Friday, September 25, 2009

There has to be first time for everything

Today was an interesting day as the following "firsts" happened:

1. Had my first ever meeting and presentation with a Venture Capital firm that plans to invest in our company - This meeting was the culmination of the hectic due diligence efforts we went through in all aspects of our operations.
2. For the first time I signed the "balance sheet" in my capacity as a Director on the board of our company's Indian subsidiary.
3. Gave pocket money for the first time to my 11.5yr old son. He and his friends would go to Coffee Day (atleast thats what is being told).

Thank you very much,


RamP!
ramp.ramp@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Reading list for Sep-09

Was down with a bout of viral fever for the early part of the month. They are some holidays this month and hope to catch-up with the following this month:

1. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
I had read this about about 5 years ago. Thought of re-reading it after having read numerous other books which had a similar theme (economists exploring something). I remember the initial read to be enjoyable and quick.






2. Irrational Exuberance
This book is part of my PMBA economics studies. I hope to gain some insights into stock markets, their valuations and other related theories. Perhaps not the best book (in the sense of a "text book") on stock market, but I'm seeing it more as a primer. The book is hugely popular and there would be reasons for it.







3. Making it all Work: Winning at the Game of Work and Business of Life
I've benefited quite a lot by the simple yet effective process that David Allen has described in his previous best sellers - "Getting Things Done - The Art of Stress Free Productivity" and "Ready for Anything - 52 Productivity Principles for Work and Life". The first one, popularly known as GTD has a powerful methodology just to deal with incoming mails and I dare say I've been using it to good effect in the last few years. In this new book, David revisits his basic premise that a complete and current inventory of commitments organized and reviewed in a systematic way can sharpen focus and allow for wiser decision making. Doesn't seem there is something new in this book, but its worth as a refresher course in GTD.


4. De B
ono's thinking course
From the last two months, I have undertaken the task of reading some important works of Dr. Bono. This one is second in the series. The book presents practical methods and ideas to improve one's thinking skills. It would be fun doing the exercises.







5. What do you really want from your children
"Before marriage I had six theories on raising kids. Now I have six kids and no theories" - is a quote in the initial pages of this book that resonates well with most parents. Wayne Dyer is one of my favourite authors. While stressing the need for parents to be the role models and that kids learn most from observing their parents, Dr. Dyer covers topics like risk-taking, living in the present, self-reliance, and creativity. Each chapter includes strategies, negative child/parent behaviors, and the payoffs for maintaining desirable behaviors.