Ideas In Motion | Shweta Poddar | TEDxYouth@TheModernSchool

Key Concepts

• Care to Create: The central theme, emphasizing that creation stems from a place of genuine care for requirements, business processes, and visions.
• Technology Advisor: A professional who guides clients on the most suitable technology solutions based on their specific needs and industry.
• Cloud Kitchen: A food preparation and delivery service that operates solely for delivery, often utilizing online platforms like Swiggy or Zomato.
• The Four C's of Consulting:
  • Consulting: The overarching field.
  • Care: The foundational element of understanding client needs.
  • Create: The act of developing solutions based on care.
  • Change: The inevitable constant in life and business.
  • Choice: The power to decide how to respond to change.
• Remote Work: The practice of employees working from a location outside of a traditional office, enabled by technology.

The Journey from Care to Create

The speaker, with over 15 years in the IT corporate sector, introduces the concept of "Care to Create" as the driving force behind innovation and problem-solving, particularly in the technology and business worlds. This journey begins with a deep understanding and concern for specific needs, leading to the development of tailored solutions.

The Role of a Technology Advisor

A technology advisor's primary function is to guide clients across various businesses and geographies in selecting the most appropriate technology solutions. The emphasis is on "for them," meaning solutions must be customized to the unique requirements of each client.

Example: An oil exploration company (Ken's India) seeking to reduce costs or increase profits cannot simply adopt a technology solution implemented by a different industry, such as JSW, because their needs and operational contexts are distinct. A technology advisor bridges this gap by creating a solution specifically for Ken's India.

The Four C's of Consulting

The speaker outlines four key "C's" that define the consulting process and extend to everyday life:

1. Consulting: The broad domain of providing expert advice.
2. Care: The essential first step, involving empathy and understanding of client requirements, business processes, and visions.
3. Create: The outcome of care, where solutions are developed and brought into existence.
4. Change: Acknowledging that change is inevitable and constant.
5. Choice: The power individuals have to decide how they respond to change and what they make of it.

Real-World Application: Empowering Army Women

The speaker shares an experience chairing the Army Women Welfare Association, responsible for the well-being of over 500 army personnel families. The challenge was to empower army women, who possess valuable skills (culinary, design, education) but face frequent relocations, hindering the establishment of permanent ventures.

The "Care to Create" Process:

• Care: Recognizing the skills and the mobility challenges faced by army women.
• Idea Generation: Leveraging technology to enable these women to monetize their skills despite frequent moves.
• Creation (Cloud Kitchen): The idea of putting their skills "on the cloud" led to the concept of a cloud kitchen. This allows army women to register their culinary skills on platforms like Swiggy or Zomato.
• Benefit: When they relocate, they carry their credentials, enabling them to continue their livelihood without starting from scratch. This initiative, driven by care and technology, created livelihoods and improved the lives of many army women.

The Interplay of Change and Choice

The speaker posits that while change is inevitable, it also presents a "sea of choice." Every change offers an opportunity to decide how to react, what impact it has, and where it leads.

Example: The Pioneer of Remote Work

A significant life-changing event for the speaker was marrying into the army fraternity. This presented a choice: prioritize career or family. However, the speaker was determined to pursue both.

• Care: Caring equally for both her professional aspirations in the technology world and her commitment to her family.
• Choice: Instead of choosing one over the other, the speaker chose to "create" a solution that allowed for both.
• Creation: This led to the development of a remote work framework within her organization.
• Challenge: Ten years ago, remote work for IT professionals, especially from non-tier-one cities, was a radical concept.
• Process: The idea was implemented through a cycle of creation, involving setbacks, learning, adaptation, and growth.
• Impact: This initiative is credited with pioneering remote work, paving the way for many others. The speaker states, "an idea is just a thought in your head till the time it is implemented."

Conclusion: The Power of Self-Definition and Creation

The speaker concludes by emphasizing that individuals are defined not by external facts, figures, or definitions, but by their own choices and actions. The core message is to believe in the power of creation, driven by care, and to continuously create and care. The speaker encourages the audience to "keep creating, keep caring."