Let’s begin with a disclaimer: I am not religious. Yet, I hold a deep respect for the symbolism, meaning, and architecture that religion inspires. This reverence forms the foundation of this blog—not as a theological exploration but as a parallel to the faith, doubt, and lessons I’ve encountered in my 30-year journey through the world of work.

This is not a space for vanity or navel-gazing. It’s a place to reflect on the realities of work—the triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

The Inspiration

Among the sites that left an indelible mark was the Church of Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony. This neoclassical masterpiece houses the bedrock where Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest, fully aware of the dire consequences his actions would bring. The agony depicted at this moment symbolizes the tension between conviction and consequence—a tension familiar to anyone navigating difficult decisions in their career or business.

Inside the church, six grand columns divide the space into three aisles, creating an open hall suffused with violet light from stained-glass panels. The design evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection, encouraging visitors to pause, question, and prepare for their own critical next steps. For me, this place became a metaphor for the struggles and decisions inherent in the professional world—a space to reflect, recalibrate, and resolve.

Extending the symbolism further, the facade of the church is supported by Corinthian columns topped by figures of the four evangelists: Mark, Luke, Matthew, and John. In the realm of work, I see these evangelists mirrored in four fundamental pillars: Shareholders, Customers, Employees, and Suppliers. These are the forces that sustain and challenge any business, and they will be the focal points of this blog.

The Journey to Write

When I joined LinkedIn over a decade ago, it was, admittedly, an act of vanity—an attempt to showcase where I had been and what I had accomplished. Over time, LinkedIn evolved into more than a professional resume; it became a space for meaningful connections and insights. The most impactful posts weren’t self-promotional but shared hard-earned lessons.

This inspired me to write. Initially, I hesitated—questioning whether I had anything of value to offer and fearing that sharing my experiences might be perceived as self-serving. But then I thought: what if just one person gains an insight that saves them years of missteps? With that thought, I decided to share, trepidation and all.

This blog is written for those grappling with professional uncertainty, especially mid-level managers facing a career crossroads. You might be thinking, I worked hard to get into the right college and company, followed the path, and yet I feel stuck. My boss offers no feedback, my peers compete with me, and the younger workforce is armed with new skills threatening to outpace me. Meanwhile, the pressures of maintaining my lifestyle—EMIs, school fees, and the like—are mounting. What now?

If this resonates, this blog is for you.

The Approach

My goal is not to inundate you with data, charts, or dense references. Instead, I aim to share personal, practical insights drawn from real experiences across industries, geographies, and cultures. This is not about showcasing what I’ve read or synthesizing abstract truths. It’s about real lessons from a career dotted with successes and failures alike.

The tone will be conversational—think of it as a TED Talk, where time and attention are precious. Extended discussions and in-depth analysis will be reserved for those who actively seek them.

[H3] The Four Evangelists of Work
The structure of this blog will revolve around the four pillars of the professional world:

• Shareholders: Topics like profitability, lean operations, and launching new products.
• Customers: Discussions on transparency, loyalty, and trust-building.
• Employees: Insights on interviews, team dynamics, leadership, and career growth.
• Suppliers: Strategies for selection, global sourcing, and partnership management.

These pillars are the foundation of any business, and through this framework, I aim to explore the complexities of work while inviting your thoughts, questions, and perspectives.

The Invitation

This blog is not just about me sharing my journey; it’s about sparking conversations that matter. Are these topics relevant to you? Do they resonate with your experiences? I hope this space becomes a place for reflection and dialogue—an opportunity to navigate the challenges of working together.

So, as you face your own moments of “agony,” whether in the boardroom or beyond, I invite you to read, reflect, and share. Let’s explore the hard questions and celebrate the small victories that make the journey worthwhile.