Srushti Rao, Author at Srushti Rao

Post-Diwali Reflection: Was Scrubbing the House Clean Only a Festival Ritual?
November 6, 2024 No Comments on Post-Diwali Reflection: Was Scrubbing the House Clean Only a Festival Ritual?

With Diwali behind us, let’s take a moment to reflect on one of its biggest rituals: that massive deep-cleaning marathon! Every year, households everywhere suddenly look like they’re in a race against dust. But why all this scrubbing, and can we bring some of this energy into everyday life? Decluttering #FTW Diwali cleaning isn’t just…
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Diwali: Light, Leadership, and Lessons for Today
October 30, 2024 No Comments on Diwali: Light, Leadership, and Lessons for Today

As Diwali lights flicker to life across homes, streets, and cities, they ignite something more than just physical illumination. Diwali’s essence reaches far beyond tradition – it embodies a unique philosophy of leadership. This festival of lights, rooted in ancient narratives from the Ramayana, has the potential to inspire leaders today with its lessons on resilience, collective effort, and the commitment to illuminate darkness with knowledge and compassion.
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“Where are you from?” – A Complex Question for a Defense Kid
October 11, 2024 No Comments on “Where are you from?” – A Complex Question for a Defense Kid

“Where are you from?” Such a simple question, often used to spark conversation or break the ice. But for me, this question has never had a simple answer. For decades, I’ve struggled to give a straightforward response. You see, I’m a Fauji kid – a Defense kid. I belong to everywhere and nowhere at the…
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Lead with Gumption!
October 1, 2024 No Comments on Lead with Gumption!

I was always aware of the word “gumption.” But I recently heard it again in a Hallmark Christmas movie (Yah! I am a sucker for those). This made me wonder: why isn’t it a quality that’s referred to more often at the workplace? Can we develop or instill this quality? After all, gumption—defined as courage,…
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The Perfect Pairing of Words and Ghost Words
September 19, 2024 No Comments on The Perfect Pairing of Words and Ghost Words

My last article was about words that create confusion by contradicting themselves: When Words Seem to Work Against Themselves. This time let us dive into full of pairs that seem designed to mirror each other, and others that leave us scratching our heads. Some words, like overlay and underestimate, fit together like puzzle pieces, helping…
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When Words Seem to Work Against Themselves
September 11, 2024 No Comments on When Words Seem to Work Against Themselves

Ever noticed how certain words seem to contradict themselves? Terms like underscore and oversight can mean the opposite of what they’re intended to convey, depending on the context. In my latest blog, I explore these paradoxes and how they can lead to confusion, especially for those who work with language every day. I also share examples of other words that behave in similarly contradictory ways, reminding us of the complexities of communication.

In a world where clarity is increasingly important, paying attention to words that might undermine the message we’re trying to convey can make all the difference. What words make your head go in a tizzy? Share some examples in the comments.

hashtag#LanguageMatters hashtag#Communication hashtag#Linguistics hashtag#WritingTips
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Feeling Like a Fraud: Is Imposter Syndrome Internal or External?
May 23, 2024 No Comments on Feeling Like a Fraud: Is Imposter Syndrome Internal or External?

Ever climbed the ladder of success, only to constantly worry you might be about to fall because you don’t deserve to be there? That sinking feeling in your gut that whispers “they’ll find out I’m a fake any minute” – that’s imposter syndrome. But where does this nagging doubt come from? Is it something we…
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Sparking Innovation: The Power of Collective Creativity and Inspiring Leadership
March 28, 2024 No Comments on Sparking Innovation: The Power of Collective Creativity and Inspiring Leadership

This Ted Talk deep dives into the study and research of successful organizations building an atmosphere of continuous innovation. Fostering true creativity within a company structure can be daunting, especially dealing with creative minds. However, companies like Pixar and Google have mastered the art of collective creativity, and the results speak for themselves. I dug…
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Unlocking Your Inner Sunshine: 6 Habits for True Happiness
March 20, 2024 No Comments on Unlocking Your Inner Sunshine: 6 Habits for True Happiness

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated throughout the world on 20th March. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 28th June 2012. Happiness. It’s a word we chase, a feeling we crave. But what exactly is it, and how can we cultivate it in our lives? Philosophers and authors have pondered…
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Age Redefined: Embracing Age in a New Era
March 6, 2024 No Comments on Age Redefined: Embracing Age in a New Era

The passing of Iris Apfel was a poignant moment for many, resonating deeply on a personal level. At 43, I found myself aspiring to embody her spirit as I matured. For centuries, a woman’s age was veiled in secrecy, whispered behind closed doors, a number laden with societal expectations and pressures. Youth was exalted while…
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