I feared being alone, until I learned to like myself
I feared failure, until I realized that I only fail when I don’t try
I feared success, until I realized that I had to try in order to be happy with myself
I feared people’s opinions, until I learned that people would have opinions about me anyway
I feared rejection, until I learned to have faith in myself
I feared pain, until I realized that it‘s necessary for growth
I feared the truth, until I saw the ugliness in lies
I feared life, until I experienced its beauty
I feared death, until I realized that it’s not an end, but a beginning
I feared my destiny, until I realized that I had the power to change my life
I feared hate, until I saw that it was nothing more than ignorance
I feared love, until it touched my heart, making the darkness fade into endlessly
sunny days
I feared ridicule, until I learned how to laugh at myself
I feared growing old, until I realized that I gained wisdom every day
I feared the future, until I realized that life just kept getting better
I feared the past, until I realized that it could no longer hurt me
I feared the dark, until I saw the beauty of the starlight
I feared the light, until I learned that the truth would give me strength
I feared change, until I saw that even the most beautiful butterfly has to undergo metamorphosis before it could fly.
We came across this poem in the senior school bulletin board.
Something to think about as another year and a decade come to an end, or is it a new beginning?
Friday, December 31, 2010
A gentler way
We have been at Rishi Valley for a few days now. The school is located in a quiet campus. We walk everywhere. The area is a plastic-free zone. Food is served only in the dining area at regular intervals. There is no occasion to snack and no means of obtaining unhealthy snack wrapped in plastic, and therefore there is no litter. With no TVs, computers and other variety of electrical gadgets blasting ear-piercing sounds, it is serenely quiet. Even cell-phone usage is restricted. In these surroundings, it is natural to find people speaking softly, kindly.
There is no race to get to the office, no tearing rush to beat the traffic, but everything is done at the prescribed time. Work gets done, but without the trappings of stress and pressure that we assume go hand-in-hand with accomplishing your goals.
Is it the current state of our society that is making us loud and callous or is it our loud, callous behavior creating a more stressful society?
There is no race to get to the office, no tearing rush to beat the traffic, but everything is done at the prescribed time. Work gets done, but without the trappings of stress and pressure that we assume go hand-in-hand with accomplishing your goals.
Is it the current state of our society that is making us loud and callous or is it our loud, callous behavior creating a more stressful society?
Confessions of a Shopaholic - Book Review
This is a book written just so it can be made into a movie and surely, the little blurb on the paperback I am reading says “Now a major motion picture”; which also means that I am reading it probably a few years after it showed up in bookstores and became a bestseller. Written by Sophie Kinsella in the typical breezy chick-lit genre, it another Bridget Jones, in the guise of Becky Bloomwood, a twenty-something with a job she can barely tolerate but needs desperately to pay for her addiction.
Retail-therapy is what works for our heroine, as the title suggests. As you flip through the pages, you find her acquiring objects with a frenzy that is mind-boggling. From her penchant for cappuccino and chocolate to her obsession with branded clothes and shoes, she comes across as an air-head with a credit card but no concept of living within her means. As all addicts, she lies and cheats to feed her weakness but instead of dark drama , the narrative is light-hearted and downright funny.
Situated in the happening city of London, we come across names of all major retailers including Harrods and some that may not be as familiar to readers from other countries. But it is hard to not be reminded of the predicament of damsels in distress across centuries from the time of Jane Austen, who need to be rescued by knights in shining armor. In times of fiscal crisis as Becky finds herself in with her credit cards confiscated and accounts that are penniless, she comes across not one but two prospective knights of the new millennium who have the potential to save her.
The book is an easy read, funny and light, good to take while awaiting that delayed flight or to take along on a holiday.
Retail-therapy is what works for our heroine, as the title suggests. As you flip through the pages, you find her acquiring objects with a frenzy that is mind-boggling. From her penchant for cappuccino and chocolate to her obsession with branded clothes and shoes, she comes across as an air-head with a credit card but no concept of living within her means. As all addicts, she lies and cheats to feed her weakness but instead of dark drama , the narrative is light-hearted and downright funny.
Situated in the happening city of London, we come across names of all major retailers including Harrods and some that may not be as familiar to readers from other countries. But it is hard to not be reminded of the predicament of damsels in distress across centuries from the time of Jane Austen, who need to be rescued by knights in shining armor. In times of fiscal crisis as Becky finds herself in with her credit cards confiscated and accounts that are penniless, she comes across not one but two prospective knights of the new millennium who have the potential to save her.
The book is an easy read, funny and light, good to take while awaiting that delayed flight or to take along on a holiday.
Absolute Minimum
I want to share something I read in the Hindu, an excerpt from an interview with Venky Ramakrishnan, this year’s Nobel Prize winner for biology who said “Do not pursue anything that you are not interested in. This is the absolute minimum to succeed.”
Sounds simple enough – do what you like and success will kiss your feet. Ramakrishnan himself studied theoretical physics but switched over to biology where much more cutting edge research was taking place and had great potential for applications in several fields. The formula worked for him. What about the rest of us?
Today I am approached by a lot of students who are pursuing higher education in various fields. They have little clarity on what opportunities they will have once they finish college. They are equally unclear about what got them into this field to begin with. Sometimes students ask me to tell them what they should be studying. Most of them are stumped when I ask them, “What do you like?”
In this era of information overload, youngsters are savvy enough to pick out a cell phone from the myriad brands and features available to them but when it comes to knowing themselves, they seem extremely unsure. Why this dichotomy? Isn’t self-awareness a worthy trait to have? Are we nurturing it in society? Is there a formula to inculcate such an intangible quality in our youth?
Shouldn’t we match the educational choices of our children to their aptitude and innate talents and then give them tools to polish their skills? Instead we find children trying to live the dreams of their parents or following textbook advice about careers that are not suitable for them. It takes a lifetime to unravel this tangled web to look for that nugget of self that has been buried under the expectations of society.
As the Nobel laureate suggests, it may be worthwhile to take a few minutes to answer the question of “What interests you?” before building dreams of a Nobel prize.
Sounds simple enough – do what you like and success will kiss your feet. Ramakrishnan himself studied theoretical physics but switched over to biology where much more cutting edge research was taking place and had great potential for applications in several fields. The formula worked for him. What about the rest of us?
Today I am approached by a lot of students who are pursuing higher education in various fields. They have little clarity on what opportunities they will have once they finish college. They are equally unclear about what got them into this field to begin with. Sometimes students ask me to tell them what they should be studying. Most of them are stumped when I ask them, “What do you like?”
In this era of information overload, youngsters are savvy enough to pick out a cell phone from the myriad brands and features available to them but when it comes to knowing themselves, they seem extremely unsure. Why this dichotomy? Isn’t self-awareness a worthy trait to have? Are we nurturing it in society? Is there a formula to inculcate such an intangible quality in our youth?
Shouldn’t we match the educational choices of our children to their aptitude and innate talents and then give them tools to polish their skills? Instead we find children trying to live the dreams of their parents or following textbook advice about careers that are not suitable for them. It takes a lifetime to unravel this tangled web to look for that nugget of self that has been buried under the expectations of society.
As the Nobel laureate suggests, it may be worthwhile to take a few minutes to answer the question of “What interests you?” before building dreams of a Nobel prize.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
A pause
I once read a book by a fairly established Indian writer, for some reason, the name of the book escapes me but I was fascinated by the description of music that filled the pages. The book was a work of fiction and the central character was a famous classical Indian music singer. The richness of the language that described the beauty of the ragas and the constant struggle of the artist to not overpower but grasp the intricacies of the notes were beautifully described. Somewhere it was mentioned that just as the notes and words made up the substance of the song, it was the pause between the notes that made it melodious.
I am reminded of the significance of a pause as I spend the last few days of 2010 in the serene surroundings of Rishi Valley. Located near the town of Madanapally in Andhra Pradesh, this institution founded by thinker, J. Krishnamurti, is well known for its residential school. There is a study centre here where teachings of the founder are available for study.
Right now, school is in progress. We join the students for meals but are free to wander around the campus. There is no automobile or sound pollution, cellphones are prohibited, except in the guesthouse, and internet is limited. There is no television. The mornings bring in the sun with the sounds of birds chirping closeby. The days are spent in quiet introspection although I still spend a few hours catching up on work. The nights are chilly, with clear starry nights, unobscured by smog. We seem to have many more hours at our disposal in the evenings since we don't have to give them up to the TV god.
It seems that this pause is essential, to mark the end of the year, to enable the beginning of another. The slower pace of life punctuates the stream of activity that forms the rest of the year and shines light on the melody that is around us.
I am reminded of the significance of a pause as I spend the last few days of 2010 in the serene surroundings of Rishi Valley. Located near the town of Madanapally in Andhra Pradesh, this institution founded by thinker, J. Krishnamurti, is well known for its residential school. There is a study centre here where teachings of the founder are available for study.
Right now, school is in progress. We join the students for meals but are free to wander around the campus. There is no automobile or sound pollution, cellphones are prohibited, except in the guesthouse, and internet is limited. There is no television. The mornings bring in the sun with the sounds of birds chirping closeby. The days are spent in quiet introspection although I still spend a few hours catching up on work. The nights are chilly, with clear starry nights, unobscured by smog. We seem to have many more hours at our disposal in the evenings since we don't have to give them up to the TV god.
It seems that this pause is essential, to mark the end of the year, to enable the beginning of another. The slower pace of life punctuates the stream of activity that forms the rest of the year and shines light on the melody that is around us.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
A new experience
Today I went for a test drive for my next car. I have narrowed my choice own to the Volkswagen Vento. I went to Orion Motors and got into the white demo car. It felt good to get behind the wheel of a brand new car and drive along the smooth roads around KBR Park. I looked at the price list and asked about the accessories. When we returned back to the showroom, I was told that I would have to wait at least a couple of months for the car to be delivered. I don't mind.
I started driving almost 20 years ago and always thought of a car as a necessary means for getting around, specially when I lived in the US. I usually did not contribute much to the discussion about the model/make/series. I was happy to have a vehicle to drive. I was not too concerned about speakers and upholstery, price tag or social prestige associated with owning a vehicles. I did not participate in negotiations with the dealer. I was just a "user".
When I finally get this car delivered to my doorstep, this will be the first car that I drive, which is bought by me, for me. I would have chosen, tested and of course, paid for it myself. The car that I have picked is truly reflection of me at this time of my life. The whole car buying experience is itself a a major step. Like other things I have learnt to do for myself, I have now taken another step, or should I say, a leap?
I started driving almost 20 years ago and always thought of a car as a necessary means for getting around, specially when I lived in the US. I usually did not contribute much to the discussion about the model/make/series. I was happy to have a vehicle to drive. I was not too concerned about speakers and upholstery, price tag or social prestige associated with owning a vehicles. I did not participate in negotiations with the dealer. I was just a "user".
When I finally get this car delivered to my doorstep, this will be the first car that I drive, which is bought by me, for me. I would have chosen, tested and of course, paid for it myself. The car that I have picked is truly reflection of me at this time of my life. The whole car buying experience is itself a a major step. Like other things I have learnt to do for myself, I have now taken another step, or should I say, a leap?
Friday, December 24, 2010
How Starbucks Saved My Life - Book review
I picked up the book attracted by the title - coffee is definitely classified as a stimulating beverage but lifesaving? I was intrigued by the description that it was "the riches to rags story of a man who had it all, then lost it all and found it again."
The book is a memoir of Michael Gates Gill, a man in his sixties, living in New York, who finds himself in unexpected circumstances after a life of privilege. Son of a prominent writer and blessed with a picture-perfect life; prestigious job at a respected advertising agency, wife and kids, houses and corporate perks, Michael loves the life of luxury that he is blessed with. But with sudden job loss, followed by other personal misfortunes, he finds himself without a job, a home and all alone.
That is when he walks into a Starbucks for a latte and is asked by a young black woman whether he wants a job. On a whim and clutching the offer as a last straw, Michael begins a new life as a "partner" at Starbucks. He literally learns a new way of life and begins by cleaning the toilet and floors. Over a period of time, Michael learns not only how to start a new career from the bottom of the ladder but also interacts with people who were never part of his social sphere and learns about respect, dignity of labor and most importantly, how to find happiness in life. Starbucks provides a supportive work environment which respects guests and partners (as customers and employees as called in Starbucks lingo) and provides the ideal space for Michael to have his epiphanies. He builds a relationship with his grown children on an equal footing and regains his self-esteem.
The book is written in a light, narrative style with broad glimpses of life in upper-class New York society, a time in US history where Michael is fortunate enough to meet the likes of Jackie Kennedy, Ernest Hemmingway and others. There are personal insights along the way including advice on how precious moments of life are bypassed in the quest for career success, fame or money.
As the story chronicles Michael's life for a period of almost a year, the book appears to be not just the story of one person but of Starbucks as an organization that truly strives to be different in its approach towards both its partners as well as its guests.
I particularly liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter which are quotes printed on the side of coffee cups at Starbucks, either extracts from songs or by guests at Starbucks. My favorite one was "The human catalysts for dreamers are the teachers and encouragers that dreamers encounter throughout their lives. So here's a special thanks to all of the teachers." Micheal describes his school teacher, Miss Markham, who kept faith in Michael who as a boy who could not read until he was in sixth grade and wrote him a prediction "Michael Gates Gill is destined to be great."
For most of the book, the teacher's prediction seemed redundant considering that a child born into the lap of luxury, graduate of Yale, top brass at a prestigious ad agency, pretty much had lived a live preordained through his birth until his sixties. But at the end of the book, Michael acknowledges all the significant influences in the writing of the book and the fact that it was chosen to be made into a film by the incredibly talented Tom Hanks.
Michael Gill attained his greatness as predicted by Miss Markham, but only when he rewrote his fate by starting over, at the place where most of us live all our lives.
The book is a memoir of Michael Gates Gill, a man in his sixties, living in New York, who finds himself in unexpected circumstances after a life of privilege. Son of a prominent writer and blessed with a picture-perfect life; prestigious job at a respected advertising agency, wife and kids, houses and corporate perks, Michael loves the life of luxury that he is blessed with. But with sudden job loss, followed by other personal misfortunes, he finds himself without a job, a home and all alone.
That is when he walks into a Starbucks for a latte and is asked by a young black woman whether he wants a job. On a whim and clutching the offer as a last straw, Michael begins a new life as a "partner" at Starbucks. He literally learns a new way of life and begins by cleaning the toilet and floors. Over a period of time, Michael learns not only how to start a new career from the bottom of the ladder but also interacts with people who were never part of his social sphere and learns about respect, dignity of labor and most importantly, how to find happiness in life. Starbucks provides a supportive work environment which respects guests and partners (as customers and employees as called in Starbucks lingo) and provides the ideal space for Michael to have his epiphanies. He builds a relationship with his grown children on an equal footing and regains his self-esteem.
The book is written in a light, narrative style with broad glimpses of life in upper-class New York society, a time in US history where Michael is fortunate enough to meet the likes of Jackie Kennedy, Ernest Hemmingway and others. There are personal insights along the way including advice on how precious moments of life are bypassed in the quest for career success, fame or money.
As the story chronicles Michael's life for a period of almost a year, the book appears to be not just the story of one person but of Starbucks as an organization that truly strives to be different in its approach towards both its partners as well as its guests.
I particularly liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter which are quotes printed on the side of coffee cups at Starbucks, either extracts from songs or by guests at Starbucks. My favorite one was "The human catalysts for dreamers are the teachers and encouragers that dreamers encounter throughout their lives. So here's a special thanks to all of the teachers." Micheal describes his school teacher, Miss Markham, who kept faith in Michael who as a boy who could not read until he was in sixth grade and wrote him a prediction "Michael Gates Gill is destined to be great."
For most of the book, the teacher's prediction seemed redundant considering that a child born into the lap of luxury, graduate of Yale, top brass at a prestigious ad agency, pretty much had lived a live preordained through his birth until his sixties. But at the end of the book, Michael acknowledges all the significant influences in the writing of the book and the fact that it was chosen to be made into a film by the incredibly talented Tom Hanks.
Michael Gill attained his greatness as predicted by Miss Markham, but only when he rewrote his fate by starting over, at the place where most of us live all our lives.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Time for introspection
I met a friend for lunch today. We were talking about plans for the upcoming year end weekends. He mentioned that he likes to stay put at this time of the year to reflect back on the year that was. For a typical extrovert that appears to be, it seemed out of character. I asked him how he scored 2010. He said it had been "brilliant" and set out to list all the accomplishments - finally getting his Ph.D., a promotion, building scientific rigor in the group that he managed. But he also listed his trips to Corbett and Bandhavgarh to see the tigers, his hobby of photography and his passion for teaching that he had been able to follow.
I was impressed. He was able to articulate the important things he had accomplished but more significantly, he was able to give himself credit for it.
So often I find myself rushing from one activity to another, moving from one completed project to another, hardly keeping track of how I feel about it. I have had a good year too but I will need more time to list the highlights. Perhaps I need to underline what I would like to keep on the list or do more of in the new year and savor the satisfaction of all the accomplishments.
I am taking a few days off next week. I plan to get on with that list and articulate the goals for next year as well.
You should too.
I was impressed. He was able to articulate the important things he had accomplished but more significantly, he was able to give himself credit for it.
So often I find myself rushing from one activity to another, moving from one completed project to another, hardly keeping track of how I feel about it. I have had a good year too but I will need more time to list the highlights. Perhaps I need to underline what I would like to keep on the list or do more of in the new year and savor the satisfaction of all the accomplishments.
I am taking a few days off next week. I plan to get on with that list and articulate the goals for next year as well.
You should too.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Invention and innovation
I have thought of myself as a scientist for quite some time now, without dwelling too much on what that really meant. But yesterday I attended the inauguration of my friend's company. It was a small function but significant milestone for my friend, herself a scientist who has now turned entrepreneur.
The Chief Guest spoke about the definition of invention and innovation and quoted the famous economist Schumpeter who has elaborated on the topic of innovation and entrepreneurship. While invention is the domain of the scientist who is always on the lookout for something new, innovation is the act of making a product that can actually be used by society. Innovation leads to entrepreneurship. Scientists may or may not be entrepreneurs but major progress in many fields comes about as a result of a combination of talents, from those who are scientists and others with the entrepreneurial spirit. Occasionally, a scientist is able to himself make the transition from invention to innovation. We were celebrating the fruition of one such transformation yesterday.
Long live scientists and entrepreneurs. May their tribe increase.
The Chief Guest spoke about the definition of invention and innovation and quoted the famous economist Schumpeter who has elaborated on the topic of innovation and entrepreneurship. While invention is the domain of the scientist who is always on the lookout for something new, innovation is the act of making a product that can actually be used by society. Innovation leads to entrepreneurship. Scientists may or may not be entrepreneurs but major progress in many fields comes about as a result of a combination of talents, from those who are scientists and others with the entrepreneurial spirit. Occasionally, a scientist is able to himself make the transition from invention to innovation. We were celebrating the fruition of one such transformation yesterday.
Long live scientists and entrepreneurs. May their tribe increase.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thought for the day
I read this last week in "Connect the Dots". It is featured in the "Advice to Entrepreneurs" section of the chapter on R. Sriram, founder of Crossword bookstore.
He quotes the chairman of Starbucks as having said:
To succeed you need to care more than others think wise. You need to risk more than others think safe. You need to dream more than others think practical and you need to expect more than others think possible."
The words came to me when I was wrestling with some issues on growing my business. Thinking about them has made me more clear-headed as I weigh options.
Will let you know.
First, let me get that cup of coffee.
He quotes the chairman of Starbucks as having said:
To succeed you need to care more than others think wise. You need to risk more than others think safe. You need to dream more than others think practical and you need to expect more than others think possible."
The words came to me when I was wrestling with some issues on growing my business. Thinking about them has made me more clear-headed as I weigh options.
Will let you know.
First, let me get that cup of coffee.
A wish, revisited
Almost 10 years ago, Volkswagen launched the new version of the classic Beetle in the US. I used to drive a Toyota Corolla then, a nondescript silver sedan with 100K miles on it. I had recently been promoted and was told that I needed a new car. I am not an automobile buff. Apart from driving, I just make sure there is enough fuel to get to my destination, occasionally I check the tire pressure or get servicing done. I did not have any particular car that I coveted. And then came the red Beetle that stole my heart.
I loved the dome-shaped head, the cute lights and the overall glamor quotient. The two-door tiny car was not the most practical choice when you have to ferry around a three-year old in a car seat. But I wanted a Beetle, a little red bug. Given the popularity of the model, there were no red bugs in the entire state of California. I was told it would take 3 weeks, at least, to get one from a VW dealership across the state border. And somewhere in those three weeks, I lost interest.
So I drove the old Corolla for two more years.
Now, it's time to buy a new car. Just when VW is introducing its fleet in India.
I think I will get a Volkswagen. But should I get the Beetle?
Readers - I would like your opinion.
I loved the dome-shaped head, the cute lights and the overall glamor quotient. The two-door tiny car was not the most practical choice when you have to ferry around a three-year old in a car seat. But I wanted a Beetle, a little red bug. Given the popularity of the model, there were no red bugs in the entire state of California. I was told it would take 3 weeks, at least, to get one from a VW dealership across the state border. And somewhere in those three weeks, I lost interest.
So I drove the old Corolla for two more years.
Now, it's time to buy a new car. Just when VW is introducing its fleet in India.
I think I will get a Volkswagen. But should I get the Beetle?
Readers - I would like your opinion.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Two books and half a review
I have been busy lately that my most prized activity of the day, bedtime reading has been abandoned in favor of a few extra minutes of well-deserved sleep.
I browse bookstores in airports and quite frequently stock up on books. I have even finished reading whole books while waiting to board delayed flights! Given such a track record, I have missed feeding my reading habit and only in the last week have I got back on the reading wagon again.
What am I reading now? A book called "Connect the Dots", the words printed upside down on the front cover, with little "." (dots) where the "o" should be in the two main words of the title. Cute. It is a book compiled by Rashmi Bansal, considered a bestselling author due to the success of her previous compilation, "Stay hungry stay foolish." The author is not truly a writer, but more of a narrator of the true stories of people. An IIM-A graduate herself, she chose 25 IIM alumni who had ventured into the world of entrepreneurship and told their stories.
The current book, though based on similar lines, i.e. stories of 20 people, has one thing in common - they do NOT have management degrees. Many are not highly educated and all of them have no formal training on starting or running a business. They have achieved varying degrees of success in various fields, ranging from retail restaurant chains, quirky t-shirts, software and cheese.
Both books leave you feeling cheated, not for the stories of courageous individuals who stepped off the beaten track but for the quality of the writing. Pedestrian prose, very few insights and poor quality of narration. The books are poor literature but the people themselves, specially in "Connect the dots", are stellar examples of how one person can overcome ordinary challenges and create extraordinary ventures. A little common sense, a lot of commitment to the cause and immense faith in oneself, is all that is needed to create successful business because all the degrees in the world will not instill these qualities in you if you don't possess the seed to begin with.
My other disappointment is with the fact that both books feature only 2 women each - either the sampling is skewed (for the stories that were selected) or the statistic is sad, if the selection truly represents entrepreneurship potential of women. I think there are many women entrepreneurs out there who routinely forge a new path but perhaps their company turnover is not sufficient to make it to this list.
Therein lies the problem - the perception of success in your work-life, measured by the money you make, is like measuring rain water in rupees - the value of life-giving water when you need it most, is ridiculous when weighed in terms of material wealth. Perhaps women (and some men too) measure success with different yardsticks.
To quote Anand Halve, founder of "Chlorophyll" - a brand consultancy, featured in the earlier book who mentioned that they use three yardsticks in order to work on any project "It must give us money, or it must give us fame, or it must give us great joy".
Perhaps one day there will be a book on people who chose paths that diverged from the road well-traveled, and chose the one that lead to a joyful life.
I browse bookstores in airports and quite frequently stock up on books. I have even finished reading whole books while waiting to board delayed flights! Given such a track record, I have missed feeding my reading habit and only in the last week have I got back on the reading wagon again.
What am I reading now? A book called "Connect the Dots", the words printed upside down on the front cover, with little "." (dots) where the "o" should be in the two main words of the title. Cute. It is a book compiled by Rashmi Bansal, considered a bestselling author due to the success of her previous compilation, "Stay hungry stay foolish." The author is not truly a writer, but more of a narrator of the true stories of people. An IIM-A graduate herself, she chose 25 IIM alumni who had ventured into the world of entrepreneurship and told their stories.
The current book, though based on similar lines, i.e. stories of 20 people, has one thing in common - they do NOT have management degrees. Many are not highly educated and all of them have no formal training on starting or running a business. They have achieved varying degrees of success in various fields, ranging from retail restaurant chains, quirky t-shirts, software and cheese.
Both books leave you feeling cheated, not for the stories of courageous individuals who stepped off the beaten track but for the quality of the writing. Pedestrian prose, very few insights and poor quality of narration. The books are poor literature but the people themselves, specially in "Connect the dots", are stellar examples of how one person can overcome ordinary challenges and create extraordinary ventures. A little common sense, a lot of commitment to the cause and immense faith in oneself, is all that is needed to create successful business because all the degrees in the world will not instill these qualities in you if you don't possess the seed to begin with.
My other disappointment is with the fact that both books feature only 2 women each - either the sampling is skewed (for the stories that were selected) or the statistic is sad, if the selection truly represents entrepreneurship potential of women. I think there are many women entrepreneurs out there who routinely forge a new path but perhaps their company turnover is not sufficient to make it to this list.
Therein lies the problem - the perception of success in your work-life, measured by the money you make, is like measuring rain water in rupees - the value of life-giving water when you need it most, is ridiculous when weighed in terms of material wealth. Perhaps women (and some men too) measure success with different yardsticks.
To quote Anand Halve, founder of "Chlorophyll" - a brand consultancy, featured in the earlier book who mentioned that they use three yardsticks in order to work on any project "It must give us money, or it must give us fame, or it must give us great joy".
Perhaps one day there will be a book on people who chose paths that diverged from the road well-traveled, and chose the one that lead to a joyful life.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
998 pieces
Ever tried putting together a jigsaw puzzle?
A giant one?
I did.
In my dining room hangs a picture of downtown San Francisco. It is a reproduction of an artists perception of the historic city. But it is not a painting. Not a print of the original painting, nor is it a photograph. It is actually a frame where a 1000 piece puzzle of San Francisco is mounted.
The puzzle was a gift to Aparna, on our recent US visit. We decided to tackle the puzzle in the three weeks that we had in the country. It took us, about....oh, days and days of squinting at tiny pieces and trying to find the right place to put it in. We found Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and Crooked Street without too much trouble but the spectacular skyline of the city, with the prominent TransAmerica building and the numerous others that dot the beautiful blue skies, took a lot of time. When we had most of the pieces in place, we noticed that one piece was missing. No amount of searching could locate it.
So one day, we declared that we were done, albeit with 999 pieces! We bought puzzle glue that held the pieces together. We wrapped our creation in two large sheets of newspaper and tried to put it in the suitcase to bring it home. It fit, but barely. The puzzle made it across the seas without too much trouble but lost another piece in transit! The assembled jigsaw puzzle was now in India, but with 998 pieces.
It stayed put for almost 2 months and just prior to the move to my own place, I decided to give it a permanent place where it would be safe. It now hangs in a large cherry wood frame in my dining room.
Quite often it is a topic of conversation. People sometime recognize the cityscape, most often they are surprised to find out that it is a puzzle but hardly anyone notices the missing pieces. To my eyes, I can't help but notice the empty spaces between the 998 other pieces. This is so true of our life. We focus on flaws, on what is missing and seldom "get" the big picture. We rarely give ourselves credit for what we have done or achieved, we tend to look at what is "not there".
But what is surely there, is this beautiful assembled jigsaw puzzle that serves as a daily reminder of where I am today, whole, not necessarily perfect.
A giant one?
I did.
In my dining room hangs a picture of downtown San Francisco. It is a reproduction of an artists perception of the historic city. But it is not a painting. Not a print of the original painting, nor is it a photograph. It is actually a frame where a 1000 piece puzzle of San Francisco is mounted.
The puzzle was a gift to Aparna, on our recent US visit. We decided to tackle the puzzle in the three weeks that we had in the country. It took us, about....oh, days and days of squinting at tiny pieces and trying to find the right place to put it in. We found Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and Crooked Street without too much trouble but the spectacular skyline of the city, with the prominent TransAmerica building and the numerous others that dot the beautiful blue skies, took a lot of time. When we had most of the pieces in place, we noticed that one piece was missing. No amount of searching could locate it.
So one day, we declared that we were done, albeit with 999 pieces! We bought puzzle glue that held the pieces together. We wrapped our creation in two large sheets of newspaper and tried to put it in the suitcase to bring it home. It fit, but barely. The puzzle made it across the seas without too much trouble but lost another piece in transit! The assembled jigsaw puzzle was now in India, but with 998 pieces.
It stayed put for almost 2 months and just prior to the move to my own place, I decided to give it a permanent place where it would be safe. It now hangs in a large cherry wood frame in my dining room.
Quite often it is a topic of conversation. People sometime recognize the cityscape, most often they are surprised to find out that it is a puzzle but hardly anyone notices the missing pieces. To my eyes, I can't help but notice the empty spaces between the 998 other pieces. This is so true of our life. We focus on flaws, on what is missing and seldom "get" the big picture. We rarely give ourselves credit for what we have done or achieved, we tend to look at what is "not there".
But what is surely there, is this beautiful assembled jigsaw puzzle that serves as a daily reminder of where I am today, whole, not necessarily perfect.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Working on holiday
I was in Ooty last week. I have been really busy with work lately, so most of my friends thought that I was taking a well-deserved vacation. I would have been happy if that was the case. I was actually working in Ooty. Teaching, to be precise.
When I agreed to this assignment months ago, it was based on the fact that December seemed far away, I had never been to Ooty before and teaching college students sounded like an easy task. But as the date got closer, I realized that - I was still swamped with other commitments, Ooty can be really cold in December and I had a huge part of the syllabus to cover in 2 days!
But I needed the change from the stressful routine of working from home and headed off to Coimbatore and then to the lovely hills-station of Ooty. It was a grey day when I arrived and then it rained the rest of the evening. I remember being cold, cold, cold, even after covering up with two thick blankets and a convection heater near my feet.
Eventually my body remembered the basics of staying warm and I had two great days with a bunch of highly enthusiastic students. The highlight was the first evening after class when I accompanied the students to the Botanical Garden area after sunset. We ate tender carrots and corn, spicy peanut chaat and Ooty's famous homemade chocolates. I was wise enough to buy some tea and mountain honey as souvenirs since there wasn't much time for sight-seeing with the tight academic schedule.
On my way back to Coimbatore, I stopped by the scenic point of Dolphin's Nose, about 10 km from Conoor. The car took sharp hair-pin bends as we approached the destination, the sun played hide-n-seek at each curve, sometime showing tantalizing views of St. Catherine's water falls and shielding the majestic slopes lush with tea
plantations the very next moment. The fog was so dense by the time we parked that it was hard enough to see your own nose, leave alone that of the famous "Dolphin". I stood there for a few minutes, hoping the fog would lift, not knowing when I would be here again. It cleared a little but then closed in again. It was disappointing to be denied what is every tourist's right - a beautiful view. I felt cheated.
I heard familiar voices and turned around to see that the students had come to the same spot. We laughed and caught up with each other. Took pictures, drank freshly brewed local cardamom-flavored tea. Instantly the mood was light, even though the fog stubbornly stayed put. We got back into our vehicles and agreed to meet in town for lunch.
It struck me then that the morning's events mirrored life. Just as a clear day can suddenly turn foggy, life sometimes unexpectedly brings dark moments; you are caught off-guard, sometimes overwhelmed by the turn of events. But if you truly introspect, you will find that in each situation there is something that is redeeming. An event, a person, an interaction that is memorable. Something that gets you through the bad patch. You need to remain stable but alert to the opportunities that this turn brings into your life.
Did I have a holiday in Ooty? You bet.
When I agreed to this assignment months ago, it was based on the fact that December seemed far away, I had never been to Ooty before and teaching college students sounded like an easy task. But as the date got closer, I realized that - I was still swamped with other commitments, Ooty can be really cold in December and I had a huge part of the syllabus to cover in 2 days!
But I needed the change from the stressful routine of working from home and headed off to Coimbatore and then to the lovely hills-station of Ooty. It was a grey day when I arrived and then it rained the rest of the evening. I remember being cold, cold, cold, even after covering up with two thick blankets and a convection heater near my feet.
Eventually my body remembered the basics of staying warm and I had two great days with a bunch of highly enthusiastic students. The highlight was the first evening after class when I accompanied the students to the Botanical Garden area after sunset. We ate tender carrots and corn, spicy peanut chaat and Ooty's famous homemade chocolates. I was wise enough to buy some tea and mountain honey as souvenirs since there wasn't much time for sight-seeing with the tight academic schedule.
On my way back to Coimbatore, I stopped by the scenic point of Dolphin's Nose, about 10 km from Conoor. The car took sharp hair-pin bends as we approached the destination, the sun played hide-n-seek at each curve, sometime showing tantalizing views of St. Catherine's water falls and shielding the majestic slopes lush with tea
plantations the very next moment. The fog was so dense by the time we parked that it was hard enough to see your own nose, leave alone that of the famous "Dolphin". I stood there for a few minutes, hoping the fog would lift, not knowing when I would be here again. It cleared a little but then closed in again. It was disappointing to be denied what is every tourist's right - a beautiful view. I felt cheated.
I heard familiar voices and turned around to see that the students had come to the same spot. We laughed and caught up with each other. Took pictures, drank freshly brewed local cardamom-flavored tea. Instantly the mood was light, even though the fog stubbornly stayed put. We got back into our vehicles and agreed to meet in town for lunch.
It struck me then that the morning's events mirrored life. Just as a clear day can suddenly turn foggy, life sometimes unexpectedly brings dark moments; you are caught off-guard, sometimes overwhelmed by the turn of events. But if you truly introspect, you will find that in each situation there is something that is redeeming. An event, a person, an interaction that is memorable. Something that gets you through the bad patch. You need to remain stable but alert to the opportunities that this turn brings into your life.
Did I have a holiday in Ooty? You bet.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Doing well vs doing good
I met a good friend after a gap of almost 3 years. It was nice to catch up on all that had happened in the intervening years. Like good friendships, this one did not need to be constantly nurtured with regular phone calls or emails. We exchanged cryptic emails and highlights of important events without getting too sentimental. It was clear that we could get back on the same wavelength that had enabled us to become friends without too much trouble.
We talked about work, family, decision-making, handling the consequences of those decisions and other esoteric topics. We had both left our jobs and moved on, except for the fact that I had decided to chart my own course as an entrepreneur and avoided the regular route of another job.
As I summarized my feelings about where I was today, 3 years since the resignation, I realized that I felt exhilarated by all that had happened. There were highs and lows but overall I felt a great sense of accomplishment for having stood on my own. I now have my own apartment, I drive my car and I employ one person in my company, in addition to sustaining and caring for my family. My circle of friends is much larger than ever before and while I know a lot of people, a lot more people know me.
"Glad to see you doing well", said my friend.
The comment stems from the obvious observation that I appear self-sufficient and pleased. But as I drove back home, I understood that my pleasure at where I find myself today rises not from doing well, but doing good.
I have left behind a lot of negative beliefs, repressive circumstances, unnecessary guilt and other baggage. I try to be a good friend, a reliable consultant, a caring employer and a sensible teacher. I try to provide excellent service and expect to be compensated accordingly. I appreciate the flow of prosperity into my life without overtly getting attached to it.
While work keeps me busy, I try to stay calm. With peace, comes contentment.
And more chances to do good.
We talked about work, family, decision-making, handling the consequences of those decisions and other esoteric topics. We had both left our jobs and moved on, except for the fact that I had decided to chart my own course as an entrepreneur and avoided the regular route of another job.
As I summarized my feelings about where I was today, 3 years since the resignation, I realized that I felt exhilarated by all that had happened. There were highs and lows but overall I felt a great sense of accomplishment for having stood on my own. I now have my own apartment, I drive my car and I employ one person in my company, in addition to sustaining and caring for my family. My circle of friends is much larger than ever before and while I know a lot of people, a lot more people know me.
"Glad to see you doing well", said my friend.
The comment stems from the obvious observation that I appear self-sufficient and pleased. But as I drove back home, I understood that my pleasure at where I find myself today rises not from doing well, but doing good.
I have left behind a lot of negative beliefs, repressive circumstances, unnecessary guilt and other baggage. I try to be a good friend, a reliable consultant, a caring employer and a sensible teacher. I try to provide excellent service and expect to be compensated accordingly. I appreciate the flow of prosperity into my life without overtly getting attached to it.
While work keeps me busy, I try to stay calm. With peace, comes contentment.
And more chances to do good.
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