Small Moves, Big Momentum: Makhanas for This Week’s Leadership Challenges

From TCS’s AI pivot to ITC’s investment spree – micro-actions for maximum impact.

Hi there,

Pour yourself a coffee (or a soothing cup of tea, as I did) and grab a handful of makhanas. We’ve got some insights to kickstart your week.

This past week was a masterclass in how small, strategic moves shape the big picture, whether you’re running a Fortune 500 or leading a fast-moving team. Let’s unpack what’s happened – and more importantly, what you can do about it.

🔹 TCS & Indian IT: AI Isn’t Coming, it’s Here

TCS just announced up to 12,000 layoffs, all thanks to the AI and automation wave that’s no longer knocking on the door—it’s already in the lobby.

The lesson? Adaptation is a daily practice, not a one-off event.

Micro-move: Carve out 15 minutes a week to explore a new tool, automate a tiny workflow, or simply ask, “What can we do smarter?” These little tweaks compound faster than you think.

🔹 India–UK Trade: Big Deals, Small Opportunities

A fresh India–UK trade deal is opening up duty-free access for seafood and professional visas. Headlines talk billions, but the real action is in the small deals this unlocks.

Micro-move: Who in your network is poised to benefit? Reach out, set up a call, or explore a new vertical before the crowd rushes in.

🔹 ITC’s ₹20,000 Crore Bet on Consistency

ITC is investing big, but not all at once. They’re spreading it over years, focusing on margin-boosting and innovation.

The signal: You don’t need to swing for the fences.

Micro-move: Invest in one process improvement, one new idea, or one product test this quarter. Small bets = optionality.

🔹 Market Volatility: It’s Not About the Big Swings

Markets slumped as foreign investors pulled back. Some panic, but real leaders rebalance, not react.

Micro-move: Take ten minutes to review your portfolio. Trim, top-up, but don’t try to time the storm.

🔹 Chip Wars: Don’t Let Your Supply Chain Catch You Sleeping

Samsung landed a $16.5B chip deal while others scrambled. Are your supply chains as nimble as your strategy?

Micro-move: Audit your key vendors. Line up a backup supplier, just in case. It’s the insurance policy you hope you never need.

So which micro-move will you make?

Reply and let me know what small shift you’re making this week, or what challenge is keeping you up at night. I read every note, and sometimes your questions become next week’s makhana.

Here’s to making every small action count.

Signing off,
AD

P.S. Know someone who’d appreciate sharp, snackable business wisdom? Forward this newsletter and help us spread the word!