Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are a huge productivity booster. I use them daily as a writer and speaker. But here’s what I’ve learnt the hard way: they are not magic lamps, and when not handled correctly, they can take you further away from your own voice.
When I was preparing for my talk on “How…
Notion’s CEO recently revealed that 10% of their profits now go towards AI bills. That’s a significant shift for a SaaS company—and a warning sign for founders.
AI was supposed to get cheaper. Instead, it’s becoming a major expense. The latest models are smarter, yes, but they also consume far more tokens. Especially when used for…
Last week, I had the opportunity to interact with a vibrant group of young founders and CEOs at Corporate Connections Chennai. My talk, "AI for Founders," was designed to give them not just an overview, but a practical way forward in this fast-moving space.
We often hear about AI as the next big thing, but for…
On January 5, 2024, an alarming incident occurred when an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 experienced a door blowout mid-flight. Investigations highlighted significant communication lapses between the production floor and senior management (source: New York Times, Jan 6, 2024). This incident underscores a universal risk that startup founders also face: blocked flow of critical…
I recently had to digitally sign an invoice for a client, and it got me thinking about how freelancers and small businesses handle this. Paper invoices are nearly extinct, and most transactions now happen through PDFs. Some enterprise clients require a digitally signed invoice for compliance, and if you don’t have the right tools, this…
In the realm of nature, the Venus flytrap is an extraordinary example of precision and discernment. Sir David Attenborough, in a BBC episode, revealed the fascinating behavior of this carnivorous plant. Its unique feeding mechanism offers profound insights for business leaders and founders striving to master the art of strategic decision-making.
Nature’s Remarkable Teacher: The Venus…
In the 1950s, Japan witnessed a quiet revolution that transformed kitchens and inspired product innovation for generations to come. The story of Toshiba's automatic rice cooker is not just about a product—it’s about collaboration, persistence, and listening to the voice of the user.
As a Founder Catalyst, I’ve always sought to understand what it takes to…
When you bring top talent on board, it’s natural to expect exceptional results. But even the best talent may face challenges if foundational elements are overlooked. Let’s explore two critical lessons for founders, inspired by the experience of Ron Johnson, who transformed Apple retail with groundbreaking innovations like the Apple Genius Bar, but faced setbacks…
When I engage with startup forums, I often see founders caught up in the time-consuming and costly process of setting up a Private Limited Company (PLC) in India. While incorporation has undeniable benefits, it may not always be the most strategic choice at an early stage. My advice? Delay setting up a Private Limited until…
In the digital age, we often hear about poor customer service experiences, especially on social media. However, I recently had an exceptional experience with Automattic, the company led by the original creator of the WordPress blogging platform. This experience provides valuable insights for technology startup founders on how to truly delight customers and build lasting…
Important Message for Business Leaders
In today's video, we address a heart-wrenching issue affecting business leaders and employees alike. The tragic news of a 26-year-old EY employee passing away due to work pressures is a reminder of the mental health crisis many are facing in the workplace.
Did you know? In 2022 alone, over 11,000…
In today’s tech-driven world, the sheer number of AI tools and startups can be overwhelming. With thousands of new tools popping up, each promising innovative solutions, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying every new option that comes your way. However, a strategic approach can save you time, reduce clutter, and enhance productivity.…

