Sandbox to Strategy - "Unlocking Creativity & Curiosity: How My Children Inspire My Work?"

Just another day, as I returned home from a week-long training at Indian School of Business , Hyderabad, part of KPMG India 's LEAP (Leadership excellence and advancing potential) program, I noticed my one and half year-old daughter, Sia, applying a ton of compact power to her face and running towards me. Her eyes were full of hope that her artistic expression and her newly acquired makeup skill would garner her father's attention above all else and wait, she said herself, papa beautiful multiple times to express her. On the other hand, I noticed my son, Rudra (5-year-old), racing towards me with a huge smile and an expression of interest about what his father had brought for him from Hyderabad and talking about his funny dance moves, crafts, painting that evening. I was tired but am I now? Ofcourse No!

This minor episode reminded me of how I was in my early career, full of desire to learn practically anything that came my way and imagination to provide a result that was unique from others.

But as professionals, we often find ourselves entrenched in routines and methodologies that prioritize efficiency over exploration. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of our careers, a powerful source of inspiration lies around us everywhere. My experiences as a parent have profoundly reshaped how I approach creativity and curiosity in my professional life. In the ever-evolving landscape of government consulting, adaptability and innovative thinking are crucial. As I navigate complex challenges and drive impactful solutions, I’ve discovered that some of my most profound lessons in creativity and curiosity came from my closest source: my children.

Thank you KPMG , Indian School of Business , professor Nirmal Gupta and professor Jamie Anderson for sharing your insights, examples from around the world and learning from your own life stages and challenges. Truly incredible learning experiences.

Thank you Nilachal Mishra Mohit Bhasin for your unwavering support and encouragement. Kudos to Learning and Development Team Irene Dsouza Roma Mascarenhas for their effort throughout.

Here’s how my children's innate qualities have shaped my professional approach and can inspire others in the field.

1. Imagination Without Limits

Children possess an incredible ability to dream and imagine without constraints. Their play often transforms mundane objects into exciting adventures. This spirit of imagination is a powerful reminder that, in our professional roles, we should feel free to explore unconventional ideas.

In Practice: In my consulting work, encouraging brainstorming sessions where team members can propose bold, out-of-the-box ideas. By creating a safe space for imaginative thinking, we often uncover innovative solutions that traditional methods might overlook, particularly when developing strategies for complex policy issues.

2. The Art of Questioning/ being curious

Kids are natural questioners, always asking "why" and "how." This relentless curiosity drives them to seek deeper understanding and explore the world around them. In consulting, this mindset is invaluable for dissecting problems and identifying root causes.

In Practice: Advocating a culture of inquiry or curiosity is key to uncover insights that can lead to more effective solutions. This approach not only enhances our problem-solving capabilities but also engages stakeholders more meaningfully.

3. Embracing Failure as Growth

For children, failure is often just a part of the learning process. They build, fall, and try again without fear of judgment. In the consulting realm, this perspective is essential for fostering innovation and resilience.

In Practice: An environment where experimentation is encouraged, and failures are viewed as learning opportunities. When developing new initiatives or policies, we document lessons learned from setbacks, enabling us to iterate and improve continuously. This mindset helps us stay agile in the face of complex challenges.

5. Collaboration and Playfulness

Children approach life with wonder and excitement. Each new experience is an opportunity to learn. This sense of curiosity can invigorate our work, reminding us to remain open to new ideas and perspectives. They thrive in collaborative play, where sharing ideas and teamwork are essential. This spirit of cooperation is crucial in consulting, where diverse viewpoints can lead to richer solutions.

In Practice: Collaborative approach and inviting input from various stakeholders and team members, Integrating playful elements, such as gamification in workshops, fosters creativity and encourages engagement, resulting in more dynamic and innovative outcomes.

Thank you to everyone involved for creating an environment conducive to continual learning and progress. I'm eager to use what I've learnt and see how it affects our projects and collaboration! Here’s to investing in ourselves and our future! ??

Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to my wonderful Team who have been there in every situation with a beautiful smile and energy to achieve their individual & collective goals. Team - Your teamwork and perseverance have been outstanding. I appreciate all that you do!