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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

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.

Why I started Asbiverse Group – A Salesman’s desire

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It was April 1993, I was 15 years old and on the first day of my first ever summer job selling soft toys door to door in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi during school vacations.

Amongst my fair share of snubs, partial interest, bargaining etc. I managed to make my first ever Sale. The biggest toy in my bag, a 4 foot Teddy Bear for a cute little girl who was playing in her courtyard. As soon as her father bought the teddy, it was the biggest and sweetest burst of happiness I had ever seen. That is where my love for sales was born.

I felt I had played some role in bringing joy to the girl and the family.

That feeling stayed with me which led to more part-time sales roles at Uni and even resulted in me leaving a coveted gazetted officer position with the Government of India, all for the love of sales.

I was fortunate that my Sales and then subsequently Strategy, Marketing and Consulting journey took me to roles with ICI Paints (Akzo Nobel)India, Procter & Gamble Europe,
and Accenture Consulting Global.

It was when I started my Consulting journey and my exposure to multiple clients increased that I realised that there were “ Ways of Working” or “Sales Transformations” being undertaken by Consulting/Client teams with an extremely limited participation of Sales people with actual selling experience. What really bothered me was that the Sales professionals were then expected to fully adopt these new processes without proper incorporation of their role perspective. It led to some very emotional discussions in the project teams I was part of (I was still learning the art of diplomacy 😊) but I felt there was a huge gap. That was the moment I decided to set up our business to give a proper voice to the Sales profession which has now taken the shape of Asbiverse Group.

We were very lucky that in our initial years until 2014 we found like minded partners @Consulting by Kantar and we did some great work together.

In more than a decade of our operations,the best feeling in the world is when fellow Sales professionals share their happiness on feeling more equipped having attended one of our training programmes or as a result of a project outcome. Personally when I see dots on the global map increasing where we had the opportunity to work with Sales and Commercial teams (more than 50 countries on last count across 6 continents) I feel extremely humbled that I have had the opportunity to work in the field I absolutely love across the world and hopefully have been able to make a small contribution to the happiness quotient of my fellow Sales professionals.

A Sales professional takes on a lot of responsibility and pressure in the process of helping clients fulfill their needs and deserves to get the best support possible.

I hope to play a small part in that and continue pursuing my purpose of “Empowering Sales Professionals and Profession”

Aek Life- One Chance to Live: A perspective by Ankur Shiv Bhandari

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I think I heard while watching a TV series once, that the day we are born, the day we come into this world, the countdown starts of us leaving this world one day. This is the ultimate truth for everyone, it is just that the duration of our time here is different for every individual whether it is days, weeks, months, years, decades or maybe a century for some. Unless someone has a secret stash of Elixir hidden somewhere or until the fountain of youth is truly discovered, this is the reality of life. I would not call it a hard, rough or crude reality as is heard sometimes as whether it is hard and rough or smooth and enjoyable is to a great measure dependent on each one of us.

The undeniable fact is that this particular innings that we have is “One” or “Aek” composed of moments that might be of joy, sorrow, exhilaration, depression, wonder, surprise, enlightenment or just pure fun. An effort to live each of those moments fully is “Aek Life- One Chance to Live.”

I would like to think that I try to live my life with this principle of “Aek Life”. Yes, I cannot control everything and yes, I have many moments of despair, frustration and sometimes complete annoyance but as life has taken me on its rollercoaster , I have come to realise that it is not what happens to you that defines you or how you capture that as a moment of your life, rather it is how you respond to it that can largely result in the type of feeling you retain or the memory you capture. In my recent readings, I came across this Stoic’s prayer which I think helps me greatly and I try my best to incorporate it into my daily life. It goes like this: “ Dear God- Give me the Serenity to understand the things I cannot change, Give me the Courage to change the things I can and Give me the Wisdom to know the difference”

Through this medium of “Aek Life”, I will try to share my own experiences and thoughts on trying to live this “One” life as fully as we can, in spite of and with everything that this journey brings. Where possible and relevant, I will try to get others to join me in the conversation. I would welcome thoughts from all of you on your experiences and perspectives as well.

Life is not always what we want it to be, or let me rephrase, Life is not always how we think we want it to be. There are many mysteries which life reveals only at the right time and it might be that if you don’t get what you desire might be the best thing that happens to you. We will try to form perspectives on some of these mysteries as we go on this journey and try to augment every moment we have in this “ Aek life- One chance to Live”

Thank you

Conversation with a tomato blog

Conversation with a Tomato – The Positive Charge Talks by Ankur Shiv Bhandari – Podcast Episode 08

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What are the conversations you have had in the last 24 hours? Maybe with your partner? with your kids? parents? friends? Anyone else? And should I also ask with anything else?

#ankurshivbhandari #thepositivecharge #purpose #shopper #shoppermarketing #FMCG #retail #consumergoods #leadership #innovation #conversations #conversationsandpurpose