VALYOU: Create Personal Competitive Advantage in Your Career

Have you ever dreamt of quitting your job and being your own boss? You're not alone. Many desire this freedom, but few take the plunge. "Before diving in, test the waters' is what our host talks about. This podcast will compel you to think about aspects you never paid attention to. Understand if your passion aligns with market needs. Can you create value? Whether you're looking to make a voluntary move or circumstances are pushing you towards it, being prepared is key. Discover the three pivotal steps of quitting your job the right way: mastering your finances, making a positive shift, and test-driving your passion. If you're contemplating the shift to self-employment, this podcast is perfect for those itching for independence but unsure where to start. This podcast is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone seeking a career change, you'll walk away with actionable steps and a clearer vision of your self-employment journey. Tune in and transform your "what if" into a game plan. Because it's not just about quitting; it's about thriving on your own terms!

Micromanagement - often whispered about in hushed tones in office hallways. It's the looming spectre that dampens creativity and productivity in the workplace. But how do we recognize it, and most importantly, how do we rectify it? If you've ever felt choked under the weight of excessive oversight or wondered if your managerial style may be stifling your coworkers, then dive into our podcast and spot the signs of micromanagement and how to break free from its shackles. In this episode of ValYou, dive deep into the world of micromanagement, unpacking its signs and offering actionable strategies to overcome its damaging effects. With real-life anecdotes that resonate deeply and empowerment tools like embracing delegation and cultivating trust, it offers a roadmap to creating enriching workspaces. You'll discover: As a manager, learn strategies to embrace the art of delegation, set clear expectations, seek feedback, and, most importantly, learn to trust your team. Adopt practices that promote trust, autonomy, and growth within your teams, encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves. So, if you've been stifled by micromanagement or simply wish to lead with inspiration and clarity, this podcast might just be our shared lifeline. Join us and tune in!

"Are you seeking ways to turbocharge your team's creativity and innovation, but are unsure where to start? Creativity is essential for business growth and is not restricted to a few professions. A culture that fosters creativity within the workspace is vital for fresh thinking, innovative ideas and successful problem-solving. With this podcast learn how to foster a culture of innovation, capitalize on diversity, and build relevant capabilities that result in fresh ideas and advanced business goals. It offers actionable strategies for leaders to stimulate creative thinking, nurture innovation, and promote a culture of respect and recognition. If you're a leader aiming to harness this power of creativity and transform your workspace into a hive of innovation, this podcast is for you. With our host, listen and learn how a process as simple as '5 Whys' or a method as visually engaging as mind mapping can unleash a torrent of innovative ideas within your team. Discover how diversity can be your secret weapon, bringing in a mélange of perspectives and experiences to produce out-of-the-box solutions.

We all admire resilient leaders, like Steve Jobs and Nelson Mandela, but did you know that you can be one too? Resilient leaders aren't just found in the headlines, they're everywhere, and one such leader could be you. In this podcast, we'll explore the traits that make a leader resilient, from sustaining energy under pressure to mastering change in the face of adversity. We'll also delve into the 5 top skills you can harness to build your own leadership resiliency i.e 1. Emotional intelligence 2. Learning Agility 3. To stay purposeful 4. Leading with a growth mindset 5. Cultivating meaningful relationships Through this podcast, we'll guide you on how to understand your emotions and those of others, learn from every situation, stay focused on your goals, continuously grow, and build deep, supportive networks. Each episode will provide practical tips and insights to help you become the kind of leader who thrives in any situation.

Welcome to the latest episode of VALYOU, today we will explore simulation-based learning and its game-changing impact on corporate training. With the job market evolving rapidly and new technologies emerging, reskilling has become the need of the hour for businesses worldwide. From better decision-making to enhanced collaboration and top-notch customer service, simulations lead the way to success in the fast-paced digital era. Don't miss this must-listen episode for business leaders and corporate professionals seeking to future-proof their organizations. Discover why simulations in corporate learning, such as gamification and experiential learning are catching the wind and how they lead to better decision-making, improved collaboration skills, enhanced sales and customer service training, and much more. Tune in now and conquer the challenges of tomorrow!

This episode on "How to build your Executive Presence" explores the elusive concept of executive presence and highlights its importance in today's changing landscape. This podcast will help individuals enhance their leadership potential, develop their executive presence and foster strong relationships in professional and personal settings. This episode covers all the important aspects that will help you: 1. Create a Convincing Impression of Authority. 2. Lead with Composure 3. Build Stress and 4. Time Management Skills Communication lies at the heart of impactful leadership, and this episode provides in-depth insights into how to master the art of clear and compelling communication. Come join us and unleash the power of words, delivering vision with confidence, conviction, and authenticity.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the potential downsides of working from home and how it can impact your career trajectory. This podcast is specially for those professionals who doesn’t want to return to the earlier work model. Join us as we explore the following key points: Join us for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the potential pitfalls of remote work and gain valuable insights on how to mitigate these challenges, ensuring that your career continues to thrive even in a work-from-home environment.

Like most Indian students of the nineties, I pursued my higher education options based on what was generally known and acceptable. Becoming an engineer and MBA was (and continues to be) popular. My first job was also in a sought after field: management consulting. What most careers - particularly, successful ones - don't reveal are the dreams that didn't materialise. The dreams that we might have had as children. Or even later during college. Is it then a failure if we don't obtain our dream jobs? I have written about my first major encounter with failure during my MBA placements. As I shared during the first episode of this podcast: 80% of young managers did not get the job that they wanted on campus and only 48% of them are satisfied with their current jobs. Are we doomed to remain dissatisfied, pining for the dream job that wasn't to be? What if the current job is your dream job... you just don't know it yet? I look back at my career journey... a roller-coaster of sorts over three decades of choices and misses. And how I learnt (from later Prof. Clayton Christensen) that the principles of strategy (deliberate vs. emergent) apply even to our careers. Do share your feedback and suggestions... write to us at programs@globalgyan.in or send a Whatsapp message to +91 892 843 9578

Nobody is interested in learning, I have often complained. But let the record show that GlobalGyan has always sought to help professionals strengthen their capabilities, through practical learning programs :) In this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with my co-founder and colleague, Sameer Kanse about the process of learning. Sameer is an intrepid learner and of course, a passionate athlete. Therefore, we discussed his learning journey of preparing for the IronMan triathlon. What Sameer shared was a simple framework for how you can pursue a learning agenda, in almost anything. There are many useful tips that you will hear; what I found compelling was the role of a coach in this pursuit. Do share your unique learning experiences and methods with us: write to programs@globalgyan.in or comment on our social media posts. And finally, in the episode, you will find reference to a new program that we are launching. All you have to do is send a Whatsapp message to +91 892 843 9578 with the details mentioned by me.

Peter Drucker is supposed to have said, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast". In other variants, culture skips breakfast, and goes after strategy for lunch. Of course, there's a question mark around whether Drucker even said something like this. However, ask a question comparing Strategy with Culture or with Execution, there are multiple opinions; everyone professes that something is more important than the other. But, is that even the right question? In this conversation with Gagandeep Singh, we get into the linkages between the three, and how we ought to take a more integrated view of them. Gagan is a consultant and coach in the areas of leadership development and organisation transformation. He has written extensively on these topics and has been a partner with GlobalGyan from day 1. Not one to mince his words, Gagan shares his views on the two debates, and provides suggestions on what leaders must do, particularly during these uncertain times, to strengthen the triad of culture, strategy and execution. In case you wish to learn more about GlobalGyan's programs, do check out our website. You can sign up to the interesting programs by our faculty partners. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Make Presentations like a Pro Design Thinking and Elasticity Become a Persuasive Storyteller and many others...

An interesting article in the Mint by Niranjan Rajadhyaksha ("Expand the ‘missing middle’ to fix our problem of job creation") talked about the need for India to create 100 million new jobs over the next 10 years. This will require 100,000 new companies (small & medium businesses) that can each employ a few hundred to be created. We need 100K new entrepreneurs. What could hold them back? The good news is that entrepreneurship (over traditional careers) has started to become acceptable to many youngsters and experienced adults. The not so good news is that entrepreneurship has been equated with the tech, VC-funded startup world. This must be expanded to include more "traditional" businesses. Secondly, our education (college) system is a colossal waste of resources. It does not prepare youngsters for jobs, and less so for entrepreneurship. We must shrink our colleges and create new ones in their place which focus on what almost every 'student' cares about: jobs. Creating 100 million jobs is not an impossible task. We must change the narrative around jobs. To learn how GlobalGyan helps students and professionals prepare for jobs and careers, do check out globalgyan.in, connect with us at programs@globalgyan.in or send a Whatsapp message to +91 892 843 9578.

Unfortunately, yet another long break. GlobalGyan has been busy during this period with a wide variety of live programs and content. Hope this reboot will last longer. This episode brings together things that Srini has written in various posts and articles earlier. Most leaders and educators ask this question: why aren't professionals / adults learning, even though it is obvious that continuous learning is critical to just survival, forget career growth. And the sad reality is that (almost) nobody wants to learn. The issue is lack of measurability of learning. Without objective measurement of capabilities, particularly those of the "soft" variety, there is no motivation to learn. In this episode, Srini goes into the role of our performance management culture and the way supervisors/bosses manage feedback, in developing a vicious cycle of non-learning. Can we do something about it? We suggest a (virtual) slap in the face. To learn how GlobalGyan can help you learn better, do check out globalgyan.in, connect with us at programs@globalgyan.in or send a Whatsapp message to +91 892 843 9578.

This podcast took an unplanned break, initially due to some health issues that I had and later, the inertia of resuming it. But this seems like a good enough time to restart the podcast. In this period of crisis and uncertainty, the Gig-workers are the first to experience loss of business. Many people have had their projects deferred or even cancelled. When you are essentially selling your time, and nobody wants to use your time right now, your earnings dry up. For a detailed read, I would recommend this wonderful post by Dan Schwabel on LinkedIn -- How Hourly Workers Can Make a Living During The Corona Crisis. I also refer to R Jagannathan's book, some useful pointers about the impending jobs crisis can be found in this article. What is the most important and urgent thing that you can do, if you are faced with the uncertainty of income? Nothing you do on the income side will yield you overnight results. The urgent thing that you can do is to lower your expenses. If the inflows are reduced or have become erratic, the first thing you have to do is to manage the outflows. Connect with us at programs@globalgyan.in or send a Whatsapp message to +91 892 843 9578.

Critical thinking is the ability to distinguish between various pieces of data, to be able to derive patterns… and to apply learnings across domains. The reason we need critical thinking is because we are required to solve complex problems, amidst pressures of time, uncertainty and limited data. If you want to build critical thinking, I would just focus on the ability to connect the dots. How do we connect the dots? You need to work on both quantity and diversity of dots. What stops us from being able to build quantity and diversity of dots? The education system rots the two characteristics that mark a critical thinker. Curiosity. Creativity. I asked you to draw a picture. This is the image that most participants draw. More or less. Everyone can revive their curiosity and creativity. Requires just a bit of discipline. Here is a tracker that you can use to make sure you build the two (+1 bonus) habits. Connect with us at programs@globalgyan.in or send a Whatsapp message to +91 892 843 9578.

Our fifth, most important, skill for professionals, to future-proof one's career is Critical Thinking. To understand it better, I speak with Dr. Ashok Korwar, former Professor and PGP Chairman at the Indian Institute of Management IIM Ahmedabad and now a consultant and coach to leaders of high-growth companies. Highlights of the conversation Critical Thinking is critical because of three reasons: Too much data is available Growth of False news Increasing levels of specialisation Critical Thinking is the ability to: Distinguish between what is true / appropriate / likely, and what is not Obtain insights and observe patterns from large amounts of data Apply learnings from one field to another, to solve problems It is difficult to teach critical thinking because it requires (a) us to be inherently interested in learning diverse topics, make the required investments; and (b) the teacher to have the capabilities to instil such interest over time. Unfortunately, our education system does not encourage Critical Thinking. We value Knowledge, knowing the facts… but not Understanding, how we make sense of and apply the facts. In order to develop Critical Thinking, one practical tip would be to ask the question, Why, when faced with any situation, fact or data. Asking such a question repeatedly, with the intent of seeking a solution, is bound to lead to Critical Thinking. In future episodes, we will deep-dive into these five skills and explore more stories on how we can build competitive advantage in career. Connect with us at programs@globalgyan.in or send a Whatsapp message to +91 892 843 9578.

The biggest mindset shift that we all need to make is to take personal responsibility for our careers. We discuss the five skills that are timeless and universally applicable to all professionals. 1. Build Your Identity: What are you good at, and how do you let the world know that you are good at it? 2. Learn to Sell: The ability to sell, whether it is a product, service or an idea, is the most important capability for any professional, whether you are a young manager, a CEO or an entrepreneur. 3. Learn to Code: Every business today is a technology business. If you don’t understand how to leverage technology to create uniqueness in your business, you are losing out. Coding is a way of capturing your intelligence or capability, and giving it reach, power, and repeatability. 4. Understand Money and Wealth: Wealth is having assets that earn while you sleep.Money is a mechanism for the exchange of time, goods or other valuable things. I would recommend listening to podcasts by Naval Ravikant who has inspired some of the learnings that I have shared in this episode. https://nav.al Connect with us at programs@globalgyan.in or send a Whatsapp message to +91 892 843 9578.

We discuss two major shifts that are happening in the world of business and people, which would have a huge impact on careers. The biggest shift in the context of careers is that we are moving away from what has traditionally been the ‘job economy’, where people thought of their careers as a lifelong contract, towards what is called the ‘GIG economy, a fancy name for a higher level of freelancing. From trying to find that first “dream” job, we have to be prepared to look for a gig or a job every other day. Instead of depending on our employers for our career progress, we are now on our own. The shift to Gig Economy is not just for those who are quitting their jobs; even within corporates, the nature of roles is changing, with the emergence of networked structures: small clusters or closely-knit teams that form naturally, around solving problems. The second significant impact on people and careers is due to changes in business models. Traditionally, value creation in a business was a function of the quantum of input resources: capital and talent. Today, that’s not the case. A small team of people with very limited resources are able to disrupt industries. The driver of value creation in business is shifting towards innovation and creation of intellectual property. We better get prepared. Connect with us at programs@globalgyan.in or send a Whatsapp message to +91 892 843 9578.

80% of young managers said that they did not get the job that they wanted on campus. Just 48% are satisfied in their current jobs… Why are so many professionals STUCK? And more importantly, how do we get UNSTUCK? To solve these questions, we will not turn to psychology or philosophy… but to Strategy. If we have to be competitive and relevant in the future market for talent, how do we position ourselves in the marketplace? And how & where do we allocate our resources: time, energy and money to achieve our long term goals. The gurus at GlobalGyan will share stories from those who have succeeded and failed at their careers, so that you can learn from them. Connect with us at programs@globalgyan.in or send a Whatsapp message to +91 892 843 9578.