Tag: Experiences

Beyond Resumes: Unveiling the Secrets to Successful Candidate Selection

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Having navigated the corporate landscape for over three decades, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing and hiring over a hundred individuals across various roles and organizations. Over time, I’ve honed my approach to ensure that I select candidates who possess the necessary skills, align with the organizational culture, and exhibit a commitment to long-term success.

Art of Selecting The Right Fit

As I continue to mentor leaders, a standard query is how to discern whether a candidate is the right fit and likely to remain dedicated to the role. Drawing from my extensive experience, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of non-negotiable traits and behaviors that serve as red flags during the hiring process, significantly reducing attrition rates within my teams.

List of Non-Negotiable Traits

Let’s delve into each of these points to gain a deeper understanding:

  1. Confidence and Engagement: The ability of an interviewee to maintain eye contact and articulate responses reflects their confidence level. It’s essential to gauge whether they exhibit active engagement during the interview, as it often correlates with their potential to thrive in the role.
  2. Professional Integrity: Negative comments about current or past employers reflect poorly on a candidate’s professionalism and integrity. Such behaviour raises concerns about their ability to maintain confidentiality and handle workplace conflicts constructively.
  3. Punctuality and Professionalism: Respect for time is a fundamental aspect of professionalism. While unforeseen circumstances such as traffic jams may occur, candidates should proactively communicate any delays. Punctuality, coupled with accountability, underscores a candidate’s reliability and commitment.
  4. Interest in Work-Life Balance: Inquiring about the company’s policies regarding work-life balance, vacation entitlements, and breaks provides insight into a candidate’s priorities and expectations. Their response can indicate whether they align with the organization’s values and priorities.
  5. Passion for Learning and Growth: A genuine enthusiasm for learning and a willingness to receive feedback indicate a candidate’s adaptability and potential for growth within the role. Passion drives performance, and candidates who demonstrate curiosity and eagerness to expand their skills are valuable assets to any team.
  6. Demonstration of Humility: Arrogance and impatience are detrimental traits that can disrupt team dynamics and hinder collaboration. Observing how candidates interact with receptionists or front desk personnel can reveal valuable insights into their demeanour and interpersonal skills.
  7. Authenticity and Transparency: Discrepancies between a candidate’s resume and their verbal accounts raise red flags regarding authenticity. Instances of stolen identity or misrepresentation erode trust and credibility, highlighting the importance of thorough background verification.
  8. Preparation and Interest in the Company: Candidates who lack familiarity with the company or fail to ask insightful questions during the interview may need more genuine interest or initiative. Preparation signifies diligence and a proactive approach to understanding the organization’s goals and values.
  9. Humility and Intellectual Curiosity: Humility is a hallmark of strong leadership and teamwork. Candidates who acknowledge their limitations and are willing to learn from others contribute to a positive work culture and foster collaboration.
  10. Adaptability and Resilience: In today’s dynamic business environment, adaptability is crucial for navigating challenges and driving innovation. Assessing a candidate’s ability to thrive amidst change and adversity provides valuable insights into their resilience and potential long-term success within the organization.

Wrapping up

In summary, identifying the right fit goes beyond evaluating technical skills; it entails assessing a candidate’s character, values, and attitude toward professional growth and collaboration.

Organizations can create a high-performing and unified workforce equipped for long-term success by incorporating these essential traits into the hiring process.

From Scars To Success-Why Trying New Opportunities Is Worth The Risk

man wearing grey shirt standing on elevated surface
Photo by Julian Jagtenberg on Pexels.com

“The emotional scars of our mistakes will teach is far more than the joy of our successes,”- Steven Aitchison

Do you look at past mistakes as terrible events or as growth experiences?

The scars of previous mistakes can prevent us from taking new risks. When we make mistakes, we experience feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt. This impacts our confidence and willingness to take on new challenges.

The fear prevents us from taking new risks and trying new things, which can limit our personal growth and prevents us from reaching our full potential.

The story of my coaching client

If you consider past failure a terrible mistake, you must read the story about my coaching client Rahul- a team leader in a big software company.

Rahul was in the same job for over six years and was perfect at it. The company decided to promote him to Team Manager.

Rahul was still determining how he would handle the new role. He accepted the position because the salary increment was too attractive to turn down.

In his new role, Rahul struggled and lost his self-confidence after some time. He was asked to step down. Rahul was devastated.

He agreed to return to his old job as a Team Lead.

Three years later, the company once again promoted him. But the scars of the previous failure were still too raw, and he refused to accept the promotion.

During a coaching call, I convinced him he was a different person from three years ago. Since his last attempt, he has further developed his leadership skills.

He accepted the promotion and became a successful team manager.
The turning point was losing the role the first time, which made Rahul hungrier for success.

The story’s moral is to approach new challenges with a growth mindset, viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement rather than sources of shame and failure.

Are you clouding any growth experiences as mistakes?

Then it would be best to let go of the mistake and grab the opportunity as Rahul did.

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the ones you did.”
– Mark Twain

Empowering Women: Breaking Stereotypes and Building a Path to Success

woman in black outfit standing beside a table
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“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
Michelle Obama

I wholeheartedly echo Michelle Obama’s sentiments. I have consistently believed that women must have unwavering self-belief to attain success in any endeavor they choose to pursue.

Education alone does not guarantee a path to success

Recently, during a speed mentoring session with a group of dynamic young ladies, I encountered a disheartening situation. One accomplished woman, having excelled in her studies, completed her engineering degree and secured a position in a prestigious IT company, was suddenly pressured by her family to quit her job and get married.

Unfortunately, such scenarios are not uncommon in India, where societal expectations often dictate a woman’s life choices, especially regarding marriage.


At a school reunion last month, another instance caught my attention. A friend shared that his daughter, a qualified Chartered Accountant, struggled to find a suitable job. Eager to assist, I discovered that the challenge went beyond the job search—she lacked the motivation to pursue employment actively.


These examples highlight a crucial aspect: education alone is not sufficient.

True success requires an inner drive and a purpose. Familial pressures and unsupportive environments often dissuade young women from pursuing their careers. However, a strong desire and ambition enable individuals to filter out the noise and focus on achieving their goals.

Seeking help is not weakness

Young women must seek help without considering it a sign of weakness. As aspiring individuals, building a support system is crucial, and this involves reaching out to parents, in-laws, husbands, brothers, friends, or anyone capable of assisting. Demonstrating your ability to manage responsibilities at home and work can inspire others to support your ambitions.


In today’s world, giving up everything is no longer the only option for women. Technology has brought knowledge to our doorsteps. Embrace it, explore the world, expand your knowledge, and aspire to achieve meaningful goals. While priorities in life may shift, women possess the resilience to adjust their goals accordingly.

Breaking Stereotypes

Establishing robust support systems aids in navigating changing priorities. Although career breaks are inevitable, they need not be permanent setbacks. With numerous online courses available, women can utilize reskilling and personal development opportunities.


Acknowledging that some biases are generational, it’s essential to challenge and change these perspectives over time. Empowering women to believe in themselves, ask for support, and pursue their ambitions is not just an individual endeavour but a collective effort towards breaking stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive society.

“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”
Sheryl Sandberg

5 Inspiring Quotes That Guide My Life

an encouragement quotes on brown paper
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Life is filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty, but powerful quotes have the ability to keep us on track.

Motivational quotes have always inspired me on my journey, enabling me to overcome challenges and achieve my dreams.

Lesson 1: Determination

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” -Collin Powell.

This lesson has resonated with me throughout my personal and professional life. I’ve encountered numerous challenges during my college days and throughout my career.

However, the enduring wisdom imparted to me by my father was the importance of unwavering focus and determination.

Lesson 2: Experience

“Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment”-Rita Mae Brown

This insight from Rita Mae Brown has guided my approach to failure.

Instead of becoming demotivated by setbacks, I’ve been taught to view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Experience serves as a valuable source of wisdom, offering invaluable life lessons, personal growth, and self-awareness.

Lesson 3: Mindset

“Obstacles can’t stop you. Problems can’t stop you. Most of all, other people can’t stop you. Only you can stop you.”-Jeffrey Gitomer

Cultivating a growth mindset is essential for overcoming life’s challenges and preventing our minds from becoming roadblocks.

“There is only one way to succeed in anything and that is to give it everything.”-Vince Lombardi.

Vince Lombardi’s words further emphasize the idea that nothing worthwhile comes easily, highlighting the necessity of determination and effort in turning dreams into reality.

Lesson 4: Questions

“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”-Voltaire

Voltaire’s perspective compels us to be grateful. Instead of dwelling on negative questions like “why me,”? it’s important to cultivate gratitude for what we have – the ability to breathe, walk, and think for ourselves.

Lesson 5: Failure

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”-Winston Churchill.

My father instilled in me the belief that hard work and perseverance are within our control, and with enough of both, success becomes inevitable.


These five inspirational quotes continue to shape my life, reminding me of the importance of determination, experience, mindset, thoughtful questions, and the courage to persevere in the face of failure. They serve as guiding beacons on my journey towards personal growth and success.

Life Is A Merry-Go-Round Ride

a brown ferris wheel under blue sky
Photo by Nadiia Yahaha on Pexels.com

Who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again? I would love to be one!! There is something magical about it.

I still love the merry-go-round and don’t hesitate to ride one whenever the opportunity presents itself.

“Life is a merry-go-round ride”, reminds me of the childhood rhyme we all grew up singing in our kindergarten,

“Ring a ring, a rosie

A pocketful of posies

A-tishoo! a-tishoo!

We all fall down.”

Isn’t Life somewhat similar?

Life is a roller coaster, with many highs and lows and curves. We get tossed around, but things level out in the end, and life returns to normal until the next ride.

I can relate to this with my example. When I passed my final year of engineering and received a job offer letter from a well-known engineering company in Pune, I was full of energy and optimism and felt like I was on top of the world.

I started my career excitedly and enthusiastically, like a child hopping onto a merry-go-round.

Like the horses on the merry-go-round that goes up and down, repeating the same motion, my career also experienced success, achievements, failures, setbacks and disappointments. And this continued throughout my career of three decades and more.

Each time I changed jobs, I went through this same cycle. Initially, everything in the new job is exciting, and then slowly, the monotony sets in.

I had to take on further risks, grab new opportunities, work on new initiatives and keep moving. Despite the challenges, I kept pushing forward and finding new ways to develop and grow professionally.

After spending three decades and more in the industry, reflecting on my career journey, I realised that despite the ups and downs, it was all worth it.

I feel grateful for the experiences, the people I met along the way and the lessons I learned.

What I experienced in my career is also what we experience in all aspects of our lives.

Life is Fleeting

The phrase, Life is a merry-go-round also suggests that life is fleeting and we should enjoy the ride while we can.

The fragility of life is daunting, and it inspires us to live in the present and enjoy and appreciate every moment we have.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought home the reality that Life is fleeting.

I lost some good friends who were hale and hearty a few days before they became seriously ill, had to be admitted to the hospital, and succumbed to the disease. It reminded me of the fragility and unpredictability of Life.

It is easy to get caught up in the daily grind of Life. Life can change instantly; therefore, we need to cherish every moment with our loved ones.

Time passes quickly, and I, therefore, adopt some fundamental ways to embrace the fleeting nature of Life,

  1. Appreciating people and letting them know how much I love and care for them helps me cherish every moment I spend with them. Life is short, and we never know when our loved ones will be taken away from us. My mom has been diagnosed with late-onset dementia. I spend time with her and look at old photos with her. She remembers something, and we talk about it. When she is in a good mood, I ask her for recipes, and she tells me whatever she remembers. I spend time every evening watching television with her. My friends come and meet her every evening and hug her.
  2. Pursue my passions even amid all uncertainties. I continue spending time consulting, writing and gardening even though a large part of my day is spent in elder care activities.
  3. I have started maintaining a gratitude journal and spending time every evening reflecting and writing about things I am grateful for. I write about all things that made me smile during the day.

In conclusion, I have learnt to make the most of every moment. Life is a precious gift, and better make it meaningful.

Whispers Of Happiness-Discovering Pure Bliss In A Cooling Breeze

woman sitting under a tree and reading a book
Photo by Tuấn Kiệt Jr. on Pexels.com

“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing and mojito in your hand.”- Bar Refael

The above quote took me back to my cherished childhood memories. It evoked a sense of nostalgia as the gentle breeze whispered tales of the past.


When I recollect the perfect summer day during my childhood, I am transported to a time when the sun illuminated the sky, the cool breeze brushed against my skin, and a book found solace in my hands instead of a mojito.


During those blissful years, my father was stationed in Kutch, Gujarat, near the enchanting Rann of Kutch. Our house was in the Central Government Colony within the Kandla Port Trust township.
Our house had a vast garden and big neem trees in our backyard.


During summer, when I wanted to be alone and escape from my mom’s constant nagging to complete my homework, I sought refuge beneath the comforting shade of a colossal neem tree.


Nestling myself amidst its leafy sanctuary, I would lose myself in the captivating realms of storybooks.
I was very fond of reading and, after lunch, would always love to escape and take refuge under the tree with my book.


Occasionally, I completed my homework beneath its protective branches, basking in the tranquil ambience.


The cool breeze would be so soothing. Its soothing touch sometimes lulled me into a peaceful slumber.
Summers in Kutch are excruciatingly hot and humid, with temperatures reaching as high as 48 degrees Celsius and the heat scorching.


Under the tree, the shade was delightfully cool and refreshing, and no glare to hurt my eyes.The gentle rustling of leaves, the occasional chirping of birds, and the distant hum of nature’s chorus would form a soothing backdrop.


The fragrance of the Neem leaves added another layer to the experience, infusing the air with its distinct aroma, known for its refreshing and rejuvenating qualities.


The breeze that blows through a neem tree(Azadirachta indica) is supposed to be healthy. Neem has many good medicinal properties.


As I reflect upon those precious moments spent under the neem tree’s warm embrace, I am reminded of the simple joys of childhood.

Simple Joys Of Childhood

Some simple joys that I recollect include:

  • Running barefoot through the grass lawns ,feeling the tickling blades beneath my feet. I would love chasing the colourful butterflies.
  • Sitting under the neem tree on a hot sunny day with the cool breeze blowing, savoring the sweetness of ice-cream , each lick a moment of pure delight.
  • During playtime, giggling uncontrollably during hide and seek, the thrill of being found and finding others.
  • Planting seeds in the garden along with mom and watching them grow, feeling a sense of accomplishment and wonder.

Childhood is filled with these simple joys where the world seems full of magic and endless possibilities.