There is a pervasive skepticism within international relations regarding ceremonial diplomacy. For those focused on the “hard” metrics—trade volumes, memorandums of understanding, and market access—a royal tour often feels like an expensive exercise in mere pageantry. I certainly felt this way in 2010. While working for the UK government’s commercial arm (UKTI) in India, I watched the...
When we picture a business developer, what comes to mind?Probably someone who thrives at cocktail receptions, shaking hands with half the room before dessert, effortlessly making conversation and walking away with a stack of business cards. For years, I thought that was the only way to succeed in business development. The spotlight, the constant networking, the big-room charisma — surely those...
Introduction Some time back, I was advising a midsized Indian tech firm planning to expand into the Netherlands. Their product was solid, their strategy well thought-out, and their initial reception promising. But just six months in, the local team felt isolated, decision-making slowed, and what began with excitement gradually spiralled into confusion. It wasn’t a market failure. It was an...
Reflection on Completing Vicki Hart’s Change Management Course (Udemy) I’ve experienced change from two sides—first, within the organisations I’ve worked for, like the British High Commission, the Netherlands Embassy, and most recently, Markets & Partners. These were settings where change came in many forms: structural shifts, leadership transitions, or digital adoption initiatives. And...
I remember a conversation we had at M&P. We were considering a candidate—not from the typical consultancy mould, but someone with deep roots in tech and manufacturing. While discussing our team’s expectations, we uncovered several benefits of hiring individuals from different industries: Seeing Things Differently When you hire someone from a different industry, you gain fresh...
