Sumit Gupta

February 2023

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  • Issue #73, 28 Feb 2023 – Why you should never think twice about investing in yourself?

    Welcome to the Deploy Yourself Newsletter, where I gently provoke you to show you your own power. This newsletter is an invitation to your leadership. You can also read this issue online.

    Hey,

    Why you should never think twice about investing in yourself?

    This was probably my biggest mistake in my early years.

    Since I grew up with financial struggles, I always had a scarcity mentality around money.

    Because of that, I always saw spending money as a cost, not as an investment.

    In fact, the first time I invested in myself was when someone forced me to do so – at a personal development seminar in 2010.

    Otherwise, I always thought that my learning and growth is somebody else’s responsibility – my manager’s, my boss’s, my parents, the government’s, and so on.

    As a result, without even knowing, I was holding myself back.

    Books, quality food, travel and other experiences, fitness, hobbies and passions, and personal development/coaching all come under the bucket of investing in oneself.

    The seminar I attended gave me so much back that I have never stopped investing in myself since.

    I have invested both time and money in reading 100s of books since 2010. I never counted, but the number is certainly 400+

    I have travelled and photographed in more than 25 countries. My photos are seen by thousands today and they give me tremendous joy and pride.

    I have had a personal coach for myself for 6 of the last 12 years – including the last 3.

    I invested over $30,000 last year in my own mentoring and coaching. And I will probably invest another 30-40k this year.

    They are not costs and spending. They are investments. Without this shift, I would never have even dreamt of investing so much in myself.

    These investments pay dividends and returns for a long time – till you are alive.

    They are like a gift that keeps on giving.

    They are like a candle which keeps on burning.

    Are you investing in yourself to massively transform the results you are producing?

    After all, if you spend 10 bucks and get 100 back, is that a tough choice?

    The answer is clearly NO, but we are not taught to treat ourselves well and put ourselves first.

    Servant leadership is a buzzword these days. But you can’t serve if you don’t put your own oxygen masks first.

    Our society pays a premium to sacrifice and serve others. However, it ignores the one who is doing the service.

    How have you been holding back on investing in yourself? What results could be possible if you do?

    How will you invest in yourself this year?

    Reply back and share what this is provoking for you. I read and respond to every reply.

    Fascinating Articles & Stories

    One

    Sudhanshu Ahuja – “All the companies that I applied for a job and got rejected, are now our customers”

    I interviewed Sudhanshu Ahuja, CEO & Founder of Impress.ai on the Choosing Leadership podcast. We talked about:

    • that one of the biggest responsibilities in our business is to our customers
    • we put focus on new customers, and new sales to existing customers. And all of this meant that we were able to retain a hundred percent of our customers
    •  it became really sustainable. We had nothing to worry about in terms of keeping our employees well rewarded, so we didn’t have to do mass layoffs, uh, to achieve that. We didn’t have to cut bonuses or salaries
    • Wealth is created during bear markets and harvested during bull markets. 
    • You start to get this realization when you get older, that your younger years are not going to come back and the equation starts to change.
    • the challenge is how do you grow into what is needed to take the company to the next stage?
    • All the companies that I applied to a job for, um, are now our customers. All of them. Absolutely all of them. So that’s been. One of the things that make me feel like a winner,

    Listen to the entire episode.

    Two

    Anastasia – “My best ideas come either during meditation or after meditation.”

    I interviewed serial entrepreneur Anastasia Petrova on the Choosing Leadership podcast. We talked about:

    • I am result oriented and I really want to see the input of my actions. 
    • you learn to accept because sometimes you plan something in a very perfect ideal, uh, way. In a perfect ideal world that doesn’t exist
    •  I was basically locked in my comfort zone and right now I feel like I get bored if there is no risk. 
    • this mission is more emotional, It lies really deeply in my heart
    • as soon as you understand who you are, you understand what you’re doing and you start to value what you’re doing. And if you value what you’re doing, I mean, this is exactly the ground you’re talking about
    • Fear is blocking the potential always. For me, it was always fear like, uh, procrastination and fear. are Connected. 
    • So if you are afraid, like I think fear actually lays in the very basis of each and every negative feeling that you can have on top of it.
    • fear lays always in the very like root and then it can mutate in all sorts of like, procrastination or, um, I dunno, grief or any other like, bad feelings that you might have, but in the root is always fear. 
    • So what I can say is that it is important to realize that fear blocks your potential.
    • So as soon as you recognize it, you start to get even angry because as if you feel that there is something that is blocking you, you know, and at that moment you will start to actually release this fear a little.

    Listen to the entire episode.

    Three

    Curated resources for your leadership

    Here are my best finds from all over the internet for your leadership. Make yourself tea/coffee as you read, listen and learn.

    Pro-tip – Listen and read the below about YOU – not about the author. (reply back and ask if you do not understand what that means)

    That’s it for now. If you have any questions or feedback, or if you are new and want to introduce yourself, hit reply. I read and respond to every reply. All the best,

    Sumit

    P.S. – I am looking to interview more inspirational leaders on my podcast. If you know anyone I should interview, reply back with their name.

    (Twitter) @SumitGupta
    (LinkedIn) Connect

  • Leadership Journeys [63] – Maria Pennanen – “Over the years you become more forgiving to yourself.”

    This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

    I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

    In the interview, Maria shares the role curiosity has played in her life to bring her where she is today. We talk about the fear of failure, how often people perceive her as being scary, and how she deals with that by sharing and being open about her own imperfections and vulnerabilities.

    You can find Maria at the below links

    In the interview, Maria shares

    • a feature that’s missing from many of these kind of evaluation programs or let’s say coaching workshops, is that they focus on the individual. And I realized that you have to always think about the whole team.
    • my driver has always been curiosity,
    • I think my mistake was always that. Mixed up empathy with sympathy and didn’t understand that actually empathy is that you just have to understand that they, people have the right to think what they want about things And you don’t have to agree with that. And for me, that was really a, you know, big Aha moment.
    • what would you do if you couldn’t fail? And I think we have all probably, inside of us this fear of failing that we are not, I don’t know whether we are not good enough
    • sometimes it’s very hard to, to admit that, okay, now it’s time to just to stop and let the company go down.
    • it makes us just human
    • you can’t force people
    • I’m told that I’m very scary
    • I meditate every morning, 20 minutes and I do write this kind of thing called Morning paper. Which is like, just like a, brain flow on the paper, whatever is in your mind, or, and sometimes, of course, new ideas come that, that you want to use. 
    • Exercising, I think keeping yourself fit is very important.
    • Less is more

  • Leadership Journeys [62] – Violetta – “If you are an entrepreneur & unhappy, your company will suffer.”

    This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

    I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

    In the interview, Violetta shared her journey from being an academic researcher to an entrepreneur, and what she has learned along the way. She shares how her background in linguistics, neuroscience, psychology, and game-theory all come together in her role as a leader of her organisation. She also shares her journey from being a quiet shy kid to someone who loves being on stage today.

    You can find Violetta at the below links

    In the interview, Violetta shares

    • I’m the kind of person who thought that I would never become an entrepreneur.
    • I actually have, uh, five high education degrees. I’ve really enjoyed studying my whole life.
    • at some point, after I think a year and a half I realize that I’m, I’m burning out because, uh, I’m working nonstop.
    • As an entrepreneur, you always think, Oh my God, I, there’s so much more that needs to be done. 
    • Why am I not moving? Why are we so slow? And now I realize that if I continue in that rhythm my whole life, then I’m, you know, I’m not gonna be able to run for much longer. 
    •  if I look at myself like four years ago and now these are two totally different people
    • If I remember myself, uh, at school, I was, always trying to keep quiet. And now I love being on stage
    • sometimes you need to. Allow yourself to express all those negative emotions, because if you keep them inside of you, you’re gonna explode at some point
    • Hopefully one day I will be able to switch from wartime CEO to a peacetime ceo.

  • Leadership Journeys [61] – Patrick Strauss – “There are so many opportunities for organizations to do better.”

    This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

    I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

    In the interview, Patrick shares how moving to a foreign country forced him to step out of his comfort zone and start from scratch. At the same time, he shares how he has learned to come in with a very clear intention, asking questions, and geting started from day 1 when starting in a new job – which he feels is very similar to moving countries.

    You can find Patrick at the below links

    In the interview, Patrick shares

    • it is very hard to find good people that embrace change quickly
    • there are so many opportunities for organizations to get it and do it better
    • be very open and resilient against the feedback that you get
    • I think my main message really to everybody is to embrace change. Don’t be afraid of it. Um, change does not always have negative or bad things attached to it.
    •  the biggest challenge is finding the right people that, understand and want to go the same way.
    • Listen more rather than talk.
    • You don’t have to be the centre of attention.

  • Issue #72, 14 Feb 2023 – Why Love and Leadership are synonyms?

    Welcome to the Deploy Yourself Newsletter, where I gently provoke you to show you your own power. This newsletter is an invitation to your leadership. You can also read this issue online.

    Hey,

    Why Love and Leadership are synonyms?

    When I started my career, I would never use love and leadership in the same sentence.

    In fact, back then, I considered leadership as the opposite of love. I thought being a leader means being cutthroat, aggressive, and not being caring.

    I could never have imagined that my journey to understand leadership which started in 2010 would lead me back to love in 2022.

    Today, I start every new relationship – personal or professional – by asking:

    What do you care about most deeply? What and who do you love the most? and Why?

    Let me share 3 reasons why I believe that love and leadership are synonyms.

    1. People are touched and inspired by love – The more (genuine) care and love one puts into a relationship, it is returned with a reciprocal action. That is human nature. Whether at home or at work, human beings respond in predictable ways when treated with love. When we love our team members, they not only see us in a better light, they are inspired to be better. People will perform better naturally (without forcing, persuading, or convincing) if you love and treat them as champions – and not mere resources.
    2. People long to feel a part of something – We all want to belong. Nobody wants to be excluded – at work or otherwise. When you genuinely care and show your appreciation for your people, they know they belong – to your mission, company, team, group, etc. Can you help your people feel that they’re a part of something more than just work, projects, or earning a salary?
    3. Love is at the root of recent buzzwords like diversity, inclusion, equity, empathy, trust, and commitment – Can we stop being afraid of using the word “love” in a business setting and see that it is behind all recent leadership buzzwords? As James Kouzes and Barry Posner observe in their award-winning book The Leadership Challenge, love is the secret of leadership.

      I define love as “a commitment to the welfare, growth, and wholeness” of both oneself and others around us. And we start companies and lead teams for the same reason – for the welfare and growth of yourself and others – whether they are your employees, managers, customers, partners, or colleagues.

    Love is the greatest gift that you can give – to yourself and to others.

    Are you giving this gift of LOVE to yourself first – when it is so easy to be self-critical and beat ourselves up?

    And then,

    Can you give the gift of LOVE to others – even if it is so easy to blame, point fingers and be judgemental?

    If you can, that is your LEADERSHIP right there.

    It is that simple. When you LOVE, you LEAD.

    What is one act of LOVE you can do right now – at business and work?

    Reply back and share what this is provoking for you. I read and respond to every reply.

    Fascinating Articles & Stories

    One

    “If people aren’t willing to accept you for the way that you are, then that’s their problem” – Marc Munier

    I interviewed Marc Munier, Founder of DitchCarbon on the Choosing Leadership podcast. We talked about:

    • If you trust people with the information, nobody judges you.
    • Celebrate the small wins. Celebrate the stages towards the end objective
    • I’m a fundamental believer in the goodness of people. So I believe that people given the right information will make the right choice
    • As a citizen, we’ve got a responsibility to do more and so to help combat the effects.
    • I love a soppy movie or a soppy series.
    • I’m a massive believer in getting outside and just kind of breathing the air, getting away from the city
    • Your brain needs time to relax.

    Listen to the entire episode.

    Two

    “Partnerships are the backbone of running a company.” – Dinesh Juneja

    I interviewed serial entrepreneur Dinesh Juneja on the Choosing Leadership podcast. We talked about:

    • patience is a virtue I’ve developed over a period of, and I think that really stuck with me very strongly.
    • we are investing a lot in building a strong second line of command
    • I think I have more failures than successes as a person, and I think it’s true for anybody who is relentless
    • I think the biggest advice is always to think about why you started up in the first place.
    •  this journey has been really beautiful, has been very rewarding

    Listen to the entire episode.

    Three

    Curated resources for your leadership

    Here are my best finds from all over the internet for your leadership. Make yourself tea/coffee as you read, listen and learn.

    Pro-tip – Listen and read the below about YOU – not about the author. (reply back and ask if you do not understand what that means)

    That’s it for now. If you have any questions or feedback, or if you are new and want to introduce yourself, hit reply. I read and respond to every reply. All the best,

    Sumit

    P.S. – I am looking to interview more inspirational leaders on my podcast. If you know anyone I should interview, reply back with their name.

    (Twitter) @SumitGupta
    (LinkedIn) Connect

  • Leadership Journeys [60] – Anastasia – “My best ideas come either during meditation or after meditation.”

    This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

    I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

    In the interview, Anastasia shares about her meditation practice and how that helps her maintain a grounded sense of balance as she deals with being a women entrepreneur in a world where there are not many. She also shares about her vision for women leaders, and how she is driven by curiosity and yet how she has learned to accept and move on while taking huge risks as an entrepreneur.

    You can find Anastasia at the below links

    In the interview, Anastasia shares

    • I am result oriented and I really want to see the input of my actions. 
    • you learn to accept because sometimes you plan something in a very perfect ideal, uh, way. In a perfect ideal world that doesn’t exist
    •  I was basically locked in my comfort zone and right now I feel like I get bored if there is no risk. 
    • this mission is more emotional, . It lays really deeply to my heart
    • as soon as you understand who you are, you understand what you’re doing and you start to value what you’re doing. And if you value what you’re doing, I mean, this is exactly the ground you’re talking about
    • Fear is blocking the potential always. For me, it was always fear like, uh, procrastination and fear. are Connected. 
    • So if you are afraid, like I think fear is actually lays in the very basis on each and every negative feeling that you can have on top of it.
    • fear lays always in the very like root and then it can mutate in all sorts of like, procrastination or, um, I dunno, grief or any other like, bad feelings that you might have, but in the root is always fear. 
    • So what I can say is that it is important to realize that fear blocks your potential.
    • So as soon as you recognize it, you start to get even angry because as if you feel that there is something that is blocking you, you know, and at that moment you will start to actually release this fear a little.

  • Leadership Journeys [59] – Sudhanshu Ahuja – “All the companies that I applied for a job and got rejected, are now our customers”

    This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

    I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

    In the interview, Sudh shares how growing up in a small town in India in a family of entrepreneurs inspired him to start his own company. We also talk about moving to a big city like Singapore and yet not being intimidated by that. He shares the big risks he has taken as an entrepreneur, and how he was rejected by some companies for a job which turned out to be a blessing as those companies are his customers now.

    You can find Sudh at the below links

    In the interview, Sudh shares

    • that one of the biggest responsibilities in our business is to our customers
    • we put focus on new customers, new sales to existing customers. And all of this meant that we were able to retain a hundred percent of our customers
    •  it became really sustainable. We had nothing to worry about in terms of keeping our employees well rewarded, so we didn’t have to do mass layoffs, uh, to achieve that. We didn’t have to cut bonuses or salaries
    • Wealth is created during bear markets and harvested during bull markets. 
    • You start to get this realization when you get older, that your younger years are not going to come back and the equation starts to change.
    • the challenge is how do you grow into what is needed to take the company to the next stage?
    • All the companies that I applied to a job for, um, are now our customers. All of them. Absolutely all of them. So that’s been. One of the things that make me feel like a winner,

  • Leadership Journeys [58] – Dinesh Juneja – “Partnerships are the backbone of running a company.”

    This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

    I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

    In this interview, Dinesh very humbly shares his story in his own unique down-to-earth way. He shares about being inspired as a teenager to starting his own company which grew quite fast, and then facing difficulties or challenges in his second startup, and how that changed him as a person and made him a better entrepreneur. He also shares how his father and also MS Dhoni – the former Indian cricket captain has influenced his personality.

    You can find Dinesh at the below links

    In the interview, Dinesh shares

    • So patience is a virtue I’ve developed over a period of, and I think that really stuck with me very strongly.
    • we are investing a lot is in building a strong second line of command
    • I think I have more failures than successes as a person, and I think it’s true for anybody who is relentless
    • I think the biggest advice is always to think why you started up in the first place.
    •  this journey has been really beautiful, has been very rewarding