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Bal’s Friday Thought…

Recently, I finished reading a book that was recommended to me, called Grit.

Really good book! For obvious reasons I won’t go into much detail – as I recommend you should read it, but it really dives into what makes some characters that excel have that grit to succeed.

There’s alot you can take away from it – but one thing, which I will share, that the book talks about is passion.

I’ve spoken about this before. Asking you, what is your passion?

My passion? I have a few – football, cars… both which I’ve loved since a very young age. Passion on both kind of dwindled but then came back. But could I choose one out of the two? Probably. Am I really passionate about which one I choose? – wouldn’t use the word ‘really’ but have a strong interest. I also like cooking. I also like volunteering. I also like helping others and mentoring.

How do you focus in on your passion?

Well, I try different things. And if there is something I enjoy, I continue. If there isn’t something that I enjoy, I’ll see it out – or do it for a particular duration, then halt it. Which is ok. Because what’s the reason in continuing with something you don’t enjoy?

You’re probably thinking, Bal… why haven’t you mentioned technology and blogging.

Great question! I love all things tech related. And blogging… well, I’ve been doing it on and off (sorry for the off parts) for a while. Must be three, four years… and it’s brought me some success in the form of, me being invited to BBC Radio to talk about the latest tech. Whilst I’ll continue with my blog and talk about technology, leadership and motivation… can my passions be combined? Football and technology – for example? (Let’s not talk about VAR). I’ve already talked about cars and technology – and how advanced our main. mode of transportation has become more tech than anything else.

Whilst I combine, look and continue with some of passions, what are you doing with your passion?

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Show me the numbers

Not sure if you knew, but I help out at a local charity where we cook food on a weekly basis and serve it to vulnerable folk who need it. There was a company that got in touch, and said – if we could provide some information, about what we do, they’d like to donate some money. So one of the volunteers wrote a few paragraphs.

When asked to review it, I wanted to ensure we tell the right story but with numbers.

You see, numbers can add alot of context to a story.

Once upon a time, there was a king.

This is how most stories start… and you may notice, there was ‘a’ in there to clearly identify, one…. king. Not several kings. Not some kings. Just one king.

Once upon a time, there was a king. His kingdom had alot of people.

‘Alot of people’… Doesn’t really say much. You can’t put it into context. Was it a big place. Was it a small place. How can we compare it to other regions and kingdoms?

Once upon a time, there was a king. His kingdom encopassed over 10,000 residents and was one of the largest kingdoms in the land.

Now we’re talking! We got a number… 10,000…. and then we got some context, because we found out it’s one of the largest in the land!

Numbers can do so much. Yet, when telling a story or update, we tend to omit them for feelings. Why can’t we do both? use numbers and have feelings? Build the story to the context.

Now the whole ‘once upon a time’ was an example. But think of something you’ve done recently that you’d talked about – how many numbers did you include?

I look at advertisements, I look at talks, I listen to podcasts… there are so many people out there vying for our attention… how can they get our attention?

Oh, you’re probably wondering more about the charity I volunteer at? Well, we cook over 60 hot portions of food every Monday and Thursday which is then served to the homeless and vulnerable – no questions asked.

Recently, a brilliant advert was shared with me to highlight how awesome it was in telling a story with numbers. And I wanted to share it with you…

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Bal’s Friday Thought…

When embarking on a new task, there’s always some doubt… because it’s new, because we haven’t done it before, because there is a sense of nervousness…

However, the best thing to do in this situation… is just to do it.

Like Nike, Just Do It.

Remove the doubt. Give it a go. Does not matter if you make mistakes. That’s how you learn.

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India Trip Lessons Pt 1

Last week, I was on a work trip in India.

I had a great time – met the team, the wider Tech team, some of our vendors and partners and other staff. All in all, it was time well spent.

I went with particular items I wanted to discuss with the team and wanted to listen to them – about their concerns, issues and anything on top of their mind.

I did all of that. And whilst doing it – learnt alot. I wanted to share some of those learnings,

  1. Culture – Being a Brit, I work with many cultures. The Indian culture, is somewhat unique. Whilst there’s a huge respect for heirachy, there’s so many other things that happen (as part of the local culture) which you just have to adapt to…. like giving sweets as a thank you or when you meet someone (one could get used to that!)
  2. Habits – There’s particular habits which I don’t think I could get used to, for example I saw some people spitting (openly), urinating (wherever you need to) and driving where and how you want! Now this didn’t happen all the time, neither everywhere – but enough for me to think… it’s not nice. I suppose there’s an element of Britishness where you’re taught to queue and line up. Didn’t see much of that.
  3. Opportunities – I was in a shopping mall, and noticed a sign saying the restroom/toilets were ‘out of order’. Then I saw a chap sat there – asked him what he was doing, he said, ‘telling people it’s out of order’. Why do you need to say it – there’s a sign?… Sir, people do what they want. Now this got me thinking and asking…. locals told me, there’s so many people that nearly everyone can have a job… and on top of that, there’s opportunities for everyone. Either be it to tell folk that toilets are out of order or to take the opportunity to test and see if toilets are really out of order!

I’d like to share, in my next blog post – things I learnt as a Leader. Which I think are applicable irrespective of where your team is based.

Most important element was that I learnt so much – which helps productivity and moreso, the team to ask questions. Remember, be curious…. not judgemental.

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Start of the End for the Post Office

Following on from the lasat blog post aboutt the Post Office. There’s two parts I wanted to look at… one being, is it really what we need moving forward and secondly, the human cost element.

Today, I’ll focus on the tech side of things.

Bal, what do you mean the tech side of things? – we know it was Horizons.

Yes… we know that the system was at fault. I won’t necessarily go into what could’ve happened and what could’ve been done. But let’s look to the future in the sense, do we still need the Post Office?

The Post Office has seen a downward trend for a while. People not posting letters (rather more folks are emailing), other parcel companies doing a slightly better job and most of all… what is it that we really need from the post office?

Yes, some of the older folks will post christmas & birthday cards to loved ones.

Yes, some folks need the post office to send off letters such as passport renewals etc.. under ‘recorded delivery’.

Yes, some folk need the post office to pick up some stationary, envelopes, etc…

But… looking at the next generation and some of the younger folk – do they send cards or is it all e-cards these days? – but moreso, meeting up. They’d rather go to the person, spend some time with them then return – plenty of statistics show since covid, people want to spend time with loved ones.

To be fair, the gov.uk site is good and clear. Easy to renew your passport online – along with other official documents.

Let’s be honest… when was the last time you bought an envelope or some stationary from a shop? (If I was to guess, it’s probably Amazon!)

So then the question remains… do we actually need the post office?

The Royal Mail will come to your house to pick up any letters (or parcels) you need posting.

Then let’s look at the post office employees… there’s been a downward trend since 2014

Let’s combine everything together…

  1. Decrease (significantly) in the number of employees – some of which were most probably due to the Horizons scandal
  2. Increase in services that the post office offer which are now available directly to your home
  3. Technology has highlighted the fact that most processes (passport renewals etc..) can be easily done on-line

So the question is, do we really need the post office?

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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!! I’m not going to ‘hope’ you have a wonderful 2024… I would like you to have a wonderful year with lots of special moments.

I say that because I’ve just finished reading the book, ‘Power of Moments’. Really good book… explains about moments that occur and breaks down a moment to understand why it’s a moment and why moments are important & memorable.

So plan big for 2024

Plan lots of moments.

Lots of fun in whatever you decide to do.

I’m going to be sharing a lot more on my blog this year… 2023 was busy for a variety of reasons but I’m more committed in 2024… will be sharing more about technology in everyday life. But also, what is happening in the world and how we can better people (off course, with a tech twist).

With that, make some big plans and go for it…

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Christmas Gifts 2023

Well, a fair few folk have been asking me, Bal – what’s the best present to get loved ones this Christmas?

Well there’s so much to choose from these days! Honestly, there were lots I recommended last year which would be still valid for this year – but nevertheless, since you’ve asked, I will share my Top Five Christmas Gift Ideas for 2023/

First up for the body..

We’re sitting down alot these days – and with that, our backs are not what they used to be. We’re not stretching and whilst most of us are members of the local gym, how much do you actually use it and how many of you actually stretch?

With this back massager – it sits on your chair and helps soothe those back muscles. Now you can get some that add heat – which is a good idea during this time of the year!

Next up, for the mind… (well, more the brain)

Our brains need exercising! And whilst we can look after our bodies, what about our minds? well, there’s alot of mind exercises and meditation you can do… however, remember the brain training on the old Nintendo Wii?! Well, there was a reason why it was so popular! It was because we need to exercise our brains! Otherwise… you know what happens when you don’t exercise!

You can download them onto your phone or tablet, and/or even better still – there’s a fair few on youtube (you will have to pause whilst you work answers out). You might be thinking.. Bal, how’s a link on youtube for brain games a gift? – well it is if you pay for an annual subscription for youtube!

Next up… exercise the brain but learn something new!

Reading – it’s important. We want to read, and some like physical books some e-books. Either way, great christmas presents – you can buy the latest inspirational book or a great fiction book. Either works… as long as it’s something they like.

You could go one better… and get a kindle for someone who loves to read all the time – with that, you often get some free books they can read.

Next up… get some good aroma’s around your home

Smells are important.

They can help you ease, relax and/or concentrate (depends what you’re doing). These can come in the form of oils, candles, bath salts, etc…

I’ve been using particular candles I got from Camden market – which are really good! You can buy different oils that help you with different things… relaxing, concentration, etc…

And onto my last gift idea.

This one’s different.

It’s the gift of time.

Now being honest, we’re so busy… do we really have time for friends and family. Whilst you’ll spend it with them, hows about doing something in particular with them. You can search on Etsy for ideas and cards with things to do with friends. But honestly, make a list of things you’d like to do with who and do it.

Sounds a little crazy, but say you want to do a carvery with a good friend… buy a carvery gift card for them, and tell them you want to have an evening out with them. Alternatively if you want to go cinema with someone. Buy a cinema gift card for them – and tell them, you want to go with them. The actual date you can work out later…but the thought of spending time with them is there.

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Time to switch off?

Who’d have thought. As a technology advocate, I’d be suggesting you switch your tech off for a while?

Well… I am.

Bal… are you going crazy?

No, not in the slightest. I am noticing that we are ever so becoming more and more dependent on technology – and yes, we’re surrounded by it. But I’ve written/blogged about it before. We should always take a break from it. And there’s some method behind the madness (of what I’m suggesting!)

Firstly, when you take a break from the tech – you’ll appreciate it more when you come back to it.

Secondly, when you take a break from tech – and when you come back, you can be more focussed on what you need that tech to do or what you want from it. Make it work for you.

Thirdly, when you take a break from tech – you’ll notice other things. What I mean about this is – you won’t be scrolling and seeing a device – when you look up you may notice something different, something unique, something that then gives you an idea! (you may need to return to tech to then progress – but take that break).

We now have smart cars, smart homes, smart tv’s, smart watches, smart… well, everything is becoming smart! And that’s with the advancement of technology. Which is great. Because it’s meant to be quicker and easier to do things. That’s what smart means, right? – the smarter something is, the quicker or easier it is to do something.

But I’ve noticed that whilst there’s alot of talk about AI (Artificial Technology) – we’re very reliant on technology to do the basics for us or become, dare I say it… lazy (er).

I’m sat at my macbook writing this blog. I’ve not written for a long time. Yesterday, I met a friend of mine – Craig. We had a coffee. No device in sight. For an hour. It was great. We had lots of ideas and things we want to do. The great thing then was, we picked up our phones, made notes. Productivity. On your mobile phone, you can see what you have used your phone for… productivity, social media, etc… Have a look at the data – and what it’s telling you.

Data-led decisions can then enable you to be more productive.

Data-led decisions can then help you be more adventurous.

So, maybe it is time to switch off for a while – take a break and look out the window for inspiration.

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Bal’s Friday Thought

I was recently watching some videos on Instagram. And there’s one that I’ve watched many times – and I love it. I usually refer to it on many occasions when I’m talking to others.

I’ve even written the first part of it, on my chalk board at home!

There’s so many takeaways you can have from the simple message. I take away that no matter what you’re planning, looking to, etc… focus on today. It’s similar to the book – The Power of Now. Focus on the now, the here and enjoy it. What you do today will help you in the future… that’s why enjoy the present moment.

And if you’re thinking… Bal, that’s great – but what is the rest of it?

Well, here you go… Enjoy!

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Are EV’s really the future?

I was speaking to someone today, whom had asked me – should I get an electric car?

My answer… there’s a few things you need to consider.

  1. Have you got/getting a charge point at home?
  2. How many miles do you do during the week?
  3. Do you drive over 250-300 miles (incl. a roundtrip) regular?
  4. Do you want a new new car or a second hand (new for you) car?
  5. Are you ok to plan some of your longer journeys?

You see, it is quite simple – but the above questions really will help you. In fact… the first question is quite essential.

Then I was asked… are EV’s the future?

Now, that’s a great question.

The current push is on EV’s.

Remember when they said diesels are the best and we should all be driving them.

Well… there’s other options and who knows where this could go.

The other options are…

Hydrogen – like the Toyota Mirai

Ok, this is a cut-away image that shows what’s behind a hydrogen car – but the essential thing is, it’s an option away from electric.

Power is generated by converting the chemical energy of hydrogen to mechanical energy, either by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell to power electric motors or, less commonly, by burning hydrogen in an internal combustion engine

Now what’s the difference between these, electric and petrol?

Any other cars to consider?

Yes!

e-Fuel.

eFuels are produced with electricity from renewable sources, water and CO2 and are a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. eFuels can be used in existing infrastructure and thus decisively and affordably reduce CO2 emissions

Porsche are leading the way with e-fuels, but we’re still a way off from having it all readily available. But there’s hope we can keep alot of our current cars as is… maybe.

So in all reality, with the ban coming in 2030 (ban of selling new petrol or diesel only cars – you’ll still be able to get hybrids), the optionsa are limited and with the push, as mentioned earlier, to electric… the option would be electric or hybrid.

So with that I leave you to prepare yourself, have a charger installed at home and start thinking more about your journeys.

Cars will be around. Don’t think, in the UK, we can do without them. As much as you try to say use other transportation modes… the problem is, trains are expensive and cars can often still work out as a viable option…. not in all cases, but majority.