Away in the lush hills of New Zealand’s North Island, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a breathtaking, almost surreal experience. In this post, we share our unforgettable journey through the glowing underworld—highlighting the ethereal beauty, fascinating geology, and a boat ride that felt like drifting through the galaxy itself.
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It’s not every day that you find yourself in total darkness, floating quietly through a cathedral of stars—underground. But that’s exactly what we experienced at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, one of New Zealand’s most magical natural wonders.
Waitomo, a small town in the Waikato region, is famous for its network of limestone caves and the tiny bioluminescent creatures that live in them: Arachnocampa luminosa, the native New Zealand glowworm. We visited the brightest of these caves, one that has even played host to the legendary Sir David Attenborough during the filming of one of his BBC documentaries. That fact alone raised our expectations—and the cave delivered in spectacular fashion.
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As we entered the cave, we found ourselves in a world carved over millions of years. Stalactites and stalagmites stood like silent sentinels in a cool, damp chamber. Another part of the system featured truly astonishing limestone formations, some resembling frozen waterfalls, others like delicate curtains suspended in time.
But nothing prepared us for the glowworm grotto.
We stepped quietly onto a small boat, guided by a rope in pitch darkness. There were no torches, no artificial lights—just the sound of gentle water and the soft echo of a distant underground waterfall. Then, as our eyes adjusted, the ceiling of the cave revealed itself: a galaxy of living lights. Thousands upon thousands of glowworms dotted the darkness, shining blue-green like a perfectly clear night sky.
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We sat in awe, heads tilted back, silently gliding through this dreamlike world. The experience was not only visually stunning but oddly humbling. It reminded us of how much wonder still hides inside nature, waiting to be discovered by us.
The boat turned just before the waterfall; the roar of the falling water had become fully audible; then slowly made its way back. It was one of those rare moments where no one spoke, everyone too spellbound to interrupt the magic.
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The Waitomo caves are a powerful reminder of the slow, silent work of nature and the strange beauty of life in the dark. If you’re ever in New Zealand, this is a journey not to be missed.
For those interested in learning more, the official Waitomo Glowworm Caves website offers great insights, and showcases just how enchanting these creatures can be.
Final Tip: Book early and wear warm clothes—it gets chilly underground! Based on out own experience we would recommend you opt for a guided tour to hear more about the fascinating biology and geology of the region.
Centrifugal machines running on principles of Thermodynamics
I spent a part of my career in the HVAC industry many decades ago, at a time when it was firmly grounded in the disciplines of mechanical engineering and thermodynamics—both mature and deeply technical fields. Back then, optimizing system performance meant manually tweaking airflow, calculating heat loads, and understanding refrigerant behavior. I had worked with Voltas, a market leader in central HVAC systems and Fedders Lloyd, which manufactured and marketed low end Airconditioning units.
Controls of HVAC systemOf nuts, bolts, pipes and ducts
I find it fascinating to observe how today, the game has changed. This has been significantly due to Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a disruptive force that’s injecting intelligence, adaptability, and automation into an industry that once thrived on nuts, bolts, and thermal dynamics.
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✅Smarter Diagnostics and Predictive Maintenance
AI-powered tools now enable HVAC systems to identify faults before they cause breakdowns. Instead of relying on trial and error, it is now possible for technicians to use sensor data and predictive analytics to find the root cause quickly—whether it’s a refrigerant leak or an airflow issue.
“AI algorithms enable predictive maintenance by monitoring operational data such as temperature, pressure, and energy consumption to detect potential issues before they escalate.” — [ATA College, 2025]
These AI systems don’t just detect problems—they help prevent them, significantly reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
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🌱Energy Efficiency: Better for Business and the Planet
Energy consumption has always been one of the biggest pain points in HVAC operations. AI can address this by learning occupancy patterns, weather forecasts, and energy pricing to optimize performance in real time.
“AI can optimize HVAC operations by responding dynamically to external conditions and human behavior, ensuring comfort without excess energy use.” — [Cooling India, 2025]
The result? Lower energy bills, improved comfort, and a smaller carbon footprint—benefiting both the bottom line and the environment.
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🌡️Personalization and Smarter Design
Modern HVAC systems don’t just heat or cool—they adapt. AI makes it possible to personalize climate control for zones or individuals based on learned preferences.
Beyond user experience, AI is improving the design phase too. Engineers can now simulate various configurations before installation, ensuring better efficiency and fewer on-site errors.
“AI is being used to create virtual simulations of HVAC systems during the planning phase, helping engineers choose the most efficient configuration.” — [Digital Defynd, 2025]
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🏢Automation and Operational Efficiency
AI doesn’t merely stop at system optimization. It can streamline administration tasks like scheduling, dispatch, and customer service through chatbots and intelligent platforms.
In smart buildings, IoT-connected HVAC systems can adjust automatically to changing conditions, cutting operational costs and improving system responsiveness.
“Intelligent building systems that include AI-driven HVAC control are emerging as a top growth area for the industry.” — [Frost & Sullivan, 2025]
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⚠️But It’s not all smooth sailing…
Ai has also brought with it certain downsides and risks.
Cybersecurity is a growing concern. As HVAC systems get more connected, they become more vulnerable to attacks. To combat, companies would require to invest in data security and system integrity.
Cost: AI tools, sensors, and integrations require significant upfront investment—posing a barrier for smaller firms.
People factor: Many technicians will need to upskill to stay relevant. The shift is as much about mindset as it is about knowledge of the machinery.
“The technicians of tomorrow must be as comfortable with data analytics as they are with ductwork.” — [ATA College, 2025]
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🌍Looking Ahead
One needs to hold the perspective that AI is not just an upgrade—it’s a paradigm shift for HVAC. Those who embrace it will find new opportunities in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. But success will depend on thoughtful implementation, investment in skills, and a willingness to adapt.
As someone who once worked in the traditional world of HVAC, I find it both exciting and humbling to see how far the industry has come—and how far it can still go.
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💬 Let’s Discuss: Are you seeing AI being adopted in your HVAC projects or buildings? What challenges or benefits are you encountering?
“The railway industry, one of the oldest enablers of industrial transformation, now stands on the cusp of another revolution—this time powered by Artificial Intelligence.”
From the steam engines of the 19th century to today’s high-speed trains, railways have been symbols of innovation. Now, as we move deeper into the 21st century, Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to redefine how rail networks are managed, how trains are operated, and how passengers experience travel.
But like every major transformation, the rise of AI in railway transportation is not without its challenges. The genesis of this article stems from the fact that I started my work life in the Indian Railways Service of Mechanical Engineers nearly half a century back. More recently when I was doing a Wharton Business School program on AI applications, the idea of this piece came to me.
In this article, I have tried to explore the promise, perils, and pathways of integrating AI into one of the most vital sectors of modern infrastructure, particularly for a dense population country like India.
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🚄The Promise: Efficiency, Safety, and Customer Experience
AI does hold considerable potential to make a high-density transportation mode like the Railways smarter, safer, and more responsive. Here are just a few areas where the promise can be seen:
Predictive Maintenance: Machine learning models can analyze vibration, temperature, and operational data to detect potential failures before they occur—reducing costly downtime and enhancing safety.
Predictive maintenance, powered by sensor analytics and machine learning, are reducing unplanned downtime by up to 30% in Germany (Deutsche Bahn). In India, AI-equipped SMART coaches can now monitor vibrations, structural wear, and staff behavior, leading to substantial maintenance savings and enhanced safety.
Optimized Scheduling and Routing: AI can dynamically adjust train schedules based on real-time data—weather, demand, or disruptions—minimizing delays and maximizing throughput.
In dense rail networks like India’s or Japan’s, such precision translates into better asset utilization, optimized route rationalization, and more efficient capacity deployment.
Safety and Reliability: AI enhances safety through real-time monitoring and automated diagnostics. Computer vision systems are today identifying track defects, unauthorized access, and obstacles with over 90% accuracy. AI-powered drones can now inspect tracks and overhead equipment faster than traditional crews, improving both safety and inspection efficiency.
Train operations benefit from AI-assisted driver alertness monitoring and automatic braking recommendations based on track conditions. These advancements reduce human error—still a leading cause of railway incidents.
Passenger Experience and Multimodal Connectivity: In many places, AI-driven chatbots and journey planners have started offering personalized updates, route alternatives, and digital ticketing, improving passenger convenience. Integrating railways with buses, metros, and even micro-mobility options via AI platforms is enabling seamless urban mobility. In megacities, this creates rail-centric multimodal ecosystems where trains form the backbone of transportation.
Smart Ticketing and Crowd Management: With the use of computer vision and behavioural analytics, Railways can monitor crowd flows in stations and adjust boarding strategies in real time, improving passenger experience and safety.
Energy Efficiency: AI-powered driving systems can optimize acceleration and braking, saving energy and reducing emissions—a critical benefit as Railways strive to meet sustainability goals.
Environmental Sustainability: AI can help Railways fine-tune energy use by adjusting acceleration, coasting, and braking in real time, reducing fuel and electricity consumption.
When paired with green innovations like hydrogen-powered trains—such as Germany’s Coradia iLint and the US’s ZEMU—railways can become even more climate-friendly, especially in non-electrified regions
In short, AI can turn data into decisions—at scale and in real time.
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⚠️The Perils: Bias, Job Displacement, and System Vulnerabilities
Yet, for all its promise, AI also brings forth complex challenges that Railway systems must navigate with care. Let us try and understand what these are.
Algorithmic Bias: AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they’re trained on. In Railways, there is a high chance this could lead to unfair prioritization of certain routes or populations. This is because of historical inequities that are embedded in the stored data.
Job Displacement: As AI would continue to automate driving, monitoring, scheduling, maintenance and customer service, several roles would become redundant. While this may lead to job displacement in the short term, it will also create new roles in data science, system integration, and AI governance.
This is where visionary leadership would come in to shift focus and resources relating to reskilling, transitioning and to answer the more fundamental question about the human cost of automation.
High Implementation Costs: AI deployment demands hefty upfront investment in digital infrastructure—sensors, data platforms, training, and cybersecurity. For developing economies like India, justifying these expenses against long-term gains poses a financial and strategic challenge. This is also where a visionary leadership needs to come in.
Cybersecurity Risks and systemic reliability: Risks would surely go up as a more digitized and AI-integrated Railways system would become an attractive target for cyberattacks. A breach in an AI-driven control system could have dangerous and far-reaching consequences.
Reliance on AI systems thus must be balanced with robust fail-safes by strong governance and redundancy protocols.
Public Trust and Ethics: AI in public infrastructure must be transparent and accountable. Otherwise, trust erodes—especially if systems malfunction or make controversial decisions without human oversight.
The above risks underscore the need for careful design, regulation, and human-in-the-loop systems.
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Railways vs Other Transport Modes: A Comparative Snapshot
Factor
Railways (AI-enhanced)
Road Transport
Air Transport
Cost
Low per ton/km for freight
High due to fuel and labor
Highest operational cost
Environmental Impact
Low (electrified or hydrogen)
High (diesel trucks)
Very high (jet fuel)
Convenience
Ideal for dense corridors
Flexible last-mile service
Speed for long distances
Railways, strengthened by AI, would thus remain the most cost-effective and sustainable mode for high-density freight and passenger volumes. Hydrogen trains further extend these advantages to non-electrified routes.
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🧭The Pathways: Navigating the AI Railway Future
So, how can the Railways harness AI’s promise while avoiding its perils? The following thoughts come to mind.
1. Adopt a Human-Centric Approach: AI should always be viewed as an Enabler, not a Replacer of human expertise. Railways systems should ensure the centrality of human judgment, ethics, and oversight; this becomes particularly important in safety-critical functions.
2. Invest in Digital Infrastructure: To unlock AI’s power, the Railway systems would need high-quality data, real-time connectivity, and interoperable platforms. One can well envisage that Digital twins, Edge computing, and IoT-enabled trains would form the backbone of AI-enabled rail networks in the future.
3. Prioritize Ethics and Explainability: AI based decisions need to necessarily be transparent and explainable. Regulators and the Railways need to work together to ensure AI systems meet public standards of fairness, accountability, and non-discrimination.
4. Reskill and Redesign Work: The rise of AI urgently calls for a parallel investment in people—training them to work with AI tools, interpreting machine insights, and contributing to higher-value tasks. Railway jobs and functions need to evolve, not disappear.
5. Collaborate Across Sectors: The Railways need tocollaboratewith the private sector vendors and suppliers, technology companies, and researchers to create standards, protocols, and governance models that ensure responsible innovation.
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🚉Need for a New Era of Railways Leadership
Integrating AI into Railway transportation is not merely a technological shift—it’s a leadership challenge. It requires vision, ethics, inclusiveness, and a commitment to long-term impact.
As Railway systems worldwide experiment with smart stations, autonomous maintenance, and AI-based scheduling, one thing is clear: those who navigate this transformation thoughtfully will shape the future of mobility.
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Future Outlook: Smarter, Cleaner Railways
Over the next 3 to 5 years, we’ll surely witness:
Autonomous train operations with AI-powered dispatch and navigation.
Real-time dynamic pricing to optimize demand and revenue.
Prototypes of hydrogen-electric hybrid locomotives becoming mainstream in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
AI-enhanced simulation systems to train staff and emergency responders.
Railways stand at a unique inflection point. From my own early days in the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers, I’ve seen the disruption from steam to diesel-electric and now to AI and hydrogen. With the right investments, policy frameworks, and workforce strategies, the railways of tomorrow will be not just faster or cleaner—but smarter
Final Thoughts
The train to the future has already left the station. The question is:Are we building the right tracks for it?
If you’re working in transportation, AI, or infrastructure, or remain interested and curious about these domains, I would love to hear your thoughts. How is AI showing up in your work? What opportunities—or concerns—are you seeing? Let’s build the conversation together.
Porto greeted us like an old friend with a tale to tell. Perched on the cliffs of the Douro River, its charming houses, adorned with colorful azulejos, cascaded down towards the water, as if drawn by an invisible thread. Overhead, the majestic Dom Luís I Bridge, an iron marvel designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, stretched across the river, connecting the historic heart of Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia.
With every step on its cobbled streets, we felt transported to a different era—one where history, literature, and music wove together in an enchanting dance. Had we unknowingly stepped into a storybook town? It certainly felt that way.
A walk through History
Porto’s origins date back to Roman times when it was known as Portus Cale—a name that would eventually shape the very identity of Portugal. The city has seen centuries of maritime explorations, witnessed the rise and fall of empires, and remained resilient through wars and revolutions. Yet, despite its rich past, Porto doesn’t merely live in history; it embraces the present with a dynamic energy that makes it one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.
Wandering through its labyrinth of streets, we stumbled upon grand baroque churches, lively squares, and hidden corners filled with stories. But among all its treasures, one place stood out—Livraria Lello, a bookshop that seemed to pulse with an almost magical energy.
Where Magic and Literature collide
If there was ever a bookstore that felt like it belonged in the world of Harry Potter, Livraria Lello was it. The moment we stepped inside, we were mesmerized. The towering bookshelves, the elaborate wood carvings, and the intricate stained-glass ceiling bathed the room in a golden glow. But the real showstopper? The sweeping crimson staircase—elegant, almost alive, as if it had a mind of its own.
It was easy to see why J.K. Rowling, once an English teacher in Porto, found inspiration here. It is said that the Hogwarts moving staircases were born from this very place. As we traced our fingers along the wooden railings, it wasn’t hard to imagine young witches and wizards bustling about, spellbooks in hand.
Porto’s literary magic doesn’t stop there. Even beyond Rowling’s influence, the city has long been a haven for writers, poets, and dreamers. In many ways, its winding streets, misty evenings, and old-world charm make it the perfect setting for a fantastical tale.
A Sip of Tradition – The World of Port Wine
Leaving behind the world of books, we set off to indulge in another of Porto’s legendary offerings—Port wine. A short walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge took us to Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the centuries-old wine cellars that have made Porto famous.
The sweet, fortified wine that bears the city’s name has been produced here since the 17th century. We toured one of the many historic lodges, where enormous wooden barrels lined the dimly lit cellars, aging gracefully over time. The scent of oak, fruit, and a hint of spice filled the air as we sipped on rich ruby, tawny, and vintage varieties, each one telling a story of the Douro Valley’s sun-drenched vineyards.
The experience was more than just a tasting—it was a journey through time, where ancient traditions met modern refinement. With every sip, we felt a deeper connection to the land and the generations of winemakers who had perfected their craft.
Fado – The Soulful Sound of Portugal
As the sun began to set over Porto, painting the sky in hues of amber and violet, we found ourselves drawn to yet another defining element of Portuguese culture—Fado music.
Fado, meaning fate, is the heart and soul of Portugal’s musical heritage. Rooted in deep emotion, it tells stories of longing, nostalgia, and the bittersweet beauty of life. We entered a small, candlelit Fado house, where a singer, draped in black, took the stage alongside a guitarist.
As the first notes of the Portuguese guitar rang out, a hush fell over the room. Then came the voice—haunting, powerful, and filled with raw emotion. The lyrics spoke of sailors lost at sea, of distant lovers, of dreams that never came true. Though we didn’t understand every word, the melody transcended language, speaking directly to the heart.
It was a moment of pure magic—one that seemed to suspend time. When the final chord faded into silence, there was a collective sigh in the room, as if everyone had just awoken from a dream.
Porto, You have truly cast a Spell
As we strolled back along the riverbank, the twinkling lights reflecting on the Douro’s surface, we couldn’t help but feel enchanted. Porto had given us so much—history, magic, melody, and flavor—all wrapped in its unique charm.
It is a city that whispers tales of the past, yet sings with the vibrancy of the present. A city where Harry Potter’s magic lingers in the air, where every sip of wine is a tribute to centuries of tradition, and where the sound of Fado echoes through the night like a poet’s last verse.
Porto, you have truly cast a spell on us. Until we meet again!
In today’s dynamic and disruptive world, where change is the only constant, the ability to listen deeply and effectively—what we call ‘Power Listening’—has become an essential leadership and personal development skill. To many of us, Listening occurs as a passive process. No one notices when we tune off, we also retain the luxury of judging what we are hearing. This is also why Listening is a complex and demanding skill that needs conscious effort and self-awareness. I have always found it difficult to listen to what is being said with no intention, no judgment, no right or wrong.
In a landscape characterized by rapid technological advancements, shifting economic paradigms, and evolving workplace dynamics, power listening enables leaders, professionals, and individuals to navigate complexities with greater clarity, empathy, and strategic foresight.
According to Zenger and Folkman (2016) in their Harvard Business Review article What Great Listeners Actually Do, great listening goes beyond simply being silent while others speak. It involves active engagement, thoughtful questioning, and creating a safe space for open dialogue. Similarly, in The Power of Listening in Leadership (Forbes, 2021), Kevin Kruse emphasizes that effective listening strengthens leadership presence and fosters trust in professional relationships.
Understanding the Challenges of Listening
Despite its fundamental role in communication, listening is often overshadowed by speaking. Many assume they are good listeners, yet, as I have realized through personal introspection, listening is fraught with unconscious biases, preconceptions, and cognitive distractions. Each individual listens for different reasons and in unique ways, influenced by past experiences, emotions, and personal filters.
Reflecting on my own listening tendencies, I recognize that my ability to listen deeply is not always consistent. My engagement in a conversation depends largely on three factors: (1) my genuine interest and curiosity in the subject matter, (2) the perceived relevance and importance of the topic to me, and (3) the significance of the speaker in my personal and professional life. In the absence of these factors, I have observed a decline in my listening quality, often succumbing to perceptual blocks such as impatience, judgment, and the urge to prepare my response rather than truly absorbing the speaker’s message.
The Value of Power Listening
Power listening goes beyond hearing words—it involves deep engagement, empathy, and a conscious effort to understand the speaker’s perspective. I have personally found that when practiced effectively, power listening yields several benefits:
Building Trust and Confidence: A powerful listener enhances the self-worth of others, creating an environment of psychological safety where individuals feel valued and heard.
Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness: Leaders who listen powerfully cultivate stronger relationships, inspire loyalty, and encourage collaboration. Employees and stakeholders gravitate towards those who make them feel understood.
Facilitating Problem-Solving and Innovation: Power listening fosters a collaborative and open atmosphere, enabling teams to engage in meaningful dialogue and address complex challenges effectively.
Encouraging a Growth Mindset: When leaders listen without judgment, they instill confidence in others, encouraging a culture of learning, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
A Plan to Enhance Power Listening Skills
One might ask the question, ‘So what kind of a plan one needs to become a power listener?’ My plan included the following steps:
Develop Self-Awareness: I continuously assessed my natural listening tendencies, acknowledged biases, and consciously worked to overcome them.
Identify Communication Gaps: By reflecting on daily interactions, I could recognize patterns where my listening faltered and I needed to refocus back.
Practice Active Listening: I needed to implement the following techniques in my conversations:
Attentiveness: Focus on the speaker’s words, emotions, and underlying intent.
Empathy: Place myself in the speaker’s position, avoiding premature judgment.
Validation: Reflect back to the speaker meaningful insights to acknowledge and appreciate the speaker’s perspective.
Mental Clarity: Train myself to resist formulating responses while listening.
Patience: Allow space for the speaker to elaborate without interruption.
Encouragement: Reinforce the speaker’s strengths and motivate action.
The Emotional Impact of Being Heard
Listening is not just a transactional activity—it is deeply emotional and relational. When I am truly listened to, I experience a profound sense of connection, self-worth, and trust. The act of being heard or having ‘being gotten’ fulfills an intrinsic human need, fostering intimacy and mutual respect. Philosophers have long argued that being listened to is one of the most powerful affirmations of one’s existence. It provides the confidence to articulate thoughts, process challenges, and move forward with clarity and purpose.
Conclusion
In an era where distractions are rampant and attention spans are shrinking, power listening stands as a critical skill that differentiates effective leaders and impactful professionals. It is a skill that must be cultivated with intentionality, self-reflection, and consistent practice. By refining our listening abilities, we could aspire to become a more empathetic, perceptive, and influential leader—one who not only hears but truly understands and empowers others. In doing so, one would contribute to a more engaged, collaborative, and resilient world.
In Learning…… Shakti Ghosal
References
Zenger, J., & Folkman, J. (2016). What Great Listeners Actually Do. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org
Kruse, K. (2021). The Power of Listening in Leadership. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com
“In life, we meet two kinds of people—those who shine like the sun, radiating wisdom and energy, often challenging yet deeply inspiring; and those who, like planets, reflect borrowed light, offering comfort but little growth. Choice remains ours- whether we choose to orbit the suns, or chase reflections.”
Life is a cosmic dance, a vast expanse where we cross paths with many kinds of people. Some shine with their own light—bright, intense, and sometimes difficult to stand too close to. They challenge us, push us beyond our comfort zones, which might make us feel humiliated or insecure. However they do ignite sparks of transformation within us. These are the suns—radiant sources of wisdom, energy, and inspiration.
Then there are those who do not generate their own light but instead reflect the glow of others. Like planets orbiting a star, they offer comfort, familiarity, and predictability. Their borrowed light may bring temporary warmth, but it does not fuel real growth. They move in predefined paths, circling endlessly, never venturing beyond what is known.
The question before us is simple yet profound: whom do we choose to orbit? Do we dare to brave the brilliance of the suns, knowing that their intensity might burn, but also illuminate new possibilities? Or do we settle for the steady, reflected glow of planets, avoiding discomfort but also forsaking true transformation?
The Challenge of the Suns
Suns in our lives come in many forms—mentors who push us to excel, leaders who challenge conventional thinking, friends who demand authenticity, or experiences that shatter complacency. These forces can be unsettling, their intensity requiring us to adapt, to evolve, and sometimes to withstand discomfort.
Yet, it is from these sources that we learn the most. They force us to question our assumptions, face our fears, and tap into strengths we never knew we possessed. They inspire us to expand our horizons, to break free from the gravitational pull of mediocrity, and to blaze our own trails. As Kouzes and Posner (2017) suggest in The Leadership Challenge, transformative leaders create environments where individuals are encouraged to experiment, innovate, and grow beyond their limitations.
The Sun: Steve Jobs and the Apple Revolution
Steve Jobs was a quintessential “sun”—intense, visionary, and sometimes difficult to work with. He challenged the status quo, demanding excellence from those around him. Many who worked closely with Jobs describe the experience as transformative, albeit tough. His relentless pursuit of innovation forced others to think differently, step beyond their comfort zones, and achieve greatness. Those who chose to stay in his orbit were often pushed to their limits but emerged stronger, more creative, and capable of making an impact.
Lesson: Following the light of a “sun” can be difficult, but it leads to extraordinary growth.
The Comfort of the Planets
Planets, on the other hand, offer familiarity. They provide steady companionship, reassuring words, and a sense of belonging. Their presence is not without valuable— at times we do need the comfort of the known, the stability of routine, the ease of like-minded company. However, if we linger too long in their orbit, we stagnate. The pursuit of borrowed light may seem safe, but it rarely leads to personal evolution.
Consider the case of corporate career paths. Many professionals spend decades in the same organization, never venturing beyond predefined career trajectories. They are competent and reliable but do not challenge existing structures. Meanwhile, those who step outside their comfort zones—whether by switching industries, seeking disruptive mentors, or engaging in lifelong learning—often experience exponential growth. Carol Dweck (2006), in her seminal work Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset—embracing challenges, learning from criticism, and persisting in the face of setbacks.
The Planet: The Comfort of Routine in Corporate Careers
Consider an employee who has spent two decades in the same corporate job, doing well but never pushing beyond the familiar. He is competent, reliable, and comfortable in his position. However, his growth is limited—he reflects the expectations of his environment rather than shaping it. While his job provides security, he misses out on opportunities to innovate, learn new skills, or challenge himself.
Lesson: Comfort is not always conducive to progress. Staying in the orbit of planets can lead to stagnation.
Making the Choice
There is no right or wrong answer—only awareness. There are times in life when we need the warmth of planets, moments of rest and reassurance. But growth happens when we dare to reach for the suns. It is in their radiance that we find our own light, forging our path not as mere reflections but as luminous beings in our own right.
The choice is ours. Do we settle for the comfortable glow of borrowed light, or do we embrace the challenge of the suns, knowing that their brilliance will shape us into something greater?
In the grand design of the universe, we are not bound to any orbit. We are free to choose our celestial path. The only question that remains is—where will we set our course?
The Choice: Malala Yousafzai’s Defiance of the Status Quo
Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani girl, had a choice—to accept the constraints imposed by her environment (where education for girls was restricted) or to challenge the norms. She chose to orbit the “sun” of enlightenment, education, and progress, even at great personal risk. Today, she is a global advocate for education, inspiring millions.
Lesson: Choosing to orbit the “suns” of wisdom and progress, even in the face of adversity, can lead to transformational impact.
Conclusion
The world is full of both suns and planets, but ultimately, we decide which forces shape our journey. The challenge is to recognize when we are merely reflecting light and when we are generating our own. Growth, transformation, and true impact come from stepping into the orbit of those who challenge us, inspire us, and push us beyond our perceived limits.
So, ask yourself—are you ready to seek the suns, even if their brilliance demands more of you? The answer will determine the trajectory of your life.
In Learning……. Shakti Ghosal
References
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations. Wiley.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it is here, and disrupting all that we are familiar with in terms of the way we work, make decisions, and interact. As Leaders and Managers, while we might agree with this, we might not have given much thought about how we ourselves might need to change, rethink our own roles and priorities. How we as leaders need to adapt to make the most of the shift at the workplace and business perspectives taking place?
So how do we go about Shifting the Leadership Mindset?
In 2018, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, shared an interesting insight: “The role of a leader is not to be the know-it-all, but to be the learn-it-all.” This could not be truer in an AI-driven world. Leaders who cling to old ways of working—making decisions based on experience alone or holding tightly to hierarchical structures—will struggle. Instead, they need to embrace a few key shifts in thinking. I am enumerating these here.
From Authority to Empowerment: Picture yourself, a seasoned marketing manager who has always relied on gut instinct to craft campaigns. Now, AI-driven analytics suggest alternative strategies. Instead of resisting, you encourage your team to experiment with AI insights, leading to a campaign that doubles engagement. According to MIT Sloan Management Review (2022), businesses that integrate AI into decision-making while maintaining human oversight see greater innovation and efficiency [1]. To be an effective leader today, you need to empower your teams to harness AI rather than dictating decisions.
From Gut Feeling to Data-Driven Decisions: Years ago, a retail CEO might have made inventory decisions based on past sales and intuition. But today, AI predicts customer demand with astonishing accuracy. McKinsey Global Institute (2023) highlights that companies leveraging AI for predictive decision-making can outperform competitors by up to 20% in operational efficiency [2]. Take Zara, for instance, which uses AI to analyze shopping trends and adjust production in real time. As a leader, you must learn to trust AI insights while still applying human judgment where it matters most.
( c ) From Stability to Agility: When the pandemic hit, Airbnb faced a crisis. Travel halted; bookings plummeted. Instead of panicking, leadership used AI-driven insights to pivot towards long-term rentals, adapting to new customer needs. The shift kept the company afloat. Deloitte Insights (2023) emphasizes that adaptability is a critical survival skill in AI-driven businesses [3]. In an AI world, you as a leader needs to develop adaptability as a survival skill.
The Changing Leadership Context
The rise of AI is reshaping not just how businesses operate, but also how leaders interact with teams and technology.
Human-AI Collaboration: Imagine an investment firm where AI scans market trends and suggests portfolio adjustments. It does not replace human analysts—it enhances their work. According to Harvard Business Review (2021), companies that use AI for augmentation rather than automation see higher employee engagement and better decision outcomes [4] You as a leader need to foster a culture where AI is seen as a tool for augmentation, not as a threat.
A Workforce with Different Expectations: I know of a tech startup which has hired a mix of Gen Z employees who are eager to automate repetitive tasks and seasoned professionals who fear AI might make their skills obsolete.Gartner (2022) stresses the importance of AI literacy, stating that leaders must bridge this gap to create a future-ready workforce [5]. You as a leader need to bridge this gap by promoting AI literacy and ensuring every team member understands how AI enhances, rather than replaces, his / her role.
Ethical Leadership in AI Use: Amazon once developed an AI-driven recruitment tool that unknowingly favoured male candidates. When this bias was exposed, leadership had to step in and scrap the project. This highlights the importance of ethical oversight.World Economic Forum (2023) notes that responsible AI governance is one of the most pressing leadership challenges today, requiring fairness, transparency, and accountability [6]. In an AI world, you as a leader must ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI applications.
So, what might be the key leadership qualities needed for an AI-Driven World?
Digital Fluency: Take Elon Musk—while not an AI engineer, he understands AI’s potential enough to integrate it into Tesla’s self-driving technology.Stanford AI Index (2024) reports that organizations with AI-savvy leadership are more likely to succeed in AI implementation [7]. You as a leaderdo not need to code AI algorithms, you should be able grasp how AI works.
Emotional Intelligence: Consider Jacinda Ardern, whose empathetic leadership style resonates deeply in an increasingly digital world. AI can provide data, but only humans can provide understanding and connection.World Economic Forum (2020) highlights that empathy and communication will remain irreplaceable leadership traits in an AI-driven world [8]. As a leader, you need to always hold the perspective that, with AI handling repetitive tasks, the human touch becomes even more critical.
Adaptability and Curiosity: In the 1990s, Jeff Bezos saw the internet’s potential and launched Amazon. Decades later, he embraced AI to power recommendation engines and logistics. As a leader, if you stay curious and embrace continuous learning, you will thrive in an AI-powered future.
Vision and Strategic Thinking: Netflix uses AI to recommend content, but it’s the leadership that chooses to invest in original programming. As a leader, know that while AI offers insights, it is human vision that drives bold, strategic decisions.
Inclusive Leadership: AI is only as good as the data it learns from. As a leader, you must ensure that diverse teams contribute to AI-driven decisions to prevent biases and improve outcomes.
Conclusion: Leadership in an AI-powered world is not about controlling technology—it’s about guiding people to make the best use of it. The leaders who will thrive are those who embrace AI, empower their teams, and balance technological advances with human insight. Just like any major transformation in history, success will not come from resisting change but from learning how to harness it.McKinsey (2023) suggests that successful AI-driven companies are those that invest not just in technology but in leadership transformation [9]. The future belongs to leaders who can blend AI-driven intelligence with human wisdom and vision.
I had posted on a similar topic a couple of years back, but in a different context. It was based on an interaction I had with a participant in a workshop I had conducted then.
Interestingly, I was recently invited by the Goa Business School, Goa University to speak on the same topic. What we were really looking at is succeeding in an environment that is constantly changing and being disrupted. By new technologies like AI, new competitors, new business processes. The question for us was, ‘So what does one do to win?’
I related a story from my own professional life.
In a past assignment, I was managing a Travel & Destination services t company. One of our major customer accounts was the national petroleum development organisation and because of the large business quantum, we had an implant operation with a dedicated team. Our service and response levels were appreciated by the client.
As our contract period was ending, the company released a tender for a subsequent period. Believing the client was happy with us, we submitted our competitive offer in line with what we had done during our last successful bid. When the tender was finalised, we were shocked to know that we had lost. When we asked the client’s commercial team, we were informed that we had not complied with the technical terms of the bid. Going back to the drawing board, we found that in the tender document, there had been a small section requiring development and implementation of a Travel management Services, TMS in short, software as part of the client’s intranet, which we had not responded to.
Soon, we had the opportunity to bid against a tender released by the National Gas Company. We noticed that in this tender document too, there was a requirement of implementing a TMS software. This time we were careful enough to comply with the requirement by indicating our willingness to develop. But we again lost the tender! The winner was a competitor who already possessed a fully developed TMS module and had provided a live demonstration of the same to the client.
We had been disrupted. By a new technology, a new competitor, which together had disrupted our traditional business mode, a model which had worked well all these years. The world had shifted, the business need in the environment had changed and the earlier alignment which our company’s competence set had with the environment, had been lost.
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In 1849, French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote, “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” which in English translates to “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”
The above perspective is possibly at the heart of why we get disrupted. The human mind loves continuity and certainty. These allow us to make sense of what we see as stuff we are familiar with, which our brain does using mind models based on our past experiences. But what happens when we are faced with something we have never encountered before? Our brains somehow try to force fit these unknown inputs into one of our mind models. Even though we remain unaware, this ‘force fit’ sense making process leads to the observed inputs getting distorted, some parts get amplified while others which do not fit, get discarded. Thus, when we probabilistically try to predict, often we fail and get disrupted.
The disruptive world allows us to reside in a narrow band in the present with a hazy and uncertain future in front and the inability to take recourse of the past. Thus to successfully negotiate we need to shift away from our usual probability-based mindset into a mindset of possibilities.
In the session I showcased certain action steps which would support us to do the shift.
I got around to explaining that the first Action step is to create a context for ourselves within our own domain through using hard trends in three areas viz. Demographics, Regulatory and Technology (DRT Context). The hard trends that we uncover become the framework of the context we are creating. Our context would allow us to view every situation in a particular manner.
At this juncture a participant asked for this step to be shown through a case study or live example. I elaborated using the example of the Aviation Industry.
Demographics: Major customer profile shift is occurring viz. growth of young budget traveller and the elderly. Communication technologies is leading to the decline of Business travel. Climate change is shifting the seasonality of leisure travel. Customer behavior is also changing, with short booking windows—often a week or two with fewer travelers making plans far in advance.
Regulatory: Climate change is leading to increased incidences of air borne diseases requiring changes in booking process e.g. Pre-flight testing, need for registration of previous and past travel etc. Technology is allowing airlines to have seamless connectivity within the travel ecosystem to increase demand + assist governments and regulators in creating worldwide / regional standards for hygiene as well as operations.
Technology: Integrated and contact less handling at the airport regarding access viz. boarding pass issual, traveller identification through eye scans, baggage check-in etc. Seat allotment keeping in mind traveler profile, past medical history etc.
Action Step 2 is about using our above created DRT context to make three lists. List of all that we are certain of, list of things we know, and list of things we can do. If we put in the requisite time to make the lists, new possibilities would start showing up for us, a reflection of our improved competence to shift into a possibility mindset.
Action Step 3 is about further sharpening the saw for possibility mindset creation. We do that by unplugging ourself from our present clutter and challenges, then plugging ourself into the future and then use the ‘hard trend’ context created in Step 1, the 3 lists of being certain, knowing and doing ability in Step 2 to do anticipatory & future back thinking through a structured enquiry.
Action Step 4 is about Relational Assimilation which is identifying and defining groups relevant to our business and optimising the group boundary level interactions to advance our own interests. It thus is all about addressing stakeholder concerns. So, who are these stakeholders? They are wide ranging entities. Starting from the company Owners. Employees, who are the internal stakeholders to Customers, suppliers, our banks and financiers- our external stakeholders. But we also have environmental stakeholders viz. local community, society at large and the Government and regulatory authorities. Each of the stakeholders impact the organisation and ourselves in some way, some directly, others indirectly. To ensure effective relational assimilation, we need to exhibit certain qualities in our interactions.
Honouring or Integity of our word. Have we ever considered the fact that we are really equal to your word, nothing more , nothing less? We might see ourself as an individual with certain looks, qualifications, competencies etc. But to the outside world, we are perceived as our word. So, what is ‘Honouring our word’? This means keeping our word and as soon as we realize we are not able to do so, we need to inform all effected parties that we cannot keep our word within the time frame indicated earlier, offer a new time frame to do it and declare that we would take care of the consequences if any, of not keeping our word as per the earlier indicated time frame.
Can you see from what I just said that while it is not possible to keep our word under different situations, we can always ensure that we honour our word?
Being and acting consistent with who you are: This is all about being authentic. Bill George, former CEO, Medtronics and Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School, concluded, “After years of studying leaders and their traits, I believe that Leadership begins and ends with authenticity.”
So how does one improve one’s own authenticity? Simply put, it is by being authentic about our inauthenticities’. We need to be publicly authentic about our inauthenticity with those around us for whom this inauthenticity matters.
Listening with no intention, no judgment, no Right or Wrong:. This is called Active Listening. A special kind of listening that we use to allow the speaker to articulate his or her own strongly held positions, views, rationalisations, justifications and unexamined beliefs. When we engage in active listening, we do it without colouring our own mind with our own intention, own judgments and our own views about what is being said being right or wrong. You could start with practicing active listening once a day and then slowly increasing the number till the trait becomes part of you.
As you make Integrity, Authenticity and Active Listening part of your repertoire for dealing with your stakeholders, you will see the significant upswing in empathy, respect and trust in your dealings. Action 4 is thus the catalyzing agent to ensure the achievement of the action steps you had created based on the first 3 actions.
With the participants
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In the ultimate analysis, Winning in a disruptive world is all about that ability to See, Comprehend & therefore Interact with life (and situation) differently than most people do. ‘Winners of a disruptive worldSEE….and come to live in a different world.
“The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence” – Jiddu Krishnamurti
Some years back, I did a course on Mindfulness. I did it more out of curiosity. The course turned out to be significantly experiential in nature, involving several practices.
So what is Mindfulness? At its core it is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and without judgment. It is about being ‘in the moment’ with awareness of where one is, what one is doing. As one practices this, one reduces one’s reactiveness or being overwhelmed by situations, circumstances, and people.
When I think back, I realise that my first exposure to and experience of Mindfulness and intervention based on it was more than20 years back. I had participated in a week long “Art of Living” program. The essence of the program was a routine which consisted of ‘Pranayam, Bhrastika and Kriya”. All these practices were essentially breathing routines, heightened awareness of the flow of breath and culminating with a body scan. While it had not been mentioned then as being a Mindfulness practice, I realised subsequently that it was so.
After I started practicing Mindfulness through the Art of Living routine, I did start noticing a higher level of energy through the day as also being more at peace with my situation. By God’s grace, I have been able to avoid chronic health situations like hypertension, stress related ailments etc. I somehow sense that one of the contributing reasons for my being able to maintain good physical and mental health has been my continuing the practice of Mindfulness as elaborated above.
In a recent ‘Mindset Matters’ podcast, Executive Coach Frank Marinko and I had a lively conversation about what ‘Mindfulness’ is and its impact.
“Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini tuo da gloriam“ ( Latin). In English it translares to : Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Thy name give the glory
Tomar in the heart of Portugal, is a town steeped in history, mystery, and legend. During our recent visit, it transported us back to the era of the Knights Templar, the Crusades, and the Church Order.
The Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. A Templar stronghold, it was both a church and a fortress with a unique blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.
We entered the Convent and as we walked through the corridors, we could almost see in our mind’s eye the knights riding in. As the legend goes, the knights would even pray while on horseback as they chose never to be caught off guard and remained ever ready to fight on behalf of the church. This was the reason for the spectacular Templar’s round church with its high archways being built in the heart of the convent.
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The Convent of Christ and its structure was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The latter had been built at the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial and thus it is no surprise that it was in this city that the legend of the Knights Templar started.
The Knights in their white mantles and a Red Cross emblazoned on the chest were arguably the best fighting units on the side of Christianity in the Crusades. For centuries they remained committed to defending Jerusalem as also offering safe passage to Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.
The Knight Templars achieved the zenith of their fame in the 12th century when in the Battle of Montgisard, six hundred odd knights beat the redoubtable Muslim general Saladin and his army numbering twenty-six thousand!
The other noteworthy aspect of the Templars Order was that it became the banker to Europe from a Papal sanction. Knights desirous of joining the order donated large amounts, nobles going to Crusades would place their wealth and businesses with the Templars for safe keeping. This huge aggrandizement of wealth though led to its eventual downfall. It is said that in the early fourteenth century, the French Monarch Philip IV, deeply indebted to the Templars and unable to pay back, started to arrest, torture, and execute the French knights.
After the dissolution of the Order, the Templars found refuge in Portugal under a new ‘Order of Christ.’ Our guide spoke of the secret knowledge the order brought in and how that influenced Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, including Vasco da Gama’s travel to India. Ostensibly, much of the so called ‘secret knowledge’ of the Templars had been acquired from Arabs during their travels to Jerusalem and beyond.
For us, Tomar wasn’t just about history; it was more about the Knights Templars’ valour and enduring legacy. Their closely guarded secrets included that of the Holy Grail which forms the basis of Dan Brown’s famed thriller ‘The Da Vinci Code’. In the book, the Knights Templar order is portrayed as the guardians of vital information relating to Christianity spanning over one millennia.
A New Beginning 