I'm Raakesh, a senior leader, military veteran and information security professional with 20+ years of diverse experience in Information Security, Program Management, Operations, Telecommunications & the Armed Forces. I help organisations build resiliency in their information operations & strengthen data privacy in their operations. I'm proficient at building and leading high-performance teams with an emphasis on creating flexible, agile, sustainable and scalable systems. I am also an avid financial planner and help friends, family & colleagues with their personal finances.
My Mentoring Topics
- Leadership
- Startups
- Information Security
- Career Advice
- Personal Finance
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17.February 2022The session was quite informative and validated the thought process I already had. Raakesh can be incisive in his analysis and provide succinct pointers in the limited session time. Always great to benefit from an experienced professional
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9.February 2022Thanks for your time sir, i know how busy you must be but i honestly appreciate your intent to guide folks like us who are split for choices in professional life. The session for me was a great help as an investment in a MBA is not small, financially and in terms of lost opportunity/ leisure time. You perspective really helped my take a re look at my priorities and re-calibrate my professional ambitions. Thank-you so much again!
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1.February 2022Yes , guidance was specific with time line . This has encouraged me to peruse my next task . Looking forward for the next session
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7.January 2022The session helped me get a different perspective to address my challenges with career progression. Lt. Col. Raakesh (Retd.) shared his own career experiences which were quite insightful as well.
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9.December 2021Interaction with you nothing more than enlightening.
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14.September 2021I am writing this with a grateful heart, Raakesh. I felt very comfortable during our conversation. I am re-entering the workforce after a gap, and your inputs have clarified the corporate landscape. I appreciate most that you were honest during our conversation, and you offered to go the extra mile for me by being willing to speak to a professional from my field of interest. I appreciate your help and your kindness. I hope you touch many more lives. Best, Navdeep
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13.May 2021The session was conducted in extremely conducive environment, ensured me, I was comfortable. The speaker guided me to read a book, go for mock/live interviews and extensive use of SMART. Session helped in clearing lot of my queries.The speaker is highly professional and is strongly recommended to others, looking for lateral shift from Combat2Corporate.
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8.May 2021The session was immensely helpful to understand the nuances of transition and further charter my course of action towards my goals. The inputs received were relevant and practical which made me understand the process holistically.
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7.May 2021The session was immensely helpful to understand the nuances of transition and further charter my course of action towards my goals. The inputs received were relevant and practical which made me understand the process holistically.
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16.April 2021The session was extremely helpful. The session can be further structured into deliverables and then further work can be carried out on those.
Tuesdays with Morrie - An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson
Mitch Albom
Key Insights from "Tuesdays with Morrie" Appreciation of life: Morrie Schwartz emphasized the importance of appreciating life while it lasts, rather than fearing death. Materialism vs. Love: The book illustrates the stark contrast between materialistic pursuits and the pursuit of love and emotional fulfillment. Tolerance and Acceptance: Morrie's lessons taught the importance of accepting and tolerating others' perspectives and differences. The Value of Time: Morrie's limited time left highlights the precious nature of time and the importance of spending it wisely. Embracing Change: The book underscores the significance of accepting and adapting to life's inevitable changes. Learning until the end: Morrie's insatiable thirst for learning, even in his final days, is a testament to the importance of lifelong learning. Forgiveness: Morrie underscores the importance of forgiveness, both of others and of oneself, for a peaceful life. Aging and Wisdom: Aging is presented as a natural process that comes with wisdom and experience rather than something to dread. Empathy: The value of empathy and understanding in dealing with others is emphasized throughout the book. Living a meaningful life: Morrie emphasizes that a life lived for others is a life worth living. Detailed Summary and Analysis of "Tuesdays with Morrie" "Tuesdays with Morrie" is a memoir by Mitch Albom that recounts his time spent with his old sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, during the last months of Morrie's life. Their meetings, which took place on Tuesdays, involved discussions on life's profound topics, leading Albom to learn and internalize valuable life lessons. Appreciation of Life Morrie’s lessons begin with a focus on appreciating life. As a man facing death, he sees life from a unique perspective. He advises Albom to live each day as if it were his last, emphasizing the importance of appreciating what we have rather than fearing what we might lose. This resonates deeply with the Stoic philosophy which teaches us to focus on the present moment and to accept what we cannot control. Materialism vs. Love Morrie contrasts the pursuit of material wealth with the pursuit of love. In a society that often equates success with wealth, he challenges this notion by asserting that love and emotional fulfillment are far more valuable. This aligns with the psychological concept of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which posits that our highest need is self-actualization, achieved through creative activities and deep connections with others. Tolerance and Acceptance In the book, Morrie encourages acceptance and tolerance of others. He asserts that everyone has their own path and it is not our place to judge or impose our beliefs on others. This mirrors the concept of 'cultural relativism' in sociology, which argues for understanding and respecting others' cultural practices. The Value of Time Throughout the book, the value of time is underscored. Morrie, aware of his limited time, encourages Mitch to spend his time in meaningful pursuits. This serves as an reminder of the Time Value concept, which suggests that the value of time is subjective and depends on its potential use. Embracing Change Morrie teaches Mitch to embrace life's inevitable changes. This aligns with the Change Management theories in business and personal development, which advocate for acknowledging, accepting, and adapting to change rather than resisting it. Learning until the end Despite his deteriorating health, Morrie’s thirst for learning remains intact. This is a testament to the importance of lifelong learning, a concept widely acknowledged in educational and developmental psychology. Forgiveness Throughout the book, Morrie repeatedly emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. He believes in forgiving others for their mistakes and, crucially, in forgiving oneself. This aligns with many psychological studies that highlight the positive impacts of forgiveness on mental health. Aging and Wisdom Unlike the common societal fear of aging, Morrie embraces it as a source of wisdom and experience. This viewpoint aligns with Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, particularly the final stage, "Ego Integrity vs. Despair", which suggests that acceptance of one's life leads to wisdom. Empathy Empathy is a key theme in the book. Morrie encourages understanding and sharing the feelings of others. This aligns with the concept of emotional intelligence, which includes empathy as a key component. Living a meaningful life Finally, Morrie underscores the importance of living a life filled with meaning, primarily through service to others. This resonates with Viktor Frankl's logotherapy, which posits that the primary motivational force of an individual is to find a meaning in life. In conclusion, "Tuesdays with Morrie" provides valuable lessons on love, acceptance, forgiveness, aging, empathy, and living a meaningful life. These lessons, derived from Morrie's experiences and insights, offer a profound perspective on life that can profoundly influence and guide readers in their journeys.
ViewThe Art of War
Sunzi, Tzu Sun
Key Facts and Insights from "The Art of War" War is a matter of life and death: Sunzi emphasizes that war is not a frivolous matter. It is a matter of survival or extinction, and hence, should be studied thoroughly. Strategic planning: The success of any battle lies in the planning stage. Sunzi advocates for careful and detailed planning, and not rushing into battle. Moral law and leadership: The moral law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler. It is the responsibility of the leader to maintain this harmony. Importance of intelligence: Sunzi emphasizes the importance of spies for collecting valuable information about the enemy. Psychological warfare: The use of deception and psychological tactics to demoralize the enemy and gain an advantage. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the battlefield is vital for victory. Energy and momentum: Understanding and using the energy and momentum of your own forces and the enemy's is a crucial tactic. Terrain: The importance of understanding the terrain and using it to your advantage. Fire attacks: The use of fire as a weapon in war, and the five different types of fire attacks. Use of spies: The different types of spies and their roles in warfare. 'Attack by Stratagem': The idea that the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. An In-Depth Summary and Analysis of "The Art of War" "The Art of War" by Sunzi is a comprehensive guide on strategic thinking, not only in warfare but also in everyday life situations. The book's relevance has transcended time and is still widely studied in various fields including business, politics, and sports. The key concern of Sunzi is the study of war as a matter of life and death. He emphasizes that war is not a frivolous matter and should be approached with utmost seriousness. This perspective encourages readers to apply the same level of seriousness to their personal and professional endeavors. Sunzi is a firm advocate of strategic planning. He asserts that the success of any battle lies in the planning stage. A well-thought-out plan allows one to anticipate possible challenges and prepare for them. This concept can be applied in business, where meticulous planning can lead to success. Another significant point Sunzi makes is about moral law and leadership. He suggests that a leader should be able to influence his people in such a way that they willingly follow him. This harmony between the leader and the followers is crucial for success in any endeavor. Sunzi also highlights the importance of intelligence in warfare. He believes in the use of spies to gather valuable information about the enemy. This insight is relevant in today's digital age, where data and information are critical for success in various fields. The use of psychological warfare is another salient point in Sunzi's treatise. He stresses the use of deception and psychological tactics to demoralize the enemy and gain an advantage. This approach is seen in modern day marketing strategies where companies use psychological tactics to influence consumer behavior. Adaptability, according to Sunzi, is vital for victory. He believes that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the battlefield can be the difference between winning and losing. This concept is applicable in today's fast-paced world where adaptability is a key skill. Sunzi discusses the concept of energy and momentum in warfare. He suggests that understanding and using the energy and momentum of your own forces and the enemy's is a crucial tactic. This theory can be seen in sports strategy, where understanding and manipulating momentum is key to winning games. Understanding the terrain and using it to your advantage is another strategy highlighted by Sunzi. He advises leaders to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their terrain, and use this knowledge to their advantage. This insight can be applied in business where understanding the market landscape is crucial for success. Sunzi outlines the use of fire as a weapon in war, and describes five different types of fire attacks. This is an example of his detailed, tactical approach to warfare. Similarly, in the business world, there are different strategies or 'weapons' that can be used to gain an advantage. The use of spies in warfare is another significant aspect of Sunzi's strategy. He describes different types of spies and their roles in warfare. Similarly, in the corporate world, competitive intelligence plays a crucial role. Finally, Sunzi's supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting, a concept he calls 'Attack by Stratagem'. This concept encourages leaders to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and strategic manner, thereby conserving resources and minimizing damage. In conclusion, "The Art of War" is not just a military strategy book, but a comprehensive guide to strategic thinking that can be applied in various fields. Its timeless wisdom continues to be relevant and insightful even in today's modern world.
ViewThe ARTHASHASTRA
Kautilya
Key Insights from Arthashastra by Kautilya Political Theory and Statecraft: The Arthashastra lays out a detailed description of how a state should be governed and administered, along with the roles and responsibilities of the king and his ministers. Economic Policies and Trade: The book delineates comprehensive economic policies including taxation, trade, commerce, and agricultural practices. Concept of Law and Order: Kautilya's Arthashastra explores the concept of law and order, highlighting the importance of a robust legal system and enforcement of justice. Spy System: The text introduces the idea of espionage as a necessary tool for maintaining stability and security within the state. Warfare and Foreign Policy: The Arthashastra provides insights on military strategy, diplomacy, and foreign relations. Public Administration: The book offers a comprehensive view on public administration, emphasizing on transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance. Principle of Triple Vedas: Kautilya's Arthashastra underscores the importance of education and knowledge, equating it with the principle of Triple Vedas. Principles of Ethics: The text is also a guide to ethical governance, stressing on the importance of morals, values, and duty. Population Management: Arthashastra discusses the management of population, focusing on public welfare, health, and social security. Role of Women in Society: The book acknowledges the significant role of women in society and suggests ways to empower them. Environmental Conservation: The Arthashastra also highlights the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development. In-Depth Analysis and Interpretation The Arthashastra, attributed to Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), is one of the earliest treatises on statecraft, economics, and political science. It provides an extensive blueprint for managing a state and its resources, guiding a ruler on how to govern effectively and maintain the prosperity and security of its people. Firstly, the Arthashastra is remarkable for its detailed exposition on political theory and statecraft. Kautilya defines the duties of a king, his ministers, and other officials, emphasizing the importance of good governance. The king, as the ruler, is expected to be just, wise, and benevolent, maintaining peace and order within the state. The book also provides comprehensive insight into economic policies and trade. It covers various aspects of the economy, including agriculture, trade, commerce, forest produce, and mining. It also discusses taxation and public finance in detail, outlining the principles for fair and efficient tax collection. Kautilya's Arthashastra is renowned for its perspectives on law and order. The text lays out the legal code, detailing various crimes and their corresponding punishments, indicating that a strong legal system is essential for the functioning of a state. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Arthashastra is its detailed description of the spy system. Kautilya suggests that espionage is a crucial tool for state security, providing detailed instructions on how to employ and use spies effectively. The book also provides insights into warfare and foreign policy. It discusses warfare strategies, military formations, and the importance of diplomacy in relations with other states. The importance of public administration is also emphasised in the text. It talks about the principles of bureaucracy, the importance of transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance. The Principle of Triple Vedas is another crucial aspect of the Arthashastra. Kautilya emphasises the importance of education and knowledge, likening them to the sacred value of the Triple Vedas. The Arthashastra also emphasizes the principles of ethics. It provides a guide to ethical governance, stressing on the importance of morals, values, and duty, and how a ruler should embody these qualities. The text also discusses population management, focusing on public welfare, health, and social security, indicating a remarkably modern outlook towards governance. The role of women in society is also acknowledged in the Arthashastra, and it provides suggestions on how women can be empowered. Lastly, the Arthashastra highlights the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development. It provides guidelines on how a state should manage its resources and environment, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices. In conclusion, Kautilya's Arthashastra is an insightful guide to governance. Its principles, though written over two millennia ago, remain relevant in the modern context, providing a comprehensive guide to statecraft, economics, law, and public administration.
ViewMan's Search For Meaning - The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust
Viktor E Frankl
Key Insights from "Man's Search For Meaning" Life's primary drive is the search for meaning, not pleasure: Unlike Freud, who believed mankind is driven by the pursuit of pleasure, Frankl posits that the primary human drive is the pursuit of meaning. Freedom of choice: Even in the most oppressive circumstances, people have the freedom to choose their attitudes towards their experiences. Noetic dimension of human beings: Humans are not solely physical, psychological beings, but also spiritual (or noetic) beings. Their spiritual self can't be affected by physical or psychological trauma. Existential vacuum: Many people suffer from a sense of emptiness or meaninglessness, which Frankl refers to as an existential vacuum. Logotherapy: Frankl's therapeutic approach, Logotherapy, helps individuals to find personal meaning in life. Tragic Optimism: The ability to maintain hope and find meaning in life despite its inescapable pain, guilt and death. Meaning through suffering: When we can't change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. In such instances, we find meaning through the way we choose to suffer. Meaning through creativity or experiential values: We can find meaning in life either through creating a work or doing a deed, or by experiencing something or encountering someone (love). Meaning through attitudinal values: We can also find meaning through the attitude we take towards unavoidable suffering. Man's ultimate freedom: The ability to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances is the ultimate freedom that no one can take away from us. Analysis of "Man's Search For Meaning" "Man's Search For Meaning" is a powerful book that explores the human spirit's ability to endure even the most horrific of circumstances. The book is a testament to the invincibility of the human spirit, exemplified by Frankl's experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Contrary to Sigmund Freud's theory that humans are primarily driven by the pursuit of pleasure, Frankl posits that the primary human drive is the pursuit of meaning. This is a profound insight as it shifts the focus from external gratifications to internal fulfillment. It emphasizes that even in situations devoid of pleasure, such as concentration camps, humans can still find a purpose to live for. One of the most powerful insights from the book is the concept of freedom of choice. Despite being physically imprisoned and subjected to unimaginable horrors, Frankl maintains that individuals still have the freedom to choose their attitudes towards their experiences. This echoes the philosophy of existentialism, which emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility. Frankl also introduces the concept of the noetic dimension of human beings, suggesting that humans are not solely physical or psychological beings but also spiritual beings. This spiritual self, according to Frankl, cannot be affected by physical or psychological trauma. This perspective provides a new lens through which we can view suffering and trauma - not as destructive forces but as potential catalysts for personal growth and transformation. The existential vacuum, another concept introduced by Frankl, refers to a sense of emptiness or meaninglessness experienced by many people. This can be attributed to a lack of purpose or direction in life. Frankl's therapeutic approach, Logotherapy, seeks to help individuals find personal meaning in life, filling this existential vacuum, and ultimately leading to a more fulfilling existence. Frankl's concept of Tragic Optimism is a powerful testament to human resilience. It's the ability to maintain hope and find meaning in life despite facing inescapable pain, guilt, and death. This is not a naive optimism but a courageous acceptance of life as it is, with all its ups and downs. The book also highlights that meaning can be found through suffering, creativity or experiential values, and attitudinal values. When we can't change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. We find meaning in the way we choose to suffer. Meaning can also be found through creating a work or doing a deed, or by experiencing something or encountering someone (like love). Finally, the book emphasizes man's ultimate freedom - the ability to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how dire or difficult our circumstances may be, we always have the freedom to choose our response. In conclusion, "Man's Search For Meaning" is a profound book that explores the depths of human endurance and the indomitable spirit of hope. It teaches us that meaning can be found in life, even in the darkest of times, and that our ability to choose our attitude in any given set of circumstances is our ultimate freedom.
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19.February 2022The sessions have been extremely useful relevant and contemporary in paradigms. Apart from de-cluttering the mind of extraneous thoughts and ideas , the mentoring bytes have also empowered conviction in decision making through the prism of optimism and objectivity. Strongly recommended in the VUCA world of today, both in personal as well as professional lives.