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5 AM Club

Quite often, people 🤔 ask me – how do you manage to do multiple things? My answer is that I belong to “The 5 AM Club ⏰”.

“The 5 AM Club” by Robin Sharma is a motivational book that revolves around a revolutionary concept: owning your morning to elevate your life. Here is an infographic visual of “The 5 AM Club”.

Central to the book is the idea of the 5 AM club—a routine where individuals wake up early, dedicate time to personal growth, and start their day with exercise, meditation, and learning. According to Robin Sharma, this practice enhances focus 🎯, productivity, and overall well-being❤️‍🩹.

Key lessons 💡 include the value of consistent habits, the power of self-discipline, the importance of escaping complacency, mastery of time and the significance of nurturing mind, body, and spirit.

 

The author blends storytelling with practical advice, presenting a compelling case for how the early morning hours can be leveraged to achieve personal transformation and extraordinary results. “The 5 AM Club” ⌚serves as both a motivational tale and a blueprint📘 for readers seeking to maximize their potential 📈and lead a life of purpose and fulfilment and achieve lasting success 🎇.

 

Are you 5 AM Club member???

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AI Washing – The New Face of Fraud

💡 AI Washing : The New Face of Fraud in the Digital Age

Surprised by hearing it as Fraud, isn’t it ???

**AI washing**, a deceptive practice where companies exaggerate their use of artificial intelligence, is on the rise. Surprisingly, the number of S&P 500 companies mentioning AI in their Q1 2024 earnings calls has skyrocketed 🚀by 249% compared to the five-year average.

This alarming 🔔trend highlights the urgent need for companies to be cautious about making broad claims regarding their AI capabilities.

Shargel, from Bracewell, advises organizations to create a clear definition of AI for internal use and regulatory filings to avoid potential scrutiny

CIOs and executives 👑 must thoroughly review their AI capabilities before making any public claims. Failure to do so could lead to misleading statements and potential legal consequences.

AI washing 📈is a form of fraud, that capitalizes on the growing demand for AI-powered solutions. It’s crucial for businesses to distinguish genuine AI innovations from marketing hype to make informed decisions and avoid investing in ineffective tools.

As the generative AI market is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032, up from $128 billion in 2024, the temptation for companies to exaggerate their AI capabilities will only increase.

In nutshell, AI washing is a new and concerning trend that requires immediate attention from companies, regulators, and investors alike.

Read more about it in this article at https://www.cio.com/article/3476097/under-pressure-to-show-progress-cios-must-beware-committing-ai-washing-themselves.html

ai aiwashing fraud technology IT CEO

Angel Investment – Planys Technologies

📢 I’m excited to share that Planys Technologies, a deep tech startup I invested in early on, secured funding last quarter from the esteemed investor Ashish Kacholia.

Mr. Kacholia is renowned for his exceptional 🧠 ability to identify promising ventures with high growth 💹 potential. His recognition of Planys Technologies as a valuable investment is a strong endorsement of the company’s innovative technology and talented team.

While I may not have formal training in angel investing, this successful outcome reinforces my confidence in identifying promising early-stage companies. It’s particularly rewarding to see such a respected investor share my vision for Planys Technologies.

Tanuj Jhunjhunwala and his team have demonstrated amazing leadership in the past few years. I wish him continued success in scaling up further & globally.

deeptech investment startup PlanysTechnologies AshishKacholia  angelinvestment

ANI Event – Business Agility at CRISIL

It was the first time that CRISIL Limited collaborated with Agile open community Agile Network India to conduct a session on Enterprise Agility related discussion. As a part of that, we discussed on various aspects of “How to achieve and measure Business Agility in today’s VUCA world”.

It was an enlightening discussion 🌟whereby CRISIL’s enterprise agile journey and challenges were discussed, along with the industry’s best practices.

Thanks to Prashant Neharkar, Prashant Gulvadi, Deepti Shibad, Nidhi Badani, Nisha P, Kurush Wadia, for helping to organize the event.

The event was also attended by a good number of CRISILtes in-person and virtually.

It was wonderful to meet the LinkedIn family (hashtaglinkedinfam) and Agile coach – Jasmine Moosa. It was quite overwhelming to learn that because of my name in the event; she preferred to come over to CRISIL to attend the event in person. Thanks, Jasmine Moosa.

Such events really help to network with like-minded professionals. 👍

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AWS Cloud Practitioner

🌩️Breaking & Boring news 📰 alert: I’ve officially aced the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam! 🌥️

Yes, I have leveled up my cloud game with flying bytes! Officially AWS Cloud Practitioner certified !!! 🏆

Now, I can confidently say ‘Cloud Computing’ in meetings without sounding completely lost.

Time to celebrate with Kinetic firehose 🧯 and a serverless cake 🎂with fluffy VPC layers, a multi-AZ layered IAM cherries, and even a dash of DynamoDB for explosive taste.! 🎉🍰

My brain is sending ️⚡SNS for cloud challenge..☁️

Thanks to Narendra Dharm.. for being an instrumental guide and trainer in the journey.

…Cloud journey also begins.

AWSCertified AWSCertifiedCloudPractitioner CloudComputing aws cloud certification cloudpractitioner AWSCloud speaker author

BFSI and Fintech Trends – H2 – 2024

The BFSI & Fintech Survey Report 2024, conducted by CIO News in collaboration with Grant Thornton Bharat, provides valuable insights into the current trends, challenges, and best practices within the banking, financial services, and insurance sectors in India.

 

Here are the key highlights from the report:

Digital Transformation in the Banking Sector

 

 

 

  • Banks are prioritizing customer-centric digital transformation initiatives to meet evolving customer expectations, comply with regulations, stay competitive, and enhance operational efficiency.

 

 

 

  • Key focus areas include legacy system modernization, cloud adoption, cybersecurity enhancement, customer experience improvement, and data analytics.

 

 

 

  • 50% of surveyed banks are investing in AI/ML, 31% in data analytics, and others in technologies like chatbots, AR/VR, IoT, and quantum computing.

 

 

 

  • Banks are collaborating with fintech startups and third-party providers to drive targeted innovation and growth aligned with business needs.

 

Customer Experience (CX) in the Banking Sector

  • 82% of surveyed banks rate CX as extremely important to their strategy, with 18% rating it as important.
  • Banks regularly seek customer feedback to deliver an optimal CX, with CSAT (53%), NPS (29%), and CES (13%) being the primary metrics used to gauge changes in customer satisfaction.
  • Strategies to enhance CX include proactive customer engagement, leveraging predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs, and providing personalized offerings, conversational AI, and a blend of digital and human touch.

 

 

Cybersecurity Practices in the Banking Sector

  • Banks focus on employee training and awareness programs to strengthen their cybersecurity, with varied training frequencies: quarterly (44%), annually (13%), semi-annually (19%), and during induction (24%).
  • 42% of banks conduct comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessments quarterly, 34% annually, and 24% semi-annually.
  • Key cybersecurity investments include endpoint detection and response (24%) and SIEM systems (21%), with 48% of surveyed banks using end-to-end encryption for sensitive communication.
  • Strategies for managing cybersecurity risks include data encryption, continuous monitoring, incident response planning, and collaboration with external experts.

 

 

Trends in the Insurance Sector

  • The insurance sector is focusing on enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency as high-priority areas.
  • Adoption of advanced technologies like AI and IoT is being leveraged for data analytics, customer service, and real-time insights.
  • Success is measured through increased customer satisfaction and operational efficiency improvements.

 

Challenges in Digital Transformation

  • Resistance to change, integration with legacy systems, talent shortages, budget constraints, and data security concerns are the primary challenges faced by banks and insurers in implementing digital transformation.

 

 

The Way Forward

  • Banks and insurers are prioritizing AI implementation, enhancing digital banking experiences, establishing innovation labs, and elevating customer satisfaction to enhance competitiveness, streamline operations, and effectively meet the changing needs of customers.
  • Collaboration with fintechs and third-party providers, leveraging external expertise to drive targeted innovation and growth aligned with business needs, is a key strategy being employed by the sector.

 

 

The BFSI & Fintech Survey Report 2024 offers valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape and stay competitive in the banking, financial services, and insurance sectors. By understanding the current trends, challenges, and best practices, organizations can align their strategies and investments to deliver superior customer experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure cybersecurity resilience.

 

 

Conscious Leadership

Leading with Awareness: The Power of Conscious Leadership

In today’s complex and dynamic world, leadership styles are undergoing a significant shift. Traditional models focused on command and control are giving way to a more mindful approach – conscious leadership. This style emphasizes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and fostering a collaborative environment where all voices are heard.

 

What is Conscious Leadership?

Conscious leadership is a practice that transcends simply giving orders and achieving results. It delves into the leader’s inner world, cultivating a deep understanding of their values, motivations, and potential biases. This self-awareness allows them to build genuine connections with others, fostering trust and psychological safety within the team.

 

Key Principles of Conscious Leadership:

  • Self-Awareness: Conscious leaders understand their strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers. They are committed to continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally.
  • Emotional Intelligence: They can effectively manage their own emotions and those of others. This includes empathy, compassion, and the ability to navigate conflict constructively.
  • Purpose-Driven: Conscious leaders have a clear sense of purpose that extends beyond profit margins. They inspire their teams by aligning their work with a cause that matters.
  • Empowerment: They believe in the potential of their team members and empower them to take ownership, make decisions, and contribute their unique talents.
  • Open Communication: Conscious leaders create a space for open and honest communication. They actively listen to diverse perspectives and encourage feedback.
  • Authenticity: They lead with authenticity, being true to their values and expressing themselves openly. This fosters trust and strengthens relationships with team members.

 

Benefits of Conscious Leadership:

The impact of conscious leadership extends far beyond individual leaders. Organizations that embrace this approach experience a multitude of benefits:

  • Increased Employee Engagement: Employees feel valued, heard, and empowered, leading to higher engagement and motivation.
  • Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: A collaborative environment fosters creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
  • Improved Decision-Making: Leaders with high emotional intelligence can make more informed and well-rounded decisions.
  • Stronger Company Culture: Conscious leadership creates a culture of trust, respect, and psychological safety.
  • Sustainable Growth: By focusing on purpose and long-term impact, conscious leaders create organizations that are built to last.

 

Developing Your Conscious Leadership Skills:

The journey towards conscious leadership is a continuous process. Here are some ways to cultivate this leadership style:

  • Practice Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your values, motivations, and leadership style. Consider journaling or meditation to gain deeper insights.
  • Seek Feedback: Actively seek constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors, and even subordinates. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop Emotional Intelligence: Enhance your ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others.
  • Embrace Lifelong Learning: Cultivate a growth mindset and commit to continuous learning and development. Read books on leadership, attend workshops, and seek out mentors.
  • Lead with Purpose: Connect your work to a larger cause or mission that inspires you and your team.

 

Conscious Leadership: Leading the Way to a Better Future

In conclusion, conscious leadership is a powerful approach that benefits both individuals and organizations. By focusing on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and fostering a collaborative environment, conscious leaders create a more fulfilling workplace and pave the way for a more sustainable and positive future. As the world continues to evolve, conscious leadership has the potential to become the cornerstone of successful organizations everywhere.

#leadership #empathy #empowerement #consciousleadership

ESG Certified Risk analyst

I am thrilled 🎉 to announce that I have successfully passed the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) certification exam conducted by CRISIL Limited, thereby becoming a “Certified ESG Risk Analyst”.

ESG principles are becoming increasingly important ✨in the business world, and this certification underscores my commitment to understanding and implementing sustainable practices at work as and when possible.

ESG encompasses a set of criteria used by investors, stakeholders, and companies to evaluate corporate behavior and determine the societal and environmental impact of their operations.

🎯 It has been scientifically established that organizations following ESG practices demonstrate better growth than those that don’t.

Overall, this course helped me to

🔸Imbibe a strong understanding of ESG risks and how they can impact a company’s long-term success
🔸Learn to integrate ESG risk analysis across several asset classes and investment products using a variety of methodologies
🔸Gain knowledge of the ESG market, including its importance, size, scope, major drivers, difficulties, risks and opportunities
🔸Learn how businesses can generate value by implementing sustainable environmental and social practices
🔸Gain knowledge of the ESG market, including its importance, size, scope, major drivers, difficulties, risks and opportunities
🔸Keep pace with latest ESG market trends and practices
🔸Get acquainted with ESG reporting standards to assist businesses in being transparent
🔸Understand ESG-related concepts, terminologies, frameworks and regulations

By integrating ESG principles into business strategies, companies can create long-term value for both shareholders and society. ESG considerations are no longer just a matter of corporate social responsibility; they are increasingly seen as fundamental to business success and resilience in a rapidly changing world.

As someone who has earned the ESG certification, I am equipped with the knowledge and skills to help organizations navigate the complexities of sustainable business practices.

I encourage all professionals to explore the growing field of ESG and consider how they can incorporate these principles into their domain. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and build a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.

ESG Sustainability Certification sustainablefinance social governance environment

Interview – IndustryOutLook Magazine

Excited to announce that my interview is now live in The Industry Outlook magazine! 🎉

Check out my insights on Agile Leadership in the article 📰.

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

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https://www.theindustryoutlook.com/leaders-and-achievers/industry-experts/the-pathway-of-agile-leadership-in-digital-transformation-nwid-9273.html
 

 

Interview with Biren parekh

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PMI Champion – Monthly Meeting

😉 It’s a monthly but interesting affair…!!!!

Yes, many PMI champions gathered virtually on Saturday, July 27th, for the monthly meetup, which is a place for knowledge sharing and listening to the various initiatives driven by PMI South Asia champions.

Vineet Chandra (PMP, CSM) shared in opening note, champions’ contributions to various initiatives over the last two quarters in a statistical manner. Impressive!!!!

Various champions also shared status update about different initiatives being done by various teams. Quite a bit of work is ongoing, and soon, we will start seeing the results!!!

Thanks to the topic leads Adil Warsi, Diwakar Konda, Poovannan C, Anuj Kr , Krutibas Biswal PMP®, PSM®,Srikantam Vadari, PMP, CSM, ITIL, and Prabodh Gupta for sharing the progress on the respective topics.

Happy to see that each topic is getting driven so passionately by several PMI volunteers🙂😇

If you are a PMI Member in South Asia and want to join the PMI South Asia Champions program, do reach out to me. I can refer you to the same.

The prerequisite is to be a valid PMI member, and you should not be holding a position on the chapter board. This is a purely voluntary position, and you can contribute towards Project/Program management advocacy as much as possible.

Kalyan Sathyavada PMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, CSM, DA-SSM Sumanth Shampur Radha Somasundaram, PMP Ravindra Pisal Kailash Chaudhary MRICS, ProFM®, PMP®

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Biren Parekh