BEED INSIGHTS Issue 03
11 September 2014
beed bags another assignment in Rwanda beed management was awarded the consultancy to carry out the study for the “Assessment of Tourism Products Vis A Vis Interna onal Tourism Markets”
Sujeev Shakya named senior advisor for BGA Sujeev Shakya has been named Senior Advisor for Bower Group Asia,
beed B.O.K Ventures Private Limited is now solici ng applica ons for individuals and
a premier business advisory firm based in Washington DC working across Asia Pacific.
firms to manage Business Oxygen, the IFC SME Venture Fund
Bower Group Asia translates the world’s most complex and dynamic
for Nepal.
markets into ac onable informa on for its clients. They apply unmatched exper se and experience to help clients develop strategies to expand their businesses, solve problems and do good things in Asia. The BGA team combines top-level strategic input with on-the-ground granular support and focus-
beed B.O.K Ventures is a joint venture between beed management and Bank of Kathmandu. Sujeev Shakya represents beed management on the board of beed BOK Ventures and Business Oxygen. Refer to Adver sement in The Himalayan Times dated September 05, 2014
es on Southeast Asia …. More on Page 3
IN THIS ISSUE
The Other Side of the Table
A er Modi
Jugaad: The Nepali Way of Life
The Thinkshop Experience
Book Feature: Your Network your Net Worth, Porter Gale
pile of qualified resumes, alongside ensuring consistency in the hiring process.
GET READY FOR THE INTERVIEW Just like the interviewees, the interviewer also needs to prepare in advance for the interview process. It is very important to know the overall func on of your organizaon, and not just your job. If you have been in the firm long enough,
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE ANUP SUBEDI
on, here is what these interviews
this might not be an issue; however, if you have not been at your
have taught me.
firm for a very long me, it is nec-
GET THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE DOOR Before conduc ng the interview it is necessary to screen the resume candidates
according
to
essary for you to prepare. If you are interviewing with a colleague/ partner it is be er to plan for the interview in advance, such as idenfying what specific skills you are
Some mes it does not take very
of
long before one ends up on the
knowledge and skills. I have fig-
other side of the interview table,
ured-out two steps that can effec-
considering that I was preparing
vely eliminate a number of re-
myself for interviews just over two
sumes without much of an effort.
years ago when I was a senior at
Firstly, it is necessary to iden fy
the university and today I have in-
whether the candidate has the
terviewed more than 50 candi-
right qualifica ons and skills that
dates in the span of two years.
fit the job descrip on. And second-
Personally, being interviewed has
ly, it is important to evaluate
never been an easy task for me
whether the resume is properly
despite the hours of prac ce and
organized with a summary state-
prepara on. However, now that I
ment of experiences and accom-
am a part of the work force, the
plishments. By following these two
DRILLING DEEP
situa on has changed. While it is
steps I get a clear idea on how well
In order to know more about a
definitely a relief to be on the oth-
the candidate is prepared and how
candidate’s
er side of the table, the interview
serious they are about the inter-
ence, and a tude; the interviewer
process is not necessarily easy.
view. The process of screening
needs to go beyond what is on the
A er two years of interviewing
resumes based on specific criteria
resume. Asking candidates how or
candidates for the beedtern posi-
therefore leaves you with a smaller
why repeatedly in terms of their
looking for in the candidate, as well as the areas you and your colleague want to cover. The planning will facilitate the interview to go smoothly, and both the interviewers will know when and how to carry the interview forward. Finally, study the candidates resume carefully before the interview and examine what stands out in the resume.
knowledge,
experi-
FINAL THOUGHTS
work is a great way of developing a
ons among themselves. At beed
deeper understanding of the candi-
we have an agreed scoring system
For the interviewer, the gains of
date, and gaging their skills, ability
prior to the interviews and we pre-
selec ng the perfect candidate can
and character. Similarly asking for
fer to review candidates and their
be inconspicuous but the benefit is
specific examples of how they have
performance immediately a er the
s ll there. It is a great way to earn
showcased a par cular skill is also a
interview process while the impact
credibility and trust from the com-
helpful probing tac c. Ask some
is s ll fresh. During the selec on
pany, and bringing in the best tal-
situa onal interview ques ons that
process it is also important to re-
ent also means that the company
you have prepared, and if the can-
member that the candidates should
can prosper.
didate can give you a detailed and
be judged against the agreed crite-
convincing answer; those are good
ria not against the other interview-
indicators to consider the candidate
ees. Decisions on a candidate
for the job.
should not be made on the basis of personal impressions, quick judg-
GET THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN
ments, and presump ons. Rather it
THE BUS
should be based on a fair assess-
A er the interview, it is advisable for the recrui ng team to immediately compare ra ngs and observa-
ment of interviewee’s abili es and how the interviewee will fit into the organiza on. ANUP SUBEDI
Sujeev Shakya named senior advisor for BGA The BGA team combines top-level strategic input with on-the-ground granular support and focuses on Southeast Asia with a reach that spans South Asia, China and Taiwan. The BGA team has worked in the region for years, suppor ng the world’s top companies. BGA covers the ten ASEAN countries (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, India and South Asia (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka). BGA helps the world’s premier companies and organiza ons understand how governments, systems and individuals work, and develop plans to achieve goals based on deep understanding and access to informa on. BGA’s clients include the world’s premier corpora ons, top financial companies, private equity and hedge funds, and dedicates a por on of its exper se and me to outstanding not-for-profit organizaons on a pro bono basis. James Moriarty, Former US Ambassador to Nepal, and Persis Khamba a are the other members of the Nepal Prac ce. (adapted from BGA's website)
credit line then we will not need to borrow from mul lateral agencies that have currency risks a ached to them. More usage of India’s credit lines would mean less use of mul lateral money, which would ul mately result in ques oning the importance and necessity of mul lateral agencies in the first place. If Modi succeeds in ge ng Nepal to use his credit line, then he will surely spark ques ons on the necessity of global mul lateral agencies in the en re region. Therefore,
AFTER MODI
the idea of bringing back the Asian
this is a great test case for him to
dominance of the 16th-17th cen-
work on.
turies. He would like to work to-
SUJEEV SHAKYA
gether with Japan, China and other
One of the best things about the
Asian countries to redefine how
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra
the global economy will be shaped
Modi’s visit was how Nepal trend-
over the next 30-50 years. For his
ed on Twi er and other social me-
global ambi ons, se ng the neigh-
dia sites for posi ve reasons. It is
borhood right is important. Engag-
very rare to remember an occasion
ing with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangla-
where Nepal has been discussed
desh is a low hanging fruit for
posi vely, and Nepalis themselves
Modi. Ensuring that the neighbor-
have taken things posi vely. If one
hood prospers by providing a $1
thing that PM Modi did very well
billion credit line becomes really
were to be singled out, it was to
worth it when you secure the glob-
ignite hope amongst Nepalis while
al ambi ons of a $2 trillion Indian
also sending a clear message, that
economy!
if you want change, it has to come
Modi also seems to be experi-
borders into bridges? Many Nepali
from yourself.
men ng with credit lines and so
poli cians have survived on an -
loans, the likes of which mul lat-
India rhetoric as their poli cal
eral agencies provide.
agenda. How will that change
MODI’S GLOBAL PLAN A er
Jawaharlal
Nehru,
Modi
would be the second Indian leader to harbor a dream to take leadership global. As a visionary, his dreams are big, centered around
STAYING IN SYNC The challenge for Nepal now is to see how we sync with Modi’s vision. Nepal decided to release a postage stamp with a man who is trying to build informa on highways and use space technology to help the region. While all lawmakers applauded when he spoke, I am not sure how many really understood what he meant. How many have really thought of what will it mean to have integrated infrastructure or how we can convert
now? What will be the future when A credit line is what mul lateral
the punching bag is gone?
agencies have offered Nepal uncountable mes in the past.
Modi is talking about the generaon of thousands of Giga wa s of
If Nepal can actually use Modi’s
electricity. He is talking about mil-
lions of tourists. He is talking about the Himalayas as a center for global healing and holis c care. When zeroes increase, we Nepalis do not know how to react. Will we be able to rise to the occasion and consider the fact that we are talking about hydropower development of $10 billion, tourism investments of another $5 billion and infrastructure investments of $20 billion. When PM Modi announced a $1 billion credit line, everyone thought that was a big number. However, we would need a $20 billion credit line
countries. It is difficult to under-
fes val is over. The me is for ac-
over the next five years to really get
stand how the protec onist private
on. Ac on to ensure that we first
development moving. We did not
sector will accept more foreign in-
understand the implica ons of this
seem to know that $1 billion is a
vestment or how people thriving on
visit, make plans to build on the
small figure when it comes to a
the informal trade of oil along the
euphoria it has generated, make
country’s development. This re-
border will accept the decision of a
plans to build teams who will help
flects what is big and what is small
pipeline. We need to find newer
follow through and take all neces-
for us Nepalis.
mechanisms to engage with serious
sary steps to implement the plans.
ACTIVATING FORMAL CHANNELS A er Modi’s visit, it is important to ensure that we re-ac vate formal mechanisms, be it Joint Commi ees or new formal structures to deal with agreements and trea es. Ne-
folks in the business community. The current structures of delegaons that focus on photo-ops rather than real reforms will not go a
Here is a unique opportunity to make Unleashing Nepal a reality, we should not miss it.
long way in bringing about change in the way we deal with trade and investments.
Published in The Kathmandu Post on August 04, 2014
IMMEDIATE STEPS
palis love to work the informal way. The importance of poli cal clout
If the poli cians who thumped ta-
and poli cians themselves will be
bles in Parliament during PM
reduced if such structures are im-
Modi’s address on Sunday really
plemented. But we cannot sacrifice
mean to follow up on what he said,
long-term interests for short-term
the key litmus test will be whether
gains. Similarly, with regards to in-
they appoint an ambassador to In-
vestment and business, there have
dia with the utmost urgency. Why
to be working groups that will work
can’t someone be named before
to ensure more movement of trade
August 15th, India’s Independence
and investment between the two
Day? With Modi’s departure, the
SUJEEV SHAKYA
WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT Poli cal instability and poor development are the overarching problems faced by the country, both of which are further hindered due to the lack of vision and planning for the future among our elected leaders. Their mantra so far has been to confront problems in an ad-hoc manner.. The poli cal par es may have vastly differing perspec ves over issues, but when met with an
JUGAAD
We Nepalis have been prac cing
The Nepali Way of Life!
this art in our daily lives since the me of our forefathers. We have somewhat been socially condi-
SUDIP BHAJU
oned into developing a calm and pa ent a tude – accep ng what
The way Nepal's law and order op-
we have and making the most of it.
erates is usually surprising to peo-
One can say that the proverb
ple, given that the poli cal system is riddled with chaos and mayhem. Even though it possesses all the indicators of a failing economy, it is commendable that Nepal is s ll growing at a nominal rate. We are used to op mis cally leaving our fate, including Nepal’s fate, in the hands of the Gods. I have realized that it is not just Gods and miracles
“Jugaad (जग ु ाड़) is a colloquial Hindi-Urdu word that can mean
en re essence of the country’s thriving operability – Jugaad.
ability to improvise and come up with a temporarily effec ve soluon at the me. Therefore, our poli cal leaders are the biggest jugaads who can swi ly deal with unforeseen challenges and seize the opportuni es that arise from them solely so they can remain in power. While our poli cal leaders lead the pack, our bureaucrats and govern-
simple work-around.”
complish official paperwork and
behind. It is a daun ng task to acformali es in the various government offices. In light of such cir-
‘beggars can’t be choosers’ has been well ingrained in us. We have therefore managed to master the art of survival through the use of improvised or makeshi solu ons,
Jugaad (जुगाड़) is a colloquial Hindi-
they mostly rely on their innate
ment officials do not lag very far
something that we have unknowIt is what I believe summarizes the
jeopardize their poli cal posi on,
an innovative fix or a
that have brought us this far, but ingly inherited from our ancestors.
unexpected hindrance that could
using scarce resources at our dis-
Urdu word that can mean an inno-
posal to address our endless social
va ve fix or a simple work-around.
and economic problems.
cumstances, we have brokers who have seized the opportunity to provide these services efficiently and economically. They have resourcefully improvised solu ons for people who do not mind spending an extra dime on “tea and coffee expenses” in collabora on with gov-
ernment officials. By paying an ex-
they have and make the best out
tra fee jus fied as an opportunity
of the situa on, o en reaping the
cost for the energy and me, bro-
profits of an otherwise overlooked
kers have guided us to adopt the
market.
jugaad way to get our work done at super-sonic speed, but engaging in dubious prac ces o en involving ge ng around the law in some manner. By demonstra ng agility and their innate ability and connecons, these brokers have an cipat-
There are several innova ons we come across in our daily lives, but only a few have made a big impact. These include the innovators of
“… the fairly educated mechanics in Nepal who can fix any problem with your vehicle at the most affordable cost
the smokeless chulos (cooking stoves), which are popular in the rural hills and mountains, which
have come together and har-
uses less than half the firewood
nessed electricity through the mi-
needed for the tradi onal chulos,
cro hydel projects. The projects
meanwhile genera ng more heat
are run by the village commi ees
and being nearly smokeless. In ad-
who oversee the maintenance,
di on, they also func on as a
In addi on to jugaads, we also have
management and service charge
hea ng system providing hot wa-
the posi ve side of jugaad, the ju-
making this model more reliable
ter and space hea ng. Most of all,
gaad innovators, i.e. those individu-
and cheaper.
they are cost efficient and pro-
als that have developed fairly good
mote be er health condi ons with
There are no excep ons to the rule
“value for money” solu ons in the
their low emissions of carbon.
in jugaad because each one of us
ed the obstacles and seized unexpected opportuni es thus, qualifying them as jugaads.
JUGAAD INNOVATORS
adopts some means of jugaad in
most adverse circumstances using organic strategies that are emer-
Another example is the develop-
our everyday life. It is a tool that
gent and modeled around the com-
ment of Arsenic Biosand filters.
can be used for good if in the right
mon man’s needs. Examples of
This is especially used in the Terai
hands and bad if it lands in the
these kinds of innovators are plen -
districts where the ground water is
wrong hands. More than anything,
ful in Nepal. Take for instance the
contaminated with arsenic par -
it is crucial to be aware about
women who have come together to
cles that have posed severe health
which side of the fence we are on
form co-opera ves and commer-
hazards in the community. The
when adop ng jugaad at any point
cialize food items like the sel/ro ,
development of Arsenic Biosand
in our lives, both on professional
meat and pickles and even run tra-
filters, which is an adap on of the
and personal levels.
di onal eateries in Kir pur; the fair-
Biosand filter, has helped the peo-
ly educated mechanics in Nepal
ple of Terai access clean drinking
who can fix any problem with your
water at an affordable rate.
vehicles at the most affordable
Similarly, at a me when the coun-
cost, and even companies like hari-
try is facing acute power shortag-
lo.com that have made access to,
es, there are few remote villages
and purchase of goods from differ-
with access to electricity without
ent US and UK based sites possible
being connected to the power grid
by simplifying payments and logis-
or any of the “groups” of Nepal
cs. They all work with the skill sets
Electricity Authority. These villages
SUDIP BHAJU
exactly what the par cipants were
One major sec on of the thinkshop
made to do. I no ced that iden -
that really hit me was idenƟfying
fying ones gaps in terms of what
my gaps. To look at oneself and
one wants to achieve from life,
point out one’s shortcomings is not
gave the par cipants a clearer per-
an easy task, however it is a neces-
spec ve on what ac ons they
sary step for constant improve-
needed to take to fill these gaps
ment and adapta on. Iden fying
and move ahead in life.
my gaps helped me consider the solu ons to these gaps, and how I
SERABLA RUIT
As a young individual, I understand
could work towards filling these
how easy it is to get sidetracked
gaps. Without the thinkshop I am
when something doesn't interest
unsure whether I would have real-
you. We tend to look for things
ized my gaps, let alone consider
that excite us and doing the same
ways of filling them, on me. I real-
thing for extended amounts of
SERABLA RUIT
ized that taking ac ons to fill these
me tends to make us restless. A
gaps gives us a sense of purpose as
“Thinkshops” were a completely
four hour talk program therefore
it takes you one step closer to your
new experience for me, as I had
seems like a tedious job. However,
goals. Iden fying and filling my
never a ended such a program.
surprisingly everyone seemed to
gaps, I realized, are just small ini a-
The Thinkshop combines work-
thoroughly enjoy the program as it
ons from my side to make my life
shop modules with coaching and
turned out to be much more fun
facilitates the process of self-
than expected. Having been a part
realiza on to help one achieve
of a few thinkshops, I can deduce
Mo va on has always been im-
ones poten al.
that this is because it never feels
portant for me and I've felt the
like someone is preaching or trying
need for it in everything that I do.
The first thing I no ced was the
to teach you something, rather it is
Whether it is a small gesture
palpable excitement amongst the
a collecƟve thinking process with
shown by a loved one, or someone
par cipants
guided cues and high involvement
inspira onal,
among par cipants.
meaning to my life and the drive to
THE THINKSHOP EXPERIENCE
a ending
the
“Unleashing You Thinkshop”. With-
be er and fulfilling. Addi onally
mo va on
gives
move forward. The thinkshop ex-
in the next four hours they would experience a program that would
We o en take part in programs,
perience was therefore a major
give them a chance to explore
but seldom give it much thought in
eye opener for me to delve into
themselves, consider the impact of
our daily lives. However the
myself, explore the different possi-
a constantly changing environ-
thinkshop is outlined in such a way
bili es that life has in store for me,
ment, and consider what it means
that par cipants are given insights
be aware about the changes that
to be part of this con nually
as well as the opportunity to cri -
take place around me, and consid-
changing paradigm.
cally examine their point of view.
er it effects on myself and others.
The thinkshop also uses mo va-
*** The thinkshop is a different take on the
Delving into your inner self and
onal videos that facilitates the
consciously evaluaƟng your skills
thinking processes for par cipants
ership Centre usually conducts. It is a part of a
and gaps is something that few
and make quite the impact.
series of programs that is going to take place
people indulge in, and that was
regular two day thinkshops that the Beed Lead-
over the course of one year and is targeted to the youths of various parts of Nepal
YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NETWORTH
BOOK TO WATCH tuni es are not the same animals
sions, making meaningful connec-
that they once were, and we need
ons, which in turn increase your
to shi our a tudes and approaches accordingly. Networking has Networking doesn’t have to be that
evolved from a transac onal game
frenzied old-school game of calen-
to
dars packed with stuffy power
Whereas once it was about power
lunches and sterile evenings at
plays, now it’s about char ng your
community
own course, following your pas-
business
gatherings.
a
transforma onal
process.
happiness and produc vity. In addi on to chronicling her own rise from an ad agency intern to an in-demand consultant, Gale also shares the inspiring stories of so many others who live by this net-
We’ve entered a new era, one in
working model: a military wife who
which shi ing cultural values and
connects with social media com-
the explosion of digital technology
muni es while her husband is de-
enable us to network in vastly more efficient, more focused, and more enjoyable ways. A fresh take on How to Win Friends and Influence People, Your Network is Your Net Worth is an entertaining, straigh orward guide filled
“Unlock the Hidden Power of Connections
ployed overseas, a young woman blogger ba ling leukemia, a dyslexic poli cian who wins elec ons by
for Wealth, Success
telling stories, and the CEO of a
and Happiness in the
once made a phone call that
Digital Age”
Major League Baseball team who changes the course of his life.
with revealing case studies, hands-
When you focus on your passions
on advice, and innova ve strategies
and reorganize your networking
for building your network. Wri en
around your values and beliefs,
by sought-a er speaker, entrepre-
you will discover the kind of las ng
neur, and marke ng execu ve Por-
rela onships, personal transfor-
ter Gale, with a foreword by Apple
ma on and ul mately, tangible
evangelist and bestselling author
wealth that are the founda on for
Guy Kawasaki, this book shows you
happiness and success. With a
how to establish, expand, and nur-
message both
ture your connec ons both online
portant, Your Network is your Net
and off.
Worth is the defini ve handbook
mely and im-
to Networking. New ways to network are popping up every day and Gale tells you how to make the most of them, but even tradi onal networking oppor-
*** This is an extract from the book
beed completes six years
six years of positive transformation
beed management private limited
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beed leadership center (BLC) is a
cept of por olio management in
is Nepal’s premier economic poli-
division of beed that works on
Nepal, and is the first opera onal
cy and research ins tu on. A non
posi ve transforma on of indi-
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viduals, and explores the domain
licensed by Securi es Board of
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Nepal (SEBON) the regulatory
through self-discovery.
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NEF strives to re-define the economic development discourse in
BLC conducts leadership pro-
Beed invest is a part of the beed
Nepal, and is working on
grams for different individuals &
eco-system anchored by beed
strengthening the Nepali econo-
organiza ons. The "Unleashing
management, a management
my through various ac vi es that
Nepal Unleashing You" leadership
consul ng and financial advisory
promote the growth of an effi-
thinkshop has been the most
services firm.
cient and inclusive private sector.
popular program delivered.
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