The Coach and Artist in me

My recent trip to Rajaji National Park was an experience that checked off several firsts for me — visiting a park that had long been on my bucket list, connecting with fellow photographers I'd only known through shared interests, and pushing myself through a demanding schedule.   Waking up at 4 a.m. each day and heading straight to the park was both thrilling and exhausting. The long hours, minimal rest, and relentless pursuit of moments to capture tested my stamina. Yet, there was a raw charm in this rigorous push and pull — a reminder of how nature often requires us to step out of comfort and embrace its unpredictability.   Unlike my usual wildlife experiences, there was no elusive tiger to chase here. Instead, Rajaji's dense sal forests and grasslands offered glimpses of leopards, elephants, and a vibrant array of birds. It was a humbling experience to adjust my expectations, allowing the park to reveal itself on its terms.   Meeting other photographers added a rich la...

                                                                           Tal Chappar Morning The second day at Tal Chappar began with the gentle chorus of bird calls, waking me before dawn. Stepping out into the crisp, cold air, I quickly retreated to grab my jacket. The sight of the clear blue sky streaked with orange heralded another exciting day. The freshness of the air was a welcome contrast to the polluted environment back home in Gurgaon, and I took deep breaths, feeling revitalized.   Dressed in my green attire, I felt a deep sense of connection with the habitat. Wearing camouflage not only helped me blend with nature but also showed respect for the wildlife, ensuring my subjects wouldn’t feel threatened. Ready for the day, I joined Atul and our guide...

Day One: The Journey Begins, Exploring Self.   Sometimes, life gives you a gentle nudge—or a firm shove—out of your comfort zone. For me, it was a question that echoed in my mind as I contemplated this trip: *Am I living for myself, or am I simply living as others expect me to?*     That question became the turning point. I realized that happiness, for me, isn’t found in fulfilling expectations but in moments of solitude, surrounded by nature. When it’s just me, the open road, and the serene company of the natural world, I feel a deep sense of purpose. No masks, no roles to play—just *me and myself*.    This was my first solo drive to Tal Chappar, a haven for raptors and the graceful blackbucks of Rajasthan. The plan had been in my mind for months, but the thought of driving 400 kilometres alone always made me defer it. This time, though, I broke free of hesitation.     My day started early—before my alarm even buzzed. Restless and excited, I...

  As another year unfolds, many of you are gearing up for campus placements, a key milestone in your MBA journey. It’s a time when organizations visit campuses, looking to tap into the bright minds ready to embark on their professional careers. Having been in HR leadership roles for years, I’ve had the privilege of being on both sides of this process – as an assessor selecting talent, and now as a parent watching my daughter prepare for her own campus selections.   I want to share some of my experiences and insights to help you navigate this journey confidently and embrace the opportunities that come your way.   From the Student's Perspective   1. Crafting Your Unique Story:  Your resume is your first impression, so take the time to review it thoroughly. Highlight the skills you’ve gained and tested during your internship and academic journey. Focus on what makes you unique – your learnings, experiences, and personal growth. Each of you brings something differen...

We talk of mental health and well-being. I believe one of the element impacting health & well-being is also to do with our learning to say ‘No’.   Reflect, as an individual when you could have said ‘No’ and you didn’t. What did you go through? How did it impact you? Could you have done it better?   Reflect, as a leader when you could have said ‘No’ and you didn’t. How did it impact you? How did it impact your team members? Could you have done it better?   Learning to say ‘No’ can be challenging, especially if you've been conditioned to comply with authority or not to disappoint others or question others. Through this write-up I will try to put forth some strategies to help you prepare yourself to say no effectively: Understand your priorities : Knowing what is truly important to you will make it easier to decline requests that don't align with your objectives. Set boundaries : Establish clear boundaries for yourself and communicate them assertively. Recognise  th...

In one of my discussion with few leaders, we started talking about how to harness the collective power of the group that helps improve individual performance and commitment. Why is it important to develop a team culture?   Shaping a team culture and setting norms and values is crucial for harnessing the collective power of a group to improve individual performance and commitment. Here are some steps to achieve this: Define Clear Goals and Expectations : Clearly communicate the team's goals, objectives, and individual roles within the team. When everyone understands what they are working towards, it becomes easier to align efforts and foster commitment. Encourage Open Communication : Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Encourage active listening and constructive dialogue to foster collaboration and problem-solving. Establish Trust : Trust is the foundation of any successful team. Encourage trust-building activities, ...