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By:

Kaustubh Kale

10 September 2024 at 11:37:15 pm

Modak and the Art of Investing

As the aroma of freshly steamed Modaks fills homes during Ganesh Utsav, the festive spirit comes alive instantly. My mouth is already watering at the thought! The humble Modak, prepared with love to honour Lord Ganesha, may look simple from the outside. But anyone who has tried making one knows that a good Modak depends on several things coming together - the right ingredients, the right recipe, patience with the process, and finally, enjoying the result. Investing is surprisingly similar....

Modak and the Art of Investing

As the aroma of freshly steamed Modaks fills homes during Ganesh Utsav, the festive spirit comes alive instantly. My mouth is already watering at the thought! The humble Modak, prepared with love to honour Lord Ganesha, may look simple from the outside. But anyone who has tried making one knows that a good Modak depends on several things coming together - the right ingredients, the right recipe, patience with the process, and finally, enjoying the result. Investing is surprisingly similar. Choose the Right Ingredients A Modak is only as good as the ingredients that go into it. Fresh coconut, good-quality jaggery, properly prepared rice flour and the right flavours all contribute to the final result. Our investments and financial products are the ingredients of our financial plan. Equities, mutual funds, fixed income, gold and other investments each have a specific role to play. The objective is not to pick whatever appears most exciting at the moment, but to select suitable, good-quality investments that match our financial goals, time horizon and ability to take risks. Health and life insurance are equally important ingredients. Adequate coverage helps protect savings, the family, and their financial goals and dreams. Good ingredients provide the foundation. But ingredients alone are not enough. Get the Recipe Right You may have the finest ingredients in the kitchen, but if the proportions are wrong, the Modak may still not turn out well. The same applies to investing. Asset allocation is the recipe of a financial plan. Too much of one ingredient can spoil a Modak. Similarly, excessive concentration in one asset or too much money in low-return products can spoil a portfolio. Balance is key. A thoughtfully constructed portfolio brings different investments together in the right proportions. To keep asset allocation very simple - short-term goals can be planned through bank fixed deposits, recurring deposits and debt mutual funds. For long-term goals, one can consider hybrid mutual funds, equity mutual funds or direct stocks. Trust the Process Once the Modak is shaped and placed for steaming, constantly checking whether it is ready will not make it cook faster. Investors often make the same mistake. We keep checking markets, reacting to every correction, chasing recent performers or changing strategies because of short-term noise. Good investing requires patience and discipline. Invest regularly, review periodically and allow your financial plan enough time to work. Compounding is powerful precisely because it rewards those who remain invested for long periods. Sometimes, the best thing an investor can do is simply avoid unnecessary interference. Enjoy What You Have Created Finally comes the most important part - eating the Modak! The purpose of investing is not merely to accumulate the largest possible number on a statement. Wealth should eventually help us fulfil our goals, support our families, create financial security and enjoy life with greater peace of mind. A good Modak needs the right ingredients, the right recipe and trust in the process. A good investment journey needs exactly the same. This Ganesh Utsav, may Bappa bless us with the wisdom to make good financial choices, the patience to stay disciplined, and the prosperity to enjoy the fruits of our efforts. Ganpati Bappa Morya! (The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

Brand Yourself or Fall Behind

Writer: Divyaa Advaani 
Divyaa Advaani 
Mar 14, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Mar 17, 2025


Brand Yourself

Imagine this: You've worked hard, met deadlines, and delivered results, yet promotions keep slipping away. Meanwhile, a colleague who speaks confidently in meetings, shares insights on LinkedIn, and builds relationships with leadership is climbing the ladder. What's the difference? Personal branding. And if you think personal branding is just for entrepreneurs or influencers, think again. In today's competitive corporate world, employees who don't actively build their brand risk being invisible, overlooked, and left behind.

 

Personal branding isn't about self-promotion; it's about showcasing your value in ways that matter. Employees who embrace personal branding build stronger reputations, gain leadership visibility, and unlock career growth. When you become known for your expertise, colleagues see you as a go-to resource, managers view you as reliable, and industry leaders recognize your potential. This positioning leads to more opportunities, from high-impact projects to leadership roles. Without it, even the most skilled employees risk being forgotten in the crowd.

 

Consider this: According to LinkedIn data, employees who regularly share insights and engage online are 40% more likely to be approached with new job opportunities. Why? Because personal branding makes you memorable. When you share expertise, insights, and industry knowledge, you demonstrate thought leadership. This elevates your professional presence both inside and outside your organization.

 

However, the impact of personal branding extends beyond promotions. It plays a key role in fostering professional security. In uncertain economic times, employees with established personal brands are more likely to be retained during layoffs because their perceived value is higher. They are seen as indispensable assets who represent knowledge, influence, and expertise. In short, personal branding safeguards your career by turning you into someone the company can't afford to lose.

 

Moreover, personal branding gives you the power to shape your career path. Employees who actively define their skills, values, and contributions position themselves for roles aligned with their strengths and ambitions. By controlling how you're perceived, you open doors to opportunities that align with your goals. The alternative? Letting others define your professional narrative — often inaccurately or incompletely.

 

Building a personal brand doesn’t require grand gestures. Small yet consistent actions have the most impact. Start by engaging in meetings — share your ideas, ask insightful questions, and contribute meaningful suggestions. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to share your expertise, whether through posts, comments, or even short videos. Showcase your achievements in subtle yet strategic ways: highlight successful projects, volunteer to lead initiatives, and build relationships across departments. Each action plants the seeds of visibility, credibility, and influence.

 

Remember, failing to build a personal brand is no longer neutral — it's a disadvantage. Employees who remain silent about their value risk stagnating in their careers while those who actively position themselves thrive. The reality is clear: your career success depends not just on your skills but on how effectively you showcase those skills to the right audience.

The corporate world is evolving rapidly, and those who stand out are the ones who invest in themselves. Don’t wait until you're overlooked for a promotion or miss a career-changing opportunity. The best time to shape your personal brand is now — while you’re still in control. If you are ready to take control of your career growth and ensure the right people notice you at the right time, let’s connect. Together, we can craft a personal brand that opens doors you never thought possible.

 

I would love to hear from you and connect with you over the below mentioned handles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaaadvaani

(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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