Managing in the today’s world of business demands both an experimental and execution-focused mindset; a balance that reinvents the established norms and enhances the growth potential of any organization.
Embrace the Transition: From Isolated R&D to Integrated Innovation
Gone are the days when R&D was isolated, left for a few dedicated people to deal with. The present Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) world demands a broader perspective, one that integrates experimentation with execution, thereby enabling businesses to navigate the landscape effectively.
Experimentation and Execution: Two sides of a Coin
Experimentation and Execution: Two sides of a Coin
In today’s era of unprecedented rate of change, the successful individuals and organizations are those who elegantly orbit between experimentation and execution.
Why Experimentation Matters:
Outside-In Learning: Embrace the unknown, take inspiration from outside to challenge the status quo and create innovative solutions.
Process Definition: Develop a robust framework for structured and productive ideation and problem-solving.
Failure Tolerance: Building an environment where failure is seen as a doorway to new understanding, not as a setback.
Path Finding: Identify the most effective way to move forward.
Building for Sustainability: Recognize the need for long-term thinking and sustain the momentum brought about by experimentation.
The Importance of Execution:
Inward Focused Learning: Understanding our strengths, weaknesses, and possible growth areas.
Outcome-Driven: Ensuring efforts are geared towards substantial results.
Task Completion: Implementation is key, bringing ideas to fruition.
Lower Failure Rate: Enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
Adherence to Process: Ensuring consistency and standards in delivering services or products.
Building to Scale: Acknowledge the need to grow and adapt to meet demands of our expanding businesses.
Successful management in contemporary times requires an agile, balanced approach. A blend of experimentation and execution, a commitment to ongoing learning, and an innovative mindset helps individuals, teams, and organizations to thrive in the face of constant change and uncertainty.
My 50-word take:
The key message here is not to choose one approach over another but to do experimentation and execution together. As we continue to leap into the world of more unknown, it is super critical to see how ‘exploration with the intent of delivery’ and ‘delivery with the intent of exploratoon’ can coexist. By doing so, we are not just evolving with the world but also shaping the new norms in this evolving VUCA landscape.
Our biggest innovation will be in the way we approach and engage with this world and its opportunities, continue to learn, experiment, execute, and shape our world for a sustainable and scalable future.
In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, the buzzword on everyone’s lips is “HumAIn” – the fusion of Human and Artificial Intelligence. As we step into fascinating world of generative AI today, the demand for HumAIn talent is skyrocketing. But what qualities should you look for when hiring a HumAIn for driving spontaneous and authentic marketing organizations? Here are the key attributes that will set your team up for success.
A HumAIN Representative
1. Multilingual Mastery: In our globally connected world, speaking the language of your audience is paramount. Look for a HumAIn who can effortlessly communicate in multiple languages, with proficiency in English + local language as a minimum. This linguistic versatility opens doors to wider audiences and ensures your message resonates authentically. The current language translators are still unable to pack that punch or humor in translations.
2. Storytelling Savvy: The heart of marketing lies in storytelling. Your ideal HumAIn hire should be a natural-born storyteller, capable of weaving narratives that captivate and engage. Seek someone who can craft narratives that feel spontaneous and authentic, connecting with your audience on a human (yes no AI here) level.
3. Curiosity and Continuous Learning: The marketing landscape is a playground for the curious. Your HumAIn should possess an insatiable thirst for knowledge, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and consumer behaviors. The ability to adapt and evolve is key to short, medium and long-term success.
4. Outside-In Perspective: Effective marketing requires seeing the world through the eyes of your audience. A HumAIn who adopts an “outside-in” perspective can better understand the needs, desires, and pain points of their target demographic, resulting in more authentic and relatable content. The problem today is 90% of marketers are inward focused – on their products, their culture, their TLA (Three Letter Acronyms), their features – little or no relevance to what their user needs.
5. Analytical Acumen: Data is the lifeblood of modern marketing. Your HumAIn should be adept at analyzing content performance, identifying what works, and what doesn’t. Data-driven decision-making ensures your marketing efforts are not just spontaneous but also strategically sound. I don’t like numbers is no more a cool thing for the arty-marketing soul. Spreadsheets, data and numbers, pivots and percentages form the core of measurement of each action and its consequence.
6. Proficiency in Written Communication: A strong command of the written word is non-negotiable. Whether it’s crafting blog posts, social media updates, or email campaigns, your HumAIn hire should be a wordsmith, able to convey messages with precision and impact. Even while using AI tools, the message should be pithy, precise and pertinent; plethora of plausible platitudes don’t work anymore.
7. Social Media Mastery: The modern marketer needs to be comfortable navigating various social channels, from the ever-popular Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram or X to messaging platforms like WhatsApp and email marketing. An adept HumAIn can engage and interact seamlessly across these platforms – where the target audience can be engaged.
8. Building Audience Communities: Beyond creating content, your HumAIn should have the knack for building and nurturing audience communities. This involves fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging discussions, and responding authentically to audience feedback. Listening and listening without bias or prejudice is the key here. Encourage transparency.
9. Tech-Savvy: Embracing technology is crucial in today’s marketing landscape. Look for a HumAIn who is willing to learn and use a suite of tools, including creative aids like Canva and marketing automation platforms like Buffer. Additionally, familiarity with generative AI tools such as Copy.AI, DALLE, ChatGPT, and Bing AI can supercharge content efficiency, potentially boosting effectiveness 10x.
50-word Summary
The next HumAIn hire you seek for driving spontaneous and authentic marketing should be a versatile, data-savvy, and tech-savvy storyteller with a genuine curiosity about the world. With these qualities, you’ll be well on your way to crafting marketing campaigns that not only capture attention but also hearts. Welcome to the future of marketing – the era of HumAIn.
Note: The term “HumAIn” refers to the fusion of Human and Artificial Intelligence in the context of marketing and content creation. It is not a word in the Webster Dictionary – yet.
Mastering the Art of Precision: How to Communicate Effectively in Brief Written Exchanges.
Effective communication is a cornerstone of any successful project or organization. While many excel at verbal interactions, the art of crafting precise written responses—especially in platforms like email or WhatsApp, where brevity often matters—can be a different challenge altogether.
Mastering the Art of Precision: How to Communicate Effectively in Brief Written Exchanges.
This insight was triggered by a recent conversation with a colleague, a highly skilled orator, who struggled to convey the same clarity and impact in written form. Lengthy, convoluted messages sometimes missed the crux, diluting the value of the communication. In a fast-paced world, where every word counts, mastering the skill of delivering concise, yet comprehensive written responses is indispensable. This blog post delves into how to achieve this balance, drawing on real-world examples from interactions between grant givers and grantees.
Here are the tops for effective written communication.
Preparation Phase:
Have Absolute Clarity: Understand the exact requirement, pain point or the hidden need (ask as many questions as you should to identify them without annoying the other or sounding directionless) the facts and data related to the subject. Be ABSOLUTELY clear on what you want or what you want / have to offer as you thought, advise or ask.
Research Thoroughly: Understand the facts and data related to the subject.
Know Your Audience: Tailor your language, tone, and content to the listener’s needs.
Communication Phase:
Introduction:
Briefly outline the topic and why it’s important.
Present Facts Clearly:
Use bullet points or lists to separate facts.
Cite credible sources when possible.
Be Assertive but Not Aggressive:
Use clear and concise language.
Don’t use qualifiers like “I think” or “maybe”; state facts directly.
Maintain Control:
Stick to the point.
Use pauses effectively to control the pace and allow absorption of information.
Optimistic Conclusion:
Highlight the positives or opportunities without disregarding the challenges.
Answering Specific Questions:
Listen Carefully: Make sure you understand the question fully.
Be Concise: Answer directly, covering key points.
Cite Evidence: If applicable, provide facts or data to back up your statement.
Reiterate Optimistically: End with a positive note to signal the conversation’s forward momentum.
Follow-up Phase:
Summarize Key Points: Recap what was discussed.
Provide Additional Resources: Share links or documents that support your facts.
Invite Further Questions: Be open to more discussion.
Email & WhatsApp: Short Response Strategy
Email & WhatsApp: Short Response Strategy
Start Directly: Jump into the point.
Use Numbers: For multiple points, number them for clarity.
Be Clear & Concise: No filler words.
End Positively: Close with a constructive or optimistic note.
Example 1: Question from Grant Giver to Non-Profit Grantee
Question: Can you update us on the progress of the literacy program?
Example 2: Question from Implementation Partner to Principal
Question: How are the new tech platforms working in your school?
Principal Response: Adoption rate at 70%. Teachers and students adapting well. Minor tech glitches, but fixable. Overall, very promising.
Example 3: Question from Principal to Vice-Principal
Question: Are the teachers ready for the new curriculum?
Vice-Principal Response: 80% of staff trained. Confidence high. Need to revisit lesson plans, but we’re on track for a successful rollout.
In each of these examples, the response is factual, direct, and ends on an optimistic note. It adheres to the word limit while still conveying essential information and a sense of assurance.
By adopting this approach, you not only convey information clearly and assertively but also instill a sense of optimism and control in the conversation.
Working with the younger generation, individuals in their 20s or early 30s who often carry the confidence of knowing it all, can be both exhilarating and challenging. They bring fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and tech-savvy expertise, but also an audacious belief in their own abilities that can sometimes make it difficult for them to accept guidance. As a seasoned professional myself, I can confidently offer some insights on managing and mentoring this talented, but at times, headstrong lot.
First off, I choose to see their high confidence levels as an asset, a catalyst propelling them towards uncharted territories with fearlessness. They are bold innovators, ready to question, debate, and argue. And as much as it seems they are resisting your inputs, they are ultimately seeking logic. They have a keen appetite for reasoning, and when offered, it is generally well received and duly respected.
Working with a know-it-all.
Granting Freedom with Defined Goals
Chaos breeds in ambiguity. The young generation craves freedom — freedom to explore, experiment, and even falter. However, if parameters are not well-defined, it could lead to confusion and derailment. So set clear goals but also provide a large canvas for these young minds to paint their own interpretations. The freedom within a framework kind of approach works best here.
The Role of Respect
It’s a golden relationship rule that applies superbly here as well – respect begets respect. Value their space, their personality, and their uniqueness. Foster a nourishing environment where their voices can be heard without the fear of judgement.
The Power of Constructive Feedback
For the ones who think they know it all, feedback, when given artfully, can be a game-changer. Feedback should be structured, meaningful, and respectful, even when it is negative or critical. There’s no better way to build trust and convey that you indeed have their backs.
Share, to Inspire
Guide them through your journey. Share stories of your triumphs and failures with full candor, narrating how a particular misstep you took years ago led to learnings that you carried forward. Anecdotes from your life can offer valuable learning experiences and inculcate a more open mindset.
Teach the Balancing Act
The ability to see both the big picture and the minute details is a competence that is often hard won. Instruct them to observe, to understand how a small font spacing change in a document can dramatically alter its impact, and how an overarching strategy can guide a project’s direction.
Authenticity and Transparency
To ensure their growth and success, teach them about corporate values. They should witness the authenticity you bring to your work, the focus on shared success, the outside-in perspective, the power of fine-tuned storytelling, and the pervasive practicality of corporate life.
The New Prophesy
Interestingly, they’ve begun to say that I can foresee the future. I take it as a compliment. It reinforces the importance of experience and wisdom. Young or old, we are all constantly learning, earthed on the past but looking towards the future.
A creative journey
Engaging with the younger generation at the workplace can initially be a roller coaster ride, but by focusing on mentorship and creating a space for open conversations, you can easily turn this ride into a journey of shared growth and success. Provide them with insight, not just directions, and the ‘know-it-all’ will transform into the ‘eager-to-learn’.
In the dynamic landscape of B2B sales, forging long-term partnerships relies on fostering open dialogue, shared understanding, and a commitment to achieving common goals. Dive into the most crucial probing, or discovery, questions designed to drive productive conversations and uncover new avenues for growth and collaboration.
A questioning mind has endless possibilities figured out
Essential Probing Questions:
What has sparked your interest in partnering with our organization?
How does our solution fit within your existing systems or processes?
What benefits do you expect to gain from our collaboration?
How do you see our offering addressing your current pain points or challenges?
Can you describe the urgency and importance driving your investment in this solution?
Are there any hindrances preventing you from moving forward at this stage?
Additional Probing Questions:
How do you envision integrating our solution into your long-term growth strategy?
Can you share examples of past successful partnerships that could guide our collaboration?
What challenges do you foresee in implementing our solution, and how can we collaborate to overcome them?
How does our proposed solution align with your company’s values and commitment to social responsibility?
The Value of Probing Questions:
Strategic questioning uncovers critical information, enabling Futureshift Consulting to tailor services that align with each partner’s unique requirements, goals, and objectives. These questions nurture deep connections, empower effective decision-making, and propel businesses towards sustainable success. By fostering an environment of trust and collaboration, our partners can reach their full potential.
Skipping these questions may lead to inefficient solutions and missed opportunities for growth. It is vital to involve each partner in the dialogue and decision-making process.
Optimal Time and Tone for Asking Questions:
Business relationships are built on clear communication and mutual understanding. As a forward-thinking, innovative, and socially responsible brand, Futureshift Consulting should engage in probing questions throughout multiple stages of the partnership.
From exploring possibilities to evaluating the impact of ongoing projects, these pivotal questions establish an open, empowering, and approachable environment that cultivates synergistic growth.
Striking a tone that is professional yet empathetic, the questions should be adapted and rephrased to suit specific conversational contexts while maintaining the core objective of establishing a strong foundation for understanding and shared success.
In conclusion, B2B relationships thrive on insightful questioning and open dialogue. By investing in this approach, Futureshift Consulting and its partners can achieve sustainable growth, drive innovative solutions, and uphold shared commitments to social responsibility and sustainability. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
In my previous article, “Happy 75th, India – Next 25,” we paused and reflected on India’s journey of seven and a half decades. We celebrated India’s 75 buoyant years and anticipated the promising next 25.
Many lived through the iconic turning points and paradigm shifts, particularly those from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, when India was perceived as a slow-paced, industry-unfriendly zone. Today, the canvas that India paints could not differ more. Through the lens of the cognitive biases that often cloud our collective memory, this article delves deeper into the significant chapters of India’s transformative journey – from being a talent supplier to starting to become a global leader in technology.
As one among the 1.3 billion hearts beating in India today, I felt compelled to extend the narrative, especially for those who bore witness to the transformations from the 60s to the 80s. As the memory of India being a slow, socialist, industry-hating economy still lingers, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the reality couldn’t be more dissimilar today.
From Trishaws to Chandrayan3 ?
Unhooking from the Cognitive Biases
Often, the human mind clings to the present, succumbing to cognitive biases, such as the ‘recency effect’ and ‘bandwagon effect’. In this 24×7 social media era, these biases get amplified, subtly nudging us to ignore or undervalue the path tread. The transition from the reluctance to reveal our Indian identity overseas back in 1999 to assertively proclaiming one’s origin as “Bangalore” by late 2001, is a testament to the sea change in perceptions. This shift underpins the impact of major events like Y2K on our collective psyche and, indeed, the global image India projected.
Banking, Investment, and Technology: the Early 2000s
It was during 2002-2007 that the seeds of massive transformation were sown. As the new millennium unfolded, India emerged as a major investment hub, fueled by an influx of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into the technology and automotive sectors. This period ‘marked’ the initiation of full-scale banking reforms in India. Banks across the country adopted and integrated cutting-edge technology, creating an incredible foundation for the banking sector in the years to come.
Resilience also became India’s middle name amid global crises: the expensive crude oil at $200 a barrel, the 2008 financial meltdown, and health scares from SARS to swine flu. Despite the odds, India managed to keep inflation within check – a noteworthy achievement considering the global economic scenario.
Telecommunication Revolution in the Palms of the Common Man
Fast-forward to 2005. A small, mobile device, courtesy of the stunning ₹500 Monsoon Hungama offer, began reaching the majority of Indian households. This significant turning point signaled a shift in business models, particularly those aimed at the ‘Bottom of Pyramid.’ Cellular technology’s diffusion had a profound influence not only on the way businesses operated but how society communicated, engaged, and consumed services.
The initial charm of feature phones gave way to a thirst for smarter, faster, and more versatile devices. By 2013, 3G-enabled smartphones were no longer the toys of the affluent but tools of necessity. This rapid evolution helped pave the way for services like home delivery of groceries. A concept pioneered by Fabmall in 2000-2001, paralleling the services offered by Amazon Pantry in the present day.
Buffaloes and Cycle Rickshaws and Space Race
The Aerial Revolution – Making Everyone Fly
In parallel, the aviation sector was undergoing its transformation, catalyzing the idea that everyone can fly. Low-cost airlines emerged as a game-changing concept between 2003-2014, toppling the traditional paradigms in domestic travel. Airlines like Air Deccan started offering tickets at jaw-droppingly low costs – as affordable as ₹500. The Indian sky was teeming with choice and the potential that affordable travel could unlock across the Indian landscape.
Auto Industry Transformation – Becoming the World’s Workshop
In the auto sector, the revolution was no less significant. Major car manufacturers – GM, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, and Mercedes Benz – expanded their operations in India, setting up vast factories. We moved away from being net importers to significant exporters of vehicles across the world. Brands like Hyundai became synonymous with quality and affordability in international markets, making their Indian plants major export hubs.
Companies in the auto ancillary sector, such as Sundaram Clayton and TVS groups, furthered this growth. Tata Motors’ audacious acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover, glorified India’s prowess in auto manufacturing on the global stage.
Expanding Footprints – The Forays of Airtel & Tatas
Indian companies didn’t limit themselves to just enhancing domestic capacity–they went global too. Airtel set an example by spreading its operations into Africa, providing affordable cellular services to millions. Likewise, Tata Group, with its vast array of business interests, expanded its footprint into Europe and other global markets.
Embrace and Scale: The Story of Aadhaar, UPI, Direct Cash Transfer & More
Concepts that were pilot-tested during 2012-2015, such as Aadhaar, UPI, Direct Cash Transfer, established the potential that technology had in transforming governance and public services. These initiatives presented scalable models that could positively impact the lives of millions, further strengthening India’s standing in global technological innovations.
The Unseen Backbone – How Global Tech Transformation Enabled Local Growth
If a billion wishes were hoses, the cows did indeed fly.
Behind these triumphs lies an unsung contributor that fueled India’s technological ascendance – the silent revolution that internet and global technology transformation brought. WhatsApp, bought over by Facebook, evolved from being merely an instant messaging app to a platform that enabled small businesses to connect and interact with consumers like never before. The rampant penetration of 3G, followed by 4G networks, pushed the envelope, transforming India into a mobile-first nation.
In this context, key sectors’ convergence, visionary leaders, and competencies of Indian scientists, engineers, and technologists came to a crucial juncture. The driving message behind this narrative is acknowledging every football field run, every player’s agility, every strategy employed, and every triumphant goal that has brought us to this juncture – from the Y2K-stimulated IT revolution and telecom wave to the banking reforms, auto industry leap, advancement in mobile Internet, Aadhaar integration and beyond.
India, as we witness today, is a significant actor on the scientific and technological world stage—a testament to several decades of consistent toil, tenacity, and innovation. As we derive pride in today’s breakthroughs, let’s also pay tribute to the journey that has brought us here and prepare to navigate the exciting new chapters yet to unfold.
In both our personal lives and business, the concept of binary thinking – classifying everything into either “right” or “wrong” – can prove to be quite limiting. This perception often glosses over the complexity and intricacies involved in every area of life, and the unique manifestations that may not necessarily fit into these preconceived categories.
The Negativities of Binary Thinking
Discrimination: Binary thinking fosters a tendency to pick one thing over another, leading to discrimination. A wide range of possibilities may exist between these extreme ends, but is often overlooked or rejected.
Non-Inclusivity: Different perspectives, unique experiences, and creative ideas may fall outside of this binary classification. Such non-inclusivity excludes many individuals or ideas from being considered.
Lack of Diversity: By overlooking intermediate points and solely focusing on the extremes, binary thinking fails to embrace diversity.
Nuances and Grey Areas: The Real Architect of Solutions
Solutions and problems are abstract constructs that change according to context, they are not black-and-white. To paint them strictly as binaries means disregarding important subtleties, creating an environment that lacks richness and diversity.
Context-dependent: Problems and solutions always exist within an ecosystem of interconnected, co-existing variables, all of which play a significant role in defining outcomes.
Embracing ambiguity: The “grey” areas, or zones of ambiguity, are fertile grounds for innovation, learning, and growth, serving as potential treasure troves of insights and novel solutions.
Unacknowledged Middle Ground: The Choke Point of Possibilities
When binary thinking becomes the default approach, the vast realm of middle-ground possibilities are often ignored. This middle ground, a combination of diverse elements from either ends of the spectrum, houses infinite unique combinations of solutions to complex issues.
Breaking from Binaries: A Call for Pluralism
A pluralistic perspective — which acknowledges and values a range of different views, beliefs or practices — is necessary for a more humane and effective approach to problem-solving in both professional and personal life.
Embrace diversity: By acknowledging the vast spectrum of possibilities, we can celebrate the richness of human diversity, and the potential for collaboration and co-creation.
Inclusivity: By making room for the different, the unconventional, and the less common, we build an environment that is inclusive and embraces differing viewpoints, thus leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions.
Challenge set patterns: By questioning the set binaries, we can explore new frontiers and open up new possibilities, leading to interesting and innovative outcomes.
In conclusion, while binary thinking may seem efficient, it’s actually a limiting and divisive way of thinking. An approach that appreciates the nuances and the breadth of possibilities can open up new avenues, bring about innovation, and make our lives and businesses more effective and inclusive.
In the milieu of educational disciplines, two schools of thought often create a schism—those favoring stringency and discipline (puritans), and those favoring curiosity-driven exploration (liberals). As with many philosophical divides, this dichotomy often limits educational approaches to siloed territories. However, by orchestrating both rigor and curiosity, we propose a dynamic educational framework that takes the middle ground, synthesizing the best of both worlds.
Curiosity and Hardwork
Rigor and Curiosity: An Enlightened Fusion for Modern Education
A successful educational experience is built on a sound structure of rigor, balanced with the liberation of exploratory learning. This model champions the strengths of both philosophies and sets the stage for a balanced, productive learning environment.
Making Toughness a Habit: The Puritan Ethic of Rigor
The puritan strand of education underscores rigor’s crucial role in cultivating resilience, mental toughness, and grit. The belief is that by instilling discipline, an individual gains the ability to confront challenges head-on and even perceive failure as nothing more than a growth catalyst on the path to success.
Unleashing the Mind’s Potential: The Liberal Ethic of Exploratory Learning
On the opposing end of the spectrum, the liberal philosophy of education places great emphasis on curiosity and exploratory learning. It champions the active pursuit of discovery, invoking intellectual growth and transformation. By encouraging an open mindset that constantly probes new territories of knowledge, education extends beyond a process of learning to an experience of intellectual exhilaration.
A Dynamically Balanced Education: A Symphony of Philosophies
While both philosophies possess their unique strengths, imagine a unified, dynamic relationship between the two—a fusion of puritan rigor and liberal curiosity. This form of education provides a robust, adaptable learning experience that molds learners who are resilient and intellectually agile. It’s about instilling disciplined toughness while igniting the innate curiosity to explore and learn.
When seamlessly intertwined, these key elements of education functioning together lead students beyond singular pedagogies. They experience a comprehensive journey of learning, armed with the discipline to face challenges and the agility to adjust with the changing times.
Concluding Thoughts: Embracing an Enlightened Model
By discarding the either-or approach, we can instead adopt a this-and-that approach—an avenue that brings the rigor of discipline and the passion for exploration under one umbrella.
By integrating these philosophies, we create a potent concoction that prepares young minds to face the world with resilience, flexibility, and an endless curiosity. This inclusive and enlightened model could very well be the answer to fulfilling the ever-evolving needs of modern education.
One week ago, I shared my thoughts about the captivating journey of Twitter rebranding to X, with a particular focus on their logo transformation. Fascinatingly, this complex tale of evolutionary branding continues to swell as Linda Yaccarino, the new CEO of X (formerly Twitter), divulged insightful details about her strategic vision in an enlightening interview with CNBC.
So, allow me to share a succinct summary of her revelations to fuel our intellectual appetence:
The Why of X’s Rebranding
Linda elucidates that the concept of X, long cherished by Elon, represents a global town square fueled by free expression. The rebranding is a liberating move, enabling the company to transcend the constraints of the old Twitter mindset.
Why X, When Twitter was Already a Strong Brand?
According to Linda, this is where X’s ambitious foresight comes into play. Incubating as Twitter would have resulted in merely incremental changes while X dreams bigger—envisioning the realm of possibilities. Interestingly, 3 out of 4 users harbor positive sentiments about this invigorating shift to X!
How Do Linda and Elon Share Control?
While Elon stirs his magic in product design and engineering, spearheading the rebranding and charting X’s future, Linda exercises autonomy over the remaining departments such as HR and legal.
Controversial Content: Can Businesses Feel Safe Advertising on X?
Despite the controversial content narratives, Linda clarifies that extraordinarily, over 99.9% of content on X is deemed “healthy,” and that almost all ad impressions align with brand-safe content. In her words, “X is a safer platform than a year ago.”
How Do Brands React to Elon’s Bold Posts?
Linda candidly admits that some brands express concern over Elon’s compositions, often interpreting them as violations of X’s safety principles. However, she coherently underscores that the platform’s appeal lies not in Elon’s posts but in the vast half a billion user base.
Brands making a comeback?
In a promising prospect, brands like Coca Cola and Visa have been returning to advertise on X in the recent weeks.
Linda’s Thoughts on Threads and Financial Stability
Linda expressed views on Threads, acknowledged the hiring efforts of X to fortify its team of 1500 employees, and shed light on X’s financial standing, stating that the company is near break-even, showing momentum in data licensing/API, subscription revenues, and advertising.
Wrapping It Up
In her closing remarks, Linda expressed her gratitude towards the X community, highlighting the essence of free expression that drives this platform.
***
This enlightening conversation with Linda reinforces my belief in the subtle power of transformative branding and management as brands scale new heights. As X continues to showcase this vibrant evolution, it’s an exciting space to watch! #X #BrandEvolution #CNBCinterview #LindaYaccarino
‘Curiosity killed the cat,’ we often say, using the phrase as a cautionary tale. But isn’t it more accurate to say, ‘Curiosity gave the cat nine lives’? Our need to understand, explore, and ask questions is intrinsic to our nature.
A Tale of a Toddler’s Curiosity
Children, from the moment they are born, display an innate curiosity, a thirst for knowledge born of the countless mysteries surrounding them. It’s like watching a miniaturized research scientist at work. Let me share with you an incident with my elder son K, who, at 13 months old, tossed our expensive TV remote from the 14th floor of a building in Singapore. The remote was shattered into multiple fragments which I presented back to him. K was seriously intrigued by the remnants of the remote. He had yet to learn about gravity or force equals mass times acceleration; yet, he was visibly enchanted by the outcome of his little experiment. Instead of reacting angrily, I allowed his curiosity to flourish.
K – A record of damages
The Joy and Pursuit of Curiosity
Children experiment with curiosity, pushing boundaries to understand how the world around them works. As adults, we often dampen this spirit of curiosity inadvertently, imposing restrictions and consequences.
But what happens when we encourage curiosity, in children and ourselves?
Learning With Curiosity
As adults, we must regain and nurture our inherent curiosity. Here are five ways to invigorate your curiosity daily:
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage dialogue and challenge your assumptions by asking questions that require more than a yes or no.
Read widely and often: Tap into the wealth of knowledge available in books, articles, blogs, and podcasts.
Embrace uncertainty: Understand that not knowing the answer can lead to many interesting paths.
Plan exploration days: Pick a day and spend it exploring a topic, place, or idea that intrigues you.
Stay teachable: Recognize the limits of your knowledge and remain open to learning.
Building Curiosity in Organizational Settings
Moreover, it’s crucial that we foster curiosity in our workplaces. As managers, we need to stop:
Discouraging inquisitiveness: Treat all questions as legitimate and treat curiosity as a valuable trait rather than a distraction.
Limiting learning opportunities: Encourage continued learning by providing resources and time for employees to explore their interests.
Rewarding only results: Recognize the process and the learning, not just the final outcome.
Discover how liberating it can be to embody the spirit of curiosity. Remember, it’s not about knowing all the answers, but the thrill of the pursuit. The next time you hear the phrase, ‘Curiosity killed the cat,’ remember my story about the TV remote, and think to yourself, “but curiosity gave the cat nine lives.”
Rajesh Soundararajan
What are your thoughts? Is curiosity innate or is it is inculcated?
