Strategy Lab

What is happiness ? It’s a question as old as time, yet its answers are ever-evolving. Happiness is often perceived as a state of contentment, not just in achieving something but in the pursuit of it. This notion aligns with the saying, "The journey is more beautiful than the destination." However, in our modern age, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the widespread use of smart technology, our understanding of happiness is being challenged in unprecedented ways. With the advent of AI and instrumentation—essentially turning everything into a data collection point—we now have more data about individuals than ever before. Smart gadgets, from phones to toothbrushes, monitor nearly every aspect of our lives. They collect information about our vitals, age, preferences, medical history, financial status, love life, daily routines, and much more. This wealth of data allows AI to provide highly personalized recommendations. For example, based on your blood sugar levels...

In a recent workshop on new ways of working and hybrid working model , we were asked to reflect on what we appreciate the most about working from the office. The top answer was clear: the human element—social relationships, face-to-face interactions, and personal connections. These elements are not just perks of office life; they are essential to our sense of fulfillment and happiness. Why is this human connection so important? At the heart of happiness is a sense of belonging and purpose, which often comes from our interactions with others and the feeling that we are part of something larger than ourselves. Without these connections, we might feel a void that no amount of technology or digital interaction can replace. The shift to remote and hybrid work models has its benefits—flexibility, no commute, and working from anywhere. But it also means we lose spontaneous interactions- chatting over lunch or coffee, exchanging casual brainstorms, and experiencing the everyday c...

Once upon a time, there were two workers at a large construction site, building something huge. You walk up to the first worker and ask, "Do you like your job? "He replies, "Honestly, it's tough. The sun is burning hot, and all I do is lift heavy stones, one after another. It’s exhausting, and I don't even know if I'll live long enough to see the building finished. So no, I don't like it at all." Sounds fair, right? Then you go to the second worker and ask him the same question.He says, "Yeah, it’s hard work, and the sun is brutal. My back hurts from lifting these stones every day, and like everyone else, I’m not sure if I'll see the final result. But you know what? I love what I do. Because I’m not just lifting stones—I’m helping to build the Burj Khalifa!" Both workers are doing the same job. But the second worker finds meaning in his work. He knows why he's doing it—he's part of something big. That's what make...