culture

A Brutal Guide to Getting Your Team to Give Honest Feedback

sarmadkarim15 / June 23, 2023

Uncover the secret to nurturing a feedback-friendly culture in your team. Dive into the world of the Five P’s: Probe, Paraphrase, Praise, Ponder, and Perform. This humorous, direct, and edgy guide shows you how to encourage open communication, ensure your team feels heard, and turn constructive criticism into tangible improvement. From probing for unspoken thoughts to performing necessary changes, learn to navigate the fascinating labyrinth of feedback. Buckle up for a journey to better leadership and a more dynamic, communicative team

career growth, coaching, culture, Leadership

The Illusion of Permanence: Embracing Change in Our Personal and Professional Lives

sarmadkarim15 / June 21, 2023

Navigating the dynamic course of life, we often become ensnared in the illusion of permanence. This mindset fuels a tendency to magnify setbacks and ignore our own resilience. But what if we could rewrite this narrative? This piece urges us to recognize the transient nature of all experiences and to use this understanding to free ourselves from learned hopelessness, opening doors to growth, resilience, and unwavering optimism in our personal and professional lives.

culture, Leadership, Women in Tech

Leadership Legacy: Transcending Generational Trauma in the Workplace (With a Deep Dive on Holocaust Survivor Trauma)

sarmadkarim15 / June 5, 2023

Generational trauma profoundly shapes us, but it doesn’t confine us. This exploration unravels how the legacy of the Holocaust manifests in the professional world, shaping leadership and communication styles. By confronting prejudice and fostering inclusivity, we can transform this inherited trauma into a driving force for change.

AI, career growth, coaching, culture, Leadership, Product Management

Unicorn Chasing at Microsoft: An Odyssey of Psychological Safety in the Workplace

sarmadkarim15 / May 23, 2023

While at Microsoft, we undertook a transformative journey – a quest for the unicorn of ‘Psychological Safety’. The goal was to establish a workplace where people felt safe to be transparent, ask challenging questions, make mistakes, and voice dissent without fear. The journey wasn’t easy but was made possible by a dedicated team, an environment of respect, learning from failures, and building trust.

Business Strategy, coaching, culture, Leadership, Women in Tech

Finding Your Voice: How to Stand Up, Speak Out and Make Your Mark

sarmadkarim15 / May 20, 2023

In “Finding Your Voice: How to Stand Up, Speak Out and Make Your Mark,” we delve into the audacious journey of shaping one’s destiny in the professional landscape. Drawing from personal experiences and lessons learned, this blog post encourages women to venture beyond their comfort zones, seize opportunities, and boldly assert their worth in the corporate world. Learn how volunteering for unconventional tasks, stepping out of your ‘lane,’ and asserting your worth can lead to visibility, recognition, and the potential to redefine leadership norms. Remember, you’re not just a part of this corporate world; you’re a force that can shape it.

career growth, coaching, culture, Leadership, Product Management

Mastering Simplicity in Communication: Applying Grice’s Razor in the Workplace

sarmadkarim15 / May 10, 2023

Explore the power of simplicity in communication with Grice’s Razor. Understand its impact on team collaboration and business success. Learn from real-world case studies and practical tips on how to apply this principle in your own organization.

career growth, coaching, culture, Leadership, Women in Tech

The Marvelous Minutiae: A Serenade to the Compound Effect

sarmadkarim15 / May 7, 2023

Discover the transformative power of the Compound Effect, a gentle yet powerful force shaping our destiny through small daily choices. Learn to focus on the quiet, persistent rhythm of daily habits, and watch your life change in ways you never imagined. Embrace consistency, responsibility, and the power of the little things that truly count.

career growth, culture, Leadership

The Plight of the Problem Pointer and the Rise of the Solution Seeker

sarmadkarim15 / April 30, 2023

We have all encountered them – the coworker who seems to relish in pointing out anything and everything that is going awry. The one who comes to every meeting armed with a laundry list of issues, roadblocks, and reasons why something cannot be done. While identifying problems is certainly important, dwelling in them is of little use. As the old adage goes, don’t come to me with problems, come to me with solutions.

coaching, culture, Leadership

Leadership Reimagined: Empowering Teams for Transformative Success

sarmadkarim15 / April 19, 2023

Discover the secrets of exceptional leadership that prioritize team success over personal ego. Learn how to empower, inspire, and drive your team to new heights by fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and innovation. Find actionable tips to develop an effective leadership style that supports your team’s growth and ultimately leads to a more successful organization.

Board of DIrectors, Business Strategy, culture, ESG, Leadership, Sustainability

Upskilling Employees in ESG: Building a Culture of Sustainability

sarmadkarim15 / April 14, 2023

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental and social impacts of business, leaders must prioritize sustainability to ensure the long-term success of their organizations. This means integrating sustainability into every aspect of business, from product design and development to supply chain management and customer engagement. However, achieving this goal requires more than just a few isolated sustainability initiatives. It requires upskilling employees in ESG and building a culture of sustainability throughout the organization.

To achieve this, business leaders must take a systematic approach that includes the following actionable steps:

Top-Down Leadership
Leadership Development
Competency Frameworks
Sustainability Strategy
Employee Engagement
ESG Committees and Board Education
By prioritizing sustainability and upskilling employees in ESG, companies can reap significant benefits, such as improved brand reputation, reduced costs, enhanced innovation, and increased employee engagement. Moreover, by integrating sustainability into the core business, companies can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.