tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31254069141454845282024-03-08T08:55:27.198-05:00Live..Dream..Explore..StretchShaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-75772514435688329782011-05-16T11:06:00.003-04:002011-05-16T11:23:05.241-04:00The Name Game (Part-2)<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">February 2011</span><br />Remember the time when I was a freshly minted Beginner's Spanish language enthusiast from Costa Rica?<br /><br />In February, I was in the pre-intermediate Spanish class, and much better at Spanish. This is also the time, when I learned AQUI, is actually spelt as " <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0cm; margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:JA;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:JA;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt;} @page WordSection1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --</style>AQU<span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria">Í</span> ".<br />Crap!<br /><br />The only problem in this discovery was that I could not engage the designer from 99designs, since the project had already ended.<br /><br />Lesson Learned: Get the branding part of your start-up right.<br />I found a way, but more on it later.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-40418200262682476452011-05-13T22:10:00.003-04:002011-05-16T11:23:36.887-04:00The 99designs Experience<span style="font-weight: bold;">January 2011</span><br />I had a name for my company, I had a resource that I could use to get the Logo designed.<br /><br />99designs is a marketplace to engage designers, as well as people who want to hire designers. I wrote a de-brief about what I was looking for, and posted it on there. I had to be very specific about what I liked, or disliked.<br />I paid $334 USD. For $334 USD, you get 40 designs.<br />In my mind, that translated to -> "Wow! I am going to have 40 designers work on my LOGO".<br /><br />Things I wish I had known about 99designs:<br /><ol><li>40 designs does not equate to working with 40 designers. In reality, I ended up working with 3 - 4 designers; out of which 2 were terrible. Should a designer incorporate your feedback, and post iterations of your design, those are considered "new" designs. Perhaps, I did not understand the 40-designs concept properly. However, I do think, certain transparency is required. And, had 99designs mentioned that iterations are counted new designs, I would not have been surprised.</li><li>If you guarantee the prize money, you are likely to get more designers. However, this means that even if the designs are terrible, you'd still forfeit $334 USD. In the first case, should you not like any designs, you are refunded the money.</li><li>99designs does not show your project to all the designers. Projects are shown based on the amount you pay.</li></ol>I narrowed it down to 5 final Logos. Hitesh and I loved one of the Logos, and were almost going to go with it, but had the presence of mind to take our friends input. It turned out everyone hated the Logo that we had liked, and another logo ended up being the logo for GOAQUI.<br /><br />Lessons Learned: Always check with your potential users, incorporate their input, and pivot!<br /><br />Would I use 99designs again?<br />Probably not, but it is good to have a resource available for sole entrepreneurs.Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-20052791796333108912011-05-11T23:51:00.002-04:002011-05-16T11:24:33.196-04:00Who is Tim Ferriss?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">December 2010 </span><br />I started going to HUB Bay Area start-up events. I quickly realized that no one, and I mean NO ONE will give me a dime for an idea. There were founders in that session who were testing their prototypes in Africa. My reaction was "WOW!"<br /><br />I need to get the prototype out before speaking with any kinds of investors. I had the domain name (something tangible), I had the idea, but how do I build it?<br /><br />I got introduced to an author called, Tim Ferriss by Hitesh. Tim is San Francisco based, and has done very well. I ordered his 1st book from the library. It is called: <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Hour Work Week</span>. Tim has a very intriguing writing style. He provides the reader with easy self-help techniques to do anything..literally anything. His book was enlightening! He gave tips to the readers to reduce their work load, and mentioned several places such as elance.com, 99designs.com etc to hire developers, or designers, and get your work done for a reasonable amount. Everyone should read his book.<br /><br />Bingo! I chose 99designs.com to get GOAQUI's logo developed.<br /><br />At some point in my life, I hope to meet Tim, and tell him that his book has been inspirational in getting my start-up off the ground.<br /><br />Lesson Learned: Pay attention to everything you read, and hear about.<br /></div>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-74147200531860123682011-05-11T23:27:00.001-04:002011-05-16T11:27:11.667-04:00The Name-Game<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">December 2010</span><br />I think I did everything backwards with this start-up.<br /><br />I got stuck on the name for almost 1.5 months. Everything was taken. I have a start-up diary, where I have logs of all possible names I could come up with. Hitesh and I had sessions where we'd brainstorm names several times a day. Obviously, we got stuck.<br /><br />I decided to get my friends input. I asked several of my friends for their recommendations, and noted everyone's ideas & names suggestions. Alas! no luck for a month.<br /><br />I went to the public library, and carried 4 big Atlases in the hope of finding a name through the Atlas. No luck!<br /><br />I liked a few names. For example; <span style="font-style: italic;">The Boarding Pass</span>, but then everything was almost invariably taken in the domain name space.<br /><br />This is also the time, I was a recently minted beginner's Spanish student from Costa Rica. One fine day, I was explaining my start-up's concept to my good friend, Jittu. We've been friends for the last 15 years (Gosh! that is a long time). The next day, he calls me,"Hey, Shalu, I was driving, and thinking about your start-up last night. Essentially, you are telling people to go on your website, and get inspired to travel...why don't you try, "<span style="font-style: italic;">GO HERE</span> as the domain name?"<br /><br />Fantastic idea! Jittu is quite a bright guy. I am always amazed at his risk tolerance (which is beyond the scope of discussion) :p<br />A domain name search quickly dampened my excitement. It was taken.<br /><br />A sudden light bulb flash in my head: "Wait, a second! Aqui in Spanish means "here". Why don't I try GOAQUI (pronounced - Go <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ah</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">minus the h pronounciation</span>-<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">kee</span>)?<br /><br />Viola! It was available. And therefore, the start-up was name -> GOAQUI.<br /><br />Later, I surveyed a few friends. Obviously, without prior Spanish knowledge, people do not know how to pronounce the word. I got mixed reactions. Our friend, Shikha also gave a sound logical reasoning, and convinced me to buy another domain name, which I eventually did, but have not used it.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I had fallen in love with the name of my start-up, and finally, name-game ended with GOAQUI.<br /></div>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-41617031151526429982011-05-11T22:46:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:46:11.063-04:00How Does an MBA Stumble Upon Entrepreneurship?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is design-thinking?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Design-Thinking (As I like to explain it)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">: </span>Align customer, or end-user unmet needs, extract the needs into insights, and translate the insights into business-targets.<br /><br />My agenda in 2010 was to get hired at a company where an MBA can apply design-thinking to business problems.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">November 2010</span><br />(Dinner conversation with David, Amy, and Hitesh)<br /><br />Hitesh and I had come back from a week long immersion trip to Costa Rica. We experienced the local culture in Montezuma, learned Spanish, and learned Surfing. I wish we had information about certain things prior to our travel. For example; stay an extra day in Montezuma, and go to Playa Tortuga (island of tortoises), or if you taught English in Montezuma, a particular school would accommodate your stay, Spanish & Surf lessons for free.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Shalu</span>: "I wish there was a place to take recommendations from your friends, know all the nitty-gritty details about your destination prior to your travel, and get inspired to travel to places you have not even heard of....This is how I am thinking of shaping the idea. What do you think?"<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">David</span>: "I like it. There is definitely an opportunity. Make sure you have your monetization strategy figured out".<br /><br />I look up to David almost as a mentor (he may, or may not be aware of it), and was happy that he gave the idea a thumbs up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Design-thinking & Entrepreneurship</span><br />As Steve Blank often recommends, stay close to the customer. How does all this apply to my start-up? I am hoping to improve customer pain-points by creating a platform for travelers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion in 2010</span><br />Who says I can not apply design-thinking to my own venture, and make it successful. And, thus begins the journey of entrepreneurship :)</div>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-81456654298564163932011-01-11T13:21:00.009-05:002011-01-17T13:23:42.004-05:002011: My AspirationsI achieved 5.5 / 7 aspirations for the year 2010; I thought I would continue writing down the new aspirations. I learned in my Top Manager's Perspective class at Rotman - people who write down their aspirations / goals, do achieve them. So, here's to 2011:<br /><br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be Fluent in Conversational Traveler's Spanish</span>: It all started with our week-long trip to Costa Rica in November 2010. Both, Hitesh and I took a week long Surf / Spanish camp in Montezuma. Since then, I have been working on my Spanish. But, learning a language is all about conversation. My aspiration is to be fluent in Traveler's conversational Spanish, so that when I travel to South America, I can immerse myself in the culture, and interact with the locals. We stayed at a bed & breakfast in San Jose. Initially, it was hard to have a conversation with the lady, because she spoke little English, and we spoke little Spanish. But, after our week long trip to Montezuma, we came back equipped with good beginner's Spanish. I started chatting with the lady in Spanish; she beamed, and smiled. She was thrilled to have a conversation with me. I can not explain that feeling, but it was extremely gratifying to speak with her in her native language. I want to savor that feeling; I wish I were able to learn every language possible, and converse with people from around the World. My pre-intermediate Spanish lessons start from February 1st - yay!<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be Less Straightforward</span>: It is either my strength, or my weakness that I can be very direct in my conversations. Well, in my opinion, things are not left to interpretation, and people can understand each other easily. However, I find that most people can not tolerate truth, or direct answers.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Listen More, Interrupt Less</span>: Have you noticed, in a social gathering, people offer cut each other thoughts, and conversations? It appears as if there are competing to maneuver the conversations in the direction they want to chat about. I am guilty of interrupting people as well. I hope to listen more, interrupt less, and talk slow (yep! still need to work on it).</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Travel Much More: </span>Theme from last year's aspirations continues. I want to make it to Yellowstone National Park, Alaska, Yosemite National Park (again!), Death Valley, South America (30-day expedition would be amazing), and India. I hope to explore coastal California more.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Exercise Much More:</span> I am a sucker for chocolates! I have changed my behavior towards a lot of bad food products except for chocolates, which are still my weakness. I do not want to say that"I will give up chocolates, because it is not realistic", but what I will say is that - I want to run 6 times a week, workout 6 times a week, have a healthy lifestyle, and have a flat stomach by the end of 2011. This is a tough aspiration; tough, but not impossible. </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Launch My Own Something</span>: It is running behind schedule, but I need to step on it.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Surf, Swim, and Hike more</span>: Ah! maximize the joys of living in California. </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Regret less, move forward<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update this blog regularly!</span></li></ol>Happy 2011 to me!Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-63888171691053157572010-12-31T17:09:00.004-05:002010-12-31T23:48:26.406-05:002010: New Year, New Decade, New Aspirations<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Earlier this year, I wrote down my aspirations for 2010. Let's see how I did:</span><br /><br />My 7 aspirations (in no particular order) for 2010 are:<br /><br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Talk Slow: </span>I think I talk really fast and sometimes loud (on the phone, when the person on the other end is also loud!).In my last two social gatherings with new people (on two different occasions), I discovered two people, who talked extremely loud, so much so that I got a headache after being in the room with them for 5 minutes. The problem is that most people think that being loud will get their point across. I had to sit far away from these two people, which is not good, because a) I did not interact with them; b) I was annoyed all the time; and c) Loudness is all I remember about them. The experience got me thinking that it must be quite annoying for others as well when I talk fast AND loud! (<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Needs work in 2011 as well)</span><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Learn to Surf</span>: Hitesh and I love water sports. We took surfing lessons in Maui in December. Gosh! I have been missing all surfing fun all this time. Both of us loved it. We intend to be able to surf in Santa Cruz over Summer this year <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">(Achieved! Watch out for another post)</span><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Learn to Swim:</span> I know! I know...swimming, should technically, be a precursor to surfing. However, not being able to swim does not stop me from being in the water. I have taken swimming lessons thrice in my life. Something is wrong with my legs. Oh wait! I am making excuses - I, obviously, did not practice enough to be able to swim properly. Well, it changes this year and starting, January <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">(Achieved; after 3 years of persistence)</span><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Start My Own Something: </span>I have many-many interests and passions, which have not helped me focus my 100% attention on any particular interest. Starting this year, I am going to "start my own something". My biggest strength (that I can leverage easily) is that I am hyper-observant, and excellent at talking to people and building relationships. I have to focus my energy in meaningful interests and get on with it this year. I have gradually come to realize that owning your own something (that you are passionate about and good at), is the way to succeed (<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">A little behind schedule, but watch out for the launch in early 2011)</span><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Become More Involved Within Non-Profit: </span>I am a huge fan of people, who focus their attention within non-profit sector. One such non-profit, started by a friend, and based in India, is "chotti si asha", which means 'a ray of hope' in English. I blogged about Liza's efforts in 2008. I hope to be able to help Liza more with her initiative, make it sustainable, and make "chotti si asha" profitable (Yes! MBAs do think about profits) (<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Absolutely lagged behind)</span><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Exercise Regularly: </span>I do exercise 3 days a week. It would be amazing to step it up to a 5-day regime. Most importantly, it will help me stay healthy and stress free (<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Achieved; hired a trainer, lost 10 lbs, and have changed my behavior towards a lot of bad food. I also work out very regularly.)</span><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Travel More</span>: I have a confession - prior to traveling to Mexico, I used to think that Mexico is a dangerous place to visit. I am ashamed of my perception. I am quite open minded and do not usually have preconceived notions about anyone, or anything. I am not certain how I developed this idiotic misconception. In December 2008, Hitesh and I visited Mexico and boy! I was surprised. Mexicans are extremely friendly people. I had a fantastic time on that trip. The trip changed my point of view about Mexico. Travel, does open your mind. It makes you comfortable with the unfamiliar places and situations. Although, I already love to travel a lot, I hope to do more of it this year (<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Definitely achieved - traveled a lot around National Parks in California, visited London, Scotland, Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver, Costa Rica, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas. I am thrilled with all the brilliant exposure to travel, cultures, and people)</span><br /></li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oh, and most importantly: invest in relationships, reconnect with friends, and speak with friends & family more often this year.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Most definitely achieved this!</span><br /><br />I read somewhere that people, who write down their aspirations tend to achieve them than people who do not.<br /><br />I plan to revisit this post at the end of 2010 and see where I am at.<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Achieved 5.5 / 7. That ain't bad at all.<br /><br />I hope to be more regular in 2011 with the blog posts. There is so much to write.<br />Happy New Year!<br /></span>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-70337115272473620192010-12-20T11:12:00.000-05:002010-12-20T11:13:26.088-05:00An Inspirational Quote<h3 class="entry-header">metacool Thought of the Day</h3>http://metacool.typepad.com/metacool/2010/12/metacool-thought-of-the-day-tim-brown-change-by-design.html<br /><br /> <div class="entry-content"> <div class="entry-body"> <p>"Above all, think of life as a prototype. We can conduct experiments, make discoveries, and change our perspectives. We can look for opportunities to turn processes into projects that have tangible outcomes. We can learn how to take joy in the things we create whether they take the form of a fleeting experience or an heirloom that will last for generations. We can learn that reward comes in creation and re-creation, no just in the consumption of the world around us. Active participation in the process of creation is our right and our privilege. We can learn to measure the sucess of our ideas not by our bank accounts but by their impact in the world."</p> <p>- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061766089/metacool-20" target="_blank">Tim Brown</a></p> </div> </div>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-79169367599274044722010-09-28T16:39:00.008-04:002010-09-29T22:02:04.785-04:00Invaluable FeedbackI want to share a story that will possibly change the job search game for me:-<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Hitesh works at HP. Around April 2010, he showed me career story of someone from HP. Let's call this person - Photographer (well, because I checked out some of his photos, and they are amazing). His career story was fascinating!<br />He talked about a lot of things that I value - design-thinking, collaboration, diverse backgrounds, relentless curiosity, networking, leadership, cultures and opportunities to work in different parts of the worlds.<br /><br />I asked Hitesh to introduce us. Believe me, you rarely get to encounter all these words in one career story; it was refreshing and I was intrigued by the story.<br /><br />We got introduced, and agreed to speak on the phone. The first phone conversation fell through, and did not happen. We were finally able to <span style="font-style: italic;">speak over the phone</span> for about 25 minutes. Usually, in my phone conversations, I thank the person for their time, and after a brief chit-chat, I dive into the purpose of the conversation.<br /><br />During the conversation, Photographer informed me that he had a position within his group. Although, he did not give me any details about the position, experience etc, we ended on a note that required me to send my resume across, in order to provide him with a better context about my background.<br /><br />I followed up after a few weeks, and Photographer wrote back,"It appears there is not a fit at this time".<br /><br />I was disappointed. I re-read the email after 2 days, and thought to myself,"<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Appears,</span></span> is a good word. He did not say 'NO', there is not a good fit". I sent another email inquiring whether he would be interested in my portfolio.<br />He welcomed that.<br /><br />In June 2010, I volunteered at the DMI conference, and found out that Photographer was attending the conference as well. We exchanged emails, and agreed to meet at the conference.<br /><br />We met, and had a pleasant conversation.<br /><br />Last week, I made a day trip to San Diego. Most insightful discovery of that trip was my lunch meeting with Photographer. This is how he remembers me from our first phone conversation, and told his wife about the experience as well :-<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"Shalu, when we first spoke, you jumped straight to the point. You did not thank me for my time, and directly said,"This is what I want to talk about". I had written you off there and then! Also, your voice on the phone is high pitched. Your phone persona is very different from your real persona. You are very charismatic and confident in real life. When I met you at the conference, I saw you in a different light, and thought to myself that I could work with her. She seems like a pleasant person.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">"</span><br /><br />I have to admit; I was quite shocked that THIS is what he remembers about me! It must be true, because he still remember it after 5 months. And, he had written me off! (Boy! and, I had no clue all this time). I actually pride myself on being able to engage people at every level, and be polite. I can not believe that I was horribly rude to Photographer in our first phone conversation.<br /><br />This story summarizes the reason I never do well in any phone interview. Till date, I have been able to convert 1 out of 5 into an offer, which is extremely frustrating.<br /><br />No one...and I mean <span style="font-weight: bold;">NO ONE</span> has ever given me the invaluable feedback that I received last week!<br /><br />I always thought that the reason that I do not do well in phone interviews is, because I like to put faces behind people's names, and am not able to connect with people over the phone. I did not realize that my phone interviewing skills / phone pitch skills need a lot of work.<br /><br />Thank you, Photographer; much appreciated.<br /><br />Can you imagine working with Photographer, and getting your annual (or semi-annual) feedback? I am certain that his team members know so much more about themselves, and constantly innovate their personalities.<br /><br />I wish more people were like Photographer i.e. not afraid of providing feedback in a constructive way.<br /><br />The big question is: "What will I do different that will help me succeed in phone interviews, and convey my real persona across"?<br /><br />The funny thing is that now that I try to talk softer, my husband can barely hear me! :)</div>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-23556607922196769612010-07-19T20:09:00.008-04:002010-07-19T20:28:11.616-04:00A Few of my Favorite Captures<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/TETr3t76Z0I/AAAAAAAADPo/Y8Lj4Ykk-iM/s1600/Half+Dome_Print.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/TETr3t76Z0I/AAAAAAAADPo/Y8Lj4Ykk-iM/s320/Half+Dome_Print.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495776787755067202" border="0" /></a> Sunset on Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, July 2010<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/TETr3Pg7nXI/AAAAAAAADPg/CjU49Ckrqqw/s1600/Mirror+Lake_Print.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/TETr3Pg7nXI/AAAAAAAADPg/CjU49Ckrqqw/s320/Mirror+Lake_Print.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495776779588836722" border="0" /></a> Mirror Lake, Yosemite National Park, April 2010<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/TETr1cCr_oI/AAAAAAAADPY/hWYdasoQP0s/s1600/Lake+Tahoe_Print.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/TETr1cCr_oI/AAAAAAAADPY/hWYdasoQP0s/s320/Lake+Tahoe_Print.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495776748591906434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/TETqIvBspTI/AAAAAAAADPQ/H5ok5YjZrSc/s1600/Half+Dome_Print.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lake Tahoe, May 2010<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/TETprJzilWI/AAAAAAAADPI/PLRkClNyRbk/s1600/GG_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/TETprJzilWI/AAAAAAAADPI/PLRkClNyRbk/s320/GG_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495774372874589538" border="0" /></a>Golden Gate Bridge, July 2010<br /></div>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-45668510454278556122010-06-25T18:47:00.010-04:002010-07-13T20:29:24.008-04:00DMI's Re-Thinking...The Future of Design Conference in San Francisco - June 16-17, 2010Recently, I attended DMI’s Re-Thinking… The Future of Design conference in San Francisco. This was my second DMI conference, and I love the network and conferences. The event was a call to action for industry leaders and academics to foster design thinking. <p> There is a great deal of curiosity within the business community about merging business with design. However, only a few corporations have been able to instil and foster the design DNA into their culture. And, those who have been able to do so (P&G, for instance) have discovered that design is indeed the next competitive advantage. </p> <p> The conference was an opportunity to create awareness about successful businesses that have remained profitable by approaching problem-solving through a design thinking lens. The conference had an impressive lineup of speakers, but the two that stood out for me were <strong>Katie Taylor</strong> and <strong>David Butler</strong>. Both leaders are creating value for their customers and business by applying design methodologies but without explicitly talking about design. </p> <p> <strong>David Butler</strong>, Vice President of Global Design at The Coca-Cola Company, is responsible for instilling design into Coke’s DNA. I was stuck by the fact that he is an extremely humble person. Someone asked him, “Can you teach me how to deal with politics at work?" David’s answer was inspiring—he emphasized that once you stop taking credit for your work, you would be able to tackle the office politics. Using his own example, David pointed out that since he was featured in Fast Company recently, he could potentially shoot down everyone’s idea at Coke and pretend that he is the only think tank at Coke. However, the move would not make strategic business sense. He further argued that as long as everyone at Coke moves towards the common goal, i.e. increase product sales, it does not really matter who takes the credit for his work. </p> <p> Wow! How many of us are tolerant of someone else taking the credit for our work? </p> <p> David’s comment was thought-provoking. What drives political behavior at any organization? Current incentive systems could be driving such behavior since they are built to reward individual’s performance. A bigger question to re-think and re-design, in my opinion, is how we might change the current incentive system (and, therefore politics) within corporations. </p> <p> <strong>Katie Taylor</strong>, President and Chief Operating Officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s global operations. Her talk was clear, compelling, and memorable. Katie gave several examples which clearly showed that design is at the core of Four Seasons and every decision at Four Seasons is approached with a human-centered approach. </p> <p> Katie described something that most corporations most likely do not pay much attention to, that can be motivational for the employees. Four Seasons interviews 100-200 candidates for one position. After five rounds, the candidate meets with senior management. At this point, the decision has already been made to hire the candidate, but the candidate is probably unaware of this fact. The point of the meeting is to explain to the new hire that he or she is an important asset to the company, and that his or her job is really important for Four Seasons’ success. While the senior management does not need to meet with the new hire, Four Seasons has deliberately adopted this policy. </p> <p> The policy speaks volumes about Four Seasons’ culture. In fact, there is a bigger lesson to be learned here about organizational behavior. This clearly shows that empowering the employees can lead to grass roots innovation in any industry. </p> <p> This conference presented compelling examples that design can be used to initiate a movement within corporations to think more holistically, and still be able to generate profits. Bruce Nussbaum made a comment directed at CEOs which sums up the conference quite well: “Stop making excuses about not being able to merge business with design, just go do it!” </p><p> </p>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-39248482168653421262010-06-12T17:37:00.004-04:002010-06-12T18:23:39.513-04:00I Love Talking to MBAs...Well Not All, But Most of ThemI have had 100 conversations with random people in California in the last one year.<br /><br />All these people hail from different professions: designers, executives, students etc. Most of them have pre-conceived notion about MBAs. Apparently, it is a crime to have an MBA degree. I am not certain how and when did MBAs develop this bad reputation, but people, instantly, get cautious while talking to us. They seem to be thinking in their heads," eewww...you are an MBA"<br /><br />I have even been advised to stop telling people that I am an MBA! Am I going to do that...hell No! And, may I say what a stupid suggestion?<br /><br />I am proud of the fact that I have an MBA from the Rotman School of Management and I am humble about it. There is a good reason that I chose to make such an investment in myself. You, a non-MBA do not need to discredit my credentials. Keep in mind, I am not following your suite, and discrediting your credentials....now, am I?<br /><br />I think the caution stems from the fact, that people are ignorant. They do not know what MBAs do. They only categorize us as Type "A" personalities with pompous attitudes. Well, some of us do have those attributes, but then so do other people in other professions. MBA has got nothing to do it.<br /><br />Why judge (or, rather bad mouth) someone based on their degree or profession?<br />Why judge anyone at all?<br /><br />Instead, why don't you get to know the people better, engage them in conversations, and make an informed perception about them (if you must!)?<br /><br />Back to the conversations: Out of 100 conversations, 2 conversations have really stood out. And, may I just point out that one conversation was with a Harvard graduate and the other with a Haas graduate. Don't get me wrong, other conversations was fantastic as well, but not as impressionable.<br /><br />These 2 conversations were extremely structured. For example; "I want to discuss a); b); and c), "or, you should do blah, blah, and blah", "or, my suggestion would be to do this and that"," Or, tell me why do you want to do this" etc.<br /><br />I was clearly impressed by the structure, clarity, and delivery in those conversations.<br /><br />98 other conversations have not been as structured as these other 2.<br /><br />Well, for all the "judgmental" people out there, please open your minds and learn to engage with people from all sorts of professions. Once, you have mastered that art, you will not need to be feel insecure around anyone, including MBAs.<br /><br />I, thereby, am done venting out with the nonsense that I have put up with for a year!Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-39253590984091114112010-05-05T20:35:00.004-04:002010-06-25T18:45:02.157-04:00So Many ConstraintsI have been extremely discouraged with my job search.<br /><br />It is May 5th, 2010 and I am still unemployed. Partly, it is economy in the United States, and partly, it is the location (California with an unemployment rate of 11%). At one point, I was so discouraged that I said to myself," Fine! no one wants to hire me, I will do my own thing". And, viola! I had a business idea...and a good one too. I found out all the information I could about different visas that are required to open your own company in United States.<br /><br />Apparently, I need to raise a $1M in order to start my own business in the US (It costs $200 in Canada)<br />My question to the US government: Hello, If I had a $1M, would I want to start my business eh?<br />I would rather retire and travel the world?<br /><br />Isn't it idiotic that there is a price tag of $1M on what an individual can contribute to this insanely ridiculously economy?Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-63863205167043826422010-05-05T16:41:00.004-04:002010-05-05T20:35:31.889-04:00Death InterviewAfter a long hiatus, I am back.<br /><br />Twitter takes up most of my time. In between reading and absorbing all the information posted on Twitter, I am left with no time to write on the blog. Well, a lot has happened since I last wrote. Um..let's start with a very interesting interview I had in March. After pursuing my dream company (and dream job!) since 2008, I finally got an opportunity to interview with IDEO mid-March.<br /><br />I absolutely <span style="font-style: italic;">hate</span> phone interviews, because I never do well for some reason! It is a fact. I would rather drive for 2 hours and meet up with people for 15 minutes, rather than talk on the phone. And, I do like to put faces behind people's names. Till date, out of 5 phone interviews that I have had in my entire life, 1 has converted into an offer.<br /><br />Around the 1st week of March, I was scheduled to speak with two very bright business design minds from IDEO. I wish I could have met up with them instead. But, alas! one of them lives in Boston and the other in New York City. I wouldn't have been able to speak with both of them at the same time. In retrospect, perhaps, I should have suggested that I'd rather fly over to to NYC and Boston :(<br /><br />I prepared so much for the interview, because my career was hanging on this one interview. I was extremely nervous as well, which is strange since rarely get nervous in my interviews (I guess because they are in person!). I guess you can not be prepared for everything in life, because it did not work out for me. On a lighter note, and in retrospect, IDEO's interview sure gave me some laughs and future learnings. I realized that interviewers tricks to make the candidates nervous can actually work very well in some cases.<br /><br />The interview started with one of the interviewers telling me," <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Shalu, this is called a death interview!"</span><br /><br />He repeated that twice so I understood it correctly. As you can imagine, I was so god damn nervous, starting at that point!<br /><br />When it was my turn to ask questions, they answered one of my questions about the culture at IDEO,<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"We throw you in the deep end of the pool, and you make your way from there".</span><br /><br />Wow! What if someone does not know how to swim? Literally!<br /><br />I think both the interviewers knew how to swim. You know it sounds as if you'd need to make your own way through the culture of the company and have an entrepreneurial spirit if you get hired, but let me give you a little context about what I heard:<br /><br />I started to learn swimming in 2008 in Toronto. Yes! In 2008, I would be considered in my late twenties. I want to Surf in Costa Rica in 2010. And, therefore, all this planning. I digress...<br /><br />Well, so here is what happened to me in late 2008. After level 2 lessons, on the very last day, our instructor asked the class to jump in the deep end of the pool. One by one, everyone jumped and came back up. I jumped, and I started to come up, but only to go down again! And, boy! those 3-4 seconds were the most scary seconds of my life. I tried to reach out with my hand, my breathing stopped, and then I closed my eyes (obviously, thinking that I was going to die)<br /><br />People who know how to swim will definitely not understand this (I have been laughed at before by my friends who know how to swim), but people who do not, can probably imagine the trauma that I felt at that time. My life flashed before me in those 3-4 seconds.<br /><br />Back to IDEO's analogy...when I heard that comment, I flipped out. Not because I could not have handled the culture of the company, but because I remembered those 3-4 seconds of my pool's deep end traumatic experience. It is amazing how I let my past experience flash before my eyes in a very important interview of my life :(<br />It just goes on to say that we should tackle what we are afraid of sooner than later, and not let those experiences haunt us.<br /><br />Well, I did learn how to swim in 2010. I can swim and do all sorts of tricks in the deep end.<br /><br />Regardless, I had a good conversation with some very bright folks. I hope our paths cross again. Also, I wonder, could they have meant "depth interview", instead of "death interview" eh?Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-74471349382206032612010-02-23T17:11:00.001-05:002010-02-24T01:24:14.855-05:00How Can We Design A Space......where everyone feels comfortable interacting with autistic people?<br /><br />I live in San Francisco city and often take the public transit. Lately, on three different occasions, I noticed strange interactions (or, rather lack of) with autistic people. The moment an autistic person boarded the Muni (San Francisco's public transit), passengers stared at him or her and then uncomfortably looked away.<br /><br />About three weeks back, a 45 year old man boarded the Muni, along with his 20+ year old friend, who was clearly Autistic. Everyone stared at him for a minute and then ignored him. I usually smile at people when I make an eye contact. And, usually, when you smile at someone, you get a nod, or a smile. Sometimes, you can initiate a conversation. In this case, my usual approach was not optimal since my smile was not acknowledged.<br /><br />Throughout the Muni journey, I wondered how to engage in a conversation with the 20+ year old. Also, the experience made me wonder whether there is an opportunity to design a space, or a space within our usual spaces (cars, buses, trains, etc), where socializing with autistic people can be made easier for everyone involved in the process?Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-84988920726929981832010-02-17T02:52:00.002-05:002010-02-17T03:20:00.436-05:00A Glimpse Into the FutureEarly January, I visited my dentist for a semi-annual cleaning. Due to an urgent patient situation, I had to wait for over one hour, which is not the norm at my dentist's. He was so apologetic. He stressed on the fact that he <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">had to do something for me</span>, in spite of my several,"do not worry about it(s)". He thought I was a great candidate for a teeth whitening exercise. Not because I had yellow teeth (I swear I do not!), but because my teeth were perfect - no cavities and an infectious smile (I like to think that!).<br /><br />The trainees took impressions of my dentures and made a cast. I was told that the cast should fit like a glove. I was asked to come back after a few days and when I did, I was explained how to use the teeth whitening material.<br /><br />Process: Brush you teeth before whitening, put 1/3rd gel in the dentures, which are fake plastic, put the teeth whitening for 1-3 hours, clean, dry and repeat again after a day, or whenever you like.<br /><br />All this sounds simple...right?<br />Wrong!<br /><br />The process is extremely uncomfortable - the dentures feel as if someone has put chains in your mouth. I keep spitting every 10 minutes over the course of one hour (notice how I use the minimum suggested duration), I can not talk to anyone during that time, and I get the tingly feeling in my mouth. Also, at times, my gums get tired and I feel like I have fake teeth!<br /><br />Although my teeth are getting whiter, the terrible teeth whitening user experience made me realize how life will change when I turn 75+ (if I live that long). I would need to wear fake dentures, which would be extremely uncomfortable. I would be living and breathing this horrible experience day after day...yeesh.<br /><br />A far fetched flash into the future can be inspiring at times...I, now, vow to respect & appreciate my teeth, and take care of them forever till death do us apart.<br /><br />On another note, I think there is nothing sexier than a woman who greets people with an infectious white smile.Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-74629100791379694002010-02-09T19:41:00.007-05:002010-02-12T15:24:59.564-05:00The Importance of Speaking the Right Language<div style="text-align: justify;">Business, often teaches MBAs to speak the right language; a language that the CEOs, stakeholders, and target audience can easily understand. In fact, one of my favorite courses at Rotman taught me to present my case (or, point of view) in a clear, compelling, and memorable way. A recent personal experience shed a whole lot of clarity on why speaking the right language is absolutely crucial.<br /><br />My eye-sight check up was long overdue. My family doctor recommended an optometrist in downtown San Francisco.<br /><br />On January 27th, I visited my optometrist, who was housed in quaint little place in San Francisco. As I waited for my appointment, I could not help notice that all the optometrists were in the age range 50+.<br /><br />I thought,"Great! experienced optometrists...this is nice!".<br /><br />Time for my appointment: The doctor (let's call him - jabber) escorted me to his exam room. Jabber sounded friendly.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jabber</span>: "Hi Shalu, let me ask you something: why brings you in today".<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (thinks): Great! I like people who get to the point right away. This visit will be a breeze.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (Replies): "Oh, when I play Rockband on Wii, my eyes become watery. So, I was wondering whether my eye sight has changed".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jabber</span>: "Ah! Not a problem at all. I see people like you come in every day".<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (thinks): really? I guess a lot of people must play Rockband..<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (replies): "Oh?"<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jabber</span>: "Which instrument do you play?"<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (thinks): Weird question..but whatever, he is the doctor.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (replies): "Sometimes I play drums and sometimes I sing".<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jabber</span>: "Oh I see...you know, I get people like yourself from San Francisco Orchestra/Symphony all the time".<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (thinks): Huh?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jabbe</span>r continuing: "And, the problem is that when people perform under bright lights and they are on stage, they can get headaches and their pupils dilate as well. It is very common. You should put some eye-drops before going on stage and under bright light. I would even use the drops back stage"...jabber continued for 10 minutes and discussed the importance of wearing eye drops before performing.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (thinks): WHAT! Does he think I am a musician?<br /><br />The optometrist was one of those people, who are really hard to interrupt in a conversation. I tried a few times, but failed. The conversation happened while he was testing my eyes with his fancy eye equipment. In turned out that my number had a minute increase. Finally, I got a chance to interrupt him.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (frantically trying to get her point across): "Wait! I want to clarify something - when I say, I play Rockband on my Wii, I mean at home. I hope you understand what I am saying".<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jabber</span>: "Of course! I do..I am going to give you these eye-drops, which you should wear before you go on-stage next time and use them back stage as well....just one drop and you'll be as good as new". He then continues for another 5 minutes about bright lights, musicians, and stage performances and how all these things affect light.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (thinks): Oh God! this is ridiculous.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (replies): "Yes, I understand..now do I need to wear these drops when I am not performing?"<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jabber</span>: "Oh no...just wear them before you go on stage".<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shalu</span> (replies): "Thank you! It was an enlightening visit".<br /><br />I bet the optometrist did not know what a Rockband, or a Wii was. He must have thought that I was being modest and therefore, did not give him much information about my shows. Most importantly, he thought I played in a band!<br /><br />And, I agree with my friend Komal, who says,"This has to be the joke of the decade!" :)<br /><br />The silly conversation could have been prevented had I started with,"Oh, when I play the game Rockband on my gaming system, Wii, I get watery eyes"..<br /><br />Alas! The choice of words is absolutely necessary. But, for about 30 minutes, I got to live the dream of being a lead singer and drummer in San Francisco's Orchestra! :)<br /></div>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-21447285002475531072010-01-13T21:49:00.002-05:002010-01-13T22:03:34.176-05:00A Conversation To RememberLate December, I had a very interesting conversation with Steve.<br /><br />Steve and I had been trying to meet up for months. Unfortunately, we couldn't. After months of email exchange, I was finally able to put a face behind his name. Steve, is a remarkably interesting person. We chatted for 1.5 hours on varied topics - India, China, Venture Capitalism, Design, MBA, Tea...and many more things.<br /><br />Apparently, Steve went to India on an exchange program about 25 years back and can still speak some Marathi and understand Hindi. Wow! He had very interesting stories to share. It is refreshing to hear someone else's point of view on India; country where I spent 21 years of my life. Of all the informational meetings, I have conducted, this particular one is quite memorable.<br /><br />His most important piece of advice for my me was,<span style="font-style: italic;">" Shalu, people in Northern California do not <span style="font-weight: bold;">go</span> anywhere...it is about the journey"</span>, which in my head translated to: The job search is not about a race to bagging the best job! It is about making an impact. The advice is such a contrast from my MBA life, which was about <span style="font-style: italic;">race to literally everything</span>!<br /><br />Thanks for sharing your perspective, Steve.Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-35206247432806426062010-01-06T16:27:00.009-05:002010-01-07T12:55:13.661-05:00New Year, New Decade, New AspirationsI do not like the word - resolution. I would like to give it a positive tone and call it - aspiration.<br /><br />The word, aspiration does not sound like work in my head. Plus, it is positive enough to motivate me to follow through my aspirations :p<br /><br />My 7 aspirations (in no particular order) for 2010 are:<br /><br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Talk Slow: </span>I think I talk really fast and sometimes loud (on the phone, when the person on the other end is also loud!).In my last two social gatherings with new people (on two different occasions), I discovered two people, who talked extremely loud, so much so that I got a headache after being in the room with them for 5 minutes. The problem is that most people think that being loud will get their point across. I had to sit far away from these two people, which is not good, because a) I did not interact with them; b) I was annoyed all the time; and c) Loudness is all I remember about them. The experience got me thinking that it must be quite annoying for others as well when I talk fast AND loud!<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Learn to Surf</span>: Hitesh and I love water sports. We took surfing lessons in Maui in December. Gosh! I have been missing all surfing fun all this time. Both of us loved it. We intend to be able to surf in Santa Cruz over Summer this year.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Learn to Swim:</span> I know! I know...swimming, should technically, be a precursor to surfing. However, not being able to swim does not stop me from being in the water. I have taken swimming lessons thrice in my life. Something is wrong with my legs. Oh wait! I am making excuses - I, obviously, did not practice enough to be able to swim properly. Well, it changes this year and starting, January!<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Start My Own Something: </span>I have many-many interests and passions, which have not helped me focus my 100% attention on any particular interest. Starting this year, I am going to "start my own something". My biggest strength (that I can leverage easily) is that I am hyper-observant, and excellent at talking to people and building relationships. I have to focus my energy in meaningful interests and get on with it this year. I have gradually come to realize that owning your own something (that you are passionate about and good at), is the way to succeed.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Become More Involved Within Non-Profit: </span>I am a huge fan of people, who focus their attention within non-profit sector. One such non-profit, started by a friend, and based in India, is "chotti si asha", which means 'a ray of hope' in English. I blogged about Liza's efforts in 2008. I hope to be able to help Liza more with her initiative, make it sustainable, and make "chotti si asha" profitable (Yes! MBAs do think about profits)</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Exercise Regularly: </span>I do exercise 3 days a week. It would be amazing to step it up to a 5-day regime. Most importantly, it will help me stay healthy and stress free.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Travel More</span>: I have a confession - prior to traveling to Mexico, I used to think that Mexico is a dangerous place to visit. I am ashamed of my perception. I am quite open minded and do not usually have preconceived notions about anyone, or anything. I am not certain how I developed this idiotic misconception. In December 2008, Hitesh and I visited Mexico and boy! I was surprised. Mexicans are extremely friendly people. I had a fantastic time on that trip. The trip changed my point of view about Mexico. Travel, does open your mind. It makes you comfortable with the unfamiliar places and situations. Although, I already love to travel a lot, I hope to do more of it this year.</li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oh, and most importantly: invest in relationships, reconnect with friends, and speak with friends & family more often this year.</span><br /><br />I read somewhere that people, who write down their aspirations tend to achieve them than people who do not.<br /><br />I plan to revisit this post at the end of 2010 and see where I am at.Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-48206873025496804972009-12-16T18:32:00.006-05:002009-12-16T19:04:44.197-05:00Innovation at the Most Unexpected PlaceA lot has happened since my last post, but somehow I never got around to blogging the events.<br /><br />Some of the memorable events were:<br /><br /><ul><li> Getting interviewed by an innovation consulting company - I paid $60 cab ride to get to the interview, because the CalTrain changed their schedule online, but my iPhone App was not updated. Hence, I missed the train. I must have looked really frazzled, because the cab driver charged me $60, instead of $80 and asked me to calm down. God bless him!<br /></li><li>I made it to round 2, but did not get an offer. I felt that during the interview, there was a LOT of communication gap, which has taught me to add "By blah, I mean blah" after every sentence :) Regardless, it was a great opportunity to chat with some fantastic people.</li><li>I got a good offer for a contract position from a design consulting studio and I worked with them for a little less than 3 months. My contract got up, last Friday and am back to networking.</li><li>I joined Twitter and have been overwhelmed with media over dosage. This is probably the main reason as to why I haven't got around to blogging.<br /></li></ul>One particular incident was very interesting. I had to get my TN-VISA stamped at the border, in order to start working in October. I flew to Seattle and took the Greyhound to the Seattle-Vancouver border.<br /><br />This is how a TN-VISA works - You have to fall under a certain category. Unfortunately, I fall under a very highly scrutinized category, called the Management Consultant category. I have heard some horrible stories about it. Therefore, an offer does not mean anything until you get the visa.<br /><br />So, I show up at the border. I remember being very nervous. I go up to the counter and say,"Hi, I need to apply for a TN-VISA". The customs officer's eye brows arched up. He says,"Now, do you?". I am thinking in my head-> Good God, please let this go smooth. He looks at all my documents, asks several questions, and asks me to fill out what my roles and responsibilities would be, as a Management Consultant. Keep in mind that there is a letter from the HR that states the responsibilities exactly and explicitly, but oh no, the officer wanted me to write them down. Without any argument, I did.<br /><br />He asked me who the client was, which in this case was Nokia.<br />For the next half an hour, he called me back and forth and asked a zillion questions such as :Why you? Experience? Background etc? Most interesting question was, "Would you present the recommendations to the client, or someone else from the company?"<br /><br />Although, this particular question seems simple, in reality it is quite tricky. Had I said, the company would, he would have rejected my Visa.<br />I found it pretty innovative and thought in my head, "Wow! this guy is smart".<br /><br />Finally, he calls me over and says something such as,"So, what would you do if Nokia were to hire you as a Consultant to change their processes?"<br />Here is how my thought process went: OMG, is this what I think, it is?<br />Is this a Case Interview?<br />I think it is!<br />What?!? They have started taking Case Interviews at the border?<br />I thought Case Interviews were meant only for B-schools...<br /><br />And, boy! I started explaining how I would approach the problem. I started doing a competitor's analysis, company analysis, and applied many more frameworks. All this time, the officer was having a conversation with me. For example; he was asking questions such as, "What about a cost-benefit analysis", "How would you cut costs", "How do you envision their competitors (let's say Motorola) might react?"<br /><br />I took 20 minutes to solve the case.<br /><br />The key point (and passage to stamping of the visa) was the fact that I would only provide high-level expertise to Nokia's employees, and never try to take up their jobs!<br />The moment I said that, the officer gave me a big smile, stamped my visa, and was extremely friendly.<br /><br />The experience was very interesting; interesting to the point where it got me thinking that innovative procedures have traveled even to the border. Gone are the days, when the border protection would simply run a check on you. They want to make sure that you ARE who you SAY YOU ARE.<br /><br />Fascinating..ain't it?<br /><br />I believe the border protection officer was possibly an aspiring MBA contender and was practicing his Case Interview skills with me :)Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-69055078716611176682009-09-07T18:01:00.001-04:002009-09-07T21:12:21.724-04:00Crater Lake, Oregon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWu3MxIgRI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/V-VhVEbQVCQ/s1600-h/DSC04411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWu3MxIgRI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/V-VhVEbQVCQ/s320/DSC04411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378897593307267346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWuWu2hHeI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/tB_H5FScO2Q/s1600-h/DSC04426.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWuWu2hHeI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/tB_H5FScO2Q/s320/DSC04426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378897035520974306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWuWJJMYFI/AAAAAAAAC7I/k_X6h4AcPMs/s1600-h/DSC04408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWuWJJMYFI/AAAAAAAAC7I/k_X6h4AcPMs/s320/DSC04408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378897025398759506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWuVsHcAXI/AAAAAAAAC7A/lt5-7ia4c9E/s1600-h/DSC04400.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWuVsHcAXI/AAAAAAAAC7A/lt5-7ia4c9E/s320/DSC04400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378897017606766962" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWuUy3e0GI/AAAAAAAAC64/UcyNNNp7FIA/s1600-h/DSC04399.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWuUy3e0GI/AAAAAAAAC64/UcyNNNp7FIA/s320/DSC04399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378897002239021154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWuUL6PySI/AAAAAAAAC6w/k5sIPow3cog/s1600-h/DSC04394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SqWuUL6PySI/AAAAAAAAC6w/k5sIPow3cog/s320/DSC04394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378896991781636386" border="0" /></a>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-65878070164445479562009-09-03T14:20:00.004-04:002009-09-03T21:20:35.480-04:00Interesting Conversation With Interesting People<div style="text-align: justify;">My friend Claire and her daughter, Jenny visited us in San Francisco recently.<br /><br />Claire is Chinese and came to live in Toronto when she started at Rotman in 2007. During my interaction with Claire, I have found her to be extremely open-minded and curious. She is also eager to learn about different cultures like myself. Jenny is an equally curious and a friendly child. Over the last 2 years, Claire and I have enjoyed mock interview preparation, Wii sessions, Sushi eating and discussions about future.<br /><br />Other than the fun things we did together in San Francisco, two conversations stuck in my mind:<br /><br /><ul><li>Claire and I were discussing the similarities in Chinese and Indian culture. Many things are similar and I couldn't help wonder how China has been able to contain their population over the years. I asked her to explain the strategy to me. Apparently, the Chinese government taxes people equivalent to about $2000 or $20,000 if they want to have a second child. Since not many people can afford high taxes, the problem has been addressed. This is a great strategy. However, it has a loop hole as well. Let's assume if a Chinese resident wanted to have a second child, they could live in Canada or United States and have the child there. They would be able to bring the kid back to China since that child is technically a non-Chinese resident. I think Claire mentioned that residents may still have to pay taxes. She also mentioned that there are clinics somewhere in the US, (she did not know where though) which Chinese residents have access to in order to have their delivery done at the clinic! The clinics probably cost an arm and a leg, so I am guessing they are only for an elite few.</li></ul>I was very surprised by this revelation. But, there is a lesson here: The government was able to contain the population by enforcing strict laws. It must have been a hard transition, but it worked. I think Indian government should get inspiration from China.<br /><br /><ul><li> Claire and I had this conversation about how her decision to stay back in Canada for another year is good for Jenny. She is learning a new language, getting exposed to all sorts of cultures, and good at several things (such as swimming, reading, piano, sports etc). Claire mentioned that hypothetically, when she and her husband die, Jenny will have no one to call 'family'. I agree, because siblings are your best links to your past and family. I cannot imagine having no one to share your memories with long after your parents are gone.<br /></li></ul>For most of my life, I have thought that one child in one household is enough. Perhaps, Claire is right - we do need a link to our past and parents.<br /><br />I know that had the population not shot up in China, the government would not have enforced such strict rules. Wouldn't it be neat when the population goes back to normal in China, the government allows its residents to have another child?<br /><br />I would love to get an older Chinese person's opinion on things when they were children. I am quite fascinated by Chinese culture. I hope I get an opportunity to visit my friend, Claire in China at some point.<br /><br />Thanks Claire for sharing your thoughts with me and changing my point of view on children.<br /><br />Oh, and the fabulous part of Claire and Jenny's visit - Claire taught me how to make Sushi! I can proudly call myself a 'Su Chef' now :)<br /></div>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-36120490252326411032009-08-17T12:18:00.009-04:002009-08-17T12:47:07.847-04:00Postcards From California; a Few Favorites<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SomEr4YWV7I/AAAAAAAAC5g/z1y46K5A4Rw/s1600-h/DSC04221.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SomEr4YWV7I/AAAAAAAAC5g/z1y46K5A4Rw/s320/DSC04221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370969920019781554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SomEfZYRKRI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/OmG5JkV_Aa4/s1600-h/DSC04238.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SomEfZYRKRI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/OmG5JkV_Aa4/s320/DSC04238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370969705539512594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SomENwPMH1I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/o_KQk3pTXms/s1600-h/DSC04219.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SomENwPMH1I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/o_KQk3pTXms/s320/DSC04219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370969402437803858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SomD6PD0UEI/AAAAAAAAC5I/MLHfAJGGKkc/s1600-h/DSC04204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SomD6PD0UEI/AAAAAAAAC5I/MLHfAJGGKkc/s320/DSC04204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370969067114221634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SomDePAs5DI/AAAAAAAAC5A/AOkYCEpHGCc/s1600-h/DSC04057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5eZCBNruaV4/SomDePAs5DI/AAAAAAAAC5A/AOkYCEpHGCc/s320/DSC04057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370968586064815154" border="0" /></a>Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-14050637392142428022009-08-12T15:58:00.003-04:002009-08-12T16:02:16.182-04:00A Visual Way to Understand the US Health Care SystemDan Roam, author of 'The Back of the Napkin' is explaining the US health care in the recent posts on his blog.<br /><br />Check it out:<br /><br />http://digitalroam.typepad.com/digital_roam/2009/08/fixing-health-care-on-the-back-of-a-napkin-4-napkins-actually.htmlShaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125406914145484528.post-46920041480818266582009-07-23T11:55:00.008-04:002009-07-23T17:15:26.103-04:00I am Struggling to Understand the US Health Care SystemAn unfortunate incident in LA shook me and made me question the US health care system.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1</span><br /><br />A few of our friends got into a fight over a remark made at Hitesh. The events that followed thereafter made me realize that; a) Punjabi boys are quite stupid - all they need is a little provocation. It does not matter whether they are 18 years old or 30 years old, they <span style="font-style: italic;">have to</span> fight, and b) They do not know when to pick their fights!<br /><br />Let's focus on the not so stupid part for now...<br /><br />The argument turned quickly into a fight in a parking lot with about 10-15 boys hitting three of our friends in their heads with knuckles! As a result, blood was rushing down their heads. The gangsters fled the venue leaving 3 people hurt. Imagine an inch deep cut on their scalps with their shoulders covered in blood. Dreadful..isn't it?<br />Oh no, wait..this isn't the dreadful part.<br /><br />One of them went to the hospital. He had to get stitches done right away or rather he wanted to get the stitches done. The other two kept saying that they are okay. In spite of much convincing, two of them did not want to see a doctor that night. After some probing, I found out that they do <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">NOT</span> have health insurance! As shocked as I was, my obvious question was," Why do you not have health insurance?"<br /><br />Fortunately, our friends worked things out through connections and had their stitches done in the morning.<br /><br />Could the event have been avoided?<br />Yes, absolutely! Hitesh did not have to take the remark personally at all. He could have let it go.<br />Oh no, but his reasoning is that,"If someone says something to me twice, I will respond!"<br /><br />Since, Hitesh could not avoid getting offended by someone who was present at the venue to make trouble, two of his friends (and one random person) got hurt.<br /><br />I hope, in future he thinks things through (at least three times) before getting offended.<br /><br />Now, could the 2 of our friends have avoided getting hurt?<br />Absolutely, yes! However, their reasoning was that <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">they could not stand</span> their friend getting hit/offended.<br /><br />Well, I hope in future they remember <span style="font-style: italic;">when and with whom</span> to pick their fights. Also, I hope they consider that not having health insurance could affect their "fighting escapades" in future.<br /><br />It turns out they had fought with a well-known LA gang that night.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 2</span><br /><br />Hitesh and I had this conversation a few days back about my being covered through his health insurance. After a few calls to his insurance provider, we realized that I can't be covered! This completely freaked me out. I asked him," Well, how do I get health insurance here?"<br /><br />Hitesh's answer," Once you get employed, then you can have one through your employer".<br /><br />Dude, what if I do not get employed for a few months, does that mean I am without health insurance??!!? And, the worse part is that my concern does not sound odd to him or to a lot of Americans! Why should I be without health insurance when I am a resident of US? I deserve it.<br /><br />Hitesh dislikes our discussions about the US health care system. I have to admit that I do not understand it in depth. He says he has one and that is sufficient. However, he has never been to a dentist, doctor, dermatologist or eye doctor in the US in the last 7 years!<br /><br />Weird..isn't it?<br /><br />I have been covered 100% for the last 8 years during my stay in Canada. It did not matter whether I was a student, employed, or an unemployed professional. I have had regular check ups with my dentists, doctors, dermatologists, eye-surgeons, chiropractors, physiotherapists etc.<br /><br />Kudos to Canada for providing a necessity to all its residents...for doing things the right way.<br /><br />My biggest concern is that I may be without health care, starting September! I am not sure if US is really the "land of opportunities" when it can not provide basic necessities to its residents.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 3</span><br /><br />Lately, I have been reading blogs and debates about Obama's efforts to fix the health care. I hope he goes far with the issue. Surprisingly, a few people do not want health insurance. The reasoning being that these people are quite healthy and do not need any sort of insurance. But, what about future? What if you get hit by a train or a bus and break your legs? Would you wish you had health insurance to cover the cost of your treatment or would you prefer to go in debt?<br /><br />My question:<br /><ul><li>Could someone explain to me as to why do people in the US not have health insurance? </li></ul><ul><li>How does the health care work in the US (for those who have it)? </li></ul><ul><li>How in the heaven's name people live without one?<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 4</span><br /><br />I am trying to find a job in the design industry, where you deal with 'wicked problems'. I hope I get an opportunity to work on the US health care system - I do think it is a wicked problem, which needs a complete over haul.Shaluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132197802604079546noreply@blogger.com0