A must watch interview with Kobe Bryant. Kobe talks about his greatest teacher, greatest challenge since leaving the game, passion for storytelling, his greatest weakness, excitement for failure and so much more.
Category: wisdom
Venture Talk with Dr. Sameer Maskey | Democratizing AI
Dr. Sameer Maskey, founder and CEO of Fusemachines talks about Democratizing AI in this Venture Talk series.
Are you putting a man on the moon?
The story goes like this: President John F. Kennedy was visiting NASA headquarters for the first time in 1961. While touring the facility, the President introduced himself to a janitor and asked him what he did at NASA.
The janitor replied “I’m helping put a man on the moon!”
What I got from this was that the janitor understood the vision, had a purpose, and felt that he was contributing to something bigger than himself.
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” Speech | History
Few thoughts on school curriculum
How about teaching young minds about character, purpose, and spirituality while they are in school?
We teach students a wide variety of subjects in a span of 18-20 years. They add layers of knowledge on various subjects as the years go by. By the time they graduate, they would have the academic knowledge, mastered test taking and report writing skills, and hopefully gathered some work experiences. Wouldn’t it be also important in today’s world to integrate character, purpose, and spirituality in the curriculum?
When students graduate from colleges and universities, they enter the professional world. Most would have student loans to pay and manage their day to day expenses. A lot of decisions are made daily. If you’re working for a private company, you will be helping the company reach more customers, make more sales and ultimately increase the bottom line. If he or she has good character, they will make decisions accordingly. They won’t only think about what can increase the company’s bottom line but also how it will impact others in the society. Without character, they will make decisions solely focused on generating more money for the company and disregard other stakeholders.
Few students graduate from colleges and universities with a definite purpose and calling. Most wander from job to job for a few years before realizing what they want to do. Some might not even find their purpose and settle for a job that just pays the bills. It’s a hit and trial basis based on your work experiences, conversations with people, circumstances in life among others. Some people become adventurous and find their purpose while others become content with what they have. Both outcomes are fine as long as the person is happy with where he or she is at in the stage of their life. If the students are given a course on how to find your purpose or about spirituality then they will have a better direction before or once they graduate.
Wouldn’t the world be a better place when we not only equip students with the subject knowledge but also instill them values of character, purpose and spirituality?
Making a difference in the world
Bill and Melinda Gates were asked by a reader What would your advice be to young people who want to make a difference in the world for the better? Here’s what they had to say:
Bill: Choose a cause that’s important to you and get involved. Whether you can donate your money, your time, or your voice, there are thousands of incredible nonprofits that could use your help. I’m a big fan of ONE, but websites like Charity Navigator and GuideStar can help you find other reputable organizations working on the issues that you care about the most. If you’re interested in volunteering, our foundation put together a good list of resources to help connect you to opportunities.
Melinda: Remember that no one is born a change-maker. It’s something you become when you see a problem, then dare to become part of the solution.
If you want to know what that looks like, just look to the young men and women of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In the wake of unfathomable and unacceptable gun violence, these students are insisting that their tragedy will be the last. “We are going to be the kids you read about in textbooks,” student Emma Gonzalez said last week. “We are going to change the law.”
This is how change happens. With bravery, hope, commitment—and the knowledge that progress only comes when we stand up and demand it.
When Magic Johnson reached The 7th Floor
Magic Johnson talks about the excitement of getting to the 7th floor after cleaning all the floors below that. The 7th floor is where the CEO’s office was. He would spend hours there and pretend he was the CEO. He even acted like he had an assistant and would imitate requesting coffee and donuts over the intercom. He was sixteen then.
The 7th floor.
Magic’s advice: If you don’t dream it, you cannot become it.
Listen to the whole interview here.
Book bucket list for 2019
Here are 19 books that are in my book bucket list for 2019. My plan is to read these books over the course of the year.
Becoming by Michelle Obama This is a memoir of the First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role. I’ve always found Michelle Obama to be inspiring and down to earth so looking forward to reading it.
Hell Yeah or No by Derek Sivers – Derek describes this book as “a collection of thoughts around re-defining yourself, changing focus, and saying yes to less.” I’ve read many blogs on his website and watched his Ted Talks, so looking to pick it up when its published.
Your Music and People by Derek Sivers – Derek describes this book as “a philosophy for musicians (and normal people) of getting your work to the world by being creative, considerate, resourceful, and connected.” From the several interviews that I’ve listened of Derek, this book will be a treat and a game changer.
कर्नाली ब्लुज [Karnali Blues] by Buddhi Sagar A debut novel by Buddhi Sagar, I have heard rave reviews of it but have not had a chance to read it. My sister just finished reading it and she recommended the book as well.
Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs by John Doerr – I read a few pages on Amazon and am already impressed with the legendary stories. A friend finished reading it and highly recommended the book too.
A Second Chance: For You, For Me, And For The Rest Of Us by Catherine Hoke – I first heard about this book in the Tim Ferriss podcast where he interviewed Catherine and found her story to be captivating and inspiring.
21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari – I am a Gates Notes Insider and Bill Gates had talked about this book on his personal blog. Reading the book’s review and a few pages on Amazon, I am looking forward to be enlightened.
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World—and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling – I learned about this book in Bill Gates’ personal blog and really want to read this book. For a long time, I have felt that labels like “developing” and “developed” to describe different countries was outdated and almost insulting. So it’s refreshing to hear about this book which tackles this old definition and provides a better framework among many other things.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE by Phil Knight – When I went to college, I wanted to work for one company after graduation and it was Nike. This was one of the reasons why I studied abroad in Amsterdam, The Netherlands which was very close to Hilversum where Nike’s European headquarters was located. At that point, I had planned to either get an internship or a field visit to it’s Hilversum office. Neither happened but Nike has always fascinated me. When I heard about this book, I was overjoyed and wanted to read it ever since.
Thanks A Thousand: A Gratitude Journey by A.J. Jacobs – I learned about this book from Tim Ferriss’s blog and it seems like a fun read. The book is about the author who decided to thank every single person involved in producing his morning cup of coffee.
This Is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth Godin – I subscribe to Seth’s blog and get his daily posts. Seth is a thought leader in marketing, advertising and many other domains and I’m anxiously waiting to pick it up.
Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger – A book recommended by Naval Ravikant. I actually wanted to read a book by Naval himself but came across this recommendation. This book has been recommended by many other people I follow as well so it’s about time I read it.
Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It by Kamal Ravikant – A book written by Naval Ravikant’s brother. Seems like an interesting read.
Bruce Lee Striking Thoughts: Bruce Lee’s Wisdom for Daily Living by Bruce Lee – Bruce Lee is a globally known figure and I’m curious to learn more about his life and philosophy through this book.
Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah – Being a fan of Trevor Noah, I can’t wait to read this book. This book will be a delight and it will surely provide a perspective from another side of the world.
Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker – In early 2018, Bill Gates claimed that this book is his new favorite book of all time. He’s raved a lot about this book and is a must read for me this year.
The Happiness Equation: Want Nothing + Do Anything=Have Everything by Neil Pasricha – An INC writer provided a list of 12 books that had the most impact to him in 2017 and highly recommended this book. Upon browsing through Amazon’s reviews, the book had over 250 customer reviews and 77% had given it a 5 star. Related to the topic, I had previously read Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert and Delivering Happiness by Zappos CEO, Tony Hsieh. I hope to learn new things and gain an additional perspective on the classic subject of happiness by picking up The Happiness Equation.
The Drunkard’s Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives by Leonard Mlodinow – I learned about this book through a friend. Also this book was referenced in Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio-one of the books I read in 2018. When I scrolled through the pages of this book, I was fascinated by the content.
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki – I had read this book a while back but I’m going to read it again. The lessons, knowledge and principles shared in the book are timeless and it’s always good to sharpen your financial acumen.
Image source: Getty Images
Making a New Year’s Resolution? Here’s some tips
2019 is right at our doorstep. Are you excited about 2019 and what it will bring? I’m sure you are. Here’s some helpful tips to make your New Year’s resolution stick.
Something to ponder upon as you get started on your New Year’s resolution list : Derek Sivers says it’s better to keep goals secret in his Ted Talk.
Open mind
The willingness to consider ideas and opinions that are new or different to your own is being open minded.
I believe a great leader is someone who is open minded. Leaders make decisions. Decisions are made with information, facts, outcomes in mind and many things considered. Without being open minded, an individual (the leader) misses out on hearing other great ideas, thoughts and possible outcomes. Being open minded does not mean always changing your opinions and thoughts to cater to others. It’s about sincerely considering the weight and validity of others’ opinions and ideas while tweaking your initial plans accordingly. When you listen carefully, you welcome others to share their heartfelt feelings and thoughts. Without open mindedness, you close off avenues for healthy and fruitful discussions.
A leader consults his/her team, takes in new information/ideas in context and makes decisions.
Vision attracts
How do you pull the best talent towards you, your idea or your company? Share your vision.
Vision is a powerful tool. People especially the talented and ambitious ones are always looking for new challenges, bigger goals and grand visions. The vision will motivate and inspire the people to get behind the idea or the mission. When you get a chance to work on a big goal, it’s daunting and thrilling at the same time. If the idea or project is the first of its kind (even worldwide), then the individual will feel that he/she will be making a bigger impact/ a positive difference in the world.
If you are an entrepreneur, visionary, or someone whose role is to mobilize groups of people behind a mission, then share your vision. Tell them why that vision is important and why each individual’s contribution is important to achieving that mission.
Do Epic Shit
Kobe has this sign on his office: Do Epic Shit
Ship it
As stressful as it can be, getting into the habit of shipping your work is thrilling to say the least.
Have you worked on a project or projects where you were really focused on doing quality work, spent hours/weeks on it yet it never saw the light of day? Oh yes, we’ve all been there, done that. Quality work is always important. However, waiting to only put out flawless work in the world or not getting comfortable to showcase what you have worked on wouldn’t do you much good. When you ship the work, you are making a statement. You are taking a stance on something. You are representing a part of you.
The world sees what you ship. That’s the way to get better, to get acknowledged and to get advice. There are no perfect product releases. It’s always a work in progress. Work on your craft and keep shipping. The world needs to hear from you.
Problems=Opportunities
It’s easy to look at problems and say there’s no opportunity there. It’s easy to give up when faced with challenges. Yet if you are aspiring to become an entrepreneur or are an entrepreneur right now, problems and challenges are what you thrive in. Problems and challenges test you, your idea/passion, how much grit you have among many other things.
Here’s Dibyesh Giri sharing his entrepreneurial journey of building Smart Tech Solution in Nepal. Interesting to hear how he embraced problems/challenges, kept going and created opportunities!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZT1JsMMRvE]
Making a global impact
There are certain moments in your life when you get a chance to make a global impact. You’re excited to embark on that journey and see where it will go. You’re thrilled about the process itself as much as about the results.
That moment for me now is with the Artificial Intelligence Scholarship Program powered by Fusemachines. The goal of this scholarship program is to provide 10,000 scholarships worldwide for basic AI courses. The scholarship program will help individuals start their careers in AI.
To spread the word on the scholarship program, Fusemachines has promoted it through press release, social media posts, and by visiting colleges in Nepal. Reaching out to colleges, explaining about the exclusive scholarship program and then visiting those colleges for presentations has been exciting and meaningful. The current AI talent is concentrated in the West and with our AI scholarship, the talent can grow from Asia to Africa. It’s important to democratize AI and provide opportunities to individuals around the world and not only for a specific group in a certain destination.
An article on The New York Times reported Typical A.I. specialists, including both Ph.D.s fresh out of school and people with less education and just a few years of experience, can be paid from $300,000 to $500,000 a year or more in salary and company stock, according to nine people who work for major tech companies or have entertained job offers from them. The demand for AI talent is extremely high and the supply extremely low. Thus, the need to democratize AI is not just the right thing to do but also presents a huge economic opportunity.
It makes me very proud to work on a global movement that is building the future of AI talent from Nepal to Nigeria.
The market
Binod Chaudhary shared a famous story of the two salesmen going to the same market to Kitty Pong Sri (owner of Thai Preserved Foods) who was visiting Nepal. He said when the two salesmen went to the market; one came back with the report that since nobody eats there is no market, and the other came back with a completely opposite story – since nobody eats, this is the market! That’s how Wai Wai was born. – Taken from Binod Chaudhary’s autobiography My Story From the streets of Kathmandu to a billion dollar empire.
the process
“For me, the beauty is all in the process. It’s all in the journey. It’s all in building something. That’s the most fun for me” – Kobe Bryant.
Kobe’s been known to talk about the importance of “the process” in countless interviews. He loves the grind, the hustle and the discipline it takes to become great at something. He stated in a recent interview that this generation is much more concerned with the final outcome rather than understanding the journey of what it takes to get there. We don’t dive deep enough to understand what makes a particular person successful but resort to catchy headlines and conventional generalizations. It’s really important to understand the person from all angles to identify his/her strengths and weaknesses and how that lead them to success and failure. You have to absolutely love and enjoy the journey towards achieving your goals and dreams.
I would love to understand Kobe’s process of getting ready for the NBA season, for the playoffs and for the Finals. I would love to understand Seth Godin’s process of writing daily blogs. I would love to know Tim Ferriss’ process of selecting topics/people for his podcast. The process, indeed is the most beautiful thing.
Boosting the striatum
“It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.”
What a beautiful quote. Being nice is the gift we all can give to someone. It’s not expensive to be nice to people; in fact it takes more work to be an asshole. We all have enough to give, no one has more or less of “niceness.” We have the same amount and can choose to use it properly, not properly or not use it at all.
In fact, deciding to be generous or cooperating with others activates an area of the brain called the striatum.The feel-good emotion from helping has been termed “warm glow” and the activity we see in the striatum is the likely biological basis of that feeling (The Conversation). Be nice to others and you are on your way to living a healthier and meaningful life. A wonderful read on kindness: Five reasons why being kind makes you feel good – according to science. Another Cosmopolitan article cited that being a nice person boosts your physical and mental health.
Starting a movement
Starting a movement means being the shirtless guy dancing all by himself when most of the crowd is sitting down. Well not just him but his first follower is equally or even more important. Derek Sivers in his Ted Talk says that the leader needs to have the guts to stand out and be ridiculed. Additionally, Derek shares that the first follower is an underestimated form of leadership in itself and that “the first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader.” Well said and beautifully shown in 3 minutes below.
Showing up
A big part of success is about showing up. Showing up to work, at the meetup, the conference or anywhere you promised to be. Showing up means that you are invested, committed and want it more than anybody else.
Once you show up, you take it from there. It’s your opportunity to showcase your charisma, knowledge and drive. Many of us have all the tools we need now-laptops, wifi-information/knowledge all in our fingertips. There’s no shortage of that. Now its far more important that ever to show up, meet and connect with people.