The Cost of Wasted Time: A Reflection on Networking, Focus, and Productivity

Dear Friends,

Recently, I came across a post on X by Naval Ravikant that said, “Networking is overrated. Go do something great, and your network will instantly emerge.” He also mentioned, “Don’t spend your time doing meetings unless you really, really have to.”

He further elaborated, “Go do something great, and your network will instantly emerge. If you build a great product or get a good customer base, I guarantee you will get funded.”

I completely agree with this perspective and have closely observed some successful leaders who follow this principle purposefully. Naval’s advice is particularly relevant for startup founders. Often, we believe that consciously investing time in building a network is essential. However, such networks are rarely sustainable.

When you focus on doing excellent work, pursuing your passion, and helping others within your abilities and limitations, the network that naturally forms is the one that lasts. Beyond this, networks can become artificial and difficult to manage, draining your energy, resources, and emotions.

If you don’t maintain the network, some people might laugh at you, disconnect from you, or fail to reciprocate when you expect it. Instead, focus on your karma and let the rest follow naturally.

This principle applies equally to college students. I often observe students spending hours in coffee shops or casual hangouts. When you overhear these conversations, they are usually unproductive. While relaxation is essential, it should be meaningful.

It is disheartening to see students spending an average of 3-4 hours daily on platforms like Instagram, X, Snapchat, and YouTube. Many spend 1-2 hours gaming, and some get so involved in multiplayer games that they spend 4-5 hours daily.

Instead of engaging in focused, deep study, students often spend 1-2 hours in pseudo-study, distracted by their phones or multitasking. Casual hangouts can extend to 2-3 hours or more, while procrastination—whether through scrolling, daydreaming, or delaying tasks—can easily add up to 2-3 hours daily. In total, students may waste 5-8 hours daily on non-productive activities, depending on their habits.

Why It Matters

This wasted time could be better utilized in skill-building, learning, or creative pursuits. Procrastination often results in last-minute work, which increases stress and reduces the quality of output. Over months and years, the cumulative effect of wasted time leads to missed opportunities and delayed goals.

Do you, your friends, or your children find themselves falling victim to this time-wasting syndrome?

Ravi Saripalle
Views are personal

The Connection Between a Mother’s Kiss and a Newborn: Emotion, Science, and Sanatana Dharma

 Dear Friends,

 

Recently, a social media influencer shared a heartwarming video that captivated many. In the video, a newborn baby was crying while being held by a nurse. However, as soon as the baby was placed in the mother’s arms and received her first kiss, something remarkable happened: the baby immediately calmed down and seemed to crave more affection. The baby’s anxious expression was replaced with one of security and warmth, demonstrating the powerful bond between mother and child. Viewers were deeply moved, and many commented on the incredible impact of a mother’s touch.

 

One of my connections, Ravi Teja Akondi from Vizag, has dedicated his work to maternal and infant well-being through his startup, iMumz. Ravi holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Management from IIT BHU (2012–2017) and comes from a family of Ayurvedic physicians spanning five generations. Deeply committed to integrating traditional wisdom with modern practices, Ravi joined his family’s business, Teja Ayurveda Nilayam, in Yelamanchili near Vizag after graduating. In 2020, he co-founded iMumz with the goal of revolutionizing maternal healthcare. Today, the iMumz app has over 1.5 million downloads and more than 100,000 paid subscribers. Through his work, Ravi has contributed to improving maternal health and is inspiring more initiatives in this space, emphasizing the philosophy that prevention is better than cure.

 

iMumz shared an intriguing article titled, “Will Your Child Be Impacted by Meditating During Pregnancy? What Science Is Saying.” According to a University of California study involving 335 women, those who practiced meditation had fewer instances of low birth weight and premature births compared to those who did not meditate. Another study found that women who meditated during pregnancy had babies with higher Apgar scores—a measure of a newborn’s health, including complexion, pulse, reflexes, activity, and breathing. Additionally, research published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing highlighted that women who started a meditation routine early in pregnancy experienced reduced stress and anxiety, which ultimately strengthened the mother-baby bond and positively impacted the baby’s development.

 

While modern science has confirmed the benefits of maternal mindfulness, Sanatana Dharma recognized the significance of this connection long ago. One well-known story from ancient texts illustrates this: Prahlad, the devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, was questioned by his classmates in the gurukul about how he became so deeply devoted despite being born into a demon family. Prahlad explained that his father, 

Hiranyakashipu, had gone to perform penance to seek boons from Lord Brahma. During this time, Indra kidnapped Prahlad’s mother, Leelavathi. Sage Narada rescued her and took her to his ashram, where she stayed while pregnant with Prahlad. Narada would narrate stories of Lord Vishnu’s divine acts (leelas) daily. Although Leelavathi often fell asleep while listening, the unborn Prahlad absorbed Narada’s teachings with full devotion. Realizing this, Narada continued sharing these stories, becoming Prahlad’s spiritual teacher. This early exposure to divine teachings shaped Prahlad into a lifelong devotee of Lord Vishnu.

 

Ultimately, while science and emotion establish a connection between a mother and her unborn child, Sanatana Dharma has long emphasized this phenomenon. Science may initially seem to question these ancient beliefs but often ends up supporting them in different ways. In the end, believers and non-believers find common ground in acknowledging the profound bond between mother and child.

 

Do you believe in this connection, too?

 

Ravi Saripalle

The You of Yesterday Won’t Be the You of Tomorrow—How Does Your Situation Reflect That?"

Dear Friends,

Samsung's remarkable journey began in 1938 as a grocery trading business in Daegu, South Korea, founded by Lee Byung-Chull. Starting with simple products like noodles, the company expanded to textiles and electronics in 1969, and later to heavy industries and semiconductors (yourstory.com). Now, I don’t need to tell you what Samsung is. In 2023, Samsung shipped 226.6 million smartphones worldwide, accounting for 19.4% of the total smartphone shipments (is.com).

Ingvar Kamprad founded IKEA in 1943 at the age of 17, selling household goods like pens, wallets, and picture frames (ikea.com). By 2023, the company generated nearly 48 billion euros in global revenue by designing, manufacturing, and selling furniture.

LG (Lucky Chemical Co., Ltd.), established in 1947 by In-hwoi Koo, was initially named "Lucky" (sounding like "Lak Hui," meaning "giving joy to all") after the success of "Lucky Cream," Korea's first makeup cream (lg.com). Today, LG is known for its home appliances, TV/Audio/Video products, air solutions, computing, and more!

Ray-Ban symbolizes pride and affluence. However, did you know that Leonardo Del Vecchio, an Italian billionaire and founder of Luxottica—the world’s largest eyewear company owning brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley—grew up in an orphanage and faced a childhood marked by poverty?

Napoleon Bonaparte rose from modest origins to become a dominant military and political figure in Europe as the Emperor of France. His defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 led to his exile on the island of St. Helena, where he died in 1821.

Mussolini, who rose from humble beginnings to lead Italy as its fascist dictator, was captured and executed during World War II while attempting to flee to Switzerland in April 1945 (realclearhistory.com).

People who believe in the philosophy of Karma may resonate with what Lord Krishna said in the Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2, Verse 22: "As a person sheds worn-out garments and wears new ones, likewise, at the time of death, the soul casts off its worn-out body and enters a new one." Yet, in our short time on Earth, we try to deceive, dominate, and cheat. Nothing is permanent.

A building may be demolished within three generations, an expensive jewel may disappear within two generations, and a car may be dismantled in one generation. Within four generations, even our kin may not remember our names. Yet, for family's sake, we work hard, strive, and accumulate wealth!

This is not to say one should be irresponsible or neglect family. Instead, today, "Responsible Manufacturing" has become a vital concept in response to the carbon emission crisis.

Similarly, a responsible life is essential but should be approached with responsible detachment. Don’t own, but don’t disown too!

Ravi Saripalle

How Couples Met in the US Over a Period! Does this Scenario Reflect India as Well? What Are the Learnings and Messages for You?

Dear Friends,

Stanford University and Statista published an interesting article on how couples have met over the years. These samples are from the US or Western society, but there are some lessons for Indian society as well. In the 1930s, meeting points were as follows: Family 22%, School 22%, Friends 18%, Neighbours 11%, Church 10%, College 3%, and so on. After 50 years (1980), Friends took the lead with 26%, while Family dropped to 14%, Bar/Restaurant 14%, Coworkers 14%, School 10%, and Church decreased to 5%. Exactly 30 years later (2010), Friends remained at 24%, Online interactions increased to 21%, Family decreased to 8%, College 6%, and Church 4%. As of 2024, Online connections have surged to 60%, Friends 13%, Coworkers 8%, Bar/Restaurant 4%, Family 4%, School 3%, Church 2%, Neighbours 1%, and College 0.7%.

This trend may be intriguing to some but concerning to many. Every social scientist should take note. In 2000, Online was at its lowest at 4%, while the Church was second-lowest at 5%. By 2024, Online has become the top method, while the Church remains in the lower bracket. These trends challenge traditional family systems, friendships, schools, colleges, churches, and restaurants! The rapid growth of online interactions is astonishing.

The National Library of Medicine published an article (PMID: 30135799) on online intimacy and well-being in the digital age. The research is still inconclusive. While online intimacy is acknowledged, its impact on well-being remains underexplored.

Though this data is based on Western contexts, similar trends might be emerging in India, especially with the rise of online matrimonial platforms. Surprisingly, the role of family, friends, temples, and shared philosophies is diminishing. Ideally, these factors help build strong and often lasting connections. While not infallible, they have stood the test of time in our cultural system.

While technology provides new opportunities for connection, maintaining strong community and family ties remains crucial. Social institutions, including families, religious groups, and educational institutions, may need to adapt to support healthy relationship formation in the digital age. This kind of education is needed now more than ever.

How can families help? It is a collective responsibility to nurture relationships. How can religious institutions help? Faith provides support, offering detachment and mental comfort when relationships become strained. The concept of Karma—the principle of cause and effect, where a person's actions (the cause) influence their future (the effect)—is a belief shared by all schools of Indian philosophy. Institutions should focus on teaching these principles even more than modern education.

It’s important to recognize that no relationship can be perfect—this is not practical. If a relationship is based on wealth, status, beauty, or health, it becomes more complicated as all four are temporary and will fade over time. However, when a relationship is built on shared philosophy, family connections, or strong principles and values, even when strained, it is less likely to impact the individuals negatively. Karma theory provides a foundation for resilience.

Virtual bonds may spark the flame, but deeper roots outshine the game!

Views are personal

Ravi Saripalle

Brilliance vs. Reliability: Which is More Important in the Contemporary World?

Dear Friends,

 

Recently, the famous Hindi actor Sunil Shetty shared a post reflecting on the value of reliability over raw talent or brilliance, drawing from his experiences in the film industry and the business world.

 

Shetty provided personal examples of long-standing relationships with team members who have been with him for over 30 years: Parshu, who manages his personal affairs; Kiran Dada, his makeup artist; Ashok, who handles his accounts and taxes; Kanta, who runs operations in his offices; and Muchhad, his former driver who now looks after his farmhouse.

 

In today’s world, brilliance is often rewarded, but the quiet power of consistently showing up and delivering is underrated. This is reflected in many areas. Forbes published an article on “What kind of characteristics, what kind of personal qualities, in the aggregate, are most valuable?” The answer is reliability over brilliance. Brilliant, difficult employees often consume a lot of management time. In a twist on the old "80-20 rule" (where 80% of your business is said to come from 20% of your customers), the author found that they spent 80% of their time on 20% of their employees—and they weren’t the calm, collaborative, easy-going, reliable ones.

 

However, today, this notion is slowly fading. Of course, brilliance is needed to some extent in every organization. However, it should be utilized according to need. Thanks to technology, brilliance can be acquired as a service. Organizations can buy that service, but they need a reliable team to sustain it. Hence, reliability becomes more important.

This issue extends beyond organizations—it has also crept into family systems. Parents appreciate their children’s brilliance while they pursue degrees, but it often loses value afterward. Today, in the context of marriage, if a boy or girl is reliable, this quality is often overlooked. Brilliance takes precedence in selecting a bride or groom, yet this model has proven to fail over time.

 

Rahul Dravid is known as “Mr. Dependable” in Indian cricket. In the 2004 India vs. Pakistan Test Match, Rahul Dravid played a 270-ball inning over almost 12 hours. Can you imagine playing for 12 hours straight? In the history of Test matches, no Indian batsman had ever played an inning that long. He is known as the "Wall" of cricket. For most of his career, Dravid was considered to be in Sachin’s shadow. However, he proved himself as a true gentleman and a complete test cricketer. This is the power of reliability.

 

Consider these scenarios:

 

• Would you buy a car that can reach 150 km per hour but whose engine fails frequently, or one that goes 50 km per hour but never fails?

 

• Would you invest in an asset that offers a 40% return but might plunge into negative territory, or one that offers a consistent 6% return over the long term?

 

• Would you take a job with the highest package, but with the risk of being laid off anytime, or one with a lower package but long-term stability?

 

• Would you board a train that is always on time, or a flight with unpredictable arrival times?

 

Today’s society is divided by these questions. One generation prioritizes risk over reward.

 

"Facts from paper are not the same as facts from people. The reliability of the people giving you the facts is as important as the facts themselves." – Harold Geneen.

 

What is your priority? Brilliance or reliability?

 

Ravi Saripalle

Decoding Stress! The struggle between Ambition and Anxiety! Embracing Ubuntu!

Dear Friends,

One of my acquaintances is preparing for a postgraduate medical seat, and it's clear that the journey is becoming more stressful. While getting an MBBS seat today is relatively easier than 20 years ago, pursuing a postgraduate degree and sustaining a career as a doctor is increasingly stressful. According to the National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical Students 2024, released by the NMC, an alarming 27.8% of undergraduate and 15.3% of postgraduate medical students have voluntarily reported being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Additionally, 84% of PG medical students experience moderate to very high-stress levels, and 64% say that the workload negatively impacts their mental health (The Hindu, August 16, 2024).

There are various reasons for this stress. Financial strain is a significant factor, and many students also fear failure. These findings highlight the immense academic pressure medical students face.

By the time most students complete their MBBS, they are around 22-23 years old, and many spend an additional 2-3 years preparing for a PG seat. The success rate is low, with only 5 out of every 100 MBBS doctors securing a PG seat. By the time they complete their postgraduate studies, they are often 27-28 years old, followed by years of searching for job opportunities, getting married, and settling down, which can take another 3-4 years. This entire process places immense pressure on them.

Unless a child is truly passionate about becoming a doctor, parents should avoid pressuring them into taking up BiPC. One parent mentioned that their son joined BiPC simply because he feared math. However, parents should realize that every career path has its challenges. There is no perfect path unless career planning is done using the Heads-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, or Heels-Smart framework (http://www.linkedin.com/.../ravisaripalle_career.../).

As we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10, it's important to note that WHO estimates 15% of working-age adults suffer from a mental disorder at any given time. Depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year, largely due to lost productivity.

If someone claims they have never experienced depression or anxiety, they are likely fooling themselves. We all go through difficult times—some during education, others during marriage, while raising children, managing jobs, dealing with finances, or facing health challenges. Prolonged exposure to these stresses can lead to mental health disorders.

Recently, a famous cricketer took an extreme step after battling severe depression and anxiety for two years. He was in his early fifties. Growth isn’t always possible at every moment in life, and though we all understand this, we often act differently. It’s crucial to leverage our skills and talents, but going against our natural abilities can lead to significant stress.

I recently came across this thought-provoking message on LinkedIn: “An anthropologist proposed a game to children in an African tribe. He placed a fruit basket near a tree and told them that whoever reached it first would win the sweet fruits. When he gave the signal to run, the children held hands and ran together. They sat down and shared the treats. When asked why they did this when one could have won all the fruits, they replied, 'Ubuntu. How can one of us be happy if all the others are sad?' In their culture, Ubuntu means: 'I am because we are.' This tribe has preserved the secret of happiness that many so-called 'civilized' societies have lost."

Let us practice Ubuntu.

Ravi Saripalle

Mindset = Mindset + Skillset! What is this Equation? How does it Impact the Future Job Market in the Era of AI?

Dear Friends

Imagine you're at a grocery store and want to count how much you've spent as you add items to your cart.

Start with zero: You haven’t picked anything up at the beginning yet, so your total is zero rupees. Now, each time you pick an item and put it in your cart, you look at its price and add it to your total. Repeat until you're done shopping

In computer programming terms, this is exactly what happens in a loop:
• Start with sum = 0; → Begin with a total of zero, like starting with an empty cart.
• While there are more items (or a condition is met), → You keep adding prices as long as there are more items or conditions to meet.
• Sum = sum + item price; → Just like you add the price of each item to your total spending, the program keeps adding a value to a running total.

Ultimately, you have the total amount you’ve spent, just like the sum of numbers in a computer program.

To date, this programming concept is aptly fit to the following equation. 

• Step 1: Mindset=0  Begin your mindset with total unlearn
• Step 2: While more skills are needed (or a condition is met), → You keep adding skills to your resume.
• Step 3: Mindset = Mindset + Skillset.

Ultimately, it gives the total skills you’ve learned, just like the sum of numbers in a computer program.

But this equation is trembling! 

Before typewriters were invented, we used to have document writers at property registration offices. They used to have 2 skills in hand. They were good at handwriting. They had a property domain knowledge. After typewriters, this skill is divided between two people—property domain specialist and typewriter. Typewriter skill is measured based on number of words per minute. Handwriting skill is replaced. Once computers came to market, typewriters became computer operators. Otherwise, jobs would remain at two- property expert and computer operator.

Recently, Arvind Sanjeev, an award-winning designer and artist, Creative Technologist Co-founder & CTO - http://Lumen.world, Trained as an electronics engineer from Kerala and, Master's degree in interaction Design from Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design, developed Ghostwriter! He took a vintage typewriter and converted it to an AI-powered typewriter. He powered a vintage typewriter with a GPT-3 language model from Open AI. He repaired the typewriter - 2 hardware units were installed –Raspberry Pi (minicomputer), which talks to the ChatGPT, and Arduino (microcontroller), which simulates the key presses. Now, ChatGPT or any other micromodel has taken over the job of a property expert. The computer operator job is done using Arduino. 

What happened to the original equation Mindset = Mindset + Skillset? It translated to Mindset = Mindset + AI. 

Let us draw a few more equations in the context of AI progression. 

The following are still in the early stages, but eventually, they might shape out in this direction. 
• Oncologist = Oncologist + C2i Genomics' Cancer Detection Platform

• Ophthalmologist= Ophthalmologist + AI detection of Glaucoma, Cataracts

• Police = Police + AI Algorithm to regenerate the images of lost children 

• Programmer= Programmer + OpenAI o1 model (Ranks 89th percentile on competitive programming questions (Codeforces); Places among the top 500 students in the US in a qualifier for the USA Math Olympiad; exceeds human PhD-level accuracy on a benchmark of physics, biology, and chemistry problems (GPQA))

• English Teacher= English Teacher + Skill2030.com (AI Powered English Avatar)

• Accountant= Accountant+ Silverfin Assistant (AI-Enhanced Accounting)

 • Data scientist = Data scientist+ Pyramid Analytics (Gen BI Model)

Slowly, skill is getting replaced with AI. Mindset is like Mahout’s skill (one who tames the elephant). AI is an elephant! 

The message: Develop a Growth mindset and drop our Fixed mindset. You cannot beat AI in skill, but you can tame AI for your own purposes! Learn that art

Ravi Saripalle