Leadership

"Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets." – W. Edwards Deming

What do you think of when you hear the word design? Most people might picture graphic design, architecture, or fashion. But design goes far beyond aesthetics; it’s the invisible structure behind everything we see, use, and experience. Whether it’s the clothes on your back, the software on your computer, or the complex patterns in nature - every element is intentionally crafted to serve a purpose. Look closely, an…

“The arts are the seeds of transformation; they help us see beyond what is to what could be.”

The Musée d'Orsay in Paris is a remarkable institution that transcends the typical museum experience. Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station built in 1900, the museum is a testament to the power of transformation - turning a place of movement into a haven of artistic reflection. It boasts an unparalleled collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, offering visitors an inspir…

“True leadership is not about being in control, but about creating a sense of calm in the storm, connecting deeply with others, and guiding change with clarity and purpose.”

Grounded leaders have never been more critical. The challenges we face - global crises, technological disruptions, or the complexities of leading diverse teams - demand leaders who can remain calm and focused amid chaos. Grounded leaders provide stability in uncertain times; they are the rudder that keeps an organization stea…

“Art is the means by which we communicate what it feels like to be alive.”

Improving connection has been a focal point for many people lately, ever since Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory report on the epidemic of loneliness. It has definitely been on my mind over the past few months. I have developed programs and engaged in numerous discussions on implementing the pillars of this report. One insight that stands out is the need to change our perspective on conversations. Rather than treating …

“Your professional journey is a living museum; each experience is a display of your growth and resilience.”

In our careers, as in life, we are constantly collecting experiences that shape our perspectives and skills. This collection process is like curating a museum (a life-long dream of mine) – each decision about what to include and where to place it imbues meaning and direction. Just as a curator selects and arranges exhibits to tell a compelling story, we must intentionally foster experientia…

“Don't let your best work die within you.”

In the rush of our daily lives, we often hold back our true thoughts, ideas, and dreams, letting them simmer beneath the surface. It's through expressing these parts of ourselves - honestly and openly - that we begin to truly meet ourselves. This concept is central to Todd Henry's powerful message in his book Die Empty, which urges us not to let our best work die within us.

Todd's call to action is inspired by a profound question: "What is the most valuab…

"Life is an experiment in which you may fail or succeed. Explore more, expect least." – Santosh Kalwar

When I look back to my days as a pre-med student, I remember the thrill of running experiments, handling delicate equipment, and testing hypotheses to uncover new insights. Ironically, one of my greatest discoveries wasn’t in the lab at all – it was that I was far more captivated by business than medicine. So, I switched majors, taking a leap into a new field that felt more in tune with my stren…

"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." – F. Scott Fitzgerald

In his book The Opposable Mind, Roger Martin introduces the concept of integrative thinking, an approach that involves holding two opposing ideas simultaneously and resolving the tension between them to create a new, superior idea. This method is in stark contrast with conventional thinking, often forcing a choice between conflic…

"If you give me a lever and a place to stand, I can move the world." – Archimedes

For those of us driven to make a difference, the road to impact often feels like a constant uphill climb. We invest time, energy, and effort but sometimes struggle to see the results we’re after. So, how do we work smarter, not harder? The answer lies in leverage.

Leverage is the advantage that amplifies your efforts, allowing you to achieve more with less. Archimedes brilliantly captured this idea: with the right le…

"Every great advance in science has been issued from a new audacity of imagination." – John Dewey

I often talk with leaders about the importance of stepping outside their comfort zones and pushing their boundaries. These are fundamental steps to unlocking potential and achieving meaningful growth. But what happens when we take these ideas even further? What does it mean to embody the spirit of a pioneer - someone who dares to venture into the unknown and create something entirely new?

When I think…