Engaged minds

Commodities trading had over time become technical and scientific in nature; manufacturers specifications, identity and source preservation,  safety, environmental impact is the key. Commodities cannot be traded in isolation either as a host of multidisciplinary factors matters when it comes to demand and supply and pricing commodities.  In order to trade commodities, an understanding of various factors matters to optimize profits: Geography Agricultural practices, land ownership and usage  Weather Culture - habits and consumer preferences Chemistry and composition Biology and health  Economics, demand supply, storage capacities and strategic reserves  Government policies and subsidies Water Logistics and transportation Complimentary and substitutes Diversified usage Environmental impact and constraints Conflicts Technology and distruptive technology; biotech  Management practices including compensation policies Financing and arbitrages  Trading commod...

All companies have an orientation programs, employee hand book, code of ethics, guiding principles, etc. The contents of the orientation programs and materials are more or less same and there is immaterial variations.  These orientations become unique and funny when cultural nuances and norms are blended.  Some very interesting funny experiences and instructions that I recollect which were relevant to those times and cultural context. Always swear by core company mission and cultural values, code of conduct, guiding principles and values, and ethics hand book. Abide by local laws, stay clear of trouble.   Whatever you do please ensure that you put something in everyone kitty – share your credits and laurels. Lend a face – you don’t take all, ensure that you leave the crumbs. Don't curse or sue the government (nor the politician); both are omni-potent and any way you can't live without them.      Stay clear of the social underbelly, the law, relig...

Try engagement, if you have ever got into a state of conflict or status quo or want to build a thriving friendship or commitment. Engagement efforts are not painful instead productive but needs enormous courage to grind your personal ego,  foster open communication and mutual trust, create an emotional and cultural connect with others. Engagement is "the act or state of interlocking'; it conveys a physical  and emotional commitment, mutual trust, connect and a promise to do something and by some time.  Engagement is one of the best political weapon to resolve conflicts or make long lasting friendships.  Conflicts build status quo; push backs creates opponents to freeze or solidify their positions.   E ngagement opens mind, creates optimism, leads to education and change. Engagement is proactive, directionally positive and yields sustainable results and personal gratification. Engagement boost morale, increase productivity, and help gain c...

The concept of spreading awareness of  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis   ( ALS) via the ice bucket challenge was interesting, innovative and successful!  However, b oth water and ice are precious in many parts of the world and uses energy to produce, please think before you take the ice water bucket challenge!  We all are  a big fan of charity and charitable causes so please continue to support, create awareness and pay for the charitable cause but save water and precious resources. Now, take a challenge - fill those buckets that are empty or half empty, increase the joy and happiness!  Donate a bottle of water to the needy especially during summer ! Pick up your saved meal from the restaurant; you could feed a needy ! Educate or help educate both the young and old !  Share your skills, books and tools ! Promote a sport for the deprived kids ! Promote democracy, meritocracy and equality ! Motivate, empower, help people to succeed by coaching and sha...

Personal notes :  Bloomberg Corporate Focus 2014: 7 August 2014 Bloomberg Singapore, 23 Church Street, 12/F Capital Square (live broadcast in Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Mumbai) 4:30pm Executive Dialogue:  Organic Growth - Is this still the way forward?According to the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2014 CFO Outlook Asia report, organic growth is the number-one preferred way for  CFOs while just 24% will spend it on M&A. How do companies build and manage their talents today amidst the evolving role of the  finance function? Is South-east Asia still an opportunity for M&A? How challenging will it be to apply the same talent management  model for an MNC into a SME setup? Panelists: > Jeremy Gray, CFO Asia Pacific, W R Grace > Gopul Shah, Head of Global Treasury and Trade Finance, Golden Agri-Resources > Felix Wang, GM Accounts, Itochu Plastics Corporation Moderated by Linus Chua, Bureau Chief, Bloomberg L.P. ...

This video was conceived and animated by Shruti Shah in 9th grade.   It shows a different perspective of learning maths.   Math can be boring but how a cartoon can make it lively and interesting is what is in this video.  Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxu7rHQGVC0&li.   

Everyone wants to hire the best talent but there is hardly a correlation between hiring the best (perceived) talent and a successful hire.  For most jobs, except technical and professional, good grades, GPA’s, past performance, pedigree, analytical and diagnostic tests, and experience do not guarantee a successful hire. However, there is high degree of correlation in technical jobs as skills, education and past experience can be easily matched with job requirements.  The probability of success of a hire increases when the manager empowers, provides challenging and responsible job assignments, nurtures, nudges and coaches, and fuels passion. Success of a new hire (and employees) is highly driven by the team, manager, leader(s) and organisation culture which includes good process, systems, leadership attitude and approach that allows people to think differently and engage. Meritocratic, growth and performance oriented compensation plan that ensures equal and fair opportu...