Water Water Everywhere, Not a Drop to Drink: The Knowing-Doing Gap (11)

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We live in a world that is soaked in knowledge. Everywhere you turn there is another book, a video, another “life-changing” podcast. LinkedIn is bursting with thought leadership. YouTube offers everything from strategy lessons to how to peel a banana using quantum physics.

And yet most of us are stuck.

It is not that we do not know enough. It is that we are not doing enough with what we already know.

This, my friends, is the Knowing-Doing Gap.

At an individual level, we know we should eat better, move more, email less, and be more present but somehow we are still ordering takeaways while multitasking between 14 tabs and wondering why we feel tired and slightly existential.

At a team level, businesses attend workshops, post selfies from strategy offsites, and have action plans colour-coded to within an inch of their lives. Yet somehow, the actual action bit gets delayed until Q4 when “things quiet down a bit” which of course they never do.

And at the organisational level, there are enough frameworks floating around to make a PowerPoint cry. Vision statements, Transformation journeys, Capability matrices, Innovation hubs. It all sounds very impressive until you realise that Tuesday’s big decision is still being made based on gut feel and Susan’s spreadsheet from 2019.

It is not about knowing. It is about doing.

Everyone is busy gathering knowledge like a precious gem. And then it sits in a folder somewhere. Untouched. Unused. Forgotten.

Let me bring it to life with an example. In Breaking Bad, Walter White goes from high school chemistry teacher to drug kingpin. Now setting aside the moral debate for a moment what is fascinating is that his success does not come from learning something new. It comes from applying what he already knows. He simply starts doing. Ruthlessly. Relentlessly. Effectively.

Knowledge in isolation did nothing for him. Action did. That is what changed his world.

Now I am not suggesting anyone start cooking meth, let us be absolutely clear on that. But I am suggesting that bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap can be life changing. In fact it can be happiness changing.

Happiness is not just about dreams or ideas, it is about progress. When we feel stuck it is often because we know what we should be doing but we are not doing it. That disconnect creates frustration stress and eventually burnout.

I spend a lot of time helping people and organisations close that gap. Not by giving them more theory or fluff but by working with what is already in front of them and turning it into action. My methodologies are designed to create those small shifts that unlock bigger momentum. No hype. No magic wands. Just intentional movement.

And sometimes, doing less knowing and more doing is the smartest move of all.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a webinar to ignore.

❤️ASB

Per-fectly Fine… Until It Wasn’t : Defect vs Perfect-A Two-Letter Mystery (10)

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Have you ever stared at a brilliant plan, only to watch it unravel faster than a cheap jumper in a tumble dryer?

You’re not alone.

Turns out, the line between defect and perfect is thinner than we think ; just one tiny prefix, in fact.

Both words come from the Latin ‘facere’, which means to make.

So “fect” is just the thing being made. Then comes the twist:

  • Add “de-” and you’ve made a defect. Something’s wrong. Off. Missing a piece. Probably squeaks when it moves.
  • Add “per-” and you’ve got perfect. Complete, works like a charm, might even sparkle a bit.

The difference? Literally a couple of letters.

But the result? Worlds apart.

It’s like giving Voldemort and Harry Potter the same wand and asking them both to build a team.
One ends up with loyal friends, a bit of chaos, and eventual success.

The other ends up with a snake, questionable leadership choices, and no nose.

And here’s the thing: in our personal and professional lives, we do this to ourselves all the time.

We know what needs to happen. We’ve got the strategy, the plan, the slides, the stakeholder sign-off.
Then somehow, between the knowing and the doing… things go sideways.

Suddenly, what was meant to be perfect starts to crack.

Maybe the communication wasn’t clear.
Maybe the rollout missed the mark.
Maybe someone decided to change the brief after everything was built.

Whatever the reason, the end result gets labelled a “defect” ; even if it started with the best of intentions.

This, friends, is the infamous Knowing–Doing Gap. Where ideas go in shiny and come out slightly disappointing.

It’s not always because people don’t care or don’t try. It’s just easy to trip over that tiny prefix ; to slide from “Per” to “De” without even noticing.

So next time something feels off; whether it’s a personal misstep or a business idea that didn’t quite stick, don’t be too harsh on yourself. Often, what looks like a flaw is just the starting line. The real journey begins when we notice the gap, take ownership, and work with intent to close it; bit by bit, day by day

In both life and business, “perfect” isn’t a fixed point; it’s a moving target shaped by clarity, action, and growth. And the good news? Defect doesn’t disqualify you from the journey. In fact, it starts it.

What if every so-called defect was just a perfect excuse to begin again, this time with more purpose?

❤️ASB

Who Is Listening? and why that might Not be the Point | Response vs Release (9)

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Every now and then, amidst a flurry of posts, conversations, and musings, I pause and wonder; who is actually listening?

We live in a world of digital amphitheatres. Thoughts are shared, reels are posted, opinions are floated. Some echo, some disappear into the ether and while we may not always admit it, there’s often an unspoken assumption that someone, somewhere is registering what we’ve said. Perhaps even forming a perception about us.

And yes, sometimes they are.

But here’s the question that’s become more interesting to me lately: even if they are listening… does it really matter in the way we think it does?

Cue The Truman Show.

Jim Carrey’s Truman is unknowingly the star of a 24/7 broadcast, with the world watching his every move. But the twist? Most of the viewers aren’t hanging onto his every word. They’re dipping in and out; Distracted, consuming rather than connecting. It’s theatre, not conversation.

That’s how a lot of spaces feel now ( Social and otherwise) . People hear what you say, but do they listen? And even when they do, their interpretation is shaped by their own filters; what mood they’re in, how their day’s going, whether they’ve had their coffee yet.

So when we share a thought, an idea, a bit of ourselves; how much of the impact we imagine is real, and how much is a narrative we’ve built because silence feels awkward?

I’ve come to realise something simple but freeing: sometimes, the person truly listening is the one speaking.

When I articulate a thought; whether in a post, a talk, or a coffee-fuelled ramble; it helps me refine my own thinking. It’s a chance to declutter the mind, process an emotion, find humour in a challenge, or make meaning out of a moment.

Sharing isn’t always about response. Sometimes it’s about release.

In a world addicted to metrics, reactions, and applause, there’s quiet power in putting something out there simply because it matters to you.

You don’t always need to be heard to find clarity.
You don’t always need validation to express something valuable.
And you certainly don’t need to perform to prove your presence.

If someone listens and finds resonance; great.
If not, it’s still served a purpose.
Because you listened, you showed up and you made space for your own voice.

And maybe that’s enough. Maybe that’s more than enough.

❤️ASB

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.