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Category: Ideas & Wisdom

  • Social Media – Frankenstein Resurrected?

    Social Media – Frankenstein Resurrected?

    Is Social Media A Boon Or Bane? The Eternal Debate Continues In The New Netflix Documentary-

    Jeff Orlowski’s Docu-Drama ‘The Social Dilemma’ Does Not Tell Us Anything New….We Have Known Both Sides Of Story For Long….What It Does Is To Reinforce The Arguments – Primarily Against Social Media Giants. 

    The Documentary Has Two Distinct Tracks. The First Track Features Interviews With The Most Smartest And Conscientious Employees Of The Big Tech Giants. The Second Track Showcase A Fictional Story – How Social Media Manipulates & Ruins Kids Of A Perfectly Normal American Family.  

    The Great Minds Of Silicon Valley Include:

    1. Tristan Harris – Former Google Design Ethicist
    2. Justin Rosenstein – Co-Inventor of Facebook ‘Like’ Button
    3. Tim Kendall – Former Director of Monetization At Facebook, Former President Of Pinterest
    4. Renee DiResta
    5.  Jeff Seibert 

    These Interviews Highlight Risk Of Social Media Addiction. Social Media Giants Engineer Platforms To Create Addiction, Manipulate Behaviour & Reap Profits For Their Shareholders. The Dangerous Impact On Mental Health Of Children & Teenagers, Personal Privacy & Data Confidentiality Issues, The Rise Of Hate Crimes & Genocide, The Fuelling Of Fake News, Death Of Democracies Are Some Of The Negatives That Can No Longer Be Ignored. 

    The Documentary Considers Founders Of Social Media Giants To Be Trapped. Too Naive! Shareholders & Governments Are Human Beings – And Human Beings Have A Choice – But Are We Willing To Call Spade A Spade? 

    Social Media Is A Drug. Agree. It Is Challenging The Organised Religion – An Equally Dangerous Drug 🙂

    Why Our Best Brains Work For Biggest Social Media Companies? Agriculture Crisis Hits Headlines Every Year And We Have No Solution….Why We Applaud New Feature Upgrades Of Big Tech Giants While Many Genuine Research Organizations Die Every Year…

    Technology Is Neutral. A Gun In The Hands Of Police Protects, While In The Hands Of Terrorist Kills. 

    Social Media Has Reunited Families, Help Raise Awareness Of Evils, Found Blood Donors, Brought Joy To Our Life. But It Has Also  Led To Recruitment Of Extremists In Terrorist Organizations, Body-Shaming, Incited Crimes Etc. As Well. 

    Social Media Is Not 100% Evil Or The Only Evil. It Is Too Simplistic To Blame It For All Evils In The Society. Yes – It Is A Platform That Amplifies The Evil In The Society. Social Media Giants Are Taking Corrective Actions But We Need Neutral Champions To Review These Actions. 

    Practical Takeways:

    1. Regulate Screen Time For Self & Kids

    2. Do Not Take Devices To Bedroom

    3. No Devices For Kids Till High School

    4. Research & Question Sources Of Information

    5. Explore Alternatives To Big Social Media Products

    6. AI Is Already Running The World

    I Believe Our Ethics, Values & Choices Drive The Usage Of Any Technology. Social Media Can Be An Agent Of Good. Let’s Switch Off The Screens, Watch The Real World, Smell The Flowers & Drive A Positive Change. The Answers Lie With Us….

    Watch It – A Important Documentary To Watch. One’s Outlook Toward Mindless Scrolling & Notifications Will Change!

  • All Managers Are HR Managers

    All Managers Are HR Managers

  • The One Thing To Discard In The ‘Next Normal’

    The One Thing To Discard In The ‘Next Normal’

    The One thing that I am hoping we won’t go back to “next normal”:  

    Super-busy life: The myth of busy life being a productive life. 

    In our pursuit of productivity and performance, we had downplayed the simple pleasures of life. We were prioritising people, tasks and activities. We wanted to optimise and maximise everything. We felt guilty of spending time on ourselves. These acts were counter-productive – they damaged us and our organisations more than helping with better results. I hope we do not take this habit to “next normal”.

    Let us discover the joy of a balanced and complete life – not just a busy life. The freedom to set our own clock and calendar. The importance of real connect with people. The happiness of discovering strong bonds with family and friends. The joy and meaning we get from catching up with our passions and inner desires. The freedom to be in pyjamas. The freedom to do nothing. The freedom to be self. 

    Pic: Robert Bye

  • Lockdown Life: What Lies Ahead!

    Lockdown Life: What Lies Ahead!

    The Corona Lockdown brings its own set of conundrums and consequences for our work and life. What is happening around us?

    The ‘new normal’ is the most used and overused terms these days. There is indeed a paradigm shift. SARS led to the rise of Chinese e-commerce and Corona will give big fillip to healthcare and overall digitisation. The bigger impact is on the mankind. Human history is a testimony to our infinite capacity to assimilate, learn and adapt. How will our life and work change? 

    Human beings are in hibernation mode. Hibernation is a normal phenomenon in nature where extended period of inactivity helps to endure adverse conditions. In fact, scientists are exploring how hibernation can help in space travel and other areas. Hibernation is necessary for survival and growth. 

    The explosion of people exploring creative side and bottled passions is inspiring. Expect a lot of people to discover a new person in themselves leading to new choices and new future. The initial experiments and indulgences will turn into serious soul-fulfilling mission. Many may never go back to the old jobs and professions again. 

    On the other hand, many people miss the hustle and bustle of their professional lives. The stress and long working hours may have blinded them to the bright side of their demanding careers. Many are finding a much-needed pause in their default ‘mad rush’ lifestyle . Once the initial bliss of relaxed life is fully enjoyed, the same work will be looked with a new fresh pair of eyes. The post-lockdown period will see new zeal, new energy, new insights and new perspectives. 

    The healthcare, public services, delivery and government officials are working round the clock. The Corona is a war-zone for them – thousands of books and hundreds of years of training would not have prepared them for the current situation. The sheer resilience and real-time thinking is helping them cope with the ever-changing situation. The Corona experience will influence a whole new way of operations and execution in each of these sectors. Predicting and managing pandemics is going to be a new module in their curriculum! 

    And across all sectors, the rise of digital, contact-less and remote working is inevitable. The degree of digitalisation will vary but the fusion of online and offline world is an irreversible trend. Schools and universities will leverage online learning like never before. Technology will change the healthcare industry with remote diagnosis, contactless monitoring and predictive analytic models. 

    The workplace engagement is getting redefined. The real substance is taking over those online meetings. Is there a real alignment with the organisation? Is there an identification with the purpose and the vision? Are the people really inspiring? What is the future?

    The human relationships are changing as well. People are not used to spending weeks together with their spouses and family. One cannot fake and plan things beyond a few days. The real relationship will speak. Either people will find that their bickering partner is actually a nice person and maybe that is why they got together in the first place. Or they will find discover the futility of inauthentic relationship  and address the elephants and dinosaurs in the locked down room. In either case, true freedom and happiness will emerge. True love will find a way. 

    The digital brings new challenge for families and kids. The rise of Netflix binge-watching, smartphone stickiness, social media addiction and ‘Everything on Zoom’ is natural. Birthday and anniversaries are being celebrated on Zoom. Families are discovering new activities and ideas to stay connected and sane. Depression and loneliness are the other side of the reality for many families, especially for senior citizens. The simple and basis interactions are curtailed. Some physical and digital connect with constant counselling is the need of the hour. The mindful activities like meditation, painting, reading etc. will need constant encouragement.

    Lockdown is indeed brining many interesting challenges. Purpose, positive attitude, high empathy and strong awareness will help us to come out stronger and better on the other side of Corona Lockdown. 

    Photo by Matt Seymour 

  • Corona Virus – A Great Opportunity

    Corona Virus – A Great Opportunity

    The Corona Virus has changed the world. It is the first universal crisis that has affected everyone across the board. The world is clearly going to be divided into pre-Corona and post-Corona world. For better. For worse. Time will well. 

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity. 

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity to reiterate the commitment to customers. It is a natural reaction to safeguard one’s own existing business. But can you think about the customer’s business? What challenges are they facing? How can you ensure that their business is not affected? Can the teams ensure business as usual? The customer will notice all the actions that an organisation will take for living the promises and delivering value. And will you go beyond? How will the customer’s business change due to the crisis? How can you help them? It can help you identify new opportunities but win the long-term respect of the customer. 

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity to innovate. The status quo is the enemy of innovation in many organizations. The crisis is the best time to challenge the status quo. The crisis is the time to go to the drawing board and think of new ideas and new business models. Corona Virus has opened up time and resources for many organizations. Make the most of the same. 

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity to redefine the business. Digital ready business will have an advantage over the traditional businesses and push the overall digital agenda across all organizations including public services. Digital, healthcare, telecom etc. are the obvious winners in the short term. But all businesses will have to think of the post Corona business situation and prepare – the ones that will adapt will thrive! 

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity to win and re-engage with employees. The relentless pursuit of execution excellence often blinds an organization to the people behind the success. The organisational hierarchies, systems and work pressure often adds to the distance. This is the perfect time to find the human hearts behind the employees. How an organization will treat the employees in this period will determine the success of the organization for a long time to come. How the organization will protect their interests will speak volumes about the ethics of the organisation. And the organizations that will go beyond the realm of legal compliance and money and stand together with the employees will buy long term loyalty and respect. 

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity to connect to the family. Many are not used to spending lot of time with family members. After the initial awkwardness, people will discover the simple pleasures of family life – cooking with kids, fun of dancing together, exploring a hobby or reliving the journey – many things that usually take a backseat in the busy life. Celebrate what makes you click as a family. Create a family value chart and write the family history. Create a new ritual or do something totally crazy. Lack of time is usually the biggest culprit for any relationship breakdown – now that you have time, make it count!

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity to prepare for the future of living. The remote workplace and digital lifestyle has got its biggest boost with the Corona Virus induced lockdown. How we work, how we live, how we learn, how we stay healthy, how we grow – all this will determine the template for future.  

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity for each and every nation to show its crisis management skills and the empathic care of its citizens. The national health system and the entire government machinery will have to adopt extremely agile thinking and coordinated execution. It is an opportunity to test continual of delivery of the essential services and protect critical infrastructure while facing a contagion crisis.  

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity for the world to invest in universal and global healthcare goals. Corona Virus has shown that no country can work in isolation. It is a perfect time for collaboration between countries to think of the long-term solution for medical issues. Research funding needs to be accelerated along with investment in local and grassroot delivery infrastructure. The Corona Virus provides an opportunity to think about how to prevent the next crisis? And understand where the world failed in current crisis’ prediction and what was learnt? 

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity to invest in self. The ‘always-on’ mode leaves with us limited time for self. The ‘someday’ activities and passion projects keep on piling up. This is the perfect time to take up those pending projects. Take an online course or learn a new skill. Prepare for the next stage of career growth. Take an obituary test or challenge yourself for a 21-day habit change. Prepare the bucket list. Paint your dreams. Create smart goals for the lockdown time.  

    The Corona Virus is an opportunity to give. Many of us are in privileged positions. Except for being confined to our homes, we do not suffer major hardships. But there are millions whose daily livelihood is affected. Closure of schools affects the kids who depended on their daily meals in the schools. Senior citizens are struggling. Children are neglected. Offer help to the medical fraternity, government officials and their families. Help the less privileged brethren. Give time, energy, thought and financial help for the less fortunate ones. There has never been a perfect time to give. Give, give, give. 

    Corona has changed the world and we still do not the full impact yet! Be positive and look at the bright side. Everyone will emerge better, stronger and faster – together!

    Image: Marc Olivier Jodoin

    The article first appeared on Thrive Global on March 25, 2020

  • Quarantine Quarantine

    Quarantine Quarantine

    Quarantine Quarantine
    Life Is Fine
    Love, Friends & Family 
    Bring The Sunshine

    Quarantine Quarantine
    Ash-Virus Has Spine
    Purpose Idea Energy 
    Never Easily Decline

    Quarantine Quarantine
    Time Is Mine
    Revisit The Passion
    True Self Is Divine

    Quarantine Quarantine
    Priorities May Re-Assign
    Hear The Inner Voice
    Make The True North Align

    Quarantine Quarantine
    Fast Lane Is A Slow Line
    Treasure The Nostalgia Box
    Cherish Today’s Cloud Nine

    Quarantine Quarantine
    Doctors & Nurses Shine
    Officers & Helpers Serve
    Perspectives Will Surely Redefine

    Quarantine Quarantine
    Stock Markets Worry Top-line
    Healthy Mind, Fit Body, Children
    Are The Real Bottomline

    Quarantine Quarantine
    World Is Benign
    Love, Care & Help Overflow
    Human Hearts Are True Shrine

    Image: Sharon McCutcheon

    The article first appeared in Thrive Global – the leading media platform for health and wellness.

  • Movember – Let’s Talk Men’s Health

    Movember – Let’s Talk Men’s Health

    Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota!

    Really? Think Again!

    The modern life is full of deadlines, challenges and stress. We are always busy and there is always so much to do! Health is the first casualty of such an ‘always on’ lifestyle! Family, relationships and hobbies are next in line, all of which has an impact on mental health.

    Lack of sleep and anxiety are a common part of corporate life today. Depression, suicidal tendencies,  cancer and heart-related issues are the more serious health challenges men face today.

    Has life to be this way? Let’s take a pause.

    Pahel Team has brought the Movember challenge to Infostretch. Movember is a leading charity that is focussed on changing the face of men’s health. The idea is to start talking about Men’s health issues and create an overall awareness.

    When the supremely talented and amazing Geetanjali Sahni challenged me for the Movember challenge, I readily accepted it. The Rockstar believes that men’s health is not just a subject for man alone. It affects the whole society including family, friends and workplace. And men need health classes, nutrition and counselling – just as much as women! Very True! 

    And I equally pleased that Aparajito and Heeren Panchal join Team Geetanjali – she is as much a tough taskmaster as she is an electrifying cheerleader. Aparajito has been my partner in crime in converting ideas into beautiful designs. Our creative jugalabandi will help us in Movember as we all create more awareness of Men’s health issues.

    It’s Mo Time – Let it Grow!

    Let’s change the face of men’s health!

    Investing in our health is the best gift to ourselves, our loved ones and the world around us! Dead men cannot create sustainable success or spread happiness!

  • Core Values – Defining Your Guiding Light!

    Core Values – Defining Your Guiding Light!

    Creating a life of purpose requires us to be in sync with our true self. And I believe knowing our core values is an important aspect of life design.

    Core Values are usually associated with organisations. But all of us also have our core values and principles. Our behaviour, decisions and actions are driven by them.

    Core values are our guiding lights! Core values are our true north! Core values define us! They help us to understand what is important to us and what we really cherish! Core Values enable decision-making. When we are confused, our values can direct us to the right road. It can help us make the choices that are consistent with our belief systems. And that creates happiness and bliss. If our actions are not aligned with our core values, we feel frustration and stress.

    What are your core values? How do you define your core values? Core values are not created – they are discovered. Over a period of time, our values emerge and become our compass. So, reflect on yourself, the journey and list out all things that come to your mind – when you define yourself and what you stand for. Be honest with self and only list the real values – no need for cool or nice words.

    My core values are:

    Authenticity – Being honest, straight-forward and sincere

    Simplicity – Less is more

    Loyalty – Dependability, sticking to commitments

    Creativity – Being different, versatile and trying new things

    Generosity – Share the success. ‘Live2Give’ is the mantra!

    My professional values are:

    Purpose – Always be goal-driven

    Passion – What is life without passion or enthusiasm?

    Promise – Deliver the commitments, keep the faith

    Performance – Results drive professional life

    Play – Add life to work with fun and joy for self and everyone around!

    Once the core values are determined, live the values! The details are in action! Let the behaviour be aligned with your values. It will help you take the right short term and long-term decisions. It will help you to live life to your own chosen standards. And that is a bliss!

    Image Credit: Joshua Hibbert

  • Suicide Is Not The Answer

    Suicide Is Not The Answer

    Shocked and saddened by the suicide of V G Siddhartha – cannot believe it!

    Siddhartha founded the Cafe Coffee Day chain and changed the way India drank coffee. He created thousands of jobs, a great brand and shared wealth. He also backed Mindtree and underwrote Infosys shares. He made other IT investments and gave support to the founders.

    Why did he do this? We will never know the reasons. He came from a strong family, had great political and business connections. He was a successful entrepreneur. There are talks about the pressure of PE investor, Income Tax harassment and Debt woes. But an entrepreneur knows all such challenges – at what point did it really get too much? Or was there something else?

    It is impossible for us to judge what he must be going through. No one can imagine his situation. 

    My point is simple….Suicide is not the answer. Life is a gift. Setbacks give way to sunshine. Today’s problems will go away.  

    Suicide means end of a great talent and human potential. It means failure of the human spirit. It leaves behind emotional scars for family and friends for life – a guilt that they could not do enough. 

    And yes, no individual nor any organisation is worth giving up our live for. 

    When one feels low, please talk to friends. Listen to music – a cure for everything. Spend time with nature. Or help others – world is full of more unfortunate people and helpless situations than us – help others. Instead of giving up life, help others live a good life and one could find our own meaning of life. 

    Reach out fo self-care group, suicide prevention helplines like Sneha, Parivartan etc.. Organizations like Moodcafe, White Swan Foundation, Live Love Laugh Foundation, MPower Minds can help as well. 

    Choose life. Suicide is not the answer. This too shall pass. 

    Image Courtesy: Faris Mohammed

  • Thoughts On Death

    Thoughts On Death

    Death is a technical problem. Yuval Noah Harris says that death happens because our body parts fail. The next frontier in science is to conquer death. We are adding years to our life with each passing decade. Can we become immortal? 

    Death is the ultimate truth of life. People are either afraid of death or try to run away from it. Acknowledge it. Accept it. And live today’s life with full celebration!

    Death is the reality of life. And when we die, the bank balance, designation, KRAs, Instagram supremacy and everything else will cease to matter. Within a few days, live will move on. Within a few years, the name will be gone. Within a few generations, our memory will be gone. So why stress so much? Let us live a life of principles. Let us live a life to be an example to our network. Let us live a life to help others.

    After a good day of hard work and meaningful activities with family, one gets a great sleep. Similarly, a life of good deed and actions results in a peaceful long time sleep.

    What would I wish when I die? One of my life’s biggest principle is ‘Live 2 Give’. I guess it should continue after the death. Hence it would be nice to be useful to others even when I am gone. Organ donation or donating the complete body for medical reasons is a great option. The soul has departed, so if the body organs can help someone else, it should be exercised. In India, there are emotional and spiritual reasons that are discussed, but I believe it is the lack of awareness on the benefits of organ donation that is the key issue. I would love to give possessions like books to the people who benefit from it. 

    Death should not be a serious event. There should be no or minimal formalities – let the world carry on without being affected. The loved ones and friends should celebrate the departure at a cinema call and watch a favourite movie – Anand, Guide, Kabhi Haa Kabhi Naa! If food questions comes in, the South Indian food is the way to go! And pan as well!

    Image Courtesy: Hanan Hashi