Fork It, I Miss My Spoon: Choosing Authenticity over Acceptance, One Grain at a Time (8)

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Fluffy basmati rice, steam rising; a little dal pooling at the edges. Maybe a bit of pickle for the brave. That perfect bite, balanced, warm, slightly messy, lovingly scooped with a Spoon; Not stabbed with a Fork; Not chased around like you’re playing tag with your dinner.

That was my childhood in India. Rice and spoon were a team, they understood each other. Then I moved to the West, and somewhere between work lunches, dinner invites, and the occasional “Oh you still use a spoon?” look, I made the switch. I forked my rice; Badly!

Not because it worked better , but because it helped me fit in. Or at least felt like I was trying to.

That’s how it often starts; Small things. A spoon here, a phrase there. You adjust to blend in, you stop correcting people when they say your name wrong, you laugh politely at jokes you don’t find funny, you wear the neutral colours, speak the expected way. Slowly, without noticing, you trade little pieces of your authentic self for the comfort of belonging.

We’ve all done it. Sometimes it’s survival, sometimes it’s strategy but sometimes, it’s just habit. And after a while, you forget what eating with the spoon even felt like.

But here’s the twist. Fitting in is not the same as being seen.

Have you seen The Devil Wears Prada ? Andy starts out as herself. Unsure, curious, maybe a little out of place. Then she transforms. Sleek clothes, designer shoes, fluent in fashion speak. She fits in, but somewhere along the way, she loses her spark. She realises she’s no longer herself, just a high-functioning version of who she thought she needed to be. In the end, she walks away. Not out of rebellion, but out of clarity. She chooses authenticity over approval.

We don’t connect with perfect people. We connect with real ones. The ones who occasionally spill dal on their shirts or pronounce things differently or eat rice the “wrong” way. Because that’s what being human looks like.

So yes, I can use a fork. I’ve adapted. I know my way around a salad. But when I’m home, when it’s Rajma Chawal night, when the food means something, I reach for the spoon.

Not just because it works better but because it feels like me.

And maybe that’s the point. You can learn the rules, adapt when needed, and still keep the parts of you that matter. You can show up with your spoon in a world full of forks.

Because sometimes, the best way to fit in is by standing out ✨.

❤️ASB

Excellence has a Formula and No, It’s Not “Work Harder.”(7)

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“Excellence” has been through a lot.
It’s been framed in gold, stuck on office walls, and repeated so often it’s lost all meaning.
If Excellence had feelings, it would probably be standing with folded hands and begging for a break 🙏.

So I tried something different.
Instead of treating it like a mystery, I treated it like a problem worth solving and out came this formula:

👉 Excellence = (Ri + Pe) / CS

Here’s what that means:
🔹 Ri = Results Increase
🔹 Pe = Potential Enhancement
🔹 C = Consistently
🔹 S = Sustainably

You’re getting close to Excellence when you’re delivering better outcomes and unlocking more potential. However, the real test is whether you can do it consistently and sustainably.

Anyone can shine for a month. I am sure we have all seen many flashes in a pan. The real magic is doing it again and again and…. Without losing your team, your sanity or your soul.

This is where Excellence Intelligence™ kicks in.
It’s the ability to design systems that don’t just work, but keep working. It’s less about heroics and more about habits.

🎬 Exhibit A: Moneyball.

Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) chases stats instead of stars. He builds a smarter system.
He increases results using stats everyone else ignores.
He enhances potential by betting on overlooked players.
And he makes it all work consistently and sustainably.

He doesn’t just win games. He changes the game.
That’s the formula in action. That’s (Ri + Pe) / CS.

This formula quietly powers how we at Asbiverse Group build teams, design capability programs, and help leaders think clearly.

It’s not flashy. But it works.

When something’s off, we just ask:
✅ Are results improving?
✅ Is potential being unlocked?
✅ Are we doing this without gasping every quarter?

If the answer is no, the formula shows exactly where to look.

Excellence = (Ri + Pe) / CS
Simple🕯️Sharp🔪 Surprisingly useful🪜
And unlike most buzzwords, this one holds up under pressure.

Love, ASB

Is the Invisible Hand still steering us in the Age of AI? (6)

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“There’s a strange irony to disruption. It often starts by promising freedom and ends by quietly rearranging our chains.”

Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand once symbolised the elegant self-regulation of free markets. Each individual, by pursuing their own interest, inadvertently served the common good. No central planner, no algorithm; Just an organic flow of supply, demand, and ambition converging to keep the system alive

But now, something has shifted..

Artificial Intelligence has entered the scene, not as a side character, but as a lead actor. It is not simply taking orders. It is interpreting, learning, and, in some cases, deciding. Which brings us to a profound question.

If the actors shaping the economy are no longer human, is the Invisible Hand still ours? Or has it been quietly reprogrammed?

We live in a world where AI is no longer waiting in the wings; It is already on stage, directing logistics, curating content, assessing risks, screening resumes, and even designing advertising strategies that understand us better than we understand ourselves.

What was once the work of departments, is now the work of data and code.

Unlike humans, AI doesn’t get tired, doesn’t feel fear, and certainly doesn’t stop to ask why. It doesn’t chase wealth or legacy. It simply optimises. And in doing so, it can rapidly scale decisions without pausing to consider if they’re aligned with any shared sense of morality or meaning.

This is where the Invisible Hand begins to lose its grip.

AI is not selfish. It is goal-focused. It doesn’t ask “Should I?” It asks “Can I hit the target?”
So, an algorithm optimising for screen time may flood your feed with outrage. One maximising hiring efficiency might unintentionally exclude entire demographics. Not out of malice, but out of mindless math.

This is where efficiency starts to quietly erode humanity.

We comfort ourselves by saying, “We’re still in control.” But are we? Most people can’t explain how their phone works, let alone LLMs

The real risk is not AI gone rogue.
It’s AI doing exactly what it was told ; with no one questioning whether we told it the right thing.

This is why Intent must return to the centre. We must design for meaning, not just for metrics.

AI should serve human outcomes, not just KPIs. We need systems that optimise not just for speed and scale, but for relevance, impact, and ethical action.

And here’s the good news; Humans still hold the ultimate advantage.

We question. We imagine. We care.
We make choices not just because they’re efficient ; but because they feel right.

If we lead with purpose, not panic…
If we guide AI with intention, not just ambition…
Then the Invisible Hand doesn’t need to disappear. It can evolve.

Because in the end, even the smartest AI still needs a reason to matter.

And that reason?
Still belongs to us.

Love, ASB

I don’t hate my Competition, I thank them! (5)

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Actually, I owe them a thank-you card. Maybe even a fruit basket. Because while some people lose sleep over competitors, I might actually give them a spot ( small one!) in my dreams, knowing they’re helping me grow.

We’ve been conditioned to view competition as war. Business books often sound like military manuals. But the truth is, I don’t see competitors as enemies. They’re more like frenemies. The kind that push you in public and high-five you in private. Think Tom and Jerry. They chase, scheme, and occasionally blow each other up… but deep down, what would Tom even be without Jerry?

Or better yet, think Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty. Whether you’ve seen the BBC version, the movies, or any of the reboots, the message is there. Moriarty isn’t just a villain. He’s the spark that ignites Sherlock’s brilliance. Without that rivalry, Sherlock might be just another smart guy solving crossword puzzles in his robe. Instead, he’s forced to stretch, question, and evolve. Because greatness doesn’t grow in a vacuum. It grows in friction.

I’ve had competitors copy my content, imitate my slides, echo my frameworks, and even lift phrases I made up in the shower. But honestly, I feel oddly flattered. Because if I was forgettable, they wouldn’t bother.

And let’s not pretend we don’t learn from them too. I’ve picked up ideas from competitors’ posts, events, and even their mistakes (those are gold!). It’s like we’re all in one giant workshop, unknowingly co-authoring each other’s success stories.

In real life, my Moriartys have taught me resilience, strategy, and how to respond with grace when provoked. They remind me of the “I” in Intentonomics®. Not intimidation, but integrity of thought.

So here’s what I’ve learned. You don’t have to like your competition, but you don’t have to hate them either. You can coexist, learn, laugh, and even grow together. Awkward smiles and all. Frenemies aren’t a flaw in the system. They’re the spark in the engine.

Next time you see your competitor winning, don’t rage-scroll. Smile, reflect, and say, “Game on.”

Because if you’re not inspired by your competition, you’re probably not paying attention.

Credibility isn’t a Costume. It’s your Own Skin! (4)

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We live in a world that’s constantly whispering in our ears… and by whispering, I mean yelling in 100 point font across social media posts and “10 things never to do if you want to be taken seriously” articles.

Don’t say this.
Never post that.
Avoid these phrases if you want to appear credible.

It’s like credibility has been turned into a checklist, a formula, a script. Smile just enough, speak just right, and for heaven’s sake, never let them see the real you because that might be too much.

Here’s the problem. The more you try to become what you think the world wants, the further you drift from who you actually are. And the further you drift, the more you sound like an AI-generated coach from 2025. Respectfully.

Now let’s take this idea to Hollywood. Remember The Greatest Showman? Hugh Jackman’s character, P.T. Barnum, spends most of the movie trying to impress high society. He wears the right clothes, says the right things, and courts the “credible” people. But in chasing their approval, he starts sidelining the very performers who made him special; the ones who were unapologetically different.

It all falls apart. Because in trying to gain credibility by being something he’s not, he loses connection, trust, and eventually, himself.

He does find his way back but only by embracing his authentic crew ; the bearded lady, the trapeze artists, the oddballs. And the moment he does? That’s when he truly becomes credible. Not because he ticks the boxes. But because he owns his story.

In real life, it’s the same. I’ve seen leaders who try to “present well” and end up sounding like a podcast with the playback speed set to 1.5x. ( Self included 😳) and I’ve seen people who speak with simple honesty and light up the room. No filters, no corporate gloss. Just truth, passion, and the courage to be seen.

Authenticity isn’t a vulnerability. It’s a superpower. Because when you speak from who you are, not from what you think people want to hear, you earn something no strategy can buy: trust.

So the next time someone tells you “never say this if you want to be credible,” pause and ask yourself ; is it really about the words, or is it about the intention behind them?

Because you can’t fake your way to being believable. People don’t trust perfect. They trust real.

Be you. Weird quirks, quiet confidence, chaotic brilliance, subtle disasters and all. It beats polished pretence any day.

Are you searching for that Secret Ingredient of Success? (3)

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Let me begin with an apology.

Spoiler alert: If you haven’t watched Kung Fu Panda; firstly, where have you been? Secondly, this post will absolutely ruin the surprise ending for you. So either go watch it now and come back (we’ll wait) or accept that today is the day you learn a life lesson with or without animated animals.

Now, let’s talk about success.

It’s the golden goose. The treasure chest. The scroll guarded at the top of the mountain (or in this case, the Jade Palace). Whether you’re a leader chasing the next growth target, a professional climbing the corporate ladder, or someone just trying to figure it out; it’s likely you’ve wondered:

“What’s the secret ingredient?”

The formula. The edge. The “X” factor

“What do top performers really have that others don’t?”
“What makes certain change projects succeed when others fail?”
“What’s the silver bullet, Ankur?”

And that’s when I point to the legendary showdown in Kung Fu Panda

🐼 The Scroll, the Showdown… and the Shocker

Tai Lung, the formidable villain, spends the entire film battling (quite literally) for the Dragon Scroll. Said to hold the secret to limitless power and ultimate Kung Fu mastery, this scroll has been mythologized for years

He finally gets his paws on it; after a fight that breaks walls, bridges, and possibly all safety regulations, and what does he find?

Nothing.

Just a shimmering reflective surface. A mirror

It’s empty. Or rather, it reflects back the one truth that no one dared say out loud:

The secret ingredient is… YOU.

Yep. That’s it. No glowing orb. No magic spell. Just belief.

🧠 Sounds Simple, Feels Ridiculous, Works Like Magic

I know. It sounds like one of those motivational posters with eagles soaring above mountain tops.

But the truth is; It’s YOU.

The leader who chooses to lead with clarity instead of chaos.
The team that stops outsourcing accountability and starts owning their evolution.
The individual who dares to act on their Intent; even before they’re 100% ready.

That’s the secret. You are the ingredient.

💡 Wait, So What Does That Mean Practically?

Let’s get real. We’re not saying, “Just believe in yourself and unicorns will fund your next business.”

We’re saying:

  • Before you chase another tool, technique, or training… pause and ask: What belief am I operating from?
  • When launching a change project, don’t just cascade goals; build conviction.
  • When applying Intentonomics®, especially the “I”: Integrity of Thought; ask yourself if you’re coming from fear, doubt… or authentic purpose.

🥢 Final Bite of Wisdom (Panda Style)

The film ends with Po finally understanding what his father meant when he said the secret ingredient in his Secret Ingredient Soup… was that there is no secret ingredient.

It was always just… him.

And similarly, you my friend, are the secret ingredient in your own scroll.

Now go unleash it.

Love, ASB

Why are we not Content with all this Content In our Lives? (2)

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We live in an age of breathtaking abundance.

More knowledge at our fingertips than any generation before.
More possessions in our homes than we can use.
More digital content to consume than we can ever process.

And yet, many of us feel a persistent restlessness.

Despite being surrounded by content, we are often not content.

The last few decades taught us: More is better.

  • More books, podcasts, articles, reels to make us smarter.
  • More gadgets, clothes, and possessions to make us happier.
  • More experiences and options to make us fulfilled.

But somewhere along the way, more stopped adding and started overwhelming.

Instead of creating peace, it created pressure.
Instead of deepening satisfaction, it diluted meaning.

The real issue isn’t lack of input. It’s lack of intent.

We consume content endlessly, but rarely pause to ask:

  • Why am I reading this?
  • How does this help me?
  • What will I do differently?

Without intent, content becomes clutter ; both in our minds and in our lives.

The same applies to our possessions. The more we accumulate, the more we manage, the less we enjoy.

Accumulation is not the same as fulfillment.

In my work and life, my humble observations:

  • Progress comes not from collecting more, but mastering a few.
  • Insight comes not from reading more, but reflecting more.
  • Satisfaction comes not from acquiring more, but using what matters well.

When intent leads, content supports. When content leads, intent gets buried.

Perhaps true contentment comes not from abundance, but from alignment.

When what we know, own, and pursue aligns with who we are and what we value , that’s when content becomes contentment.

Am I on the Right Path? (1)

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It’s a question that comes back to haunt all of us at different stages of life, career, or business:

Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it screams. And often, it creates unnecessary anxiety because somewhere deep inside, we’ve been conditioned to believe that the right path is a single, straight, unchanging road.

But what if that belief itself is flawed?

The Myth of the Fixed Path

We live in a world that idolises clear roadmaps.

  • Start here.
  • Do X.
  • Accomplish Y.
  • Reach Z.

Certainty is comforting. Predictability feels safe. But the reality of life, leadership, and enterprise rarely works this way.

Paths are not railway tracks.
They are more like rivers ; meandering, adaptive, shaped by the terrain they flow through.

Rigid attachment to a fixed path often leads to frustration when life throws up unforeseen bends. Industries evolve. Technologies disrupt. Personal priorities shift. Global events reshape the playing field. The destination you had in mind at the start might no longer even exist by the time you’re halfway there.

The path is simply how you’re trying to get there. And that can, and often should, change.

  • A business model might need pivoting.
  • A career trajectory may demand reinvention.
  • A product may evolve into a service.
  • A personal ambition may mature into something deeper.

Staying rigid on the path often closes doors that may actually be better suited to fulfilling your original desire.

Flexibility Is Not Failure

Too many people confuse flexibility with weakness.

They say:
“But if I change course, does it mean I failed?”

Not at all. Flexibility is a sign of intelligence. It reflects awareness, adaptability, and an ability to navigate reality rather than fight it.

In my own journey; whether building businesses, guiding leaders, holding public office or growing intellectually , I’ve seen that my intent stays largely consistent, but my methods evolve continuously.

  • The brands I build today are different from what I envisioned years ago.
  • The frameworks (PIFFLE®, Intentonomics ®, Route to Shopper ®, K.SA.R™) emerged as my understanding deepened.
  • The markets I serve expanded as opportunities unfolded.
  • Even my personal priorities shifted as life progressed.

The desire to build excellence, create impact, and help others strengthen their choices remains intact. But how I do it? That’s fluid by design.

The Real Danger: Quitting vs. Adapting

Let’s make one distinction very clear:

  • Changing direction is adaptation.
  • Giving up entirely is abandonment.

The danger isn’t that you’ll change direction ; the danger is that fear or pride will make you stop moving altogether.

Keep moving. Keep recalibrating. Hold the intent tightly, but hold the method lightly.

Excellence is not found in perfect plans.
Excellence is found in the intent to continue, adapt, and grow.

– Ankur Shiv Bhandari (ASB)