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What The Heck Do I Do With My Life? How To Flourish In Our Turbulent Times
‘As the world grows in complexity, Ravi’s guidance to be curious and adaptable has never been more relevant.’ —Bill Gates
Our world will change more in this century than in all of human history, driven by many factors including technology, climate change, demographics and inequality. Such extreme change is throwing up unprecedented opportunities and creating an ‘adaptive challenge’ for individuals, organizations and societies. Those who can adapt to a fast-flowing, complex, volatile and uncertain world will flourish. Those who cannot will suffer greatly.
There are clear signs everywhere that we need new ways to think about the world and our place in it. Our old ideas about education, lifestyle, success and happiness no longer work. How is work changing? How can you know what skills will be useful when jobs of the future are still being invented? Will ‘jobs’ even exist or are we moving to a world of projects and gig work? How do you make sense of all this and more?
In What the Heck Do I Do With My Life? Ravi Venkatesan makes the case that successful adaptation in the new century requires a ‘paradigm shift’, a different mindset, new skills and new strategies. Ravi also reflects on how we will need to live life more intentionally, making deliberate choices about who we are, what we do and how we live rather than simply being carried along like a piece of driftwood.
Our world will change more in this century than in all of human history, driven by many factors including technology, climate change, demographics and inequality. Such extreme change is throwing up unprecedented opportunities and creating an ‘adaptive challenge’ for individuals, organizations and societies. Those who can adapt to a fast-flowing, complex, volatile and uncertain world will flourish. Those who cannot will suffer greatly.
There are clear signs everywhere that we need new ways to think about the world and our place in it. Our old ideas about education, lifestyle, success and happiness no longer work. How is work changing? How can you know what skills will be useful when jobs of the future are still being invented? Will ‘jobs’ even exist or are we moving to a world of projects and gig work? How do you make sense of all this and more?
In What the Heck Do I Do With My Life? Ravi Venkatesan makes the case that successful adaptation in the new century requires a ‘paradigm shift’, a different mindset, new skills and new strategies. Ravi also reflects on how we will need to live life more intentionally, making deliberate choices about who we are, what we do and how we live rather than simply being carried along like a piece of driftwood.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2022
70 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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January 9, 2022
Keen on wrestling with and besting a world characterised by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (“VUCA”)? Read the ‘terrific’ book, ‘Ten Years to Midnight’ by Blair Sheppard. Worried about living to be a 100 without financial security and tangible and intangible assets? Fret not. We have you sorted. You just need to read “The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity” by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott. Is a warped perspective giving you the jitters? Why fear when Stephen Covey and “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” are here! Having issues with your workforce or are you the bane of your employees? This can only mean that you have not even heard of “The Human Side of Enterprise” by Douglas McGregor. As a ‘booster dose’, add Marie Kondo on minimalism, Eckhart Tolle for living in the present, and Adam Grant for knowing what you do not know (wonder what Donald Rumsfeld would have had to say to this). Even after having ploughed through all these books, if insecurity still assails you, enroll immediately for a course in Vipassana meditation conceptualised by S.N. Goenka. All else fails, take refuge in the Stanford University course ‘Designing Your Life’
Former head of Microsoft India, Ravi Venkatesan’s assertively titled book, “What The Heck Do I Do With My Life?” is another lukewarm grist to the mill that is the self-help industry. This whole self-help business, when viewed in a counterfactual context, is a work of absolute genius. The very fact that there is a hamster wheel of this genre catering to an insatiable demand is classic testimony to the possibility that the exhortations contained within these books do not work. The most natural solution for remedying this malfunction – still more books. “What The Heck…” is a sincerely offered stew containing the usual ingredients, cooked in a perfectly anticipated fashion, but served in gleaming new cutlery.
A need to imbue a paradigmatically different perspective on work due to the invention and interference of AI (“The Fourth Industrial Revolution), an imperative to acquire productive (Skills, Knowledge, Reputation), transformational (diverse networks), and vitality (Work-Life Balance, regenerative relationships) assets in addition to financial assets, getting one’s self belief in optimistic (let me refrain from using the dangerous word positive in a pandemic world) order, practicing the art of being grateful, and introspecting on issues of existential import such as “Who Am I”; “Why am I here?” etc are all some of the tried and tested tropes threading through the book.
However, there are some personal vignettes recollecting the personal experiences of the author that make for some interesting reading. For example, the contribution of the author in turning around a loss making joint venture, Tata Cummins after being thrown in the deep end of the pool conveys valuable lessons in leadership and self-confidence. Every Chapter in the book contains a summary of key ideas and a few questions for reflection. However as the author himself acknowledges at the beginning of the book, not all ideas are for every reader. For example one of the suggestions put forth by Venkatesan is the exploration of a “Four Week Work”, a concept based on – you guessed it right – a book written by management guru Tim Ferris. The quintessential facet of the book being, with proper financial planning, one can arrange one’s professional affairs in such a way that only four hours need to be expended every week at work. The rest of the time can be conveniently and productively employed for furthering one’s passion. Unless one is either the former head of a multinational conglomerate, or the beneficiary of a magnanimous inheritance, the four-week work is but a pipe dream.
The most appealing chapter in the book is the one of leadership. Using real life examples of ordinary citizens, who took civic matters into their own hands to tide over official intransigence, Venkatesan crisply elucidates that leaders are more made, than born and every individual has it in her to be a veritable change agent.
Yet another ingenious, but in all probability, improbable suggestion proffered by Venkatesan involves changing your networks to change your life. “So, if you are interested in entrepreneurship, moving to a hot spot like Silicon Valley, Bengaluru or simply hanging out at places and events where venture capitalists and entrepreneurs congregate is bound to bring entrepreneurial ideas and opportunities. Of course, these days online networks are really important as well.”
Venkatesan also urges his readers to lead a ‘portfolio life’. In a nutshell, a portfolio life transcends what you do and instead concentrates on who you actually are. This identity based existence for example involves writing, speaking, blogging, consulting, traveling, and partnering with NGOs. As Influential management guru, Charles Handy once said, “we will all be “portfolio people,” thinking of vocation not as a single career but rather as a total and all encompassing body of work. Still unsure about the exact contours of a portfolio life? Just reach out for David Corbett’s work, “The Portfolio Life” (yes, yet another book. I told you at the very outset that this is a book of, and on books)
However, a few passages in the book surprisingly and needlessly equating the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and the conditions prevailing therein, to the strife torn nation states of Yemen and Haiti strikes the reader as a tad bit obsequious.
“What The Heck Do I Do With My Life” is an ambivalent read. One part curiosity piquing and two parts damp, it is old wine in many new miniature bottles. Oh, and it is also a rolodex to a thousand other books, which the reader would absolutely be hard pressed to finish in double quick time!
Former head of Microsoft India, Ravi Venkatesan’s assertively titled book, “What The Heck Do I Do With My Life?” is another lukewarm grist to the mill that is the self-help industry. This whole self-help business, when viewed in a counterfactual context, is a work of absolute genius. The very fact that there is a hamster wheel of this genre catering to an insatiable demand is classic testimony to the possibility that the exhortations contained within these books do not work. The most natural solution for remedying this malfunction – still more books. “What The Heck…” is a sincerely offered stew containing the usual ingredients, cooked in a perfectly anticipated fashion, but served in gleaming new cutlery.
A need to imbue a paradigmatically different perspective on work due to the invention and interference of AI (“The Fourth Industrial Revolution), an imperative to acquire productive (Skills, Knowledge, Reputation), transformational (diverse networks), and vitality (Work-Life Balance, regenerative relationships) assets in addition to financial assets, getting one’s self belief in optimistic (let me refrain from using the dangerous word positive in a pandemic world) order, practicing the art of being grateful, and introspecting on issues of existential import such as “Who Am I”; “Why am I here?” etc are all some of the tried and tested tropes threading through the book.
However, there are some personal vignettes recollecting the personal experiences of the author that make for some interesting reading. For example, the contribution of the author in turning around a loss making joint venture, Tata Cummins after being thrown in the deep end of the pool conveys valuable lessons in leadership and self-confidence. Every Chapter in the book contains a summary of key ideas and a few questions for reflection. However as the author himself acknowledges at the beginning of the book, not all ideas are for every reader. For example one of the suggestions put forth by Venkatesan is the exploration of a “Four Week Work”, a concept based on – you guessed it right – a book written by management guru Tim Ferris. The quintessential facet of the book being, with proper financial planning, one can arrange one’s professional affairs in such a way that only four hours need to be expended every week at work. The rest of the time can be conveniently and productively employed for furthering one’s passion. Unless one is either the former head of a multinational conglomerate, or the beneficiary of a magnanimous inheritance, the four-week work is but a pipe dream.
The most appealing chapter in the book is the one of leadership. Using real life examples of ordinary citizens, who took civic matters into their own hands to tide over official intransigence, Venkatesan crisply elucidates that leaders are more made, than born and every individual has it in her to be a veritable change agent.
Yet another ingenious, but in all probability, improbable suggestion proffered by Venkatesan involves changing your networks to change your life. “So, if you are interested in entrepreneurship, moving to a hot spot like Silicon Valley, Bengaluru or simply hanging out at places and events where venture capitalists and entrepreneurs congregate is bound to bring entrepreneurial ideas and opportunities. Of course, these days online networks are really important as well.”
Venkatesan also urges his readers to lead a ‘portfolio life’. In a nutshell, a portfolio life transcends what you do and instead concentrates on who you actually are. This identity based existence for example involves writing, speaking, blogging, consulting, traveling, and partnering with NGOs. As Influential management guru, Charles Handy once said, “we will all be “portfolio people,” thinking of vocation not as a single career but rather as a total and all encompassing body of work. Still unsure about the exact contours of a portfolio life? Just reach out for David Corbett’s work, “The Portfolio Life” (yes, yet another book. I told you at the very outset that this is a book of, and on books)
However, a few passages in the book surprisingly and needlessly equating the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and the conditions prevailing therein, to the strife torn nation states of Yemen and Haiti strikes the reader as a tad bit obsequious.
“What The Heck Do I Do With My Life” is an ambivalent read. One part curiosity piquing and two parts damp, it is old wine in many new miniature bottles. Oh, and it is also a rolodex to a thousand other books, which the reader would absolutely be hard pressed to finish in double quick time!
February 9, 2022
Times are turbulent nowadays, opportunities are endless but forbiddances are ample too, inclusion is prevalent but division is rampant too—in these topsy-turvy years we are spending on the face of the earth, what are the guiding principles to flourish and to make a space for ourselves?
‘What the heck do I do with my life’ tries to give ground to the age old dilemma of young existence, ‘what am I gonna do?’ and in this process Ravi Venkatesan gives us some pointers to navigate life skilfully, and derive the best possible amount of professional and personal satisfaction from your careered and familial life.
Venkatesan writes broadly enough. His book is highly quotable, very streamlined, written with an air of advisory tone that doesn’t become tiresome. The chapters in this book are majorly discourses in nature, combined with Venkatesan’s personal realisations in the corporate field and also his wisdom for the upcoming youth. What a reader might expect from this genre of books is the following: either the book must be completely biased towards the denouncement of career-centric or money-making aspirations, or it must serve as a quick but actionable guide towards lawful and intelligent wealth accumulation. On the other side of this expectation however, this book very ably crafts a balance between both of these. Venkatesan doesn’t go vehemently against ambitious thoughts of income, climbing up the corporate ladder or even choosing very sorted income sources. Furthermore, he chooses to discuss some very antagonistic topics like minimalism, digital detachment, professional generosity, gratitude— virtues which in popular representation might be perceived to be far away from career growth. This particular balance between ambition and gratitude made me tilt towards having a different fondness for this book, which I haven’t largely seen in other books in this genre.
Out of the handful chapters Venkatesan divides his book into, I was most vested in the chapter called ‘Three meta-skills for the age of AI’ where a person such as the author who has spent a significant part of his life leading a technological giant of a company, tries to direct us towards some understanding of this AI-driven, hyper-digitised world that we are rapidly hurtling for. He gives his views of the kind of skills that might be required in the long run of digital superiority, what added skills will become irreplaceable, and what skills can easily be replaced by artificial intelligence. He highlights 3 meta-skills, which when taken in the figurative sense, can be the truest skills necessary for navigating in the world that is to come.
Under the hood, this book ‘What the heck do I do with my life?’ can equip the youth of today towards having a more informed opinion on the evolving work culture, and what they might choose to do in order to navigate and live better.
Thanks Rupa Publications for sending me a copy.
‘What the heck do I do with my life’ tries to give ground to the age old dilemma of young existence, ‘what am I gonna do?’ and in this process Ravi Venkatesan gives us some pointers to navigate life skilfully, and derive the best possible amount of professional and personal satisfaction from your careered and familial life.
Venkatesan writes broadly enough. His book is highly quotable, very streamlined, written with an air of advisory tone that doesn’t become tiresome. The chapters in this book are majorly discourses in nature, combined with Venkatesan’s personal realisations in the corporate field and also his wisdom for the upcoming youth. What a reader might expect from this genre of books is the following: either the book must be completely biased towards the denouncement of career-centric or money-making aspirations, or it must serve as a quick but actionable guide towards lawful and intelligent wealth accumulation. On the other side of this expectation however, this book very ably crafts a balance between both of these. Venkatesan doesn’t go vehemently against ambitious thoughts of income, climbing up the corporate ladder or even choosing very sorted income sources. Furthermore, he chooses to discuss some very antagonistic topics like minimalism, digital detachment, professional generosity, gratitude— virtues which in popular representation might be perceived to be far away from career growth. This particular balance between ambition and gratitude made me tilt towards having a different fondness for this book, which I haven’t largely seen in other books in this genre.
Out of the handful chapters Venkatesan divides his book into, I was most vested in the chapter called ‘Three meta-skills for the age of AI’ where a person such as the author who has spent a significant part of his life leading a technological giant of a company, tries to direct us towards some understanding of this AI-driven, hyper-digitised world that we are rapidly hurtling for. He gives his views of the kind of skills that might be required in the long run of digital superiority, what added skills will become irreplaceable, and what skills can easily be replaced by artificial intelligence. He highlights 3 meta-skills, which when taken in the figurative sense, can be the truest skills necessary for navigating in the world that is to come.
Under the hood, this book ‘What the heck do I do with my life?’ can equip the youth of today towards having a more informed opinion on the evolving work culture, and what they might choose to do in order to navigate and live better.
Thanks Rupa Publications for sending me a copy.
February 10, 2022
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗗𝗼 𝗜 𝗗𝗼 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲? 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗼 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗜𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 by @ravi_venkatesan
@rupa_publications
Take the first step, no matter how small it is. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
We're at the transition phase of entering into a new world of more intricacy in terms of skills, education, lifestyle new psychoactivities and a new plan of action to flourish in life. At this point, we've to recognise the ways to go forward with the growing world. We also have to find our meaning of happiness and success.
It talks about three meta-skills to manage life's endless opportunities. The scary thing when making your first grown-up decisions is just how many options you have, settling for just one is not a piece of cake. It's a very streamlined, and quick guide to learn the intelligent wealth accumulation tools. Moreover, auth the or also choose to discuss professional generosity, what it means to be a leader and why leadership is the central issue of our time.
Very interesting thoughts, be it from a wealth, skills, digital superiority, learning ability or wisdom perspective, and the book transports them very well to the reader.
Key takeaways: Happiness is a skill and hence can be learnt just like you train your muscles. Success is very subjective, and money is not wealth is another key takeaway.
#whattheheckdoidowithmylife #rupapublications #readwithak
@rupa_publications
Take the first step, no matter how small it is. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
We're at the transition phase of entering into a new world of more intricacy in terms of skills, education, lifestyle new psychoactivities and a new plan of action to flourish in life. At this point, we've to recognise the ways to go forward with the growing world. We also have to find our meaning of happiness and success.
It talks about three meta-skills to manage life's endless opportunities. The scary thing when making your first grown-up decisions is just how many options you have, settling for just one is not a piece of cake. It's a very streamlined, and quick guide to learn the intelligent wealth accumulation tools. Moreover, auth the or also choose to discuss professional generosity, what it means to be a leader and why leadership is the central issue of our time.
Very interesting thoughts, be it from a wealth, skills, digital superiority, learning ability or wisdom perspective, and the book transports them very well to the reader.
Key takeaways: Happiness is a skill and hence can be learnt just like you train your muscles. Success is very subjective, and money is not wealth is another key takeaway.
#whattheheckdoidowithmylife #rupapublications #readwithak
February 22, 2022
For most of the twentieth century, education, particularly higher education, was the ticket to success. This is no longer the case. What matters is having relevant skills to keep up with the times. Your focus must be less on specific skills, such as coding, and more on 'meta skills'.
-Ravi Venkatesan
'What The Heck Do I Do With My Life?' makes one point absolutely clear that to flourish in the current times one needs to let go of the idea that only a higher academic degree and a perfect job are the medium of success. Be it the tech world or any other career we've all experienced that it no longer works to be a master of one but instead the jacks of all trades adapt the best.
The mode of working today is changing and this requires the generation today to upgrade itself by learning meta skills, leadership, being more intelligent than artificial intelligence, developing values and income that will help your boat float no matter the storm and erasing the lazy idea of retirement.
The book is an easy-peasy read, multiple examples from the life of the author and great person and practical tips. I loved the part where the author lays down six strategies for warding off snakes and how the network really matters; they were eye-openers. The book is more of writing down your own definition of success.
#readingfatima
-Ravi Venkatesan
'What The Heck Do I Do With My Life?' makes one point absolutely clear that to flourish in the current times one needs to let go of the idea that only a higher academic degree and a perfect job are the medium of success. Be it the tech world or any other career we've all experienced that it no longer works to be a master of one but instead the jacks of all trades adapt the best.
The mode of working today is changing and this requires the generation today to upgrade itself by learning meta skills, leadership, being more intelligent than artificial intelligence, developing values and income that will help your boat float no matter the storm and erasing the lazy idea of retirement.
The book is an easy-peasy read, multiple examples from the life of the author and great person and practical tips. I loved the part where the author lays down six strategies for warding off snakes and how the network really matters; they were eye-openers. The book is more of writing down your own definition of success.
#readingfatima
February 7, 2022
Our world is rapidly changing in every aspect we can think of. With the exponential rise in technological advancements, it's becoming harder and harder to keep up with continuously shifting professional dynamics. So, what new skills are we supposed to learn to stay ahead in the race? Which career path should we choose? How to make sense of all of this?
In this book, the author explains how successful adaptation in the new century requires a 'paradigm shift' - a different mindset, new skills and new strategies. If we have a lot of things to choose from, we have a lot of opportunities too. Using relevant examples from his own life and others, the author shares perspectives on many important questions like - What are the most fundamental skills to flourish in this century?, How to compete with artificial intelligence? and a lot more.
Despite all the anxiety we feel about the changing times, the author explains how and why it is the best time to be alive! He stresses on how we will need to live life more intentionally, making deliberate choices of who we are, what we do and how we live, rather than simply being carried along like a piece of driftwood.
This book is a godsend for a confused soul like me
In this book, the author explains how successful adaptation in the new century requires a 'paradigm shift' - a different mindset, new skills and new strategies. If we have a lot of things to choose from, we have a lot of opportunities too. Using relevant examples from his own life and others, the author shares perspectives on many important questions like - What are the most fundamental skills to flourish in this century?, How to compete with artificial intelligence? and a lot more.
Despite all the anxiety we feel about the changing times, the author explains how and why it is the best time to be alive! He stresses on how we will need to live life more intentionally, making deliberate choices of who we are, what we do and how we live, rather than simply being carried along like a piece of driftwood.
This book is a godsend for a confused soul like me
March 19, 2022
I have been following Ravi V. for a few years now on LinkedIn and has listened to some of his talks, we share our alma mater! So I was drawn to buy this book when I found it in a book store. I was actually on a hiatus from reading the self-help books but had to read this one, and it was worth breaky my rule.
It's old wine in a new bottle with a filter of the author's experience (his word), and there is nothing wrong with it. I like the book's approach of going through each of the existential dismay plaguing young these days.
Though I would say I didn't get anything new to ponder upon or an epiphany after reading this book, it did reaffirm my belief in how I am conducting my life and its philosophy. I liked the summary and questions at the end of each chapter. I truly believe these books are not just read but to be thoroughly experimented upon, I have started a few micro experiments to try on now inspired by this book.
The author has recommended many classic books to probe further into each topic. It is an excellent guide and index to some entering the self-help industry :P
It's old wine in a new bottle with a filter of the author's experience (his word), and there is nothing wrong with it. I like the book's approach of going through each of the existential dismay plaguing young these days.
Though I would say I didn't get anything new to ponder upon or an epiphany after reading this book, it did reaffirm my belief in how I am conducting my life and its philosophy. I liked the summary and questions at the end of each chapter. I truly believe these books are not just read but to be thoroughly experimented upon, I have started a few micro experiments to try on now inspired by this book.
The author has recommended many classic books to probe further into each topic. It is an excellent guide and index to some entering the self-help industry :P
February 5, 2022
What the heck do I do with my life is an insightful book that helps you develop your skills, mindset, and strategies with the changing world. It helps you create new ways to think about the world and our place in it.
• A meticulously researched book with easy language helping you to find your purpose in life. The author shares his own experiences. Quite an inspiring and meaningful book.
• The author talks about artificial intelligence, leadership, changing world, success, happiness, and much more just within a few pages. This book is a must-read.
• If I talk about the title, it's quite intriguing. The title actually triggers you and makes you pick the book. The book includes exercises at the end of every chapter and a few charts and graphs to make the concepts more understandable.
• So where are you, my non-fiction friends? This book is waiting for you. And not only non-fiction readers, everyone must read it.
• A meticulously researched book with easy language helping you to find your purpose in life. The author shares his own experiences. Quite an inspiring and meaningful book.
• The author talks about artificial intelligence, leadership, changing world, success, happiness, and much more just within a few pages. This book is a must-read.
• If I talk about the title, it's quite intriguing. The title actually triggers you and makes you pick the book. The book includes exercises at the end of every chapter and a few charts and graphs to make the concepts more understandable.
• So where are you, my non-fiction friends? This book is waiting for you. And not only non-fiction readers, everyone must read it.
January 22, 2022
The pandemic has wreaked havoc in the world. We are trying to adjust to the new circumstances and are still struggling to make the ends meet. Most often we end up wondering what we should do with our life because every possible doorway to happier days seems closed. That’s where this book comes into play. What the Heck Do I Do With My Life is a self-help book that lays the foundation of finding your purpose in life so that you live intentionally and not just ‘drift like a log of wood’.
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
September 18, 2022
Came across Ravi Venkatesan when he was on a Panel discussion organized by the Founding Fuel. He was a panelist being interviewed by Arun Maira. I found his insights extremely sharp, which then lead me to pick up this book written by him.
Coming from the vast experience of Cummins and Microsoft, Ravi's writings are fresh and non-didactic. He uses a reflective technique to allow the reader to mull and ruminate over what he lays out. The non-instructive tonality of the book is what stood out to me.
The book has several paths to further read up on. A well written easy read, I enjoyed going through this over the past week.
Coming from the vast experience of Cummins and Microsoft, Ravi's writings are fresh and non-didactic. He uses a reflective technique to allow the reader to mull and ruminate over what he lays out. The non-instructive tonality of the book is what stood out to me.
The book has several paths to further read up on. A well written easy read, I enjoyed going through this over the past week.
October 13, 2022
Stunning
Absolutely stunning.
Written in such a manner that reading automatically picks up its pace.
The author has been humble enough to share some of his , what I should say vulnerabilities, if I may be allowed to. For example to share his bemoaning moments during which he approaches his close friend for guidance.
Then the way he has explained 'How much money is enough ?' is worth reading a hundred or more times.
Example of his driver and the flower vendor to drive home the point between success, achievement, money and happiness is truly lucid.
List is endless..
Must read is what I can say..
& thank the author for the book
Absolutely stunning.
Written in such a manner that reading automatically picks up its pace.
The author has been humble enough to share some of his , what I should say vulnerabilities, if I may be allowed to. For example to share his bemoaning moments during which he approaches his close friend for guidance.
Then the way he has explained 'How much money is enough ?' is worth reading a hundred or more times.
Example of his driver and the flower vendor to drive home the point between success, achievement, money and happiness is truly lucid.
List is endless..
Must read is what I can say..
& thank the author for the book
January 21, 2023
Practical anecdotes and great examples in present context of changing dynamics of career. The author has summarised very practically the various challenges that person will face in his career trajectory. Concept of portfolio jobs is very aptly summarised in the book.There is a broader section on leadership and the how it is flourished is given with simple, real and practical anecdotes. Success is defined by many individuals differently and how will you measure your success and various such anecdotes are provided in the book. Author’s journey as well is provided and how the riddle was resolved makes the guidance for the readers too. Great Read.
September 26, 2023
This took me a long time to read because of uni, but I finished it !!
I think I need a break from adult romance books because there's only so many books with sex I can take. Actually issued this book in person, as I saw it on the shelf and it looked intriguing.
I enjoyed this book so much, it's so real, relevant and insightful.
I really enjoyed the reflection questions, and I think that helps with our own deeper thoughts and self-reflection. It gets to to view things in a more realistic way and definitely inspired me.
Such a good book to read before bed.
I think I need a break from adult romance books because there's only so many books with sex I can take. Actually issued this book in person, as I saw it on the shelf and it looked intriguing.
I enjoyed this book so much, it's so real, relevant and insightful.
I really enjoyed the reflection questions, and I think that helps with our own deeper thoughts and self-reflection. It gets to to view things in a more realistic way and definitely inspired me.
Such a good book to read before bed.
April 3, 2022
It is a good read. I can relate to many topics covered in the book at this point of my life. I am a great believer of decluttering my home and my thoughts, so it was something I and author agreed on. I really liked the philosophy that we are spiritual being living a human experience. Like this many points resonated with me.
I recommend this book for seekers and les gens looking for purpose in life.
I recommend this book for seekers and les gens looking for purpose in life.
January 9, 2024
Ravi venkatesan is one of my inspiration, what he wrote in this book resonates so well with people today.
This book and the questions he asked after every chapter makes you atleast think about life in a different way which is nice to hear from an author who has written his own journey and experiences rather than to preach.
I recommend this book to all.
Modern problems require modern solutions even though the author was very humble about it.
Please do read.
This book and the questions he asked after every chapter makes you atleast think about life in a different way which is nice to hear from an author who has written his own journey and experiences rather than to preach.
I recommend this book to all.
Modern problems require modern solutions even though the author was very humble about it.
Please do read.
January 15, 2022
No new insights
It seems to be an amalgamation of takeaways that the author has had from all the pop psychology books he’s read recently, with a few perfunctory anecdotes from his own life and career. It’s a quick and decent read, but easily avoidable, given there aren’t any profound insights.
It seems to be an amalgamation of takeaways that the author has had from all the pop psychology books he’s read recently, with a few perfunctory anecdotes from his own life and career. It’s a quick and decent read, but easily avoidable, given there aren’t any profound insights.
March 13, 2025
When the student is ready the teacher shows up. This book is nothing short of a teacher coming in my life at a time when I needed someone to clear the cobwebs and demons in my mind. Ravi, thank you for a awesome book. I remember long back listening to one of your key notes and being very impressed. Today as I finish reading this book, I'm happy that I came across it.
February 18, 2022
This is a great book....very honest, very un-preachy and very humble. I think every one going through mid=life should read it - others can also read it, but they probably might not relate to the context that well.
March 17, 2022
The author provides some frightening yet inspiring insights on the need for next generation to have entrepreneurial and leadership mindset.
He also emphasizes on the need to build a portfolio in life based on individuals definition of success.
Must read for the young generation...
He also emphasizes on the need to build a portfolio in life based on individuals definition of success.
Must read for the young generation...
May 25, 2022
Interesting read by ravi! Recommended for everyone as it provides key nuggets from Ravi’s own journey and a lot to think over - specially around the abundance mindset, making a difference, building a network!
July 18, 2023
A lightweight intuitive book with many insights to learn to make sense of the world around us. It gives examples from author's personal lives, with lessons from greatest brains of the world.
A good fit even for beginner readers
A good fit even for beginner readers
August 27, 2023
This is one book with practical tips to pivot your life for the times ahead.
One of the best books I have read in recent times. The author shares his immense and rich experience for our benefit. Must read for every individual across all age groups.
One of the best books I have read in recent times. The author shares his immense and rich experience for our benefit. Must read for every individual across all age groups.
January 9, 2025
Whirlwind tour of the entire life learnings of the author in a 200 page book.
Carol Dweeik, Stephen Covey, Carl Sagan are some of the authors whose lessons appear.
Covered a lot of ground in a simple effective style.
Carol Dweeik, Stephen Covey, Carl Sagan are some of the authors whose lessons appear.
Covered a lot of ground in a simple effective style.
June 15, 2025
Lucid, to the point & short and quite a practical guide for all of us in the corporate world. (for the young as well as people in their mid careers). Intelligent and succinctly written. Will surely recommend
January 29, 2022
An essential read, it forces you to ponder on your life and provides a fresh perspective on navigating it ! Highly recommended...
March 12, 2022
This is one book I will re read several times.
April 9, 2022
Thank you for this Mr. Ravi Venkatesan
April 19, 2022
Life-Changing Book, Read it twice, will make a point to read once every year
May 1, 2022
A quick and easy read. Some of the chapters on future of work, meta skills, leadership are thought provoking and have good give-aways!
December 31, 2022
Compelling read for mid-career professionals on finding purpose and answering various questions that are likely to crop up in the mind.
January 6, 2023
A good read during our VUCA times.
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