Visualize this: You are sitting on your favourite bench along with your friends in a fun class in college. What is the first memory that comes up? I bet these still are one of your most memorable moments in life. I have learned a lot in my college years, both inside and outside of the classroom. During my undergraduate years, I learned more through experience than through the textbook. This was around 10 years ago.

Seven years later. I was entrusted to impart some gyaan (knowledge!) to young students. I was bloody nervous. I presumed teaching would be easy. But while I walked the hallway, all the bad outcomes blurred my thinking - how would students perceive a 27-year-old lecturer… what if I slip-up when I begin my first class… what if I can’t answer questions thrown at me… what if there’s no discipline and zero interest from my students…?

From anxiety and nervousness, sweat patches and body sore, I was in a completely new environment. What did I do to counter this? I had to build interest in what some people find boring - Finance.

From book giveaways (non-fiction books - read my blog on Human Psychology) to watching Netflix documentary shows in class (Dirty Money for instance) - blending modern with traditional - drawing on real-world instances of corporate governance flaws with theoretical insights. This is what helped build passion a strong student community. I learned to lead students in the right direction by being humble, patient, and always ready to listen. It took me several hours of effort but it is all worthwhile when I hear that my class is loved the most! Truly, leadership is not taught. It is experienced through different situations thrown at you at different times. Do things differently is a cliché. But this is what flexes our brains to think!

Passing thoughts: Think of ways in which you can give back and act as a force multiplier.