Just wrapped up an energising session in Singapore with a diverse group of leaders from across Asia—Singapore, China, Vietnam, India—on Leading Teams and Organisations.
We explored how facilitative leadership builds psychological safety, unlocking innovation, creativity, and even the freedom to fail without fear. Real empowerment, we discovered, comes with clear communication and thoughtful intention.
A highlight was the HBR Mt. Everest Simulation—a powerful exercise in balancing individual goals, team dynamics, and leadership strategy. It revealed the leader’s role in managing information, directing process, and motivating peak performance under pressure.
We also explored Belbin’s team roles, the various hats a leader wears, and how leadership style must adapt to its context.
Personally, I loved being in Singapore!
Deeply inspired by its discipline, cultural richness, and the professionalism of the people. So much to learn from, and so much to appreciate.
learning
As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought us here.
🌟 Gratitude
This past year has been a tapestry of moments and memories, stitched together by the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to meet and work with. To each of you—friends, family, colleagues, students, and even those fleeting connections that left a lasting impact, thank you. You have made the challenges bearable and the victories so much sweeter.
💡 Learning
The year was not without its mistakes. I have hurt people I care about, sometimes unintentionally, but I have heard your voices. Your feedback, your care, your honesty, it has been my compass for growth. I am learning, unlearning, and striving to be better. This journey is not perfect, but it is sincere.
🤍 Hope and Benevolence
To those who’ve faced struggles this year, and who have walked through their darkest days, I see you. My heart goes out to you, and I wish for nothing but light and peace to find you. Life can feel heavy, but I hope you discover the strength within and the kindness around you to keep moving forward.
As the calendar turns, I carry with me immense gratitude, the lessons I’ve learned, and a deep hope for brighter days for all. Let us step into 2025 with open hearts and the courage to embrace the journey ahead.
Wishing you all a New Year filled with love, kindness, and endless possibilities. 🕊️✨
One of my big commitments was to value everyone for their contributions, their uniqueness, and not to take anything for granted….
I saw myself slip big time yesterday when I overlooked someone’s contributions to a project and reacted to a few that ‘I considered’ incorrect!
A reaction is unguided, unpredictable and usually is not the best thing to do in any situation…
When I looked back, I felt there were so many things that I had to be appreciative about which went unnoticed, and even if their behaviour was incorrect, I could have approached it in a much better way.
So I ask myself, what would it take to stay consistent with my commitment, and to avoid such ‘damaging‘ slip-ups…
I noticed that in this instance, “I had to simply be more present and empathetic.”
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of work, I could take a moment to understand their journey so far (in delivering towards the project).
How else can I empathize with someone without knowing what they had to go through…
Once done, I will be in a much better space to respond rather than react…
It is only then that I can respect them and value their contributions.
This is one of my takes, would love to know your take!
Picture this: You are at a familygathering, and someone says something that does not sit right.
Maybe it is about a touchy family issue, a strained relationship or an unspoken tension in the room that has been bubbling for years.
You want to address it, but you hesitate, wondering if saying anything will make things worse.
Sounds familiar?
In my recent session on DifficultConversations with one of Dubai‘s largest realestate developers, this scenario struck a chord.
Just like with family, workrelationships sometimes mean handling sensitive topics with care. We all have that one conversation we dodge, maybe with a teammate, a manager, or even a long-time colleague, usually for the following reasons:
1. Lack of SelfEsteem that leaves me crippled with emotions such as fear, ego and anxiety
2. Lack of Skill & Competence not knowing where to start or how to respond to disagreements.
But here is the thing…
Managing difficult conversations well can resolveconflicts and lead to better understanding,
During the session, we focused on tools for respectful dialogue, helping people voice their thoughts without sparking defensiveness or damaging trust.
The lesson?
Often, it is not the conversation that is difficult; it is our fear of the unknown. But with the right approach, these moments can bring people closer rather than push them apart.
When was the last time you had one of these moments?
And how would things change if you handled it with courage, patience and transparency?
As a tribute to Teacher’sDay, I was recently invited to address the dedicated teachers of Riverside and Hillfort Schools in Kotagiri, TamilNadu, India.
Engaging with educators who are so deeply committed to shaping the next generation was an enriching experience.
While these teachers poured their hearts into guiding students, one important realization stood out, selfcare and personal wellbeing must be their highest priority.
In our sessions, we discussed how essential it is for teachers to remain calm, composed, and balanced, especially when dealing with the pressures of moderneducation.
It is not just the lessons they teach but their actions, behaviour, and demeanour that leave the deepest impression on their students. After all, actions speak louder than words, and students absorb so much from what they see in their role models.
We spoke about the struggles they encounter, the breakthroughs they cherish, and their unwavering passion for nurturing young minds.
To every teacher, you are not just shaping futures, you are shaping possibilities.
What you do, and how you do it, leaves an indelible mark on every child you encounter.
Here’s to you, the silentheroes in the classroom, making a lasting difference, one student at a time.
HappyTeacher’sDay!
Let us keep growing, learning, and changing the world…together!