This New Year, Listen to Your Heart

If you’ve been doing something for years, you eventually become very good at it. You become known for it. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔.

Because while you continue to grow: take courses, earn more degrees, reskill, upskill, learn entirely new domains: at the workplace, you’re often still seen doing 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈.

You could be an accountant who understands strategy.

A finance professional pursuing marketing.

Someone with years of experience and a fresh, trending perspective.

However, within the organisation, the label persists.

Organisations still tend to view people in fixed boxes based on what they 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆, rather than what they 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆.

Experience, ironically, becomes a box instead of a bridge.

In India, we often discuss the demographic dividend, emphasizing the need for opportunities among young professionals.

Yet a large number of experienced professionals in their 30s, 40s, 50s are often under-utilised, not under-qualified.

Over 53% of graduates and 36% of postgraduates are underemployed in jobs below their qualifications.

Only about 4.7% of the workforce has formal skill training, contributing to an underutilised labour force.

Even after retirement, many senior citizens still want to contribute meaningfully.

They have decades of institutional memory, decision-making wisdom, and problem-solving skills.

However, the system mostly asks them to step aside instead of taking a different approach.

When organisations don’t tap into the full potential of experience, they lose twice: once by not leveraging what people already know; and again by ignoring what they are still capable of becoming.

Yes, experience 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 be your biggest asset.

But when it becomes the only lens through which you’re seen, it quietly turns into a limitation.

According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Work Change Report, by 2030 as much as 70% of the skills used in most jobs will change, reshaping how organisations view talent, roles and experience in the future.

This means that experience shouldn’t be a label that limits you, it should be a foundation for ongoing evolution: the kind that helps you grow horizontally as well as vertically in your career.

If 2025 offered us a Big Idea for 2026, it is that the future of work won’t be defined by what you’ve always done, but by what you can keep becoming.

Growth sometimes simply means being allowed to evolve within one.

Talent doesn’t expire. It just gets quieter when it’s not heard.

PS: This New Year, listen to your heart.

Life Lessons: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Can you imagine being so dedicated to your work that your students refer to you as “the light of their lives?” That’s the kind of impact Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan had on his students and the world at large.

On this day, in a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, his teachings offer valuable guidance on how to navigate the complexities of modern life. Here are four stories that highlight some of the key qualities that made Dr. Radhakrishnan such an inspiring figure.

The Value of Empathy: When Dr. Radhakrishnan was a student, he saw a poor man being beaten by his teacher for not being able to pay fees. He offered to pay the fees and became friends with the man.

Today, empathy is recognized as a critical skill for leaders, as it helps them build stronger relationships and foster a more inclusive culture.

The Power of Attention: During a lecture, Dr. Radhakrishnan noticed a student sleeping in the front row. He stopped speaking and asked the student a difficult question, which the student answered correctly.

In a world where attention is a scarce resource, being able to focus and maintain it is a valuable quality for both leaders and subordinates, that can lead to better performance and productivity.

The Courage to Stand Up for One’s Beliefs: As Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, Dr. Radhakrishnan was invited to meet the British Governor of Madras. The Governor refused to meet him because he was wearing a dhoti and not Western attire. Dr. Radhakrishnan declined to change his attire and left the meeting.

Today, the ability to stand up for one’s beliefs and values is essential, especially in the face of adversity and discrimination.

The Importance of Composure: During his visit to the United States, Dr. Radhakrishnan was stopped by a security guard who did not recognize him. Dr. Radhakrishnan calmly explained who he was, and the guard allowed him to enter.

In a world that is increasingly volatile and uncertain, maintaining composure and emotional regulation is a vital skill for leaders and individuals alike. It allows people to stay calm under pressure, make better decisions, and handle difficult situations with grace.

Dr. Radhakrishnan’s life serves as a reminder that even small actions can make a significant impact. By embodying his teachings, we can create a more compassionate, thoughtful, and courageous world.

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar: a visionary, a jurist, an economist, and a branding mastermind?

Yes, the Father of the Indian Constitution had much to teach us about the art of branding. On his birth anniversary, let’s take a closer look at how Dr. Ambedkar’s life and work can inspire us to build strong and lasting brands.

Lesson 1: Be the change you want to see in the world.

Dr. Ambedkar’s own life and legacy serve as a powerful example of how personal branding can shape a movement. He used his unique voice and vision to challenge the status quo and inspire millions to follow his lead.

Lesson 2: Know thy audience.

Dr. Ambedkar recognized that effective communication is essential to building a strong brand. He tailored his messaging to resonate with his target audience, using persuasive language and powerful imagery to convey his message.

Lesson 3: Collaborate to elevate.

Dr. Ambedkar understood the importance of strategic partnerships in building a strong brand. He worked closely with other leaders and influencers to amplify his message and broaden his reach.

Lesson 4: Innovate or stagnate.

Dr. Ambedkar was a true innovator, constantly seeking new ways to push the envelope and stay ahead of the curve. He was never afraid to take risks or try new approaches, which helped him stand out from the crowd.

Lesson 5: Brand equity is earned, not given.

Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of strong branding. He earned the trust and loyalty of millions by consistently delivering on his promises and staying true to his values.

On the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, let’s remember not only his contribution to Indian democracy but also his branding lessons that can inspire marketers today.
Happy birthday, Dr. Ambedkar!