Quiet Reflections

Category: Reflections

  • The Hype Curve — Applied to a Career

    The Hype Curve — Applied to a Career

    You’ve probably seen the Gartner Hype Cycle — a curved graph that tracks how new technologies rise, fall, and stabilize. First, there’s the rush of excitement, then the inevitable crash of reality, and finally, after the dust settles, the technology finds its real purpose.

    It typically moves through five stages:

    • Innovation Trigger — something new emerges, full of promise.
    • Peak of Inflated Expectations — early buzz fuels unrealistic hopes.
    • Trough of Disillusionment — reality sets in; excitement fades.
    • Slope of Enlightenment — deeper understanding begins to form.
    • Plateau of Productivity — the technology matures and proves its value.

    Now imagine applying that same curve to something far more personal: career.

    This isn’t a framework. It’s a thought experiment — born over lunch, half in jest, but strangely sticky once it landed. Because when we step back, it’s clear that careers don’t follow a straight, predictable line. They surge, dip, stall, loop, and occasionally rise in ways we didn’t see coming.

    So what if we thought of a 30–35 year career the way we think about evolving technologies? Not as a ladder, but as a curve — with moments of hype, doubt, clarity, and quiet power.

    Let’s walk through the arc — not as a rule book, but as a way to notice patterns. Starting with the beginning, where most journeys ignite quietly.

    The Beginning: Curiosity, Energy, and the First Spark

    Every career begins with a kind of ignition — an inner “yes” that moves us forward. Maybe it starts with a degree, a dream job, or just a quiet attempt to land something — anything — that pays. But there’s energy. There’s momentum. You say yes to things you don’t yet understand, and learn by doing. Every meeting feels like a learning moment, every small win matters, and even the coffee tastes like ambition.

    This is the Innovation Trigger stage — when we’re new, optimistic, and open. We may not know much yet, but we’re absorbing fast, asking questions, and trying to belong. There’s a quiet thrill in the grind.

    The Rise: Recognition, Confidence, and the Illusion of Arrival

    Somewhere around year five or so, we start to get the hang of things. We’ve collected a few wins, maybe switched a job or two, and begin to feel like we’re becoming someone others take seriously. The learning curve flattens, the systems start making sense, and sometimes, so do we.

    This is where expectations — our own and others’ — begin to rise. There’s confidence, sometimes boldness, and often a subtle sense of “I’ve figured it out.” Titles change. Responsibilities grow. The work feels more important.

    But this phase comes with a hidden trap: we start believing this upward curve will continue forever. That the same energy and tactics that got us here will keep taking us forward. And sometimes they do — until they don’t.

    The Dip: Disillusionment, Stagnation, and Quiet Questioning

    Then, often without warning, things start to shift. The work feels repetitive. The learning slows down. Maybe there’s a rough boss, a stalled promotion, or a creeping feeling that you’re not doing the thing you were meant to do. Or maybe nothing dramatic happens at all — just a dull flatness that wasn’t there before.

    This is the part no one prepares us for. And it’s real. The Trough of Disillusionment is often internal, invisible, and lonely. It’s the phase where the stories we told ourselves earlier don’t hold up. Where we quietly wonder if this is it.

    It’s not dramatic like burnout or crisis. It’s just… fog. Sometimes we push through. Sometimes we coast. Sometimes we quietly shut down parts of ourselves and keep going through the motions.

    But sometimes, this phase also plants the seed for something deeper.

    The Climb: Rediscovery, Craft, and Quiet Mastery

    If we choose to engage — genuinely engage — with this disillusionment, we often emerge with a clearer sense of what really matters. We stop chasing every shiny opportunity and start asking better questions: What am I good at when no one’s watching? What kind of problems do I care enough to solve? Who do I want to work with, and why?

    This is the long slope of return — not necessarily to glory, but to groundedness. To depth. The learning returns, but in a different flavor. Less frantic, more deliberate. You begin to spot patterns others miss. You teach more. Listen better. Work begins to feel like something you shape, not something you survive.

    You’re not trying to prove anything anymore — and that’s exactly what makes your presence more valuable.

    The Plateau: Stability, Influence, and the Power of Less

    Eventually, for those who stay the course and keep evolving, the curve flattens again — but this time in a good way. It’s not stagnation; it’s rhythm. You know your strengths. You know where not to waste energy. You start creating systems instead of just solving problems. There’s less noise, but more signal.

    You may not be chasing every trend, but you know which ones matter. You might not speak the loudest in the room, but your words often shift the conversation. At this stage, you’re not just building for yourself — you’re building space for others. And often, that’s where the real legacy begins.

    There’s still room for reinvention, of course. Curiosity doesn’t vanish — it just matures. But now, there’s also a comfort in knowing that you don’t have to be everywhere to make an impact.

    This is the Plateau of Productivity — a phase where stability meets contribution, and where your career finally starts to feel like something that belongs to you.

    But Some Get Stuck — And Keep Looping

    Not everyone reaches this point. Some get caught in loops — repeating old behaviors long after they’ve stopped working. Some of these loops are familiar — you’ve seen them in others. Sometimes, in yourself.

    One version of this is the peak chaser — the person who keeps trying to recreate an early win, applying the same tricks in different places, hoping the magic will strike again. Sometimes it does, briefly. But more often, it doesn’t. The world moves, and they don’t.

    Another is the disillusioned realist — someone who once cared deeply, but got tired or hurt or simply ignored. They don’t quit, but they stop showing up with their full self. They do their job, but the spark is gone.

    Then there’s the expert trap — someone who’s built deep skill in one area and then parked there. Safe. Respected. But slowly becoming invisible in a world that rewards fluidity and cross-pollination.

    And sometimes, we meet the legacy loop — a leader still playing by old rules, unaware the game has changed. What once worked now misfires. They project past success onto others, creating quiet disconnection and growing gaps between intent and impact.

    These aren’t failures — just patterns we all slip into. A long career gives plenty of time to drift, get distracted, or forget what once sparked us. What matters is whether we notice — and whether we choose to reinvent, evolve… and eventually, fall into new traps all over again.

    Final Thought: Where Are You on Your Curve?

    Careers, like people, evolve in strange, nonlinear ways. They surge, dip, rest, restart. And maybe the biggest trap is believing that growth should feel like a steady upward slope. It rarely does. Sometimes, the most meaningful progress happens just after the dip. Sometimes, boredom is just reinvention knocking in disguise. And sometimes, the real shift isn’t about learning something new — it’s about letting go of what no longer fits.

    This isn’t a map. It’s a mirror. A way to pause and ask: Where am I right now? And am I still moving?

  • Leadership Unfolded: How I Evolved as a Leader

    Leadership Unfolded: How I Evolved as a Leader

    Leadership is a journey of constant evolution. Over the past 5–6 years, I’ve grown into my role, and over time, I’ve come to realize that leadership is much more than just meeting deadlines or driving results. It’s about creating lasting impact, ensuring sustainability, and fostering efficiency that serves both individuals and teams. This understanding didn’t come to me overnight. Instead, it evolved through years of reflection, trial and error, and moments of both success and failure.

    Early in my career, I thought leadership meant pushing harder and faster to achieve more. But as I progressed, I learned that true leadership lies in enabling teams to thrive without sacrificing their well-being or losing sight of our core objectives. Here, I’ll share some of the lessons I’ve learned — the challenges we faced, the strategies we adopted, and the insights I gained through my journey.

    Recognizing the Challenges

    When I first took on leadership responsibilities, my approach was shaped by traditional methods — push harder, set aggressive targets, and demand results. While this approach worked in the short term, it came at a significant cost: burnout, misaligned expectations, and strained team dynamics.

    One of the key challenges was our approach to deadlines. The rigid, push-based model often led to unrealistic commitments. This created unnecessary stress, eroded team morale, stifled creativity, and hindered long-term efficiency.

    Another challenge was how we recognized and engaged our teams. In the rush to deliver, we sometimes overlooked individual contributions, which led to disengagement. Building a transparent and positive recognition culture became a priority, as teams needed to feel valued for their efforts.

    Lastly, balancing expectations while maintaining a healthy work culture was a constant tightrope walk. Teams often faced external pressures. Without proper alignment, these pressures led to inefficiencies and blame cycles. As a leader, my role was to guide the team through these challenges, ensuring clarity, purpose, and alignment in our work.

    The Solutions and Strategies

    1. Adopting a Pull-Based Approach I recall a project where immense deadline pressure had left the team stressed, morale low, and quality slipping. It was a wake-up call for me to rethink my leadership approach. I realized that simply pushing harder wasn’t the solution. We needed to leverage the team’s diverse skills and experiences, recognizing that occasional intense efforts were acceptable but shouldn’t become the norm. By shifting to a more flexible, impact-driven model and aligning objectives with achievable timelines, we fostered a healthier, more sustainable environment. This transformation not only improved outcomes but also reignited the team’s morale and engagement.
    2. Learning and Development Initiatives We emphasized learning and development not just for skill-building but as a path to personal growth. My journey through an MS program in Data Science and AI opened my eyes to areas I hadn’t explored, revealing blind spots and pushing me toward a fulfilling transformation. The satisfaction of gaining technical knowledge and personal growth inspired me to bring the same opportunities to my team. Through our initiatives, we encouraged certifications and workshops, resulting in 76 certifications in a year. This wasn’t just about upskilling — it created a culture of empowerment, pride, and commitment to excellence, where people felt supported in their growth.
    3. Transparent and Inclusive Recognition Recognition became a priority for me after reflecting on my own experiences of feeling overlooked despite putting in tireless effort. I realized how crucial it is for leaders to make their teams feel valued. This insight led to the creation of the ‘Maestro of the Month’ program — a transparent and inclusive initiative where a panel from various teams evaluates self-nominations and peer recommendations. Winners are celebrated publicly with stakeholders, highlighting their impact and fostering a culture of mutual respect. While recognition isn’t the sole motivator, timely acknowledgment can inspire creativity, collaboration, and a deeper sense of belonging. When people feel their work is genuinely valued, they contribute in ways that surpass expectations, unlocking new potential within the team.
    4. Enhancing Communication and Alignment Communication and alignment were key to fostering a cohesive team environment. We introduced initiatives like bi-weekly team morale check-ins, quarterly update meetings with stakeholders, and a tribe newsletter. These efforts ensured everyone stayed connected to our goals and progress, reinforcing the idea that every team member had a role in shaping our collective success.
    5. Leadership Sprint and Retrospection We embraced retrospection techniques like the Six Thinking Hats framework and SWOT/TOWS analyses. These exercises helped us understand team strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. They also provided a structured way to make informed decisions and continuously improve. We used these insights to better leverage learning and development platforms, ensuring our efforts were aligned with the org’s evolving needs.

    Impact and Outcomes

    The results of these strategies were profound — not just in terms of metrics, but in the healthier, more resilient team culture they fostered. We observed:

    • Improved Developer Experience: Streamlined processes and tools led to a noticeable improvement in developer experience.
    • Enhanced Project Scalability and Security: We saw enhanced scalability, performance, and security across several key projects, including major migrations and framework upgrades.
    • Stronger Team Culture: A thriving, engaged team culture was supported by continuous learning, transparent recognition, and better work-life balance.

    However, the real success lay in the cultural shift that these results represented. By creating an environment where teams could focus on their strengths, collaborate openly, and operate without fear of failure, we saw not only improved well-being but also sharper, more efficient outcomes.

    Next Steps: Continuing the Journey

    As I look back on my leadership journey, it feels like navigating a long road with twists, turns, and occasional roadblocks. There were moments when I thought I knew it all, only to find out that growth was waiting just around the corner. I know there’s still a long road ahead. Leadership isn’t a destination — it’s a continuous process of learning, adapting, and evolving. I look forward to the next lessons that lie ahead, knowing that each experience will continue to shape who I am as a leader.

  • Tale of Two Pencils

    Tale of Two Pencils

    Leadership often places us in situations where the right perspective isn’t always clear. The way we interpret and respond to those situations often depends on the lens we wear — a lens shaped by biases, experiences, and priorities.

    The Story of Two Pencils

    Imagine this: Two children are given pencils. A week later, one pencil remains sharp, unsharpened, and pristine. The other is small, worn, and noticeably used.

    Depending on your perspective, you might:

    1. Commend the child with the new pencil for taking care of their belongings, preserving its original form.
    2. Praise the child with the worn pencil for making the most of it — creating, learning, and actively using the tool.

    Both interpretations are valid, yet they tell very different stories about the same situation. As leaders, we often face similar dilemmas. Which pencil — or person — do we reward, and why?

    Beyond Leadership: Parenting and Everyday Life

    This lens applies beyond leadership — to parenting, education, and everyday interactions. As parents, we might face similar questions:

    • Do we praise a child for keeping their toys intact or for wearing them out through imaginative play?
    • Should we value neatness over creativity, or is there room to appreciate both?

    In each case, the story we choose to see reflects our priorities and biases. Recognizing this can help us make more balanced and thoughtful decisions, whether as parents, educators, or mentors.

    Decision-Making and Bias

    In our roles as leaders, parents, educators, or mentors, we often face scenarios where judgment is required:

    • Someone takes a risk, fails, and learns — do we focus on the failure or the effort?
    • Another consistently meets expectations but avoids taking chances — do we value their reliability or question the lack of growth?
    • Someone quietly works behind the scenes, delivering high-quality work without seeking recognition — do we notice their impact, or does their lack of visibility cause us to overlook them?
    • A person excels in one area but struggles in another — do we focus on their strengths or get distracted by their weaknesses?
    • Someone makes a strategic bet based on their analysis, but their analysis turns out to be wrong. Despite the flawed reasoning, the outcome turns out right due to external, unrelated factors. Do we praise the person for the successful result, or do we focus on the poor judgment and flawed analysis that led to the decision?

    Our responses to such situations are shaped by biases, whether we recognize them or not. At times, we might reward what is most visible over what has deeper impact or favor immediate outcomes over sustained effort. Pressures like time constraints and competing priorities can also influence our judgment, sometimes leading us to overlook the full context.

    The Brain’s Natural Shortcuts

    Our brains are wired to seek patterns and make quick decisions. This can be helpful in managing day-to-day priorities but risky when evaluating others. For instance:

    Without awareness, these shortcuts can oversimplify the complexity of people and situations. But when we pause to reflect, we can challenge these tendencies and uncover more nuanced insights.

    Reflection Over Judgment

    While there’s no perfect answer to the dilemmas leadership presents, pausing to reflect can help. Consider these questions:

    • What assumptions am I making about this person or situation?
    • Am I evaluating outcomes, effort, or a balance of both?
    • Is my reaction influenced by urgency, pressure, or my own blind spots?

    Reflection doesn’t eliminate bias, but it creates space for better judgment. Sometimes, it’s not about choosing the “right” perspective but being intentional about the lens through which we view the situation.

    A Sharper Lens

    Both pencils tell a story — one of care, the other of action. As leaders, parents, or mentors, the challenge isn’t in choosing which story matters more but in questioning the lens through which we interpret them.

    The stories we tell about others often reflect the biases we carry. By sharpening our awareness, we move closer to understanding the full narrative — one that values complexity over simplicity, intention over reaction.

    So, the next time you encounter a pencil, pause. What story do you think you’re seeing, and what truths might be hidden just beneath its surface?

  • A Cup of Clarity

    A Cup of Clarity

    It was the middle of the month, and Parth stared at the “Payment Declined” message flashing on his phone. His heart sank. The realization was like a cold wave hitting him, his savings were gone. He had spent the past few months thinking he could juggle everything — his new job, a flashier lifestyle, and the mounting debt — but the numbers no longer added up.

    Just a few months ago, life had seemed perfect. A new job offer had come through, promising a fresh start, higher pay, and a bright future. Parth had eagerly packed up his apartment and left his small neighborhood behind, moving into a swankier part of the city to match the lifestyle he felt he deserved. He splurged on dining out, gadgets, and vacations — all while ignoring his growing credit card bills.

    By the time the new job had been delayed for six months due to unforeseen circumstances, his income was already shrinking. His savings were long gone. The debt was piling up faster than he could manage. Every passing day seemed like a tightrope walk as he tried to cover his expenses, borrowing from one credit card to pay another. It was a vicious cycle.

    The Turning Point

    With his finances in disarray, Parth realized he had to make a change, but he wasn’t sure where to start. A friend, sensing his distress, suggested he leave the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. “Head to the outskirts, find a cheaper place to live, and take some time to clear your mind,” the friend advised. It seemed like the only option. So, Parth packed up and moved to a quiet neighborhood on the city’s edge, away from the distractions of his old life.

    In this simpler environment, Parth felt isolated, but he also started to see his situation with fresh eyes. He stopped going out for expensive dinners and cut back on luxuries. The new, quieter life allowed him space to think — perhaps for the first time in months.

    One evening, while walking to the local park, Parth stumbled across a small eatery tucked away on a narrow street. The sign read “Madhav’s Corner — Tea & Toast.” The smell of freshly brewed tea and toasted bread wafted through the air, drawing him in. Inside, an elderly man with graying hair and a weathered face greeted him with a warm smile. “Tea?” he asked, already setting a cup in front of him.

    As Parth sat down, he couldn’t help but notice the modesty of the place. It was nothing fancy — just a small table, a couple of chairs, and a menu offering only tea and bread toast. Yet, there was something oddly comforting about it.

    An Unexpected Mentor

    The man introduced himself as Madhav. After a few minutes of small talk, Parth learned that Madhav had retired from a government job years ago. Instead of relaxing into retirement, he had opened this little eatery to keep himself busy and connected to the community. “It’s not about the money,” Madhav said with a chuckle. “It’s about the company. And the tea, of course.”

    At first, Parth dismissed Madhav as just another retiree, running a small business to pass the time. He didn’t expect much from the conversation. But then, one evening, when the place was quieter than usual, Madhav sat down with Parth. “Something’s bothering you,” he said, eyeing him with a knowing look. Parth hesitated but then shared his financial struggles — the debt, the bad decisions, and the looming fear of not being able to make ends meet.

    Madhav listened quietly, nodding along. When Parth had finished, the old man took a slow sip of tea, then offered some unexpected wisdom.

    Madhav’s Lessons

    “Let me tell you something,” Madhav began. “When I was still working in the government, I earned just enough to get by. But the one thing I always did was save first.” He paused to let the words sink in. “I didn’t wait until I had money left to save. I saved first. The moment I received my paycheck, I put aside a portion of it. Even if it was just 10% at the start. And the rest, I used for everything else — living expenses, luxuries, and everything in between.”

    Parth was taken aback. “But, isn’t that difficult? You know, saving first and then living on the rest?”

    Madhav smiled. “You’ll never know until you try. Trust me, if you keep saving first, even if it’s small, you’ll learn how to live within your means. You won’t realize it at first, but the habit becomes natural. And that’s how you build security — one step at a time.”

    Madhav leaned back and continued. “Another thing — prepare for tough times. I’m sure you’ve heard of the importance of an emergency fund. But let me tell you this: when things go south, don’t wait until it’s too late. Keep at least 18 months of expenses in a safe place. Liquidity is key. Trust me, during difficult times, it buys you peace of mind.”

    Parth nodded. He had never really thought of it that way. Most people, he thought, were always trying to stretch their income to match their expenses. But here was a man, a retired government official running a simple tea shop, telling him how to safeguard his future.

    Madhav didn’t stop there. “And don’t fall into the trap of debt. If you don’t need something, don’t buy it. Use credit wisely, and avoid loans that can suffocate you when times are tough. Always live within your means.”

    For the first time in months, Parth felt a weight lift off his shoulders. The simple wisdom, shared over cups of tea, felt like a lifeline.

    A New Beginning

    Over the following months, Parth took Madhav’s advice to heart. He moved into a smaller, more affordable apartment in the outskirts, as his job offer was still delayed. He began saving at least 10% of his earnings every month, even though it was tough. He built an emergency fund, carefully controlling his expenses. Slowly but surely, he began to regain control over his finances.

    By the time his new job started, Parth had adopted a new mindset: save first, spend later. No more reckless spending. No more living paycheck to paycheck. He wasn’t completely out of the woods, but he felt confident in his ability to face whatever came next.

    One day, after a few months had passed, Parth found himself back at Madhav’s Corner, sitting across from the old man once again. He took a deep breath. “I wanted to thank you, Madhav. You don’t know how much your advice changed things for me.”

    Madhav looked at him and nodded, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips. “I told you, it’s not about the money. It’s about taking control of your life, one small decision at a time.”

    Conclusion

    Parth learned that the road to financial stability wasn’t about finding the perfect opportunity or making the right investment — it was about developing habits that ensured long-term security. And those lessons came not from a financial expert, but from a humble man running a tea stall, who had lived through his own struggles and found a way to stay steady. Sometimes, the best wisdom comes from the most unexpected places.

  • Arbitrage: Where Circles Meet

    Arbitrage: Where Circles Meet

    When most people hear “arbitrage,” they think of the stock market — buying something cheap in one place and selling it for more somewhere else. You know, traders in suits, lots of screens, and numbers flying everywhere. But here’s the thing: this idea isn’t just for finance. It shows up quietly in our everyday lives. At its heart, it’s noticing a difference between two things and using it to create value. That difference could be skills, places, ways of thinking, or even moments in time. We all do it, though we rarely call it that. Once you notice it, the world feels different. Gaps aren’t empty—they’re opportunities waiting to be explored.

    Everyday Gaps: How We Use Them

    Often, we do this without even realizing it. A person who speaks two languages might move effortlessly between home and school, feeling at ease in one place and sharp in another. Someone shares a hobby online, not knowing that someone far away would pay to learn it. A family recipe, carried to a new town, suddenly becomes the highlight of community gatherings. Then there’s the kind we do on purpose. The moments when we see a gap and decide to step in. A designer in a small town works for clients in a big city, earning city-level money while enjoying a simpler life. A professional learns a rare skill, knowing it will be useful later. A business owner notices a service that’s common elsewhere but missing locally, and brings it home. Even nature does it. Mangrove trees grow where land meets sea — a place most plants can’t survive. And yet, they find nutrients in the water, shelter fish, and protect the coast from storms. They don’t just survive there—they thrive, taking value from both land and water to create something new.

    The key is noticing it. When we become aware of the “in-between” spaces we inhabit—whether it’s geography, skills, or perspective—we can turn them into advantages instead of leaving them to chance. This applies in parenting, too. Sometimes we mix lessons from our own childhood with ideas from school or culture, giving our kids both guidance and care. And in decision-making, we often use gut feelings and logic together, without realizing it. Noticing these gaps allows us to do it on purpose, improving our choices in life as naturally as using a skill in work.

    Turning Gaps into Lasting Advantage

    Simple gaps don’t last forever. Once others notice, the edge disappears. In the stock market, this can happen in seconds. In life, it might take months or years. Sometimes, though, a gap can grow into a lasting advantage. This happens when the bridge you build becomes more than a connection—it becomes its own little ecosystem.

    Take someone moving from India to the West for work. They use their skills in a new country, but their family and knowledge of home remain in the East. Over time, they become a bridge—sharing ideas, resources, and opportunities both ways. This early advantage grows into a personal “moat.” They’re trusted in both worlds, understand the subtleties of each, and find opportunities that few others do. The original gap—location and markets—was just the start. The lasting advantage comes when this position is strengthened with trust, relationships, and knowledge others can’t copy.

    Being Careful with Gap

    There’s another side. Gaps can be overused or exploited, sometimes harming others. We see this in finance, when repeated trades destabilize markets. In travel, a charming place can lose its magic if too many people visit. In skills, a rare ability can become common overnight, taking away its value for those who relied on it.

    The pattern is the same: taking too much and giving too little back. Real success comes from noticing gaps, using them, and also helping the space grow. Knowing when to step back is as important as knowing when to act. The best gap-users—whether in money or life—sense not only when to move, but also when to wait and invest elsewhere.

    Conclusion

    You don’t need to be a trader to use gaps. You just need to notice differences—between skills, knowledge, or ideas—and see how they might connect. It’s not about always taking advantage. It’s about curiosity. Ask yourself:

    • Where do I unknowingly live between two worlds—and what value does that give me?
    • Where could I choose to build a bridge between differences and needs?
    • How could I turn a short-term advantage into something lasting?

    Sometimes the bridge we stand on is one we stumbled into. Sometimes it’s one we chose to build. Both can be powerful—but the second gives us control. When we look at the world this way, gaps stop being tricks for fast gain. They become a way to see where things are uneven and how we can move through those spaces carefully. Sometimes the bridge is for ourselves. Sometimes it’s for others. But it always starts with noticing the gap—and imagining what could grow there.

    References

  • Two Games, Same Sport

    Two Games, Same Sport

    The stadium fills up quickly. Lights, music, noise. Powerplays begin. Boundaries come early, and every ball feels like an event. A single delivery can shift momentum—a mistimed shot, a clever slower ball, or a missed yorker. There’s little time to settle. The game moves fast. That’s T20.

    A few weeks later, it feels different. The morning air is cooler. The red ball swings early. The field changes, tight at times, spread at others. Bowlers settle into their rhythm, working long spells, setting traps. Batters leave more than they play. Here, a single mistake might not cost much right away, but small patterns of error can build up. Every session feels like its own quiet contest. Winning the day is made up of many such moments. That’s Test cricket.

    Work often shifts between these. Some days move like T20s—quick deadlines, immediate feedback, decisions made in real-time. Product releases, customer issues, market shifts. All asking for quick answers. New tools pop up, like AI, promising shortcuts. The scoreboard moves fast.

    Then there are days that feel more like Tests. Deeper work. Designing foundations, solving complex problems, shaping teams. The outcomes here aren’t immediate, but they quietly compound. A design choice today might shape the product for years. A hire today could shape the culture for even longer.

    Both rhythms exist side by side. A quick release in the morning, followed by a long review in the afternoon. An urgent patch, then a strategy discussion that stretches for hours. The game changes formats constantly.

    Life feels like this, too. In younger years, it’s often closer to a T20. Everything’s an opportunity. The energy to chase them all. Swinging freely. Moving fast.

    But eventually, responsibilities arrive. Quietly at first, then surely. Family. People who count on you. The game stretches out. You start planning for longer innings. You leave a few deliveries alone, choose when to play, and learn to let some opportunities pass. Others, you create patiently. Beneath it all, there’s always more happening. Bowlers set things up—swing, bounce, variations—but someone still has to score the runs, one at a time. Singles, partnerships, sessions stitched together.

    In work and life, opportunities appear. Some are created by teams, by timing, by conditions aligning. But it still rests on individuals to convert them. Quietly doing the work. Taking singles when boundaries aren’t there. Handling difficult spells without letting them spiral. Sometimes, you’re both bowler and batter. Creating chances for others, while also carrying the responsibility to move the scoreboard. Much of it comes down to how you absorb what’s thrown at you, and how you choose to respond. Some days ask for patience, others for courage, and sometimes, it’s just about showing up and doing the job.

    And then, without warning, the conditions change. The clouds roll in. The ball starts swinging. What worked earlier doesn’t seem to anymore. In work, markets move, technologies evolve, roles shift. In life, new situations emerge unexpectedly.

    A good player adjusts. Sometimes, the adjustment works. Other times, it doesn’t. Wins and losses follow, but they’re carried lightly. The plan shifts to the next innings, the next opportunity. But always, the game moves only when you’re at the crease. Intent doesn’t add to the score. The delivery must be played. The work must be done. That’s when it turns real.

    Over time, the formats blur. Work and life, short bursts and long stretches, fast moves and patient waiting—they all belong to the same game. The skill isn’t in choosing one over the other. It’s in staying present, watching the conditions, adjusting when needed, and playing the next ball. The rest? Just format.

  • Constraint as Catalyst: Turning Limits into Launchpads

    Constraint as Catalyst: Turning Limits into Launchpads

    Constraints are often seen as hurdles—obstacles that slow us down or limit our potential. But what if certain constraints, when used intentionally, could act as strategic triggers for innovation? Just as a matchbox doesn’t illuminate a room but sparks the candle that does, constraints don’t solve the problem directly—they ignite the creative response that does.

    In this article, we explore how the strategic use of constraint—whether of time, tools, resources, or information—can unlock breakthroughs. Not as a permanent state, but as a deliberate ignition point.

    Observations from Different Domains

    Across disciplines and geographies, we see a curious pattern emerge: limitation often precedes ingenuity.

    • ISRO’s Cost-Effective Space Missions: ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan missions, and other projects have consistently demonstrated how tight budgets can drive innovation. These missions were completed at a fraction of the cost of their global counterparts, pushing the teams to optimize engineering and operational efficiency.
    • Athletics: In high-performance sports like football, players sometimes use techniques like “swish and spit”—tasting specialized carbohydrate solutions without swallowing them—to trick the brain into unlocking stored energy, conserving hydration and digestion.
    • Healthcare: Intermittent fasting, far from being deprivation, is now seen as a strategic pause that triggers metabolic and cellular benefits. Temporary lack leads to long-term gain.
    • Architecture: In desert regions, homes use thick mud walls, minimal openings, and natural ventilation—not expensive materials—to keep interiors cool, reducing energy needs without environmental strain.

    These aren’t stories of survival—they’re examples of thriving under intelligent constraint.

    Common Patterns in Constraint-Driven Innovation

    What links these examples?

    1. Boundary-forced Focus: Limits naturally narrow the field, forcing sharper decisions and eliminating distractions.
    2. Emergence of Core Priorities: When you can’t do everything, you’re forced to ask: What truly matters?
    3. Unconventional Problem Solving: Without access to typical tools or time, teams and individuals often invent new approaches.
    4. Simplicity with Depth: Solutions born of constraint tend to be elegant—not complex, but deeply thought out.

    Recognizing these patterns allows us to apply constraint intentionally rather than reactively.

    The Matchbox and the Candle

    Let’s revisit our metaphor. The candle—representing resources, systems, and capacity—can illuminate a space for hours. But it requires a spark. The matchbox—small, focused, intentionally designed—is the enabler. In the same way, a strategic constraint doesn’t replace abundance; it prepares the ground for it. It’s a starter, not a sustainer.

    There are many ways to trigger innovation. But strategic constraint is a powerful and often underused matchbox in your toolkit.

    Applying the Phenomenon Strategically

    Constraints should not be glorified, nor should they be endured endlessly. But when applied strategically and temporarily, they can serve as a powerful lever for innovation.

    • Individuals: Try a time-bound challenge with fewer tools. Limit your resources to stimulate new methods.
    • Leaders: Frame projects with intentional constraints—limited team size, compressed timelines, fewer dependencies.
    • Teams: Hackathons and “sprint weeks” thrive not despite constraints, but because of them.
    • Governments & Societies: Design contests with sustainability or resource-use caps can yield breakthroughs.

    The goal is not to operate in constraint but to use it as a catalyst, just long enough to spark a shift.

    Conclusion: Use Constraint, Don’t Live in It

    Constraint isn’t the goal. It’s not a philosophy of less, nor a moral statement on frugality. It’s a practical tool—a designed environment that forces clarity, focus, and ingenuity. The challenge is not to seek constraint everywhere but to recognize where and when it can act as a matchbox—the spark that lights the candle, allowing sustained success to follow.

    So next time you feel boxed in, ask: What if this box is not a cage—but a matchbox?

    Appendix

  • Still in Orbit: The Pluto Story We All Share

    Still in Orbit: The Pluto Story We All Share

    We spend a large chunk of our lives—sometimes 50 to 60%—at work. It’s an essential part of our existence, shaping not just what we do, but often, who we are.

    Recently, I was reading about Pluto’s reclassification, and it struck me: there’s something deeply human about Pluto’s story. It mirrors many of the dynamics we navigate in our careers. So here’s my take on Pluto moments—and why they matter at work.

    Pluto: A Brief History of Reclassification

    Discovered in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, Pluto was celebrated as the ninth planet in our solar system. For over 75 years, it orbited quietly and faithfully at the edge of our celestial family.

    But Pluto was different. It’s smaller than our moon, with a tilted and elongated orbit. It takes 248 Earth years to complete one revolution around the sun.

    In 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet. Not because it had changed—but because the definition of a planet did.

    And just like that, a planet was no longer a planet.

    The Workplace Has Its Own Pluto Moments

    In our careers, many of us go through a Pluto moment.

    You put in the work. You lead. You fix what’s broken. You stay late. You deliver results. You make others’ lives easier. And yet, one day, the spotlight shifts. Recognition doesn’t come. Others—perhaps louder or more visible—move forward. You stay where you are.

    You begin to wonder: Did I stop being valuable? Or did the definition of success just change?

    Often, it’s not you—it’s the system. Like Pluto, your orbit hasn’t changed. Only the metrics have. Company culture evolves. Leadership expectations shift. Suddenly, visibility and perception matter more than quiet impact.

    If You’re in a Pluto Moment—Keep Orbiting

    It’s tempting to slow down or give up when you feel unseen. But Pluto never stopped orbiting the sun. It didn’t shrink. It didn’t rebel. It simply kept moving, true to its path.

    If you’re in that moment—don’t let it define your worth.

    Keep doing what you do best: build, fix, support, lead. You have gravity—even if it’s quiet.

    Workplace dynamics are always shifting. One day you’re celebrated, the next you’re overlooked. That’s when it’s most important to remember: the system is bigger than you. Your value doesn’t vanish just because someone didn’t call it out.

    Stay in your orbit. Keep showing up.

    If You’re a Leader—Don’t Miss the Plutos

    Every team has its Plutos. The steady fixers. The quiet doers. The ones who aren’t posting wins, but creating them for others.

    As leaders, we have an opportunity to:

    • See outcomes, not just optics
    • Recognize impact, not just volume
    • Give direction, not just ratings
    • Shine light, not just cast shadows

    Leadership isn’t easy. We juggle priorities, manage teams, hit goals. It’s easy to reward the visible, the vocal, the ones who shine on stage.

    But we must also build systems that surface silent strength. That catch the ones holding the fort while others walk the stage. Recognition doesn’t need a spotlight. It just needs sincerity—and timing.

    When you lead like the sun—steady, generous, life-giving—your team feels your orbit too.

    The Closing Orbit

    Pluto may no longer be a planet on paper. But it didn’t lose its purpose. It still orbits. It still belongs. It still matters.

    Whether you’re going through a Pluto phase, or you’re in a position to notice someone else’s—honor the orbit. Value quiet strength. Lead with light.

    We all face Pluto phase in our careers. But they don’t define us. They refine us.

    And when the time comes for you to shine—look around. There are Plutos beside you. Acknowledge them. Support them. Help them shine too.

  • The Challenge & Thrill of Continuous Learning

    The Challenge & Thrill of Continuous Learning

    Sitting for an exam yesterday, after weeks of preparation, reminded me of the complexities of continuous learning. It’s both an exhilarating journey and a formidable challenge. Balancing work, life, and studies while absorbing new concepts feels like a marathon—one that tests not just intellect but endurance.

    But despite the struggles, learning at top institutions like the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow offers immense value—not only in terms of academics but also through the brilliant minds we learn alongside.

    The Challenges of Long Courses

    Long executive programs require discipline, patience, and the ability to retain knowledge over months. At times, the sheer volume of material makes it feel impossible to keep up. Our final Economics classes were a true test of endurance. Fatigue set in, making complex topics seem insurmountable. Yet, just when we thought we had hit our limit, the sessions reignited our curiosity, proving that endurance is as crucial as intellect in executive learning.

    Then came the real challenge: exam prep. With just two weeks to revisit 14 modules, the amount of material was daunting. And when we found out the exam would feature 64 MCQs to be completed in 80 minutes, frustration—and humor—took over. Our WhatsApp group became a battleground of witty comments on how concepts were tangling in our minds.

    In the midst of this, Dr. Asheesh Jain humorously declared that we were trapped in an “Indrajaal“—a reference from the Atharvaveda where Indra ensnares his enemies in an inescapable net. It perfectly described our situation. A rockstar batchmate, Bhaskar Bhatt , elaborated on its origins, and our discussion evolved into a blend of ancient mysticism and exam preparation. Some likened it to the “Mayajaal,” while I even connected it to the 64 Yoginis, drawing from ancient Indian Tantra. When you’re buried in study material, why not add a bit of mysticism?

    Peer Power

    One of the greatest privileges of a leadership program is the opportunity to learn alongside exceptional peers and renowned faculty. It rekindles the fire that often dims under the weight of daily routines, workplace dynamics, and growing professional commitments, reminding us why we embarked on this journey of growth in the first place.

    More than just a learning experience, a leadership program expands our perspectives. Engaging with peers from diverse industries, each bringing unique insights and real-world experiences, challenges our thinking and broadens our horizons. Conversations extend beyond coursework—discussions on strategy, economics, and organizational behavior often spark new ways of looking at our own professional challenges.

    A special shout-out to my batch mates who meticulously organized study materials, making it easier for everyone to learn at their own pace. And of course, the spirited discussions, the shared problem-solving sessions, and the lighthearted WhatsApp banter made the journey even more enriching.

    Connecting the Dots: Seeing the Bigger Picture

    Beyond the classroom, the real magic lies in how different subjects start converging, offering a holistic view of leadership and business strategy. HR, economics, finance, leadership, strategy, brand, product, and customer relationship no longer feel like separate subjects but interconnected pieces of a larger puzzle.

    This ability to connect the dots is perhaps the most valuable part of the program. Concepts that once seemed unrelated now provide a structured way to understand business and leadership at a deeper level.

    And it’s not just theory—it has real, tangible impact. A big shoutout to a batchmate who aced an interview using insights from our Organizational Behavior modules. It’s a great reminder that while the 70:20:10 model focuses primarily on depth, making room for structured learning expands our breadth of knowledge. This broader perspective not only deepens our understanding but also opens doors to new horizons, enriching both personal and professional growth.

    The Pre-Exam Panic & The Fun of Group Learning

    The pre-exam phase is always a mix of panic and preparation. With so much to cover, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This time, GPT came to the rescue, generating explanations, summaries, and structured notes. The result? A 60-page cheat sheet. Ironically, it led to a new dilemma: Had I studied too much? The more I read, the more I questioned whether I was absorbing the material or just confusing myself further.

    But the real fun came from group discussions. Our WhatsApp group was buzzing with theories, last-minute clarifications, and, of course, jokes about how we’d all be staring blankly at the exam paper. It was during these discussions that the real learning happened—breaking down complex concepts and helping each other connect the dots.

    A special mention goes to our class representatives, who kept us on track with constant reminders about exam dates. He also added a “Vishesh Tippani”—a little last-minute panic to keep us on our toes, bringing back childhood memories of cramming for exams!

    Looking Forward to the Immersion

    Now that the exam is behind me, I’m excited for the upcoming immersion week—a chance to finally meet my peers and professors in person after months of online learning. While online learning builds knowledge, immersion solidifies it. The real magic of leadership development happens not just through lectures but through face-to-face interactions, shared perspectives, and real-world problem-solving. It’s an opportunity to dive into presentations, engage in face-to-face discussions, and reconnect with the faculty who have guided us through this journey. I’m looking forward to the enriching interactions, the camaraderie, and the chance to relive the college experience in a way that goes beyond virtual screens.

    Final Thoughts

    Continuous learning isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about expanding perspectives, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, and challenging our own thinking. It’s tiring, yes. But it’s also incredibly rewarding.

    For those who have juggled work and studies—have you ever been caught in your own ‘Indrajaal,’ only to have a moment of clarity that made everything click?

  • SREST: A Framework Inspired by Ancient Wisdom for Modern Well-Being

    SREST: A Framework Inspired by Ancient Wisdom for Modern Well-Being

    Today’s fast-paced world celebrates speed, constant connectivity, and instant gratification. Meals are often rushed, conversations quick and transactional, and digital devices keep us tethered to an endless stream of notifications and content. One particularly modern pitfall is doomscrolling—the habit of aimlessly consuming an endless stream of often negative content, leaving us mentally drained and emotionally overwhelmed.

    Amid this overstimulation, ancient traditions remind us of the power of self-restraint—not as deprivation, but as a conscious choice to create space, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. In Hinduism, fasting is practiced to cultivate discipline and spiritual clarity. Jainism embraces the vow of silence (mauna) to promote inner peace and mindful speech. These practices, rooted in centuries of wisdom, highlight a timeless truth: stepping back can lead us to a more balanced, fulfilling life.

    This article is an invitation to explore how these ancient principles can meet modern challenges. It introduces SREST(pronounced Shresth in Sanskrit means excellent or best, subtly reinforcing the pursuit of one’s best self through mindful restraint)—a gentle framework that encourages us to pause and reflect in three key areas: eating, speech, and technology. Rather than a strict model to follow, SREST offers areas to explore, helping us rediscover practices that foster clarity, calm, and connection.

    The SREST Framework: An Invitation to Pause

    SREST stands for:

    • Self Restraint in Eating: Exploring conscious choices around nourishment.
    • Speech: Embracing vow of silence to deepen listening and awareness.
    • Technology: Mindfully managing digital consumption.

    These pillars aren’t about rigid rules but about gently questioning automatic habits. Could stepping back, even momentarily, help us reconnect with ourselves and those around us?

    1. Restraint in Eating: Reconnecting with Hunger and Satisfaction

    Why Explore Restraint in Eating?

    In an age of abundance, food is always within reach—often engineered to be irresistible. Eating mindlessly can disconnect us from our bodies and emotions. Practicing restraint invites us to slow down, tune into genuine hunger cues, and savor what we consume.

    Possible Benefits

    • Physical Renewal: Fasting can activate cellular repair processes (autophagy) (Ohsumi, 2016).
    • Improved Metabolic Health: Supports insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation.
    • Enhanced Clarity: Eating with intention may reduce brain fog and improve focus.

    Ways to Try

    • Experiment with a 12-hour overnight fast (e.g., dinner at 7 PM, breakfast after 7 AM).
    • Pause before eating—ask, “Am I truly hungry, or just seeking comfort?”
    • Occasionally explore longer fasting periods under professional guidance.

    2. Restraint in Speech(Vow of Silence): Speaking Less to Listen More

    Why Explore Restraint in Speech?

    In a world that prizes constant communication, silence is rare but profound. Words shape our connections, yet silence can reveal what words often miss—clarity, calm, and deeper understanding. Practicing a vow of silence fosters patience and strengthens listening skills.

    Possible Benefits

    • Improved Listening: Silence invites more authentic conversations and self awareness.
    • Emotional Balance: Pausing before speaking can prevent regrettable words.
    • Heightened Self-Awareness: Quiet moments unveil thought patterns and emotions.

    Ways to Try

    • Set aside 30 minutes daily for intentional silence (e.g., during a walk or morning routine).
    • In conversations, try pausing before responding—notice how it shifts interactions.
    • Dedicate a day each month to minimal speech, allowing space for reflection.

    3. Restraint in Technology: Unplug to Reconnect

    Why Explore Digital Restraint?

    Technology offers convenience but often hijacks our attention. Doomscrolling, notifications, and endless content streams can erode focus and heighten anxiety. By practicing digital restraint, we reclaim presence in both online and offline spaces.

    Possible Benefits

    • Sharper Focus: Reducing digital clutter improves cognitive performance.
    • Better Sleep: Limiting screen time before bed supports restful sleep.
    • Deeper Relationships: Less screen time fosters genuine connections.

    Ways to Try

    • Establish device-free zones (e.g., no phones at meals or in the bedroom).
    • Create screen-free mornings or evenings to ease into or wind down your day.
    • Try a weekly digital detox—spend a day offline and notice how you feel.

    Conclusion

    The SREST framework isn’t a rigid solution—it’s an invitation to gently explore how stepping back can enhance well-being. These ancient practices, rooted in self-restraint, remain profoundly relevant today. In a world that urges us to do more, sometimes the most meaningful act is to pause, reflect, and simply rest. What might you discover by stepping back today?