EDITOR
Gp Capt R Vijayakumar ﴾Retd﴿, VSM
READERSHIP OUTREACH
Gp Capt Dr R Venkataraman ﴾Retd﴿
Sundar R
Vakeeswari M
DESIGN
D Rajaram, Tayub Refai
MADRAS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Management Center, New No.240 Pathari Road, ﴾Off Anna Salai﴿, Chennai 600 006
Ph:044‐2829 1133 / Email:mma@mmachennai.org | mandate@mmachennai.org | www.facebook.com/mmachennai
At MMA, we believe in the power of continuous learning and growth. We encourage you to keep igniting your careers and inspiring minds; through this collective effort, we can shape a brighter future for the management fraternity.
The MMA All-India Management Students Convention, on the theme "What Does It Take to Jumpstart a Successful Career," organized by MMA on October 22 2024, was a grand success. The convention brought together a galaxy of eminent speakers who shared thought-provoking insights tailored specifically for management students. With over 1,000 students attending in person and 26,000 viewers tuning in
MMA invites young managers to participate in a competition on the convention theme. This is a fantastic opportunity for young managers to showcase their skills, represent their organizations, and win attractive cash prizes.
online, the convention was a testament to MMA's commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
In this issue, we proudly present articles capturing the essence of each session. These masterclasses offer invaluable guidance for management professionals. We invite you to read on, click to watch the embedded videos, and be inspired by the wisdom shared by our distinguished speakers.
I am delighted to announce that the MMA Annual Convention 2025, on the theme "Foundations for building a resilient India,” will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Hotel Taj Coromandel, Chennai. This year's theme promises to be thought-provoking and insightful.
A stellar line-up of eminent speakers has confirmed their participation, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for all delegates. Click here to view the convention brochure.
As a prelude to the convention, MMA invites young managers to participate in a competition on the convention theme. This is a fantastic opportunity for young managers to showcase their skills, represent their organizations, and win attractive cash prizes.
As the business landscape evolves, CFO’s must navigate complex challenges, from governance and risk management to sustainability and value creation.
Don't miss this chance! Send in your nominations soon. Click to view the competition brochure.
I am delighted to share information about the forthcoming CFO Conclave on Saturday, December 14 2024, focusing on "The CFO's Role in Integrating Governance, Sustainability, and Value Creation". The timely event recognizes the critical role CFOs play in driving business success and financial management.
As the business landscape evolves, CFO’s must navigate complex challenges, from governance and risk management to sustainability and value creation. This conclave will bring together a galaxy of eminent CFOs and industry experts to share their insights, best practices, and innovative strategies.
Join us in person as we explore the future of finance and the CFO's pivotal role in shaping it. Watch it live on MMA's social media.
This year, India celebrates the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India. It's an occasion to reflect on its importance and role in the evolution of Indian democracy. Surely seventy-five years of constitutional democracy have had their share of challenges. However, the fact that we have
been able to commit ourselves to the principles of democratic governance owes a lot to the supremacy of the Constitution. I firmly believe that the institutions created by the Constitution protect the fundamental tenets of Indian democracy. We cannot take them for granted and need to remain invested in them.
On this particular occasion, MMA organized a quiz on the Indian Constitution for our members. This engaging quiz aimed to empower our members with a deeper understanding of the Indian Constitution and its significance. We are also reminded of the Constitution's enduring relevance and the responsibility of being informed, engaged citizens. We look forward to continuing this endeavour to promote a community that values knowledge, critical thinking, and the Rule of Law.
National defence is crucial to the security of a sovereign state. India’s aspiration to become a developed country by 2047 requires much work on national security. It's pertinent to note that the technological capability of the Indian Armed Forces is a generation behind that of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. We need to close gaps in conventional strength and keep pace with tech-driven advances. The way to do this is to leapfrog to a future with lighter unmanned weapons, swarm weapons, fool-proof missile defence, and space-based surveillance. The shift in military technology—from being based on mechanical engineering and hardware to computer science, software, telecommunications, machine learning, and
The capability for innovation and ecosystem building is outstanding. It's high time such companies, with proven track records, are taken on board as strategic partners by the Ministry of Defence.
artificial intelligence (AI)—plays to India's strengths. The induction of the private sector in manufacturing major platforms is vital to national interest. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) has emerged as a new champion for aircraft manufacturing due to its hard work and vision. L&T has emerged as a company in India with rich experience in submarine building. The capability for innovation and ecosystem building is outstanding. It's high time such companies, with proven track records, are taken on board as strategic partners by the Ministry of Defence. In this context, MMA organized a presentation on the theme "Emerging Technologies in Defence," by Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Former Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, Former Chairman of DRDO, and President of the Aeronautical Society of India. His presentation was thought-provoking and enlightening on the present status of Indian technological advances in the Armed Forces. Click to watch the video.
TRUMP PRESIDENCY 2.0
Donald Trump's second term in the White House could impact the world more than the first in many ways, but India would find itself relatively well-placed. The world would have to be prepared for a new normal with Donald Trump taking over as President of
the USA. His stance during the campaign was no different from his actions when he was President earlier. Therefore, consistency can be expected, though the extent could be tempered given the new world economic order. However, the government must remain vigilant when the world's largest economy targets the second largest.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) 2024 report on IP trends, India now ranks among the top 10 countries globally in the number of patents, trademarks, and industrial design applications. India recorded the fastest growth among the top origins in patent applications, with a 15.7% increase in 2023, marking its fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth in this area. Industrial design applications have also risen by a remarkable 36.4%, attributed to a heightened focus on manufacturing and creative sectors. This shift highlights the increasing prominence of domestic innovations and intellectual property activities, fuelled by various government initiatives, such as the "Make in India" programme, which encourage local manufacturing and innovation to bring good ideas to fruition, starting with a clear business intent and paying attention to scaling deserving ideas is necessary. I firmly believe that Design Thinking is a versatile technique for creativity and innovation—a human-centred problemsolving model. The CavinKare MMA Innovation Award also encouraged several entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations. MMA organized several sessions on Design Thinking in this context, and the talk by Mr S
It is pertinent that access to skill education be expanded. Vocational subjects that are offered have to be realigned to the local economy's needs.
Anil Kumar, Founder & CEO, FreeElective LLC on the theme “Strategy, Management and Innovation in Business,” is very relevant. Click to watch the video.
A recent World Bank skill gap analysis across six states highlighted the need to offer skill education in schools for India to reap the demographic dividend and become a developed nation by 2047. Only 8% of government and government-aided schools offer skill education. The government's goal is to make it 100% by 2030. It is pertinent that access to skill education be expanded. Vocational subjects that are offered have to be realigned to the local economy's needs. Apart from technical skills, the program should also focus on soft skills that enhance employability. A better partnership with industry needs to be developed, and most importantly, efforts must be made to change the perception that skill training is for the weaker section. In this context, I am delighted to share that the MMA CSR initiative, supported by Ms Super Auto Forge Ltd, focused on implementing skill training in schools, which positively enhanced the students' outlook and overall development.
Organizations are responsible for creating a work
environment conducive to mental health and wellbeing. For this, we need long-term strategies that integrate mental health into the organizational fabric. It's critical to understand that organizations must recognize that workplace mental health starts with leadership. By cultivating an inclusive, discriminationfree environment and implementing policies for reasonable accommodation and mental health support, leaders must create a foundation for employees to thrive. In this regard, MMA organized several programs for the benefit of our members.
In this issue, I am delighted to present an article on the "Balancing Work Life & Life Work" event organized by MMA. Please read on or click to watch the embedded video in the article.
MMA has planned several exciting and thoughtprovoking events in December 2024 and January 2025. Click to view the calendar of forthcoming MMA events.
As always, we would be happy to hear your views, comments, and suggestions.
Merry Christmas, Happy Reading!
Ambi Parameswaran, Former CEO, Draft FCB Ulka, Author & Brand Strategist,
debunks the myths of personal branding and throws some tips for management trainees to follow.
What is a brand and where does the word come from? The term "brand" comes from the Old Norse word 'Brandr,' which means 'to burn.' We are metaphorically burning the name into the minds of consumers. Without branding, there is no marketing. Philip Kotler famously said, "Branding is Marketing."
According to the American Marketing Association (AMA), a brand is defined as a "name, term, sign, symbol, or design, or a combination of them, intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of competitors." A simpler definition of a brand is "a name that tells a story" (Claude Hopkins). What story does your name tell? Think about it.
A brand is more than just the product. It includes the intangible images, usage occasions, and user imagery that come to mind.
The first story is about an MBA student working
at an FMCG MNC. He noticed how his colleagues eagerly grabbed Business India magazine to see the last few pages where the 'job opportunities' were listed. He wanted to take this concept to a different medium—the internet. He created Naukri.com. When he approached our agency for advertising, we proposed two options, and he chose the riskier one (Hari Sadu ad). Today, this company is publicly listed, and its founder, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, is a billionaire.
Story 2: This company was in the commodity business. They launched one brand, and it failed. The second brand also failed. However, the third attempt was a success. It even surpassed a major MNC brand. The brand is Santoor, whose market size is now larger than that of Lux soap. In 1994, when we started working on this brand, it was not even 20% of Lux's size. A few years ago, it overtook Lux. We created 20 different ads with the same theme of youthfulness.
Story 3: This is a 100-year-old global brand. To celebrate their centenary, we created an ad campaign that became a pioneering effort in social media
It is up to you to figure out how to manage your brand. Just like Naukri, Santoor, and Oreo—every single one of you is a brand.
advertising. It went on to be a big hit. This is the world's largest cookie brand—Oreo. It was rated as one of best global campaigns by WSJ, AdAge and even HBR.
As consumers become smarter, will brands continue to be important? The fact is, consumers have become more and more logo-oriented. Brands offer many advantages to consumers, manufacturers, and marketers. Can everything be branded?
Products, services, retailers, online platforms, people, organizations, sports, geographic locations, ideas, and causes—everything can be branded. The IPL is the biggest sports brand created in India in the last 10 years.
Now let's talk about personal branding. It is not just for stars and CEOs. Don’t think it’s complicated or just social media bragging. Harvard Business Review (HBR) covered this topic in a cover story last year on 'Building Your Personal Brand.' According to HBR, "It is an intentional strategic practice in which you define and express your own value proposition."
Jeff Bezos says, "Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room." Let me debunk 7 myths of personal branding.
1.Personal branding is a new fad: It is more than 25 years old. Management guru Tom Peters wrote an article in Fast Company Magazine, 'The Brand Called You,' in 1997. It is up to you to figure out how to manage your brand. Just like Naukri, Santoor, and Oreo—every single one of you is a brand.
2. Personal branding is just for CEOs: It applies to every single one of you. You have your mission, image, and values.
3.Personal branding happens on its own: Creating your personal brand is much better than leaving it to chance. If we map personal competence (low to high) against personal branding (low to high) in a 2x2 matrix, the stars are those with high personal competence and high personal branding. If you are low in both, you are a survivor. If you are high in competence but low in branding, you are a 'workhorse.' If you are low in competence but high in branding, you are a 'braggart.'
4.Personal branding is nothing but bragging: Bragging is not personal branding. However, if you achieve something, talking about it loudly, proudly, and strategically can help you build your brand. Talk about your team rather than yourself.
5.Personal branding and networking are for losers: Which was the first breakthrough business that Microsoft got? DOS (Disk Operating System) for the IBM PC. How did Bill Gates get in touch with IBM? The story goes that Bill Gates' mother, Mary Gates, was a successful entrepreneur. She was also on the board of a not-for-profit organization called 'United Way.' There, she met a board member named John Akers.
Today, Microsoft's market cap is 30 times that of IBM. Bill got a great introduction because his mother had built a strong network. So, map and develop your network.
In one of the meetings, John Akers asked Mary about her son and what he was doing. She replied, "He went to Harvard but dropped out after a year." Akers asked, "What is he doing now?" Mary said, "He is in the garage and says he is working on software." John suggested that Bill Gates meet their team as they were developing a PC. Bill Gates went to New York, met the IBM team, and got the project.
Today, Microsoft's market cap is 30 times that of IBM. Bill got a great introduction because his mother had built a strong network. So, map and develop your network.
6. Personal branding is too complex: There is a simple five-step process to build your personal brand.
•Define yourself in three or four words.
•Ask someone you trust if it is accurate.
•Express your personal brand through your presence and voice.
•Amplify your brand message.
•Measure and course-correct if needed.
7.Personal branding is only about social media presence: Social media is just one aspect of personal branding. It can be built with little or no social media presence. It is about who you are. Use social media to amplify your brand.
Some Tips for Management Trainees:
•Always listen before speaking.
•Ask questions; don’t get tongue-tied.
•Take all assignments with a smile.
•Be ready to make mistakes.
• Politely disagree without being disagreeable.
•Know the difference between being smart, being human, and being a fool.
We are taught to do our best and let the world judge us for what we are. Seth Godin says, “Do your best and decide how you want to be judged and act that way.”
What is success in today's age? Success today is about doing a bit of a side hustle, not just the job you do, but something on the side. Mr S V Nathan, CEO & Co‐Founder, Visara Human Capital Consulting, delivered the keynote address at the 23rd MMA All‐India Management Students’ Convention 2024.
To me, success is having a friend. Success is also about relationships and how long you can maintain them. Success is a good night's sleep after a good day's work. Success is when you're a much sought-after person. When somebody seeks you out, then you're successful. Success is also about finding joy in small matters, small things, being very curious about things, and discovering new things. Success is also having a quiet cup of coffee.
Here's the story of a grandmother. She had only one leg and lived in a very small one-room house. The privacy curtain was made of jute bags that were opened up and then sewn together. She recounted a lot of stories. A lot of young boys used to gather around that place, wanting to listen to her stories. As she recounted her stories of mythology, people sat in rapt attention, listening to her captivating tales.
One day, when she was telling a story, a boy got
distracted when he saw a car pass by. He asked her, "Grandma, can I ever sit in a car?" The grandmother looked at the boy and said, "Of course you can sit in a car. If you're going to sit in a car, make sure you sit in the back and have a driver. The car must be yours, and you must be paying the driver. If you think and dream, you can get it. But you have to work hard for it."
Well, many years later, when I was sitting in a car, I remembered the grandmother and her stories because the grandmother was my grandmother, and the boy was me. One of the big ingredients of success is dreaming. If you wish for something, you will certainly get it. That is the power of Ichha or desire.
The second story. I was a young general manager working in a company called Sterling Holiday Resorts in Chennai, then called Madras. It was my first week in that office. I was there working at 10 o'clock at night. In a very large hall at the far end, I saw a light burning. A gentleman was listening to some music on a
In our moments of success, there is always somebody who lends a helping hand. Find opportunities to help somebody.
transistor and working. When I asked him what he was doing, he replied that he was a payroll clerk preparing payroll slips, as if he was doing some rocket science out there.
The next day, I asked him to meet me in my room. As he spoke, I understood that he had just a B.A. in History and had passed with just 35%. But he sounded full of enthusiasm. Just then, Mr. Sanjay Bhaduri from my head office called me and asked me to suggest someone for the role of a Regional HR Manager (West). I said, "I have a person, but you have to take good care of him." I suggested Mahi, who was sitting just opposite me. Years later, Mahi became the HR Director
When you go for interviews, smile. When you meet anybody, give them a firm handshake. Network. Stay connected.
of a large multinational. It does not matter which school of management you come from as long as you come from the school of attitude. It's about what you do with the education you get.
I participated in a running race in Hyderabad around the Hussain Sagar lake. The race was at 5:30 in the morning. I was prepared and pumped up for the race, but it got delayed because the chief guest did not arrive on time. He arrived late and the race had started. Unfortunately, I had cooled down by then. When I started to run, I got a cramp in my legs and could not run. I sat on the sides. Somebody came up to me, extended a hand, and asked me to get up and walk, if not run. I held his shoulders and started walking with him. We moved from the next green flag to the red flag, the black and yellow, and soon I was running the race. I got a medal for being in the top 10. I was in tears. The person who helped me was nowhere in sight. I will never forget Anupam Lal, who extended that helping hand to me. In our moments of success, there is always somebody who lends a helping hand. Find opportunities to help somebody.
Here are a few tips for students as you prepare to face interviews and take up careers. When you go for
interviews, smile. When you meet anybody, give them a firm handshake. Network. Stay connected. I have several top bankers in the country who were my classmates. Learn as much as you can, but more importantly, apply what you learn. Have a goal and a dream. If you wish for something, it will happen. Never give up. ‘Water cuts rock’ is my personal credo. You may have setbacks in life. Not everybody will like you. It doesn't matter. Be persistent and resilient.
Let me close with the story of a potter who was making a hookah with clay. His wife suggested that he make a pot so people can store water and be thankful. He started to knead the clay to make a pot. The clay asked him, "Why are you now making a pot instead of a hookah?" The potter replied, "My wife's idea changed my mind." The clay said, "An idea changed your mind. And that idea changed my life too." Yes. An idea can indeed change your life.
Govind Iyer delivered the inaugural address at the convention. He emphasized the role of learning, mentorship and directing one’s career along the envisioned path.
Forty years ago, in 1984, I graduated from my engineering college-NIT Trichy. I was contemplating what to do next. I enjoyed engineering, but I didn't think I'd be a great engineer. I was very clear that I wanted to do an MBA, and I chose to work for three years before pursuing it. I felt I would learn more from the industry before applying management practices. I decided to go back to Ahmedabad to work there. In those days, it was a startup, in the way we define startups now, but with the only difference that it had to make a profit from the first year, unlike today's startups that don't require profits in the initial years. I worked for an air conditioning company and learned a lot from my mentors.
Then, I decided to apply for an MBA and was very privileged to get into IIM Calcutta. I don't know whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, but the day I joined IIM Calcutta, I also got an admission into a school in the US: The Wharton School of Business in
The University of Pennsylvania. IIM Calcutta has a lovely campus and I loved it. Despite my enjoying the Calcutta experience, I decided to go to the US but with a very clear plan to come back to India. India is really the place to be today in the world because of its high growth, high opportunity, and large young population. In 1991, I knew that I didn't want to live abroad. I wanted to come back. So I single-mindedly focused on returning. We talked about purpose a little earlier, and I would encourage all of you to decide what you want to do today and stay steadfast in that pursuit. There will be many hurdles along the way, but it's very important to stay focused on what you need versus what others expect from you.
I was very keen on doing marketing and joining Procter & Gamble. I think failure is a very good thing. It actually strengthens you a lot if you take it well and manage it well. I applied for a job in the summer between my first and second years to Procter & Gamble. They said, "No, we don't have a summer intern position for anyone who wants to go back to India.”
The stepping stones are what it takes to build a career, and this was a big stepping stone for me. It came from a relationship, from hard work, and from not giving up.
I didn't give up. I kept at it but they said, "No, we can't do anything." I applied to 65 companies for a summer job in the US and I didn't get a single summer job. Four months prior, I went to an exhibition with my father in the area of dental products, which was my father's field. I met two individuals there whom I liked, and I had their business cards. I called them up and said I was keen to do a summer internship and asked if they had an opportunity. They had never received a call from anyone from a good business school like Wharton wanting to do a summer internship with them. They said, "Sure, come over." Within 24 hours, I had my summer internship. It was the best three months of my life, working in an environment where they had never experienced someone like me, and I had never experienced an organisation in the US.
The stepping stones are what it takes to build a
career, and this was a big stepping stone for me. It came from a relationship, from hard work, and from not giving up. I wanted to get an experience of working in the US. Fast forward to my final year. I wanted to come back to India, but I also wanted to work at Procter & Gamble. Sometimes in life, when you just keep thinking about it, it happens.
Twenty-four hours after the interview process started on campus, I received a phone call from Procter & Gamble on my voicemail. There used to be something called an answering machine in those days, which would capture your messages on your desk phone at home. I came back home at about 11 PM from school and saw this answering machine message saying, "Can you call us in Cincinnati at Procter & Gamble?" I called them up the next day, and they said, "We'd like to interview you for a job in India, if you're still prepared to go back to India." That was the starting point of my career. I got that job, came back to India, and I've been here now for 30-odd years, working in marketing and then in the human capital consulting world.
As you embark on your journey to find a good job, be focused on what you think you want. You may not know all your answers, but persevere through relationships and through your own determination. I referred to failure earlier. I think you will fail, and you must fail, because failure teaches you. If you fail and learn, you will be much better for it. I did very badly in my 12th exams. Literally, I cried for two days because I did so badly.
But I was very fortunate to get enrolled in NIT Trichy, and from that day onwards, I worked hard to
get into mechanical engineering, which was one of the best lines to get into at that time. I worked hard to get into IIM Calcutta and then the Wharton Business School. That experience of failure taught me the importance of recognising that hard work makes a difference. In your job interview process, you may not get the first job that you want, but don't give up. Persevere and you might get it later.
Another aspect to consider is controlling the narrative during your career. This means being in control of the situation during an interview process or when evaluating opportunities.
Many of us walk into an interview and expect to be interviewed. My philosophy has been that while you must be respectful of the interviewer, there are times when you can also guide the interview. You can make the interviewer ask you the questions you want them to ask. You can do this by ending your answers with intriguing questions. For example, if they ask why you joined IIM Lucknow, or what you want to do in marketing, give your answer and then mention something like, "My interest was also piqued because of a research paper I did with Professor XYZ." Immediately, their next question is likely to be about that research paper. You’ve created points of interest for them to ask about.
In a 20-minute or half-hour process, you can guide them through everything you want to get across. If you leave it to the interviewer to decide what to ask, they will ask standard questions without knowing you
In my journey, I've learned that you should be strong in what you know and good at what you do, but you don't need to know everything. You can learn from others.
well. By controlling the interview in a manner that is not directive, but allows the interviewer to ask you questions, you can represent yourself more effectively.
As some of you may have heard, I worked for a company called Egon Zender, the world's leading human capital advisory firm. We did a lot of leadership development and helped identify CEOs and board directors, as well as training many individuals in companies. As a leader there, when looking at CEOs or executives with 15-20 years of experience, I always considered how curious they were to learn more and about themselves. This is something I learned a lot from my father. He used to always ask me 20 questions and rarely gave me the chance to ask him anything. He wanted to know more about me, which encouraged me to speak up. The more you ask questions, the more curious you become. In my journey, I've seen that the best CEOs are those who are open to curiosity, learning, vulnerability, and admitting when they don't know something.
If you don't say "I don't know," you will think you know it, but somebody else may give you a better answer. So, it's important to recognise the value of curiosity. Curiosity is something we all underestimate.
....If you drive your career growth, they will see a certain attitude in you, a certain drive, and a certain purpose. You will come out as a much better individual and leader.
Saying, "If I don't seem to know the answer, they'll think I'm not good enough," is completely wrong. In my journey, I've learned that you should be strong in what you know and good at what you do, but you don't need to know everything. You can learn from others.
Another point that has made a huge difference is the kind of culture you work in, the leaders you work with, and the mentors you have. Starting your own organisation is a fabulous idea, but if you choose to join a startup, make sure you can get some mentorship. Ensure the organisation has advisors, board members, or others you can learn from.
Why do I say that? Because it's very important to have a foundation for growth in the first five to ten years of your life. If your foundation is strong, you can do very well. People like me went to Procter & Gamble. In those days, the word startup didn't exist as much, especially in India. The five or six years I worked at Procter & Gamble were the best in terms of building a foundation for growth. My only request is, don't build your house on shaky ground. Build it with a strong foundation. Whether it's your own company, a startup, or working at a place like Citibank, Procter & Gamble, GE, or any other, make sure you can learn from a good set of mentors.
Take ownership of your career path. Ensure that you have a career path over 20 or 25 years that aligns with what you want. That can only happen if you take charge of your destiny. Many people ask me, "How did you spend 24 years doing the same thing at Egon Zender?" It's because I did seven different things while at the same firm. I kept evolving.
You have to keep evolving yourself from day one. The day you get your first job, start thinking ahead. Ask yourself, "What's the next role I want to do?" This doesn't mean a promotion; it means a role of learning. What's the kind of learning you want to get? If you join the marketing department at Unilever, that's great. You'll be doing marketing for the first four or five years. But what do you aspire to do in the first year? Start saying, "I want to work in the field. I want to do sales or marketing in different segments, different categories." Take charge of your own career growth. Don't let the company drive your career growth. The opportunities will be there only when the
company can give them to you. But if you drive your career growth, they will see a certain attitude in you, a certain drive, and a certain purpose. You will come out as a much better individual and leader.
As you go through your life, be a giver as well. Don't just take from everything. Start giving early on in your life, giving yourself to others, building relationships, and helping others. Be a champion of helping others grow. You will never realise the value of that until you're in your 60s, like I am today. The value of relationships, friendships, and carrying people along is something you only realise later.
I am someone who has been the beneficiary of a lot of people's giving. I am truly blessed to be here today. I have three lovely boys and a wife who's a classical dancer running her own business. We're a small family, but a family I feel very proud of. This has all happened not just because of us, but because of all the people around us and their giving. Don't hesitate to give because the more you give, the more you will get. Believe me, the world conspires in favour of givers. Start being a giver from day one. You'll never regret it.
Harish Lakshman, Chairman, Rane Group,
emphasized that individual growth acts as a catalyst for success, and that it requires investing in both mental and physical prowess.
As you prepare to step into the next phase of your life, the question arises: How do you begin your career on the right foot? The transition from academia to industry presents both opportunities and challenges, and how you approach it will lay the foundation for your long-term success.
The first is the power of a clear career vision. It serves as a road map, guiding your decisions, actions, and efforts in a focussed direction. Without a vision, it's easy to drift aimlessly, moving from one opportunity to the next without purpose or fulfilment. Moreover, a clear vision fuels motivation and resilience. The vision itself may not be perfect, and when you look back in hindsight, you may think, "Maybe I should have had a different vision." However, not having a vision is worse than not having the best vision. When you know where you want to go, obstacles become part of the journey rather than roadblocks. You understand that setbacks are
temporary, and you have a bigger picture in mind.
While any successful career begins with a vision, it is passion that drives you. It keeps you motivated through challenges, makes your work meaningful, and transforms effort into excellence. Passion is the spark that turns your vision into reality. However, passion alone will not guarantee success.
The key is to combine this vision and passion with discipline—the discipline to grow, adapt, and innovate continuously. Discipline will keep you on course. While passion gets you started, it is discipline that will ensure you follow through. It's the daily commitment to learning, growing, and refining your skills, no matter how tough the journey becomes. In career building, these three elements work together: vision, which sets the destination; passion, which drives the journey; and discipline, which ensures you keep moving forward, step by step, towards your success.
Digital literacy is no longer just a desirable skill; it's a fundamental requirement across all industries, including those traditionally lagging in digital adoption, like the automotive world.
Have you ever wondered what the most important investment you will make in your life is? It is not the financial markets or property, but yourself. Success, whether personal or professional, often stems from growth that begins within. Your individual growth acts as a catalyst for success, and that requires investing both mentally and physically.
The job market of today is evolving rapidly, and employers are looking for more than just technical knowledge or managerial skills. Innovation is increasingly recognised as the currency for the future. It gives businesses a competitive edge and offers effective solutions for governance.
A successful transition into the professional world hinges on your ability to navigate and master
digital technologies. Digital literacy is no longer just a desirable skill; it's a fundamental requirement across all industries, including those traditionally lagging in digital adoption, like the automotive world. Proficiency in using technology, including software applications, digital tools, and online platforms, will be essential for your success. I'm not talking about Instagram.
Equally important are your communication skills. Being able to communicate effectively will enable you to build relationships, collaborate with colleagues, and present your ideas persuasively to senior management. This is crucial in any profession.
Another very important asset to invest in is emotional intelligence. Understanding and managing your own emotions while empathising with others can significantly enhance your interpersonal relationships and career prospects. The ability to work as part of a team and contribute to shared goals will prove invaluable. Usually, the managers who climb the ladder the fastest are the ones with the highest levels of emotional intelligence, rather than just straight intelligence.
The world and institutions demand collaboration more than ever before. If you make others successful, they will reciprocate. So, it's not so much about how balanced you are, but about how well you balance with others that will ensure your success. Most importantly, learn to embrace change. In an age of rapid technological advancements and shifting
A successful career begins with understanding your industry and the specific function you are entering.
industries, the professionals who thrive are those who can evolve, learn new skills, and stay ahead of the curve.
Finally, to facilitate a successful transition, I encourage you to network actively. Building relationships within your industry is key to opening doors and seizing opportunities. Remember, the journey doesn't end here. Continuous learning and adaptation will be essential for your long-term career success.
This brings me to another essential value. Never think that learning is completed once you graduate. In fact, I want to emphasise that learning is a continuous
Keeping a finger on the pulse of industry trends is vital to remaining relevant. Ask yourself, what are the drivers in my industry?
process, and the importance of continuous learning in your job is even more critical than in college. In college, you spent years mastering your craft, honing your engineering and management skills, but understand that it doesn't end there. In many ways, it's just the beginning. Technology will evolve, and new challenges will emerge. The most successful among you will be those who are not afraid to keep learning, stay curious, and adapt to the changing landscape.
I like this quote from Mahatma Gandhi, who said, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow, and learn as if you were to live forever." This mindset emphasises that the journey of learning is lifelong, and that each experience can deepen your understanding and broaden your perspective.
Develop a strategic and growth mindset. In the early stages of your career, I urge you to focus on developing a few core competencies in a specific function or area—it could be marketing, finance, operations, or technology. Mastering a specific domain gives you a strong foundation on which to build your career, boosts your confidence, and enables you to provide tangible value from the start. It helps you navigate the complexities of the workplace with
But if there's one lesson I have learned from both running and life, it's that those who succeed are not necessarily the fastest or the most talented, but those who simply refuse to quit.
direction and clarity. In addition to knowledge, the mindset you carry with you will set you apart. You have the power to shape your own future through your choices, leadership, and approach to challenges.
A successful career begins with understanding your industry and the specific function you are entering. Early in your career, it's easy to focus solely on your immediate responsibilities—completing projects, meeting deadlines, and performing your role efficiently. However, beware of the trap of tunnel vision. If you focus only on your current task, you might miss the bigger picture of your industry or organisation. To avoid this, I encourage you to actively broaden your perspective.
Let me share an example from my experience in the automotive industry. Traditionally, this sector was driven by mechanical engineering and manufacturing efficiencies. However, today we are experiencing a digital revolution in the form of electric vehicles and autonomous driving. AI-powered systems are reshaping the landscape of our industry. Companies that clung to their traditional roles, like producing engines and transmissions, are now at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, those who embraced change, expanded their knowledge, and adapted early have emerged as leaders in the industry. Whether it is Tesla in the US or Ola Electric in India, they are classic examples of this.
While it's important to have a vision, being open to new ideas and opportunities can lead to better outcomes. Your willingness to learn new things and step outside your area of expertise will become one of your greatest assets.
Keeping a finger on the pulse of industry trends is vital to remaining relevant. Ask yourself, what are the drivers in my industry? What do companies expect from professionals in my field? By using your core competence as a tool to understand and align with industry expectations, you will not only excel in your role but also develop a strategic mindset that sets you apart from others. This is the kind of attribute that senior leadership always looks for in young managers.
While it's important to have a vision, being open to new ideas and opportunities can lead to better outcomes. Your willingness to learn new things and step outside your area of expertise will become one of your greatest assets. This mindset, one that embraces growth and innovation, will empower you to stay ahead in your career. Make sure you volunteer for
projects and offer to take on additional responsibilities beyond what your role asks of you.
Share your insights. Don't be afraid to present your ideas and suggestions and demonstrate initiative. Show that you are proactive and willing to go the extra mile to take risks and get the job done.
As you take on your first roles, remember that your success will depend on the habits you cultivate. Focus on building habits and hobbies that align with your passions. Engage in activities outside of work that will enrich your life, foster creativity, and open new avenues for professional growth. Whether it's a hobby, volunteering, or learning a new skill, these experiences can enhance your adaptability and broaden your network.
The life ahead of your career is going to be full of challenges, and most days you will face more problems than celebrations. So, I want to share a personal reflection when I speak of mindset. I'm reminded of an experience that shaped my thinking. I took up long-distance running many years ago as a way to push my limits, both physically and mentally. There's one unique thing about long-distance running: it's easy to start, full of energy and optimism, but as the miles stretch on, and your legs grow tired, your breathing becomes laboured, and you're faced with a choice—to stop and take the easier path, or to push forward, trusting that every step gets you closer to the
I encourage you to establish your own set of values and always commit to living by them. This is even more difficult in an environment like India, where the external forces are very challenging...
finish line. Life, much like long-distance running, is all about endurance. There will be times when you hit a wall in your career or personal life, where progress seems slow and the obstacles insurmountable.
But if there's one lesson I have learned from both running and life, it's that those who succeed are not necessarily the fastest or the most talented, but those who simply refuse to quit. Whether in your professional or personal life, you will face moments when quitting seems like the only option, but I encourage you, in those moments, to dig deep, keep moving forward, even if it's one small step at a time. Remember, the journey is often more important than the destination.
The last message I want to share with you is on leadership. In my career spanning over two decades, I've had the privilege of working with many successful managers and a few exceptional leaders. One thing I've learned is that living by a consistent set of values is incredibly demanding. There will be times when you find yourself at crossroads, facing conflicts between what you know is right for success and what resonates
with your own beliefs, which may sometimes be more pragmatic. There will always be pressure to take a quick fix or a shortcut decision.
I encourage you to establish your own set of values and always commit to living by them. This is even more difficult in an environment like India, where the external forces are very challenging, but this difficulty is a necessary step if you wish to stand out and be a true leader.
Finally, remember that academic excellence does not always equate to overall success in life. It's vital to approach success with humility and equally important to learn how to handle failures gracefully. As you strive for success in all your endeavours, aim to cultivate an all-around personality with a wide range of interests. Strive for a 360-degree perspective on life, valuing all dimensions rather than prioritising one over the other.
Let me summarize with a thought. The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. Every choice you make, every challenge you face, and every opportunity you embrace will shape the person you become. As young graduates stepping into the world, you have the chance to carve your own paths. Don't just have career goals. Set goals that give you a balanced, successful life. Balance means ensuring your health, relationships, and mental peace are all in good order. Remember that success is not just about climbing the ladder. It's about shaping your own path, taking ownership of your future, and finding joy in that journey. So take action, stay curious, and build the life you've dreamed of. The future is yours to create.
Ashok Thiyagarajan, Vice President
﴾L&D﴿, Intellect Design Arena, emphasizes on the need to keep pace with the change, because the skills one will need in the future would be their agility and adaptability to change.
Iwork for Intellect Design Arena, a company that specialises in BFSI: Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance. It's a global player that started in India. We are in the business of moving money. Money creates value only when it moves from one account to another. We build technologies that increase the velocity of money, thereby increasing the value it can create. We have 300 customers across the globe, in over 40 countries. I take care of learning and development. I nurture, coach, and mentor a lot of early talent in my company.
I would like to touch upon three things: the role of technology, essential soft skills, and the importance of continuous learning. We live in a time where for anything you want, you don't have to step out of your house. You just order on one of the apps and it gets delivered—be it food, mobile phones, or daily needs.
If we have to discuss the future skills we need, we must understand what has created this future for us. 160 years ago, way back in 1864, James Clerk Maxwell presented the idea of electromagnetic waves. That was
the starting point. In 1888, Heinrich Hertz conducted a laboratory experiment to prove the existence of radio waves. The first transmission probably happened over a distance of one and a half miles, proving that the technology worked. Using radio waves, the signal was transmitted and captured. At the turn of the 20th century, Marconi invented the radio, and this invention transformed everything.
All along, entertainment took place in small theatres where people gathered, and in colosseums. When radio came in, people liked it. It created new jobs. Broadcast companies were set up and entertainment programs were created. It created jobs like news readers, radio jockeys, program anchors, etc. We moved forward. Radio waves enabled long-distance communication. Space technology happened. We were able to talk to the space station or extend it further. We could operate the rover on Mars from Earth. That's the kind of revolution it created.
When TV emerged, many things changed. Then regional broadcast centres came up, and that
revolution led to the next change—satellite TVs bridging the last mile. Entertainment and news became available 24/7. The reach and the impact it created led to many new jobs like video editors, program managers, program designers, executive producers, content creators, and so on. Radio waves are behind the success of the World Wide Web or the internet, which has revolutionised many things.
When you look at innovation, there are two sides to it. One is bringing in something very new. The other side of innovation is called the applied innovation space, where we build solutions with technology. Amazon, which started as an online bookstore, is now into everything. They are into payments and anything you want to buy.
I look at Gen AI as a tool, like a pencil or a pen. See how you can leverage it. It has put the world in your pocket. Make it a friend and use it to your advantage. Not that it knows everything. It has the ability to give you answers, but how to extract them is in your hands. You must be able to ask the right kind of questions. It has created a new job role called prompt engineers, who specialise in creating prompts to get the desired outcome from Gen AI. From code, we have moved to creating IPs for prompts.
What kinds of skills do we need for the future? We know that change is constant, but we'll have to always look for the speed of change. Are we aligned
Enterprises hire people to solve problems. In our domain, we solve problems for the financial world. Even a small error can create a huge impact. For us, critical thinking and problem-solving are indispensable skills.
and geared up for it? The skills you need in the future would be your agility and adaptability to change, which could be the most differentiating factor. The second important skill is your flexibility and agility to learn. Even as we speak, things get outdated. We don't have the luxury of time to sit back and master something. Instead, can you instantly acquire something, assimilate the knowledge, and apply it to create value? Then you can create differentiation.
Communication is an evergreen skill. Another important skill that I recommend is critical thinking and problem-solving. Enterprises hire people to solve problems. In our domain, we solve problems for the financial world. Even a small error can create a huge impact. For us, critical thinking and problem-solving are indispensable skills.
The last aspect is the need for continuous learning. In 1994, I graduated from college with a
Technology has shifted through generations since I started working in the field, but what led to my success was keeping pace with the change.
major in mathematics. I took up a sales job but had a huge aversion to computers and couldn't understand programming and languages. After being in two or three sales jobs, I felt I wasn't doing the right thing. I decided to go back to college to conquer my fears. I enrolled in a postgraduate diploma in computer science, where I conquered my fear and understood what programming is all about and what it can do. The capstone project I did as part of my course, way back in 1997, was in the area of AI. Counselling for drug addicts was the topic I worked on using a language called Prolog for artificial intelligence.
I have come a long way since 1997. I moved to Chennai and wanted to specialise in the area of databases. I landed a job as a lab coordinator, which was my first formal job in IT. It was a 24/7 job with
many people working in various technologies. Some were working on C, some on Unix, some on C++, some on Oracle or D2K or VB. As a lab coordinator, my job was to help all my customers. Whenever they were stuck, I had to assist them. That's when I realised the power of knowledge and the need for a deep understanding of technology. There has been no looking back since then.
I moved out of my lab coordinator job to take up the role of a Technology faculty, where I trained many people on various technologies. In 2000, I joined Polaris as a developer, building financial products. While working on these products, I acquired domain knowledge, which helped me move into higher roles, such as an analyst. I then became an SME for a financial product, went on to become an architect, and eventually headed the R&D at my company.
After 25 years as a technocrat, I decided it was time to give back. I moved to L&D to share my experiences, helping, grooming, coaching, and mentoring early talent in my company. All this happened because I was continuously watching for change. Technology has shifted through generations since I started working in the field, but what led to my success was keeping pace with the change. Every time something new happened, I was curious to understand what it could do and the value it could create for business. That's how I keep myself refreshed and relevant in the space I operate. Continuous learning, agility, and flexibility are what will help you stay relevant for the future.
K Sudeep, VP & Global HR Head ﴾BFSI﴿, Tata
Consultancy Services, on the importance of building a strong foundation and why roles shouldn’t be the definitive criterion in shaping career progression
All of you are going to have very long careers. Life expectancies are increasing. Traditionally, 60 was considered the retirement age, but now people often reach their peak at 60. You might even work until 70, thanks to advancements in health and other factors. If you are 23 or 24, you likely have another 40 to 45 years of career ahead of you. During this time, you will witness an incredible pace of change. When I started my career 30 years ago, the internet was not even widely available. Today, when I interact with my team, I discuss topics like generative AI, large language models, and various other advancements.
I have run a few full marathons of 42 kilometres. I never focus solely on completing the marathon. What truly matters is the process: getting up at five o'clock in the morning, running and practising with a group of friends, staying disciplined, and enjoying the journey. Making a difference and improving something every day is what helps us find joy. As you embrace this mindset, the outcomes will naturally be brilliant, smooth, and fulfilling.
In the organisation where I work, teamwork is a key element. Today, work-life balance has become a critical consideration, but I won’t delve into that topic here. Work lives can be very comfortable if you work from home or from a location of your choice and put in fewer hours of work. However, what truly matters is how you utilise that time.
I have had the privilege of working in many cities around the world. I studied in Madurai and have worked in Chennai, Mumbai, the US, Europe, and across the APAC region. This diverse experience has been absolutely fantastic. My advice is simple: whenever an opportunity comes your way, grab it.
I work for TCS, which has a workforce of 600,000 employees. In the last four years, we have hired almost 50% of our team. One of our biggest challenges is encouraging employees to come to the office. Personally, I have learned a great deal by observing people around me, and this is something you will miss
Work-life balance is undoubtedly important, but what’s even more crucial is building a community and being around people.
out, if you don’t come to the workplace.
When you work in a team, you primarily interact with a specific group of people. However, doing things beyond your routine tasks and networking with others are key differentiators that enhance your effectiveness. Take the opportunity to spend time with your team and the extended team, and learn by observing others.
While seeking mentorship is important, you can also contribute by supporting others—not just through your own work but by helping your colleagues. These interactions create learning opportunities that can shape you for your next role. When you think about long-term goals, remember to build strong foundations. Progress step by step, and ensure you are well-informed to make sound decisions. Work-life balance is undoubtedly important, but what’s even more crucial is building a community and being around people. This requires travelling to offices or locations where your larger or extended team operates. If you’re part of a startup, spend time in an incubator and interact with like-minded individuals, just as you do in college, learning from your professors and peers.
Those who combine domain expertise with technological skills are the real high performers and differentiators.
We often talk about technology, but many young engineers I meet tell me they work for tech companies but don’t want to do coding. Never shy away from technology—it’s incredibly important. Even as an HR professional, I leverage technology extensively to work smarter, faster, and in a way that is customised for each of my associates or colleagues.
All of us want hyper-personalised experiences, but achieving this at scale is impossible without technology. Just last month, I spent two weeks in a Gen AI session. Learning agility is critical. Even if you have a computer science background, continuous learning is essential. I cannot think of a single function or role where technology is not an enabler.
Those who combine domain expertise with technological skills are the real high performers and differentiators. Gen AI is not going to replace our jobs.
What I often observe is that many people stay overseas, compromising their career growth, just to secure a green card or permanent residency status.
However, someone who knows how to use Gen AI effectively might replace us. It’s better for us to be that person—embrace it and use it effectively.
Many of you may dream of having a global career, pursuing the American dream, or settling overseas by obtaining permanent residency in countries like Australia or Canada. In the IT industry, we often send people abroad on deputation—they gain valuable experience and then return.
My suggestion is to avoid falling into the trap of permanently leaving the country. Immigration laws and regulations are constantly changing, and while opportunities abroad can offer great career progression and the chance to make an impact, they shouldn’t come at the cost of your long-term potential. What I often observe is that many people stay overseas, compromising their career growth, just to secure a green card or permanent residency status. Spending three, four, or even five years abroad can be enriching—you might appreciate the country, its quality of life, and the people. But consider whether you are limiting yourself from pursuing better opportunities elsewhere, where you might have more flexibility and freedom to achieve your potential.
Never let a dream stall your progress. Make your decisions your own, but keep an open mind. Travelling to different parts of the world and returning gives you a unique perspective and an incredible opportunity to contribute to nation-building. India has phenomenal growth opportunities waiting for you.
While you may have a journey and a goal, don’t let yourself be solely defined by your role. Let me share an example from early in my career. Just three years into the industry, I was working for a manufacturing company in Manali, which is now closed. The plant was set up through a foreign collaboration, and the then Chief Minister, Mr. Karunanidhi, was scheduled to inaugurate it.
Being part of the HR department, I had the privilege of coordinating his visit. The managing director told me, “I know you’ve been with the company for just three years, but I want you to take charge of coordinating the Chief Minister’s visit. You’ll need to secure clearances from all departments. There’s a rigorous protocol for safety compliance, and everything must be checked before the Chief Minister arrives for the inauguration.”
The plant had involved significant investments, and there was a strict directive to keep expenses within budget. I went to the Secretariat and met with the principal secretary of the Chief Minister to understand all the requirements and protocols. He provided detailed guidance and had one specific request:
Yes, you may fail, and that’s okay. Learn from those experiences, and keep building on them. With time, your confidence will grow, enabling you to take on tougher and bolder decisions as you progress.
He said, “After the event, the Chief Minister may or may not want to hold a discussion. For this, ensure a dedicated event venue is set up with all seating arrangements done properly. It might not be used, but it must be ready.”
I spoke to my Managing Director and briefed him about this requirement. He was not very pleased about incurring additional expenses, but I believed it was necessary, especially since the suggestion came from a highly respectable individual who had extensive experience organising such events. Despite my MD's reservations, I went ahead and made the arrangements. However, when my MD arrived and saw the additional setup, he was quite unhappy with me.
The Chief Minister arrived, and the inauguration proceeded as planned. After the event, he decided to stay for high tea and engage in networking with the
Don’t get stuck chasing a dream of settling in a particular country. Be open to opportunities, but leverage them to grow faster and achieve more.
leaders. The venue I had set up worked perfectly for this purpose. The Chief Minister spent 30 minutes interacting with the Managing Director and the other leaders.
After the meeting concluded, the MD called me and said, “I was wrong. What you did was right.” That moment has stayed with me ever since. Sometimes, if you truly believe in what you are doing—whether it’s for the organisation or in alignment with the law of the country—go ahead and do it. You will all encounter similar opportunities in your careers.
We are not here just to say, “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Madam.” Bring your unique perspective and judgment into your work, and don’t hesitate to make the call. You will have to make such decisions frequently, and that is what will give you the courage to make the right choices.
Yes, you may fail, and that’s okay. Learn from those experiences, and keep building on them. With time, your confidence will grow, enabling you to take on tougher and bolder decisions as you progress.
To summarise, don’t become too complacent with work-life balance or settle into the comfort of working from home. Step out, engage with others, and enjoy the journey. With 40 to 45 years—or even more—of career ahead, learning agility is critical.
Don’t get stuck chasing a dream of settling in a particular country. Be open to opportunities, but leverage them to grow faster and achieve more.
Throughout your career, there will be many instances where you’ll need to make important decisions. If you are convinced about your choices, go ahead—you’ll often find that you were right. These are just a few lessons from my own experiences, and I hope they resonate with you.
Krishnan Ravishankar, Solutions Partner‐
Harrison Assessments, on the importance of aligning one’s passion with the chosen profession, and the key success factors.
Irepresent Harrison Assessments, and I am one of the principal coaches and partners in India. The topic I will be discussing today is how to plan your career. In my opinion, career planning is a commonsense approach, but unfortunately, it is quite uncommon among people. This is why, many times, we end up in careers that are not our cup of tea.
Let me share an interesting example to illustrate this. There were three people cutting stones, and an economics professor wanted to study their work. He approached the first stone cutter and asked, "What are you doing?" The man replied, “Don’t you see? I am cutting stones in the hot sun.”
The professor then went to the second stone cutter and asked him the same question. He responded, “I work here for 12 hours a day. I get paid a couple of hundred rupees, which I use to feed my large family.” Finally, the professor approached the third stone cutter and asked, “What are you doing?” The third man replied, “I am preparing these stones to
build a beautiful temple.”
Which of these three stone cutters do you think is going to be the most productive? It’s clearly the third one. The key difference between the first two stone cutters and the third one is their mindset. The first one was cutting stones simply because he didn’t have a better job. He was already frustrated and would likely leave for another job if given the chance. The second stone cutter was working solely for the money. He wasn’t enjoying his work and was doing it only to meet his financial needs. On the other hand, the third stone cutter not only enjoyed his work but also understood the purpose behind it. This sense of purpose made him more productive and engaged in his job. Let me now share some very interesting examples from real-life situations.
A student came to me after completing her MA in Applied Psychology with a gold medal from one of the top colleges in Bangalore. Yet, she had been unable to
For every job or career, success depends on being strong in both eligibility and suitability. One without the other will not lead to success.
find a job for two years. Her father, a good friend of mine, approached me and said, “My daughter is highly depressed. She is a gold medallist. She was the athletics captain, volleyball captain, and basketball captain. Despite her outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements, she hasn’t been able to secure a job. Can you help her?”
I told him, “I am not a magician, but I can try to figure out what career she might truly enjoy.” When I conducted an evaluation of this girl, five key points emerged that were very revealing. In my opinion, career planning is a simple, common-sense approach, though it’s rarely applied. On Interest in sports: Her score in this area was 10 out of 10. Interest in psychology: She scored 9.8 out of 10 in this subject. Preference for outdoor activities: She scored 9.2 out of 10. Preference for frequent travel: Her score was 9.5 out of 10. Comfort with challenging situations: She scored an impressive 9.9 out of 10.
There were many other insights, but these five points stood out as critical. Using just these scores and some common sense, it becomes clear what type of career this girl should pursue. I didn’t say anything to the girl directly. Instead, I asked her father, “Can you invest a little more in your daughter’s higher education?” He replied, “Yes.” So, I suggested, “Ask her to explore opportunities in Australia for an 18month program in sports psychology, and then let her come back to me.”
This girl was incredibly proactive. She came back the very next day and said, “Uncle, these are the top three universities in Australia offering programs in sports psychology. They even provide financial aid for deserving candidates.” She applied to one of the universities, got admitted, and completed the program.
This is an eight-year-old story. Today, she is working as a sports psychologist with one of Australia’s Olympic teams. That’s all it takes to plan your career. Let me touch upon three aspects.
Understanding your personal and technical strengths: In Harrison terminology, we refer to this as eligibility and suitability. For every job or career, success depends on being strong in both eligibility and suitability. One without the other will not lead to success.
Take the examples of highly successful individuals: a cricketer like Sachin Tendulkar, a singer like S.P. Balasubramanian or corporate leaders who’ve reached great heights. What’s common among them? They all had both high eligibility and high suitability
for their respective fields.
Aligning your career with your interests and passions: If your passion is not aligned with your profession, you’ll find yourself lost. You might be in a career, but not a successful one. If you want to achieve great success in the shortest time, you must focus on aligning your passion with your profession. Without this alignment, the journey will lack fulfilment and momentum.
The last is Balancing your personal interests and your professional interests.
Let me share some research findings from a global perspective on what makes a successful career and what you need to focus on evaluating.
Work Preference Inventory Factors: There are 175 work preference inventory factors that one needs to evaluate to identify the right career path. These factors cover eight critical areas.
Alignment of Inherent Interests with Career: Your inherent interests and how well they align with your career are crucial for career success. Academic qualifications are merely a passport to enter the job market. However, in many cases, what you study academically may not match what you truly want to pursue in your career. This is a common reality.
Life Themes and DNA Behaviours: A life theme is essentially your DNA behaviour, which refers to behavioural traits you are born with. Every individual has five critical behaviours that are unique and define
Another significant aspect is recognising that your strongest behaviours are not necessarily your strengths. This is one of the most impactful research findings and is referred to as paradox behaviour.
their strongest traits.
If these strongest behaviours don’t align with your career, you will feel like a fish out of water. However, if even three of these five strongest behaviours align with your career, you’re bound to achieve significant success quickly.
Understanding your DNA behaviour is essential because these traits, or life themes, are unchangeable. That’s why they are referred to as behaviour from the womb to the tomb. No matter what life experiences you go through, these behaviours remain constant throughout your life.
Task and environmental preferences vary from person to person. The more your career involves tasks you enjoy, the higher your success rate will be.
Your interpersonal skills, achievement orientation, and leadership skills are three critical competencies.
Similarly, identifying the kind of work environment you thrive in is critical. If you find a career aligned with your preferred environment, you are more likely to achieve long-term success and satisfaction.
Another significant aspect is recognising that your strongest behaviours are not necessarily your strengths. This is one of the most impactful research findings and is referred to as paradox behaviour. Your strongest behaviour, by itself, can be a weakness unless balanced by a complementary behaviour. For instance, you might be a very frank and outspoken person. While frankness can be a strength, if it isn’t balanced by diplomacy, it becomes a weakness. Frankness combined with diplomacy makes you an effective communicator. However, being frank without diplomacy can come across as blunt. People may start avoiding working with you because nobody likes interacting with someone who is excessively blunt.
It is crucial to understand your strongest
Every job comes with its own set of behavioural requirements. For example, the behaviour expected of someone in an HR role is vastly different from that of someone in Accounts.
behaviours because these are the traits you tend to overuse in your career. Unless you are aware of them, you cannot balance them with their paradoxical behaviours—the complementing behaviours that create harmony and effectiveness.
Equally important is recognising your negative behaviours. Research has identified nearly 32 negative behaviours that can influence your job performance, depending on the role. For any given job, at least onethird of these behaviours will have a direct, negative impact.
Understanding your scores on these negative behaviours is essential. The higher your negative behaviour score, the more it can undermine your career success, regardless of your academic credentials or work experience. Balancing these behaviours and mitigating their impact is key to sustained career growth and effectiveness.
Your interpersonal skills, achievement orientation, and leadership skills are three critical competencies. Without these, survival in the corporate world becomes challenging. While other competencies are also important, these three play a crucial role in your professional success.
If you find gaps, start developing the necessary behaviours over time. Doing so before you transition into the corporate world will give you a significant advantage.
However, it’s equally important to address negative behaviours, which can overshadow all your positive traits. Just one or two strong negative behaviours can have a devastating effect on your career. I have observed this in individuals with impressive qualifications and experience—yet certain negative behaviours caused them to lose their jobs or miss out on opportunities.
To ensure career success, you must balance your eligibility and suitability. Eligibility refers to what you can do. It includes your work knowledge, academic qualifications, length and nature of your experience and special certifications and technical skills. These are the material skills that showcase your capabilities and qualifications for a role.
Suitability encompasses everything related to
your behaviour. It involves your attitude, interpersonal dynamics, emotional intelligence, and ability to adapt to the work environment. Balancing eligibility (your technical qualifications and skills) with suitability (your behavioural competencies) is the key to a successful career. This balance ensures that you not only get the job but also thrive in it, aligning your strengths with the demands of your role and the organisation.
Every job comes with its own set of behavioural requirements. For example, the behaviour expected of someone in an HR role is vastly different from that of someone in Accounts. Similarly, the behavioural traits required for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) are not the same as those for a Head of Human Resources (HR). It is essential to understand the specific behavioural demands of the career you intend to pursue. You also need to assess how strong your current behaviours are in alignment with those requirements. If you find gaps, start developing the necessary behaviours over time. Doing so before you transition into the corporate world will give you a significant advantage. This is a critical aspect of career planning. Preparing in advance will ensure you're equipped to meet the demands of your future roles effectively.
Let's discuss an important concept called the Enjoyment-Performance Theory. This theory provides a simple, common-sense approach to planning your career and highlights a critical connection between enjoyment and performance.
The Enjoyment-Performance Theory underscores the importance of aligning your career choices with activities you genuinely enjoy.
The Core Idea of this theory is that Enjoyment drives repetition. Whatever we enjoy doing, we are naturally inclined to repeat. Repetition lads to improvement. The more we repeat an activity, the better we get at it. Practice makes perfect. Improvement brings positive feedback. As we improve, others begin to notice and provide positive feedback. This recognition is powerful. Positive feedback fuels reinforcement. Encouraging feedback builds confidence and reinforces the desire to continue.
However, the reverse is equally true. Lack of enjoyment leads to procrastination. No repetition results in stagnation—there’s no scope for improvement. No improvement leads to negative feedback. Negative feedback kills motivation, pushing you to quit.
Many people fail to consider this simple theory when planning their careers. Instead of aligning their
careers with what they truly enjoy, they often focus on factors like salary, status, or external pressures. This misalignment sets them on a path to dissatisfaction and failure.
The Enjoyment-Performance Theory underscores the importance of aligning your career choices with activities you genuinely enjoy. Doing so will naturally fuel repetition, improvement, positive feedback, and long-term success. Planning a career based on what you love is not just practical but essential.
Individuals who enjoy at least 75% of their work are four times more successful than those who don't. This is a simple yet powerful formula. The higher your level of enjoyment in a job, the greater your likelihood of achieving career success.
Align your career with your passion. Passion naturally leads to high levels of engagement in your work. Enjoying what you do ensures a fulfilling work experience. Passion-driven careers are fuelled by intrinsic motivation, making it easier to excel. High motivation translates to consistently better performance.
The formula is straightforward: marry your passion to your profession. This alignment is the key to building a rewarding career. With modern tools like AI, evaluating these factors is quick and efficient and it takes less than 30 minutes.
To choose the right career, focus on these eight critical elements:
• Strongest DNA Behaviours: Identify the behaviours that define you, as they don’t change throughout life.
• Inherent Interests: Understand what truly excites you.
• Task Preferences: Recognise the tasks you enjoy performing.
• Environmental Preferences: Know the work settings where you thrive.
• Motivation and Engagement Factors: Assess what drives you and keeps you committed.
• Personality and Behavioural Traits: Identify your strongest, moderate, and weak traits.
• Key Competencies: Focus on building three essential competencies, namely Interpersonal Skills; Achievement Orientation and Leadership Skills.
• Negative Behaviours: Identify and address these early to avoid them hindering your career.
Let me conclude with another interesting real-life example. A student pursued her Master’s in Computer Science because her parents wanted her to become a computer engineer. After completing her degree, her parents insisted she move to the US, saying, "That’s where the future lies." She followed their wishes, secured a job at one of the biggest IT companies, and worked there for 15 years. However, she was deeply unhappy. Every evening, she would return home frustrated, telling her parents, "I’m not happy with what I’m doing. I’m spending 12 hours in front of a
screen, and it’s taking a toll on my health and my eyes."
This young woman had a lifelong passion for Bharatanatyam dance, which she had been learning since the age of five in Chennai. Despite her demanding IT career, she spent her weekends teaching dance to a small group of students. After 15 years in IT, she made a bold decision and quit her job. Her parents were shocked and asked, "What will you do now?"
Her response was clear: "I’m going to start a Bharatanatyam school." Five years later, this young woman had established a flourishing dance school in Seattle, USA, with over 300 students, earning 10 times more than she did in her IT job.
The simple secret to her success? She married her passion with her profession. That’s all it takes—a career aligned with your passion can lead to fulfilment and extraordinary success.
What does it take to redefine success and support within organizations to create an environment where employees feel valued and empowered?
How misguided are we in dividing our lives into work and leisure!
Dr M S Sivakumar Head of the Applied Mechanics Department and Former Dean of Students
IIT
Madras
Four years ago, I began practicing intermittent fasting, and it has transformed my life. This practice offers numerous benefits. Regarding student well-being, I am grateful to our IIT Director, Professor Kamakoti, and the previous directors for enabling the initiation of several programs. Currently, we offer about 15 curricular courses on happiness and well-being. I would like to share some anecdotes that have shaped my life lessons, all of which are based on personal experiences. I have authored a couple of
books reflecting on these experiences.
The first anecdote I’d like to share involves our staff tennis club at IIT. I have been playing tennis every day, without fail, for the past 25 years—except when it rains. This story, however, dates back more than 20 years. One day, I arrived at the tennis club a bit early, as usual, to play. Soon after, Professor Philip, a senior faculty member at the time and nearly 20 years my senior, also arrived. He was a warm and jovial person, well-liked by everyone. That day, however, he seemed unusually pensive, a stark contrast to his usual cheerful temperament.
As we both waited for others to join for our regular foursome game, I noticed his mood and decided to strike up a conversation. I casually asked, “How is it going?” He looked at me deeply—something I wasn’t used to seeing from him. He asked, “Shiva, how old are you?” After I told him my age, he gave me a look I’ll never forget. Then, with a tone of quiet
It made me realise how misguided we are in dividing our lives into work and leisure; weekdays and holidays, as if they must be mutually exclusive.
introspection, he said something that has stayed with me for over 20 years:
“Shiva, I’ve worked hard all my life and accumulated wealth, thinking that one day my family and I would enjoy it. I dreamed of travelling to different places and having wonderful experiences. But now, at this age, I no longer have the energy to make such trips. The money I’ve earned doesn’t seem to hold much value anymore. So, let me give you some advice: don’t postpone your happiness while slogging away at work. Find a balance between the two.” His words struck a chord with me, and I’ve carried them ever since, doing my best to follow his advice in my daily life. Professor Philip is no longer with us, but his wisdom and kindness left an indelible mark on me.
Let me move on to the second anecdote. It involves one of my professors during my master’s program at IIT Madras. After completing my B.Tech, I decided not to go abroad and instead pursue my master’s in India. IIT Madras was the obvious choice, and I had the privilege of working with a professor who had also been my thesis advisor during my B.Tech.
He was deeply engaged in several projects, and
Over the years, I’ve listened to around 1,600 students and colleagues, many in tears, sharing their struggles. This inspired me to start a listening club with 100 members...
working with him gave me invaluable opportunities to learn—not just academically, but also about professional and personal values. What struck me the most about him was his work ethic. Regardless of whether it was a weekend, a holiday, or late in the evening, he was always in his office, immersed in work.
One day, during a project-related trip (I’m a civil engineer, by the way), I mustered the courage to ask him a question that had been on my mind for some time. I said, “Sir, shouldn’t you take a break and enjoy yourself? I see you working all the time.” He paused and asked me, “What do you think I’m missing by not taking a break or a vacation?”
I replied, “You’re missing a lot of fun, sir! Travelling, enjoying different places and relaxing during holiday are all part of the fun!” With a smile, he responded, “Shiva, in that case, every day is a holiday for me because I’m having fun at work.”
That statement was a revelation for me. It challenged the way I had always thought about work and fun as being two separate things. It made me realise how misguided we are in dividing our lives into work and leisure; weekdays and holidays, as if they must be mutually exclusive. His words created a powerful paradigm shift in my life. To this day, I follow his philosophy and find joy in my work. Being
with students, for instance, is one of the most rewarding experiences
Let me share the third anecdote. After returning from Calicut, I found myself at the peak of my career with the largest number of research scholars working with me. However, I realised I had become arrogant and greedy, seeking fame and recognition with little empathy for others. This self-awareness troubled me.
Around this time, I visited BHU in Varanasi for a thesis evaluation. I thought about the custom of leaving behind something cherished in Kashi. I realised that I was clinging to my pursuit of fame and awards. At the Kashi Vishwanath temple—though I am religious—I resolved to let go of this obsession. It took six months of internal struggle, but I discovered a newfound freedom in relinquishing these desires. This period became a golden time for me, where I realised we are the architects of our own lives.
Since then, I’ve committed to listening deeply to others. Over the years, I’ve listened to around 1,600 students and colleagues, many in tears, sharing their struggles. This inspired me to start a listening club with 100 members, where we focus on understanding others—because the world needs more listening, not just talking.
My mission is twofold: to eliminate exams entirely and to inspire at least a billion people to be happy. At IIT, we offer a course called Happiness, Habits, and Success, which has over 1,000 students enrolling each semester.
I do not measure success by society’s standards but by my own boundaries and priorities.
Sheetal Rajani
Regional HR Head – Chennai and Global Head –Engagement with Purpose
Tata Consultancy Services
Let me share the learnings from my experiences, my interactions with people, and the journey I have humbly travelled. I have spent more than two decades in the organisation and learnt many lessons from the ecosystem I have created. I am a passionate people person, a working parent, and the sibling of two sisters born to parents who had six children, of whom three survived. All the girls survived, while three boys passed away at a very young age.
I am a lifelong learner and a fitness enthusiast. I travel, trek, weightlift, and run as well. I deeply believe in spirituality and science, especially Hindu mythology. I cannot compromise on food, filter coffee, or sleep. I ensure I sleep a minimum of six to seven hours daily.
In all my roles, I negotiate upfront with whoever is inducting me that I am unavailable from 10:30 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m., but I am available post 4:00 p.m. For instance, when I took up my role servicing America from offshore, I clearly told my boss, who is both a unit and business head: “I know America works during my night, but I will not be available at night. You can drop the work for me, and before you wake up, the task will be completed.” I hate clutter. The kitchen is my space to vent all my anger. Whatever happens at the office, I take it out on the chopping board— chopping and chopping. I also cook with a lot of love. I am fairly organised and planned, though most of my planning happens in my head and not on paper, even though I try my best to document it.
I make time for family, friends, and myself because this is important to me. I have spent 20 years with TCS, and both the organisation and nature have been kind to me. I started as a lateral EP Lead and moved on. In 2004, during TCS’s growth stage, I led recruitment initiatives and later took on several Unit HR roles. I have also handled corporate roles. I went overseas as a single parent with my five-and-a-halfyear-old son, gaining invaluable personal and
As a long-distance runner covering 21 or 42 kilometres, there are moments to slow down. Don’t worry about others running faster.
professional learning experiences. After returning, I had the opportunity to work at corporate, charting the DEI strategy, leadership strategies, and more. Today, I handle the largest branch, which allows me to interact with many people. What has worked for me may not work for everyone because the environment and context can be entirely different.
Define priorities and set boundaries: Each of us need not measure success by what others have achieved. It’s my story, my journey, and so I define what matters most—whether it’s professional growth, family, health, or a passion project. I have even stepped back in my career to prioritise my family. Recently, I took five months off to be present while my son prepared for his Standard 12 exams. I do not measure success by society’s standards but by my own boundaries and priorities.
Integrate, don’t separate: We juggle various roles, trying to balance them. It’s about trading one for another, like trading work for life, but integration makes it easier. Technology allows for much of this integration, and COVID accelerated this process. Define your passion and purpose. Ask yourself: What is your Ikigai? What gives you energy and a sense of fulfillment? As an HR professional and parent, I’ve
found meaning in blending work opportunities and personal interests. Either make work fun or make fun work.
Practise flexibility: Every day is not a bed of roses. There have been ups and downs. Life changes, work changes, and so do our priorities. Adjust and adapt. As a long-distance runner covering 21 or 42 kilometres, there are moments to slow down. Don’t worry about others running faster. Slowing down sometimes helps you reserve energy to complete your race. What’s important is staying on course.
Delegate and ask for help: Invest in relationships at work and home. Asking for help, delegating tasks, and outsourcing are signs of strength, not weakness.
Take care of yourself: I don’t wait for a knight in shining armour to save me in difficult situations—I am my own knight. It’s okay not to be okay. Be kind to yourself and think that ‘this too shall pass.’
Everything is a choice—your goals, priorities, attitude, opportunities, and style. However, while you are free to make choices, you are not free from their consequences. Own your decisions and the outcomes. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Look for possibilities. Whenever I’m given an opportunity, I ask myself what I can make of it. Accept challenges and take calculated risks.
Stay curious and keep learning: Over the last 22 years, I have ensured I learn one new skill each year, whether it’s design thinking, agile methodology, driving, swimming, baking, or putting kolams. Learning happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Surround yourself with positive, caring people.
Prioritise self-care: Many women aspire to be super moms, super wives, super friends, super daughters, and super bosses. Perfection is a myth. Sometimes, you just need to let go. When you earn a place at the table, sit there—not on the sidelines. My success stems from my self-worth.
Make time for exercise, relaxation, and activities that recharge you. I’ve learned from Japanese methodologies. For example, Kanban helps me track tasks, and the Pomodoro Technique keeps me focused 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute recharge.
Embraceimperfection: Kaizen teaches us the value of small, incremental changes. Wabi-sabi reminds us to accept flaws and imperfections. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; start and improve as you go.
Maintain discipline: Diet and nutrition matter greatly. I eat until 80% full and maintain a disciplined schedule—waking at 4 a.m. and finishing dinner by 7 p.m.
Find your Everest: Everyone has their Everest to conquer. For me, this involves setting clear goals— how much I want to work, when I want to retire, and how I plan my year. Life is unpredictable, but staying aware, relevant, and focused on strengths while addressing weaknesses is key. Build alternate skills for future income generation. Happiness lies in small moments. Journal your good days, as we often remember the bad more vividly. Play to win at life, not battles. Keep smiling—and keep listening.
Dr Ravi Samuel
Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapist
We are currently in a critical period where people are facing numerous health challenges, both physical and mental. The mortality rate among young individuals is alarmingly high. We are witnessing an increase in mental breakdowns among young people and even children being affected.
What is work-life balance? It involves making decisions to set boundaries at work while engaging in a satisfying personal life. I see many successful people who are completely disconnected from their personal lives. The impatient ones file for divorce, while the more patient ones seek psychotherapy. Their physical health parameters may be normal, but they simply don’t have the time.
Before marriage, when couples come to invite us, they often say, "My groom is very successful. He travels to at least two countries a month and earns a high salary." They are very happy, and the entire family is excited. However, after just three months of marriage, they come back feeling very depressed.
Why? They say, "He doesn’t have time. He rarely talks to me. Most of the time, he is abroad." What initially seemed like an advantage, in reality, becomes a significant disadvantage.
In the past, households often included elders, but now we don’t share our homes with them. As a result, children are increasingly isolated. Anyone who comes home often has no one to talk to. While Prof Sivakumar spoke about the importance of listening, I would emphasize the importance of talking. As a psychotherapist, I encourage people to talk. If you don’t talk, you will face serious problems. Without someone to talk to—or even to listen to you because you haven’t listened to anyone—you are bound to experience loneliness.
Thankfully, many people are doing well, and we are happy about that. However, there are also those who are highly stressed, and some hit the burnout stage very quickly. In extreme cases, we even see death. There is a clear pattern; it is a spectrum.
People
Some people excel, moving from one job to another for a higher salary, or even relocating abroad. On the other hand, there are those who struggle due to a gap between their abilities and the performance expected of them. That’s where the problem begins. Many people slog through their jobs because they lack the necessary skills. Fortunately, there are now many courses available to help people upgrade their skills. However, if a person fails to enhance their skills, they may be unable to meet expectations and will eventually be filtered out of the system.
This creates a constant sense of fear. Anyone working in the private sector lives under the threat of budget cuts. When budgets are cut significantly, higher-level employees may lose their jobs. For smaller cuts, lower-level employees are affected. This perpetual state of insecurity keeps everyone on edge, forcing them to perform at their best. If you are not at your best, your days in the company are numbered.
So, you either cope—or you don’t. Some cope by being highly stressed, while others reach a stage of burnout, needing intervention from doctors, psychotherapists, or psychiatrists just to function again.
Mental health problems are significantly on the rise. People experience frequent mood fluctuations, irritability, and low frustration tolerance. On the roads, you witness road rage, with individuals screaming at one another—these are clear signs of a mental health breakdown within the community. In Western countries, they advise, "Even if you haven’t made a mistake, just say sorry and move on."
Cardiovascular issues are also becoming more prevalent. We hear about young people experiencing heart attacks and significant fluctuations in blood pressure, which can lead to a host of related problems, including strokes. Sleep and appetite have become major casualties of modern life. Many of my patients schedule online video calls with me as late as 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., making payments at those hours. Why? Because they’re still working. They pause for a session, then return to work late into the night.
This lifestyle takes a severe toll on the digestive system, which is often referred to as the "second brain." If you’re not eating well, not digesting food properly, or failing to maintain a regular eating schedule, it affects your mood and leads to various other mental health issues.
Hormonal health is significantly impacted by modern lifestyles. Women are among the worst affected, but men are not spared either—issues like impotence are becoming alarmingly common at a young age. Sexual health, overall, takes a substantial hit.
Some people advocate for working 70 hours a week, but in developed countries, the norm is a fiveday workweek. Even doctors typically avoid taking calls on weekends unless it’s an emergency, which is handled by duty doctors. In contrast, Indian doctors are often favoured because they are always accessible, willing to take calls and provide advice at any hour.
This raises the question: What are we trying to catch up with? I vehemently oppose this unsustainable work culture because it ruins lives. The consequences of these practices will likely haunt us for the next 100 years. We must acknowledge the gravity of this situation and oppose ideologies that go against nature. Humans are not meant to work 14 to 18 hours a day. Our bodies are simply not designed for that.
Our circadian rhythm is a natural system we must respect. The body functions in specific ways, and there are no shortcuts around it. Ignoring this balance will inevitably result in dire consequences—it’s as logical and straightforward as one plus one equalling two. Nature does not accept modifications.
At specific times, we are naturally alert, and at others, our mind begins to shut down. Melatonin secretion kicks in as the sun sets, signalling the need for sleep, and we wake up with the sunrise. Now, imagine someone continuously working through this natural cycle. One individual shared with me that he used to sit in his office for days, watching people come and go, while he just kept working. That lifestyle eventually took a toll, and he is now under my care.
Constant stress or even the threat of losing a job
creates a negative mental loop. The mind, when perpetually under fear—whether fear of losing a job, status, or possessions—forms a persistent negative feedback cycle. Speak to anyone who is retired. Many of them, even after 20 years, strongly associate themselves with their former jobs because their identity is tied to that work. Letting go of it is far from easy.
Living in constant fear activates the amygdala, the brain’s stress-response centre. Over time, this leads to overreacting to even minor stressors. This is why many people perpetually complain—they begin to see the world as a source of problems rather than challenges.
Stress and Identity: The prefrontal cortex, essential for emotional health and decision-making, suffers under prolonged stress. Poor decisions often follow, compounding problems. Neurotransmitter imbalances—such as low serotonin—lead to mood swings and depression, while dopamine deficiency diminishes the ability to feel pleasure. Overactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis increases cortisol levels, further exacerbating stressrelated issues.
The Imbalance of Ambition and Reality: Many aspire to fast-track their careers—becoming VPs or CFOs as quickly as possible—without regard for their limitations. While ambition is healthy, it becomes toxic when one’s talents or resources fail to meet the demands. Unrealistic corporate goals often force employees to take on additional responsibilities, stretching them to their breaking point.
Despite the proliferation of financial management consultants, financial mismanagement remains a significant issue. Early in my career, I was fortunate to receive professional guidance and mentoring, which emphasised the importance of sound advice in navigating challenges.
WorkplaceRelationships: Workplace dynamics also pose challenges. Office politics can be toxic, while overly familiar relationships sometimes cross boundaries, leading to inappropriate affairs. Many individuals use work as an escape from unhappy marriages or poor personal lives. It’s not uncommon for people to sit in their cars or parking lots, dreading the thought of going home. Social media reels provide an endless distraction, allowing them to avoid facing reality until exhaustion sets in.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Say no to addictions. Understand your skills and take on responsibilities that align with them. Avoid overworking yourself into a health crisis that leads to costly medical bills or long-term disability.
Think Long-Term: Avoid rushing through life. Focus on sustainable growth. Build meaningful relationships by investing time, money, and energy.
Prioritise Health: Never compromise your physical health. It is non-negotiable.
Avoid Exploitation and Politics: Don’t let others exploit your vulnerabilities. If people know you’re desperate, they may overburden you with work for
minimal incentives. Stay away from office politics, which can ruin both productivity and peace of mind.
Communicate: Talk to as many people as possible. Open communication can ease stress and build stronger networks.
