Author: Bal Bansal

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AI

… all that AI stuff?

There’s a few of us, that stand at a particular area of the bar, having a few drinks, catching up on what has been happening during the week and talking about anything and everything really.

Someone asked me, Bal… what is it that you really do? I know you’re in IT, but do you fix computers or do all that AI stuff?

That made me smile, ‘all that AI stuff’.

I asked him, what you make of AI?

He said, ‘well… I keep hearing it’s going to take over everything, it’s going to be doing things where people won’t be required to do and take over their jobs’.

Everyone nodded in agreement. They’d all heard the same narrative.

At this moment in time, I had two options. Let them know that a) yes, AI will do tasks of those who code, and other such tasks. In fact, there’s alot AI can do. It’s intelligence… or b) drop a few truths that it’s not as bad as they think.

‘So, I’m primarily responsible for developing strategies linked to priorities and goals, long term plans, PMO (Program Management Office), vendor and partner relations, governance, compliance and much more… but, if you do want your computer looking at, I’ll give it a go!’

We all chuckled. And then the topic veered onto how England were losing to Scotland in the Six Nations.

The whole area of IT is huge. From fixing someone’s computer to strategy. And I then thought that, IT isn’t just one function. It’s within functions. And that’s the part where everyone is a ‘tech person’. You can have HR Tech, Finance Tech (FinTech), etc… IT is not one standalone function it used to be. It’s advanced to product mindset and capability thinking.

And as everyone reads about what AI is doing and going to do, it’s time for everyone to learn, or at least grasp the basics, of AI. Even if it’s just using ChatGPT to help them with whichever industry they are in.

I need some low maintenance shrubs. ChatGPT helped me.

I need to sort my holiday out. Guess what. ChatGPT can help you.

Now, as I went onto my second drink (Guinness 0.0%), it’s there to help. Not to own, take over and do for you (though, that is happening in some areas with guard rails — AI Agents). All of this, got me thinking as Scotland were forgetting about their match against Italy and beating England… what is the AI narrative to the average Joe?

What I do know for now is that, we’ll continue to meet up at the pub every Saturday for a drink or two and talk about all sorts of topics. I can see the AI topic coming up again. I can see the rugby six nations topic coming up again. I can see the question, ‘what do you do in IT Bal’ topic coming up again. But that’s good! Because the more we talk, the more we understand and the more we can have a desire to learn.

Final score, Scotland 31–20.

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

Over the next few weeks, I’ll share some theories.

These theories are mainly about life, leadership and self-navigation.

This blog is usually about tech, leadership and growth, but these quotes are directly linked to the latter. Growth.

You can’t have tech without good leadership. Leadership doesn’t occur unless you’ve have growth. Everything is linked.

So today it’s the Storm Theory. Some of you may have heard about this one.

During a storm, everything goes a little crazy and chaotic. But after the storm, there’s calm and clarity. It’s usually about the re-build. They don’t stay for long. It’s a harsh reality to make some adjustments in your life that you need.

The Storm Theory

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

For those out there, know I love to read.

But once I read, I love to put the learnings into action.

I’m a firm believer that you can’t beat, learning but doing.

Most people just read and think they know it. But the best way to gain experience is to go and do it.

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Categories
Dream Big

1 Month Down…

Hasn’t January gone so quickly!

January 2026

So, now we have the rest of 2026. And the question is, what does it hold for us?

For me – I’ve started to write and publish a few posts on Medium.com (platform for news and information). I was contemplating writing about football on Substack, but as we’re half way through the season… makes it a little more interesting, right?

This blog will always be dedicated to technology, leadership, behaviors and such topics.

And the biggest thing is… we are only getting closer to 2027!

So what are your goals and habits that you are forming?

One of the things I’ve been talking for a while is coaching. Executive coaching. Many of you know, I’m a football coach. I’ve done all the training and received some great qualifications/badges. And I’m transferring some of that, mixed with my fondness of John Wooden and a little bit of Ted Lasso (yes… I know it’s a made up character!) and offering executive coaching!

It’s being pulled together, but if you’d like to learn more, drop me a message.

I’ve been coaching for a while. And I thought, why not set it up in a manner that, if you’re an executive, professional or someone who needs some coaching, then I can help!

There’s the usual frameworks.

There’s the usual goals, timelines, etc…

And yes, we’ll document all that. Because it’s important to measure the success. But most important of all is… improvement.

Did you improve?

Have you moved to where you want to be?

I’ve been blessed with so many great mentors and coaches in my life. I’ve taken a lot of learnings from them, and been able to identify what really helps… and what, doesn’t.

I’ll keep you updated how this journey goes for the rest of 2026.

But more importantly.. what have you planned for February and 2026? (remember Atomic Habits?… if not, find it in my previous blog post)

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

Think about the outcome, not the output.

Understand the process, break it down and understand.

Don’t chase… build to attract.

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Categories
Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

Whatever comes easy, goes easy! I was told this when I was younger. The harder you work, the more you learn, the more sustainable the result it.

The struggle is great…

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Categories
Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

My last blog post was about my habits for 2026.

This stemmed from the book, Atomic Habits. And guess what, I found the below infographic that explains what Atomic Habits is about.

Whilst this is an overview, I still recommend you read the book…

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Uncategorized

Plans for 2026?

Monday 12 January.

New year, new plans?

For me… yes and no.

You may recall, last year I shared that the book Atomic Habits gave me a wonderful idea. I had cards printed (12, one for each month) and a list of things I wanted to get better at. And guess what, I did it!

And for 2026, I’m carrying some of them forward. For example, Reading. I love to read now. And I’m making a habit of reading for at least 15 minutes a day (if not more).

I had ‘going to the gym’ on my card last year. Something I’ll carry over, but adapt. To ‘exercise – weights or cardio’. And that’s the great thing, you can adapt and improve.

So is there anything new for 2026?

Yes.

Some of you may be aware of the Baller League

So what is it?

The Baller League is an innovative six-a-side indoor football competition that blends high-level sport with digital entertainment. Originally founded in Germany in 2024 by entrepreneur Felix Starck with backing from Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski, it has since expanded to the United Kingdom and the United States.

Last night, we had the final of season 2 in the UK. Wembley Rangers won the title. SDS came 2nd. My preferred team, NDL FC.

I have found the Baller league to be wonderful. It’s a combination of quick high intensity football (very similar to futsal) and then you have the social element, with content creators (so many people with camera’s!) all filming, recording, commentating, etc…

So I’ve decided, I’d love to coach one of the teams.

And how do I get to do that?

Well simple, I need to showcase my talents. My football coaching talents. And this is one of the new items for my 2026 Atomic Habits card. That’s right – football coaching with a process and an end goal. If I don’t make the end goal, that’s ok – I’ll have fun along the way and learn alot.

What are you committing to doing in 2026?

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Uncategorized

What a wonderful year…

2025 has been a wonderful year of learning.

Work-wise, (in case you missed my Linkedin post), I was asked to step into my boss’ role (VP Technology Business Management) as he went on a secondment.

Honestly – had a great time! Led the time, went to Seattle to talk to tech partners and did so much more!

As the saying goes… you learn by doing!

Oh… and if you’re a Matt Armstrong fan like me, Hard Work Beats Talent!

So what are my key lessons from this year?

  1. Think Fast & Slow
    • (It’s a book also) But essentially, what I’ve started to do is slow down where I don’t have the knowledge so I fully understand and then go at speed where I’m comfortable!
    • Honestly, the more you slow down, the more you realise, see and understand.
    • If you have the opportunity, read the book.
  2. Do More… (Just Do It!)
    • Honestly, throw yourself into positions and conversations
    • If you’re not meant to be there – you’ll read the room and realise
    • The more you do, the more rewards you’ll get. Just think, should I do this and go above and beyond – if the answer is yes… go ahead and do it!
    • But also – learn about timing. Because timing is everything!
  3. Increase your EQ!
    • As the saying goes – people remember what you did than what you said
    • Increase your Emotional Intelligence
    • The little things will always mean something big to another person
  4. Read a book
    • Honestly, i’ve enjoyed reading some great books this year.
    • Grab yourself a book, and in the words of Nas (the famous rapper who was an early investor of Ring and other startups and has made alot of money!) Read more, learn more, change the globe

So they are my top 4 main lessons from 2025

I’d be interested to know what your top lesson this year was…

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Uncategorized

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Hope you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

I appreciate you reading my blogs this year. Next year, I’m planning to do more videos, photos and graphics to share more about tech and leadership.

Hope Santa got you what you wanted…

Take care, enjoy the festive break and be good.