Dear Self,
Howdy from your favorite alien!
You and your team are rocking it big time off late, creating meaningful opportunities wherever you go. The week gone by had everything that makes a great story. The bustle, jostle and hustle helped you squeeze out some hard fought client wins and a few heartbreaks too. Life and work-life included never promised a smooth run, did they?
Losing a big important deal for which you and your team worked really hard over the last few months. Another one where you made a crucial breakthrough just last month, the client decided to take a U-turn in your yet-to-blossom relationship with them. A third one who almost signed you up now wants to call more competitors to pitch. It obviously doesn’t feel great. Having your back against the wall isn’t new for you.
In all this gloom doom is hidden a sweet victory. You are now competing with the global biggies for projects, which you hardly ever did for the first 15 years building your firm. While it can be disappointing losing to them, but if you are being considered good enough to play in the major leagues and play all the way up to finals, you have come a long way. This must be celebrated. This didn’t come easy. So cheer up and brew some good quality coffee!
Knowing you well, I am sure you will soon find a way to win these tough deals. The most important thing is that you have fun playing and competing with the large vendors. You will soon build the right muscles and mindset needed to get a few over the line soon. Be patient and learn from mistakes. Don’t think about going back to simpler play grounds anymore. I tell you, you guys at BOD belong right at the top. Stay with that feeling and continue to innovate.
Shall we talk about the wins now? You had two major wins in the last couple of days. One of India’s largest philanthropic organizations hired you to work on refining the brand architecture and identity of their 10 year old non profit initiative in education. A fast growing Indian multinational has committed to work with you on their go-to-market strategy for the global launch of their new digital-first solution for channel management.
This week has been about renewals. The CEO of a publicly listed, leading manufacturer of industrial products who you worked with about 9 years ago, wants you back to help them with the growth of their new product lines. The founder MD of an agri input brand and business you helped shape and grow to become the fastest growing in the country in their category, wants you to advise them again. You renewed your wedding vows celebrating 16 year of marriage with your wife. This has clearly been your longest ever partnership and one that you should be proud of. Well done buddy.
Along with your leadership team, you met two very important people representing dominant organizations in their respective space. The country head of a global foundation backed by an ex-POTUS who was very kind to visit you at ThinkSpace and the Brand & Comms Head of a US$ 6B steel major who invited you to their head office. Both were extraordinary meetings, not because you were special but because they were humble enough to listen to what you had to say. Top leaders very rarely practice humility, and when you come across them, you can’t help but be in awe of their conduct. The brand head asked you how come she had never heard about your firm before. She admitted she was in a bubble. You corrected her that it wasn’t her but you who has been in a bubble for last 15+ years. It’s for the first time you have stepped out to tell the world what you do well. All thanks to your extraordinary leadership team and their willingness to inspire you and team to do this crucial work.
An exciting week is shaping up! Stay aware, stay focused and stay committed to doing what you are doing. But most important of all, stay joyful whatever come may.
Cheers,
Your friend for life.
Howdy from your favorite alien!
You and your team are rocking it big time off late, creating meaningful opportunities wherever you go. The week gone by had everything that makes a great story. The bustle, jostle and hustle helped you squeeze out some hard fought client wins and a few heartbreaks too. Life and work-life included never promised a smooth run, did they?
Losing a big important deal for which you and your team worked really hard over the last few months. Another one where you made a crucial breakthrough just last month, the client decided to take a U-turn in your yet-to-blossom relationship with them. A third one who almost signed you up now wants to call more competitors to pitch. It obviously doesn’t feel great. Having your back against the wall isn’t new for you.
In all this gloom doom is hidden a sweet victory. You are now competing with the global biggies for projects, which you hardly ever did for the first 15 years building your firm. While it can be disappointing losing to them, but if you are being considered good enough to play in the major leagues and play all the way up to finals, you have come a long way. This must be celebrated. This didn’t come easy. So cheer up and brew some good quality coffee!
Knowing you well, I am sure you will soon find a way to win these tough deals. The most important thing is that you have fun playing and competing with the large vendors. You will soon build the right muscles and mindset needed to get a few over the line soon. Be patient and learn from mistakes. Don’t think about going back to simpler play grounds anymore. I tell you, you guys at BOD belong right at the top. Stay with that feeling and continue to innovate.
Shall we talk about the wins now? You had two major wins in the last couple of days. One of India’s largest philanthropic organizations hired you to work on refining the brand architecture and identity of their 10 year old non profit initiative in education. A fast growing Indian multinational has committed to work with you on their go-to-market strategy for the global launch of their new digital-first solution for channel management.
This week has been about renewals. The CEO of a publicly listed, leading manufacturer of industrial products who you worked with about 9 years ago, wants you back to help them with the growth of their new product lines. The founder MD of an agri input brand and business you helped shape and grow to become the fastest growing in the country in their category, wants you to advise them again. You renewed your wedding vows celebrating 16 year of marriage with your wife. This has clearly been your longest ever partnership and one that you should be proud of. Well done buddy.
Along with your leadership team, you met two very important people representing dominant organizations in their respective space. The country head of a global foundation backed by an ex-POTUS who was very kind to visit you at ThinkSpace and the Brand & Comms Head of a US$ 6B steel major who invited you to their head office. Both were extraordinary meetings, not because you were special but because they were humble enough to listen to what you had to say. Top leaders very rarely practice humility, and when you come across them, you can’t help but be in awe of their conduct. The brand head asked you how come she had never heard about your firm before. She admitted she was in a bubble. You corrected her that it wasn’t her but you who has been in a bubble for last 15+ years. It’s for the first time you have stepped out to tell the world what you do well. All thanks to your extraordinary leadership team and their willingness to inspire you and team to do this crucial work.
An exciting week is shaping up! Stay aware, stay focused and stay committed to doing what you are doing. But most important of all, stay joyful whatever come may.
Cheers,
Your friend for life.