Introduction What if the economic models we were taught are outdated and harmful for the future we want to build? Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics urges us to let go of last century’s obsession with endless growth and adopt a framework that puts both people and the planet at the heart of economic thinking. This book is talking about changing the very shape and purpose of economics. Through the...
Introduction In March 2018, I was in Mumbai for a team meeting with Stans Kleijnen, who was then the Executive Director of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) in India. During a casual conversation after our session, Stans pulled out a copy of How India Works by Aarti Kelshikar. “This,” she said, “perfectly captures what we face every day working in India’s complex yet fascinating...
Introduction Kautilya’s Arthashastra is a thought-provoking exploration of ancient statecraft, economic management, military strategy, and political philosophy. Written over 2,000 years ago by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), the adviser to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, this classic dives deep into the mechanics of power, prosperity, and governance. Its insights into leadership, espionage...
Thanks to Jeroen Nijland, former NFIA Director, who gifted me The Trusted Advisor back in 2017. That book—and many conversations since—taught me something simple yet profound: the smartest people in the room are often the best listeners. Especially in cross-border business development, listening isn’t just polite—it’s strategic. In this post, I want to walk you through three proven frameworks...
Introduction The Trusted Advisor by David H. Maister, Charles H. Green, and Robert M. Galford is a powerful exploration of how professionals can build lasting trust with clients. The book dives deep into the psychology of advisory relationships, revealing why being right isn’t enough—and how being human builds loyalty. In this post, I’ll unpack the book’s core ideas, takeaways, and case studies...
Introduction Corporate Chanakya by Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai is an enlightening exploration of leadership, strategy, and management through the timeless wisdom of Chanakya (also known as Kautilya). This book reimagines the 4th-century BCE political and economic treatise Arthashastra for today’s corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and managers. Whether you’re running a startup, leading a...
During my tenure at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), we had a clear mandate—to double UK-India bilateral trade from £12 billion to £24 billion in five years. Back then (2012), this felt like a stretch target. Today, we’re aiming for $130 billion by 2030. It’s a reflection of how close, complex, and commercially relevant the UK-India relationship has become. And now, as of May 6, 2025, the UK and...
Fed’s meeting minutes. It’s always stimulating to read the Fed’s meeting minutes.There’s a certain understated drama in them. The kind where a few lines quietly hint at how the world’s biggest central bank might steer the economy. For someone like me, who often lives between economic headlines and strategic footnotes, these documents are pure gold. And let’s be honest—Fed rate cuts, or even...
I’ve been around sales for a while—though, truth be told, I’ve rarely called it that. At the Department for the UK, I spent a lot of time convincing UK companies to enter the Indian market by using UKTI services. At the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), it was about telling the Dutch story—strategic location, talent, and tax—without sounding like a brochure. And in my consulting work...
Why Storytelling Matters in Business Effective storytelling for business is essential. Research indicates that stories are 22 times more memorable than facts alone. Whether pitching to investors, marketing products, or leading a team, mastering business storytelling techniques can dramatically improve results. Pixar’s Story Framework: Emotional Connection That Converts...
