fall back on it. You could be reading this article on your device which is also a manifestation of technology. The data you are using to run the device, too, is a product of technology. By wiring our brains to treat technology as a pariah and simultaneously upping its use in our lives, we have thrown ourselves into a situation where we are living with the enemy. There is no way this situation can be healthy for our mental and physical well-being. The early greying of hair, the constant body fatigue, the migraines, the sinuses, and the joint pains are not always part of the body’s degenerative processes. The early onset of many of these symptoms and ailments is a result of us forcing ourselves to live with that which we despise or think we dislike.Many of us were working towards decoupling ourselves from technology when the pandemic struck. But what happened is that the Coronavirus brought us even closer to it than before. Right from the online ordering of essentials to managing our businesses and work from home, to declaring our presence through Zoom calls, we went back to technology in a major way. Our social interactions, too, became dependent on technology with both parties and party poopers moving online. Visits to markets and movie halls stopped, as did the visits to yoga centres and gymnasiums. From shopping, to exercise, to watching movies, to talking to friends, technology became a medium for everything. Yet we have not been able to make peace with the technological world and therein lies the problem.Until we accord technology its due importance, we will remain at perpetual war with that which is indispensable. This is not about accepting the prowess of technology, it is about realising our innate untapped potential to not become a slave, instead master moderation in our use. I can assure you that it is not as far-fetched an idea as it seems to be. Many people these days are becoming aware of the intrusive nature of the technology that surrounds us and take time out for exercise, meditation or reading, by keeping devices at bay. Some couples make their dining area a no-entry zone for computers and smartphones, particularly if they have teenagers or young adults in the family. It is possible to enjoy technology-free evenings with peaceful walks or long drives with the spouse or family. It will all begin by accepting technology as a part of our life, just like a life partner or a friend we consider indispensable.Use technology for the right reason. I see people doing it these days. Festivals and family gatherings are also happening online, across nations. That curbs the need to fly thousands of miles, yet brings families and hearts together, without polluting the environment. Isn’t it the same technology that we are lashing out against, which is helping us minimise expenses, save the environment and allowing us to stay at peace with our environment? Being a heartfulness practitioner and trainer, I can vouch for that because technology has helped us conduct online meditation sessions. It has become the source that is helping us connect with so many people even during the lockdowns necessitated by the pandemic. Technology has made us believe in the concept of a one-world family.As individuals, we are not the centre of the universe. Our holistic well-being should however be at the centre of all things we do, and this includes living with technology. Therefore, it is about time we replace techlash with tech realism. This is the reality and it is here to stay. But it is not here to replace us. It is incumbent upon us to create a harmonious existence to align technology and its use with human values. This will help us enjoy better control over our present and future.Appreciate the positives and work on the negatives while not allowing dependence to take over at any time. Allow yourself an occasional break from the technological world just as you allow yourself a break from people by retiring to your room or taking a solo vacation. Technology is our ally but the quick advancements have overwhelmed us and made us fear change. Despite the certainty of change in human life, we have barely managed to overcome the fear of it. It became a cliche to say technology is a double-edged sword. But we never say the next, most obvious line: The handle is in your hand. If you do not turn it on, there is nothing to fear. So embrace technology without fear and be its master. Not the other way around.Source: <a href="https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/columnists/embrace-tech-realism.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/columnists/embrace-tech-realism.html</a>

Embrace Tech Realism

Being a fledgling entrepreneur can be daunting, but the rewards I assure you, can be sweet!I know what it is like to have those starting troubles; like you are the only one who does not have a plan or that you will never get your business off the ground. You might even be feeling like this is one mountain that is too difficult to take on, and so, you do not want to do anything at all.I can share a valuable lesson that my mentor shared with me when I was midway through my first startup. It has helped me a lot through my journey.He said, “There is only Kohinoor Diamond, but many pearls so why not built a string of Pearls instead of chasing the Diamond.”What he meant was that it’s not always about getting a big score at once or setting that billion-dollar company in some prespecified target time. But, if you modify that vision as needed and aspire to build a value-based business, you’re likely to have more success. And you may not get the Billion Dollar valuation, but you always have the satisfaction and then follow it up with another one after that to continue building that string of pearls.Working on building, rather than digging in the trenches has also worked for other successful entrepreneurs.Have you heard the story of Henry Blodget? He is the perfect example of what I term as a success story using building strategies like that string of pearls.Blodget who is now the editor and CEO of ‘The Business Insider,’ and started his career as an English tutor in Japan. He then moved to San Francisco to be a writer and supported his living by giving tennis lessons.He was trained in corporate finance, had a lucrative career, invested in stocks, lost a lot of his money, and had to deal with a fraud complaint against him but he did not give up.In 2007, Henry Blodget along with three of his associates started ‘Insider,’ with a view to focus on technology, specifically facts on New York Technology.Then something interesting happened.“We were going to focus on New York technology. What happened was the first day half the traffic came from California. We immediately noticed that the Apple story was much better read than the story about the local New York start up. We said, “Why are we focusing just on New York? Let’s focus on technology.” I had a background in that. Obviously, it was easy for me to do.We did that. We broadened.”– Henry BlodgetIn the following years, Blodget and his team came up with several such ideas, and you can see the result now. Business Insider is now a trusted name in the business world.“Never expect that a good time is going to continue forever. Be ready for a downturn. Have an idea of how you’re going to get through it.”– Henry BlodgetIf you love to create and design things but are still struggling with getting your entrepreneurial journey off the ground, then there is one major thing that is holding you back: the fear of entrepreneurship. It is not just a fear of failure; it is likely also the difficulty in balancing your aspirations with “real life.”&nbsp;To help you here are five things I wish someone had told me when I was starting out:&nbsp;<h4>1. Mind Management.</h4>Failure is a part of the process, and your ability to learn from failure will determine whether you succeed or not.The biggest takeaway from failure is the lesson on managing your mind.Today we spend our days being bombarded with information on all the tragedies, pandemics, war, natural disaster, poverty, and corruption in the world. It’s little wonder most of us are plagued by anxiety.The whole essence of the Bhagavad Gita revolves around lessons on managing the mind. A significant takeaway from this immortal book of wisdom is – if you can manage the mind in a war-like scenario, then you can manage any other situation too. It is a skill in action.Being an entrepreneur requires you to imbibe this skill in action and adopt tools to acquire this skill and the wisdom thereof. It is the wisdom that transforms your attitude from arrogance to self-confidence; from meekness to humility; from shouldering the burden of dependence, to realizing the power of teamwork and interdependence.<h4>2. The Power of Interdependence.</h4>A chaotic atmosphere is not conducive to creativity. Peace and Prosperity walk together. So, before even thinking of starting an entrepreneurial journey, first, be wise to realize and accept that you cannot do it all, and that the first ingredient to your success is teamwork.Even if you started it all by yourself, you need people to help keep your business afloat. Respect and learn from your team; be open to feedback and work hard alongside them. Teamwork is the way to humility and lasting respect.<h4>3. A lion-hearted courage.</h4>It takes a huge pile of courage to be entrepreneurial, especially in the world in which we live.It takes guts to have an unshakable faith and belief in yourself and in your idea/product/service.However, courage does not only mean making things happen, it also means having the courage to give up things when required. Passion and dispassion are complementary. When you have a plan, you should have the accompanying passion to build it. But if you see a strategy not working out, have the courage to accept and drop it. That is where dispassion comes in.When you do not crave abundance, that is when it comes to you.<h4>4. Beyond Raking in the Moolah.</h4>If you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, then nurture a cultivating spirit.I am currently running my fourth venture. All through the process of starting, building, and then getting to a point of successful exit, money has never been the motivating factor. In fact, I think if money had been my motivation, I would have reached a point of feverishness.Instead, I see myself as a farmer – the farmer who cultivates for growth.It’s not just about the yield. Focus on growth, learn about fertilizer and soil; and learn about the seasons of growth. And just like the farmer who has nurtured his crop, be secure that you have brought the best product you can, to the market.Maintain that faith, and it will keep you going. This has worked for me, when coming up with new businesses and new ideas, and has helped in the long run.<h4>5. Meditate.</h4>The greater your ambition, and the more responsibilities you have, the stronger your need to meditate.It is the best way to rejuvenate your energy.Meditation not only provides relief from stress and strain, but it also enhances abilities, strengthens the nervous system, and helps in releasing the harmful toxins from your body. You can run towards your goals only when you feel strong in both mind and body.The body’s material needs are fulfilled with food, water, sleep etc., but our spirit can only be nourished through spiritual means. So, Meditate!Conclusion.I hope these five tips will help you on your way to entrepreneurship, even when you may feel like it is not in the cards for you.Many people are too quick to give up on their mind management skills, and they often find themselves caught in the vicious cycle of negative self-talk, or crises of faith in themselves, which in turn can negatively affect their success as an entrepreneur.If you feel you too are going through something similar, revise the tips above, such as the power of interdependence or having the courage of a lion. You might also find inspiration by reading about entrepreneurs who were confronted with similar challenges as you, but managed to turn things around with tools like meditation which can make you realize all other tips in your journey.Source: <a href="https://cloudistro.com/5-tips-for-the-entrepreneurially-challenged" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://cloudistro.com/5-tips-for-the-entrepreneurially-challenged</a>

 5 Tips For The Entrepreneurially Challenged

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There are many sides to a human personality but let us focus on two key ones which matter to most of us, “Our Body” and “Our Mind.”&nbsp;Our Body is the aspect of our personality that is visible, physical, and what keeps us literally going. The other, Our Mind, is invisible, ethereal and manages the entire processing system of the body.&nbsp;When both these aspects are in sync, we function successfully, but we’re in trouble when the body and mind go off sync. And, if this is not healed, the desynchronization begins affecting our system – our health.&nbsp;<h4>The Mind-Body Relationship&nbsp;</h4>We can understand the mind-body alchemy through the experiments of Japanese researcher Masaru Emoto. And while you may not recognize his name, chances are that you may have seen or heard about his work which states, ‘Water can understand and retain the energy of human intention’.&nbsp;In the 1990s, the Japanese researcher took samples from the Fujiigawa Dam in Japan and performed a series of experiments. In the first bit of experiment, he took pictures of the molecular structure of water, which when viewed were disturbing and chaotic.&nbsp;Emoto took the same water sample to a Zen Buddhist monk and got it blessed. He came back to his lab, froze the water, and studied the molecular structure again.&nbsp;You may see the difference for yourself in the pictures. At left, is the ‘unblessed’ sample, and on the right is the frozen and blessed water molecule.&nbsp;Emoto continued with his experiment by placing the samples before the expression of various emotions. For instance, he placed in front of people expressing positive emotions like “Thank you,” “I love you,” and when somebody said something negative like “I hate you,” “I want to kill you,” etc.&nbsp;The researcher’s findings were astounding. The frozen water molecules naturally formed discernible crystals. But what was startling Was that the frozen water crystals that belonged to positive bottles were even and geometric in shape, whereas the crystals formed with negative messages were de-formed and chaotic in shape.&nbsp;Emoto named his findings ‘Hado’, which means “life force energy” and through his experiment postulated that water could understand and retain energy. Through these experiments he also raised an important question:&nbsp;“Given the high-water composition of the human brain and body, if water is in fact conscious and receptive to energy frequencies, how can these positive or negative messages affect our bodies on a molecular level?”&nbsp;Think about it, if you are asked to survive without food and water, how many days could you go without?&nbsp;Research says around 8 to 21 days. But, if you are asked to survive without oxygen, how many minutes can you go?&nbsp;We all know the chemical composition of water (two atoms hydrogen (H2) linked to one atom oxygen (O)). We also know that our body is made up of 70% water that has oxygen, and that we breathe in oxygen.&nbsp;So, what we need to analyze are positive and negative messages, and how we can convert negative messages to positive, to ensure the energy frequency in our body stays stable and even.&nbsp;The simplest way is through our habits; What we eat and drink, how we talk, whose words influence us the most, in short, the way we live our life. All of the messages conceived by our minds, and to which the body responds are communicated through our habits.A study done by the University of Washington found that the leading causes of death are consequences of bad habits such as poor diet, smoking, and a lack of exercise. Outside the U.S., the individual risk factor for death was high blood pressure, which is another lifestyle and habit -related disorder.&nbsp;While the common adages will concern diet, tips on how to quit smoking or advocate exercise and Yoga, I suggest a different approach.You need to make up your mind and make a choice; whether it is to change your diet, quit smoking, or taking up exercise.&nbsp;Instead of working on what to do, you should start working on ‘HOW’ to create good habits. Here are a few tried and tested methods:&nbsp;1. Work on your Thoughts‘What you think becomes your reality.’&nbsp;The first step towards cultivating good habits would be to work on your thoughts. Raise your level of awareness towards untrue feelings and thoughts, and consciously let go of them.It takes practice. For instance, your food habits depend a lot on your thoughts. You must have noticed how you crave certain foods, cannot stop yourself from savoring it, even when your stomach is screaming at you: “that’s it; can’t take anymore.”Because it is your mind encouraging you to have more.&nbsp;What happens when you become aware of this tendency, is that you can start listening to your body instead. For that you need to train your mind.&nbsp;2. Train Your MindThe best way to train the mind is through ‘Ethical Intelligence.’ It is not about knowing right from wrong. Rather it is about making the right choices, in every moment and every day.&nbsp;The simplest example would be ‘early to bed and early to rise’. You’re browsing or doom-scrolling on social media, but you feel your eyes growing heavy with sleep. Give in, put that phone away, and close your eyes.&nbsp;That is how you train your mind. Focus on beginning small and working yourself up to the bigger targets.&nbsp;3. Start Revamping Small Habits&nbsp;I am a <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/at-the-heart-of-the-sehgal-family/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Heartfulness Meditation Trainer</a>, and I always suggest that everyone programs the mind through small habits. Never give yourself a big target like following a yearlong exercise regime, etc.&nbsp;Rather, start with something small, like not snoozing your alarm every time it goes off. I have seen people setting a target weight to reach in a year, but the major issue is getting up early.&nbsp;Give yourself a target period, and for the next 40 days try to get up at a certain set time.&nbsp;You will see how eventually it becomes a habit to get up at the set time, and once that is sorted, I am sure you will get into a habit of exercising daily too.&nbsp;So, next time you’re concerned over whether to focus on the mind or working on getting a healthy body, think of thoughts and habits instead, the rest will fall in place.&nbsp;Or if I may say get ‘in sync.’&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://vocal.media/motivation/getting-in-sync-with-a-focused-mind-and-a-healthy-body" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://vocal.media/motivation/getting-in-sync-with-a-focused-mind-and-a-healthy-body</a>

Getting “in sync” with a Focused Mind and a Healthy Body

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A Business Monk is someone who understands the difference between “busyness” and BUSINESS.&nbsp;Etymologically and ironically the word business derives from the word “Bisignis” in old English, which meant “anxiety,” and in middle English became “busyness,” meaning occupied.&nbsp;A business monk knows that over time, not only the word, but the meaning of “business” has also changed.&nbsp;Today, business is less about anxiously looking for ways to make more money, and more about cultivating ventures that will lead to fruitful societies. In other words, it is less about how much you can make and more about what difference you can make.&nbsp;<h4>A True Story&nbsp;</h4>There was once a novice entrepreneur who wanted to make a difference in colonial India. His journey as an entrepreneur began in a far-from-opportune time for a young native to start a new business in the subcontinent.&nbsp;The year was 1868, the 29-year-old man had some experience working in a small firm, and started a trading company with a capital of Rs. 20,000 (about $350). Then he won the opportunity to England, which is where learned of a more lucrative venture opportunity – textile.&nbsp;The young man became convinced about the tremendous scope of textiles, and the one-of-a-kind opportunity to put a dent in the established British textile industry. He made his move, acquired a dilapidated oil mill, in the heart of City of Bombay (now Mumbai, India), and converted the company into a new cotton-producing mill.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/7-qualities-of-highly-inspiring-people-in-business">7 qualities of highly inspiring people in business</a>After running the company for two years, the man sold the mill for a significant profit and took his next big plunge. He went to England again and did an exhaustive study of the Lancashire cotton trade. The young man knew that it would be a challenge to match the level of quality of men, machinery, and produce of mills in England, but he was strong willed.&nbsp;The young man was certain that he could replicate all of it in India. Despite the prevailing orthodoxy of setting up businesses in Bombay, the young man decided to move his base to Nagpur. His decision was based on three crucial points:&nbsp;• Proximity to cotton-growing areas• Better access to the railways• A limitless supply of water and fuel&nbsp;The city of Nagpur in central India fitted these criteria perfectly. One success followed another, and the young man was able to take cotton production to its peak.&nbsp;At the peak of his success, he pioneered worker welfare initiatives – something quite unheard of during imperial rule.&nbsp;There was no stopping him. This was the busiest time of his life. In hindsight it was also the most poignant time of his life, because apart from running a successful mill, the man, now old, was consumed by three great ideas, that would change the course of India’s industrial and economic destiny:&nbsp;• Setting an iron and steel company on the subcontinent,&nbsp;• Generating hydroelectric power, and,&nbsp;• Creating a world-class education system that would tutor Indians in the sciences.&nbsp;Although the man didn’t live long enough to see these ideas fructifying; the seeds he laid, the work he did, and the force of will he displayed ensured that the ideas were carried forward by his successors.&nbsp;He was Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata, the founder of Tata Group in India which has current market cap of over 7.5 trillion Indian Rupees . Though for the world, he was the first Chairman of one of the most revered global organizations today, to me, more than a visionary business leader, Jamshedji Tata was a monk who dedicated his life to bring an oceanic change in the lives of Indians.&nbsp;But you’d want to ask: Isn’t the idea of a monk a bit outdated, and why would one still want to achieve this?&nbsp;The answer lies in statistics. Business experts say that over 50% of all businesses fail around the five year mark in the United States, and that approximately 40% of startup failures are due to a bad fit, followed closely by 38% from lack of time and involvement.&nbsp;(Source: <a href="https://neilpatel.com/blog/7-signs-not-cut-entrepreneur" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://neilpatel.com/blog/7-signs-not-cut-entrepreneur</a>)&nbsp;It is a mad race out there in the business world, and after running four companies in the last three decades, I can tell you with a hundred percent conviction, that the only way I could cope was to believe I was building companies which would contribute to society, making a positive difference.&nbsp;<h4>Making a Difference&nbsp;</h4>Have you ever wondered what it would be like if we were all a part of the process of making a difference?&nbsp;The first thing I do when assessing an opportunity is to ask myself this question: If someone else were considering my organization and their core values aligned with that company, and they signed on with it, how would that contact change their life?&nbsp;It is the driving force that has led me to start many companies and decide which projects to turn down.&nbsp;I have had the opportunity to work with some incredible people who were doing good things, but I knew that there was no way we could align our core values, because they involved making money and causing harm to others.&nbsp;Accepting these projects would have led to a long-term rift, made me unhappy, and that would have made for an unhappy company. As a business coach I always tell others, that a company is not made by money, or clients, it is made by its people – happy people, content people – people who would want to willingly contribute towards the growth of the organization.&nbsp;There are a lot of people who are on the path to where I am, and they're looking for tips. The first thing I tell them is that it's not easy. It involves lots of self-work. You can't just read one book and be done with it.&nbsp;It’s a process of combined progress, in which we each have a role to play.&nbsp;Too many times we go through life doing what we do not like, for reasons we think will make us happy. Unfortunately, happiness never arrives this way.&nbsp;Happiness is more about following your heart and doing what makes sense to YOU. That to me is true business monk-ing. Following my heart for most decisions has helped me realize that in the end, we are a part of an interdependent society, where we need to be mindful of other’s needs, and that is the right path to success.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://highlightstory.com/the-business-monk-ing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://highlightstory.com/the-business-monk-ing/</a>

The Business Mon-king

Though individually many can claim they have seen worse, collectively most of us haven't been through a difficult phase such as this. Business ventures are downing shutters. People are losing jobs, defaulting on loans, and losing their cool. All said and done, adversity is dreaded only till you begin to see it as an opportunity.&nbsp;I say so because I have faced adversity firsthand. Born in a joint family in post-Independent India, where priority was affording basic necessity, one had to have an individual drive to dream big. Living in a two-bedroom apartment with parents and grandparents, our high-point of the day often was "Chai" with an extra dose of ginger in it.&nbsp;I was the studious kinds so dedicated most of my time to studies, which meant not much time for sports or other extracurriculars (something I would not recommend missing). But that did help me reach Silicon Valley right before the dot com boom happened.&nbsp;I established myself as a technocrat of repute in the Atlanta technology circle. But I performed better at marketing and sales. It contributed to the growth of the company I was associated with, and three years later we were able to sell it for hundreds of millions of dollars.&nbsp;The experience came in handy in setting up my first independent venture iVivity. But there were struggles I had to face to raise funds because the global economy was going through a major recession. However, the decision to launch the venture when the tide was low paid off. A year into existence, iVivity was honored as the 'Top Emerging Private Company' and we managed to raise over $55 million from several investors. The launch time of iVivity had a major role in its success.&nbsp;When economies are looking south, lending rates generally tend to be lower. Government schemes try to step up the demand for businesses to stay afloat. Good people are looking for work and are readily available to join. There are plenty of smart investors who want to invest during economic downturns. Your overhead costs such as office spaces or office furniture tend to be lower because of a demand-supply mismatch.&nbsp;The thing with technology is that innovations accord its relevance in good times and bad. People are always looking for technological innovations. There is no recession on that front.&nbsp;Contrary to propaganda, technology creates more jobs than are lost by the automation of services. Is it not true that the world today has more jobs than it had, say, 200 or 300 years ago or even 20-30 years ago? It is for this reason that investing in technology ventures is always a good business proposition, provided you are abreast of the latest and do not invest in obsolete ideas.&nbsp;After successfully running iVivity for a few years, I transitioned to another venture, a software company that built information management solutions. I sold this company to a large storage and networking enterprise firm based in California. Since then, I have started a few more technology companies, including MSys.&nbsp;The growth of MSys has been personally very satisfying. In my current avatar as the Chairman, I was able to create a niche for it and expanded the business through mergers and acquisitions of other businesses such as Clogeny, DigiFutura, and Mobinius Technologies. These acquisitions have helped in strengthening the digital arm.&nbsp;MSys Training, which I lead as Director, is a part of MSys Group and a globally recognized firm for Enterprise Training Solutions, Professional Certification, and Corporate Programs.&nbsp;If there is one lesson I want to pass on to the entrepreneurial aspirants of today, it is this: Risks are the genesis of any successful venture. And low tides are easier to rise.&nbsp;If you have a good idea of technological innovation, do not hold it back for good times to come, push yourself to materialise the idea. There is no better time than doing it now. So, what are you waiting for?&nbsp;Source: <a href="http://www.millenniumpost.in/opinion/why-the-time-is-now-419309?infinitescroll=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.millenniumpost.in/opinion/why-the-time-is-now-419309?infinitescroll=1</a>

Why the time is now

I have always believed that life is no less a voyage, like the journey of a ship.&nbsp;Just as a ship is considered seaworthy only after it weathers through the monstrous waves, and touch-bases the shore successfully. Similarly, an individual is ‘Seaworthy’ only when he or she is flexible to changes of life.&nbsp;Brooding over changing weathers of life evokes a victim consciousness. It burdens your mind. Makes life goals difficult to attain. Just like the ballast that weighs too much, and eventually sinks the ship.&nbsp;In my journey so far, I have had an opportunity to meet and read many successful voyagers and thinkers. One among them is 13th century Persian Poet Rumi who has written that “If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?”&nbsp;A tale from the trenches: victimhood versus leadershipHenry and Isaac worked in the upper echelons of the tech industry in the late 1990s. They began in the early days of the Internet, went through the dotcom boom, and made a big bang in the world economy. Henry and Isaac were childhood prodigies, so it came as no surprise to anyone when they reached the pinnacle of their career early, were earning handsome salaries, and were the blue-eyed boys to their CEOs.&nbsp;Henry and Isaac had a strong sense of purpose and inherent passion – and pursued a higher calling to revolutionize the world through technology.&nbsp;Also Read: [Failure is to success, as exercise is to the body](https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/failure-is-to-success-as-exercise-is-to-the-body)&nbsp;Thus, they began their entrepreneurial venture. Aimed to transform data storage by making it intelligent and superior. They were ready to set the wheels in motion. But, to their surprise, the wheels became mired in muck. It was the onset of millennium 2000, and the world entered the early Y2K recession.&nbsp;The goal was set. Build a business plan, establish a core team of passionate engineers, and then raise funds, to give directional strength to the company. The journey started with several rounds of meetings with Venture Capitalists, but results were hard to come by for first time entrepreneurs.&nbsp;Every day they would share their ideas with VCs, to convince them into giving funds, but, at the end of each day, their dreams were turned down.&nbsp;Henry started losing his confidence. Every rejection by a VC became a mirage of disbelief in his idea. He was falling prey to circumstances – becoming a victim. They had everything at stake.&nbsp;Isaac was calm amidst this storm. He practiced meditation daily that helped him unravel his tension and focus on his goals. He believed in the power of positivity and always cheered Henry. Every day in the office, Henry drew inspiration from Isaac, and together, they were able to pass the eye of the storm successfully.&nbsp;Finally, a VC believed in their passion and agreed to fund their company, after which things began falling in place. Today, they run a successful company, creating an impact every day for a better tomorrow.&nbsp;This may seem like the story of two different individuals, but what if I tell you that each one of us has a part of Henry and a part of Isaac in us. All of us, have struggles, that are no less a storm, and every time we give in, we become Henry, succumbing to the victimhood. But there are a few of us who choose to stay sturdy, patient, and unbreakable just like the diamond.&nbsp;These people are the Isaacs who realize that to fulfill their goals, they need to build them- ‘SELVES’.&nbsp;4 essential points to help you conquer Victimhood:&nbsp;1.&nbsp;Avoid the Blame Game&nbsp;In any adverse situation, it is natural to blame others. I know, it is probably one of the easiest ways, but it only makes the matter worse, just how when Steve Jobs was blamed and shown the door from Apple, it boomeranged the company.&nbsp;So, instead of blaming you can flip the state of your mind and dedicate your time in finding the solution. It will not only save you, but others too. Do remember that the key is in resolving the issues, rather than being right.&nbsp;Try and establish a non-biased view. For that you must ensure collective responsibilities are taken to observe any situation impartially. The idea is to be compassionate and not self-protective for creating a win-win situation.&nbsp;2. Embrace Change&nbsp;Can you imagine a world without cars, laptops, and electricity?&nbsp;Say thanks to the natural desire within us that keeps looking for change that has today made us a race of superhumans.&nbsp;If only people like Karl Benz (many say was the one who first conceptualized cars), Adam Osborne (the inventor of Osborne 1, the first commercially successful portable microcomputer), and the famous Benjamin Franklin (to whom the discovery of electricity is often connected) would have not thought of change, we would have been deprived of these luxuries.&nbsp;I think, most of the time the fear of failure emanates from a lack of self-confidence, and the insecurities born out of the lack push us to resist change. Consider the case of Blackberry and Nokia, brands that once ruled the market, are nowhere in the picture today, because they resisted accepting new technologies like iPhone and Android.&nbsp;These examples show us the path to leverage change, it reveals fresh insights. Change taps into unforeseen possibilities, that help you grow, and others too.&nbsp;3. The World Does Spin, but ‘NOT’ Around You&nbsp;My whole point was to put across the message that instead of pride and self-centeredness if we humans work towards a common cause, it will help bring significant change.&nbsp;Extend your ego to come-up with something meaningful. Do not get burdened with your own purpose. You do not need to be a Steve Jobs or a Bill Gates to create a real impact, rather work with the people around you. Listen to them; help flip their mind from objection to inspiration, this will help in building a collaborative environment.&nbsp;Every problem comes with a solution that is how nature works. Imagine how it would be if there was only days and light, and no nights and darkness. You would be sleep deprived.4. Remember the Purpose&nbsp;Your purpose should strengthen you. A good leader is always driven by a sense of purpose – with a value-system aligned to creating an impact, and moving the lives of people.&nbsp;Individuals like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi are good examples of leaders with a sense of strong purpose. They sacrificed their lives for their purpose, and that was to create a better tomorrow.&nbsp;We are living in their ‘Better Tomorrow’. Imagine how regressive the world would have been, if not for leaders like them.&nbsp;You know, every point that I just shared is nothing but sequences that will occur naturally.&nbsp;There is no better way to do that than ‘MEDITATION’.&nbsp;It opens a doorway – to uncover your true self, refining your perception about the world. You invariably start seeing ‘good’ in everything. It leads you to true humility. You get carved into a natural leader, driven by a sense of purpose.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://bestinau.com.au/liberate-the-leader-by-drowning-the-victim/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://bestinau.com.au/liberate-the-leader-by-drowning-the-victim/</a>

Liberate the leader by drowning the victim

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Discover the source of inspiration to uncover four magical traits.&nbsp;Whether in the boardroom or the battlefield, for a leader, it all boils down to inspiring people to achieve ambitions that exceed their perceived capabilities.&nbsp;Like the famous American author, Maya Angelo says, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”&nbsp;The process of inspiration involves the internal turmoil of those seeking inspiration and the actions of the leader who leads by example.“A winter message from the river: Never surrender! Life can try to stop you, but somehow find a way to flow!” ― Mehmet Murat Ildan (Contemporary Turkish playwright, novelist, and thinker)&nbsp;A river that flows freely, eroding some mountains and going around others, and simply experiencing difficulty in bringing us water never once thinks of quitting. What makes it keep going? Perhaps, it’s the dream of reaching an ocean one day.&nbsp;Being like the river requires the same indomitable spirit. This is only possible if the inner self is ignited through inspiration. A leader must discover a steady source of inspiration.&nbsp;When a leader is inspired, they are able to uncover four inherent magical traits – love, trust, care, and compassion. These factors bestow the ability to subtly but effectively influence the human mind to go above and beyond. I have seen this when people feel themselves to be unconditionally loved and trusted, and are given enough space and freedom. It empowers them to solve problems, no matter how easy or complex they are.&nbsp;It is your approach, your attitude, and your actions that inspire your team.&nbsp;So, here are four principles that can help your team achieve any laurels.&nbsp;<ol><li>Honesty is the best policy Integrity is the most important trait of a leader. Honest behavior attracts people. Honesty in your work, a disciplined approach to the tasks in hand, and the ability to maintain confidentiality helps build trust more easily. Mahatma Gandhi was able to create a powerful force of change because he followed what he preached.</li><li>Inculcate Courage in your Team Passing on the baton to your team whenever possible and trusting their instincts is essential to build courage. In the movie 300, the feat to contain Xerxes’ army was possible due to King Leonidas I’s ability to push his men beyond their limit by instilling courage and confidence.</li><li>Be a Good Listener When you pay heed to what is being said, you automatically connect to the speaker, and your power to get your message across also increases. Nelson Mandela, the face of the anti-apartheid movement, always listened to his followers sympathetically, and had marvelous convincing power to light the path of those suffering.</li><li>Stand your Ground It is easy to let life and stress lead to doubting our abilities, and shaking our inner strength. But if you want to inspire people around you, learn to stand your ground. This shows that even the worst of circumstances can be overcome with positive ideas, tenacity, and a never-say-die attitude. The Wright brothers were ridiculed for their adventurous idea to invent the airplane. Despite the odds, they were convinced and left no stone unturned to gives us the first airplane flight on December 17, 1903.</li></ol><h4>Share your Influences&nbsp;</h4>When you have something in common with your team, it automatically creates a great association. To blend well, share your experiences and stories, like the books that made a huge impact on you, the sources of inspiration that guide your most important decisions, and the practices that you follow to maintain a happy, healthy, and positive outlook.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://vocal.media/motivation/inspire-others-by-doing-what-inspires-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://vocal.media/motivation/inspire-others-by-doing-what-inspires-you</a>

Inspire others by doing what inspires you

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A Netflix docudrama, The Social Dilemma, has taken the world by storm. Many are suddenly taking note of how the rise of social media has damaged society with members of Gen Z hit by low-esteem, political polarization sharpening, and misinformation spreading.&nbsp;For those who haven’t watched, The Social Dilemma talks about how social media is being used to exploit ‘users’ and how data mining and surveillance capitalism are being used for getting people addicted to platforms. The docudrama makes a case for humane technology that helps to avoid social media features and profit incentives that contribute to internet addiction, political extremism, and misinformation.&nbsp;There are also those who say the excitement around the series is nothing but hoopla and ask what part of ‘this reality’ wasn’t known already? This view suggests that users have made peace with what they have at hand. Yuval Noah Harari, one of the finest minds of our times, has often said AI and more tech shouldn’t make us believe that we have to choose between privacy and technology. We should demand and get both at the same time.&nbsp;Most social media giants stand accused of driving people to addiction. Facebook stands accused of striking arrangements with Amazon, Yahoo, and Huawei to get people’s contact lists, which is then used to run its own ‘People You May Know’ facility.We are all well aware of mining exploitation of natural resources and has long been associated with smuggling or illegal trading of those resources. With time companies have shifted focus to consumer data being mined and trafficked. The data that is being mined is not just an individual’s contact details, but also an individual’s emotional connections – which friend’s photo a person visited, which person’s profile one keeps visiting regularly, which person you unfriended, but still cyberstalk.&nbsp;In a world where everything about a person can be dug out from the data mine out there, the important question is just how safe are we in putting our data out in the clouds of the world of cloud computing? Since, as consumers, we can’t physically see our data, our data is at risk even after we have deleted it.&nbsp;The recent digging of data dump in the case of Bollywood stars has woken people to a new reality – deleted data may not really be deleted.&nbsp;This is a risk at the individual level and also at the industrial level. Industry 4.0 relies heavily on the digitization of processes and we see that a lot of R&amp;D work is put in the realm of cloud computing.&nbsp;Some geographies mandate on-premise data centers and yet this too is open to hacking or deliberate leaks. Dealing with hackers is a cat and mouse game, but ‘dealing with unmandated and unauthorized data collection and data sharing’ is what we need to be careful and build awareness about.&nbsp;People guard their jewelry and cash in lockers and safes. They guard it at times with their lives. Yet when it comes to personal data, we demand zero accountability assuming once we are on social media or saving our stuff on the cloud, we have no control over it.&nbsp;The only thing which is stopping us from having control is our ignorance. Most of us do not know that we can control our data, and for that people need to rise-up and demand stronger data regulations.&nbsp;In a 2018 US Senate hearing, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg began by saying “I am sorry” for not doing enough to control hate speech, foreign interference in democracy, as well as developers and data privacy. Zuckerberg has so far remained off the hook because legislations have not been able to nail him for the specific breaches of people’s trust and privacy.&nbsp;It is time for us as citizens everywhere in the world to wake up to this threat. Technology needs to be humane apart from being revolutionary, cutting-edge, and life-altering.&nbsp;Data mining cannot treat humans as “mines” open for unhindered exploitation. Let there be no dilemma about it.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.voicendata.com/humane-tech-sanjay-sehgal-chairman-msys-group/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.voicendata.com/humane-tech-sanjay-sehgal-chairman-msys-group/</a>

Humane Tech

From that first day in kindergarten to the age of retirement, the journey that is life revolves around one major goal: To build a financially secure future.&nbsp;And the best way to measure the future is via the probability theory which says:&nbsp;“Higher risk is associated with greater probability of higher return and lower risk with a greater probability of smaller return.” This could be one reason why, when it comes to financial investment, people measure returns based on risk.&nbsp;<h4>How to Recession Proof Your Retirement&nbsp;</h4>Building an investment plan is like formulating a diet plan – totally dependent on your goal. When you visit your dietician for instance, one of the first questions asked is about your goal – Do you want to lose weight, build muscle, or you wish to celebrate food?&nbsp;But moderation, as any good dietician will tell you is the key; it’s only when everything you need is in your plate, in the right quantities, that you can achieve your goal, as well as enjoy each bite and every taste. A dietician’s plan begins from this understanding.&nbsp;Investments also need planning, and this planning should be based upon your risk-taking ability and your life goals.&nbsp;<h4>Risk &amp; Investment in the Post Pandemic Era&nbsp;</h4>Planning for investment becomes even more crucial in this “New Normal,” where most have lived through a pandemic of this intensity for the first time. For this generation, a recession would refer to the last Great Recession of 2007 -2009.&nbsp;It’s expected that a post-pandemic financial horizon will be different from anything we know, and we need plan our investments based on that.&nbsp;“We all want to return to the way things were before COVID-19. But there is one area where I hope we never go back! Our complacency about pandemics. We can’t get ahead of infectious disease outbreaks…” – Bill Gates.&nbsp;Of course, the insightful Bill Gates was speaking on being ready with mega-testing diagnostic platforms, but his thoughts triggered mine too, albeit in a different direction.&nbsp;Every entrepreneur or business owner’s life revolves around how to be recession-proof, especially in the case of the current generation, who have just entered the pandemic hit and bruised market.&nbsp;How can they plan to recession-proof their retirement?&nbsp;<h4>Fact Check&nbsp;</h4>There are a number of things to understand about the best plans for retirement and rest-of-life. First and foremost, you cannot avoid all adversity. Pandemics, recessions, depressions, or high inflation do happen. Loss is inevitable. Something, at some point in time will hamper your financial planning.&nbsp;But what you can do is take care of your health. Because, in a crisis that helps in thinking clearly, taking action, and even protecting you against other risks.&nbsp;“As we recover, we will have a huge population of people who will want to rebuild and move ahead.&nbsp;So, I am unconcerned about longer-term property and share values. The trick is to try to stay healthy so that we and our money see the other side. The rule shown so clearly by history is not to panic and start selling quality assets like shares and property. When our mortgage hit 18.75% in January 1990, Vicki and I had to sell our car, cancel holidays, stay home, have a food plan and stick to a tight budget. The other option was to lose the house. The short-term pain worked. Our home’s value rapidly recovered.” – Paul Clitheroe, Australian Television Presenter.&nbsp;That is how you plan.&nbsp;Stick to your ground. Even when your finances are not in good shape, or when the market, at large, falls due to economic turbulence, you have more power than you realize.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/in-the-pursuit-of-happiness-i-found-joy">In the pursuit of happiness, I found joy</a>&nbsp;Here are seven steps you can take to increase the odds of surviving a recession during your retirement years by keeping your financial plan on track during uncertain economic times.&nbsp;<h4>Emergency Funds and Debt Payments&nbsp;</h4>The most important step would be to make sure you have an emergency fund. It is suggested that emergency funds should be approximately 6 months’ worth of income. That is not going to save your life if you lose your job and high unemployment prevails, but it will give you some options and opportunities to make adjustments.&nbsp;“By definition, saving – for anything – requires us to not get things now so that we can get bigger ones later.” — Jean Chatzky, Personal Finance Journalist.&nbsp;Many people found themselves in financial distress during the last recession when they lost their jobs and had no reserve funds. It is wise to pay down loans such as home mortgages when you can. I say this looking at experience from the past. In the last recession, many people who faced a financial crunch had very expensive mortgages, which resulted in foreclosure. People lost their homes and had no way to pay their bills.&nbsp;Paying an extra hundred dollars a month towards a home mortgage may be one easy way to lower principal balances and paying less interest overall.&nbsp;Paying down credit cards also helps in reducing financial stress. A lot of Americans pay only the minimum; and do not realize this is mounting expensive debt, which leads to more and more trouble.&nbsp;<h4>Live Within Your Means&nbsp;</h4>Adjust living expenses to match your retirement income from all sources. If you make it a habit to live within your means each and every day during the good times, you are less likely to go into debt when gas or food prices go up, and more likely to be able to adjust your spending in other areas to compensate.&nbsp;I recently read this story of hostess-turned-travel blogger Kesi Irvin who used to live an unconventional, nomadic life. She had been on a travelling spree, and supported herself through seasonal work as a hostess for travel companies. This of course meant that she hardly had much to save as emergency funds.&nbsp;But during the pandemic, when the travel industry came to a standstill, she realized the importance of sustainability.&nbsp;“The pandemic came in like a wrecking ball, and all my travel plans were cancelled, and I was forced to slow down.” – Kesi Irvin, Travel Blogger.&nbsp;Irvin picked herself up. She started a travel blog that she monetized to help her stabilize.&nbsp;<h4>Stay in the Market&nbsp;</h4>Investing in the stock market always comes with some risk. In exchange, over time you are typically rewarded with higher rate of returns than those you get from savings accounts, fixed deposits, and the like. There may be cases when the market dips, and your portfolio may take a hit, but that too shall pass.&nbsp;As people are living longer than ever before, money needs to last a long time. Keeping assets invested can help you beat inflation &amp; enjoy the unique financial growth that can come from investing.&nbsp;“Stay the course with long-term stock market investing in volatile periods, because history has shown changes in behavior during a crisis may not last long beyond it” – Dennis Lynch, head of Counterpoint Global at Morgan Stanley Investment Management.&nbsp;A solid financial plan will account for the ups and downs of the market. When you are younger, that may mean simply riding out a downturn and waiting for your portfolio to recover. That is fine, because you will not need to withdraw from your investments any time soon. If you are older and need to regularly withdraw money from your savings, you will want a mix of investments and assets that are not tied to the market.&nbsp;<h4>Identify ways to cut back&nbsp;</h4>It is always a good idea to go through monthly expenses and identify discretionary services or items that you do not need. Keep an eye on the spending for necessities as well. The discretionary items are most likely ones that you can either remove now or in the future.&nbsp;Most certainly your starting point would be the discretionary items — subscription services or even just spending patterns. Dinners out or nights outs with friends can seriously add up over time and affect your health too. So, my advice would be to stick to a routine, and give yourself occasional breaks.&nbsp;That way you will skip the monotony of life as well as, save effectively.&nbsp;“It’s a good way to gain back some control by taking ownership of our spending.” – Drew Harris, CFP, Greenway Wealth Advisors.&nbsp;<h4>Have Additional Income&nbsp;</h4>Even if you have a great full-time job, it is never a bad idea to have a source of extra income on the side, whether it is a little consulting work or selling collectibles on eBay. With job security so unreal these days, more jobs mean more job security. Diversifying your streams of income is equally important as diversifying your investments.&nbsp;“Money is multiplied in practical value depending on the number of W’s you control in your life: what you do, when you do it, where you do it, and with whom you do it.” – Timothy Ferriss, author of ‘The 4-Hour Workweek’.&nbsp;Once a recession hits, if you lose one stream of income, at least you still have the other one. You may not be making as much money as you were before, but every little bit helps. You might even come out the other end of the recession with a growing new business as the economy turns upwards.&nbsp;<h4>Invest for the Long-Term&nbsp;</h4>So, what if a drop in the market brings your investments down 15%? If you do not sell, you will not lose anything. The market is cyclical, and in the long run, you will have plenty of opportunities to sell high. In fact, if you buy when the market is down, you might thank yourself later.&nbsp;Long term investments are always better than short-term trading. Stock market drama such as the recent GameStop case is a good example; where an outdated brick-and-mortar store within a year became a highly valued stock, but a sudden stop in the purchase led to a ruckus in the market. What it indicates is stock market volatility, that you need to keep in mind while investing.&nbsp;As you near retirement age, you should make sure you have enough money in liquid, low-risk investments to retire on time, and give the stock portion of your portfolio time to recover. Remember, you do not need all your retirement money at 65 – just a portion of it. It might be a bear market when you are 65, but it could be a bull by the time you are 70.&nbsp;<h4>Diversify Your Investments&nbsp;</h4>Without appropriate diversification, the market risk to your portfolio is a lot higher. The goal of diversification is to keep a portfolio healthy, regardless of what the market is doing. If the market does fluctuate, a portion of your portfolio will respond positively and may offset some of the negative impact.&nbsp;It is therefore wise to use the conservative method to save a fair portion of your wealth.&nbsp;“It’s in the nature of stock markets to go way down from time to time. There’s no system to avoid bad markets. You can’t do it unless you try to time the market, which is a seriously dumb thing to do. Conservative investing with steady savings without expecting miracles is way to go.” – Charlie Munger, Berkshire Hathaway.&nbsp;“Diversification is an established tenet of conservative investment.” – Benjamin Graham.&nbsp;So, make sure your portfolio includes a system of checks and balances. What is means is not only having a mix of stocks, bonds, and cash in your portfolio, but also a mix of different groupings or sectors where investments are made within each asset class.&nbsp;I acknowledge that many of these steps are easier said than done. But nobody promised that it would be easy to live a long time and survive multiple significant recessions.&nbsp;It will take resilience and resolve, but in a crisis, you can find strength that you might not have known you possessed. And it helps to band together with relatives and friends who are in the same boat.&nbsp;Stay Well! Save Well!&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://due.com/blog/how-to-recession-proof-your-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://due.com/blog/how-to-recession-proof-your-retirement/</a>

How to Recession Proof Your Retirement

‘To err is human’ said Alexander Pope in one of his poems, backing his stance with various rationalizations.&nbsp;But as a human do you really believe in this maxim or are the synapses in your brain already firing to formulate a counter-argument?&nbsp;Mostly we avoid thinking about being wrong, even though deep down, we all know that sometimes we make mistakes. But, when it comes to owning up to those mistakes, many of us get defensive but worse, some of us begin resorting to fallacy.&nbsp;<h4>Incorrect logic is troublesome&nbsp;</h4>Here’s an example.&nbsp;Harry and Tom are friends, who work as managers of a manufacturing unit in an organization. They are planning on expanding their individual teams.&nbsp;The teams are finalized except for those of the team leaders. Harry and Tom, have both interviewed a couple of candidates, and have zeroed in on two profiles – Mr. Malfo and Ms. Grainger.&nbsp;Tom: “Studies show that in manufacturing units, people generally prefer to work for a man over a woman.”&nbsp;Harry: “What’s your point?”&nbsp;Tom: “I think I will take Mr. Malfo as the team lead, even though that he has zero experience when it comes to working in manufacturing.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/the-absoluteness-of-small-things">The absoluteness of small things</a>Harry: “Ms. Grainger is a mechanical engineer by profession, and she has experience of working in the manufacturing line. I think I will take her in my team.”&nbsp;While I could tell you what happened next, or which one was seen to be a better team leader, I’d rather refrain. Because my point here is about the problematic logical fallacy and its prominence in a company’s culture.&nbsp;As a CEO and business coach, I see so many people dragging down a conversation with wrong logic to prove a point, and I will not deny that it is extremely difficult to deal with them.&nbsp;However, after having spent a good number of years in people management, and countering several fallacies, I learned some key mantras that help me while handling people with wrong logic.&nbsp;<h4>Counter logic with intellect, not emotion&nbsp;</h4>Dealing with people who are convinced of their incorrect logic is a mental battle that demands intellectual prowess to counter. They’re convinced of their reasoning, and used to the opposition, and seem to revel in provoking a reaction. It is better to not get emotionally triggered.&nbsp;The first sign of intelligence is to remain silent, and the second is to refrain from countering incorrect logic. Venture a response if a question is directly posed, but play the long game. This provides the opportunity to gather information and to understand the level of ignorance faced.&nbsp;Once you gather enough data, you can then use your knowledge to counter that person’s false notions with facts and figures. Do not get emotional, remain calm and composed even when the discussion seems frustrating or infuriating.&nbsp;<h4>Motivation works well&nbsp;</h4>Even if you get drawn into the maelstrom of argument with a person who remains convinced of their incorrect logic, always remember that the aim of argument or discussion is progress, not victory.&nbsp;There will be emotions at play, especially with someone who’s clearly ignorant of the facts. It’s usually these emotions that keep people from listening and decoding presented facts. Knowing what motivates this person is usually helpful in such a situation.&nbsp;Mike was part of a leadership team that was trying to revamp the policies of his organization, a process that necessarily included some restructuring for efficiency. This meant reshuffling people – taking them out of the business unit and moving them.&nbsp;All the logistics were in place. The financial gains were set to be significant. The process improvement would have a positive impact on clients. Everything was transparent and even quantifiable. However, one of the leaders was not convinced by any of these facts and figures.&nbsp;Even as she explained her logic and reasoning, Mike was tempted to continue convincing her on the value of the business moves but decided otherwise. Later, through some further probing, Mike found out that her objection was not to the business moves with regard to its value, but more because she felt personally responsible for those who she had hired into the roles, and that this reshuffling would affect their lives.&nbsp;Once Mike learned the real reason, he was able to figure out a way to design the reshuffling in such a way that the effect on the lifestyles of the concerned individuals was minimal. The emotional issue was resolved, the leader was motivated again and could focus on the logic. Ironically, she was the one leading the revamp later.&nbsp;<h4>Gauge the response&nbsp;</h4>My third way of dealing with people convinced of their incorrect logic is trying to gauge their response instead of countering them with reason, logic, and facts.&nbsp;I do this by applying German psychologist and expert interpersonal communicator Friedemann Schulz von Thun’s Four-sided communication model. The model explores how every communication has a factual side, a relational side, a disclosure side, and an appealing side.&nbsp;The communication model looks at how incorrect logic is established in the mind of the person, and how to deal with it. Like if a person is not responding to facts, then they are most likely responding to some other aspect of what you are saying.&nbsp;So, what you do is ask them to repeat what you said, which tells you which part of your conversation is the problem. Once that is done, use it to establish a relationship with the person and strike a conversation.&nbsp;If it works, then the way ahead is smooth. You can then draw the person’s attention to the facts and try and appeal to the desire, advice, instruction, or the point that you are trying to make.&nbsp;However, if you fail, then my advice to you would be to save your logical facts for another time.&nbsp;Summarizing it&nbsp;It is always a challenge to deal with people who are illogical. You might identify them as illogical, but they may be unaware and that makes for some difficult conversations. Instead of getting emotional or angry about the situation, use your intellect to counter their faulty logic to get them back on track.&nbsp;Once you feel like you are making headway in the conversation, gauge how successful the argument is by paying attention to the kind of response you get from your opponent – if they seem more open-minded then continue debating further, but if there is no change in their demeanor, move onto another topic which will hopefully be easier ground for discussion.&nbsp;The key thing here is patience because a person cannot do this alone – both parties need to collaborate.&nbsp;Try using these tips for mastering interpersonal communication skills so that your next encounter is not as frustrating as it could be.&nbsp;And keep your sense of humor alive. It helps keep the weight of the arguments low.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.dumblittleman.com/dealing-people-with-wrong-logic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.dumblittleman.com/dealing-people-with-wrong-logic/</a>

Dealing People With Wrong Logic

<h4>Business</h4>Globalization has made the world smaller to reach anyone, larger in being able to sell to anyone, and more competitive as global companies reach every shore. But increased competition and push to constantly increase market shares have led to an erosion in good ethical practices.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/freedom-with-discipline">Freedom with Discipline</a>The fresh news of behemoths like Amazon and Google facing probes over concerns of fake five-star reviews may seem like just another storm in a teacup, but I believe this is cause for concern for many of us.&nbsp;<h4>Why?&nbsp;</h4>Because “Trust” is the backbone of any business. If trust is broken, a business cannot survive. Any intelligent business owner knows this.&nbsp;The legacy of business and trust is established under the aegis of principles and values. Principles are the objective reality, that transcends our society, beliefs, and culture. Values are subjective and can be influenced.&nbsp;Finding a balance between the unchanging principles and malleable values is what defines:&nbsp;<h4>Ethics</h4>Business is a profession of managing or supervising the production and sale of goods and services. The process involves many branches such as management consultancy, marketing consultancy, retailing, etc.; all of which have one thing in common – they are driven by ethics.&nbsp;Ethics (a blend of principles and values) guide our behavior. And be it on an individual level or in business; and it is behavior that shapes the destiny.&nbsp;The city of Moscow in Russia is blanketed by thick layers of snow in the winter, including the building of ‘Center for Business Ethics &amp; Compliance.’&nbsp;Most people working in this building dreaded coming and leaving the office in their cars, as doing so means they have to clean their parking spaces to be able to get their cars out. There was a young boy who used to clean parking spots for a small company, but as a gesture of goodwill, he used to clean a few extra parking places, including an elderly man’s parking spot.One day this young man received an interview call from the Center. As he was getting inside the elevator to reach his destination, he spilled some of his coffee on his shirt and tie. The young man panicked.&nbsp;Fortunately, he had company in the elevator. The same old man. He offered the young guy his shirt and tie. So as the elevator opened, the young man was wearing a shirt and tie, and our old man was seen wearing a jacket and a T-shirt.&nbsp;When parting ways, the old man said, “It’s my lucky tie”.&nbsp;As the young man entered the interview room, the manager conducting the interview said, “That’s a nice tie! Where did you get it?”&nbsp;The young man was honest, he narrated the entire elevator story, to which the manager said, “If our senior vice-president made sure you look your best for the job’s interview, then you are hired.”&nbsp;This story was shared by Anatoly Yakorev, Director, Center for Business Ethics &amp; Compliance, Moscow, Russia.&nbsp;In business or life, we are faced with situations where we are challenged to decide to do what feels right. This is when we need to look deep inside ourselves and decide which way to go, without fear of consequences, or without questioning our self-worth; and the best way to hone that kind of fearless moral compass within is through:&nbsp;<h4>Spirituality&nbsp;</h4>The only reason why people fail to adhere to ethical codes is that their consciousness remains unawake.&nbsp;Our consciousness is the guiding light and moral compass in our lives.&nbsp;We imagined flight, took to the sky in planes we designed and built, and then aspired further to reach the Moon and beyond.One Thought – that is how it all begins.&nbsp;A thought came into the human mind to define the value of goods, and the concept of money was invented. Similarly, an imagined engine that automated business analysis led to the creation of Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, a fully programmable computer that foreshadowed the entire computer age. But it is the same imagination, which if not managed well can destroy an entire business system.&nbsp;Take the case of the energy-trading and utility company Enron that faced an ethical accounting scandal in 2001, which sent the company to bankruptcy. Enron used ‘mark-to-market’ accounting to fake its profits, which simply meant the company worked to make their losses look smaller than they were and played with the numbers to make their income look higher. The scandal was caught after Enron’s stock plummeted when the news leaked out, and the SEC began to investigate.&nbsp;The whole thing likely began as a thought that manifested as a scandal later.&nbsp;We as individuals must learn to conquer our thoughts. And as we do so, the same reflects in our business decisions.&nbsp;The only way to conquer our thoughts is through embracing Spirituality.&nbsp;Regular spiritual practice broadens our awareness and vision. It gives us that much-needed patience, to hold on when things are not going right, and the energy to act when needed to reach our goals.&nbsp;<h4>The Connection&nbsp;</h4>Often spiritualists detest business, and spirituality is put-off by business people, who say, ‘It’s impractical.’ However, our ancestors thought otherwise. According to them, if business was the legs supporting society, spirituality was the heart that kept society going. A society functioned best with both in working order.&nbsp;Business brings material comfort into our lives, and spirituality brings mental peace.&nbsp;This connection is solid indeed, as spirituality helps the mind run peacefully and thoughts to form effectively. Effective thoughts help formulate an ethical value system, and when the same value system is regulated in business, it becomes a successful venture.&nbsp;Spirituality gives us the heart to serve, and the spirit to innovate, both of which are integral for running a business.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://thriveglobal.com/stories/connection-between-business-ethics-spirituality/?lang=el&amp;utm_source=Newsletter_Transaction&amp;utm_medium=Thrive&amp;utm_campaign=Published" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://thriveglobal.com/stories/connection-between-business-ethics-spirituality/?lang=el&amp;utm_source=Newsletter_Transaction&amp;utm_medium=Thrive&amp;utm_campaign=Published</a>

Connection between Business, Ethics, & Spirituality

Connection_between_Business_Ethics_Spirituality

The only way you can become a STRATEGIST is when you stop trying to fit into someone else’s shoes.&nbsp;I choose to be blunt here because that is the only way I can make my point to all the aspiring or might I say dreaming entrepreneurs. You cannot just follow a well-worn path and hope to get there. You must go your own way, and make your own decisions to carve out that niche space on the map of today’s business world.&nbsp;Pick up any successful entrepreneur’s example and the one thing you will notice is that they have their own way of doing things. The world today needs someone to break the mold and be different, to make a change.&nbsp;You may have heard of Zuckerberg and Jobs, but these are just two common examples, and many may think that not everyone has the luck to be born with the DNA of these two.&nbsp;But you do not need to have such a gene match in order to be successful – what you do need is an out-of-the-box way of thinking and an appetite for taking risks.&nbsp;Take the example of author and optimist Simon Sinek.&nbsp;Sinek’s book “Start with Why” is a huge success, and his TED Talk has more than 14 million views on YouTube.&nbsp;He shared his golden rule – to start every endeavor with the question “Why?” Sinek then converted the write-up into a speech which helped him become a victor in the field. I am sure Sinek too must have thought beyond his predecessor’s business strategies – and that is what made him a world leader.&nbsp;Take the example of the world’s chess champion Garry Kasparov. He took up the game of chess when he was just three years old, won his first tournament at the age of 13, and became a grandmaster by 1986.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/does-technology-also-have-a-soul">Does technology also have a soul?</a>&nbsp;Chess is a game of psychological advantage. The player must outmaneuver his opponent and Garry developed this skill very early on.&nbsp;Business strategy uses the same skills. The idea is to outmaneuver your opponent and start strategizing early. The process sounds complicated, but it is not that hard if you know what you are good at and are realistic about your approach.&nbsp;<h4>Work on Your Weakness&nbsp;</h4>Understand this – the only hurdle standing between you and your goal is a lack of knowledge. You cannot know everything, but you should understand what your weaknesses are and work on them.&nbsp;It is indeed a big deal to become a champion strategist, but for that, one needs to clear the hurdles first. Here are 5 ways to counter the opposition and become a World Champion of Business Strategy:&nbsp;<h4>Understand your Strengths&nbsp;</h4>The first and foremost is to identify your strengths and to understand what you are good at. This is not that difficult. Your strengths may look feeble to you in the beginning but trust me, that is not the case. The idea is to find out what drives you. Once you know that, you can begin maximizing that potential.&nbsp;For instance, if you are not good with numbers then hire someone who can handle that aspect for you. Do not ignore any weakness – it will cost you in the end.&nbsp;Take for example the advertising giant Ogilvy &amp; Mather whose weakness was the old school concept of advertising-making. They were able to overcome this by buying a digital marketing agency and creating new operational models.&nbsp;Though the amount of success achieved is still somewhat debatable, the approach to accept and start working on the weakness is what I wish to highlight here.&nbsp;<h4>Tailor your Strategy&nbsp;</h4>It is good to follow others, but it is best to custom build your own plans. You are the best judge of the situation and you know your team and customers better than anyone.&nbsp;It is important to be open-minded, but you should also have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and be ready to make the necessary changes in your planning.&nbsp;What tech giants like Google are applying now – the “Hybrid Workweek,” is what MSys was practicing since the beginning of last year. The result is the company’s stability and sustainability, which has attracted many clients for us.&nbsp;<h4>Build an Inclusive Work Culture&nbsp;</h4>It is incredibly important to have an inclusive work culture. It means everyone can grow and learn in a supportive environment that is also action-oriented and goal-driven.&nbsp;Having an inclusive work culture helps in nurturing new ideas and facilitates work and progress. One very good way to introduce an inclusive work culture is through diversity &amp; inclusion training.&nbsp;This consists of identifying and overcoming biases, barriers, and inequities that exist within the workplace to create a place where everyone feels comfortable.&nbsp;I have a lot of regard for the way Deloitte works on inclusive work culture.&nbsp;I’d like to give my company MSys Group’s example here. In this time when the world is shut and markets are lying low, we realized the need to come up with a plan to ensure that the company’s operations would not stop.&nbsp;In the introduction to their diversity and inclusion training, they mention that “We are committed not only to embracing our differences but also celebrating them. We’re committed to being open-minded, tolerant of different viewpoints, accepting of individuals’ unique qualities or gifts.”&nbsp;The key point to note here is that inclusive work cultures become the platform for planning and developing innovative business ambitions.&nbsp;Don’t Be Afraid to say NO&nbsp;I have often heard the phrase, “yes-person” and I know that this is not a good thing.&nbsp;Being someone who started as a software engineer working for someone else, I too had to go through the – ‘Whether or not to agree with my boss’ dilemma.&nbsp;But thankfully I realized early on that I knew my strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else. It was a great feeling to have the confidence, knowledge, and the ability to say “No” confidently when faced with an opportunity or request for which I lacked the skillset, in order to not jeopardize myself or be seen as “unprofessional.”&nbsp;I applied the same experience when it came to first building and then executing business strategies for my own company. I knew my strengths, and acknowledged my weaknesses as well, and that helped me stand my ground in front of the venture capitalists.&nbsp;<h4>Summarizing it:&nbsp;</h4>If you are working on a new project or idea, take the time to identify what makes it unique and how that could impact success in this market space. Once you have identified these points of differentiation, tailor your strategy for each opportunity accordingly so as not to waste resources by trying something that may not work well with the goals of the company.&nbsp;Finally, do not forget about building inclusiveness into all aspects of your offerings – from product design to customer service representatives and beyond.&nbsp;The more inclusive we can be when designing our products and services – both internally (within employees) and externally (to customers) – the better off everyone will be.&nbsp;And finally – KNOW = WHEN TO SAY NO.&nbsp;And anytime I get stuck or am in a dilemma I just remind myself of one of my favorite quotes:&nbsp;“Don’t say ‘maybe’ when you want to say NO.”&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.uniquenewsonline.com/5-ways-to-become-a-world-champion-of-business-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.uniquenewsonline.com/5-ways-to-become-a-world-champion-of-business-strategy/</a>

5 Ways to Become a World Champion of Business Strategy

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The rapid growth of the internet has borne witness to sites such as Amazon, Google, Netflix, Flickr, Facebook and YouTube becoming sky-rocketing powerhouses. Their stories of growth included going from the use of one server to a dozen, and now thousands. Adding more commodity servers helped these companies significantly improve their offerings, and in turn increased their revenue.There is a domino effect in problems in IT. You try to anticipate the problems, but often the "Solution to one problem brings us face to face with another situation". Growth in these hyper scale environments highlighted major concerns regarding downtime, poor performance and the ability to deploy new code faster. And so, <a href="https://www.msystraining.com/devops/DevOps-practitioner-certification-training-course/type-fp">DevOps</a> became the new buzzword for generating solutions.DevOps grew up, keeping pace with the growth of servers and fiercely eliminated the boundaries between development &amp; operations. Today DevOps is more than an idea, it is a die-hard need for any environment. I was fortunate to enjoy being in the forefront of witnessing the birth, shift and growth of DevOps; eventually building a highly specialized practice in DevOps as part of <a href="https://www.msystechnologies.com/">MSys Technologies</a>. Today our company offers a wide range of product engineering services, but DevOps is still closest to my heart.For me DevOps is not a heading, nor an accountability, rather a mindset embraced by everyone in any development and engineering operations. It nurtures the close-knit synchrony between Development &amp; Operations, and the use of the term DevOps reveals a carefully composed and orchestrated true artistic performance. As I had personally seen a growing friction between teams working on development &amp; operations, DevOps brought about a perfect solution to work in coordination.Suggested Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/leadership-in-2020">Leadership in 2020</a>DevOps is for technology, what the soul is to the body. Similar to how every human being feels the longing to nourish the soul, and in turn, by nourishing the soul finds that the body works more efficiently; DevOps improves an organization’s operational sustenance and also helps it to work efficiently. It also provides that inner conscience to an organization while increasing the flexibility of the team, improving team engagement and motivating collaboration. In addition, the right engineering practices help detect feedback loop within hours; something earlier took days, or even weeks, and is cognitively effective, as developers are able to make fixes right away.CEO, CIOs and IT managers agree on one thing – DevOps is many things to many people. It provides differing solutions within different companies, and everyone has varied expectations of its outcomes. It is avowed that it enables companies to adapt faster to changes in the market by mechanizing the manual approach which is greatly open to failure. It also helps existing infrastructure to be used more efficiently, decreasing the op-ex. In other words, if one does not integrate DevOps practices, one may not be in the market in the future.Also Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/7-qualities-of-highly-inspiring-people-in-business">7 qualities of highly inspiring people in business</a>Today, DevOps is one of the most debated software development approaches and is largely applied by Facebook, Netflix, Amazon, Intuit, and many other industry-leaders. Yet we need to realize DevOps is not a target, it is not a tool or an on-the-shelf software; it is a voyage of self-improvement and each organization has their own DevOps journey to navigate.

Does Technology Also Have A Soul!

The heroism of Winston Churchill, who steered England through victory in World War II, is the epitome of resiliency of the human spirit in its darkest hours. Churchill is believed to have once said, “Success is never found. Failure is never fatal. Courage is the only thing,” and thus, today, we must emulate his mountain-like courage.&nbsp;While the World careens towards devastation by the hand of a invisible yet deadly assassin, I seldom allow myself to focus on the deserted street that I can see from my windows at home. The hushed winds brushing against the lonely trees and the chirping of birds at the empty crossroad is more palpable than usual, almost solid. And with these sounds and sights, I feel the brimmings of hope– a day when our irrepressible spirits will defy this pestilence, where Covid-19 will be relegated to the annals of history. A post Covid-19 world is inevitable.&nbsp;Suggested Read:<a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/coronavirus-finding-bliss-in-this-enforced-isolation"> Corona Virus finding bliss in this enforced isolation</a> I believe the World that emerges will be a changed one. A revolution is already underway, and by the time we’re out and about in the world again, Covid-19 will have become the catalyst defining the new normal. Here are a few possible new BC world norms.<h4>Global Institutions as torchbearers for Global Crisis</h4><a href="https://www.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The World Health Organization (WHO)</a> has been the torchbearer for the effective management of COVID-19 by laying down guidelines to follow – for the public and governments. WHO also convened an international forum to fast-track the development of a vaccine and mobilized funds to bring adequate treatment resources in economically backward countries. In the future, there will be an increasing reliance on global institutions like the United Nations, World Bank, or the IMF to serve as the defender for public welfare and safety, particularly in times of global distress.<h4>Free Hugs Movement will Be Shelved</h4>Eschewing hugs will portray care and wellbeing for loved ones. People will maintain minimum physical contact intentionally to keep infections at bay. This will skyrocket the value of the Indian ‘Namaste,’ which means (Nama – Bow, Te – To You) honoring the human spirit in every individual. It also tends to strikes a perfect balance of positive and negative energy between the right and the left hands.<h4>The Reinvention of WFH</h4>You don’t know until you try; you don’t try until it is necessary. COVID-19 has pushed us into isolation and, therefore, forced most of us to Work From Home (WFH). This pandemic has legitimised remote work, forcing orginsations to take it seriously. A stable powerful Internet connection, a laptop with video conferencing, and the various chat applications have ensured smooth work coordination. Sure, there are still kinks to work out, and they’re being worked on as we speak. I believe we will witness the creative reinvention of WFH and a much finer balance of work-life balance in the future. It may have negative impact on several real-estate investments but give rise to several new business opportunities for team collaboration. Also Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/7-qualities-of-highly-inspiring-people-in-business">7 qualities of highly inspiring people in business</a><h4>Online Education to Gain Momentum</h4>The pandemic has pushed educational institutions and faculty online to complete the semester as best they can. Teachers and students have stepped up and adopted this this model out of necessity. But it cannot be denied that online classes allow for an individualized educational experience, and is cheaper and more accessible – anywhere and anytime. This semester is expected to redefine the education system in the future.<h4>Prevention rather than Firefighting</h4>We are facing the worst global crisis since World War II, combined with the tanking of the economy. Italy and France have the World’s best healthcare, but were still woefully unprepared; collapsing within the first few weeks of the onset of the coronavirus. The gaping holes in global crisis management have made the public more critical of their elected officials. In the future, we will see a targetted emphasis on preparation – with increased investment in healthcare research, expanded healthcare footing, and governments playing out of their skins for preemptive measures for global crisis management rather than firefighting.<h4>Soaps and Sanitizer will be our Close Friends</h4>Until the Coronavirus outbreak, most people felt lazy about washing hands regularly, while hand sanitizers were more of a fancy thing women had in their purses. This will flip and come hell or high water, personal hygiene will take precedence over anything else. But today, is the Right Time to Cleanse the Inner Self As we remain isolated in our homes and slowly hobble back to normal, it’s the best time to reflect within ourselves, seek solitude, and cleanse our souls of any burden. Introspection and <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/">meditation</a> will serve as the impetus for making the necessary changes and helping us live up to our potential.

Beyond Covid-19: Six Things that will be the new normal

I have been pondering the Coronavirus pandemic like most people these days and I feel unsettled; discomfited with hundreds of social media posts and thousands of WhatsApp messages.I will not go into the details of what we all have been reading in news and all the posts. Definitely, in the midst of the fear, worry, and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, each day seems to bring news that’s worse than the day before.Despite all the concerns and worries, the fact that this planet has survived many disease outbreaks, major disasters, tragedies, and public health threats, fills me with hope, positivity and even optimism. The right blend of present-day medical advancements with past experiences would put us ahead of the curve. Bill McKibben,I have been pondering the Coronavirus pandemic like most people these days and I feel unsettled; discomfited with hundreds of social media posts and thousands of WhatsApp messages.I will not go into the details of what we all have been reading in news and all the posts. Definitely, in the midst of the fear, worry, and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, each day seems to bring news that’s worse than the day before.Despite all the concerns and worries, the fact that this planet has survived many disease outbreaks, major disasters, tragedies, and public health threats, fills me with hope, positivity and even optimism. The right blend of present-day medical advancements with past experiences would put us ahead of the curve. Bill McKibben, the famous environmentalist during a Climate Rally in DC in 2013 said, "You are the antibodies kicking in as the planet tries to fight its fever."The arrival of globalization powered by technology advancements has generated new revenue sources and created so many new jobs. Along with it we’ve witnessed cutthroat competition to achieve professional laurels. Moreover, in some ways, the web of connectivity has trapped people, overwhelming them, and dragging them far from reality. We call this process the race for survival, but in hindsight, perhaps it has somewhat alienated us from everyday simple things. We’ve become more nuclear. While many of us today indisputably enjoy a higher standard of living than our parents, we’ve paid a certain price – depression, hypertension, anxiety, and aloofness.Suggested Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/beyond-covid-19-six-things-that-will-be-the-new-normal">Beyond Covid-19: Six things that will be the new normal</a>In the present situation, COVID-19 is pushing us towards an urban-isolation. And this voluntary or enforced isolation is giving us all the jitters. But there is also Bliss in this enforced isolation. Though it may be hard to see, but it is there. We may come out of this as more gregarious, more social human beings, appreciative of those around us, and thrive on interaction based on trust and mutual respect. Maybe, our future fondness towards social liberation of the virus outbreak could re-ignite feelings of empathy, well-being, oneness, and compassion – for every living creature.The contagion isn't contained yet, slipping into the canyons of finance and business, putting our global stock markets in the middle of a storm. However, taking cues from similar scenarios of recessions or downturns previously, I believe that the economic crippling will fall in line eventually.I am actually concerned, "is this Coronavirus outbreak a clarion call for humans?" Is this a threshold point by Mother Nature to check the actions of humans? Increasingly we’ve heard of the movement to halt or slow climate change, and this may be a desperate call by our beloved planet Earth for humans to introspect our interaction with the ecosystem.I am certainly optimistic that on the other side of the Coronavirus pandemic, we as a society will be more open towards a sustainable future. Also the level of mindfulness &amp; <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">heartfulness</a> &nbsp;will be an all-time high. And, this is the time to amend our lifestyle, perhaps, making it more holistic blend of science, spirituality, and prevention. Indeed, today is a great time to revisit our roots, core value of our existence in the ecosystem.A Native American proverb says,"We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."For now, it is crucial to keep patience. So, adhere to the norms of social distancing, boost our own immunity and help flatten the curve to slow the spread of infections. It is equally important to follow guidelines laid out by the World Health Organization and the CDC to remain optimistic, avoid panic, spread facts and not fear.I humbly urge you to utilize this time to:Rediscover Yourself with Solitude – Gather yourself, steer clear of unwanted pressure and align your mind &amp; views with the real you. Seek solitude to give your inner self some self-care by meditating and introspecting.Get Close to Nature – Smell alfresco to fumigate your inner body &amp; bask in pure sunlight. I read today that WHO (World Health Organization), is recommending everyone to run or take a walk in nature while maintaining social distancing to build up their immunity. Nature can be sometimes be the best healer.Covid-19, your days here are numbered.the famous environmentalist during a Climate Rally in DC in 2013 said, "You are the antibodies kicking in as the planet tries to fight its fever."&nbsp;The arrival of globalization powered by technology advancements has generated new revenue sources and created so many new jobs. Along with it we’ve witnessed cutthroat competition to achieve professional laurels. Moreover, in some ways, the web of connectivity has trapped people, overwhelming them, and dragging them far from reality. We call this process the race for survival, but in hindsight, perhaps it has somewhat alienated us from everyday simple things. We’ve become more nuclear. While many of us today indisputably enjoy a higher standard of living than our parents, we’ve paid a certain price – depression, hypertension, anxiety, and aloofness.Suggested Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/beyond-covid-19-six-things-that-will-be-the-new-normal">Beyond Covid-19: Six things that will be the new normal</a>In the present situation, COVID-19 is pushing us towards an urban-isolation. And this voluntary or enforced isolation is giving us all the jitters. But there is also Bliss in this enforced isolation. Though it may be hard to see, but it is there. We may come out of this as more gregarious, more social human beings, appreciative of those around us, and thrive on interaction based on trust and mutual respect. Maybe, our future fondness towards social liberation of the virus outbreak could re-ignite feelings of empathy, well-being, oneness, and compassion – for every living creature.The contagion isn't contained yet, slipping into the canyons of finance and business, putting our global stock markets in the middle of a storm. However, taking cues from similar scenarios of recessions or downturns previously, I believe that the economic crippling will fall in line eventually.I am actually concerned, "is this Coronavirus outbreak a clarion call for humans?" Is this a threshold point by Mother Nature to check the actions of humans? Increasingly we’ve heard of the movement to halt or slow climate change, and this may be a desperate call by our beloved planet Earth for humans to introspect our interaction with the ecosystem.I am certainly optimistic that on the other side of the Coronavirus pandemic, we as a society will be more open towards a sustainable future. Also the level of mindfulness &amp; <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">heartfulness</a> &nbsp;will be an all-time high. And, this is the time to amend our lifestyle, perhaps, making it more holistic blend of science, spirituality, and prevention. Indeed, today is a great time to revisit our roots, core value of our existence in the ecosystem.A Native American proverb says,"We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."For now, it is crucial to keep patience. So, adhere to the norms of social distancing, boost our own immunity and help flatten the curve to slow the spread of infections. It is equally important to follow guidelines laid out by the World Health Organization and the CDC to remain optimistic, avoid panic, spread facts and not fear.I humbly urge you to utilize this time to:Rediscover Yourself with Solitude – Gather yourself, steer clear of unwanted pressure and align your mind &amp; views with the real you. Seek solitude to give your inner self some self-care by meditating and introspecting.Get Close to Nature – Smell alfresco to fumigate your inner body &amp; bask in pure sunlight. I read today that WHO (World Health Organization), is recommending everyone to run or take a walk in nature while maintaining social distancing to build up their immunity. Nature can be sometimes be the best healer.Covid-19, your days here are numbered.

Coronavirus – Finding bliss in this enforced isolation

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Through all my years of experience in the business world in various capacities, I’ve come to strongly believe that first and foremost leaders are avid followers, pleasant peers and have great leadership qualities,&nbsp;to help positively influence team members and clients. And while some of us may have been born with these traits, theories suggest that such skills and qualities can be learned through training and practice.My personal journey in business had also been greatly influenced by <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/">practice of heartfulness meditation</a> for more than two decades which has made to turn more towards the <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/leadership-in-2020">concepts of Moral Leadership</a> or Heartful Leadership. Rather than aspiring to being followed, a leader aims to serve. Instead of showcasing their own skills, they tend to develop the capacities of others. It is no longer about the positions but by a deep sense of ethics, driven by core ideals and often motivated by the pursuit of a higher purpose. Let me state few ideas on effective attributes as I see fit:Trusting one's intuition: As the saying goes that Leaders create leaders, not followers.&nbsp;An important quality of good leadership&nbsp;is&nbsp;letting go of control. Are you in control when you are asleep or while you are dreaming? Can you control the inner functions in your body? Your heart pumps oxygen on its own. Are you in control of your thoughts? Sometimes you can, but not always.So, when you realize you really do not have any hold over all the aspects of your life, then you learn that the idea that you are controlling is an illusion. As a leader, you need to learn to let go and trust your inner instincts by keeping mental contact. I have explained in more detail on this in one of my videos under “Most effective management techniques”. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-3rMn9-qNo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click on the link here to watch the video</a>.Leading by example: A leader leads by example and not just issues orders. He communicates others how to do things by first doing them himself and then delegates to let others take the responsibility. He cares for those whom he is leading and finds joy in other’s accomplishments. A true leader needs a gut to stand alone and look ridiculous to set example.Balances Heart and Mind: A successful leader preserves a balance by attending to the head as well as the heart. When he needs to commit himself to his work, he listens to his soul. In other areas of his life, he listens to his heart. He is attentive in times of crisis and not troubled; rather he sees challenges as opportunities.&nbsp;We are all leaders, no one is more valuable or “above” anyone else, and everyone brings their innate gifts and brilliance as a valuable contribution to the world.Empathy not apathy: An effective leader is able to put himself in others’ shoes and analyze things from their point of view. He communicates through emotions and encourages by wisdom. As a leader we should have an ability to temporarily suspend our own opinions and understand from the heart. Empathy for leadership works as a great fellow feeling tool to connect with someone at an interpersonal level creating encouragement to work better.Vision with resilience: A true leader has a longstanding vision and the short-range plan to work on it. A great strategy but a slow execution has greater chances of failing. Strategy and execution both should go hand in hand fulfilling organizations long term vision. A good leader should be ready to put the association, before his individual needs. That sense of sacrifice is necessary.Humility: A virtuous leader does not exhibit that he is a leader and becomes one among everybody. He just sees himself as part of the group. A sense of belongingness makes him interact with the ones he leads. Developing good human relationship skills is a necessary quality in a successful leader, being clear is the most important trait of an effective leader. Especially when it comes to working with millennials and the younger workforce, it is important for them to understand the huge picture.Patience and poise: For most leaders the pearl of wisdom is patience. Although it is an easy thing to talk about, but extremely difficult to practice. Leaders who recognize the power of patience can take stock of the situation, understand what is required, and wait while they build the capacity to take appropriate and effective action. Leadership requires patience in the mind and dynamism in action.Management is about doing things right but leadership is about doing the right things.

7 Qualities of highly inspiring people in business

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When I think of happiness, I mostly remember my mother’s happiness at my father’s return home late in the night, after working two jobs every day to support the five of us. My father similarly expressed his happiness in the simple things: like the days when he encountered less-than-usual traffic on his commute home, or when his ginger chai seemed particularly tasty on some evenings. <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/the-absoluteness-of-small-things">The everyday little things, that had no real monetary value, were priceless in their eyes for their worth in mental and emotional well-being.</a>;In 2019, Yale Psychology professor Laurie Santos launched a pilot course titled "Psychology and the Good Life." Initially planned for 30-40 students, it was found to be so popular that 1,200 students—about one-fourth university's undergraduate population—enrolled. Now rebranded as "<a href="https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Science of Well-Being</a>" on the platform Coursera, the online class features lectures by Santos on things people think will make them happy but don't, along with things that actually bring long-lasting life satisfaction. It is Yale’s most popular course ever.The idea of well-being may be thought of in two ways – <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/celebrate-the-joy-of-giving-with-heartfulness/">the little moments of happiness in everyone’s lives, and the deeper state of being that is associated with being joyful.</a> And I struggled for a while in reconciling the two. Was happiness in the little things the same as the inner state of being joyful? Was the happiness I found in having a nice home-cooked meal, or my favorite doppio (double espresso) in the morning, the same as the satisfaction I felt when making a successful business deal, or that joyful state I achieve after meditation, or in seeing others around you thrive?Is our purpose in life as human beings, the Pursuit of Happiness? Is the state of happiness same as being joyful?I’ve learned and come to believe differently over time. Joy, in my view, is a more consistent state and comes from within. It is achieved when you make peace with who you are, why you exist and in how you lead your life. Whereas happiness I believe, comes from things, people, and events around you. It’s ephemeral, like in the petting of a cat or dog; in the smile of someone special, and in the small interactions that make up life.And happiness is not joy because joy is not external, it can't be bought, and it is not conditional on someone else's behavior. In fact, joy is not contingent on anything in order to exist.One does not have to be a Dalai Lama to lead a joyful life. The moments of joy, of simple times and small things, be it my mom’s cup of chai, or my son’s plant in his dorm room, they are important just the same. In the rush of the rat race and the fear of the uncertain future, it’s possible to forget that, but the little moments add up to real joy as we go about our journey with purpose. We experience joy when we achieve selflessness to the point of personal sacrifice. We feel joy when we are internally connected to that higher purpose.I’ve found that by living my life with a sense of purpose, I can be the positive change I expect to see, and that has made all the difference to my outlook on my journey.“SENSE OF PURPOSE” is the motivation that should drive you for building a joyful future.

In the Pursuit of Happiness, I found Joy

Change is an inevitable part of our life and most often people resist change to avoid losing their comfort zones, especially because of the fear of failure. But that’s really not effective.Mathematically, the chances are quite equal, as <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/failure-is-to-success-as-exercise-is-to-the-body">everyone in life succeeds as much as they fail</a>, but failure should not prevent effort, and get you down. I always endorse trying new things and recommend that instead of being rigid towards change, it’s better to make space for new opportunities and be prepared for what change may come.Charles Darwin said, “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.” So, welcome change enthusiastically and create a healthy atmosphere with acceptance in your heart. After all, going with the flow is the easiest path to survival. The trees that bend down against the storm survive while those that try to stand erect get uprooted or worse, break. So be brave and get comfortable with getting in uncomfortable situations, as that’s the best way to grow.In organizations, change is especially crucial to allow employees to acquire new skills, explore new possibilities and strengthen their creativity in ways that ultimately benefit them through new ideas and increased productivity. What’s important is to prepare employees to deal with these changes by showcasing the benefits and motivating them with the potential.Every situation colors our memory in some way, and this eventually becomes the basis of our reactions on a situation. You would have often noticed some people are able to handle a situation better and some inadequately. Within life we play various roles and everyday life throws a different situation at us. Mahatma Gandhi noted that adaptability represents the power of resistance and assimilation.We need to recognize when a situation is in our “Circle of No-Influence” – a situation about which we are concerned, but over which we have no direct control. For example, you may be concerned about weather, but no matter how hard you try, it would not influence the weather. In contrast, there is the “Circle of Influence”- where a situation can be changed based on our behavior as a function of our decisions, not dictated by circumstances, like a reaction which may lead to an argument.In his 2014 at the commencement address of the University of Texas in Austin, Admiral William H. McRaven had one piece of advice to give new graduates, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Make your bed</a>.” McRaven is credited with overseeing, organizing and executing Operation Neptune Spear, the special ops raid on Osama Bin Laden on May 2, 2011. And it is with that simple task that he begins his day, from when he was in basic SEAL training, to the present. In his explanation:“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter.If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.”You see, 10% of life is made up of what happens to you, 90% of life is decided by how you react on it.Suggested Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/the-secret-shtuff-is-in-ourselves">The secret shtuff is in ourseleves</a><h4>“Focus on what you can control, and don’t waste your energy on that things you cannot”.</h4>In my business and with my leadership position, I have often found that most people and organizations know where they currently are and where they want to ultimately be, however, they lack the process or knowledge on what they need to do to get there.The first step is often simply accepting the fact that a change is necessary in your life, or in your organization. Let us start from there to the next one…<h4>Good luck!</h4>

How to prepare ourselves for change?

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In his autobiography, Bill Gates identifies Warren Buffet as his role model, and identifies three key points about choosing a suitable role model:&nbsp;<ol><li>Make sure the role model and you have the same core values.</li><li>Ensure they can help assess difficult business decisions and lastly, but maybe the most important.</li><li>Helps in taking you (and your ego) out of the decision-making process.</li></ol>&nbsp;<h4>Solid advice</h4>But for most of us (including me), identifying and sticking with a single role model is likely a misnomer. As life changes, so do our needs, and I believe that a person’s role model differs at various points in one’s life, depending largely on context.It is like the process of evolution really. Early in my career, I aspired to be my supervisor at work. He was my role model. I wanted to have everything he had, I looked up to him, respected him, and thought that one day I would find fulfillment in becoming who he was. That inspired me to work harder and achieving more.Suggested Read: <a href="https://www.sehgalnotes.com/blogs/how-to-prepare-ourselves-for-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How-to-prepare-ourselves-for-change</a>A good role model is someone that a person can look up to, a person that makes you want to be the best version of yourself, make you more productive, and inspire you. At that point in my life, my supervisor assumed that role. With time I saw my role models changed because my needs changed. As I grew older, I channeled all my energy into work, and achieving more left me wanting more out of life. My new role models were people who recognized those needs, something that my heart desired, and gave me direction. At this stage in my life my role model also served as my mentor, as he guided me through a new phase in my life.But, I am not sure that it is possible to have a single role model for achieving our ultimate goals as complex human beings. Greatness is subjective, and again depends on what a person aspires to be. I think there will always be several people in a person’s life that serve as a role model at different points.As I found <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/what-is-meditation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">What-is-meditation</a>, and achieved a plane of success,&nbsp;my idea of a role model has changed yet again. Today, I feel a sense of fulfillment, both in my career and in my personal life, and I don’t credit one single person as my role model. Of course, it is human nature to change, and how I feel today might change tomorrow. Needs evolve, time passes, people grow up and grow out of situations and relationships. It is important to see where life takes you.I believe that we all have our paths in life, big and small. We need to experience them and learn from them. So maybe the idea of a role model then becomes an appendage we don’t need, even as we learn our greatest strength, aspirations and motivations all lie in ourselves. So perhaps, shouldn’t we all just navigate our lives, dream, and learn from the mistakes we make?Borrowing from the wisdom of others, from their lived experiences is wonderful. After all, why reinvent the wheel? But instead of looking to someone else to provide for what we should be and aspire to, I’ve come to a point in my life where I want to be the best version of who I can be, and contribute what I can to society, so we can succeed as a community.Heartful Quote: “In seeking to be the best version of ourselves, we learn that we are the role models we seek.”

You are the best Role Model: So Roll with it

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“Hey coach, listen. You got any more of that secret shtuff? I think it's starting to wear off.” In a scene from the movie, “Space Jam” (1996), an animated Daffy Duck asks arguably the most famous basketball player alive whether there’s any more “secret shtuff” for his teammates. The team has been beaten badly in the first half of the game, and in order to win, they want more of the “magic” tonic that Jordan hands them out earlier.The magic though, is plain water, and Michael Jordan confesses the truth. The team wins in the end after all. The difference is, now they know that the magic is within them, in the potential we all possess, and in the courage and confidence, we need help to dredge up once in a while.We are all born with infinite potential but need the rest of our lives to realize that potential and bring it to fruition. We live in a world full of great thinkers and ideas, but with very few doers, and fewer still who truly achieve greatness. Success lies in answering that call to action which is represented in the potential that lives within us. A swig of that “secret shtuff” – COURAGE – and off you’ll go on your way to success. Imagination alone cannot help; you need the power of EXECUTION.Suggested Read: <a href="/blogs/you-are-the-best-role-model-so-roll-with-it">You are the best Role model, so roll with it</a>During my younger years, just like most of us I had a notion to make it big someday. With time I realized dreamers usually don’t make it big, and I needed an execution strategy to achieve my ever-changing goals. I had the potential, I had the wits, and all I would require is to essentially&nbsp;walk the talk – or rather, answer that call and put it in action.But, somewhere along the lines I became conscious of the understanding that realizing one’s potential is a lifelong journey, accelerated via introspection, contemplation and meditation. A Goal thus, is not an endpoint, but a new beginning, a rest stop, or a milestone, that keeps changing. It is like seeking the midpoint of a vast unmapped ocean. We move towards it, but we’re never quite sure we’re there yet. Where we are can be good enough, but there’s always the potential of something better out there.Whenever I am in India, I often spend time at the <a href="https://kanha.sahajmarg.org/">Kanha Shanti Vanam Ashram</a> in Hyderabad. It’s simply rejuvenating, as I get the opportunity for introspection to reintroduce and contemplate my life which enjoy more than anything else.On one sunny afternoon, I was walking down the ashram road, and came across a sign from a dog training company on a lawn, that mentioned an invisible fence. I became curious, and instantly Googled it, and learned of a system that sets an undetectable perimeter that the dog can’t get across. Over time, the fence acts as a conditioning tool that teaches the dog to never cross that boundary even when the fence isn’t active. The dog sets up imaginary limits that regulates its reality.As we grow to adulthood and beyond, we become saddled with negative beliefs, assumptions and set up our own limitations. These become our invisible fences. We start believing they are real and whenever we come across them, we hide away. Meditation has helped me identify my invisible fences and some ways to overcome them. I would like to encourage you to sometimes choose the path less traveled; you never know what potential you may discover in YOURSELF.In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare has the line that “The fault lies not in our stars, but in ourselves that we are underlings.” What he means is, we become what we believe we are.These sets of beliefs have been central&nbsp;in&nbsp;shaping my own leadership style and I have experienced a great deal of success in building a conscious alignment to these within my life. …Through my active involvement in <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/">Heartfulness</a>, I have also invested time and effort, helping others to internalize and practice these core visions. “To be successful, visioning and your actions should be directly proportional to each other.” The quote states that if you have really good thoughts but you don’t do anything about them, then you are probably daydreaming and if you act without thinking then you may get into trouble.But above all, believe that you are worthy and deserve abundant success. The universe is always listening, and your law of attraction will work for you. Believe in who you are, and become whoever you want to be.Believe in yourself, and that’s all the “secret shtuff” you’ll ever need to win at that game of life.

The “SECRET SHTUFF” is in ourselves

I was recently in Bangalore, the Garden City of India, for our company’s quarterly meeting. I like Bangalore – friendly people, pleasant weather, energetic yet peaceful. I happily enjoy interacting with the interesting people I meet there. There’s a lot of cultural diversity and great food, and if you are in IT then it is probably the best place to build your career. Perhaps that’s why a lot of people now refer to it as “The Silicon Valley of India.”However, despite Bangalore’s many wonderful qualities and warmth, I found one of its drawbacks to be almost unbearable – its traffic congestion. Indian traffic and Indian drivers have been the punch line of many jokes. The stereotype is that Indian streets are like anarchy and everyone does what they like; vehicle, man and beast battle for dominance and the right to be there. However, along with that is the fatalistic belief that one will get where one has to go, when God wills it.Just as time and tide wait for no man, the world of Information Technology continues to surge along, adapting its way around traffic snarls and delays. For instance, we at <a href="https://www.msystechnologies.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MSys</a> realized long ago that it was futile to fight the system, and instead we decided to work around it by giving employees more flexibility. Since I started MSys, I have always been insistent on creating a culture centered around employee convenience. Adopting this kind of culture includes granting employees more flexibility and setting fewer boundaries. For example, we don’t demand that they get in to work at a specific time, especially with the unusual state of Indian traffic, which is often out of their control. I don’t want a stressed and tired employee arriving at work. I prioritize the quality of the work itself and care less about the logistics.Suggested Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/in-the-pursuit-of-happiness-i-found-joy">Pursuit of happiness</a>At the same time, it’s not that we completely reject keeping any boundaries around our employees. Instead, we believe that boundaries and fences are ideal when they have a definite place and purpose; if you were to just keep building fences all over your property, where would you build your house? A well-placed fence protects the property while giving it enough space. Likewise, by providing certain guidelines to employees but giving them the space to be flexible, it is remarkable to see how they grow. At <a href="https://www.msystechnologies.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MSys</a> we have been intentional on setting fewer limitations on working for the ease of the employee, and during my visit I was able to observe some team members taking advantage of these policies.Seeing these policies neglected in action is what sparked a beautiful thought, one that has become the underlying philosophy for my continuous growth: utilize any freedom given with discipline.It may appear as though freedom and discipline are opposing concepts, and yet, they are also harmonizing. The purpose of a country’s defensive forces is to defend the nation’s freedom, and yet, there is no freedom in defense. Soldiers lead a regimented life, bound by rules and regulations, when told to march, they march in tandem – left, right, left. Even their steps are calculated; their rhythm defined for them. And yet, discipline is what protects the freedom of a nation, of a belief system, of democracy in total.Freedom without discipline is almost like a country without defense and the core purpose of discipline helps protect freedom. They both have to go hand-in-hand. Discipline is essential for personal success, because I feel that “you will never always be motivated, so you must learn to be disciplined.”When freedom is uncontrolled, it creates instability, and a person is unable to effectively use their intelligence. It’s just like a sealed can of soda. When its sealed, the liquid is under a lot of pressure and cannot escape. The moment the can is opened, especially if it’s been shaken, the liquid explodes out in an uncontrolled manner. But there can be ways to channel that explosion in a controlled manner.Also Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/how-to-prepare-ourselves-for-change">How to prepare ourselves for change?</a>A toddler has no fear, but as they grow, the knowledge of fear begins to trickle in, and the child becomes more cautious. Parents have to guide the child but let them learn from their mistakes. Too much freedom, and the child could harm themselves, e.g have you ever seen a child playing freely with scissors? and if too little freedom, and the child becomes too fearful to be creative and independent.Similarly, if personal freedom has to provide meaningful results, there needs to be a controlled environment or regulated channels for output, and this phenomenon is nothing but following a discipline. You may realize that absolute freedom serves no purpose, when it is let out, just like the soda that erupts out of a can and becomes un-drinkable. In an organizational context, it doesn’t mean having a strict and technical observance of rules and regulations, it can simply mean working and behaving responsibly as any reasonable organization expects an employee to do. This is as much a basic necessity for the people working in a company as in other segments of society.Let me share another life altering example. Everyone wants to be able to act and live with freedom. But the only way to get to a place of freedom is through discipline. If you want financial freedom, you have to have financial discipline. If you want more free time, you have to follow a more disciplined time management system. My dream of building companies and a huge team did not manifest based on some intrinsic gift, but rather on the willingness to do what needed to be done, and to do that day after day. I believe that being disciplined has truly helped me to get through the some of the hardest times in my life and it still enriches my life every day. It has freed me from the usual fear that sometimes threatened to overwhelm me and held me hostage to a life I wouldn't want or believe in.The real message here is: if you want to transform your life in a positive way, that transformation will not happen by itself. You need to make it happen. You need to do the work. You need to put in the hours, the days, the weeks, the months, and the years. You need to get on the path and stay on the path—the path that leads to the positive transformations, the path that leads to a better you, the path that leads to freedom and that path is the hard path. The tough path, the relentless path, it is the path of discipline and the path of discipline is the only way.Discipline complements freedom. Freedom can only be reached by walking the path of discipline.

Freedom with Discipline

The traditional image of a leader was of someone who sat atop a mountain — at the culmination of his own personal growth and sadly alone; or the kind of leader who constantly “directed” or strongly criticised the actions of those following, and who may have thought to oppose him.Charismatic leaders like Steve Jobs, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Gates" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bill Gates</a>, Travis Kalanick, Elon Musk and others have held sway at the top of their respective companies. And, they were all founders of companies which ended up being most successful unicorns in their categories and of their times. Even as contemporary society has evolved to become more egalitarian, leadership too has changed with the times; and the image of the lonely leader sitting at the top of the food chain has become a misnomer. Hierarchies have grown flatter, and leaders no longer want to sit in their ivory towers planning and inventing for consumers with whom they have no connection. Instead most leaders are down in the trenches with the rest of the employees, and seek to know directly what the consumer wants. New leaders are richer, mature and courageous in their individual personalities, setting new trend and are disrupting the archaic norms of leadership.Suggested Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/7-qualities-of-highly-inspiring-people-in-business">7 qualities of highly inspiring people</a>Even unicorn companies of past are now being run by next generation leaders (examples Tim Cook, Sunder Pichai, Satya Nadella, Dara Khusrowshahi, etc.) with completely opposite leadership styles from those of the founders. In many case, these new leaders have brought even more success to the unicorn companies than the founders themselves.&nbsp;I see this as a natural consequence of personal evolution. “For leadership to be effective, there must be humility, there must be a willingness to accept from others, and to grow alongside one’s team”. Today’s leaders listen. They seek refinement and exude care. They seek unfiltered feedback. It’s why actors sneak into movie theatres to watch their films with audiences.As someone who has now filled a variety of leadership roles, I have some thoughts on leadership too from my own evolution as a leader in past 20+ years.The days of blind faith in a leader are gone. Along with the need to being transparent in the vision and operations – with the advent of social media sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Facebook etc. – it seems we take delight in exposing the frailty of human nature. Unpleasantness ensues, making this a whole new form of banana leadership. It’s hard being a leader, lonely too, and waiting for someone to take the throne from you is a weary process. Today’s leaders believe strongly in their strengths, aspire to grow and nurture the people around them, instead of succumbing to the insecurity of someone else dethroning them. They embrace fellowship instead of singularity.The thing is, bad leaders make for unhappy followers, who are constantly seeking for the bad leader to be deposed. And the time has come for a different kind of leadership.Take the instance of a present-day football or baseball coach leading a team of individuals; every one of whom is accomplished in his own right. The coach has to underscore the best in each of the player while ensuring they perform as one unit. Here, the coach has no choice but to be self-effacing, because he (or she) must spend time listening to the players in order to get the best out of them. A coach must be honest about any faux pas while learning constantly from his own mistakes. “Only constant learning can allow for continued leadership, and for bringing out the best in the team. If the team succeeds as a whole, the coach succeeds; if it fails, the coach fails."Acceptance of failure, owning up to shortcomings, and sharing responsibility with team members, and having faith in the solidity of the team is not always an easy thing for a leader to do.Early on in my managerial career, I did everything myself, believing in the adage that if I wanted something done right, I had to do it myself. I wanted to be successful and I wanted recognition. I closed deals myself and ran around and took care of business. I was successful, but tired.With <a href="https://www.msystraining.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MSys</a>, I’ve learned from my early days, “realising that no successful organisation is a one-man show”. It’s taken me a long time to understand and embrace empowerment. True leadership I’ve learned is about self-effacement – of humility. It means that the organisation and the team’s success is my own.I may still pick up the phone and make the critical decisions myself. But otherwise, I want my team to know what it feels like to achieve those jubilant milestones we have all worked so hard towards. Taking a step back and letting someone else take the reins may not seem like a leadership strategy, but believe me it works. Having the humility to step aside and instead helping others to realize their potential by inspiring them is for me one of the most satisfying and rewarding attributes of being a true leader.And while it makes for happier employees, in the long run it means more for sustainability, and for growth. <a href="https://www.msystraining.com/highlights/you-dont-need-a-title-to-be-a-leader/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Organisations must live beyond their leadership, and I intend for my legacy to live on</a>.

Leadership in 2020

The speed of technology is matched only by the speed of the media who cover stories of technology. And while there are many stories of successes, there are fewer ones of failure. But failure is not to fear; it is only to learn from. Have you ever heard of Betamax? Or have you seen a laser disc? Did you know that Audible, and not Apple made the first commercially-produced portable music player? The iPod is the most well-known portable MP3 player, and indeed the one that stayed relevant the longest. But, in technology, just as in life, there is often a fight for survival and a race to win.<h4>Lesson 1: User behavior, not better technology, usually wins the technology race</h4>In 1975, Sony launched Betamax technology to bring video into homes through a little device known as the VCR. While Sony hoped that other manufacturers would adopt their format, JVC refused to get in line. JVC had developed the VHS format in the meantime, and they aggressively marketed it, and undercut Sony in price. While Betamax was known to be the better, more stable technology, VHS won out solely for its marketing strategy. Both the iPod and Betamax are today case studies in marketing. But at a more implicit level, they are lessons in success and failure. Sony was secure in its place as the leader of technology but failed to account for people’s regard for pricing and susceptibility to marketing. The company learned its lesson, but it was too little too late, and today Betamax has become a cautionary tale. Suggested Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/how-to-prepare-ourselves-for-change">How to prepare ourselves for change?</a>Users, he knew must be ready to accept new technology, have a use for it, and be willing to pay for it. Else it would never succeed.<h4>Lesson 2: Technology advances must keep pace with infrastructure developments and user preference to win out</h4>Meanwhile, the success of the iPod came not for being the first player of its kind, but for its timing. People needed a successor to the ubiquitous Walkman; and while portable CD players existed, they were large and bulky, and required the transport of other CDs and batteries. Other MP3 players on the market were similarly encumbered with their own issues of format and battery problems. Enter iPod. Apple slowly built up to the idea of portable music, developed their own format, removed the need to transport CDs and batteries, made the device user friendly with a single button and a clickwheel, and marketed the device itself as the epitome of “cool.” It wasn’t a quiet launch either; the anticipation, the marketing and the steps to make everything run smoothly – from iTunes to the USB interface – all functioned like a well-oiled machine.User behavior is predictable and unpredictable at the same time.Users must be trained to work the technology, to accept it, and to use it. And Steve Jobs, that Apple genius, he knew this in his bones. Users, he knew must be ready to accept new technology, have a use for it, and be willing to pay for it. Else it would never succeed.<h4>Lesson 3: Still learning…. TIMING IS EVERYTHING</h4>Unfortunately, there are many factors which are crucial to success or failure in technology some of which are not even in your control.I learned my Betamax or iPod lesson with my first startup iVivity. The year 2001 saw the beginning of the decline of the dot-com boom. We had set out to develop a 10G storage processor with a 10G iSCSI interface. We knew that the dotcom boom would have caused a hunger for much higher storage capabilities. And, along with it, higher access speeds to access the data available quicker. We produced and readied ourselves for a launch, but… The events of 9/11 paralyzed the world, its people and the development of technology. Our release stalled; it didn’t seem as important in comparison to what was going on. Three years later as we recovered, we hoped the market was ready for our superior technology but found that we had missed out. The move from 1G to 10G would have required people to change their cabling from copper to fiber. This under the normal flow of technological evolution would have happened by the release of our product, but alas, had not, due to the geopolitical issues following 9/11. Unfortunately, there are many factors which are crucial to success or failure in technology some of which are not even in your control.Also Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/you-are-the-best-role-model-so-roll-with-it">You are the best Role model, so roll with it</a>And then comes the realization, that in their success, we may find our own.In simple terms, it’s like building and having the most advanced electric car with no charging posts available where you live. Thus, it is not always the best technology that always wins. It’s a combination of things – the right timing being more important than anything. I took away the understanding that technology is primarily user-centric. This means that the latest, most advanced technological marvel may not be the most successful. People want technology that they can use, quickly, fitting into their existing lives as it belongs there. Without the chicken, there can be no egg, and without the egg, there cannot be a chicken. And without infrastructure and users, there is no need for technology. However, at times technology also gives rise to the need for infrastructure to support it and users realize that this is what they needed. Well, that could be the topic for another blog.A more useful lesson is that failure, though hard, isn’t impossible to live with. It is possible to rebuild and to succeed again.One of the best quotes for success which I read somewhere has been, “Going from failure to failure with equal enthusiasm.” As an Indian saying goes, there is only one Kohinoor Diamond**, but we can all aim for a string of pearls in our lives. Or then again, we could help someone else with similar technology succeed in their endeavors. And then comes the realization, that in their success, we may find our own. ** The Kohinoor diamond, likely found in diamond mines of Kollur in the old Hyderabad province is known as one of the largest diamonds in the world. It now occupies pride of place in the British Crown Jewels.

Failure is to Success, as Exercise is to the Body

Of Mountains &amp; Printing Presses What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare. No time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows. No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass. No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night. No time to turn at Beauty's glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance. No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began. A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare. (“Leisure” by William Henry Davies, 1911)These evocative lines are from a little-known poem by W.H. Davies, a poet largely forgotten, but made immortal by several generations of Indian school children learning the words of this poem by rote. The lines came to mind today, as I sat on the balcony of my apartment in the <a href="https://kanha.sahajmarg.org/">Kanha Shanthi Vannam</a> compound in Hyderabad, watching the sun retreat into the cooler evening hours. Time itself seemed to slow down as I watched the sunlight change to the fiery sky of sunsets in India, but the lines were evocative of my life these days and the importance we assign to our priorities.I was chasing the Indian-American IT dream quickly.I’ve been in the technology industry many years. I founded iVivity in 2000, in the early days of the dotcom era, to create network storage solutions and other services. After a few years of running iVivity, restless for a new challenge, I joined a venture capital firm. It wasn’t long before I started another company – Scentric – focusing on classifying data, followed by yet another initiative named Pramana, a human user validation solution. I was chasing the Indian-American IT dream quickly. Suggested Read: <a href="https://sehgalnotes.com/blogs/leadership-in-2020">Leadership in 2020</a> My interest in entrepreneurship came to me by way of my grandfather, a man I greatly admired. I arrived in the Bay Area in California from India, leaving my humble Indian lower-middle class roots behind, bearing just a small suitcase. It was the nineties, and I only expected to be away for three months, but it was two years before I found my way back into the bosom of my family in India. I wanted to build my legacy, while staying true to my roots and family values. And as I built my ventures up, time seemed to go by very quickly.<blockquote>And I believe in living in that moment, in the best way possible</blockquote>These days, I spend about a third of my time running my latest venture – MSys Technologies – a data storage company that’s travelled to the US from India. I spend the rest of my time outside the rat race, making a determined effort to enjoy the smaller things in life – sunsets at the Kanha Shanthi Vannam Ashram are just one of them. I also spend some of my time teaching <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/">Heartfulness Meditation</a> at my home in Alpharetta, Georgia The irony that meditation, a distinctly eastern practice, was one I learned and adopted in the USA is not one that’s lost on me. But, then again, life comes full circle when you return to your roots.Pay more attention on how to speak to other’s heartsThis blog is a place I intend to share my thoughts on technology and the way it uniquely blends into my life with spirituality, meditation, and the small things. Speaking from the heart is something I’ve learned to do, and it’s brought cohesion to my life, even when life seems to be moving in multiple directions at once. Chasing after the theoretical notion of happiness – be it the fat bank account, the fancy vacation or the latest car or phone – they all detract from the pursuit of the moment. That’s where life is, in the moment. And I believe in living in that moment, in the best way possible.The mind must be tranquil to find true fulfillment.At this stage of my life, I am beginning to pay more attention on how to speak to other’s hearts to inspire them in the same way my own meditation makes me look forward to living every moment of my life without the burden of the past, or of the unknown future, dragging me down. The mind must be tranquil to find true fulfillment. In tranquility lies inspiration, and this blog serves to explore the intersections of tranquility, inspiration, and the rapid advances technology. I hope you’ll come along with me on this journey.I hope you’ll come along with me on this journey.

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