I am delighted to introduce myself as a mentor in this esteemed mentoring club. My name is Ali Asghari, PhD, and I bring with me a diverse background in engineering and software product management, coupled with a passion for empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Throughout my career journey, I have had the privilege of working in various technical and leadership roles, gaining invaluable experiences that have shaped me into the mentor I am today. From engineering complex solutions to guiding software product development, I have honed my skills to understand the intricacies of problem-solving and project management. However, my passion for mentoring goes beyond just technical expertise. As an empathic listener, I strongly believe in the power of understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level. In this mentoring club, I am committed to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment where everyone feels empowered to seek guidance, share their aspirations, and develop both personally and professionally.
My Mentoring Topics
- Software Product management
- Agile & Lean
- Leadership & Management
- Emotional Intelligence
G.
15.September 2023H.
21.August 2023I am truly grateful for the guidance and mentorship provided by Ali. His extensive knowledge across various fields is truly impressive, and his caring approach made the learning experience exceptional. His guidance has been invaluable in shaping my growth. Thank you for being an outstanding mentor.
J.
1.August 2023great mentor, nice and supportive, also a great listener willing to help you find out what you need to achieve your goals, truly enjoyed talking to him.
R.
1.August 2023I had a fantastic time and found my session with Ali very informative and supportive. Ali is very knowledgeable about product management and has a true passion for his work. Even if he is not an expert in a particular field you are interested in, he helps guide conversation and goes above and beyond to provide you with the resources to step you in the right direction. Overall, amazing person and mentor.
N.
25.July 2023I had a great session. he cleared all my doubts.he was super helpful and humble. he is the perfect mentor. he provided all the steps for my preparation.I am short of words to say thank you. thank you so much sir for all the help and guidance.looking forward to meeting you soon:)
Dare to Lead - Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
Brené Brown
Key Facts from "Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts" Leadership is not about titles or power, but about the courage to lead with vulnerability. Embracing vulnerability is crucial for courageous leadership, contrary to the common belief that vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Trust is built in small moments and is the backbone of connection and leadership. Clear and honest communication is key to successful leadership, and this includes having difficult conversations. The concept of “rumbling with vulnerability” is introduced as a method to face fear and uncertainty. There is a difference between being a knower and being a learner, and a good leader should be a learner. Leaders should always operate from a place of values, and ensure their team does the same. Effective leaders do not avoid tough conversations, they lean into them with empathy and understanding. Leadership requires a constant commitment to personal and professional growth. Leaders must be willing to give feedback and be open to receiving it as well. Understanding and addressing shame and empathy is vital for healthy team dynamics. Detailed Summary and Analysis "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be a courageous leader. The book challenges many conventional notions about leadership, such as the association of leadership with power and authority. Instead, Brown emphasizes that leadership is not about titles or power but about the courage to lead with vulnerability. This vulnerability, she insists, is not a sign of weakness but a necessary ingredient for courageous leadership. A crucial insight from the book is the importance of embracing vulnerability. In a society that often views vulnerability as a flaw, Brown's emphasis on its importance is a significant shift. She introduces the concept of “rumbling with vulnerability”, which she defines as having the courage to face our fear and uncertainty, to lean into our discomfort, and to have difficult conversations. This concept encourages leaders to show up and be seen, even when there are no guarantees, which is a testament to true bravery. Another significant aspect of the book is the emphasis on trust-building. Brown argues that trust is built in small moments and is the backbone of connection and leadership. The acronym BRAVING, introduced in the book, stands for Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault, Integrity, Non-judgment, and Generosity, and outlines the elements of trust. Understanding and implementing these elements can significantly enhance the trust within a team. Communication is another key theme in "Dare to Lead". Brown stresses the importance of clear and honest communication in leadership, including having difficult conversations. According to her, effective leaders do not avoid tough conversations; instead, they lean into them with empathy and understanding. This can be a daunting task, but it is essential for maintaining transparency and trust within the team. "Dare to Lead" also emphasizes the importance of being a learner, not a knower. Brown elaborates on the difference between the two, explaining that knowers feel the need to provide answers, while learners ask questions. According to her, a good leader should always be a learner, constantly seeking knowledge and understanding. This insight challenges the traditional notion of leadership as being the one with all the answers, and instead promotes a more collaborative and inquisitive approach to leading. Furthermore, Brown emphasizes that leaders should always operate from a place of values. Leaders should identify their core values and ensure that their actions align with these values. Additionally, they should also encourage their team members to identify and align with their values, fostering a value-driven work environment. Lastly, the book explores the concept of shame and empathy, and how understanding and addressing these can contribute to healthier team dynamics. Brown argues that empathy is the antidote to shame and encourages leaders to foster an empathetic environment. In conclusion, "Dare to Lead" provides a comprehensive guide on how to be a more courageous, empathetic, and effective leader. By embracing vulnerability, building trust, communicating clearly, being a learner, operating from a place of values, and understanding shame and empathy, one can truly lead with their whole heart.
ViewRange - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
David Epstein
Key Facts or Insights from "Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" The 'Tiger Woods' model of early specialization is not the only route to success. In fact, those who diversify their experiences and skills can often outperform those who specialize early. Generalists are more adaptable and innovative. Their broad knowledge base allows them to draw from different fields and create novel solutions to problems. Learning broadly and slowly in the early stages can lead to better performance in the long run. This is contrary to the popular belief that fast and focused learning is superior. Specialization can lead to 'cognitive entrenchment'. This is a situation where experts become so embedded in their field that they are unable to think outside of it. Applying knowledge from one field to another (lateral thinking) is a powerful tool for innovation. Real-world problems are often 'wicked' as opposed to 'kind.' Unlike kind problems, wicked problems cannot be solved with a single, well-defined solution. Generalists, with their wide-ranging skills and experiences, are better equipped to tackle such challenges. Cultivating a growth mindset is crucial. It is important to be open to learning and developing new skills throughout life. Sampling period - Experimenting with a variety of interests and disciplines before settling on a focus area is beneficial. Failure is a part of the learning process. It provides valuable lessons and insights that can lead to success in the future. The concept of 'active open-mindedness'. It is a mindset that encourages curiosity, questioning, and a willingness to consider multiple perspectives. The 'outside view' or 'reference class forecasting'. This involves looking at a problem from a broader perspective, considering similar situations, and using that information to make more accurate predictions. In-depth Analysis and Summary In "Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World", David Epstein challenges the conventional wisdom that early and narrow specialization is the key to success. Instead, he argues that generalists—those who have a wide range of skills and experiences—are better equipped to excel in today's complex and rapidly changing world. Epstein's arguments are not just theoretical. He substantiates them with numerous case studies and empirical evidence from various fields, including sports, music, science, and business. This makes his arguments more compelling and relatable. The first key insight from the book is that the 'Tiger Woods' model of early specialization is not the only route to success. This is a reference to the famous golfer who started his training at a very young age and quickly rose to the top of his field. While this model might work in certain fields with well-defined rules and clear paths to success, Epstein asserts that it is less effective in complex and unpredictable environments. In such spaces, those who diversify their experiences and skills can often outperform those who specialize early. This is because generalists have a broader knowledge base that they can draw upon to come up with innovative solutions. The second key insight is about the importance of learning broadly and slowly in the early stages. This contradicts the common belief that fast and focused learning is superior. Epstein suggests that dabbling in different fields and taking the time to explore various interests can be beneficial in the long run. This 'sampling period' allows individuals to discover what they are truly passionate about and where their strengths lie. It also gives them the versatility to adapt to changing conditions and demands. Another interesting concept that Epstein discusses is 'cognitive entrenchment'. He explains that when individuals become too specialized, they tend to get stuck in their ways of thinking and find it hard to approach problems from new angles. In contrast, generalists are less likely to fall into this trap as they are used to integrating knowledge and ideas from different areas. This makes them more creative and adaptable. The book also emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and 'active open-mindedness'. These are mindsets that encourage curiosity, continuous learning, and the willingness to consider multiple perspectives. Epstein argues that these qualities are crucial in today's complex and uncertain world where the ability to learn and adapt is more valuable than ever. Finally, Epstein introduces the idea of the 'outside view' or 'reference class forecasting'. This is a strategy that involves looking at a problem from a broader perspective, considering similar situations, and using that information to make more accurate predictions. This approach can help individuals and organizations avoid common pitfalls and make better decisions. In conclusion, "Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" provides a fresh perspective on success and achievement. It challenges the traditional emphasis on early specialization and highlights the value of breadth, diversity, and adaptability. As an experienced professor, I believe that this book offers valuable insights for educators, parents, students, professionals, and anyone else interested in understanding the complexities of learning and performance in the modern world.
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J.
3.October 2023Thank you for the conversation today. I appreciated your time and perspective.