Can too much discipline break a habit?

Professor Katy Milkman from Wharton conducted a large scale field experiment in 2017-18 in collaboration with 24 Hour Fitness, a gym chain in the US. It involved over 2500 participants across multiple locations. The experiment focused on the question: Strict schedules or flexible routines: What builds lasting habits? 🔬 Participants were randomized into two groups, … Continue reading Can too much discipline break a habit? →

What does silence mean to you?

I was facilitating a two-day leadership workshop. One participant stood out—not for what he said, but for what he didn’t. He sat there like a mouse—listening and scribbling, barely speaking. Not in the large group, not even within his small group. As a facilitator, I couldn’t help but wonder: Is he uninterested? Is he struggling … Continue reading What does silence mean to you? →

Who says working with diverse people is easy?

I was presenting a couple of approaches to solve a difficult problem. After presenting the solutions, I said, “If you have a different point of view or suggestion, please share” A junior colleague raised her hand and said, “Padma, I don’t think this is going to work. And here’s why…” Immediately a thought crossed my … Continue reading Who says working with diverse people is easy? →

Who is your best competitor?

Who is you best competitor? Spoiler alert – its closer than you imagineAs I went for my morning walk today, I started comparing my pace with others. “Oh, that elderly man has moved ahead of me, am I slower than him? Really?”Few minutes later, I caught myself… I was astounded… I was competing for something totally … Continue reading Who is your best competitor? →

Rest isn’t lazy

Rest isn’t lazy!Life can get overwhelming—whether it’s deadlines, social commitments, or just the constant notifications pinging on mobile devices. When our minds don’t get a chance to recharge, we experience mental fatigue.Last week, I conducted a poll on signs of mental fatigue, here's what people had to say:👉 38% said feeling overwhelmed: making even simple … Continue reading Rest isn’t lazy →

Making Vulnerability Easy

Early in my career as a customer support engineer in a hi-tech medical equipment company, I encountered a situation that taught me a lesson on vulnerability. I had attended a training on Holter, a machine that measures a person’s ECG throughout the day. I couldn’t grasp few aspects; but I choose to stay silent, as … Continue reading Making Vulnerability Easy →

What’s the number one in your life

I still recall the phone call from my friend, an ex-colleague of ours, also a good friend, had suffered a brain stroke. He had it all – an impressive career, a loving family, financial stability, and big dreams for the future. Yet, as he laid on his bed, paralyzed on the right side of his … Continue reading What’s the number one in your life →

Neuroscience of Connection: How to become a super communicator?

Last week I ran a poll on communication and who we generally tend to connect more with. The poll results were interesting: 50% felt that they would connect more with someone who takes charge to align thoughts / ideas 50% felt that they would connect more with someone who asks questions At the foundation of … Continue reading Neuroscience of Connection: How to become a super communicator? →

Hit Reset

Sometime back, I went through a rough patch at work. It was a difficult situation; it evoked a medley of emotions: anger, frustration, disappointment…. Such encounters are common for most professionals, we all go through our share of ups and downs. By evening, I had taken charge of myself. I was feeling almost normal as … Continue reading Hit Reset →

Confidence or Competence

Imagine God appears before you and says, “I am happy with you my child, I want to bless you. I can bless you either with ‘confidence’ or ‘competence’, you can choose one.”What would you choose? competence or confidence ?Confidence is the belief in own abilities and judgement. It’s all about positive self-perception and self-assurance.Competence is … Continue reading Confidence or Competence →