Ajay Nair's Blog, page 6
May 1, 2020
Salute to Female leaders
Mothers day is this month. I cannot find a better time to say thanks to the care and dedication these ladies put out to keep us safe. These female leaders today show the world that they care. They stood tall. If you look at the stats, we can clearly see how they helped the world and society. Why women did well during this pandemic times? How did they lead the team to success, better than male leaders? Only one answer I have is they have motherly instinct and love for fellow beings engraved in them. They don’t see economy or business in everything. They see the well-being for people, their children first. I don’t have a lot of research behind this post. If I opt out any leader by mistake here, I apologize.
Angela Markel- German Chancellor
Tsai Ing-Wen- Taiwan President
Jacinda Ardern- Newzealand Prime Minster
Katrin Jakobsdottir- Iceland Prime Minster
Sanna Marin- Finland President
Mette Frederiksen- Denmark Leader
Globally under these female leadership their countries did well in fighting this nasty virus. They were able to guide their citizens to march with them. Why do you think this was able to achieve? Mother’s love. They do have this passion and empathy. They seem to have endless love for their citizens well being. Also they do have great work ethic towards goal. Mothers don’t give up easily. They fight for the well being of their children. If they are leaders, they will do the same. We saw that during this pandemic times. Numbers don’t lie. Look at the above listed countries. They took action and stick to them under these female leadership. Their stats will show us, how they managed. One thing I saw difference with male counterparts. These women took it seriously and did the action quicker than any others. They did not write off the seriousness. They urged the citizens daily to stay in course. They never give hopes to people that we will open the economy. Instead they only gave the assurance of a mother “If we do this together and fight by staying home we can come out of this” None of the above leaders gave false hopes. Instead they daily came out and told us the after effects, if we don’t follow. Just like children we listened to these strong Female leaders. Taiwan now even started exporting essential goods to other countries. Why? They were most successful in this fight. They are not only doing good for their country. Now they are helping others by staying safe in their own.
[image error]Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com
On our home front here in Canada. Dr. Theresa Tam showed tremendous leadership. Canada did way better than our closest boarder. We have Dr. Bonnie Henry who lead us in British Columbia. Her speech every day was so humble. She showed so much empathy towards this crisis. We could sometimes even feel that she is going to cry. How can we not listen to her, when she is dedicating so much for our well-being day in an out. Dr. Deena Hinshaw from Alberta also show tremendous leadership efforts here in fighting corona virus.
I am not saying Male leaders are not good. There were a few leaders who did well here with this epidemic as well. Nerendra Modi, Indian Prime minister did great work with the country. The population is so big that strict measures needs to take place. He did take necessary action to stop the spread and it is working. Newyork Governor Andrew Cuomo did stand up against all odds that country is facing. He was so vocal against president.
I just want to say again. Thank you for doing what you all did. We need leaders like you. Hope we will see many more Female leaders in the future. We need their calmness, love, patience, empathy and passion to serve mankind.
[image error]Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com
April 23, 2020
Toddler thoughts- A poem
Cannot sit idle at one place
Got games a million around me
Got movies a ton I can watch
Got cartoons a lot I can access
Cannot sit idle at one place
I am bored because, “I am”
Monkey brain dancing all the time
Want to do something fun and crazy
Don’t know what to do these days
Too many options around me to choose
Cannot sit idle at one place
I am bored because “I am”
[image error]Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels.com
Too much energy in me these days
Nothing seems interesting to me
Getting in to trouble always now
Don’t know why I am the only one
Cannot sit idle at one place
I am bored because “I am”
Every minute monkey brain dance in me
I get warnings to stop my dance
I used to get giggles on similar occasions before
Now it got turned around, don’t know why
Why I cannot sit idle at one place
People realize “I am a toddler”
I am bored because “I am”
I don’t understand COVID
I don’t understand PANDEMIC
I don’t understand SOCIAL DISTANCING
Cannot sit idle at one place
I am bored because “I am”
Please check out our first children’s book CUTIE FOX WENT TO TOWN. Toddlers love this book. This is co written by my two lovely boys. They are proud to be a part of this adventure. Thank you.
https://www.archwaypublishing.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-001253708
April 20, 2020
Little Women- Movie My thoughts
This movie hit the spot for me in many ways. Yesterday, I sat down with my wife to watch this move. She told me ” This is a chick flick, if you want to watch something else go ahead.” I have to say, I am glad that I watched this one. Saoirse Ronan played the main character Jo Marche in this movie. Why, the story related to my pallete?
I am trying to write stories these days. The pain and joy i get from these creative side are very well portrayed in this movie by the actress. The pain she felt, when she got her bad blunt review. I felt it. More I should say the struggles Jo face as a writer. For a moment I lived those moments in the screen. Many people have told my writing is good and they loved it. But, when you get that first blunt review where they say, “your writing sucks” It is a huge blow to our hearts.I am sure many others who read this had got the same experience. The positive side, we emerge. We want to write more. We want to express more. We will get the energy to sit down and write.
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The writing process in the movie and how it is portrayed is very touching. I have to admit, I burned inside when I watched Jo’s sister in the movie decides to burn the novel. The amount of work Jo must have put in to write that story, no one can replace. No one really knows that energy until unless one sits down and write. I wanted to kill that sister. The part where Ronan’s character saying “I will never forgive her in my life” is very true and genuine. In the story later they forgive each other. But really, Did she actualy? I highly doubt it. I don’t think any one who spend one or two years writing a novel, one day realize that it gets destroyed, and that too purposefully can move on. My biggest fear is this. One day I plug in my extra hard drive and see all my work vanished. I don’t know what I will do. Hope that never happens.
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Now we have computers and we write. We edit. We move chapters around and characters can be changed etc. We evolve with the story and it is easy. In the movie where she places chapter by chapter in paper. Lay them all on the floor, then re arrange them. I was feeling the dedication, pain, passion and also got devastated when she gets rejected by publisher. The publishing game where they try to take our rights for small amount is all there.
Movie is about the hardships and story line is saying something else. But the character of the novelist Jo Marche hit my palette. I am compelled to write this because I did enjoy the movie and all the aspiring writers should see it. Why? Simple the pains we go through is everyone’s pain. Those who write will live through this feature film. I did not feel any lag in this movie. Long movie, but every frame was well captured. All the pictures I put here in this blog is not mine. I got it from internet here and there and will not take any credit for.
April 16, 2020
time to change… A Poem
Through the window panes everyday
I see the world in front of me smiling
What changed, I wonder everyday
Blue skies and white clouds still there
Trees and flowers still there swaying
Why this sadness I wonder everyday
World is as beautiful as it was then and now
There is change I feel inside everyday
How we think maybe the reason
Time to change fellows…
Time to change…
[image error]Photo by NEOSiAM 2020 on Pexels.com
We are divided in many ways these days
Color, Race, food all differs with us
Cut open we are same flesh and blood we know
Just like our world around us without changes
Same blue sky and white clouds
Yet, we differ and change happened unknowingly
Peace every one talk about achieving
Still it is a far away achievement for humanity
Harmony and Peace we crave every day
Time to change fellows…
Time to change….
[image error]Photo by Matheus Viana on Pexels.com
Children’s book written by myself and my lovely boys.
April 10, 2020
Droplets-$0.99 Cents Book promotion
Those who know me and are following don’t have to hear this over and over. About my book. DROPLETS. I got many author friends who told me writing is easy, but promoting that work is very hard. I agree with them now. I have not promoted my work daily. I got many advises from my publisher that I will not succeed. They also told me “Shameless Self Promotion” is the key. Meaning write and showcase about my work everyday, similar to advertisements coming on Television. Then on the other hand, people might think I am over doing it. I do not know how to reach that crowd who loves to read my kind of writing. I feel very satisfied when I write. This is the only way I know. So please bear with me.
The other fact my co authors who have walked before me advised that the book will not be purchased by your friends and family. They all expect free copies. It is funny that I did not believe that. But numbers don’t lie. I hail from Indian background. If my friends and family all have purchased, I will be a millionaire by now. We have more relatives than any other culture in the world. We make every one relatives. Those who have attended an Indian Wedding can easily relate to that.
Now it is lock down and self isolation time. I get many tweets from many asking for 99 cents promotion.People expressed that during this tough times and no regular wages, they cannot afford full price book. I agree and want to help as much as I can to keep a healthy society. Those who read this. Share this.
April 9, 2020
Life is a puzzle -A poem
Puzzle pieces laying around random
Slowly putting them together day by day
We start our journey somewhere random
Not knowing where or how to solve
Looking back some see the story unfolding
Some don’t see the story ever
Mystery everywhere for some to look back
Happiness sprouts here and there to cherish
One day you see the puzzle coming together
One day you see the story clearer than before
Then we say life is a journey to experience
We go through many puzzles day by day
Put together one can see a beautiful story
No one really knows the start really
No one really knows the end either
No one really travels the same path as everyone
Everyone is a puzzle themselves
How we play it is what we call life in simple.
[image error]Photo by bongkarn thanyakij on Pexels.com
April 8, 2020
Life Sprouts- A Poem
Deep there somewhere one day
Someone plants a seed in fertile land
Hiding there sometime waiting to sprout
Underground darkness and heart beat rhythms
One day the call came and pushed us out
Saw the sun and shine in our eyes
Felt the wind first time on our skin
Don’t know where we are and what we are
Saw many weird beings around us making weird noises
Around us upside down moving in two and four feets
Few months passed by trying to mimic them
Colors and taste changed around us
Weird beings became normal for us
Giggles and laughter started to make sense
Relationships starts to make sense
We call it life and what a blessing to experience.
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“Life is a journey, One cannot plan or reserve tickets – Ajay Nair”
Real life lessons
Today, I was part of a leadership conference. Many of us get excited when we have this opportunities to hear and learn something new. Or same things we know, but with a new twist to it. I got energized by this small glimpse of history. Those who know me, I am not at all a fan of history. I do not really pay attention to what happened long time ago. This particular incident actually paves a good lesson to aspiring managers. So I decide to share on a quick blog here.
[image error]Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com
Many of you may know about Terra Nova Expedition. I have to admit here, I am not so sure whether I have learned about this in school days or not. The host today talked about this. Interesting story. Two expedition to south pole. Both did not know they were doing this (I am not sure about this). But they wanted to be first one to reach the south pole. Robert Falcon Scott from Britain and Roald Amundsen from Norway were the two teams leaders. Robert Falcon had only one ambition. Conquer it. He pushed his team members as much as he can. They worked so hard daily. Every single day, he pushed his team to better their efforts.
Roald Amundsen on the other hand asked his team to do 20 miles a day. Regardless of what it is. He did not push the staff, but encouraged them daily to do what they do their BEST. He also did not had any schedule. As long as the 20 miles are done in a day he was happy. You can now see two different strategies as leaders. This is definitely thought provoking for me. I myself is a leader. Which path I should be taking? Many leadership conferences we will get something like this thought provoking isn’t it.
[image error]Photo by Carolyn on Pexels.com
At the end Norwegian team gets to south pole 34 days before the British team lead by Scott. None of the Scott team including him did not make it back. They all perished in this journey. The lesson is simple. As a leader, lead the team, not push them. See the goal and circumstances. Team will support and deliver if they are treated well. If you respect them you will get the results. As a leader Roald knew the health of his team is more important. They are in the rough seas. They need to take it steady but with same pace. What does this remind you guys?
Story of rabbit and turtle isn’t it? Slow and steady wins the race. All the leaders out there, you don’t need to micro manage your employees. They will deliver if you give them the trust. You hired them once by seeing their ability. They will deliver, Keep them on track and motivate them. I am delighted to hear this story. Don’t you?
[image error]Photo by Kristoffer Brink Jonsson on Pexels.com
Disclaimer- I did not read any facts about the above said story. I heard it from the host and felt it was great to share. If you are a historian and have lots of insight, I do not offend anyone here. Just a small story to reflect a little on leadership styles. That is all this blog intend to do so. Thank you.
April 7, 2020
An attempt to write a Poem.
Sounds came from heaven always
It was pleasant always
Ignored all the time
We were more important always
Today sounds came from heaven
It was not pleasant as always
We cannot ignore anymore
Time to take care of planet
Nature is supreme
Neglect nature to pay price
Learn to live without abusing
Sounds came from heaven again
It is pleasant again
[image error]Photo by Meleesten Miranda on Pexels.com
April 6, 2020
When you leave your country!!
Two decades ago, I left my country. I am now settled and well established both career wise and personally. Beautiful family. I am proud of it. Deep inside every immigrant who are now on my stage will have the same thoughts. I like to share this, so next generation who are planning to follow my footsteps, will have tools. I want everyone to pause and think. We all did to better our lives. Yes, we should. No doubt on that thought. The pandemic situation right now have opened my eyes a little more than before.
[image error]Photo by Tristan Le on Pexels.com
Parents- Two people we called as family. The love you get from them makes your character. They also will support you to move and establish yourself. I have to say, they will be the most happiest of all, when you go abroad leaving them behind. Friends, this pandemic have pushed me back a little. Not easy now for me and for many others for sure. We are more like, in a locked down stage. If we are not, we may enter to that stage. What will happen to your loved ones? Who will take care of them? These thoughts will emerge. Regardless, whether we are going through this pandemic or not. Once we achieve our so called “Better life” this reality will sink in. By that time it is very late for many. What I am trying to say here is, before you leave your country plan it well. Foresee what you can do to avoid that. Act with in five years of your life abroad and make sure parents are with you. They will need you for sure. Parents are the best actors in the world. They will smile and laugh to make you feel at ease. Trust me they are crying inside and most probably thinking “Why did I let my kid go abroad? Why did society pushed us to push my kid? Is that truly a good decision? Friends, Ask yourself. Those who are already in my boat, no point. It is very late. For those who just started, they have time. Please do.
[image error]Photo by Lukas Rodriguez on Pexels.com
Next to consider. Do you really need to leave your country? Million dollar question. We really need to sit down and think. Talk to many others who left the country. Believe them if they say, no need to go. When I was growing up, Internet was not flourished. We did not have much means to ponder around. Facts we get are from the promoters who try to sell student visas or work visas. We never get the real picture. One of my friend got an answer from the agent ” Toronto and Vancouver, you can easily go in a bus to and fro. Only few hours. You can visit your friend every weekend” Glad that he checked with me. Otherwise he would have gone to Toronto believing that he could visit me weekly. This is two decades ago. My advise is simple, If you have enough to live happily, stay in your country. Your mother land will give you more and your mental health will be always better. There is nothing really out there to achieve. We will realize once you reach a life stage. People are just running for money and fame. They are not enjoying their life. They are just puppets. They worry about their past. They have concerns about their future. But no one really live. They never see what is happening around them. I was not told by any one these points to consider. Now I am telling you, younger generation to consider. Weigh in, before you leap. Always we believe other side of the planet is greener. Fact is. NOT.
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Dream on guys. At the end, I want to say this much only. Do not just leap, think twice, thrice. Parents are the most important people, the ones who took care of you. When in need, you should be there for you. I am not writing this because of this pandemic situation. In general this is something everyone should consider.If you can work hard and are dedicated to your career, you will make it regardless where you are. If you want to make quick buck with out hard work, Any country you chose, regardless, you will fail. Simple message friends. Simple. Nothing can replace you being there for your parents when in need. They will not ask. You need to realize that. You should do it.
