I analyze why Koo and Hike failed despite millions of users. And why Zoho's Arattai may be repeating their mistakes. I argue that, at its core, it’s the difference between "Made FOR India" and "Made FROM India." To be clear: Zoho is uniquely positioned to break this pattern. They've proven they can compete globally in B2B. The question is whether Arattai's positioning reflects that ambition.
Dr. Ambedkar’s “Grammar of Anarchy”: A Constitutional Warning That Echoes Today
On this 79th Independence Day, I’ve been reflecting on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s "Grammar of Anarchy" speech. He asked us to abandon "unconstitutional methods," cautioned against the dangers of "hero-worship," and pointed out the profound "contradictions" of a nation with political equality but deep social inequality.
Best Practices for Communicating Layoffs
I talk about the best practices for communicating layoffs. I talk about the common pitfalls to avoid, and suggest a few precautions to do it with least friction. I conclude with a template of prerequisites for layoff communication.
Why must CEOs own Strategic Communications?
I explain why traditional PR alone doesn’t cut it anymore. Along the way, I build a case on why CEOs must go direct to the public, instead of outsourcing their comms to traditional PR.
Book Review of “We, the Citizens”
I review the book, “We, The People”. This is an audacious attempt to simplify complex public policy topics in a comic book format.
Using Deadly Laws as a Proxy for Social Change
I argue why deadly laws cannot be a proxy for social change.
How Elite Imitation Affects Public Policy
In a previous newsletter on marketing fallacies, I argued how we’re prone to the Apex Fallacy the most. It’s widespread because some companies do indeed beat the conventional wisdom and win big. We see it unfolding right in front of us. And, we risk being seen as too soft when we appear skeptical about its... Continue Reading →
How re-imagining past shapes your strategic narrative
I talk about the importance of creating a strategic narrative that stands the test of time. Many opportunities to chalk a new path are lost due to a narrow, fixated perspective of the past. The past needs to be infused with a fresh meaning for a new future to manifest. The strategic narrative is the prism businesses use to impose continuity upon its actions throughout its trajectory. It’s a north star that stays relevant amid changing market conditions and technology landscape.
Why Political Discourse Seems So Stupid
I talk about why the current political discourse seems so stupid. I borrow the following concepts to make my point: - Final Vocabulary - Purva Paksha - Ideological Turing Test - Pigeonholing
How PV Narasimha Rao transformed India
I pay my tributes to the statesman par excellence who successfully pulled India back from the brink.
Musings by Madhav 