Give and Take-A Book by Adam Grant
Keynote Speech for Indian Working Professionals
Namaskar!
Good morning to all of you! 👏👏 It’s an absolute honor to stand here today, among the hardworking, ambitious, and unstoppable working professionals of India. You are the backbone of our country’s growth, and today, I am here to share something that can truly transform your life—both professionally and personally.
Let me start with a question: What does success mean to you?
For some, it might mean a higher salary, a better car, or a bigger house. For others, it might mean respect, growth, or making a difference. Whatever your definition is, let me tell you one thing loud and clear: Success is not just about working hard—it’s about working smart with the right mindset!
What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There: a Book by Marshall Goldsmith
🔥 3 Powerful Secrets for Extraordinary Success
1️⃣ Be a Problem-Solver, Not a Problem-Teller
My friends, companies do not pay you for the hours you spend—they pay you for the problems you solve! Every day, when you step into your office, ask yourself one question:
“What value can I add today?”
Think beyond your job description. If your boss or team is struggling with something, take charge! A true professional doesn’t say, “Yeh mera kaam nahi hai” (This is not my job). A true professional says, “Let me see how I can help!”
🚀 Real Example: Look at Sundar Pichai—he didn’t just stick to his job role; he solved problems that others couldn’t even see. That’s how he became the CEO of Google. Be a problem-solver, and opportunities will chase you!
2️⃣ Build Relationships, Not Transactions
India is known for its culture of relationships, isn’t it? But let me ask you this: How often do you apply this in your workplace? Do you go beyond work-related conversations to genuinely connect with your colleagues, managers, and team?
Success Tip: Build trust and goodwill at every level. When people trust you, they will not just work with you—they will work for you. And when that happens, magic begins!
💡 Quick Action: Starting tomorrow, talk to your team. Ask them, “How can I support you?” Help someone without expecting anything in return. It might not pay off immediately, but trust me—it will pay off BIG in the future!
3️⃣ Master Your Mindset
This is the MOST important secret of all. No matter how talented or hardworking you are, if your mindset is negative, you will never go far.
Every time you face a challenge or setback, remember this: Your struggle is your strength. Life does not happen to you; it happens for you. Challenges are nothing but opportunities in disguise. The question is: Will you grab them or complain about them?
Shortcut to Positivity:
- Start your day with gratitude.
- Write down 3 things you are thankful for every morning.
- Watch how your mindset transforms!
🌟 Why YOU Are the Future of India
India is not just a country—it’s a force to reckon with! And YOU are the soldiers who are driving our nation forward. Every time you give your 100%, every time you push your limits, every time you innovate or take a risk—you are not just building your career. You are building INDIA.
Do you know why the world is watching us? It’s because of YOU. The world knows that Indian working professionals are second to none when it comes to talent, determination, and hard work.
But remember, hard work alone is not enough. Combine it with smart work, with the right mindset, and with generosity that uplifts everyone around you.
✨ Closing Thought
I’ll leave you with this: Success is not a race—it’s a journey. And on this journey, always remember:
- Be a problem-solver.
- Build relationships.
- Master your mindset.
If you do this, no power in the world can stop you from achieving greatness. YOU have the power to change your future, your family’s future, and our country’s future! So go out there, and give it your best!
Say it with me:
“I am unstoppable! I am unbreakable! I am the creator of my success!”
Thank you so much! Let’s make every day count. Jai Hind! 🙌
Detailed Framework for Implementation and Action Plan ( for Indian Working Professionals)
Namaskar Friends!
You heard my speech, but success doesn’t come from listening—it comes from action! Today, I am giving you a step-by-step actionable framework that can transform your career and life. This framework is simple but extremely powerful. If you implement it with discipline, success is guaranteed! 🚀
🔥 5-Step Framework for Working Professionals (DRIVE Framework)
D: Define Your Goals
- The first step is to clearly define your professional and personal goals.
- Goals should be specific, measurable, and time-bound. Example:
- Instead of writing “I want a promotion,” write: “I want to become a Senior Manager within 6 months.”
- Instead of saying “I want to earn more money,” write: “I want to increase my salary by 30% in the next year.”
- Action Point:
- Write down your short-term (6 months) and long-term (3 years) goals.
- Add a timeline and measurable results to each goal.
R: Build Strong Relationships
- Your connections are your real strength. Focus on building strong professional relationships at work, in your industry, and with clients.
- People don’t remember your skills; they remember the value and trust you create.
- Action Point:
- Every week, help at least one colleague, whether it’s with a project or solving a problem.
- Expand your LinkedIn network by connecting with 3 new people related to your industry every month.
I: Practice Smart Giving
- Giving doesn’t mean wasting your time or resources. You need to be a smart giver.
- Focus your time and energy on high-impact areas—on things that benefit both you and others in the long term.
- Action Point:
- Dedicate 10 minutes daily to helping one person (a team member, junior, or client).
- Freely share what’s easy for you—knowledge, resources, or contacts.
V: Create Value Daily
- Your job description is just a starting point. If you don’t create value, you can’t expect growth.
- Every day, ask yourself: “What new thing can I do today that adds value to my team or company?”
- Action Point:
- Learn a new skill every week that adds value to your work.
- Try to bring small innovations into your daily tasks.
E: Energize Your Mindset
- Challenges and failures are part of life. What separates successful people is their mindset.
- Replace negativity with gratitude and positivity.
- Action Point:
- Start every morning with 5 minutes of gratitude. Think about the things you have rather than the things you lack.
- Watch one motivational video or read one inspiring book chapter every day (e.g., Vivek Bindra’s YouTube channel or Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill).
📋 Weekly Execution Plan for DRIVE Framework
| Day | Task | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Review your goals and set a priority for the week. | 15 minutes |
| Tuesday | Help a colleague or client with a task or project. | 20 minutes |
| Wednesday | Start learning a new skill or exploring a new tool related to your work. | 30 minutes |
| Thursday | Add a new contact to your LinkedIn network and engage with them. | 15 minutes |
| Friday | Review your week’s progress and set goals for the next week. | 30 minutes |
| Saturday | Watch a motivational video or note down insights from a book. | 20 minutes |
| Sunday | Focus on self-care and spend quality time with your family. | Full day |
🚀 Final Mantra for Success
- “Stop overthinking and start taking action!” Success doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from doing.
- “Win the trust of your friends and the respect of your competitors.” Build relationships that help you grow.
- “Achieve small wins every day.” Small victories pave the way for big achievements.
If you follow this framework with commitment and consistency, nothing can stop you from achieving success.
Say it with me:
“I am unstoppable! I am unbreakable! I am the creator of my success!”
Thank you, and let’s create the future we dream of! Jai Hind! 🙌