Where we are we know not, where we shall be, we know not, what we do know is what we aren't and that drives you to idealize what you could be. In a world of craze, rat race and pressure, I stood as another minnow, shadowed and stamped by giants that strode. Yet within the little being, lived a dream that knew not of pragmatism, I set to work to see my dream come true.
If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants. - Sir Isaac Newton
Are you not able to influence people? Do you find difficulty in executing operations in hostile environments? Or do you get confused between your friends and foes? These are all common business dilemmas that have answers in one of the most religiously followed TV Series: A Game of Thrones. An adaptation of the famous novel A Song of Ice and Fire, written by George R.R. Martin, this wonderfully crafted TV series has become synonymous with strategy, lust and bloodshed. Here are some of the lessons that one can learn from GoT:
Our world today is extremely fast-paced, competitive, and ambitious. We work hard – very hard – for money, for recognition, for appreciation, and even at times, for a better appraisal. That is all perfectly fine and that is how it should be too. We all study diligently, try to get into the best of institutes, and perform to the best of our abilities all in the hope of a great career. So when we finally embark upon that journey, it is only logical that we put in all that we have to give. But is that all? Does being successful ensure peace of mind? This is what I aim to throw light upon. Of course, my insights are completely my own and are derived from my experiences so far.
A few days ago, I decided that it was time I sold out and jumped on a bandwagon. It felt like a good plan to gain increased traction for myself by using incidents that had already taken the world’s fancy rather than spend endless hours and cranial capacity to think of new and fresh ideas. Why bother when the world itself tells you in brightly flashing news tickers, never-ending Facebook debates, and mindless retweets what arouses its passion at the given moment? Much more convenient to visit your Facebook page or Twitter handle to see what the junta is most in thrall with, write an opinion piece on it, and you have a sure-fire winner, albeit one that lasts only as long as the next heated discussion comes along. The idea makes sound business sense.
Having faced the rapacious Corporates in the past 6 months, I return back to Campus revisiting the window of my College's Classroom - 'The Soul Window!'
From brand management at one of the most coveted FMCG firms of the country to representing India on a global level as a diplomat in the Indian Foreign Services, Media Cell, IIM Kozhikode, recently had the privilege of talking to Mr. Ashwin Bhaskaran, an alumnus of PGP-11, who shared his exciting journey from the corporate world to the Indian Civil Services.
It started with Hindustan motors in Kolkata, West Bengal, then Premiar, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and now India has the manufacturing facility of world’s biggest names in passenger vehicle industry. It has a very feel good effect in the common people of India on the street because they can test the experience the brands like Hyundai, Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan, Renault, GM, Ford and many more. But the people who are waiting inside the showroom for the customers to selling their ‘Desi’ cars or people in the manufacturing unit whose working days have been reduced from six to four, three or two or have been given VRS to adjust with the low demand of market have lots of reason for feeling not good.
Where we are we know not, where we shall be, we know not, what we do know is what we aren't and that drives you to idealize what you could be. In a world of craze, rat race and pressure, I stood as another minnow, shadowed and stamped by giants that strode. Yet within the little being, lived a dream that knew not of pragmatism, I set to work to see my dream come true.
If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants. - Sir Isaac Newton
Are you not able to influence people? Do you find difficulty in executing operations in hostile environments? Or do you get confused between your friends and foes? These are all common business dilemmas that have answers in one of the most religiously followed TV Series: A Game of Thrones. An adaptation of the famous novel A Song of Ice and Fire, written by George R.R. Martin, this wonderfully crafted TV series has become synonymous with strategy, lust and bloodshed. Here are some of the lessons that one can learn from GoT:
Our world today is extremely fast-paced, competitive, and ambitious. We work hard – very hard – for money, for recognition, for appreciation, and even at times, for a better appraisal. That is all perfectly fine and that is how it should be too. We all study diligently, try to get into the best of institutes, and perform to the best of our abilities all in the hope of a great career. So when we finally embark upon that journey, it is only logical that we put in all that we have to give. But is that all? Does being successful ensure peace of mind? This is what I aim to throw light upon. Of course, my insights are completely my own and are derived from my experiences so far.
A few days ago, I decided that it was time I sold out and jumped on a bandwagon. It felt like a good plan to gain increased traction for myself by using incidents that had already taken the world’s fancy rather than spend endless hours and cranial capacity to think of new and fresh ideas. Why bother when the world itself tells you in brightly flashing news tickers, never-ending Facebook debates, and mindless retweets what arouses its passion at the given moment? Much more convenient to visit your Facebook page or Twitter handle to see what the junta is most in thrall with, write an opinion piece on it, and you have a sure-fire winner, albeit one that lasts only as long as the next heated discussion comes along. The idea makes sound business sense.
Having faced the rapacious Corporates in the past 6 months, I return back to Campus revisiting the window of my College's Classroom - 'The Soul Window!'
From brand management at one of the most coveted FMCG firms of the country to representing India on a global level as a diplomat in the Indian Foreign Services, Media Cell, IIM Kozhikode, recently had the privilege of talking to Mr. Ashwin Bhaskaran, an alumnus of PGP-11, who shared his exciting journey from the corporate world to the Indian Civil Services.
It started with Hindustan motors in Kolkata, West Bengal, then Premiar, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and now India has the manufacturing facility of world’s biggest names in passenger vehicle industry. It has a very feel good effect in the common people of India on the street because they can test the experience the brands like Hyundai, Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan, Renault, GM, Ford and many more. But the people who are waiting inside the showroom for the customers to selling their ‘Desi’ cars or people in the manufacturing unit whose working days have been reduced from six to four, three or two or have been given VRS to adjust with the low demand of market have lots of reason for feeling not good.
