“Much of our learning, expansion, and deepening as humans occur within the realm of connectivity, particularly through the conversations we dare to have when we are most vulnerable and authentic. These discussions change us profoundly.”
— Tembi Locke
Author of "From Scratch" memoir and television producer

The quote archive

Leadership

A growing archive of 3,000+ moments, drawn from every interview.

What they meant was, 'Do you have someone at work with whom you can discuss personal matters?' Only 30% of workers affirmed they had such a connection at work. However, this 30% demonstrated significantly higher job engagement, superior performance, and less likelihood to leave their job for a more enticing offer.

— Robert J. Waldinger

Director of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist

There is a specific type of person you'll often find in these long-lasting organisations: thoughtful, future-oriented, introspective, and often self-critical. These individuals are focused on making a positive impact in the world and serving the organisation rather than seeking personal gain.

— Professor Alex Hill

To understand this better, let's travel back in time, focusing on the evolution of corporate America as an example. The initial major corporations were family businesses, constructed with the intent of longevity and continuity. They were built to be bequeathed, akin to the great establishments in India such as Tata, and even in Japan. The emphasis wasn't merely on scaling to sell, but on nurturing the business to be transferred across generations.

— Professor Alex Hill

Our approach is this: diversity is an invitation to the party, inclusion means being asked to dance, and belonging implies having the chance to choose a song on the playlist. This metaphor speaks to making a difference and feeling truly part of something.

— Ajaz Ahmed

As we scaled up and prepared to go public, we realized that 'learning by doing' wouldn't always cut it. We needed to bring in individuals with expertise and experience, those who had 'been there, done that.' While we are immensely proud of starting out in Chennai, our aspiration has always been to establish a global presence.

— Girish Mathrubootham

Founder and CEO of Freshworks, cloud-based software company

The wisdom I've gathered over the years taught me to seek out individuals who have a sense of reverence towards the job at hand. Rather than recruiting someone who assumes they've mastered it all, we seek those who regard their roles with awe. My experience has shown me the importance of hiring problem solvers and builders, not just those who impose pre-established templates.

— Girish Mathrubootham

Founder and CEO of Freshworks, cloud-based software company

What we managed to do was to bring these people together. I soon realized that human rights advocates, arms experts, and policy makers, despite their different fields, were all driven by the same curiosity and thirst for more information, each bringing their unique perspective to the table.

— Eliot Higgins

Founder of Bellingcat, open-source investigation journalism network

Open-source evidence is essentially public information available to anyone and can be traced back to its original source. We've always maintained transparency in our methodologies and the step-by-step processes we employ to validate an image or investigate. Thus, our work can be reverse engineered. If there are any flaws in our methodology, they're readily apparent.

— Eliot Higgins

Founder of Bellingcat, open-source investigation journalism network

Two major themes emerged: How quickly do they decide whether they want to invest? How fast do they decide if they like the entrepreneur? The answer to both is often within a matter of seconds. First impressions are key.

— Uri Levine

Co-founder of Waze, GPS navigation app acquired by Google

Generally speaking, I advocate for entrepreneurship as being originating something entirely new – taking it from zero to one, so to speak. This endeavour doesn't strictly have to be a technical startup or a monumental success. The main focus is on initiating something on your own, which essentially leads you into the journey of entrepreneurship. It's a voyage that can be challenging and intricate, marked by a series of failures. Moreover, it's a path that you'll often tread alone.

— Uri Levine

Co-founder of Waze, GPS navigation app acquired by Google

World leaders have promised everything to everyone. But they are failing…. The UN's Sustainable Development Goals are supposed to be delivered by 2030. The goals literally promise everything, like eradicating poverty, hunger and disease; stopping war and climate change, ending corruption, fixing education along with countless other promises. This year, the world is at halftime for its promises, but nowhere near halfway.

— Bjørn Lomborg

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

When I contemplate legacy, I envision a harmonious blend of various elements. My hope is for an upcoming generation that's not only fortified by financial prowess and influence but also recognizes the value beyond materialism. I yearn for them to embrace a 'co-spirituality.'

— Ken Costa

I see it as a blend of the boomers' hindsight, having navigated economic cycles like inflation and recessions, with the zoomers' insight into an ever-evolving world. Together, they forge the foresight essential for future capital deployment.

— Ken Costa

I've done the show with a blown-out back, with one leg, coming off laryngitis, coming off or having a 103 degree fever. The bottom line is this… I go in there to do my job – the men and women fighting are actually putting their lives on the line – I'm just announcing! They're taking punches in the face, I'm just holding a microphone! I have nothing to complain about or make excuses for, the show must go on!

— Bruce Buffer

UFC and Pride Fighting Championships Announcer

Some of the most valuable lessons are not from seeing how they've dealt with success, but how they've dealt with failure and come back stronger and more determined to succeed.

— Chatri Sityodtong

Founder and Chairman of ONE Championship, premier Asian MMA organization

In order to build a truly powerful brand, you can't just sell a product. You need a brand that is authentic and resonates deeply with your fans. The reason we've been able to amass so many followers around the world in such a short period of time is that they aren't just consuming a product; they're finding meaning in it.

— Chatri Sityodtong

Founder and Chairman of ONE Championship, premier Asian MMA organization