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1-By Laksh

The Art of Pitching: Lessons from My Father, Jack Dorsey, and Directing Business

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In the world of business, the ability to effectively pitch an idea is a crucial skill. It’s the bridge that connects inspiration to action, turning fleeting thoughts into tangible strategies and solutions. This article explores the art of pitching, drawing lessons from three diverse sources: my father, tech entrepreneur Jack Dorsey, and my book, “Directing Business”.

The Wisdom of My Father

Growing up, my father often shared his ideas for stories, treatments, and dialogues with us at home. He sought our feedback, refining his ideas based on our responses. This process of externalizing ideas and inviting feedback is a powerful tool for refining and improving concepts. It’s a practice that can be applied to various business disciplines, from sales and marketing to finance and operations.

Jack Dorsey’s Approach to Idea Generation and Execution

Jack Dorsey, the tech entrepreneur and former CEO of Twitter, emphasizes the critical transition from inspiration to action. He champions the creation of momentum by giving life to ideas beyond our minds. This process, he argues, not only brings clarity but also unlocks the potential for valuable feedback. He stresses the power of externalization – translating those fleeting thoughts into tangible forms through writing, sketching, or code. Sharing these externalized ideas exposes them to the scrutiny and insights of others, paving the way for refinement or, potentially, a graceful retirement to the “idea shelf” for a more opportune moment.

Lessons from “Directing Business”

In my book, “Directing Business”, I discuss the importance of a well-crafted business pitch. In the chapter titled “It All Begins with a Pitch”, I highlight how a pitch is not just about selling an idea but about rallying others around a shared vision. It starts with a personal conviction, refined by the realities of the world. Even when faced with obstacles, a good pitch can galvanize action and inspire a team towards a common goal.

Drawing from the movies ’12 Angry Men’ and ‘The Untouchables’, I illustrate how a pitch is more than just a statement of intent; it’s a call to action that requires conviction, clarity, and the ability to inspire and persuade. In ‘The Untouchables’, Eliot Ness’s simple yet powerful pitch, “I have sworn to capture this man with all legal powers at my disposal and I will do so”, is a testament to the power of conviction and clarity in a pitch. It not only convinces Malone to join his cause but also sets the tone for their relentless pursuit of Al Capone.

Conclusion

The act of externalizing ideas and sharing them for feedback is an essential step towards refining them and taking action. This principle is as applicable in business disciplines like sales, marketing, finance, and operations as it is in the art of crafting a compelling pitch. The power of a well-crafted pitch lies not just in its ability to sell an idea, but also in its capacity to rally others around a shared vision and galvanize them into action. This process requires conviction, clarity, and the art of persuasion. It is the key to transforming fleeting thoughts into tangible strategies and solutions that drive success.

Related links:

  1. Jon Erlichman on X: “Jack Dorsey on turning an idea into a reality. https://t.co/Sj7IBPtLqW” / X
  2. Movies and Management – Directing Business
1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

Breaking Stereotypes: How ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Redefines Character Shades and Redemption

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I am generally averse to watching lady-oriented movies as they usually have stereotypes for characters–both in old and modern depictions. What is a stereotype, by the way? A stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. It’s a preconceived notion that doesn’t take into account the complexities and individuality of a person’s character or the nuances of a situation. Stereotypes can be based on race, gender, age, profession, or any other characteristic, and they often lead to prejudiced attitudes and discrimination.

They even extend to good/bad/grey shades of characterization. For instance, in the realm of emotions and values, we often classify them into two distinct domains. Domain A includes positive values or emotions like compassion, gratitude, humanity, patience, selflessness, sincerity, honesty, and integrity. These emotions are generally associated with fulfillment and positive vibrations, hence they are often portrayed as ‘good’ in characterizations.

On the other hand, Domain B includes what we may call dis-values or negative emotions like greed, anger, arrogance, envy, jealousy, vanity, lust, and vindictiveness. These emotions are often associated with a sense of deficiency and negative vibrations, hence they are commonly depicted as ‘bad’ or ‘evil’ in characterizations. These stereotypes, although oversimplified, often shape the way characters are portrayed in movies, reinforcing the stereotypes further.

This is where ‘Laapataa Ladies’ stands out, making it a terrific watch. I will refrain from delving into the specifics of the plot. Instead, I will focus on two aspects: 1) The adept handling of the good, bad, and grey shades of characters without unnecessary exaggeration, and 2) The commendable portrayal of characters staying true to their initial characterization, yet managing to redeem themselves due to the well-crafted story arc.

Handling of Character Shades

Phool (played by Nitanshi Goel):
Phool is a character who represents the simplicity and naivety often found in rural women. Her character arc shows a realistic and grounded portrayal of a woman discovering her own strength. Initially depicted as shy and reserved, Phool gains confidence as she navigates her separation from her husband and starts working at a railway station. This growth is portrayed without exaggeration, highlighting her evolving self-reliance and resilience

Consistency and Redemption

SI Shyam Manohar (played by Ravi Kishan):
Ravi Kishan plays SI Shyam Manohar, a local police officer who initially appears corrupt, greedy, and brutal, embodying many of the negative stereotypes associated with law enforcement in rural areas. However, good shades of his character are shown early on where he is depicted as a process-oriented inspector who diligently does his job before taking advantage of the system. This meticulous nature comes to his rescue in the end. Initially, his character detains Jaya on false accusations, showcasing a lack of empathy and ethics. However, as the story unfolds and Jaya’s true identity and circumstances come to light, SI Shyam Manohar undergoes a significant transformation.

Despite his initial negative portrayal, the inspector’s character arc takes a turn towards redemption. He becomes a protector and ally for Jaya, cleverly turning the tables on her abusive husband, Pradeep. This shift is pivotal, as it not only highlights the inspector’s capacity for change but also emphasizes the film’s message that people are not always what they seem. This evolution from a corrupt official to a hero figure who aids in ensuring Jaya’s safety and freedom is a testament to the film’s ability to maintain character consistency while allowing for meaningful redemption. Ravi Kishan’s portrayal of SI Shyam Manohar is praised for its humor, love, and unforeseen feminism, making his performance stand out and earning applause from the audience.

Jaya (played by Pratibha Ranta):
Jaya’s journey in the film is a prime example of a character staying true to her initial characterization while finding redemption. She starts as a newlywed bride trapped in an abusive marriage. Due to a mix-up, she gets a chance to escape and pursue her education. Her consistent bravery and desire for independence are central to her character. Jaya’s redemption arc is well-crafted, as she not only escapes her predicament but also helps others around her, staying true to her inner strength and moral compass throughout the story.

Conclusion

Laapataa Ladies is a refreshing and nuanced film that breaks away from stereotypical portrayals of women, presenting a balanced and engaging narrative. The commendable performances by the cast, particularly Nitanshi Goel, Ravi Kishan, and Pratibha Ranta, along with Kiran Rao’s adept direction, make this film a standout. It skillfully handles complex character arcs and themes, making it a must-watch. Streaming now on Netflix, Laapataa Ladies is a testament to the power of well-crafted storytelling and character development.

Tailpiece: The character played by Ravi Kishan could have been portrayed by a restrained Kota Srinivasa Rao in the past, using Rayalaseema slang. In the current generation of actors, Murali Sharma or Rao Ramesh would have done an equally great job if a Telugu version were to be made today.

1-By Laksh

Exploring the Future of Jobs and AI Management

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The integration of AI into various job roles is transforming the way we work, introducing new responsibilities and opportunities for enhancing productivity and efficiency. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of managing AI models and its impact across different professions, drawing insights from a recent discussion with AI experts.

Managing AI Models Across Various Job Roles

As AI continues to evolve, there’s a significant shift from performing tasks manually to overseeing AI models. This transition is not just limited to tech jobs but extends across various fields. Professionals are now required to manage AI systems, ensuring that these tools operate effectively and efficiently.

Skills Needed

To thrive in this new landscape, several key skills are essential:

  1. Identifying Suitable AI Tools
    • Recognizing the best AI tools for specific job-related tasks is crucial. Different tasks require different AI capabilities, and understanding which tools are most effective can dramatically enhance productivity.
  2. Providing Clear Instructions
    • Effectively communicating instructions to AI models is vital. Clear and precise instructions help AI systems understand and execute tasks accurately, reducing errors and improving outcomes.
  3. Ensuring Accuracy and Making Adjustments
    • Overseeing AI performance involves regularly checking the accuracy of the AI’s work and making necessary adjustments. This continuous monitoring ensures that the AI tools remain aligned with the desired goals and standards.

Impact on Various Job Roles

The rise of AI has far-reaching implications for various job roles:

  1. Focus on Strategic Tasks
    • With AI handling routine and repetitive tasks, professionals can focus more on higher-level strategic thinking and decision-making. This shift allows for greater innovation and adds value to the organization.
  2. Automation of Routine Work
    • AI’s ability to automate mundane tasks frees up time and resources, allowing employees to engage in more meaningful and impactful work.
  3. Blending Traditional and New Skills
    • Combining traditional job-specific skills with new AI management capabilities creates a more versatile and adaptable workforce. This blend of skills is essential for navigating the complexities of modern work environments.

Adapting to Change

Adapting to the integration of AI in the workplace involves several key aspects:

  1. Increased Productivity and Efficiency
    • AI tools significantly enhance productivity and efficiency, enabling employees to accomplish more in less time.
  2. Necessity for Continuous Learning
    • Ongoing education and adaptation are crucial. As AI technologies evolve, staying updated with the latest advancements is necessary for maintaining a competitive edge.
  3. Staying Current with AI Advancements
    • Keeping up with the latest AI technologies and tools ensures that professionals can leverage the most effective solutions available, driving innovation and success.

A Quote to Reflect On

As Morpheus said in The Matrix, “There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.” In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, mastering AI tools isn’t just about understanding them but about effectively integrating them into our daily workflows to drive efficiency and innovation.

Conclusion

The future of work is being reshaped by AI, and the ability to manage AI models is becoming an increasingly valuable skill. By understanding the necessary skills, the impact on various job roles, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, professionals can navigate this transformation successfully. Embracing AI not only enhances productivity but also opens up new opportunities for strategic thinking and innovation.

For a deeper dive into this topic, watch the full video here: [Link]