Alpesh Patel on Strategic Impact and Financial Growth

If you're applying for an?internship?in finance, your end-goal will be a?high-paying full time job.?But you don't necessarily have to wait until you graduate to start earning big money.?

Source: efinancialcareers

They say the two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.?

As my birthday approaches, I received this email today. As Co-Chair of the Loomba Trust, alongside the indomitable Lord Karan Bilimoria - this email summed up the power of impact through going beyond your area of expertise to add purpose even when there are not enough hours in the day.?

If you are in media, and especially if in media and finance, or with a social media following - imagine the impact if just 1% of your speeches, posts, comments, make reference to the bigger purpose and a direct focused call to action.?

Thank you Lord Loomba CBE for establishing the Charity to help Widows and Orphans. I will see you tomorrow at the House of Lords for the event I am moderating with the RAF and you're hosting! (I have bruises - from pinching myself this is all happening). https://www.theloombafoundation.org/governance-2/

Surround yourself with amazing people. Been a privilege to have Lord Loomba CBE and Lord Karan Bilimoria as friends and role models.

"Hi Alpesh,

Happy Birthday in advance!

I have been calculating my YTD returns and was amazed to find that I am over 40% up so far! And well over 100% up over the last 18 months. Simply wouldn’t have got those returns without your free teachings and great investment programme data.

Anyhow it’s also my birthday coming up and I was thinking rather than buying a present for myself I would give some money to the widows/orphan charity you support as a present to them.?Please could you give me their details?

Best wishes

Invest Like a Billionaire in 2024: Top Stocks to Watch

Curious about how the world's wealthiest stay ahead? Here's a quick look at the top 10 billionaires of 2024 and why their stock picks could enhance your portfolio.

1. Elon Musk - Tesla & SpaceX

Net Worth: $205.4 Billion

Elon Musk's investments in Tesla and SpaceX focus on innovation and sustainability, making them excellent choices for long-term growth.

2. Jeff Bezos - Amazon

Net Worth: $203.2 Billion

Jeff Bezos's Amazon dominates e-commerce and cloud computing, driven by AWS. Its diversification and customer-centric approach ensure robust future growth.

3. Bernard Arnault - LVMH

Net Worth: $200 Billion

Bernard Arnault's LVMH is a leader in luxury goods. Investing in LVMH offers stability and growth, driven by the global demand for high-end products.

4. Mark Zuckerberg - Meta (Facebook)

Net Worth: $176.5 Billion

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Platforms is investing heavily in VR and the metaverse, promising significant future growth and new revenue streams.

5. Larry Ellison - Oracle

Net Worth: $153.7 Billion

Larry Ellison's Oracle excels in database management and cloud services, making it a reliable tech investment with steady growth.

6. Larry Page - Alphabet (Google)

Net Worth: $145.1 Billion

Larry Page’s Alphabet, with its diverse portfolio including Google Search and Waymo, offers immense growth potential in AI and autonomous vehicles.

7. Warren Buffett - Berkshire Hathaway

Net Worth: $134 Billion

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway provides stability and diversification. Its holdings in high-quality companies ensure long-term success.

8. Sergey Brin - Alphabet (Google)

Net Worth: $139 Billion

Sergey Brin’s continued influence on Alphabet emphasizes research and development, making it a smart investment in cutting-edge technologies.

9. Bill Gates - Microsoft

Net Worth: $131 Billion

Bill Gates’s Microsoft leads in AI, cloud computing, and software. Its strong market position ensures robust growth prospects.

10. Steve Ballmer - Microsoft

Net Worth: $126.5 Billion

Steve Ballmer’s significant shares in Microsoft highlight its dominance in software and cloud services, making it a solid, future-proof investment.

Why Follow Their Lead?

Investing in stocks owned by these billionaires means leveraging their strategic vision and market foresight. These leaders have built their wealth through savvy investments in high-growth industries.

Ready to Invest Smartly?

Align your investments with the world’s top billionaires to enhance your portfolio’s growth and stability. For more strategic insights, visit www.campaignforamillion.com

Why UK Pensioners Need to Take Control of Their Investments

Here’s what you need to know to safeguard your pension.

1. The Gilts Crisis: The gilts crisis of 2022, driven by mini-budget turmoil, resulted in a ￡425 billion loss for UK pension funds. This event led to a rethink in asset allocation strategies, with many funds now increasing exposure to corporate bonds and other assets to mitigate future risks.

2. Shift to Passive Funds: In 2023, UK investors turned to passive funds and gilts to capture higher yields and spread economic risks. This shift reflects a growing disillusionment with active fund management, which often fails to justify higher fees with superior returns.

3. High Fees and Underperformance: UK pension funds have been criticised for overpaying in fees while underperforming their benchmarks. This inefficiency highlights the need for pensioners to manage their investments proactively and seek lower-cost alternatives that can deliver better long-term performance.

4. Regulatory Changes and Challenges: Ongoing regulatory changes impact the way pension funds operate. MPs and industry experts call for reforms to allow more flexibility in pension investments, potentially opening up new opportunities for growth but also requiring more diligence from pensioners.

5. The Need for Diversification: Given recent volatility and concentrated risks in certain sectors, diversification is crucial. Pensioners should spread their investments across a broader range of asset classes to reduce risk and improve potential returns.

6. The Role of Defined Benefit Plans: Many traditional defined benefit plans are under pressure or being phased out, shifting more responsibility onto individuals to manage their retirement savings effectively. Understanding these changes is essential for maintaining financial security in retirement.

7. The Impact of Economic and Geopolitical Events: Events such as Brexit, the pandemic, and geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict have created unpredictable market conditions. Pensioners need to stay informed and adjust their investment strategies accordingly.

8. Importance of Financial Education: Enhancing financial literacy is vital given the complexities of the current financial environment. Pensioners should seek out resources and advice to understand their investment options and make informed decisions that align with their retirement goals.

9. Seeking Professional Advice: Professional guidance helps navigate the complexities of pension management and optimise investment outcomes.

10. Taking Action: Now is the time for pensioners to review their investment portfolios, consider the impact of fees, and explore more efficient investment strategies. Being proactive and informed can significantly secure a comfortable and financially stable retirement.

UK Pension Plans Overpay ￡1.5bn in Fees to Fund Managers

Here are 10 key reasons why UK fund managers are underperforming & why it's crucial to take charge of your pension investments.

1. Persistent Underperformance: According to a recent SPIVA report, 95% of actively managed UK small-cap equity funds underperformed the S&P United Kingdom SmallCap index in the first six months of 2023, the highest ever underperformance rate for this category .

2. High Management Fees: High fees continue to erode returns for investors. Active fund managers often charge higher fees than passive funds, but many fail to deliver better performance. This disparity is a major contributor to the underperformance of active funds . UK pension plans overpay ￡1.5bn in fees to fund managers .

3. Economic and Geopolitical Uncertainty: The pandemic, Brexit, and geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have created volatile market conditions. These uncertainties have posed significant challenges for fund managers, impacting their ability to generate consistent returns .

4. Market Volatility and Sector Concentration: The performance of a few large technology stocks has driven market gains, leaving many funds that lack exposure to these "magnificent seven" stocks struggling. This sector concentration has made it difficult for diversified funds to keep up .

5. Stringent Regulations: Regulatory burdens can hinder fund managers' ability to innovate and adapt quickly. Navigating these complex regulatory landscapes can limit the strategies available to fund managers, affecting their performance.

6. Lack of Innovation: UK fund managers have been criticised for their conservative investment approaches and reluctance to adopt innovative strategies and technologies. This stagnation prevents them from capitalising on new growth opportunities .

7. High Number of Dog Funds: Bestinvest’s latest Spot the Dog report revealed that 151 equity investment funds, holding ￡95.26 billion of investors’ wealth, have consistently underperformed their benchmarks over the past three years. This is a 170% increase from mid-2023

8. Global Competition: UK fund managers face stiff competition from their global counterparts, who often have more resources and a broader reach. This global competition puts additional pressure on UK fund managers to perform better .

9. Talent Drain: The UK financial sector has experienced a talent drain, with top professionals moving to markets offering better opportunities. This loss of talent impacts the quality of fund management and contributes to underperformance ?

10. Investor Disillusionment: Continuous underperformance has led to a loss of confidence among investors. Many are pulling out their investments, further destabilising funds and reducing their ability to recover and grow.

Discover why the top 20 tech companies by market cap are essential for your investment portfolio. This comprehensive slideshow highlights the innovative strengths and market dominance of these tech giants, making a compelling case for their inclusion in your investment strategy. Dive into the data and explore how these leaders are shaping the future of technology.

Why You Should Consider These Top 20 Tech Companies

For those who did not achieve their ambition of being elected to Parliament, or indeed any ambition. Remember God's delays are not necessarily God's denials.

And look at this image - often used to inspire. Patience, Planning, Perseverance and you will see Progress.

Why Hedge Funds Love These Stocks: Expert Analysis and Insights

In the dynamic world of hedge funds, knowing which stocks are favoured by top fund managers can provide valuable insights for individual investors.?

We delve into the most popular stocks in hedge fund portfolios and what this means for your investment strategy.

Top Stocks in Hedge Fund Portfolios

According to recent data, the most popular stocks in hedge fund portfolios include industry giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Apple. These companies are not just leading the market but are also preferred by hedge fund managers for their growth potential and stability.

Microsoft (MSFT): Microsoft stands as the most popular company, held by 44% of hedge funds. Its strong performance in AI and cloud services has made it a favourite among investors, with shares up over 20% in 2024 (Visual Capitalist) (Talk Markets) .

Amazon (AMZN): Amazon continues to be a top pick with 42% of hedge funds holding the stock. Its dominance in e-commerce and cloud computing, combined with its innovative business strategies, ensure its place in many portfolios (Talk Markets) .

Alphabet (GOOGL): Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is held by 38% of hedge funds. Its leadership in digital advertising and AI technologies makes it a valuable asset for long-term growth

Apple (AAPL): With 36% of hedge funds investing in Apple, this tech giant remains a solid choice. The company’s continuous innovation, particularly in AI enhancements for its products, keeps it at the forefront of the industry (Talk Markets) .

Meta (META): Meta, formerly Facebook, is held by 36% of hedge funds. Despite challenges, its focus on the metaverse and social media innovation ensures its popularity among investors?

Why These Stocks?

With my decades of experience in hedge fund management, the importance of understanding market trends and company fundamentals are key. The popularity of these stocks among hedge funds is driven by several factors:

- Innovation: Companies like Microsoft and Alphabet are at the forefront of technological advancements, making them attractive for long-term investments.

- Market Position: The strong market positions of Amazon and Apple provide stability and growth potential, essential for any robust investment portfolio.

- AI and Technology: The increasing focus on AI and digital technologies is a significant driver behind the popularity of these stocks. Hedge funds are strategically increasing their exposure to companies that lead in these areas (Visual Capitalist) (Talk Markets) .

I am not sure the point of life, but I am pretty sure it is not merely to make yourself happy. Anyway, here are some academic studies on what makes people happier! (Upcoming talk!)

When love and friendship fill the air, Happiness is everywhere. The very happy, they are social, With bonds that are quite?emotional?

(Diener, E., & Seligman, M. (2002). Very Happy People.?Psychological Science, 13, 81 - 84. https://lnkd.in/eUpzRvmi )

In marriage, joy is often found, When quality is all around. Neuroticism plays a part, But love and care win every?heart?

(Russell, R., & Wells, P. (1994). Predictors of happiness in married couples.?Personality and Individual Differences, 17, 313-321. https://lnkd.in/efJRaavw )?

Forgiveness and a loving touch, Reduce the stress, it means so much. Cortisol levels drop, you see, When love and kindness both?agree?

(Berry, J., & Worthington, E. (2001). Forgivingness, relationship quality, stress while imagining relationship events, and physical and mental health..?Journal of Counseling Psychology, 48, 447-455. https://lnkd.in/eJGCTxaT )

Emerging adults find joy anew, In partners, friends, and family too. Romantic ties can shield the pain, Of conflicts that might cause?disdain

(Demir, M. (2010). Close Relationships and Happiness Among Emerging Adults.?Journal of Happiness Studies, 11, 293-313. https://lnkd.in/eTbKTBb8 )

Children's smiles and family ties, Bring happiness that never dies. Positive interactions, dear, Make joy and laughter always?near

(Holder, M., & Coleman, B. (2009). The Contribution of Social Relationships to Children’s Happiness.?Journal of Happiness Studies, 10, 329-349. https://lnkd.in/edMqBHzv )

So cherish those you hold so tight, In love and friendship, find your light. For relationships, both old and new, Bring happiness to me and?you

Quoidbach, J., Taquet, M., Desseilles, M., Montjoye, Y., & Gross, J. (2019). Happiness and Social Behavior.?Psychological Science, 30, 1111 - 1122. https://lnkd.in/eg44sak3

Robins, R., Caspi, A., & Moffitt, T. (2000). Two personalities, one relationship: both partners' personality traits shape the quality of their relationship..?Journal of personality and social psychology, 79 2, 251-9 . https://lnkd.in/eJ5HDu9v

Tsapelas, I., Aron, A., & Orbuch, T. (2009). Marital Boredom Now Predicts Less Satisfaction 9 Years Later.?Psychological Science, 20, 543 - 545. https://lnkd.in/eyjFw5XF

Why Your Pension Isn't Matching the S&P 500's All-Time Highs

If you're perplexed by why your pension isn't soaring like the S&P 500, you're not alone.?

Despite the market reaching unprecedented heights, many active fund managers are struggling to keep pace. Here’s why your pension, likely managed by these professionals, isn't benefiting as much as you might expect.

Active Management Underperformance

Theoretically, active fund managers, who meticulously pick stocks aiming to outperform the market, should thrive in today’s environment where stock movements are less synchronised and the gap between winners and losers is wide.?

However, recent data suggests otherwise. In the first half of 2024, only 18.2% of actively managed mutual funds and ETFs that benchmark themselves against the S&P 500 managed to outperform it, a decline from 19.2% in the previous year .

The Concentration Challenge

One significant factor is the concentration of the S&P 500's gains in a handful of giant tech companies. As of mid-2024, the top three stocks in the S&P 500 (Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia) accounted for nearly 21% of its total market value. The top ten stocks represented more than 36% .

This concentration poses a dilemma for active managers who typically diversify to mitigate risk. Concentrating too heavily in a few stocks would not only be risky but could also lead to regulatory issues regarding diversification.

Market Dynamics and Dispersion

Moreover, while measures like correlation and dispersion (which track how much individual stock returns differ from the average) suggest a favorable environment for stock picking, they can be misleading.?

The dispersion largely reflects the outperformance of a few major tech stocks against a broader field of underperformers. For example, Nvidia alone contributed nearly one-third of the S&P 500’s total return in the first half of 2024.?

This skew means that unless fund managers are heavily invested in these few top-performing stocks, they struggle to outperform the index .

Marketing vs. Performance

The asset management industry's heavy reliance on marketing narratives often overshadows the harsh reality of performance.?

The promise that paying a premium for active management will yield better returns isn't holding up in today's market. The ongoing underperformance of active managers underscores a fundamental truth: the industry's dependency on marketing is greater than its ability to consistently outperform the market.

One more reason I didn't want to be an MP. I just think I can reach more people, and do more good this way - as the email I received shows. EACH of us, can do more to reach millions without going into politics. And this from someone with a degree in politics!

My Campaign for a Million to teach a million people to add a million to their pensions across their lifetimes is at www.campaignforamillion.com

The email below is from some who has benefitted. Many more like this. Over the moon.

The Heavyweights of 2024: Stocks Boosting the S&P 500

2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for investors, with a handful of stocks driving the S&P 500's performance. For those keen on making informed investment decisions, understanding these trends is crucial.

The Big Players: Who's Leading the Charge?

This year, the S&P 500's growth isn't just a broad-based rally; it's powered by a select few stocks. Companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Apple, Amazon, Broadcom, Eli Lilly & Co., Berkshire Hathaway, and Qualcomm are at the forefront, contributing significantly to the index's returns. Their dominance highlights a trend of tech-centric growth, making them essential watchlist additions for any savvy investor.

Implications for Your Portfolio

If your portfolio lacks exposure to these high-performing stocks, you might be missing out on significant growth opportunities. Diversifying with these tech leaders can provide a balanced approach, leveraging their strengths to mitigate risks elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on market trends and the performance of key stocks.

Diversify Smartly: Include high-performing tech stocks like Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Apple, Amazon, Broadcom, Eli Lilly & Co., Berkshire Hathaway, and Qualcomm to balance your investment portfolio.

Strategise with Experts: Leverage resources like Campaign for a Million to make informed investment decisions.

Investing wisely in 2024 means keeping an eye on the leading stocks and making strategic moves to enhance your portfolio.

Country first. Said the new UK Prime Minister. It seems obvious but needed mentioning. Not party, not religion. Country first.

First, Labour’s dispersion of voters is such that they can at merely one in five eligible voters voting for them?still win an election.?

At just 21% of the eligible voters, actually voting for ?them, Labour won 63% of the seats. So perverse is the electoral system. (They had 35% of the vote, on a 60% turnout).

Never before in the history of British elections has a party won with such a low percentage of votes.

Never in the history of British elections has a party had just enough of its voters spread efficiently so that with such a low spread of voters it can win enough seats.

To understand this – think of it this way; Labour tend to have lower majorities in constituencies, but more of them – it’s just the way their vote is spread and so they tend to win more seats per voter.

So pronounced is Labour’s advantage that in 2005 more people actually voted Conservative than Labour in England– but the Conservatives won 92 fewer seats than Labour within England (285 to 193).

Put another way Labour can get 55% of the seats with only 36% of the votes cast in 2005, and in 2024 can get 63% of the seats with only 35% of the votes cast.

Whereas everyone else combined with 65% of the votes can only manage 37% of the seats.

The Tories with 70% as many votes as Labour, only got 30% as many seats as them.

It’s just as bad for the Lib Dems – with a 1/3 of the votes of Labour, they have 1/6 of the seats.?

Don’t look to America for removing a Democratic deficit. There have been five US Presidents taking office, with the losing candidate having more votes. Most recently Trump and Bush were minority ‘winners’.?

Of course, we in the West are quick to lecture other nations on their Democratic deficit. Take India the world’s largest democracy whose majority party leader has had more people casting a vote for his leadership than any other elected leader in the history of the world.?

The business lesson is focus on what leads to wins. Small things in the right place. Not everything. Think strategically. Focus on the marginals with high impact.

One a personal note, my politics tutor at Oxford was the UK’s number 1 authority on General Elections – Dr David Butler. This was a man who sat down for drinks with Churchill to discuss election strategies – and indeed with pretty much every Prime Minister since.?

Dr Butler and I would sit for my tutorials, one to one, discussing modern British Government. He had been persuaded out of semi-retirement by another politics tutor to teach me over the Summer before I started work in the US Congress on a bursary I’d won.

It amazes me that the 1970 General Election, before I was born, was co-hosted on BBC by Dr Butler, and my grandfather would have seen the man who would become my tutor before I was even born.

I absolutely love what I do. This is why.?

Check out www.campaignforamillion.com - for people asking me "what keeps you busy" - this.?

"Hi Alpesh,

Last time we spoke was at the GIP [Great Investments Programme] dinner event at The Strand. We discussed my investment journey and how you would best approach entering the industry. Following your advice, I now Chair the UK's largest student managed fund of $300,000 AUM, have interned in buy-side Equity Research, and run my own investment portfolio - up 44.5% since inception 12 months ago (S&P up just 19.5%).

My investment approach was founded on your principles you use to invest at Praefinium Partners, and has slowly developed to a more granular criteria over the years. I believe the way we see investing is extremely similar. I write to ask you for just 20 minutes of your time, over zoom, or perhaps in your office. I am constantly looking to learn and develop more experience. My schedule is flexible and I would be able to cater to any time that would suit you best.

Thank you again, Alpesh. My investing journey would look far less favourable had I not found your content when I began my journey a number of years ago.

All the best,"

If you want an example of how small things destroy businesses and do not get spotted in good times but, like drops of water, which become deluges, then a company website, or sales handler for a car showroom or doorman at a club, or front of house staff at a restaurant are all examples.?

Take the British Airways website. For years it's been a problem causing substantial loss of business to the company.?

Sadly, shareholders in the company are pension funds. So who suffers? Not the CEO - he doesn't eat his own lunch, his PA books his flights.?

International Consolidated Airlines stock (of which BA is a part) is at 1992 levels (before British Airways became a part of it). Is your pension at 1992 levels.?

Poor simple practice from which we can all learn.

Effective Public Speaking Techniques

Mastering Public Speaking Techniques

Objective: To improve public speaking skills by practicing techniques from renowned speakers and learning to deliver speeches with confidence and engagement.

Key Steps

Read Relevant Books:?

Read "The Art of Public Speaking" by Dale Carnegie and "Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln" to understand effective communication techniques.

Practical Exercises:

Print out speeches by influential speakers like Obama, watch their delivery videos, and practice mimicking their style to develop muscle memory.

Study Rhetorical Tools:

Research rhetorical tools online to understand techniques used in speeches. Focus on recognising and applying these tools rather than memorising terminology.

Acting Practice:

Practice delivering famous speeches from history or literature, like Marlon Brando delivering Shakespeare, to improve acting and delivery skills.

A speech is a verbal symphony. Understand tempo, tone, volume, rhythm, silence. Notice how music elevates then makes you contemplate. You are the DJ - (I'm Fatboy Slim).?

Understand Speech Context:

Familiarise yourself with famous speeches, their contexts, and speakers to deepen your understanding of effective oration.

Embrace Comfort and Humour:

Speak with ease and humour, as if conversing with friends or family, to appear relaxed and engage the audience. Avoid tensing up and allow natural humor to shine through.

Cautionary Notes

Avoid focusing too much on mimicking without understanding the purpose behind each technique.

Do not neglect the importance of context and speaker persona in delivering impactful speeches.

Tips for Efficiency

Start with practicing known speeches and gradually incorporate personal style and humor.

Regularly watch and analyze speeches by renowned speakers to learn new techniques and improve delivery skills.

Stay relaxed and comfortable while speaking to maintain a natural and engaging presence on stage.

The French had a choice. Attack the British in the American colonies or attack the East India Company and support Tipu Sultans revolt.?

And so the rest is history and the Americans got their Independence two centuries before the Indians.?

As Sir Humphrey Appleby says “The real enemy isn’t the Russians. It’s the French. We’ve fought more wars against the French than we ever have against the Russians.” :-)

Imagine losing both America and India. And you think today’s leaders are bad :-). Enjoy.

I don’t know what you’ve been told. But time is running out. So spend it like it’s gold. But I ain’t worried about it right now. Keeping dreams alive. Dancing on the clouds below. OneRepublic

"Are you telling me, as Chairwoman of the Labour Party, you are unaware of the anti-India elected representatives of your Party, both MPs and Councillors, who regardless of the detriment of the UK India relations, are ideologically, rabidly anti-Indian. And if so, can we bring a delegation of this newspaper and other groups in this room, with names and details to meet you?" Alpesh Patel, Chairman, the India League (www.theindialeague.org )?

"Yes". Anneliese Dodds, Chair, The Labour Party

In one week, both the leaders of the US and UK went head to head with those who seek to replace them.?

The French are voting in a new Prime Minister. Political leadership has been studied for centuries. The Indians have a new (old) one.

Since so many leaders will take up office (or re-appointed) I thought I would share the top lessons from Kautilya's (Chanakya's) "Arthashastra":

Raja Dharma (Duty of the King): It outlines the duties and responsibilities of a king, stressing the importance of righteousness, justice, and welfare of the subjects.

Spies and Intelligence: The use of spies and intelligence is extensively discussed, highlighting the importance of gathering information to ensure the security and stability of the state.

Diplomacy and Alliances: Kautilya emphasizes the importance of diplomacy and forming strategic alliances. He introduces the concept of the "Circle of Kings," where neighboring states are seen as potential allies or enemies.

War and Defence: The Arthashastra provides detailed strategies for warfare, including the types of warfare (open, concealed, and silent) and the use of different types of troops and formations.

Public Welfare: Kautilya advocates for the welfare of the people, including the construction of public works such as roads, water management systems, and the establishment of educational institutions.

Economic Espionage and Sabotage: The text discusses tactics for economic espionage and sabotage against rival states to weaken their economies and gain a strategic advantage.

Ethics and Morality: While the Arthashastra is often seen as pragmatic and even ruthless, it also emphasises ethical and moral considerations in governance.?

And should you prefer something more contemporary and more Western. Well, this is the summary of Kissinger’s “Leadership”:

Concept of Realpolitik: Kissinger emphasizes the importance of pragmatic, results-oriented politics over ideological purity.

Balance of Power: He discusses the necessity of maintaining a balance of power to ensure global stability.

Diplomacy as an Art: Kissinger views diplomacy as a complex art form, requiring skill, patience, and strategic thinking.

Historical Context: Understanding historical context is crucial for effective leadership and policy-making.

Moral Ambiguity: Leadership often involves making morally ambiguous decisions for the greater good.

Crisis Management: Effective leaders must excel in managing crises and turning challenges into opportunities.

Long-term Strategy: Leaders should focus on long-term strategies rather than short-term gains.

Role of Culture: Cultural understanding and sensitivity are vital for international relations and leadership.

Influence of Personality: The personality and character of leaders significantly impact their decision-making and leadership style.

Happy Independence Day (in advance). But you know, to Make America GREAT Again, you just have to come back to the loving arms of GREAT Britain. It’s in our name!?

(Although you do the Stock Exchange rather well, we will be happy to take you back for that alone).

First and foremost, he's my mate. But Manoj (and Dina) have pulled off a most remarkable thing. To be able to get time and again for so many years the political and diplomatic leaders into a room (from Prime Ministers, to Leaders of the Opposition to Foreign Secretaries and High Commissioners) let alone heads of the biggest firms, and ensure the UK India relationship in terms of trade from UK to India, investment from India into the UK, let alone bilateral security (that time General Patraeus former director of CIA spoke at the event) is uniquely amazing.