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Category: Industry & Global Trends

  • LaVar Arrington’s Complete Athlete – Empowering the Next Generation

    LaVar Arrington’s Complete Athlete – Empowering the Next Generation

    “Dream big, work hard, and don’t give up.”

    LaVar Arrington is a legend in football. Widely regarded as one of the top linebackers of all time coming out of Penn State University, he was selected #2 in the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins, where he went on to a legendary career as an all-time top linebacker. Famous for his spectacular ‘LaVar Leap’ on the field, Arrington has spent the years after football leaping into business as a successful entrepreneur and advocate for the development of youth. His career trajectory is a prime example of how pro athletes can continue to shine after their athletic careers have ended.

    Sport is a common denominator around the world. It is the great unifier, the great motivator, and the global pastime. Regardless of which sport an individual plays, watches or supports, the attributes of an athlete are generally the same across all sports – the ability to function as part of a team, leadership skills, decision-making, patience and self-discipline. LaVar believes that, “While talent plays a role in levels of achievement, talent alone does not turn an athlete into an elite athlete. You must infuse the attributes listed above in order to become a ‘complete athlete’”.

    Sport, specifically football, was the foundation of LaVar’s life from the time he was a young child in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – a city well-known for cultivating some of the greatest players in football history. LaVar was fortunate to have mentors and role models such as Dwight White, a legendary football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who was a neighbor in his community; and Jerome Bettis, from whom LaVar had the opportunity to learn many significant career and life skills.

    “Sport is a common denominator around the world. It is the great unifier, the great motivator, and the global pastime”

    “To be a complete athlete, LaVar represents that an athlete must be physically fit, but perhaps even more importantly, they must also prioritize their emotional, mental and financial well-being”

    Over the course of his career LaVar came to recognize several learning gaps that impact the growth of an athlete, and his development as a businessman was based on an endeavor to fill those gaps for others – to help them build the attributes that make a complete athlete. To be a complete athlete, LaVar represents that an athlete must be physically fit, but perhaps even more importantly, they must also prioritize their emotional, mental and financial well-being. Committed to developing and nurturing youth to achieve their full potential, LaVar promotes the complete development of youth, providing an ecosystem of growth and development, focusing on helping youth to build the attributes which will allow them to be elite athletes and well-rounded human beings. LaVar is dedicated to shaping the future, one athlete at a time. Through the Complete Athlete and his Up on Game podcast, LaVar aspires to give young athletes the knowledge, tools and resources to help them develop themselves. In LaVar’s words, “If you can build winning habits as a person, and have winning thoughts and have a winning mindset and apply those attitudes to your life, then for me, we will have succeeded in putting one more positive person into our society; who can make a difference and will give back to others”.

    The definition of success changes as we age and mature, and this is no different for an athlete. For the longest time, until LaVar got to an age where he was actually able to comprehend what success looked like and have physical interaction with top athletes, he saw success only as a dream. Now, as an entrepreneur and businessman, LaVar understands the important role that business leaders can play in preparing an athlete for success after their sports career. It is only when industry leaders humanize success – by opening up their daily routines, their decision-making strategies and methodologies – that the youth can see a real pathway to success, the actual steps they can take to achieve their goals. “I never took my talent for granted, pushing myself to always reach new levels and go beyond the limits that our minds – and sometimes our bodies, set for us. By never taking my talent for granted, I was always achieving new levels of personal success, which allowed me to be recognized as one of the greatest linebackers at Penn State University and continue to perform at a high-level in the NFL”, noted LaVar. “Now, as a businessman, I have the opportunity to influence young athletes in a different way – both helping to refine their talents on AND off the field.”

    As an elite athlete, LaVar recognizes that his greatest responsibility is to enable youth to reach their full potential by empowering them to measure success through the personal and professional development necessary to become a complete athlete. According to LaVar, the methods of building success are truly a learned and applied process, and it’s not something that drops out of the sky. “You are not randomly chosen to be successful; rather, success comes to people who are willing to put in the time and energy and develop the beliefs that make success a reality”, notes Arrington.

    LaVar recently launched the Up on Game podcast with fellow football legends, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Plaxico Burress, allowing them to explore relevant issues in the world of sports and life. Through Up on Game, LaVar, T.J. and Plaxico endeavor to be a positive role models for youth, exploring issues and challenges relevant to young people today – at all levels of their game, helping them to overcome these challenges through their experience and lessons learned throughout their career. Additionally, he prioritizes bridging the communication gap between coaches and athletes, parents and kids, using Up on Game as a vehicle to spur conversation, discussion and positive impact.

    Up on Game examines the issues and current events in sports, tying it to life, making it relevant for everyone. Edgy, honest, dynamic and raw, Up on Game allows Arrington, Houshmandzadeh and Burress to providementorship, experience, perspective and commitment to athletes of all ages.  “Up on Game allows us to contribute to the development of athletes around the world, allowing us to impact lives, shape the character of athletes, developing the perspective and understanding of athletes, coaches, parents and families, who are integral to the success of the athlete”, notes Arrington. His aim is to build a culture of giving back, and to mentor athletes from a young age that a service mentality – embracing the impact that we must all make on society and for one another – is the most important ingredient to success at all levels of life, and it has been a fundamental pillar of LaVar’s life as an athlete and businessman.

    “It is only when industry leaders humanize success – by opening up their daily routines, their decision-making strategies and methodologies – that the youth can see a real pathway to success, the actual steps they can take to achieve their goals”

    “You are not randomly chosen to be successful; rather, success comes to people who are willing to put in the time and energy and develop the beliefs that make success a reality”

    With the Complete Athlete and Up on Game, LaVar aims to familiarize the youth with critical self-development experiences. He believes that if you make youth aware of how important it is to learn who you are and to develop who you are, they will be on a course for a more enhanced life and future. “Had I done this, my life could have potentially been more enhanced, which may have even made me a more phenomenal athlete. In the end, I look at things from the very simplistic standpoint that, undoubtedly, I am more than enough, and also valuable enough to continue building and growing who I am, and that is my ‘magnificent obsession’, as C.T. Fletcher would say”, says Arrington.

    Transitioning to the next stage of his career beyond football was easy for LaVar because of his love of helping people and being a person of service. He stresses that his awards and achievements in sports don’t amount to anything if he doesn’t use those experiences to help others achieve at a high level – high enough to potentially be an all-pro, pro-bowler or professional athlete. The Up on Game podcast allows him to have the opportunity to communicate with and mentor younger athletes, which is something he has always excelled at. “I’ve been a better teacher and a better mentor than I’ve ever been an active player. I take a great deal of pride in my ability to communicate clearly the different ways to approach sports AND life to be as successful as you can possibly be”, remarked Arrington. Helping to develop athletes into the complete athlete is something that has been a tremendous passion of his, and he recognizes that he has been blessed to have enough success where he can make this commitment to young athletes his daily focus in both life and business. He acknowledges that, “It is not about what LaVar can do for LaVar, it is about what impact and influence LaVar can have on humanity, and since my lane is sports, that’s where I endeavor to begin my ‘crusade of service’”.

    Prioritizing personal development, professional development and continuing education programs for youth is critical to preparing young athletes to excel not only in sports but in their careers and life – by refining key life skills and building on the attributes of leadership that are found in athletics. When businesses commit a portion of their corporate social responsiblity budgets to programs that support the development of the next generation, they make a commitment to the sustainability of our collective future. Contributing to the development of youth means preparing them to be future elite athletes, entrepreneurs, innovators, and humanitarians – better equipped to take the reins of leadership in our metamorphic future.

    LaVar’s advice to young athletes is to put as much effort into their personal growth as they do to their athletic growth, urging them not to neglect their mental health. Take risks. To quote William Shedd, “A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what a ship was built for”. Greatness doesn’t come from comfort zones. As LaVar says, “Dream big, work hard, and don’t give up.”

  • Wildlife Photography – An Alternative Path to Professional Fulfillment

    Wildlife Photography – An Alternative Path to Professional Fulfillment

    I often don’t know how to talk about what I ‘do’ – at different points of my life, I have been a writer, an editor, a wildlife photographer, a short documentary maker, and a digital marketer. I frequently juggle a few of these professions simultaneously. 

    I have had a varied career, to put it mildly. Some might even say a bit too varied to be ‘stable’. In all honesty, it’s a dilemma that I have happily embraced. Why? Because I love what I do, more than anything else in the world. And that’s not something that comes easily.

    Let me state my case – not to defend my choices but to offer a perspective different from the primary one we are exposed to – in the hope that those attracted to ‘alternative’ careers can feel less timid in pursuing such careers and don’t make the same mistakes that I did. 

    To do this, I will turn back the clock a couple of decades.

    After completing my Master’s in English Literature in 2002, I commenced on a fairly regular path for someone of my education. For almost a decade, I pursued content writing, editing, and communications roles in medium-to-large sized corporate organizations, and I did well professionally. My work was appreciated by peers and supervisors, I was promoted regularly – sometimes within an organization and sometimes by jumping ship. That said, I was never really satisfied. I was beginning to strongly feel what is now commonly known as the urge to express oneself in what one does for a living. I knew that I would not be able to sustain this.

    I gave up a flourishing communications career in 2015 and, not really knowing what direction to take, I embarked on a journey as a freelance professional. The need to express burgeoned relentlessly and with it resurfaced a childhood appreciation for the natural world. And that is when I picked up a DSLR for the very first time. Struggling to find a niche in the world of content creation, I would often go to the nearby Okhla Bird Sanctuary to get away from it all and practice my photography skills.

    Little did know then that nature and photography would soon take over my life – and I mean in the best way possible.

    In 2017, Canada happened. The decision to move was an easy one (I wanted to be closer to my 4 year-old son, who had left with my ex-wife) and the immigration process was even simpler. Contrary to popular opinion, I decided to not go with an immigration lawyer/expert; instructions on the Canadian immigration website were very easy to follow and the steps were clearly outlined. The only thing that required serious effort was procuring the necessary documents – transcripts from university, letters from past employers, and so forth.

    Moving to Canada was the easy part, however. For the next year, I struggled to re-establish myself as a full-time content professional. First, I was out of touch and out of practice. Second, becoming a corporate slave again was a dreary proposition. Third, my photography was growing by leaps and bounds as I explored the vast expanses and amazing wildlife that Canada had to offer. To support myself, I eventually worked with a furniture company in their factory and later in their customer care department. The good thing about this arrangement was that I had plenty of time to go out and take pictures, and I eventually landed a freelance gig as a portrait photographer with Photos Unlimited.

    In mid-2018, I met a biologist who heard me out and advised that I enroll in Fleming College’s Environmental Visual communication (EVC) program. This truly unique program is placed at the cusp of science and art – it teaches students the skills to communicate effectively about science and the environment through videography, photography, social media and campaign management.

    I realized that this is exactly what I needed to give structure to my desperate need to express artistically. Most of all, the prospect of being able to use art to create positive change and help conserve endangered habitats and species was too tantalizing to let go.

    Before I embarked on this 8-month-long Ontario Graduate Certificate program – I considered other options as well, including a Master’s in Environmental Education. For someone with my experience and inclinations, EVC turned out to be the most suitable option. Not only did it allow an Arts student such as myself to enter a field that is usually reserved for biology majors, it actually drew upon the skills I had learnt during my decade-long career and built upon them by adding a strong visual element. For someone seeking a stronger theoretical base in environment-related issues, I recommend opting for a degree program. EVC is all about building skills needed to communicate about environmental issues, with a strong focus on the visual side. Apart from learning how to use advanced audio-visual equipment and accompanying software, the program also focuses on storytelling for diverse audiences and campaign management.

    Since completing EVC, I have had the opportunity to work for a number of Canadian environmental organizations as a short documentary maker and photographer, notably Birds Canada and The Atmospheric Fund. I have also taught photography at a few workshops. While I have been happy to expand my repertoire and work with scientists, climate change experts, ornithologists, arborists, and the like; being around wildlife is what has given me the most joy. EVC also made me competent at using social media for business purposes, and I have used these skills to promote and sell my own wildlife photography through online channels such as Etsy and my own website. My work has been widely appreciated and I have been invited to do exhibitions as well.

    With Covid-19 having hit hard in 2020, career options in the field of conservation have been limited. Nevertheless, as we increasingly realize that as a species we stand on the brink of several environmental crises, communication about environmental issues is now a vital profession and a viable career option. Scientists and science organisations have also begun to realise that tackling these issues cannot be done in silos by “experts” – everyone needs to be involved and that is where visual communication comes in.

    From a personal perspective, it has been a long journey for me – from the Himalayan peaks and jungles of India to the Boreal and Carolinian forests of Ontario. Now, as a wildlife photographer and as an environmental communicator, the path ahead for me is very clear. Not only do I wish keep creating art that reveals the immense beauty of the world we live in, I also wish to be an advocate for environmental justice and tell stories of the marvelous creatures that co-habit the planet with us. 

  • 6 Tips to Improve Your Time Management Skills

    6 Tips to Improve Your Time Management Skills

    In this season of personal introspection, why does improving time management remain such a persistent, perennial goal for so many of us? The irony is that we need to become better managers of our own efforts to improve time management. We need to prioritize our developmental efforts. This path begins with turning away from alluring quick fixes and instead toward assessing and building our underlying time management skills before another new year’s resolution reaches its dissolution.

    Time management is one of the most important aspects of life that enables one to make the most of the given 24 hours in a day. We all have the same hours every day, the reason why some achieve more is not only because they work harder, but because they work smarter! It is often said that by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail; most people will be ready to vouch for this. The only way to combat this problem is by promising to follow effective time management strategies. Like many other things, time-management is a strategy that can be learned and improved with time. So here I’ve curated a list of insightful time-management tips you should follow to ensure that you utilize every 24 hours in the best way possible:

    1. WORK SMARTER

    Time is the essence of life. Managing your time effectively will not only maximize your productivity but will also leave you some spare time to follow your heart. Setting priorities may not be easy, but prioritizing is good for time management. It always pays to make a list of the things you need to do, put a timeline to each activity and then prioritize them at the beginning of each day, week, or month. It is also advisable to have a time audit every once in a while, to help you know whether you need to make any adjustments.

    2. DO IT NOW

    It is said that we fail to manage our time appropriately because of procrastination. As Dr. Tim Pychyl explains in his book, “Procrastination is by definition an irrational behavior because it runs counter to our own idea of what will make us happy.” But is procrastination a time-management problem or emotional management problem? The problem in fact lies with your emotions and not with your willpower. The best way to combat this problem is by being mindful – through concentration, focus and equanimity. Research shows that emotional regulation plays a vital role in reducing procrastination and improving productivity.

    3. CHECK FOR ADHD

    Find out whether you are suffering from ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), which is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children and adults. ADHD can create special challenges at work. Handling ADHD along with a challenging job is no easy task, but by tailoring the workplace environment one can leverage their strong points while minimizing the negative impact of ADHD symptoms.

    4. ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE

    The power of good organization can never be overstressed. Organize your office, cubicle, or desk, one manageable step at a time. Then use the following strategies to stay tidy and organized:

    o Set aside daily time for organization. Mess is always distracting, so set aside 5 to 10 minutes a day to clear your desk and organize paperwork. Experiment with storing things inside your desk or in bins so that they don’t clutter your workspace. Remember – a place for every thing and everything in its place!

    o Use colors and lists. Color-coding can be very useful, even for people with ADHD. Manage forgetfulness by writing everything down.

    o Prioritize. More important tasks should be placed first on your to-do list so you remember to do them before lower priority tasks. Set deadlines for everything, even if they are self-imposed.

    o Find your peak performance time. Break your typical day into three to four time-slots and over the course of a week, rank these slots from your most to least productive.

    o Treat your time like it’s money. Create a time budget that details how you spend your hours during a typical week. Categorize time into fixed time (must do’s) and discretionary time (want to do’s).

    o Avoid ‘sunk cost fallacy’. When you think you might be spending too much time on an activity, step back and evaluate its importance – how valuable is the outcome, who will be affected if it’s finished or not finished, and so forth.

    o Use a calendar app. Record due dates for tasks and appointments – and do this immediately when they are planned or requested.

    5. MINIMISE EXTERNAL COMMOTION

    Face your desk towards a wall and keep your workplace free of clutter. To discourage interruptions, you could even put up a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign. If possible, let voicemail pick up your phone calls and return them later, turn off email and social media during certain times of the day, or even log off the Internet completely. If noise distracts you, consider noise-canceling headphones or a sound machine. In other words, do anything that helps you minimize factors that stop you from concentrating and delay your progress.

    6. BEAT THAT STRESS

    Erratic sleep, an unhealthy diet, not enough exercise – these are all issues that can lead to extra stress, bad moods, and feeling out of control. The best way to stop this cycle is to take charge of your lifestyle habits and create healthy new routines. Eating well, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising regularly can help you stay calm and reduce stress symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity, while regular routines can help your life feel more manageable.

    All said and done, research shows that we are actually responsible for 50 percent of the distractions that sabotage our focus. When someone interrupts us, it takes an average of 29 minutes to resume our focus. When we do not choose where we direct our attention, time-management becomes a problem. It doesn’t matter how well we manage our time if we can’t focus our minds on what we want to accomplish. So, for time management, first learn attention management and always try to start the day on a high note. Remember what begins well also ends well if the focus and attention is maintained throughout the task. We all have 24 hours in a day to get things done; it is how we manage these 24 hours that matters – success doesn’t come from hard work alone, purposeful work is also important.

  • To the Class of 2020 – Dare to Dream

    To the Class of 2020 – Dare to Dream

    “When you are faced with an uncertain future or when suddenly the path you are on takes an unexpected turn, it is advisable to explore a wide variety of options rather than sticking single-mindedly to one”

    Within a few short months, the world has transformed. Such unexpected events disrupt our routines, our plans, our goals. The pandemic has caught us unawares and with increased uncertainty it has impacted the graduating students immensely. In my interaction with several students I have realised that many of them are shattered as their plans have all gone out of the window, and they are concerned and confused as they have to rethink their career choices.

    At this juncture, as a society, we need to come together, support and help. This is an important time for families to build a bond with their kids and motivate them to stay positive so that they do not fall into depression and other mental ailments. The situation is affecting everybody, but my advice to the students would be – look at this as a golden opportunity to explore your skills and what you would love to do. It is an important time where a student can reflect and rethink, as life is all about being prepared for the uncertain.

    In these unprecedented and uncertain times, understandably, a student is more restless than ever. They need to be guided to utilize this period in the best way possible. While the ongoing crisis will have a long-lasting impact on every sector, the need of the hour is to give our students the right direction so that their career plans are not disrupted.

    Students:

    Learn. Learn, and learn more.

    “You may feel unmoored, you may lose your bearings and oscillate, but it is all right as the career path is an emotional experience of what you want to do and what you land up with, and of finally taking a decision to follow what you love”

    “It is an important time where a student can reflect and rethink, as life is all about being prepared for the uncertain”

    When you are faced with an uncertain future or when suddenly the path you are on takes an unexpected turn, it is advisable to explore a wide variety of options rather than sticking single-mindedly to one. One should stay positive, as, even when there was no pandemic, you must have heard of many people who opted for a career change in their forties, as suddenly it dawned on them that this is not what they love. A career path is necessarily a messy journey of exploration. It is a good time to explore options by taking up virtual internships, which are available from the comfort of your home. It is a time to explore opportunities and to discover yourself. Do not waste this time; utilize each minute.

    To dare to do something new you must move out of your comfort zone, and that takes courage. As humans, we generally feel safe and secure with what we know, even when we are in a miserable situation. To help you move out of your comfort zone, visualize what it would be like when you have reached your big dream. Open your boundaries and dream in 3-D. Visualize every little detail, with all five senses, what life could be like when you are actually there. Close your eyes and daydream. Stop only when you can ‘see’ yourself in your perfect day, with a wide grin on your face and a nice, warm feeling inside. Now open your eyes and write it all down. Every little bit of it; where you are, what you feel, who is there, what you are doing. Is it warm? Are you in a city or in the country? Is it a special celebration?

    Make it a vivid ‘Vision’ of your perfect day. Imagination is the root of everything we do, and by far the most powerful tool to succeed. Unless you can imagine yourself being richer, happier, healthier, fitter, or whatever else you want, the chances of you ever getting there are slim. Your brain needs to ‘see’ the results of your actions before it will allow you to apply your time and effort in striving for them.

    You may feel unmoored, you may lose your bearings and oscillate, but it is all right as the career path is an emotional experience of what you want to do and what you land up with, and of finally taking a decision to follow what you love. But this fraught stage is a necessary part of the journey, because it allows you to process a lot of complex emotions and conflicting desires, and ultimately prevents you from shutting down prematurely and missing the better options that still lie ahead.

    The current crisis is likely to prolong this confused state for many of us. While frustrating at times, the state has its benefits. As Steve Jobs wrote, ‘Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it’.

  • Sustainable Fashion

    Sustainable Fashion

    “Traditionally, India has always had a penchant for sustainability when it comes to clothes”

    In the fashion world, sustainability has come become synonymous with protecting the natural environment while looking good. But is that all there is to practicing fashion ethically?

    At its core, fashion needed to be sustainable because of the large amounts of water that was required to produce clothes for fast fashion brands. By definition, fast fashion meant that it may literally leave stores within a week; and this led to the production of enormous amounts of waste that ended up in landfills when numerous brands scurried to produce the latest trend to outdo competitors. The boom in fast fashion is partly due to the increased purchasing power of the middle class in the last decade, according to Nohar Nath. In recent years, however, Instagram influencers have also been particularly instrumental in promoting the latest fashion trends of fast fashion brands by marketing those clothes via social media profiles to their mostly younger audience.

    With new emerging knowledge about our changing climate milieu, the market that was dominated by fast fashion is now undergoing a shift and it has become more important than ever to revisit the ways in which popular brands source and make their garments. For example, both H&M and Zara have come out with their respective sustainable clothing lines, proving that you can have your cake and eat it too.

    Globally, attention has also shifted towards purchasing pre-loved clothes, or wearing more vintage garments. According to Goodnet.org, fast-fashion retailer Nordstrom is the newest participant in this trend of offering second-hand clothes in its stores. By taking this step Nordstorm has joined retailers such as Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Madewell, who had previously taken a step in a similar direction. This movement of purchasing second-hand clothes has propelled consumers to pay more attention to the craftsmanship of a garment and to its timeless value.

    “When I see brands using vegan sources, recyclable materials and natural dyes, I find it in line with what I believe art should do – inform you and at the same time make you think deeply”

    Image credits: Eka.co

    Traditionally, India has always had a penchant for sustainability when it comes to clothes. You may remember your parents advising you to not throw away your old clothes and to use them as rags instead. Or, you may remember that oftentimes clothes, as an essential item, were passed down from generation to generation. Still, the idea of owning pre-loved clothes as something we consciously purchase is a new one in India; however, it is a fast emerging idea, and is taking shape in the form of popular online stores such as RetroDays, which offer vintage and second-hand clothing at low prices.

    Many local Indian fashion brands have adopted the mantra of ethical sustainability too. The focus is on sourcing the cloth locally and using organic materials such as cotton, linen or khadi, having local artisans work on the garment and then producing the items in small batches so that they can be marketed as bespoke. Brands such as Lila, Eka and Pero are a few high-end brands that are dominating the sustainable high fashion movement in urban India. Since their garments are produced locally and are handmade, they provide sustenance to many local artisans and at the same time are reviving indigenous textiles that had fallen into disrepair in recent times. These brands and, most significantly, Nicobar – which is marketed towards the younger audience that frequented Good Earth – are also increasingly hiring young students from fashion schools in order to keep their lines in sync with current trends, while making clothes sustainable at the same time. This is a great practice in informing the younger generation of the upheavals, and at the same time, the benefits of making fashion sustainable while creating job opportunities for all. A few noteworthy upcoming sustainable fashion brands such as Upasana, Ka-Sha and No Nasties even strive for humane working conditions for their entire staff.

    As a patron of art, I tend to look at fashion the same way I look at art. When I see brands using vegan sources, recyclable materials and natural dyes, I find it in line with what I believe art should do – inform you and at the same time make you think deeply. So I do believe that sustainable fashion is here to stay, and not just as trend. While rapidly evolving as an idea, it has taken the shape of a global art movement, and has shown the path of how to stay environmentally conscious without compromising on one’s fashion sensibilities.

  • Q&A with Tanujj Garg

    Q&A with Tanujj Garg

    Tanujj Garg and his career path in the entertainment business epitomize a fresh new wave in the Indian film industry. The Indian audiences are decidedly treating content as King, and a new generation of producers has its finger on the pulse.

    After completing his education, Tanuj worked with Disney UTV and Viacom 18 before joining Balaji Motion Pictures in 2010 as their CEO. In 2016, he partnered with Atul Kasbekar to launch his own production company, Ellipsis Entertainment. With over 17 years of experience in the entertainment industry, we thought Tanuj would be a perfect resource for an inside view on the actual ‘business’ of entertainment, and he was kind enough to oblige us by answering a few questions.

    Q1. Growing up in Mumbai, the film industry is all pervasive. Did you ever imagine in your student years that your business would be ‘show business’?

    A1. Well, honestly, I had never imagined that I’d eventually be in the Indian media and entertainment business. Having said that, I was always inclined towards this sector; I felt myself organically drawn towards it even though my parents wanted me to pursue a chartered accountancy degree, which I tried to pursue but was miserable at. Then I decided to pursue my passion and one thing led to another. My passion started turning into my profession, which, I think, is the best position for any individual to be in.

    Q2. What kind of education do you think would be advantageous for someone looking to make a career in the movie production business?

    A2. I didn’t really go through any formal education in the movie production process. There’s absolutely nothing better than learning on the job, which is what I did. I learnt things the hard way by actually getting my hands dirty, being on the ground and learning the ropes of the business whilst actually working in the thick of things. There’s no better education than that. Having said that, I pursued my MBA in the UK, with a double specialization in marketing and strategy, which has been a huge advantage. The MBA gives you a generalist business perspective; it provides a holistic view of how to conduct and run a business, which, sub-consciously, has come handy in the organizations I’ve helmed, and now of course, in my own entrepreneurial outfit (Ellipsis Entertainment).

    Q3. Which personality traits would you say are essential for success in this line of work?

    A3. I’d like to believe that this should be true of most other businesses as well but I can speak for the business I am in. What is crucial to our line of work is, first things first, you need to be progressive and sociable, you need to have great people skills, interpersonal skills and communication skills. Like I said earlier, these are crucial to any business today. I can’t think of any business that does not require these skills. I think these are on the softer side. On the more functional side it’s important to have great organizational and coordination skills.

    Q4. What are your thoughts on ‘expectations versus reality’ in terms of the glamour aspect of the movie business?

    A4. Fortunately or unfortunately, as an outsider, one has a very different perception of the industry. One obviously sees just the glamorous side. For people like us who are on the inside, and who are involved in the day-to-day business behind the scenes, it’s like any other business. I can speak for myself. We like to have our heads firmly planted on our shoulders, put our heads down and work hard. But I can see and understand why the industry is so enchanting and mesmerising for the audience, because it’s sexy, larger than life and aspirational! 

    Q5. In your opinion, what is the most prominent factor that differentiates the business of movies from other businesses?

    A5. I don’t think the business of movies is different from any other business. I think the laws and the principles that apply to any other business are as applicable to the movie business. Whether it is horizon planning, financial planning, human resource management, marketing or forecasting; it’s all the same. Of course, ours is a creative business; but I’m sure other businesses are creative in their own way. Deep beneath the veneer of creativity, is the business side. However, it also depends on which side of the camera you are on. If you are behind the scenes (like I am), it is like any other business.

    Q6. How have digital streaming platforms impacted the entertainment industry?

    A6. The recent arrival of the digital OTT wave in our industry has had mixed views, but to my mind it has been a huge blessing for various reasons. For one, it has radically altered the consumption habits of our audience. It has exposed them to a variety of multi-genre content, thereby altering their tastes, attitudes and preferences to a large extent. In any case, I have felt in the last couple of years the Indian audience has hugely evolved, evidenced by the kind of films that have been working at the box office. A lot of rules have changed, a lot of myths have been busted. It is no longer about a ‘star cast’; it is about the story and the narrative. For young, progressive filmmakers/producers like us, this is great news. Ellipsis aims to work towards content that is commercial, yet unconventional. Secondly, from a business perspective, OTT is great because suddenly our options increase; we are no longer dependent on the theatrical route. We have access to the straight-to-digital route too. With this in mind, I think the OTT wave has been hugely welcome. I will, however, qualify this by saying that theatrical is never going to go out of vogue. The theatrical business is going to remain alive and flourishing. It is not an experience you can ever substitute, because the theatrical experience in India is about community watching and about family outings.

    Q7. What do you see as the most exciting aspect of the future of entertainment?

    A7. With regard to films and series, we have already seen a massive explosion in the last couple of years. Especially with the OTT platforms coming in, there is a flood of content making the consumers spoilt for choice. Every other person is literally hooked on to some series or the other, and these are hugely exciting times for content creators and content consumers alike. As content creators we are now creating content not just for the theatrical audiences but also for the digital platforms and audiences. The quantum of content available for the average Indian consumer is massive. Hopefully this is only going to grow over the coming years with more OTT platforms and more technologies coming in. I think the demand for content is going to grow unabated.

    Q8. What has been the most rewarding project for you in your career so far?

    A8. Well, that’s like asking a parent which is his/her favorite child! That’s an unfair question! In some shape or capacity I have been associated with more than 37 films so far. Each of them has created a unique memory. It’s like 37 chapters in my life. It’s a long journey that you live with every film. Of course, in some films I was acting in the capacity of a distributor, in some films a co-producer, and in several others a producer; but the fact remains that there is a huge emotional attachment with every baby that I have had the privilege to release. While it would be unfair of me to single out one or two, I will say “Tumhari Sulu”, “Rang De Basanti”, “Neerja”, “Ek Villain”, “Lootera” and “The Dirty Picture” have been my favs.

  • Wellbeing and Indian Classical Performing Arts

    Wellbeing and Indian Classical Performing Arts

    A healthy lifestyle is nothing but a management system, just like the one at your office or your home. You must have a similar system for your life as well. To boost immunity and improve your overall wellbeing, I highly recommend Indian classical performing arts. It is a lifestyle essential to remain healthy and well.

    Eventually the ultimate goal of human existence, according to Indian philosophy, is Moksha – the liberation of the soul from the life-cycle, or spiritual enlightenment. Worship of sound – Nadopasana, is taught as an essential means to reach Moksha. The deeper you go, the higher the ‘ananda’, or joy, you experience. This sacred approach to sound is a notable feature of Indian culture.

    Indian classical dance and music is one of the oldest unbroken musical traditions in the world. Music is inextricably interwoven not only with the ritualistic and devotional side of religious lives, but it is also influential in day-to-day life experiences. From birth until death, music accompanies a person. Indian classical dance and music do not just engage your five senses and take you through meditative experiences; they are extremely helpful in balancing your mind, body and energies.

    I have personally experienced immense possibilities in my life which inspired me to promote the Indian classical dance form Kathak – to redefine it, beyond just a hobby or a lifestyle, and introduce it to the masses as a wellbeing mantra through ‘Natya Yoga’ training programs. Over the last 21 years my experience of training men and women of different professions and from different parts of the world has reinforced my belief that classical dance and music calms the mind and reinvigorates individuals. It also alleviates health problems; people suffering from lifestyle-related diseases find my program immensely helpful. 

    Following a pattern, a system, brings out the best in us. Nature itself follows a series of patterns, in the form of the Fibonacci series. Our system is designed to learn and grow in a pattern, and when you arrange a set of patterned series, it works naturally to bring out the best in you! While learning a classical format, you are tapping on a certain Taal, on systematic beats; your body is moving in sync with your feet, and so is your mind. These recurring patterns create a union of mind, body and energies. This union has a powerful impact on your life, often far beyond what we can imagine!

    Be it stress reduction, insomnia prevention, emotion control, high blood pressure, or diabetes; I have experienced magical results in my students when they become accustomed to this art form and make it a part of their everyday life. Students have experienced improved attention in sports and studies, and it has helped the middle-aged in conditioning their muscles, bones and ligaments. It can help people with a history of depression by merely releasing good hormones and sending happy signals to the brain. By indulging in this one art, you can achieve all these benefits, all in one go.

    While learning and practicing an art form one is able to express their emotions and share their deepest thoughts without being judged. This relieves stress from the mind, which is the root cause of most diseases. Through Kathak, one also learns and masters the art of imagination and expression, which attracts positive and constructive thoughts and gives positive signals to your subconscious mind. The subconscious mind has the power to change your life!

    Emotional scars are more severe than physical wounds. We should not ignore them just because they cannot be seen. We tend to neglect these and move on. We believe in the common phrase, ‘seeing is believing’, and so ignore emotional scars, which causes those scars to be buried deep inside us. This leads to emotional illness, and many other psychological disorders. So, act in the present, attend to those wounds in the present, before you take them along with you to the future, where they may evolve into something that is beyond your control. To see your life change in a positive direction you need to let things change on the inside, because this is what will reflect outside; and art indeed is the best way to induce such changes. When you commit to the positive things in life – such as a useful hobby, a healthy habit and lifestyle – try it out, give it time and settle into it at your own pace. Fall in love with music and motion, and it will love you back, unconditionally – filling you with health and happiness!

  • Finding the Zone

    Finding the Zone

    The word ‘pressure’ applies to each and every one of us, not just in sport where we deal with it on a daily basis. Needless to say, the word itself has negative connotations and we all see players wilting under pressure.So what is pressure? Pressure, very simply put, is the fear of failure; and the reason we feel pressure is worrying about not being able to achieve the desired outcome.

    This brings me to the most important aspect of Sport, and life in general – Being in the present.

    If you let your mind race ahead to the outcome instead of focusing on the process, that is when you feel pressure and let your mind wander. Here I turn to the age-old saying ‘Karm karo, phal ki iksha mat karo’, to explain my point. Simply put, focus on doing your job to the best of your ability without worrying about the results or outcome. Easier said than done, but that is the essence of what separates the Good from the Great and the ability to absorb pressure and use it as a tool to enhance your performance, rather than impede it.

    I can think of numerous occasions in my career where I have let my mind race to results and outcomes and suffered as a result of it, but if I think back to all the exceptional performances that I have had in my career, I always found myself in what we term in Golf as ‘The Zone’; a state where you are completely absorbed in the shot and the execution and in your mind you only see positives; no matter what you do, you don’t think about your score or the results, you are totally in the moment. Getting in that Zone is simply about allowing yourself to perform to your full potential and getting out of your own way, without weighing yourself down with expectations.

    If I were to simplify the whole concept of handling pressure, I would say it is detachment from outcome or results, whether in life, your job or the sport you play – focus on giving your best and not on what you expect or what others expect of you.

    The top athletes in the world all thrive under pressure, as we see it on television, but in fact they treat each match, each point or each shot, as the case may be, in the same manner and with the same intensity; not allowing their minds to race into the future and the possible outcome.

    The one lesson we can all take away from this is to live in the present, enjoy every moment and not dwell on things we cannot control, especially results!

  • The Journey of an Artist

    The Journey of an Artist

    One memory from my childhood that stands out clearly above all else, is of me sitting at the dining table, sketching. My mother would save all sorts of paper, pencils and pens for me to use when I returned from school. Such freedom gave me a foundation of curiosity to explore art of all kinds.

    Through school, college and beyond, I seemed anchored in creating my own world in different hues. It never occurred to me to study art formally, and I pursued my education in psychology instead, which was another subject that I enjoyed intensely. I went on to get a degree in Education followed by a Diploma in Counselling.

    It was while working at SAARTHAK – an NGO active in the field of mental health – that I realized, first hand, the calming and soothing effect art had on most people. I started working out art-related activities for small groups of children and adults. These were not art-therapy based as much as they were therapeutic in nature. 

    The art room soon became a safe and encouraging environment for members to be in. It was insightful to see how people across age groups responded to color, line, space and materials.

    It was around this time that my focus shifted to my own creative journey and I decided to give it my full attention by exploring mediums and subjects that excited me. I spent more time learning, reading, painting and sketching than I had ever done before. It was challenging yet highly rewarding. This culminated in my first solo show in 2005 at the India Habitat Center.

    With time, my interest in art and psychology were integrated and for the past eleven years I have had the opportunity to work at AADI (Action for Ability Development and Inclusion) as an Art Facilitator for people with disabilities. Everyone is encouraged to discover their own comfort level and understand that there is no right or wrong way in art. To accept and appreciate differences and celebrate them is the norm. Innovative and exciting use of everyday items such as earbuds, shaving brushes, plastic forks, candle wax, cotton wool, toothbrushes, and so forth, created unconventional textures and gave rise to new ideas that could be explored further. We have explored flash-cards, coffee-table books, social stories and social media to keep us inspired.

    The longitudinal nature of my work at AADI has given me some interesting opportunities to see members take their art from tentative mark-making to creating full-fledged and confident artworks. We have had five exhibitions at the AADI Art Gallery over this period. These have been enthusiastically visualized and executed by the art club members and attended by an ever-growing and diverse group of viewers. These opportunities have taken learning into a different realm of development of life, experiential and organizational skills.

    In February, 2018, we were invited by the Department of Education, Delhi University, to make a presentation at the International Symposium on ‘Redefining Disability through Art’ and again in March, 2019, to speak on ‘Disabilities and Arts, Prospects and Possibilities’.  When the lockdown happened, we went online with our art sessions at AADI and continue to explore new topics that keep the club members active and involved in art and current affairs.

    Meanwhile, my own art exploration takes me down varied paths. I have had the amazing opportunity to illustrate for Mr. Ruskin Bond’s book, ‘While the Birds Still Sing’, and am presently working on a set of illustrations for a children’s book. All this happens alongside regular hours of painting at my studio and teaching a diverse group of talented individuals through workshops and classes. Most of what I do now is something I couldn’t have imagined doing when I took the first tentative steps to follow my passion instead of my education.  Enthusiasm and perseverance have helped me along the surprise-filled journey most artists follow. But I realize that my training had started years earlier, and unbeknown to me, the seeds of what I now reap were sown at the dining table of my childhood home.

  • Covid-19 and Teens – What’s a Good Way to Handle Your Teenager during the Lockdown?

    Covid-19 and Teens – What’s a Good Way to Handle Your Teenager during the Lockdown?

    Just a few weeks ago, which seem distant now, students across the world were at school – playing sports, celebrating special days, hanging out with friends, looking forward to a lot in life. Suddenly it all changed, almost overnight. Schools shut, they became home bound. For a while, not going to school became exciting. However, soon reality dawned and anxiety and frustration became the order of the day. While all were hit hard, teenagers will be the focus here. What was taken for granted now became so much more valued. The new ‘normal’ is a given situation and is not going to go away any time soon. It is here to say. We have to adjust to this new normal.

    Remember:

    YOU ARE NOT ALONE: Teens like you across the world are affected by this pandemic.

    YOU ARE THE CHANGEMAKERS: You are the ones with a trove of ideas.

    YOU ARE INNOVATORS: You can do it.

    YOUR FAMILY LOVES YOU: You love them too.

    Just a few tips for all of the teenagers out there – you may be able to connect with these and implement them in your lives to help pass through these difficult times.

    • Talk and address your anxiety: With your family around you now more than ever, find someone to talk to. It is alright to get angry and emotional. Releasing your stress will help you calm down, and move closer to accepting the situation at hand.
    • Explore your potential: Don’t forget to use your imagination. You could dance, draw, create a blog, publish a video on YouTube; the options are endless. For once, we have all the time in the world. Try to pass this difficult phase by planning and searching for new solutions. Think of it as a stop in time for you to gather ideas and prepare to put them into action when things are on track once again.
    • Stay connected: The virtual space is enormous. Connect with friends virtually; chat, play games, watch movies and have fun. This may be the only time when no one can say that they are busy. Share your worries. Everybody is in the same boat. Sharing halves worries.
    • Skill up: There are a range of opportunities on the internet for you to explore, that can also help shore up your skill set. You never know, it may open another avenue of opportunities for you altogether.
    • Establish routines: It is very easy fall into a state of complacency. Set a routine for waking up, fix your meal times, fix the amount of screen time per day, and so forth.
    • Take up family projects: Take charge of projects where you can involve the entire family, including grandparents; such as organizing family photos or creating a family tree. This is a great topic for calls to grandparents, who can also possibly describe challenging times they have faced in the past, and how the family coped with stress.
    • Practice meditation: Allow yourself some ‘me time’, delve into your inner self and emerge stronger.
    • Feel grateful: Express gratitude. Look outside and be aware of all those who are not as privileged as you. Incorporate acts of kindness in your day by making someone else’s day better with a phone call, text, or social media post. Volunteer to help tutor children of neighbours or friends online.
    • Declutter and donate: It’s time to share. Look around yourself and note what you have that may be of more use to others, and can be shared.

    To sum it all up – If you can’t change a situation, you must accept it as a challenge to use it as an opportunity.