The Why, How and What of A CEO

Events around the world in business as well as politics reveal the importance of impact a leader has upon minds and brains of the audience and peer group.

 Finding WHY-the fundamental purpose:  A leader's vision of a big picture inspires action as well as binds the working teams together. Vision keeps the organisation motivated and focused on business goals.

Finding HOW: A leader's role and relationship building strategies often influence the incidents and business outcomes. How well a leader is perceived marks the future growth of the organisation.

Finding WHAT: What should the business expertise be combined with so that the leader's presence will bear fruits of success in every interaction,meeting and business deal. 

Not being a stereotypical CEO is every common leader's dream...how to achieve that is a step by step formula... starting in next episode.  

I would like to know which CEO/boss/Leader influences you the most and why. 

Please write to me on neha@splendidconsultant.in

Beyond Taj Mahal & Chicken Curry-Changing INDIA's Image through Gifting

The story starts around 5-6 years back when I first visited Europe, made local friends in Austria & Germany and some friends from other parts of world who worked or studied there. And like me as most of them are foodies, it was inevitable for me -hosting long lunches and early evening dinners at our humble home back then in Austria. Europeans love Indian Chicken Curry , the aroma and the spices. And soon for us it became the tradition for us  to gift Chicken Masala powders and recipes to our dear friends. The ones who did not fall into the foodie category or couldn't take the heat of Indian Curry, preferred the typical miniature of Taj Mahal as gift. Be it our Diwali or Christmas celebrations in their land, these two items were in demand. 

However, I always wondered if and how I can introduce other cultural facades of our India to these friends. And this year, the splendid artifacts from Heart for Art https://www.heartforartonline.com/ opened doors of zillion gifting options for me :) Heart for Art works towards bringing you products from the best artisans of India, who passionately create them! The founders and now my friends, Padmaja and Sunil Jalihal help craftsmen get back their pride and improve their living conditions through this endeavour. They provide these products in the best traditions of artisanal masterpieces, yet adapted to contemporary lifestyles and sensibilities. Heart for Art promotes the traditional Arts & Crafts of India. The products represent some of the best traditions of Kashmiri, Bidriware, Dhokra, Kottan, Channapatna, Navalgund, Longpi, Jaipur and many other Indian arts and crafts and Black Pottery of Manipur, Kottan Basketary, Southern Stone Scluptures, Bidriware, Chola Bronze Sculptures, Navalgund Jamkhanas. 

This Christmas, houses of my friends in Germany will be adorned by dozens of such beautiful bells. They are handcrafted using traditional lacware technique and are coloured with natural dyes. This is Channapatna Woodcraft originated in Karnataka. 

My friends in Corporate will be happy wearing artfully crafted cuff-links. Bidriware is a metal handicraft that originated in Bidar area of Karnataka, in the 14th century C.E., and it is manufactured from an alloy of copper and zinc with fine wire of pure silver carefully hammered into the grooves. Bidriware products were traditionally recognised as a symbol of wealth and the craft is practiced in various parts of India to make a range of artistic showpieces and ornaments.

All the Heart for Art gifts are accompanied with an information card with details about the art-craft form and the artisan's name who crafted it.

In the words of my friend Marcel, these gifts have changed India's Image in his mind. India has much more colours to offer beyond the Taj and Chicken Curry!!

Denims- Un-fit for Formal meetings?!

While creative industries and IT industry upto some extent take pride in casual dressing policy, certain thumb rules about business attire are followed worldwide. Wearing denim /jeans or Corduroy (most of us call it qua-dra-aai) in formal business meetings is inappropriate or unprofessional - and this statement is always debated upon . The reason why most of the formal dressing policies and boardroom meeting protocols exclude the denims from their list is in the history of these fabrics.

The name "denim" derives from French serge de Nîmes, meaning 'serge from Nîmes'. Denim was traditionally colored blue with indigo dye to make blue jeans, although "jean" formerly denoted a different, lighter, cotton fabric. The contemporary use of the word "jeans" comes from the French word for Genoa, Italy (Gênes), where the first denim trousers were made.

Denim has been used in the USA since the mid 19th century. Denim initially gained popularity in 1873 when Jacob W. Davis, a tailor from Nevada, manufactured the first pair of “rivet-reinforced” denim pants. When they were invented, jeans were associated with blue-collar work. They were meant to get muddy and gross and take lots of abuse without falling apart, even if you wore the same pair every day. The people who bought them were the ones whose lives required durable clothing. Soon, the popularity of denim jeans began to spread rapidly as heavy work clothing.





Corduroy is a vintage textile of cotton or cotton-mix fabric with a raised, ribbed, sheared surface nap and underlying weave. It is made from woven, twisted fibres which lie in parallel rows or ‘cords’ to form the cloth’s texture. Corduroy has a velvety feel making it durable yet soft to touch. It has been used mainly for men’s working and sporting clothing throughout the centuries. Corduroy evolves from the ancient cotton weave known as ‘fustian’. This manufactured textile existed for thousands of years before it came to acquire the name of corduroy as we know it. By the 19th Century corduroy is being mass-produced in factories all over Europe and America. It was mainly used by workers, artists and students it has the image of ‘poor man’s velvet’.Both denim and corduroy were hence used by workers and not the elite businesspersons during their business hours and hence traditionally not considered as business/formal attire. In other words, it's not the jeans themselves that are the problem; it's the people who've traditionally worn them.

4 Interesting Facts About Image Consulting

Whether you like it or not, the way you look plays a role in your success. Your image is "you" in the minds of the people; what do they think about you; what is their perception of you. And remember, perception is reality. 

 Your Image is your visual resume. Much before people know about your strengths they decide about you based on your visual resume. An Image Consultant helps you project an Image that you desire; image that reflects your values and principles. 

What is Image Consulting? 
Image consulting is managing one’s Appearance, Behaviour and Communication in order to project an appropriate, authentic and attractive image. It is about controlling your first impressions.

Who needs Image Consulting?



Image Consulting is for everyone who wants to upgrade his/her style to match with roles and professional and social goals. Be it a student, working professional, a socialite or a celebrity. An employee’s or a CEO’s image will have an impact on the company’s image; a socialite’s or celebrity’s image plays a great role in their careers.

I believe in simple living. How will Image Consulting help me? 
Image consulting does not necessarily mean high fashion brands or glamorous clothes. Image Consulting is adapting style which is appropriate –suitable to our attitude and the audience we interact with.

A classic example can be Mahatma Gandhi’s image in South Africa and when he consciously adopted dhoti clad image later. This epoch-making decision was taken by Gandhiji in Madurai after he decided that he has to work for and with the with the poor people of India and how can he identify with them if he wears different clothes from them.

Is Appearance part of Image consulting only about western clothes?
No, Image Consulting is about appropriate (as per occasion) and authentic (that suits you)dressing. It includes Indian as well as Western styles, blend of fashion trends and use of right accessories. 


Few Image Consulting Tips:
1. Wear clothes that flatter your figure and personal colours.
2. Audience: Think carefully about who it is you’re trying to influence and why. What do they care about and why is it important?
3. Message: The way you’d dress at a business conference full of middle-aged folks is different from how you would dress at high school sports game. Whatever message you’re trying to send to the world, never forget the clothes you put that message in will determine the way it’s received. So, dress it carefully.

Contact us on neha@splendidconsultant.in to know your Image Quotient !

Manasi : An Art Aficionado

                          Recipe of Manasi Holehonnur's Image 

From our time spent together in Pune a decade back- Manasi’s image in my mind is that of a friend immersed in poetry called life; a young girl sitting under a blossomed Parijat tree writing beautiful verses. A student of Economics with a sparkle in her eyes and “Puneri” aura in her attitude. It was Manasi who introduced me to many melodious Southern Indian songs. 

 After staying in United States; this happily married conversationalist is now settled in “namma Bengaluru” and making her mark in creative writing.

As I and Manasi talk about her persona and “image”- Manasi is finest example of “authentic” appearance- be it a desi necklace or short dress,she picks up her clothing and accessories totally as per her mood and personal style! 

And you will see her face beaming while talking about her newly found love for graceful and exclusive saree collection.

Along with Pickle-Jar, Manasi has given an active contribution for curating Smita Patil Film Festival and Hrishikesh Mukherjee Film Festival this year in Bengaluru.

Reading , interpreting and experiencing culture, art and films is essence of being “Manasi”. Her favourite creations and writings include those of Akira Kurosava,Gauri Deshpande Kiran Nagarkar, Tukaram, Bahinabai Chaudhari and directorial works of Ingmar Burgman, Hrishikesh Mukharji.

Splendid Birthday wishes for this special friend in her all endeavors ❤

Passing on Heritage of Six yards (We call it Saree)

  

Indian woman's elegance is woven in the six yards of beauty called Saree. 

Draping a saree is an art into itself, which can transform the personality of the wearer from traditional to contemporary. Originated from the Sanskrit word "Sati" which means strip of cloth; a saree is traced back to Indus Valley Civilisation. 

Cotton was first cultivated and woven in Indian subcontinent around 5th millennium BC. Dyes used during this period are still in use, particularly indigo, lac, red madder and turmeric.Silk was woven around 2450 BC and 2000 BC. So interwoven is the saree with the life and traditions of the Indian people that each region of the country has developed a style of its own. 

A saree can be a perfect day wear, business wear, casual wear, evening wear, cocktail wear or bridal wear depending on the choice of fabric, colours, design, embellishments and the style of draping. Let's go through few interesting learning points about this "Vastram".

Choosing Appropriate Saree: As an Image Consultant, I strongly believe that our attire should be appropriate for the occasion and the surroundings including weather. Thus choose your saree based upon the colour, texture and fabric. Office wear sarees should be easy to manage and pleasant to the eyes. Also they should not cling to your body. 

On the other hand, a traditional occasion or festival is the best opportunity to flaunt the rich fabrics with decorative detailing.  

Basic elements of saree to be considered are Line and Shape: Silhouette of saree should compliment your body type and figure. 

Colour: Traditionally warm colours (red, orange, pink and yellow) are favourites in festive seasons as they bring vibrance and are also meant to be sacred in religious occasions. 

Every Colour carries a certain meaning. Yellow is perceived as cheerful and energetic, yet mellow and soft. Just like the mid summer sunshine, it portrays hope, happy times and used as a way to grab one's attention. 

Orange is a friendly, vital, inviting, energetic and playful color.  

People often think of the color as daring, warm, dynamic, bold and sexy. 

Green is the color of nature, and everything that goes with it. It has been described as refreshing, healing, soothing and prestigious. 

Blue is a very stable and dependable color. 

Purple reflects elegance, sensuality, spirituality and creativity. Purple is perhaps the most complicated and rare color, hence referred to as a majestic and royal, fit for kings.

For daily routine/business occasions, you should opt for subtle colours and minimal accessories.

Fabric and Texture: Usually heavyweight fabrics are used for rich “pallu” of a traditional saree. Some fabrics such as raw silk and velveteen add visual weight to the “wearer”. Whereas thin or visually lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and georgette may create an illusion of slimmer figure ! The threads used in saree add texture and shine to the saree. Current trend of adding jute threads to silk sarees is very welcoming. 

Saree Draping and Blouse Style (Modest or Sassy): Your appearance speaks 1000 words about who you are and hence please pay attention to the message that your appearance sends out. Whether you want it to be graceful or sassy ? A saree is associated with modesty in every indian household. Over the centuries, the Indian saree has kept evolving in terms of fabrics, colours, designs, draping style. But its fundamental concept of wrapping a length of five and a half meters of fabric around the body continues to be the same.

Keep reading our posts for more helpful facts and styling tips. 

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.

Fashion Essentials for Dating in Rain

“Green was the silence, wet was the light, the month of June trembled like a butterfly.”―Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets.

Everything romantic, everything magical happens between the months of June and August...the world of delicate green leaves opens up. Colourful flowers bloom on fresh green grass blades. I am sure all the people in love wait for the monsoons to arrive after a summer-full heat...That cool breeze, surprise rain showers and the serene scent of wet soil ...every fine detail created by nature makes you fall in love again with a new zeal.

Like the season, the fashion statement that "you two" make must be equally pleasant. For the young generation - gone are the days of clinging wet red sarees and white shirts. Comfortable and yet stylish attire is the new mantra! 

Shop for a stylish umbrella that makes you stand out in the crowd. The latest geometric prints on umbrellas are talk of the town. You can also check for latest trendy raincoats.

Lovely ladies can opt for synthetic tops in soild or striped prints in bright colours. Avoid cotton blends in clothes. Tops, tunics in nylon and polyester do not let you become a wet mess. Cropped trousers, culottes will be a more convenient than the wet denims. 

Accessories in neon colours bring super-freshness to your persona. A single piece like your wallet, belt or a tiny bracelet in neon colour is enough to make your appearance interesting. 

Waterproof make up is one of the smart shopping secrets. Sleek hairstyles and tied hair can keep you away from wet and sticky hair. 

For the handsome half of the generation (the gentlemen), a shirt layer on a t-shirt, a waterproof hoody and pair of shorts coupled with stylish boots or sturdy "jungle" shoes will be perfect for a rainy date even out in adventurous environment !  

Men can go for set hairstyles and little stubble may give a little rustic look to the already charming nature. Happy Rainy season and wish you sweetly stylish  moments. 

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer and style expert with a professional style of working, a healthy dose of humour, encouragement and compassion.
Neha upgrades your attitude, style and image. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.