I have been to 40+ Model United Nations Conferences over the last 7+ years. For someone with a STEM background- my vision on Humanitarian issues is diverse and very different from what you would find to be typical. I work with a Fortune 3 corporation (ExxonMobil) as a Reservoir Engineer. I can also help an undergraduate student who is looking for career/profile building/placements’ advice!

My Mentoring Topics

  • Model United Nations
  • Oil and Gas
  • CCUS
  • Net Carbon Neutrality
  • Sustainability
  • Fitness, Diet and Health
  • Energy Industry
S.
4.October 2023

The session was very helpful the questions which I had on my mind were answered and the mentor was very humble and honest.

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Harvard Business Review Leader's Handbook - Make an Impact, Inspire Your Organization, and Get to the Next Level
Ronald N. Ashkenas, Brook Manville

Key Facts or Insights from the Book: Leadership is a continual learning process: The book emphasizes that being a leader is not a finite achievement but a constant journey of learning and improvement. Importance of clear communication: Effective leadership relies heavily on the ability to clearly and convincingly convey your ideas and expectations to your team. Value of feedback: Regular feedback, both receiving and giving, is integral to leadership growth and team development. Building trust: The book underscores the importance of creating a culture of trust within an organization for effective leadership. Adaptability and change management: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and lead others through changes is a vital leadership skill. Role of a leader in strategy creation: Leaders are not just executors of strategy, they play a crucial role in its formulation and alignment with organizational goals. Dealing with complexities: The book provides insights on how leaders can navigate through complexities and ambiguities in the business environment. Importance of empowering others: Leadership is about enabling others to contribute and reach their full potential. Leadership attributes: The book identifies the key attributes that effective leaders possess and how they can be developed. Leadership development: The book offers practical tips and advice for personal leadership development. Leadership and innovation: The book highlights how leaders can foster a culture of innovation in their organizations. An In-Depth Analysis of the Book: The "Harvard Business Review Leader's Handbook - Make an Impact, Inspire Your Organization, and Get to the Next Level" by Ronald N. Ashkenas and Brook Manville provides a comprehensive guide to effective leadership. The authors bring together their vast experience and knowledge in the field of leadership and management to deliver a book that is not only practical but also highly insightful. One of the key insights in the book is the idea that leadership is a continual learning process. This concept resonates with the notion of lifelong learning, a popular idea in modern education theory. The authors argue that effective leaders are those who continuously seek to improve their skills and knowledge, and are open to new experiences and ideas. Clear communication is another essential element for effective leadership according to the authors. They assert that leaders should be able to articulate their ideas and expectations in a way that is easily understood by their teams. This aligns with the communication theory, which suggests that effective communication is vital for any successful interaction. Moreover, the authors emphasize the value of feedback in leadership development. They propose that leaders should not only be open to receiving feedback but should also provide constructive feedback to their team members. This supports the feedback intervention theory, which suggests that feedback can significantly improve performance. The importance of trust in leadership is another key insight from the book. The authors argue that leaders should strive to foster a culture of trust within their organizations. This is consistent with the psychological contract theory, which posits that trust is a critical factor in maintaining positive employee-employer relationships. The book also stresses the importance of adaptability and change management in leadership. The authors suggest that leaders should be able to adapt to changing circumstances and guide their teams through changes effectively. This corresponds with the change management theory, which proposes that managing change effectively is crucial for organizational success. Furthermore, the authors discuss the role of a leader in strategy creation. They maintain that leaders are not just executors of strategy, but they also play a crucial role in its formulation and alignment with organizational goals. This aligns with the strategic leadership theory, which suggests that strategic leadership is essential for organizational effectiveness. Additionally, the book provides insights on how leaders can navigate through complexities and ambiguities in the business environment. The authors argue that leaders should be comfortable dealing with uncertainties and complexities. This echoes the complexity leadership theory, which suggests that effective leadership involves managing complex organizational dynamics. The authors also highlight the importance of empowering others. They maintain that leadership is about enabling others to contribute and reach their full potential. This aligns with the empowerment theory, which suggests that empowering employees can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity. Moreover, the book identifies the key attributes that effective leaders possess and how they can be developed. This supports the trait theory of leadership, which proposes that certain personality traits are associated with effective leadership. The authors also offer practical tips and advice for personal leadership development. They suggest that leaders should actively seek opportunities for growth and development. This supports the self-directed learning theory, which proposes that individuals are capable of directing their own learning. Lastly, the book highlights how leaders can foster a culture of innovation in their organizations. The authors argue that leaders should encourage creativity and innovation among their teams. This aligns with the innovation leadership theory, which suggests that leadership plays a crucial role in fostering innovation in organizations. In conclusion, the "Harvard Business Review Leader's Handbook - Make an Impact, Inspire Your Organization, and Get to the Next Level" is a comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights into effective leadership. The authors combine their vast experience and knowledge in the field of leadership and management to deliver a book that is both practical and insightful. The insights from the book align with various leadership and management theories, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their leadership skills.

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Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice
Nitin Nohria, Rakesh Khurana

Key Insights from the Book: Theory and Practice of Leadership: The book integrates both the theoretical and practical aspects of leadership, providing a balanced perspective. Leadership as a Science: Nohria and Khurana propose that leadership can be studied scientifically, leading to more effective leadership methods. Leadership Development: The book emphasizes the importance of leadership development as a critical aspect of organizational success. Leadership Styles: The authors identify several different leadership styles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Contextual Leadership: The book underlines the importance of context in leadership, with different situations requiring different leadership approaches. Leadership Ethics: Nohria and Khurana highlight the importance of ethical leadership and the challenges leaders face in maintaining ethical standards. Leadership and Power: The book explores the relationship between leadership and power, including the potential pitfalls of power. Leadership and Gender: The authors address the issue of gender in leadership, including the barriers women face and the unique strengths they bring to leadership roles. Leadership and Culture: The book explores the impact of organizational culture on leadership, and vice versa. Leadership and Change: Nohria and Khurana examine the role of leaders in managing change, including strategies for effective change management. Analysis and Conclusions: "Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice," authored by Nitin Nohria and Rakesh Khurana, offers a comprehensive exploration of leadership from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The authors draw on their extensive experience in the field to provide a thorough understanding of the complexities of leadership. One of the most significant insights from the book is the notion of leadership as a science. Nohria and Khurana argue that leadership can be studied and understood scientifically, leading to more effective leadership methods. This perspective aligns with the growing emphasis on evidence-based management in the field. The authors also underscore the necessity of leadership development, advocating that organizations should invest in nurturing leadership capacities among their employees. This perspective resonates with the human capital theory, which posits that the development of employees' skills and abilities can significantly contribute to organizational success. Nohria and Khurana delve into different leadership styles, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each. This exploration enables readers to understand that different situations require different leadership approaches, a concept known as situational leadership. Moreover, the authors place a strong emphasis on ethical leadership, arguing that leaders bear a responsibility to uphold ethical standards within their organizations. They also explore the relationship between leadership and power, cautioning leaders about the potential pitfalls of power. These insights align with the transformational leadership theory, which advocates for leaders who inspire and motivate their followers to exceed their own self-interest for the benefit of the organization. The book also addresses the issue of gender in leadership, discussing both the barriers women face and the unique strengths they bring to leadership roles. This discussion echoes the ongoing discourse on gender and leadership in the field, emphasizing the need for greater gender diversity in leadership positions. Moreover, Nohria and Khurana delve into the interplay between leadership and culture, suggesting that leaders shape and are shaped by the cultures within their organizations. This perspective aligns with the cultural leadership theory, which posits that effective leaders recognize and leverage the cultural dynamics within their organizations. Lastly, the authors examine the role of leaders in managing change. They provide strategies for effective change management, which is a critical skill in today's fast-paced business environment. This aligns with the change leadership theory, which emphasizes the importance of leaders in initiating, managing, and sustaining organizational change. In conclusion, "Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of leadership. By integrating theory and practice, Nohria and Khurana provide a balanced and comprehensive exploration of leadership.

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Stand, Speak, Deliver! - How to survive and thrive in public speaking and presenting
Vaughan Evans

Key Insights from 'Stand, Speak, Deliver!' Public speaking is not an innate talent, but a learned skill. The importance of preparation. Understanding and connecting to the audience. Effective use of visual aids. Managing fear and anxiety. Structuring a compelling presentation. Effective delivery techniques including voice modulation, body language, and pace. Handling questions and answers. Strategies for continuous improvement. Making your content memorable and persuasive. An In-depth Review and Analysis of 'Stand, Speak, Deliver!' "Stand, Speak, Deliver!" by Vaughan Evans presents a comprehensive guide to public speaking and presenting. The book is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to not just survive, but thrive in any public speaking or presenting scenario. The book begins with a simple, yet profound revelation - public speaking is not an innate talent, but a learned skill. This is a crucial concept as it dismantles the myth that great speakers are born, not made. Evans reminds us of the fact that anyone can become a compelling speaker with the right training, preparation, and practice. The importance of preparation is a recurring theme in the book. From understanding your audience and structuring your presentation, to rehearsing your delivery – the book provides a plethora of practical tips and techniques to ensure you are fully prepared. It emphasizes that the key to a successful presentation is a clear purpose and a well-structured argument. The book also delves into the psychology of public speaking - understanding and connecting to your audience. It provides insights into how to gauge the audience's knowledge, interest level, and expectations, and then tailor your presentation accordingly. This is essential for effective communication and engagement. The effective use of visual aids is another important aspect discussed in the book. Evans provides guidance on how to use slides, charts, and other visual aids to enhance your presentation, rather than distract from it. The book doesn't shy away from addressing one of the most common fears associated with public speaking - managing fear and anxiety. It offers practical strategies such as breathing techniques, positive visualization, and cognitive restructuring to help manage these emotions. Effective delivery techniques form a significant portion of the book. It discusses various aspects of delivery including voice modulation, body language, and pace. These tools can significantly enhance the impact of your presentation, making it more engaging and memorable. Handling questions and answers is another key aspect covered in the book. It provides strategies on how to handle difficult questions, maintain control of the discussion, and use this opportunity to reinforce key messages. The book also offers strategies for continuous improvement, such as seeking feedback, recording and reviewing your presentation, and learning from other great speakers. These strategies ensure that you continue to grow and develop as a speaker. Finally, the book discusses how to make your content memorable and persuasive. It introduces techniques such as storytelling, use of metaphors, and repetition to make your message stick. In conclusion, "Stand, Speak, Deliver!" is a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of public speaking and presenting. It is grounded in research and filled with practical advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills. The insights gained from this book, coupled with consistent practice, can equip you with the skills to become a confident and effective speaker.

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