“So, I have this concept which I call ‘Listening to Ignite’, which is, you’re listening for things that can really light up the other person. So, it’s about what your curiosity clicks into. And (so) can you ask a question that allows them a launchpad to show the best of their skill, their experience, their expertise, their background? And I think in that occasion, when you’re thinking of those questions, when you’re thinking of something you remember, not being present with that person is almost the more generous act.” That is Max Dickins, an improv artist who helps leaders and …

A pinch-me-am-I-awake kind of guest Growing up in Mumbai, the Times of India was a daily habit at our household. When I got my hands on the newspaper, here’s what I would unfailingly do: – I’d look for ‘interesting pictures’ in Bombay Times (I mean, let’s be honest, I was in my mid-teens) – In the main paper I would chuckle at RK Laxman’s cartoon of the day – I’d then ignore the rest of the front page and head straight to the sports pages. – And in the Sunday Times of India, I would head to the edit page …

‘I don’t make jokes, I tell stories’ When I started the Story Rules podcast, I wanted to interview all types of storytellers. Among practitioners of this craft, I find standup comedians perhaps the most talented. Let’s step back and acknowledge the sheer craziness of their mission: – Just one person – Entertaining hundreds of people at a time – Holding their attention at high levels of energy – For more than an hour – Armed with nothing else but some content and a mic. Standup comedy is a serious skill. Aravind SA (aka SA) is among the foremost standup comics in …