The desire to be a worthy role model for the students at his music conservatory is a primary driver for AR Rahman. The responsibility of being their principal compels him to continuously evolve and achieve more, turning his philanthropic work into a catalyst for personal excellence.
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While acknowledging the benefit of having mentors, Herb Wagner has found that the process of being a mentor is even more educational. Teaching and guiding others forces a deeper understanding of one's own principles and provides fresh perspectives from the next generation, offering greater personal and professional growth.
Rahman believes in maintaining a consistent, modest lifestyle, even with immense wealth. This allows him to prioritize spending on tools that enhance his craft, like top-tier studio equipment, rather than on external displays of success, which he views as
Instead of introspective searching for your passion, find a "Gandalf"—an expert who has already identified the world's most pressing problems. Attach yourself to their mission. This provides a clear, high-impact path for those who want to do good but are unsure where to start.
Despite delivering excellent sales numbers, a sales VP was reprimanded by her mentor for being too task-focused and ignoring colleagues. The mentor's message was clear: how you treat people is more important than the revenue you generate. This highlights a focus on long-term character development.
AR Rahman felt empowered by his home studio because it eliminated the pressure of being watched by other musicians. This private space allowed him to experiment, make mistakes, and develop his unique sound without fear of judgment, which was key to his breakout success.
Busy, successful people mentor others because they find joy in watching that person grow. Mentees must show they are applying the advice and getting results. This demonstrates a return on the mentor's time and emotional investment, ensuring their continued engagement.
Feeling inferior to prodigious peers, Rahman's musical ability was forged through relentless work. A key factor was a mentor who intentionally played with mistakes to boost the young Rahman's confidence, proving that clever mentorship can be more effective than raw talent.
The motivation for self-improvement should come from an obligation to those who depend on you—family, colleagues, and customers. Viewing them as the primary beneficiaries of your growth creates a more powerful and sustainable drive than purely selfish goals.
True long-term impact comes from mentoring and developing people, not just hitting business targets. Helping others succeed in their careers creates a ripple effect that benefits individuals and companies, providing a deeper sense of fulfillment than any single project or promotion.
Frame philanthropic efforts not just by direct impact but as a "real-world MBA." Prioritize projects where, even if they fail, you acquire valuable skills and relationships. This heuristic, borrowed from for-profit investing, ensures a personal return on investment and sustained engagement regardless of the outcome.
