Abyss

The heart hurts, in so much pain,
Anguish and sorrow, unable to contain.

Lost in a void, so dark and bleak,
Misery takes hold, as hope grows weak.

Lonely and mournful, a time without light,
Death by a thousand cuts, toxic people in sight.

Their words and actions, a poison that seeps,
Leaving behind wounds and scars that cut so deep.

Barren and grey, the soul forlorn,
A dark night that never sees dawn.

Empty and bereft, agony that does not abate,
Perpetual torment  the final fate.

Day by day, trapped with no way out,
A prisoner of the void, with no voice to shout.

Hopelessness consumes, an endless despair,
The black abyss is home now, desolation the only air.

Book Review - How Boards Work by Dambisa Moyo

The typical perception of boards and board meetings is of a group of privileged individuals who lounge at exotic locations and golf courses and only occasionally discuss the company's strategic direction while enjoying extravagant treats.

But this book is an eye-opener !!!

It highlights and gives a critical context to the difficulties faced by corporate boards and the ever-changing winds of change a board must navigate and maneuver through while facing these challenges.

Below are some of the topics covered in the book -

• Globalization and protectionism, including the always-prevalent risk of confiscation of company assets.
• The importance of diversity on the board.
• Regional, political and legal considerations that may augur the need of local boards in the future.
• Responsibility to society and the environment.
• The impact of high-frequency trading on stocks and the possibility of a share-price collapse.
• Threats from activist shareholders.
• The CEO's role and the heated debate surrounding their pay.
• Technology-based threats such as security and data breaches.
• Role of Innovation in the company strategy.

This list is by no means exhaustive.

However, if you believe in the idea that;

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone seeking a successful and fulfilling career must strive to become a member of a well-functioning board of directors",

then this book provides an insight into the demands a board faces and a crucial understanding of the complex skills required to get that coveted seat on a board.

It almost makes one wonder, "Hmmm, do they still find time to indulge in bonbons?"

Ref :

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

First line of the book -

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." 

Business at the Speed of AI

Today, Artificial Intelligence(AI) plays a crucial role in shaping our online experiences, often driving them.

• When we publish posts on LinkedIn, share blog articles, or tweet, AI algorithms review them along with the hashtags and may reshare, retweet, or add them to relevant newsfeeds.

• Financial trading bots may act on news published by reputable financial outlets regarding a company's results.

• Perhaps the financial article may have been written, assisted by a language model like ChatGPT, just like business proposals, formal and informal emails.

• AI algorithms generate product recommendations, AI-powered recruitment bots screen job applications, and advertising bots target our social media usage.

• Chatbots offer AI-based customer support, Dall-E creates product images, and AI is winning art competitions.

The reality of an AI-based neuralink is already here, and it is conceivably not incorrect to say; business is conducted at the speed of AI, not speed of human interactions.

 

8 Ruminations on the past year 2022

So what has last year made me reflect on ?

1. Life can sucker punch you at any time !!! Yes I know this but still when it happened yet again, it left me completely winded and with my head ringing ! I am yet to find my balance from the current knock out punch I have received. 

2. Schadenfreude - This person could barely keep her pleased smile from appearing on her face when she visited me (Uninvited! Bcoz of 'other' relations !). Did she think that would make me feel bad ? Nope, I know life does not leave anyone unscathed. The only difference is - your miseries may be hidden from me.  ( But I already know for this particular person !!!! ). 

3. Calling someone 'strong' is a cop out - Unless you are there to support or truly help; this is like saying - I called you strong and now my part is done thank God with no efforts whatsoever required after this. 

Some kind of checking off the list ! Of course there is a place for backing off but in general, like Robert Pirsig said - it is just calling a name, you have not solved anything. 

And don't you think I know when you cannot wait to get off the phone just in case I opportune you into helping me out when you clearly don't want to ???? 

4. My home, my castle and nobody asked your opinion - I never understand people who go to another person's house and start to criticize the house, the location, the décor, the cleanliness etc. First of all unsolicited opinions are unwelcome, second it does not increase regard, it only makes the person look crass, ill-mannered, uncouth and of terrible upbringing. That don't impress me much !!!  

5. Toxic, Tone deaf people - Snip, snip, snip - Eliminating these kind of toxic people from my life. I have always removed such people but there were couple that I kept in touch with. Part of it I think, was sinking cost fallacy and the strength of weak ties. I have come to the realization that even for weak ties I can choose better. So .. off they go out of my life.

6. Old people need to earn their respect - An old person can get consideration for their old age infirmities physically but respect ? Respect is earned. A long lived life does not necessarily equate to a well lived life ( so many parasites' out there ! ). 

Also why do people think that passing a derogatory comment about my child's upbringing the first time you meet her will make me want to please you ? It has the opposite effect. First of all it makes me wonder at how come old age has not made you nicer or wiser or even generous. It also tells me how out of touch with reality you are, desperately hanging on to your old age to claim your superiority because you have nothing else to offer. 

And unluckily for you - my child has also judged you - and knows to avoid you like a plague !!! That respect you were hankering for, definitely ain't there mate !

7. Two month deadlines - are better for short term goals, and systems are better for both short and long terms goals. Personal accountability and productivity is something I enjoy and each year it evolves. This year I will be trying out this way for the things I want to do.

8. Living forwards and backwards  - Living forwards - I still have my goal to keep working till 75 at least like the chairman of Persistent Systems; Anand Deshpande said we women should aspire to in his talk with us in Pune. Living backwards - On the other hand I think I am closer to the end than to the beginning of my life so I value my time more. Obviously I have no idea of my future life span. 

What it does translate into is that - I chuck books that don't hold my interest, I no longer watch videos that don't grab my attention, I don't spend energy on things for the sake of impressing anyone but most of all - I no longer have a bucket list. I consider myself very lucky - be it travel, sports adventures, work that I like, sabbatical, friends, relatives, life experiences in general. I no longer feel the need to have a bucket list. I am blessed. And that is a good feeling. Does that mean I will not seek out new experiences ? No but it does mean I no longer am bound to a list of things I need to accomplish to feel fulfilled.

Here's to another year of life and its vagaries.