Work as Art

by neelu on August 31, 2010

Is art work? Or, is work art?

At times, I think it’s one and at other times, the other.

I came across SEED Media Group’s logo and the description of its creation:

Designed by Stefan Sagmeister, our logo reflects society through the lens of science. The logo takes its inspiration from nature’s phyllotaxis structure, a Fibonacci-derived algorithm present in a multitude of settings, from the face of a sunflower to the alternating leaves on a plant to the architecture of highways. Depending on its context, the logo adapts and changes color to reflect its cultural surroundings. Our logo brings “Science is Culture” to life.

This logo, and the inspiration behind it, represent to me several things (1) art in the form of logo design (2) a corporate identity that is infused with meaning (3) the consideration of work as art by intertwining corporate purpose with artful expression.

May we all consider our work, whether in a business, philanthropic, or political context, as art.

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Learning Humility in the Himalayas

by neelu on August 3, 2010

Lewis Pugh shares his experience of swimming Lake Imja at 5,300 meters in the Himalayas, under the watchful gaze of Mt. Everest.

Lewis has a radical mind shift, realizing that to complete this swim, he must change his mind-set. At that altitude, his aggressive approach of swimming as fast as he can across the water does not work. Instead, he must swim with great humility.

A mature man can “shift his mind-set.” I find older men, through life experience, have learned that aggression can cause pain and loss. Approaching with compassion, respect, humility — can create positive outcome, success, loving relationships and engender commitment. Consider the Dalai Lama’s approach.

Try approaching any task moderated with respect and humility — in business, life and love!

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Can technology solve the world’s problems?

June 16, 2010

The backers of Singularity University, some of the most influential technologists on the planet seem to think that yes, technology is a logical answer to solving the world’s problems. Check out this recent exposition from the New York Times. I argue that advances in technology + moral fortitude are the appropriate combination. Ultimately, we are [...]

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The Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster

May 21, 2010

Anyone who’s started a business (or even thought about it) goes through a wave of emotions throughout the process. With little sense of stability until solid cash flow from ongoing sales or secured funding, there are times when you can really feel like a surfer with a broken board at Waimea. Here’s a great post [...]

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MBA + Social Values = Modern Professional

May 13, 2010

This article was recently published on Social Edge, “It doesn’t take an MBA – or does it?“. In the budding industry of social enterprise, I find an MBA immensely helpful. The combination of passion, commitment, and desire with strong management technique is essential. One without the other is inadequate, while together very powerful. In any [...]

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