From Transactional to Transformational: A Journey of Growth and Collaboration

Introduction

What drives actual change? Is it sheer effort or the willingness to shift perspectives? Most of us focus on how to achieve more, build more, and become more. But what if the secret lies elsewhere? What if success isn’t about the how but about the who? What if the real difference isn’t in working harder but thinking differently?

Our mindset can either hold us back or set us free in life, entrepreneurship, and relationships. We often see costs, competition, and transactions. But transformation begins when we see investments, collaboration, and purpose.

This is the story of Somesh. A journey of discomfort. Reflection. And, eventually, enlightenment. A journey that mirrors our struggles and triumphs.

Let’s walk with him—and maybe, just maybe, find a part of ourselves in his story.

1. The Mentor Who Lit the Way

Somesh sat alone in his clinic. The calendar on his desk glared back at him, mocking him with its empty slots. His thoughts spiralled: What am I doing wrong? Why am I stuck? The walls felt like they were closing in.

That evening, at a conference he reluctantly attended, he saw Dr. Arindam. Known for his wisdom and calm demeanour, Arindam seemed untouchable. Somesh hesitated. Should I approach him? What if I sound foolish?

Finally, he mustered the courage. “Dr. Arindam, do you ever feel… stuck?”

Arindam turned, his eyes calm yet piercing. “Stuck? Tell me more.”

Somesh fumbled with his words. “I… I work hard, but I’m not growing. My practice is stagnant. My confidence… it’s slipping. What am I doing wrong?”

Arindam gestured to a bench nearby. “Come, sit. Let’s talk.”

Over the next hour, Arindam asked questions that unsettled Somesh. “Why do you do what you do? Who are you trying to prove yourself to? And why do you think you must do it all alone?”

Somesh felt exposed. “I don’t know,” he muttered. “I just… want to succeed.”

“Success,” Arindam said, “is not about how you climb the wall. It’s about who helps you over it. The greatest mistake is believing you must do it all yourself.”

“But what if they think I’m not capable? What if I’m judged?” Somesh’s voice faltered.

Arindam smiled gently. “Somesh, we all fear judgment. But the truth is, no one succeeds in isolation. Even the tallest tree in the forest draws strength from the roots of others. Find your roots. Find your guide.”

Those words lingered in Somesh’s mind. Later, he reflected: Who can help me? Who can guide me? And with that, a seed of transformation was planted.

Reflection

• Who is guiding you in your journey?
• Are you asking for help or trying to climb every wall alone?
• Maya Angelou said, “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” Are you letting challenges grow you?

2. The Price of Books and the Value of Investments

Weeks later, Somesh wandered through a bookstore. Titles like Atomic Habits and Who Not How caught his eye. He picked one up but frowned at the price tag. Eight hundred rupees for a book? He hesitated. Is it worth it?

The shopkeeper, an elderly man, noticed his struggle. “Tough choice?” he asked, smiling.

Somesh sighed. “I want to learn, but… books are so expensive.”

The shopkeeper chuckled. “Beta, knowledge isn’t a cost. It’s an investment. But only if you use it.”

Somesh lingered. An investment? But what if it’s a waste? He asked cautiously, “What if I read it and nothing changes?”

The shopkeeper leaned in. “Let me ask you this. If you plant a seed, do you expect a tree the next day? No. You water it, nurture it, and wait. Knowledge works the same way. Use it well, and it will grow.”

Somesh bought the book. Over the following weeks, he devoured its lessons, underlining passages and scribbling notes. One idea stuck with him: Stop asking how. Start asking who.

When he started his cancer awareness YouTube channel, he struggled. Scripting felt clunky. Editing was a nightmare. He almost gave up. But then he remembered: Who can help me?

He called Anirban, a friend skilled in media. “Can you guide me with this?” he asked, swallowing his pride. Anirban agreed, and they created a video that exceeded his expectations.

Somesh’s realisation was simple yet profound: Growth isn’t a cost. It’s an investment. And the best investments start with finding the right who.

Reflection

• Are you seeing growth as a cost or an investment?
• Who can help you turn struggles into strengths?
• As Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” What are you investing in?

3. The Team That Chose Candour

As Somesh’s YouTube channel grew, so did his workload. He needed a team, but finding the right people wasn’t easy.

During interviews, most candidates nodded eagerly at everything he said. “Yes, sir, of course, sir,” they chorused. Their enthusiasm felt hollow. Are they agreeing because they mean it or think that’s what I want to hear?

Then came Rupankar. He asked tough questions. “What’s your long-term vision for this channel?” he began. “How do you plan to scale? And what’s your fallback if one strategy fails?”

Somesh felt defensive. Who does he think he is, questioning me like this? But then he remembered Dr. Arindam’s advice: Growth needs fertile soil. Fertile soil comes from challenges, not comfort.

“Those are good questions,” Somesh said, leaning forward. “What would you suggest?”

Their conversation turned into a debate. Ideas clashed, and Somesh felt his vision sharpen. That day, he hired Rupankar, and it was his best decision ever. Their brainstorming sessions were messy and heated, but they worked.

Somesh learned that avoiding conflict was transactional—rooted in short-term ease. Embracing candour was transformational, paving the way for lasting success.

Reflection

• Are you building a team that challenges or merely agrees with you?
• Do you see conflict as a threat or an opportunity?
• As Patrick Lencioni said, “Teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability.” Are you fostering trust?

Conclusion

Somesh’s journey wasn’t just about achieving success but redefining it. He unlocked growth he never thought possible by shifting his perspective from how to who, from costs to investments, and from comfort to candour.

Self-Development: The Power of Investing in Yourself

Transformation begins with you. Somesh’s decision to buy a book wasn’t just about spending money and planting a seed for growth. Time spent on a course, a book, or a mentor isn’t a cost. It’s an investment in the person you’re becoming. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

What’s one thing you can invest in today to nurture your growth?

Relationships: From Transaction to Transformation

Spending time with loved ones is more than just an obligation. It’s a choice to prioritise connection over convenience. Somesh learned this through Anirban, who helped transform his vision. Relationships thrive on mutual investment, not mere transactions. Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

How can you transform your relationships by being more present?

Entrepreneurship: Collaboration Over Competition

Building a team is never easy. Somesh’s choice to embrace candour over comfort with Rupankar led to breakthroughs. True collaboration isn’t about avoiding conflict but harnessing it to create something better. Patrick Lencioni’s words resonate: “Teamwork begins by building trust.”

Are you building a team that challenges and grows with you or one that simply agrees?

Transformation isn’t a single event. It’s a series of choices.

Choices to ask for help.

To invest in yourself.

To build relationships rooted in honesty, not ease.

So, ask yourself: What perspectives are holding you back? And what transformations await when you’re ready to embrace them?