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Thought Pieces


The Unsettling Relevance of Severance
Image: usatoday.com If you haven't already been pulled in (like I was a year or so ago), "Severance" is a haunting exploration of work-life balance set in a dystopian future where technology allows for a complete separation between personal and professional memories. And I'll admit—the premise seems like a far-fetched fantasy, even absurd at its onset. But, episode by episode, I realized that it resonated deeply with our current reality, raising unsettling questions about the

Ali Syed
Dec 20, 20242 min read


How the titans came up with their billion dollar business ideas
The origin stories of some of the biggest companies in the world are by now almost folklore. But perhaps the lesson from these giants is not ‘how to become the next Google’ but simply how to start thinking about ideas in a way that these mega-companies did when they first started. So how do you come up with a great idea and how do you know if it’s a winner? If you’re sitting at your kitchen table scratching your head – this article is for you. I'll guide you through the proce

Ali Syed
Oct 2, 20244 min read


Is AI Really Intelligent? A Closer Look at Algorithmic Learning
There’s a growing argument that what we currently call AI isn't actually intelligent. Instead, it's more accurately described as "algorithmic learning." Is there a distinction? And if so, why does it matter? When most people think of AI, they imagine something out of science fiction – machines that can think, reason, and understand the world like humans. Movies and media have painted a picture of AI as an all-knowing, autonomous entity. In reality, the AI we have today is far

Ali Syed
Jun 20, 20242 min read


Guiding the Ship or Passing the Torch: The Founder-CEO Dilemma
Starting a business is hard. Having a vision that makes your business scale is even harder. In the business world, the role of a founder is often romanticized; seen as a visionary force driving innovation and growth. Yet, when a company transitions from a fledgling startup to a mature enterprise, the question often arises: should founders continue as CEOs? The transition from a founder to a CEO is not always seamless or even suitable. The decision of a founder to continue as

Ali Syed
Jun 14, 20243 min read


From Office to Oasis: How Remote Work is Redefining Employee Engagement
Prior to the seismic shift brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, remote work was often viewed as an exception, a perk reserved for the few. However, the pandemic served as a catalyst, accelerating the adoption of remote work practices and firmly establishing them as a central pillar of the new corporate normal. This transformation was not just a response to an unprecedented crisis but an awakening to a more flexible, more sustainable, and arguably more human way of working.

Ali Syed
Mar 13, 20245 min read


The Rise of Personality Hires: Navigating the Human Element in Modern Workplaces
Business is as much about the people as it is about the profits, and so the concept of 'personality hires' is gaining traction in corporate corridors. Today's innovative companies recognize that the magic often lies not just in the skills employees bring to the table, but also in the unique personalities that invigorate the workplace. This shift towards valuing the human element brings a new dimension to hiring, where cultural fit and individual character traits are becoming

Ali Syed
Jan 7, 20244 min read


Sweat Equity: The Hidden Gem in Every Founder's Journey
Picture this: a small, makeshift office space, the clock striking midnight, yet a group of dedicated individuals are still at their desks, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of computer screens. They are the dreamers, the startup founders, who have turned their vision into a tangible reality. This scene is not just about hard work; it's about sweat equity – the invaluable, often overlooked currency of passion, creativity, and relentless dedication. The Heartbeat of Star

Ali Syed
Dec 14, 20232 min read


A Deep Look at the Region Beta Paradox in Careers and the Workplace
The Region Beta Paradox, a term originating from experimental psychology, essentially conveys that we often pay more attention to areas of lower information density, ignoring areas with a higher density of information. This concept, when extrapolated and applied to career dynamics and workplace situations, offers fascinating insights. Region Beta Paradox and Information Overload Modern workplaces are typically characterized by an overwhelming volume of information. This infor

Ali Syed
Sep 12, 20233 min read


The Potential Impacts of Cambodia's Graduation from LDC Status
Cambodia's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status brings both opportunities and challenges. The country met the graduation criteria for the first time in 2021 and could graduate as early as 2027 or 2028, depending on the assessment by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) in 2024. The long-term impacts of Cambodia's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, graduation signifies that the cou

Ali Syed
Aug 19, 20233 min read


Why are people so crazy about sneakers?
Sneaker culture has evolved from its athletic origins to become a global phenomenon, encompassing fashion, self-expression, and a thriving collector community. The history of sneakers can be traced back to the 1860s in England, where they were initially designed for the upper class who played croquet and tennis. The rise of athlete-endorsed shoes in the late '70s and early '80s, particularly Nike's collaboration with Michael Jordan on the iconic Air Jordans, played a signific

Ali Syed
Aug 16, 20232 min read


Hip-Hop: In Cambodia, and around the world
In 2023, we mark the golden jubilee of hip-hop music, a genre that originated in the Bronx, New York City in the early 1970s. With its powerful messages and distinctive sounds, hip-hop music has transcended borders, uniting listeners worldwide. In the early days, hip-hop was more than just music; it was a culture, encompassing four essential elements: rapping (MCing), DJing, breaking (breakdancing), and graffiti art. Over time, hip-hop music has evolved and expanded, incorpor

Ali Syed
Aug 5, 20232 min read


Breaking Barriers: Unveiling the Gender Pay Gap in International Football
Image: theglobeandmail.com A recent commercial made by Marcel for their client Orange, got me thinking. Full disclosure: I am a huge football fan, and I find myself consistently drawn only to men's football, be it in any league, or at any level. I follow players on Twitter and Instagram, get daily news updates about transfers, injuries, etc. on an app, and am even an avid fantasy football manager within the Premier League. I am part of the problem. And this commercial re

Ali Syed
Jul 21, 20233 min read


Time: One of Mankind's Greatest Inventions
The concept of time is, without a doubt, one of mankind's greatest inventions. Our ability to measure, quantify, and manage time has revolutionized human civilization, giving birth to countless innovations and transforming how we live our lives. It's difficult to imagine a world without the concept of time, as its impact permeates every aspect of our lives. Time is not a physical entity or a tangible substance, but rather an abstract construct that humans have developed to ma

Ali Syed
Apr 14, 20233 min read


What actually makes employees happy?
Recently I’ve seen quite a few posts from various businesses offering 'great' or 'expectational' benefits, such as free fruit, free coffee, Netflix, a pool or foosball table, dress down, one boasting that they play music in the office and another that they have a fancy coffee machine (but then makes the employees pay for their own capsules). The global employee landscape is shifting, so let's ask ourselves – are these actually benefits? The way I see it, these aren't exactly

Ali Syed
Feb 21, 20222 min read
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