Culture Matters Subbu Kalpathi

Biju is the Chief Evangelist at Fractal Analytics and Chairman at Final Mile Consulting. Biju and his colleagues have utilized Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavioral Economics and Design to develop a new research technique called Ethnolab and the communication practice of Non-Conscious Design.

Key topics covered in this conversation
Biju's career spanning advertising to entrepreneurshipChallenges with positively impact human behaviorThe power of the non-consciousLearning from neuroscienceWorking with the collective non-conscious How intentional rituals can help drive change How rice farming drives collaborative behavior The role of context and work environmentWorkplace flexibility mattersThe word-ball gameClosing remarks

Andrew Barnes is an innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is also the pioneer of the 4-day work week movement. His organization, Perpetual Guardian, piloted the very first version of the 4-day week many years ago, and Andrew wrote a whole book about it.

In this conversation, we learn about how Andrew came up with the 4-day week idea on a long haul flight, why we are all collectively time poor, how to setup a 4-day week trial, and a whole lot more.

Key topics
Highlights from Andrew's careerHow Andrew stumbled upon the 4-day week idea The way we work hasn't evolved in the last century We've all become collectively time poor Structuring the 4-day week at Perpetual Guardian Will people revert back to working 5 days a week? Does the 4-day week require a high trust culture?The value of beginning with a trialThe state of ongoing trials across the worldWill the rise of AI accelerate the adoption of the 4-day week?Being time rich will afford us the time to upskillDoes the future of work have 4 working days in it?

Aarti Kelshikar is a specialist in human capital development, an intercultural coach, an executive coach, a facilitator and an author. She has written two books on the converging themes of leadership and cultural effectiveness. Her latest book is - How Women Work: Fitting In and Standing Out in Asia. 

In this episode, we discuss insights from Aarti’s research and writing. The first part of the conversation unravels the complex corporate cultures we operate in, and the second half of the conversation is focused on women leadership in Asia.

Key topics
From compliance to culture: Aarti's fascinating work backgroundThe 4Ps: Purpose, Passion, Patience and Persistence How Aarti discovered research and writingOur ability to manage ambiguity and uncertaintyThe prevalence of hierarchy and what it means for org cultureHow Aarti got to writing her second book - How Women Work How Leadership in Asia compares to other regionsSeeking inspiration from women leaders in AsiaAre women held to different standards compared to men?Aarti's advice to aspiring women leadersHow can men become better allies

Abhijit Bhaduri is a talent management advisor to firms. He is among the ten most sought after brand evangelists and is a coach and mentor to leaders in different stages of their careers. He is rated among the top ten learning experts globally and is a LinkedIn Top Voice. Abhijit's weekly newsletter has more than 300,000 subscribers and is a powerful voice shaping the profession. 

In this conversation, Subbu and Abhijit discuss career archetypes, why we may be at an inflection point when it comes to careers, and the skills required to navigate the new world of work.

Key topics
Abhijit's career arc spanning iconic brandsThe opportunities that lie in front of talent professionalsHow Abhijit got to writing his newest book - Career 3.0The "AI-Phone moment" we are experiencing todayBlue v/s White v/s No-collar jobsAre directional goals better than specific goals?Shift in the Work-Worker-Workplace equilibriumIs moonlighting acceptable?Lifetime employment has been replaced by lifetime employability How can organizations leverage the creator economy?The implications of Careers 3.0 on Org CultureThe six skills to navigate the Careers 3.0 worldStay like a green tomato!The Word-ball game!The future of careers

Vanessa Bohns is a social psychologist and a professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Columbia University and is the author of the book You Have More Influence Than You Think. Her research focuses broadly on social influence and the psychology of compliance and consent.

In this episode, Subbu and Prof Bohns discuss what we typically tend to get wrong about our ability to influence others, why assertiveness as a skill may be overrated, and how leaders can become better aware of the sway they hold over others.

Key Topics
Prof Vanessa Bohns' journey into academiaWhy we hold ourselves back when complimenting othersWhat we typically get wrong about our ability influence othersThe amplification of shared experiencesThe power of behavioral contagion Direct v/s indirect effect of our actions on othersAssertiveness as a skill may be overratedEmbarrassment can be a powerful motivatorWhen influence turns into manipulationLeadership blind-spots on perspective-taking Taking responsibility of your positional power Becoming better aware of our influence over othersThe Word-ball game!Write a gratitude letter today

Krish Shankar is an industry veteran. He received his postgraduate diploma in HR from the prestigious XLRI way back in 1984. Since then, Krish has led the Human Resources function at firms such as Unilever, Bharti Airtel, Philips and Infosys. Krish is also the author of the book Catalyse – Power Up Your People Ecosystem.

In this conversation Subbu and Krish discuss key learnings from Krish’s career over the last 40 years, the megatrends driving the future of work, and how leaders can catalyze culture transformation initiatives.

Key topics
Reflections from Krish's 40-year careerOvercoming career-related challengesHow Krish came to writing and publishing his book CatalyseIs Krish a Beatles fan?The critical traits of an effective business leaderThe megatrends driving the future of workHR as a culture and emotions architectHow do we make key behaviors come alive in an organization The importance of fair and equitable people practicesInclusion precedes diversity What happens when the Employee Value Proposition is at odds with the culture?Time to update the 70:20:10 model of learningThe role of emotions at work AI as a foundational megatrend for the future