Enlarge. Excel. Evolve.

In a previous post, I had talked about how PM Modi’s inspirational storytelling approach had inspired me to create 7E model of Storytelling . (7Es of storytelling include Empathy, Emotional connect, Edutainment, Evocation, Eloquence, Energy and Engagement) Once we have learnt required knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSA) for a profession, the next natural step is to communicate our values, strengths and offerings to the target audience. This process is usually called brand building. A brand built without required KSA has a shallow foundation and will not survive long. (In fact, such a process is image manipulation and not brand building) From Branding, the journey to Bonding, the destination Year 2014. I came across a news report about an investment summit in Gujarat and the quote of PM Narendra Modi (Then Gujarat Chief Minister), “Bonding is more powerful than Branding”. The connection between branding and bonding took me by surprise and I began to research more a...

Respectful, Affectionate and the Mean Machines I have been lucky to have wonderful students, some who stood by my side in the worst of times (I mean office politics), some who were extremely respectful and some extremely affectionate. And of course there were some mean machines, very much fit for the hyper competitive MNC but not fit to inspire trust and collaborate.  Some of my students have given me lifetime memories and some have inspired me in amazing ways. I began full time teaching in 2004 at ICFAI, Pondicherry. One student I particularly remember from those days is Midhunalaksmi, who was respectful till the end and still stayed away from the loyalty and political games. Such a balance is very rare these days.  I shall always remember Prakash Upadhyay for the immense professional courage he always displayed. Being assertive without becoming aggressive is a tough job but he maintained that balance beautifully.  Varun Vyas has that ‘Never say die’ spirit ...

“As human beings we clearly remember what we have done for others, but we tend to forget easily what others have done for us. When you try to become the kind of person who never forgets the favors extended to you by others you will deepen and expand your capacity as a human being.” Dr Daisaku Ikeda We all are struggling and suffering in our unique ways, though we can always look at them as opportunities for learning and growth. Thanks to  Sensei (teacher) Ikeda my attitude towards suffering has changed. He says, “No matter where we go, we cannot escape from the sufferings that are part and parcel of life. If we cannot avoid these sufferings, then our only choice is to overcome them. And since we have no choice but to overcome them, then we might as well live joyfully and vigorously while doing so.” 2007 was a landmark year in my life as I was introduced to Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism and found my mentor Dr Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai International, Japan The foundation of perma...

"I have Stayed Hungry, Foolish and Crazy" Very often in our life, we do not realize how deeply someone has impacted our life, till the person is no more. No wonder they say that a man’s worth is known after his death. Today as I came to know about Steve Job’s passing away many of his quotes flashed through my mind. I suddenly realized how strongly Steve has inspired me, how interwoven Steve’s quotes have been in my writings and how, many of Steve’s quotes had given me the courage to take huge risks in life. Some people spend years with you, become your role models and provide encouragement face to face. This is quite understandable and the bonds have a logic and explanation. But some people who you never met, can touch your life so miraculously is something beyond explanation. The second highest readership of my Blog comes from USA after India and the second highest source of my inspirations also comes from US after India. I never wanted to settle in USA but I ha...

1) Tell us about your journey into Personal Branding. I spent 20 years in corporate branding before starting Reach. In July of 1997, I read the article The Brand Called You by Tom Peters in Fast Company magazine. That article convinced me that personal branding sits at the intersection of my two greatest passions - branding and developing people. After reading the article, I decided I would start the first global personal branding company. Then, in 2001, I left the corporate world and founded Reach. There were only five of us in the world doing personal branding at that time. It was the start of a new movement. 2) Tell us in brief about Reach Personal Branding? What services are offered to its clients by Reach Personal Branding? Reach is focused on helping individuals and organizations build and nurture strong brands. Founded in 2001 by William Arruda, Reach is the global leader in personal branding. We provide talent development services to companies and organizations, p...

1) Ellen, Give few tips for eBook writers. Always think of yourself as a marketer first, then an author. Figure out who is going to buy your eBook BEFORE you write it. Otherwise, you could waste a lot of time, energy, and even money writing something no one wants to buy. And, don’t fall so in love with your eBook that you are afraid to put it out for fear of theft. The big money is generally not in the eBook but in the backend, so do the best you can to protect proprietary work and then let it go. Also consider putting affiliate links in your eBook –you’ll be helping your readers and making extra income doing it. 2) What are the major websites on which one can sell and promote eBooks? The major websites are Kindle, I bookstore, Nook, Smashword- if you want to use them, and Clickbank but it’s also important to sell it on your own website. Unfortunately too many people put it on a website and just leave it there. You HAVE TO PROMOTE IT. And you have to promote yourself. Even on the ma...

Once upon a time I was serious and boring. Spirituality, I thought was just like me, seriously boring and boringly serious. And then I met the king of playfulness & joy, smiling Buddha or rather playful Buddha Nithya Shanti. And touched by his magic, I storied playfully thereafter. 1) How does one find peace in this turbulent world? Tell some simple techniques and ways for the busy executives including the spiritual retreat that you do. The idea of seeking peace and finding peace is itself the antithesis of peace. Whatever can be found can also be lost. Most of the time our idea or concept with peace is rather rosy, romanticized and divorced from reality. Such ideas will always conflict with the rich vibrant uncertainty that is life. I recall reading of an incident where a spiritual seeker met Ramana Maharishi and asked him "I have been seeking peace for thirty years and despite all my efforts I have still not found it. I want peace! Please guide me." Ramana Maha...