Re-Defining the 21st Century Boardroom

There is always something elusive about the Boardroom. It is a place where strategies are devised, risks weighed, and the future of companies charted. Yet, amid its polished oak walls and hushed deliberations, there's an aspect that has begun to echo louder than ever before - diversity. But it's not just about ticking boxes; it's about steering towards an inclusive future. Still questioning the value of a diverse boardroom? It's time you rethink your strategy.  A study by researchers at Harvard Business School found that ethnically diverse organizations were 35% more likely to outperform their industry median. Notably, ethnically diverse boards are 43% more likely to deliver higher profits. Now that's a win you surely want on your side of the…

The Achievement Trap: Why We’re Wired to Want “More”

The Emptiness After the Big Win As the year comes to an end, this is the time when we reflect and take stock of everything we’ve accomplished. Yet, for many of us, we've certainly done a lot of work, but the outcome feels insignificant. It stirs a quiet unease: the sense that, despite the projects delivered, the milestones ticked off, we have this feeling that we still haven’t done enough. This is the arrival fallacy at work, the belief that once we reach a certain goal, we’ll finally feel complete. We chase goals believing they hold the feeling we’re missing, only to discover the feeling never stays. We continually chase more success, more recognition, more wealth, believing that the next…

The Unexpected Obstacle Every Startup Faces (And How to Overcome It)

According to Exploding Topics (latest data in 2023), 90% of startups fail. Wait, let’s break it down.  “Nine out of every ten startups crash and burn. But, hang on! Wasn't the dream to be the next, dare I say it, Elon Musk, or Jeff Bezos?” Surprised? But this is just the start of our harsh and enlightening ride. Think about it. You have your perfect product in mind, the dream team lined up, your business plan readied, investors ready to shower you with their money, and you even have the departmental desk color scheme sorted (we all know that's important). Yet despite all this, you are more likely to fail than to succeed – hard pill to swallow, right? Grit your…

Is CSR Really Necessary?

Image by patpitchaya on Shutterstock So, you may be wondering, is corporate social responsibility (CSR) really necessary? Couldn't corporations just focus on their primary purpose: providing shareholders with satisfactory returns? Well, that line of thinking, quite frankly, is now considered as outdated as fax machines. While it's true that businesses exist to make a profit, the measures of corporate success today have broadened.  The emergence of CSR as an essential primer of modern corporate governance is no accident. It's a reflection of the evolving societal expectations of corporations. So, why has CSR become a non-negotiable for businesses? What is the definition of CSR? "Corporate Social Responsibility means pursuing business objectives in a manner that enhances your company's positive impact on society…

Feedback Is A Conversation: How To Speak Honestly and Listen Openly

How to Prepare For Feedback Conversations In our previous article, we explored the power of self-awareness. This week, we dive into the art of navigating tough conversations and exchanging feedback with clarity and care. Giving and receiving feedback are deeply intertwined with self-awareness and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Before stepping into any feedback conversation, preparation rooted in self-awareness is essential. Understanding our own emotions, triggers, and behavioral patterns helps us approach feedback calmly and confidently. Self-aware leaders consider the recipient’s emotional state, while emotionally intelligent individuals manage their reactions, viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. More importantly, when feedback is exchanged within a culture of trust, it fosters constructive dialogue, vulnerability, and mutual respect, thereby…

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