Growing up, the etiquette rulebook in many societies often said, “Don’t dive into sex, politics, or religion, especially at work or with new acquaintances.” The rationale is clear: these topics can be contentious and uncomfortable. Yet, as a friend wisely advised, even once familiarity is established, discussions must be approached with a learning mindset rather … Read more
Life is an intricate journey sometimes filled with peaks of joy and valleys of despair. During the lows of personal crises and identity struggles, we often question who we are and where we are headed. In these moments, self-discovery becomes a crucial compass, guiding us through the storm towards a more authentic and fulfilled existence. … Read more
Humanity is a mosaic of emotions, a symphony of experiences that span the spectrum from joy to sorrow, love to hate, and everything in between. Many scientists have tried to boil human emotions down to seven or eight universal emotional expressions, with some suggesting that humans experience 17 million combinations of emotions in a lifetime. … Read more
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, with the relentless pursuit of goals and the constant demands of leadership, fatigue can stealthily become an unwelcome companion. As we head into the last vestiges of this year, perhaps we are burdened and tired by what is happening both at the macro level (Gaza, inflation, … Read more
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assertion, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends,” is a poignant reminder of the power of friendship and the responsibility it entails. I thought I had understood those words, but in recent weeks, I have realised that I had … Read more
Last week, a chance encounter with a stranger led to a conversation about the notion that “one person can’t make a difference.” It’s a sentiment I have encountered multiple times throughout my career in information technology, in my first managerial role, when previous employers hesitated to take critical business steps, or whenever I voiced concerns … Read more
The past month has been difficult for many of us. I find it hard to comprehend that “leaders” can justify killings on either side or to view the devastation that people in Gaza are facing, 47% of whom are under the age of 16, without being impacted. I know that for some of my friends … Read more
In leadership positions, where decisions can carry monumental consequences and challenges seem to lurk around every corner, courage emerges as a critical character attribute that differentiates those who wish they were leaders from those who are leaders. Courage is a quality that transcends all others, empowering leaders to face adversity with tenacity and confidently lead … Read more
This week’s blog post is about love and leadership. I know that love isn’t usually a word we associate with leadership or business. And that is a shame. Ask any entrepreneur what got them started on a particular idea or a business leader why they do what they do, and they might give you the … Read more
Why leadership in challenging times matters more… My contention has always been that it’s easier to be a leader in the “good times” – when the market is a seller market, or there is an abundance of people and resources. Or when interest rates are low and there is relative peace worldwide. The test of … Read more