Vaibhav Gulati

Is women's empowerment a man-thing? Imagine a society where everyone gets a comfy chair. Sounds good, right? Now imagine some people are stuck on unstable chairs while others get the fancy seats. That's the reality of gender equality – women haven't been sharing the comfy chairs of opportunity, leadership, and self-determination. So, as we fight for women to grab those comfy chairs, a question comes up: does empowering women mean taking away from men? No, it's actually a win-win. Studies by the McKinsey Global Institute show that advancing women's equality could add $28 trillion to the global GDP by 2025. That's a massive economic boost for everyone, not just women. But it's not just about money. When women are empowered, they participate more in the workforce, leading to a more diverse talent pool and better decision-making. They also tend to reinvest more in their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change. So, why do some men feel threatened? It often boils down to a misunderstanding. Patriarchal norms might make them feel their power is tied to traditional gender roles. But true power doesn't come from keeping others down. It comes from building a society where everyone can thrive. Think of it like a sports team. When everyone on the team is strong and supported, the whole team wins. The same goes for society. So, let’s change this narrative because it's not about losing something, it's about gaining a better world for everyone. What do you think?

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'It is better to be the giver than the receiver.' - Chew, M's mom and Amah's only daughter. There are so many extraordinary lessons from this supposed 'ordinary' unassuming film. To me, there is nothing ordinary about How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. Tears and laughters flowed in equal measures, tugging at my heartstring, every scene expertly weaving in reflections and how flawed things are in our lives, and how they can be better. If you haven't watched it, you may want to stop reading now. 1. "I don’t know what’s number one. All I know is that I want to stay with you the most" - we don't express how we feel often enough but deep down we know who truly cares for us. Amah tells Chew. 2. "I prefer him not to visit, because then I know he's doing well" - the greatest demonstration of love and duty is sacrifice, no matter how much we would like things to go our way. Amah speaks about her younger son, Soei. 3. "Ask your kids for money, I won't give you any. Don't come back here again, we don't even have the same name anymore" - sometimes the best way to teach something is to show how not to do something. Amah's way to show M how no treat someone, when she tried asking for help from her own brother. 4. "I apologise for calling you an 'idiot'" - there is no shame in admitting we are wrong, often it is what liberates us and others. Amah's apology to M. 5. "My feet hurt. I want to get new shoes" - there is a time when we have to move on because it is necessary, not because we have forgotten the past. Amah's readiness to replace her shoes bought by her eldest son, Kiang, that she has stubbornly worn for years although they were too small. Truly to give is better than to receive. After receiving what he didn't think he would, M gave it right back. My greatest lesson in leadership and life - give the best to your family because nothing is more important than family. Your career, your wealth, your reputation, are all temporal. At the end, the only people who will be at our side, is our family. When M finds out that Amah has been depositing money in a bank account she opened for him since he was little, he withdraws every single Baht to buy her a proper burial plot, something which she truly wished for. As they are on the journey to her resting place, M knocks on Amah's coffin and says with tears in his eyes... “Amah, you’re my number one.”

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Navigating an acquisition focuses on building actions that lead to growth & strengthening of the acquirers Brand. Executing the fine print revolves around people, culture, and the markets in which Business has potential to flourish. Building operational synergies; consolidating various functions towards being Lean, especially the corporate ones is imperative. Placing people in the right Roles and holding them accountable is integral to the integration process. A lot of action happens when the rubber hits the road. Delivering on commitments and at the same time managing aspirations of people serve as a catalyst leading to a culture of success. There will be moments of little pain in select areas while the “band-aid” is removed. Making hard decisions and undoing some of the things / processes that once made you proud, is part of the journey. It’s this journey of everyone rowing in the same direction and executing the plan with rigour & speed, where the learning happens. #ExecutionExcellence

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Choices that an organization has when putting together its people strategy… “Instant hire & fire” vs “Thoughtful hire & negligible fire” “Meritocratic” vs “Democratic” “Collaborative” vs “Competitive” “Policy driven” vs “Outcome driven” “Fixed compensation” vs “Variable Pay/ESOP” “Work life balance” vs “Only work no life” “On-job learning” vs “Planned learning interventions” “No connection with exited employees” vs “Lifetime alumni relationship” #people #strategy #management

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For the month of May, Delta Capita is focusing on 'Wellness', one of our 5 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion workstreams. To kick things off, our Wellness Co-Leads have shared their expertise in various forms! Sylvia Ingle, Assistant Vice President in CLM, shared various definitions of stress and her thoughts and techniques to manage stress in both the workplace and home. Some interesting materials mentioned: 📕 World Health Organisation on Stress Management https://lnkd.in/ewE9rSmM 🤳 Watching social media for two minutes is the equivalent of watching a 15 hour film, no wonder we're seeing reports of increasing levels of stress! 🌻 Science-Based Techniques such as box breathing, refocusing of eyes to various distances and Satanama chanting, also known as the Sa Ta Na Ma mantra, a practice commonly found in Kundalini Yoga. Daniela Ramirez Luna, Managing Consultant in Consultant, shared a recorded yoga session that can be performed in your own home at your desk! There are many examples available for free online, but if you're not convinced already, here are some benefits: 🧘‍♀️ Beat the Afternoon Slump: Short stretches and movements get your blood flowing, increasing energy and focus. No more struggling to power through those 3 pm emails! 🙏 Bye-Bye Back Pain: Sitting all day wreaks havoc on your posture. Desk yoga incorporates stretches that target tight muscles and improve your posture, keeping back pain at bay. 🌬 Sharpen Your Mind: Gentle yoga poses can help clear your head and improve concentration. Say hello to increased productivity and a sharper you! #deskyoga #workwellbeing #stressmanagement #deltacapita #reinventing

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Delighted to share my insights being published in Mid-Day about the need of shift in the Human Capital Management along with Business Strategy..! Check it out & share your thoughts! #midday #HumanResource #HumanCapitalManagement #Insights #Published #HRStrategy #PeopleManagement

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Your reflections on leadership drawn from your mountain experiences are truly inspiring. The way you connect nature’s lessons—like adaptability and resilience—with effective leadership is both insightful and practical....

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Witnessing a thought-provoking video on trust and faith, we observed a compelling demonstration unfold. Participants were tasked with a seemingly straightforward challenge: to fall backward, placing their trust in their team to catch them. Yet, crucial guidance was missing – the direction in which to fall. As one participant bravely took the plunge, their trust was misplaced, leading to an unexpected outcome. This powerful moment serves as a poignant lesson in the importance of clear communication and comprehensive guidance. Incomplete instructions can sow seeds of confusion, erode trust, and yield unintended consequences. Let this insightful experience remind us all of the critical importance of providing precise direction and setting clear expectations in fostering trust and achieving success. #Trust #Communication #LeadershipLessons

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Insights from my MS Organizational Psychology research: The study aimed to examine the effects of select Job Demands and Job Resources on Meaningful Work and Organizational Commitment in the post COVID context. IT and ITES professionals (n=418) from multiple cross sectoral companies in India participated in the study. The study found that enhancing employee's influence on work related decisions, quality of leadership, and advancement opportunities could positively affect employee's experience of meaningful work and to an extent Organizational Commitment. The study also found that NOT all job demands necessarily have a negative impact on employee's experiencing meaningful work. Some of the job demands even though are stressful could result in positive gains for the individuals. This could mean both intrinsic and extrinsic gains. #meaningfulwork #organizationalcommitment

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Inspired by our recent Book Club meeting and Susan David's powerful TED Talk, sharing the link to my latest blog titled “From Stress to Strength: Navigating Negative Emotions” published in the Times of India. Do give it a read… #toiblogs #mindfulness #selfcompassion #beyondstories

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This HBR article is older but still very relevant as the conversation around workplace loneliness resurfaces. We sadly find ourselves living in a time where forming genuine relationships has become challenging. We have millions of followers but no one to watch our cat when we go on vacation or check our mail, no one to drive us to the hospital. Our relationships have become more and more superficial and that rings true both at work and in our daily lives. Intentional, deep relationships are vital. Belonging is important. Community is essential. It makes all the difference to know that whether something happy or difficult happens in your life you can share both that joy and that sadness and get the support you need from the people you spend more than 40 hours a week with. I am curious to read your thoughts on this. How do you build and cultivate relationships ? If you manage people... how are you ensuring you are genuinely connecting with your team ? If you are part of any ERG's or BRG's, how is your programing helping to combat loneliness ? #loneliness #belonging

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I firmly believe that working beyond the allocated hours - unless constrained by a stringent deadline - signifies either inefficiency or resource inadequacy. Here are my thoughts on today's The Business Standard about late-night hustles. #worklife #balance #latenight #culture

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I recently read a positive news about gender diversity in Indian workplaces! In 2018, only 20% of senior management roles in India were held by women. By 2024, that number has jumped to a much more promising 34%. This is a fantastic achievement, and it is higher than the global average of 33%. It reflects the persistent efforts of various stakeholders, including government policies, corporate initiatives, and the tireless endeavors of countless women who have shattered glass ceilings. While the statistics are promising, the journey towards complete gender parity is ongoing. It’s essential to continue developing an inclusive culture that not only supports women in leadership roles but also ensures their growth and success. What are your thoughts on this progress? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments! Source: Grand Thornton Bharat #WomenEmpowerment #DiversityInWorkplace

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Have you ever wondered why you and your partner, a work colleague, a friend or even a perfect stranger are at odds over something? Why is this? Well, each of us has a different personality profile that drives our inner motivations which in turn manifests in how we respond in various circumstances. The good news is that we are able to do something about how we respond! How you might ask? The answer is the enneagram! The iEQ9 Integrative Enneagram assessment tool, is widely recommended to give a very accurate assessment of a person’s inner motivations that drive personality and behaviour and which help us to reflect on the aspects of ourselves that please us as well as looking more closely at those aspects with which we are less comfortable (and sometimes even try to hide). To find out more take the iEQ9 Enneagram assessment. On completion, you receive an in-depth online report of the findings which are easy to understand. You will need to take time to internalize and discover more about yourself for the report to be truly meaningful. It is, however advisable that you engage an accredited enneagram coach to guide you to greater fulfillment in all aspects of your life in order to achieve your desired goals and to create a better you! Contact me should you require further information. Kate@miszewski.co.za

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Weekend Learnings - I have picked up something that I was wondering, why I didn't do before. Picking a random topic over the weekend and exploring the same. This week's topic was : The Prisoner's Dilemma The prisoner's dilemma pops up more often than you might think in the real world. It applies to situations where people or groups have to decide between cooperating for mutual benefit or acting in their own short-term interest, even if it hurts everyone in the long run. Here are some real-world examples: Business Competition: Imagine two companies selling similar products. If they both keep prices fair (cooperate), they might attract a steady stream of customers. But if one company slashes prices to undercut the other (betray), they can grab a bigger market share in the short term. However, this price war can harm both companies' profits in the long run. Sharing Resources: Imagine two countries sharing a river. If they both limit pollution (cooperate), the river stays clean and usable by both. But if one country heavily pollutes to save money on waste treatment (betray), they get a short-term economic benefit. However, in the long run, both countries suffer from a polluted river. Traffic Congestion: Drivers on a crowded road can choose to carpool or use public transport (cooperate) to reduce traffic. But if everyone prioritizes the convenience of their own car (betray), the congestion gets worse for everyone. Personal Relationships: Roommates might face a prisoner's dilemma when it comes to cleaning. If they both split the chores fairly (cooperate), the apartment stays clean. But if one roommate shirks their duties (betray), the burden falls on the other. These are just a few examples. The prisoner's dilemma applies to any situation where: Two or more parties make decisions that affect each other. There's a temptation to act selfishly in the short term, even if cooperation offers a better outcome for everyone in the long run. There's uncertainty about the other party's choice. Understanding the prisoner's dilemma can help us navigate these situations in a few ways: Building Trust: Look for ways to build trust with the other party, such as establishing clear expectations or creating a system of rewards for cooperation. Encouraging Long-Term Thinking: Consider the long-term consequences of your choices and how they might impact the other party and the overall outcome. Finding Common Ground: Look for solutions that benefit everyone involved, creating a situation where cooperation is the most attractive option. The prisoner's dilemma reminds us that cooperation often leads to better outcomes for everyone. By being mindful of these situations and applying some strategic thinking, we can encourage cooperation and create a better outcome for ourselves and those around us. Thoughts, counter thoughts, inputs, questions all are welcome. Created with AI

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The adage ‘actions speak louder than words’ is common, however time and time again we see polictical and corporate leaders espouse empty words which are not backed by meaningful action. Perhaps it is time to reframe this. Call a spade a spade. Words without action are a ‘performance’ spoken to benefit the speaker, not others. Don’t just speak about challenging the status quo, change the status quo. #leadership #statusquo #allyship

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𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇: 𝐀 𝐉𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐃 From the innocence of childhood through the transformative years of school and college, and even into the world of work, I found myself the target of relentless bullying. My personality, defined by an inherent kindness and a gentle disposition, was misconstrued as weakness. In a world where the rule of the jungle seemed to prevail, my strength was overlooked, and my kindness exploited. As a child, the playground, a supposed haven of joy and camaraderie, often became a battlefield. When I was eight years old, a severe road accident left me unable to participate in physical play. This accident not only caused physical pain but also led to my exclusion from the social games and activities that bond children together. Adding to this, my friends at primary school often laughed at my behavior, dress, and even the way I spoke. These experiences of being taunted and jeered at for my perceived differences and limitations etched themselves into my young mind. Transitioning into school did little to alleviate the situation. Bullying became more sophisticated but no less harmful. The social hierarchies of adolescence, with their rigid cliques and unspoken rules, left little room for someone like me. I was judged for my willingness to help others, my reluctance to retaliate, and my innate empathy. In a competitive environment, these traits were seen not as strengths but as liabilities. The world of work, which I naively believed would be a meritocratic refuge, presented its own challenges. The early stages of my career were marred by colleagues who mistook my collaborative spirit for submissiveness. In an environment where the loudest voices and the most aggressive tactics often prevailed, my approach was undervalued. I internalized these experiences. I didn't speak about them to my parents or my surroundings. Perhaps I feared that they would see me as weak, or maybe I didn't want to burden them with my pain. Instead, I carried these scars within, allowing them to shape my self-perception and interactions with the world. To those who have faced or are facing similar struggles, know this: your kindness is your strength. The world may not always recognize it, but it is an intrinsic part of what makes you extraordinary. Do not let the cruelty of others diminish your light. Speak about your experiences, seek support, and surround yourself with those who value and respect your true self. Today, as I look back on my journey, I see not just the pain and the challenges, but also the incredible resilience and strength that have brought me here. I am not defined by the bullying I endured but by the kindness I have chosen to preserve. This journey has taught me that true strength lies not in overpowering others, but in empowering oneself and those around you. In the face of adversity, let your kindness be your armor and your guiding star.

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Navigating the Appraisal Maze... A Journey of Growth While the appraisal season is still on, I'm reminded of the complexities hidden beneath the seemingly straightforward conversations. Much like climbing a mountain, these discussions require both courage and compassion, for they hold the power to shape our professional paths. To those receiving a rating that falls short of expectations, remember, it's not a label of underperformance, but rather a compass pointing towards areas ripe for growth. Think of it as a pit stop on your journey, an opportunity to fine-tune your skills and emerge even stronger. And to those basking in the glow of a stellar rating, know that this is not the summit, but merely a base camp for even greater achievements. Embrace the challenge with humility and enthusiasm, for with higher ratings come higher expectations, and with them, the chance to reach new heights. Let's approach these discussions not as critiques, but as catalysts for progress. Amidst discussions of money and hikes, let's not forget the invaluable currency of transparent feedback. It's the foundation upon which we build our careers, fostering trust, growth, and ultimately, success. It's the bedrock upon which genuine professional relationships are built, where mentors become allies and growth becomes a shared endeavour. #AppraisalSeason #ProfessionalGrowth #FeedbackIsFuel

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Promote your work shamelessly: [1] In one of my prior roles - I was leading a stability initiative. Every week, I had to present the status to senior stakeholders. After doing that for 18 months, two different stakeholders from that forum offered me an opportunity to join their teams [2] I was actively involved in a people initiative outside of my day job. The executive sponsor of that initiative offered me a role for which I had no prior experience - because he believed in me The key takeaway from this post is 1/ If you are sincere and do your due diligence to your assigned tasks - more opportunities will follow 2/ “More the merrier” - The more people know about your work, the more opportunities you are likely to get. 3/ Its people who change people’s lives - build a meaningful network

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