Choices and Capabilities

Exercising Options in Platform Age

Jun 11, 2023

Hello, dear Friends!

It's been a while since my last newsletter, and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for those who have reached out and motivated me to restart this weekly dialogue on Running Platform Marketing Life. For those who might be new to my newsletter, welcome to my commentary on Running Platform Marketing Life in India through this newsletter. As usual, I value your input and would love to hear from you. If you have any suggestions, questions, or specific topics you'd like me to address, simply hit reply to this email.

This week I started off with the first sessions of the academic year 2023-24. As usual, I am filled with hope and excitement. This also motivated me to resume writing this newsletter to share my views and analysis of the platform businesses.

DTW

During the Week, Sam Altman, the CEO of Open AI interacted with students at IIIT Delhi. On being asked about future proofing jobs in AI age, he emphasised on Meta Skills including critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, creativity, leadership and emotional intelligence.

Our discovery processes have been intermediated by platforms and we seem to have been left with very algorithmic choices vis-a-vis music, art, food, clothes, books, destinations, political thoughts and even relationships.

Before we move further, let me share one of my favourite scene from the Kung Fu Panda is when Master Oogway tells Shifu - “My old friend, the panda will never fulfill his destiny, nor you yours, until you let go of the illusion of control.”

This brings me to the issue of Choices and Capabilities especially the role of platforms in shaping and achieving them. They could range from educational, career guidance, networking and upskilling.

Educational Platforms: Platforms like Coursera, Khan academy etc can provide educational resources, courses, and programs specifically designed to enhance young people's understanding of emerging knowledge areas. These platforms can offer online courses, tutorials, and interactive learning materials that cover the fundamentals and by making educational content accessible they can empower young people to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the new competitive age.
Career Guidance Platforms: Platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor that focus on career guidance and professional development can provide information and resources related to career choices. They can offer insights into various job roles, required skills, and recommended learning paths. These platforms can also connect young people with industry professionals or mentors who can guide them in their career aspirations.
Networking Platforms: Besides the career guidance platforms mentioned above, other social networking sites can provide vertical professional communities to facilitate networking and connections . Young people can join professional communities, forums, or social networks dedicated to their specific career paths to interact with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and potential mentors. These platforms can enable young people to expand their professional network, seek advice, and explore collaboration opportunities in the respective fields.
Upskilling- Platforms and network management could be viewed from changing nature of work on and through platforms. Platforms have transformed the world of work. I have written about Blue Collar Worker, Creative Class , Career choices and Work Life Balance in previous editions. Do check them out.
Platforms like Betterplace have created solutions for corporates to manage blue collar workers right across hiring, managing and engaging them. They have also designed a collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) titled ASEEM (Aatamanirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping ) which aims to map supply of skilled workforce with the market demand, thereby facilitating better livelihood opportunities. There have been concerns about more people pushed into non-standard work as companies might find it easier and cheaper to engage with online platforms for hiring the unskilled/skilled labour and thus avoid paying social security dues.

Platforms have been pathbreaking in helping us in discovery process for singers/chefs/writers/craft-persons /painters etc and all of us have an interesting story about finding our inspiration without even looking for it. For example, at Trice Community, residents in gated communities are glad to reach their favourite artists/cause directly and vice versa.

I have often discussed about the power of “optionality”- limited downside but potentially unlimited upside. Platforms can help us create optionality in career trajectory through learning and networking opportunities. Platforms can potentially help the aspirants solve the long tail problem of matching rare careers to equally rare opportunities.

Webinar Alert
I would be part of a panel discussion on “Indian Economy and its Impact on the Job Market” on 16th June 2023 organised by Spectraforce.

You can register for the webinar and find more info at the following link. https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/62700fc5-3beb-42f2-9f5a-bde0c4f25344@4a97123b-243c-4e95-bce9-4113dbd31121

OTW

Over the Weekend, we had an interesting session to unveil the incredible potential of breath in "Breathe Better, Live Better" by Sunil Menon.

This transformative guide offers step-by-step instructions for various breathing techniques, from calming pranayama to mindful meditation. Enhance well-being, reduce stress, and embrace balance through the power of breath.

Among many things I could have done, I went and watched "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse".This highly anticipated animated film offered a unique and visually stunning take on the Spider-Man universe and left us at a cliff-hanger as well. Watching it with my teenage daughter was a wonderful bonding experience, as the movie explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and struggles of fitting in. We had many glances when the characters spoke about issues that we have discussed and it may end up sparking meaningful conversations and creating lasting memories.

Here is one quote from the movie which captures the pulls and pushes of living life in today’s world!

Everyone keeps telling me how my story is supposed to go. Sorry, I'm doing my own thing."-Miles Morales

Let us keep writing our own stories!

I Love You

Shailendra

OTM

Opportunities through MountainSpeak are available to alumni of IBS Hyderabad in Hyderabad for participating in Alumni Speaker Series ("Building Futures, Together") and Alumni-Student Mentorship Programs ("Bridge the Gap").

We wish to see a more campus based alumni engagement in near future and can’t wait to see some of you back in class room though on the other side of the room! Here are more details on these two proposed initiatives-

Alumni-Student Mentorship Programs: One of our key focuses will be establishing mentorship programs ("Bridge the Gap") that facilitate meaningful connections between our alumni and current students. By pairing alumni with students who share common interests or career aspirations, we can provide valuable guidance and support, preparing our students for success in their chosen fields.
Alumni Speaker Series: We plan to launch an Alumni Speaker Series ("Building Futures, Together") that showcases the accomplishments and expertise of our alumni. This series will serve as a platform for alumni to share their knowledge, insights, and experiences with our community. We believe that this will not only inspire our students but also foster a sense of pride and engagement among our alumni.

See you soon!