1/31/99----> Turning Point in my life..!!!

25 years ago, I embarked on a journey that would reshape my professional life – the discovery of the internet. Landing at Narita Airport on 31/1/99 for a three-week AOTS scholarship on Environmental Management in Yokohama marked the beginning. The chilly -4°C weather couldn't dampen my excitement.

Sangyo Sinkho Center- Yokohama Lane.

After settling in at the Sangyo Singo Center, I stumbled upon a room with computer terminals. Intrigued, I inquired and learned they were Internet Terminals. Alta Vista was the search engine of the time, and as I delved into this evolving internet landscape, I found a trove of information on Japan – its culture, politics, and even somber moments like Hiroshima.

Upon returning to India, my internet exploration continued at a Cybercafe in Mangalore. At Rs. 150 per hour, internet surfing was a luxury, but it was worth it. I created my first email account, Karaiku**@hotmail.com, which has stood the test of time. I use it even now for all subscription emails.

June 1999 marked a milestone as I purchased my computer (Dad subidised 80% money from his retirement as gift,Money was still tough those days)! at home and later embraced Dial-Up internet with a dedicated phone line. Little did I know that this digital leap would play a pivotal role in my professional journey.

1999 Mangalore- Dial up connection, (Sathyam!) Shravan won't beleive it!

Internet connectivity facilitated connections with American friends and engagement in safety discussions portals. It became a powerful tool during job interviews, leaving American managers were thrilled that an Indian safety professional could quote OSHA- CFR sections. The internet, a catalyst for success, opened new horizons and opportunities.

Reflecting on that fateful day, 1/31/99, I can confidently say it changed the trajectory of my professional life. Time flies, and the internet has been my steadfast companion on this transformative journey.

Regards

Karthik

1/2/24.

Back to Japan in 2008, HonJo-Waseda Station waiting for Bullet train to Narita.

Wedding Wishes.

Attended Keerthi Sravan and Gouthami's wedding today in Jayanagar. Keerthi and my Son Shravan shared an apartment during their academic days in New York in 2019-20 (15 months) on Manhattan side. They faced the challenges of COVID situation as well as other tough times, together. Keerthi is now pursuing a Post Doctoral Fellowship at NYU in Neuronics, while Gouthami is a lawyer. (Shravan did his masters from Columbia). We also represented Shravan at the wedding. We have hosted Keerthi in Bangalore and San Francisco. Wishing the couple a wonderful married life. God bless.

Karthik

31/1/24

Big Mac Index, Zvi Zamir, India Defeat Cricket.

Big Mac Index- (I am not an Economist noran economic expert- Full Disclosure!).

The Big Mac Index was first introduced by The Economist in 1986 as a light-hearted yet insightful way to assess currency valuations. It was created by comparing the prices of a Big Mac, a globally ubiquitous product, across different countries. Over the years, it has become a widely recognized and accessible tool for understanding relative currency values and purchasing power on a global scale. The index provides a unique perspective on exchange rates and has been updated regularly, making it a fascinating and enduring economic indicator.

The Big Mac Index also helps to measure the purchasing power parity (PPP) between different currencies. It does this by comparing the prices of a Big Mac hamburger in various countries. The idea is that a Big Mac should cost the same everywhere when converted to a common currency if exchange rates are in equilibrium. It's a quirky but effective way to gauge the relative value of currencies.

Data Points:-

1. Raw Value: This is the actual price of a Big Mac in different countries without any adjustments. It reflects the nominal exchange rates. Assume a Big Mac costs $5 in the USA and 200 rupees in India.

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3. GDP Adjusted: The GDP-adjusted value takes into account the income levels of a country. It divides the raw price of a Big Mac by the country's GDP per capita. This provides a relative measure based on the economic output of the country.If the USA's GDP per capita is $60,000 and India's is $2,000, the GDP-adjusted values would be $5/$60,000 for the USA and 200/$2,000 for India.

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5. Purchasing Power Parity (PPP): PPP adjusts the raw price of a Big Mac based on the local cost of living. It aims to equalize the purchasing power of different currencies, giving a more accurate reflection of the real value of money in each country. If the cost of living adjustment factor for India is 0.2, then the PPP-adjusted value for India would be 200 * 0.2.

• Data for 2024.... (India 55% Undervalued, China 39%) India one of the top 3 currency to undervalue. Exports works, Imports are expensive. My standard to compare cost of living always is 60% value to compare real US $ earnings.
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  Countries with Overvalued (Blue) and Undervalued (Red) Not exhaustive list.
  
  
  
  
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  Zvi Zamir speaks at a memorial service marking 21 years since the assassination of prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, held at Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem on November 4, 2016. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

• Remembering Zvi Zamir: A Life Dedicated to Israeli Security

  Zvi Zamir, a towering figure in Israeli intelligence and a former director of Mossad, passed away peacefully this month at the age of 98. His life, spanning nearly a century, was one inextricably linked to the history and security of the nation.

  A Life Forged in Conflict

  Born in Poland in 1925, Zamir's formative years were marked by the turmoil of World War II. Immigrating to what was then British Mandate Palestine as a young boy, he found himself amidst the nascent Zionist movement striving for statehood. Joining the Palmach, the pre-state Jewish paramilitary force, he honed his skills as a soldier and strategist, participating in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War that birthed the nation of Israel.

  Rising Through the Ranks

  Zamir's natural leadership and unwavering commitment to Israel's security saw him rise rapidly through the ranks of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). He commanded the prestigious Southern Command, oversaw military operations during the Suez Crisis, and played a crucial role in shaping Israel's military doctrine.

  
  Watching a training exercise: Eli Zeira, Yitzhak Rabin, Yitzhak Pundak Binyamin Jibli, Moshe Dayan and Zvi Zamir (Photo credit: IDF Archive/ Ministry of Defense/ photographer unspecified) Dayan Eye Patch early in his career??? I thought much later!!!! 

  Taking the Helm of Mossad

  In 1968, Zamir's sharp intellect and proven leadership made him the ideal candidate to take the helm of Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency. His tenure, spanning six tumultuous years, coincided with some of the most defining moments in the nation's history.

  Leading the Response to Munich

  The 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, where Palestinian militants took Israeli athletes hostage and ultimately killed eleven, cast a long shadow over Zamir's time at Mossad. He spearheaded Operation Wrath of God, a daring and controversial covert operation to track down and eliminate those responsible for the attack.

  A Looming War and Unheeded Warnings

  Perhaps Zamir's most significant contribution came in the months leading up to the 1973 Yom Kippur War. His meticulous intelligence gathering and astute analysis led him to conclude that an Arab attack was imminent. However, his warnings went largely unheeded by military superiors, resulting in a devastating surprise attack on Israel on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. “Those four words — tomorrow is a holiday — was the commander of the Mossad reporting that tomorrow would be war. Never had a more valuable piece of intelligence been conveyed from the field and yet, for a variety of reasons, it was not heeded in full — a failure that hounded Zamir for the rest of his days.

  “It burned him up that he didn’t succeed in getting the Israeli government to try and counter the surprise attack by Egypt and Syria sooner,” Danny Yatom, who led the spy agency in the 1990s, told Army Radio Tuesday. "The Times of Israel" 

  Living Legacy

  Zvi Zamir's legacy is one of quiet determination and unwavering dedication to Israel's security. He served at the forefront of some of the nation's most defining moments, his actions often shrouded in secrecy but their impact undeniable. Though details of many of his operations remain classified, his influence on Mossad and Israel's intelligence apparatus continues to be felt today.

  Beyond the Classified Files

  Beyond his professional achievements, Zamir was also a devoted family man and a lover of classical music. He authored a memoir, With Open Eyes, offering a rare glimpse into his life and the challenges he faced as head of Mossad.

  Zvi Zamir's life is a testament to the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the pursuit of Israel's security. His story, though often veiled in secrecy, serves as a reminder of the unwavering commitment and quiet heroism that underpin the nation's existence.
  

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• Disclosure: I am not an Indian cricket fan at all. So Naturally happy with the loss!

• On the day Shamar Joseph made waves in the cricket world with his debut, another 24-year-old, Hartley, asserted England's prowess against India. Despite my anticipation of a 5-0 whitewash, considering India's inclination towards dustbowl pitches favoring early turns, England surprised by playing fearless, bold cricket, securing a commendable victory. During a chat with my cousin from the USA on the fifth day, I learned about India being 5 wickets down, (I never follow Indian cricket) prompting me to track the match periodically. Witnessing the fall of wickets on BCCI TV later revealed a lack of discipline among Indian batsmen, especially in handling line and turn. One can only imagine facing legends like Grame Swarn, Shane Warne, or Sunny Ramadheen.

• Expecting a resilient comeback from India, the pitches should act as their 12th player, with match referees and umpires playing the roles of the 13th and 14th players, considering BCCI's influence (albeit veiled) and the questionable decisions by toothless/ spineless ICC. Losing would be a setback for Indian cricket, recalling instances like 1985 under David Gower and 2012 under Alistair Cook, where exceptional English performances impacted the outcome. This victory marks only the third time England has won after conceding a lead of 190, with the previous instances being in 1981 (Botham Ashes Headingly) and during the Victorian era.

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  Karthik, 30th Jan 24.

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First Break All the RULES! 25 years on!!! My Journey!

 It's been nearly 25 years since I first delved into Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman's groundbreaking management book, "First Break All the Rules." I vividly remember having the 12 elements of great managing posted on my work desk – a constant reminder of principles that left a lasting impact on my professional journey.

My Desk 2000-2012 (Top left sketch by Shravan 1997)

The book, born out of Gallup's comprehensive study of exceptional managers, challenges conventional management practices. It underscores the significance of leveraging employees' strengths, tailoring management approaches, and fostering a positive workplace culture to amplify engagement and performance.

The 12 Elements of Great Managing:

1. I know what is expected of me at work.
2. I have the materials and equipment necessary to do my job.
3. At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day.
4. In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.
5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.
6. There is someone at work who encourages my development.
7. At work, my opinions seem to count.
8. The mission or purpose of my organization makes me feel my job is important.
9. My associates or fellow employees are committed to doing quality work.
10. I have a best friend at work.
11. In the past six months, someone has talked to me about my progress.
12. In the last year, I’ve had opportunities at work to learn and grow.

How I Executed It (2001-2012 at Corporate and then in Consulting):

• #1: Established clear goals with metrics, ensuring alignment with the organization's objectives. Decided month before with Key Steps and Indicators, Specific, Measurable. My bosses were very clear and I also aligned fully. No mixed messages.

• #2: Utilized a risk-based approach and long-term planning / Resources required, in the EHS domain to execute tasks without surprising top management.

• #3: Aligned seamlessly with companies valuing excellence, making task execution and result delivery appearing effortless. The companies I worked from 1985-2012 belived a lot in operational excellence, so it fitted very well. So I took like Fish to swimming in water to execute tasks, getting things done, delivering results effortlessly.

• #4: Engaged in periodic reviews with managers, making annual performance reviews straightforward like a walk in the park, and devoid of surprises.

• #5: Acknowledged and appreciated the pivotal role of managers in personal, professional, and social success. Oh yes, I owe my personal/ professional /social succes to my managers. Every manager I worked, I still keep in touch, despite leaving corporate 12 years back.

• #6: Embraced self-driven motivation while seeking mentorship when needed, viewing asking for help as a sign of strength.

• #7: Thrived in environments where my expertise aligned with core company values, ensuring no job change due to misalignment of values/ my expertise. My job change has always been for growth to take up a bigger role.

• #8: Contributed to the betterment of humankind in various sectors, aligning with companies in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agrochemicals, heavy engineering, and aerospace/transportation. I always felt I am contributing to a greater cause of keeping people safe which aligned to the values of the company.

• #9: Recognized the importance of an exceptional team and peers, instrumental in achieving collective success. Amazing Peers/ Team, without them I could have acheived nothing. Also all my directs such pleasure to lead them.

• #10: Grateful for colleagues who facilitated rule-breaking and provided technical assistance during challenging moments. Yes, Few colleagues who helped me to "Break the Rules" as well as help on Technical aspects when you get dead end/ stone walled on march! Oh Yes one of my manager shaped my personal life with coaching me on How to be better dressed, how to bring up children right way, and give them freedom and independence right from age 4.

• #11: Maintained regular one-on-one sessions, ensuring continuous progress, visible results, and smooth performance reviews. Many times Results rating always "Exceeds Expectations"!!

• #12: Prioritized personal development through continuous learning, a principle still embraced in my consultancy journey. "Elementary, My dear Watson"

"First Break All the Rules" continues to be a guiding beacon in my management philosophy, shaping my approach to leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.

Award post leaving Job. One of the biggest A-ha Moment of my life that I will cherish forever.

Dr VBV Rajan, my BASF Boss(1997-99 Mangalore)  I learnt personal side of life, to be a good father- bring up kids..... Work discipline- the non technical aspects of managing, from him. (Photo 2017, India visit). I owe my Technical Skills to Sandoz (1991-96)- my VP Mfg. Late Mr. DK Biwas. Dr Rajan's colleague at ICI. 

Conclusion:

In reflecting on the journey from when I first encountered 'First Break All the Rules' to where I stand now, it's evident that the 12 elements of great managing have been more than just principles; they've been guiding lights shaping my professional landscape. These timeless principles, derived from Gallup's profound study, have not only influenced my managerial style but have become integral to my work ethos. As I share my experiences of aligning these principles with my roles in corporate and consulting realms, it's apparent that 'First Break All the Rules' is not just a book—it's a compass steering leaders toward effective, engaging, and purposeful management. In a career spanning decades, these principles remain relevant, and the impact resonates in the fabric of my journey. Here's to continuous learning, growth, and the enduring wisdom encapsulated in those 12 elements.

Karthik

28th Jan 24. 1430 Hrs.

A NEW STAR has Arrived!!!

What a thrilling moment for West Indies cricket! Shamar Joseph's performance with a broken toe is truly remarkable. His 7 wickets (out of 8 that fell today) helps West Indies breaking the 27-year non winning streak (last was Perth 1996) in Australia is a historic feat. The echoes of Anil Kumble and Malcom Marshall making with an injury make it even more special. This is his 2nd test for this 24 year old Guyanese... (Wonder who was famous Guyana Fast Bowler Prior?? Colin Croft! of course?).

West Indies' bowling prowess, always a menace, showed its impact with the recent incidents against Khwaja blood spitting last week, a magic sight in test cricket, and Travis Head today a golden pair after 23 years (Adam Gilchrist at Calcutta in 2001!) – quite a moment! The Test batting worked, making it a memorable, however it may be a flash in the pan as with disappointments in the past.

Vintage Test cricket at its best, and the reminiscence of the 1993 West Indies win at Adelaide adds a nostalgic touch. The 8-run victory today, reminiscent of that nail-biter in 1993,Australia Day victory, brings back those intense memories. Truly a celebration for West Indies cricket fans! He joins Gomez, Roberts, Ambrose in a match winning 7-Fer vs Australia.

Cheers to these moments that make cricket unforgettable! 🏏🌟

Karthik

28th Jan 24. 1500 Hrs.