“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” -Albert Einstein”
Dear Friend,
It gives me immense pleasure to share the happenings around with you through our eighth edition of The Redwood Edge Newsletter.
As we gear up for the new financial year it is critical to understand that amidst the Economic Uncertainty the need of the hour is to not just predict but start preparing. Prudence suggests that instead of predicting the outcomes of uncertain events it is better to take stock of what we have and prepare for the future.
In this transition between year gone and year to come what leaves a impact and stays with us is the learnings from the past. This acts as a catalyst of growth for our future. It’s all about capitalizing on these learnings and acting towards reaching new heights. Our Performance and Results are tied in a cause and effect relationship.
The inspiration for the title of the Newsletter “KARMA – Perform to Transform” arises out of the thought that Mere executing will not help. Growth driven actions are the only way forward. If Karma is right; the results will be achieved. Thus, one has to “Perform To Transform”
One barrier that stops most of us physically and mentally from trying is AGE. We assume that we are too old to perform or transform. This takes me to three very inspirational stories of 102, 87 and 83 years young heroes who inspite of the passage of time stand as the apt examples for the never ending Karma in the true sense.
The distinction of being the oldest Flight Attendant belongs to 87- year-old Robert Reardon of Delta Airlines. Mr. Reardon began his career flying for Northwest in 1951. That sums to 61 years of Work Experience in the Airline Industry. A glory personified example of ongoing Karma…Wow…!!! What an Achievement…!!!
Another airline attendant that inspires me is Ron Akana. When the Passengers of United Airlines are busy finding their seats and settling down, they notice a silver-haired flight attendant in bifocals who greets them with an “Aloha, welcome aboard.” Ron Akana 83, has worked as a flight attendant for 63 years, clocking some 20 million miles along the way, the equivalent of circling the globe about 800 times or flying roughly 40 times to the moon and back.
At an age where normally people retire i.e 63 years, The Indian Turbanator, Fauja Singh, at 63 years started his journey towards Glory and is today a 101 years young sikh marathon runner and a world-record holder in his age bracket in various sporting categories. He has set various marathon records in the over 90’s and over 100’s categories. In 2004, he was featured in an advertising campaign for sportswear manufacturer Adidas.
The 101 year Fauja Singh managed to accomplish the amazing feat of running the Scotia bank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, completing the grueling 42.195 kilometer marathon and becoming the oldest person ever to complete a full-distance marathon.
I am sure there is learning for all of us. Even the growing age does not stop these three Champions from displaying Courage, Enthusiasm for Life and the Winning Attitude.
This is Karma defining Glory and defying Age.
Derek Anthony Redmond is now a retired British athlete. Before participating in the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, in his heydays he held to his credit the British record for 400 meters sprint, and won gold medals in the 4×400 meters relay at the World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games. Injuries consistently interrupted Redmond’s Career.
All was well until that sprint in the 400 meters at the semi- final of 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. In the final straight about 250 meters from the finish, his hamstring snapped. He hobbled to a halt, and then fell to the ground in pain. Stretcher bearers made their way over to him, but Redmond was determined to finish the race. He began to hobble along the track. He was soon joined on the track by his father, Jim Redmond, who barged past security and on to the track to get to his son. Jim and Derek completed the lap of the track together, with Derek leaning on his father’s shoulder for support. As they crossed the finish line, the crowd of 65,000 spectators rose to give Derek a standing ovation. However, as his father had helped him finish, Derek was officially disqualified and Olympic records state that he “Did Not Finish” the race. Redmond’s struggle in the 1992 semi-final later became the subject of one of the International Olympic Committee’s ‘Celebrate Humanity’ videos.
Redmond currently serves as Director of Development for sprints and hurdles for UL Athletics.
On January 10, 2012, his father Jim was announced to be one of the Olympic torch bearers in London during the summer games.
The Indian Sports Front
Amidst the disappointments of losing the Match against Bangladesh, billions took a sigh of relief. Sachin Tendulkar added yet another milestone to his inspirational and legendary Cricket Career by scoring a Century of Centuries. Now…That’s KARMA at its Best….!!
The proud champions of Asia Cup 2010 – India, failed to qualify to the Finals. It became the Green’s Game. It is all about believing that you can…and you will…!!! Bangladesh filled with self confidence and belief defeated the two strong contenders for the Asia Cup and awed the cricket world by playing the most inspired and brilliant cricket to qualify for Finals. Through the ultimate success and the cup was snatched from them by a defeat of just 2 runs, they won a million hearts by their passion and attitude.
After an inspiring career graph of 21 years and a prolific run through 2011 scoring five centuries, the “Wall” of Indian Cricket Team- Rahul Dravid announced his retirement on March 9, 2012. Regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and among the most accomplished ever, Rahul Dravid has earned respect in the eyes of fans as well as the designated people of Cricket Fraternity. He is seen as one the Game’s thinkers meriting a place on the MCC’s (Marylebone Cricket Club) committee and delivering the Bradman Oration in December 2011 – the first cricketer from outside Australia to do so.
What an Inspiration…of winning billions of hearts with sheer determined KARMA…Cheers…!!!
Amidst the Silence in the, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium it seemed as if everything had slowed down….and then… GOAL!! A roar erupted as supporters and players alike jumped with joy. The Indian Hockey Team had made it! They were through! The Indian Men’s Hockey team literally thrashed France by scoring 8-1 in the final qualifying match and booked themselves a sure seat in the 2012 London Olympics. Playing in the Olympics is nothing new for the Indian Team which has won the Olympic gold eight times This year’s win was very significant though as the team had missed out on the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing “Well Done Team! You have made us proud, and all the best for the 2012 London Olympics.”
Our government needs to more closely focus on their Karma and keep a check on what impact their actions can cause. If the Policy Paralysis continues to prevail, despite endless budgets the achievement of desired goals looks hard to fulfill.
Placing the Union Budget on March 16th, 2012 Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee mentioned that there has been a Economic Slowdown which was indicated by the rising rate of inflation, fiscal deficit overshooting target, falling Investments. The performance of different sectors the impact too has been mixed. On one hand where the growth rate has noticeably slowed down in Manufacturing and Mining Sector, the Pharmacy along with other sectors have been balanced.
He emphasized that what becomes critical to achieve growth is to woo the Finance Capital continuously, Increase Public and private Investments, Reduce Expenses and Channelize Domestic Savings.
Where the budget for other areas looked fundamentally positive or at least neutral in terms of Growth prospects though lacking definite timelines for implementation, Railway Budget resulted in a Political crisis that clearly exposed the government’s vulnerability..
The Dominoes Effect
Pfizer Inc has terminated a $350 million deal to sell Indian company Biocon’s insulin products globally, dealing the Indian company a blow and calling into question similar tie-ups because of a change in the US company’s strategy.
R & D –
The New Mantra Infosys strengthens its Product Research & Development Center The present team of 500 world-class engineers is expected to grow to 1,000 over the next two years.
Industrial Production In India
Industrial Production in India increased 6.8 percent in January of 2012.Industrial production measures changes in output for the industrial sector of the economy which includes manufacturing, mining, and utilities. Industrial Production is an important indicator for economic forecasting and is often used to measure inflation pressures as high levels of industrial production can lead to sudden changes in prices. The inflation rate in India was last reported at 5.3 percent in January of 2012
The Leaders All Set
Lessons of 2008 hold CEOs in good stead as economy hits slowdown mode again Today, as murmurs of the economy slowing down reach a level where they cannot be ignored, companies have once again started announcing austerity measures, coupled with the inevitable job cuts. On 1st March, it was announced that the Indian economy grew at its slowest pace in almost three years in the quarter ending December 2011.
It was indeed a eventful beginning to the year as it came with opportunities for us to share thoughts and interact with our esteemed clientele through workshops revolving around Leadership, Sales, Motivation, Team Building, Change Management, Interaction Styles etc
The industries that we interacted with were IT, Financial sector, Out of Home Advertising to name a few.
Being a proud Alumnus of SIBM, it was an honour for me to be featured in the 1st Edition of the Book “Guts and Glory” published by SIBM that speaks about the Entrepreneurial Excellence of 25 SIBM Alumni. It gave an opportunity for us to share our stories with the world.
We as The Redwood Edge Team would like to thank each one of you for walking with us on this path of Making a Difference.
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative. In response to various requests we are introducing a One-to-One Coaching Program aiming at Evolving as Efficient Personal Leaders to understand, identify and analyze their potential and take them to the next level of effectiveness with a wide range of tools, we intend to provide insights and awareness needed to create a meaningful Personal Development Plan with measurable goals.
Also, understanding the criticality and significance of Interaction, we have introduced “Interact to Impact” program to effectively handle Interactions. It also emphasizes on the fact that why do we find it difficult to interact with some people and how can we derive Positive and desired outcomes from the same.
We look forward to your support for this initiative and our continued relationship.
We as professionals have no finishing line to our Karma…We have to constantly Perform to Transform…the journey of KARMA – Perform to Transform continues…
I hope you enjoyed reading the 8th edition of the News letter and I look forward to receiving your comments at: prakash@redwoodedge.com
Best Regards,
Prakash Rohera
Director The Redwood Edge
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Newsletter – 13th Edition