Latest news with #RhodesScholarship
Entrepreneur
19 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
My Success Felt Hollow — Until I Made This Pivotal Leadership Shift
Over 50% of CEOs are struggling with mental health. Part of the reason is that they are chasing a version of success that doesn't resonate with their identity. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Four years ago, I hit a breaking point. On paper, I had everything — degrees from Harvard and Oxford, a Rhodes Scholarship, bestselling books and stood alongside icons like Oprah and Richard Branson. I had launched global movements and built international organizations. But inside, I was empty. A traumatic event in 2020 forced me to confront what I'd been ignoring: I was burned out, disillusioned and spiritually disconnected. I had followed the script for success — achievement, recognition, scale — but it had left me physically depleted and mentally adrift. And while the personal toll was staggering, the professional cost was even greater. I realized something many leaders quietly suspect: You can't lead well when you're running on empty. Related: How to Escape Entrepreneurial Burnout When You Can't Just Quit Fulfillment isn't a luxury — it's a leadership strategy Burnout among top leaders is more than a personal problem. A 2024 study found 55% of CEOs reported experiencing a mental health issue in the past year — a 24% increase from the year before. Leaders who feel unfulfilled make poorer decisions, struggle to build trust and drain culture. But when leaders feel connected to purpose, teams thrive. Engagement and retention go up. So does creativity, clarity and momentum. Fulfillment fuels everything. From breakdown to breakthrough What pulled me out wasn't another productivity hack — it was a deeper reset. I asked questions I'd been avoiding: Who am I without the work? What truly brings me joy? What do I want this all to mean? That journey led me through a full personal overhaul — biohacking, longevity medicine and deep self-reflection. But the biggest shift wasn't physical. It was internal. It was about redefining success — not as output, but as alignment. Here's what I now practice — and share with the leaders I mentor. Reclaim your morning Instead of starting the day in reaction mode (email, Slack, to-do lists), I protect the first 90 minutes for myself. Meditation, movement, reading — whatever connects me to clarity before the noise begins. Tip: Ask yourself each morning: What would make today feel meaningful, regardless of outcome? Start there. Audit your energy, not just your time Your calendar reveals what you truly value. If most of it drains you, no supplement or sprint will fix it. I started building "fulfillment time" into my schedule — mentoring, hiking, ideating. It made me a better, more present leader. Try this: Look at last week's calendar. Highlight everything that lit you up in green. Everything that drained you in red. Then, make one adjustment. Lead from purpose, not just pressure Metrics matter. But when pressure is your only motivator, burnout is inevitable. Purpose sustains you. Create a one-line purpose statement for yourself as a leader. Keep it visible. Let it guide how you show up for your team. Talk about fulfillment out loud For years, I kept conversations about meaning and mental health private. Now, I bring them into team check-ins and leadership meetings. When we normalize these discussions, we build more human, resilient cultures. Try asking your team: What part of your work has felt most meaningful lately? Related: How to Escape Entrepreneurial Burnout When You Can't Just Quit The wake-up call that too many leaders ignore If you're succeeding outwardly but feeling lost, it's not weakness — it's a signal. Your burnout isn't a badge of honor. And your fulfillment isn't a personal indulgence — it's a professional responsibility. Because when you're grounded, whole, and purpose-driven, the ripple effect is powerful: stronger teams, healthier cultures and companies built to last. You didn't come this far just to feel numb at the top. Do the work. Define what matters. And lead like it.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
More ‘mind space' for India in the American imagination
Why is there no 'Schwarzman Scholars' programme for India? Why does a country of 1.4 billion people — an ancient civilisation, a dynamic economy, a nuclear power, and a key player in the Indo-Pacific — still appear marginal in the priorities of elite American institutions? The answer lies not merely in policy lag but in perception, psychology, and deeply embedded narratives that continue to shape the West's engagement with Asia. The Schwarzman Scholars programme The 'Schwarzman Scholars' programme, launched in 2016 and based at Beijing's Tsinghua University, was explicitly modelled after the Rhodes Scholarship (founded in 1902). Its mission is ambitious: to cultivate a future generation of global leaders, deeply familiar with China's systems, strategic worldview, and societal aspirations. That no such equivalent programme exists for India is not an accident. It is the culmination of decades of lopsided intellectual investment — one that privileges China as essential, and views India, at best, as peripheral. This imbalance was presciently explored by Harold R. Isaacs in his seminal work, Scratches on Our Minds: American Images of China and India (1958). Isaacs uncovered the psychological residue — 'scratches', as he termed them — left on American consciousness by media, education, missionary engagement, and diplomatic narratives. China loomed large in this imagination: revolutionary, mystical, dangerous, promising. India, by contrast, was filtered through colonial British lenses: remote, spiritual, chaotic, and, ultimately, less urgent. Even today, those scratches endure. India is often misunderstood, misrepresented, or, more often, simply missing in the frameworks that shape western elite understanding. The Cold War's bipolar logic left India unmoored in American strategic thinking. China was a site of ideological competition, and later, a partner in global capitalism. India, non-aligned and self-reliant, never fit the template. Its democracy attracted rhetorical admiration, but its strategic ambivalence dampened deeper interest. This selective seduction continued into the 21st century. China masterfully framed its rise as an opportunity — and the West was psychologically prepared to believe it. Scholars such as Australian sinologist Stephen FitzGerald described in the 1980s how the West 'wanted China to succeed' — economically, politically, even ideologically. China offered a compelling, seductive narrative of transformation: poverty to prosperity, isolation to globalisation, authoritarian control with capitalist efficiency. Western business leaders, academics and policymakers were drawn in. Programmes such as Schwarzman were not just reflections of China's pull —they were symptoms of the West's emotional and intellectual readiness to be seduced. India never orchestrated such seduction. It emerged from colonialism with a focus on sovereignty and self-reliance. It rebuffed bloc politics, avoided entanglements, and developed slowly and unevenly. Its strengths — pluralistic democracy, entrepreneurial diaspora, and cultural richness — did not easily translate into strategic urgency or narrative coherence for the West. While the Chinese state invested heavily in soft power — through Confucius Institutes, think tanks, cultural exchanges, and university partnerships — India's outreach was modest, sporadic, and often bureaucratically constrained. The problem with India-focused research Even within American academia, the difference is stark. China Studies enjoys robust institutional support across top universities. With a few exceptions, India-focused research, by contrast, is fragmented, often subsumed under South Asian or Postcolonial Studies, with an emphasis on religion, anthropology, or classical languages. These are critical fields, but do not capture the lure of a civilisational state and a modern India that is shaping global technology, space innovation, climate policy, and strategic affairs. India appears in headlines, but rarely in syllabi. The consequences are serious. Future American leaders, whether in diplomacy, business, or policy, are not being trained to understand India in its full complexity. The persistence of reductive frameworks, such as the old hyphenation of 'India-Pakistan', continues to distort strategic thinking. U.S. President Donald Trump's repetitive remarks about mediating between India and Pakistan are not just personal gaffes. They reflect institutional inertia, a failure to update mental maps to match geopolitical reality. And here lies a paradox: just as India's importance is rising, its visibility in American intellectual and philanthropic circuits remains limited. The absence of a flagship fellowship akin to Schwarzman is both a symbol and a cause of this gap. Such a programme would not just serve India's interests; it would meet a growing demand among global youth for deeper engagement with the world's largest democracy — its challenges, innovations, contradictions, and aspirations. But for such a fellowship to succeed, India must first invest in the institutional foundation. Tsinghua University, where Schwarzman is housed, is not just a campus. It is a a brand, a node of state-backed ambition with global recognition. India has institutions of excellence — the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, and emerging liberal arts universities such as Ashoka and Krea — but none as yet combine academic prestige, international pull, policy connectivity, and philanthropic momentum at the scale required. This must change. India needs a globally oriented, strategically empowered academic platform that can host and nurture the next generation of world leaders — Indian and foreign — who understand India not just as a subject of study but as a site of leadership. Creating such an institution will require government will, private capital, academic autonomy, and long-term vision. Narrative matters India also needs to project its narrative with much more feeling and conviction. The Chinese have always felt they are a 'chosen' people. The world, from Napoleon, has felt the same. India is the Cinderella in this story. Strategic restraint and ambiguity has served Indian diplomacy in many arenas, but silence can be mistaken for absence and risk-aversion for reticence and a lack of confidence. Narrative matters. Global leadership today is as much about shaping perceptions as it is about GDP or military muscle. That means calling out outdated framing, investing in storytelling, and claiming intellectual space with confidence. The refrain of a rising GDP lifting all boats, of International Yoga Days, will not just do. Every few blocks in an American city you will find a yoga studio and an Indian restaurant. But does that change the power scene for India? Ultimately, the battle for influence is not only fought in the corridors of power or in street corners, but is also shaped in classrooms, fellowships, research centres, and campus conversations. If India wants to be understood on its own terms, and not just as a counterweight to China or a bystander in someone else's story, it must be present in the places where ideas are formed and futures imagined. The scratches on our minds can be healed, but not with silence. They require vision, voice, and a story compelling enough to inspire the next generation of global leaders. A Schwarzman-style fellowship in India would not just be a corrective. It would be a declaration that India is no longer content to be studied at a distance. It wants to be known, on its own terms. Nirupama Rao is a former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to the United States
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Gay Vin Diesel': Antonio Brown drags Cory Booker with homophobic slur—NFL fans call for accountability
Antonio Brown sparked backlash after mocking Senator Cory Booker over a viral AI-generated image (Image via AP) Antonio Brown is no stranger to controversy, but his latest outburst has sparked a fresh wave of backlash. After mocking Senator Cory Booker over a viral AI image, the former Steelers star finds himself at the center of a political and social firestorm. His crude remark—likening Booker to a 'gay Vin Diesel'—has ignited outrage across social media. As Brown flirts with an NFL comeback, many wonder if his behavior continues to overshadow his talent. Antonio Brown slammed for offensive comment on Cory Booker's AI photo Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown recently made headlines by taking a jab at U.S. Senator Cory Booker. This incident unfolded on Monday when Brown reacted to a widely circulated AI-generated image of the politician. The situation began with a Twitter user's post featuring an AI-generated image that depicted Booker in pink attire, standing in front of the White House. Brown, known for his outspoken nature, responded to this viral image by commenting on Booker's appearance. He explicitly wrote, "This n***a look like the gay Vin Diesel," a remark that quickly garnered attention and sparked discussion across social media. Antonio Brown's controversial NFL career, largely with Pittsburgh, concluded after seven seasons. Conversely, Senator Cory Booker, New Jersey's senior senator, played college football at Stanford from 1987-1991. Brown's recent post followed renewed speculation about his potential NFL return, fueled by a report that Aaron Rodgers contacted him about a comeback. Despite Antonio Brown's league absence since his 2021 departure from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, these comeback whispers quickly gained traction. Yet, it's important to note that neither the Pittsburgh Steelers nor Aaron Rodgers have publicly confirmed these speculations, leaving them unverified. Adding to the Steelers' recent roster changes, they also traded wide receiver George Pickens, reportedly due to off-field personality issues. Brown himself carries a documented history of legal troubles and inflammatory social media activity. Beyond his recent football-related headlines, Antonio Brown also gained attention in 2024 for his advocacy for Donald Trump during the presidential election season. He notably appeared at a campaign rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he publicly supported the former president. During the rally, Brown stated, 'No matter what the media threw at him… he continues to push forward and keep getting back up,' in reference to Trump. Senator Cory Booker, on the other hand, pursued a distinctly different path after his football career. An All-American defensive back at Stanford from 1987 through 1991, Booker continued his academic pursuits, earning a Rhodes Scholarship and attending Yale Law School. Also Read: Cam Newton slams Antonio Brown for trying to sabotage Shilo Sanders' NFL future over viral training video controversy He was also a member of the 1986 USA Today All-USA high school team, a roster that included future NFL stars such as Emmitt Smith and Ricky Watters. Ultimately, this incident highlights the often-unpredictable intersection of celebrity, social media, and politics, leaving us to ponder the lasting impact of fleeting online moments.
News18
09-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Oxford University Admissions: Rhodes Scholarship To Be Available To More Indians From 2028
Last Updated: Rhodes Scholarship: Other countries where the number of scholarships may increase include China and several in Africa. Presently, China receives four, and Africa receives 21. The Rhodes Scholarship Trust, which offers the prestigious scholarship for studying at the University of Oxford, plans to increase the number of scholarships available to Indian students starting in 2028 to better reflect the country's population size, according to Sir Richard Trainor, the trust's CEO. Trainor, who visited India ahead of the announcement for the 2026 academic session applications, mentioned in an interview with PTI that currently, six scholarships are awarded to Indian candidates annually. 'The priority now is to try to get some additional scholarships for places where the number of scholars per head of population could be higher and India is one of those places. So, we have six scholarships a year for India, which is good, but there are a billion and a half people in this country, as you know, so there should be more scholarships," Trainor, who is also the interim warden of Rhodes House told the news agency. 'We are trying to raise money for additional scholarships, because the trust needs to have that money in the endowment in order to pay the fees to the University of Oxford and to pay the living expenses of the scholars," he added. Other countries where the number of scholarships may increase include China and several in Africa. Presently, China receives four scholarships, and Africa receives 21. 'We would like to have some additional scholars in each of these three areas by the time of the 125th anniversary of the scholarship scheme, which is 2028. We are going to have a big push on fund raising between now and the 125th anniversary," Trainor noted. Trainor, a Rhodes Scholar himself in 1970, reflected on how the scholarship transformed his life. The Rhodes Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students for two to three years of study at the University of Oxford, depending on their academic programme. Students aged 18-23 (up to 27 in specific cases) are eligible to apply. As one of the world's most prestigious and oldest graduate fellowships, the Rhodes Scholarship has been based at the University of Oxford since 1903. Administered by the Rhodes Trust, the program awards 106 fully funded scholarships to students worldwide who demonstrate academic excellence, exceptional character, leadership, achievement in extracurricular activities, and a commitment to addressing global challenges. Applications for the 2026 session began on June 3 and will be open until July 23. First Published: June 09, 2025, 08:23 IST
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
More Rhodes scholarships to Oxford University for Indians from 2028
The Rhodes Scholarship Trust, which offers the prestigious scholarship for studying at the University of Oxford, is aiming to increase the number of scholarships for Indians from 2028, to align with the country's population strength, Richard Trainor, the trust's CEO, said. Mr. Trainor, who was in India ahead of the announcement of applications for the 2026 academic session, told PTI in an interview that six scholarships are presently offered to Indian candidates annually. "The priority now is to try to get some additional scholarships for places where the number of scholars per head of population could be higher, and India is one of those places. So, we have six scholarships a year for India, which is good, but there are a billion and a half people in this country, as you know, so there should be more scholarships," Mr. Trainor, who is also the interim warden of the Rhodes House, said. "We are trying to raise money for additional scholarships, because the trust needs to have that money in the endowment in order to pay the fees to the University of Oxford, and to pay the living expenses of the scholars," he said. The other regions on the trust's radar for increasing the number of scholarships are China, and Africa. At present, four scholarships are offered to candidates from China, and 21 scholarships are offered to candidates from Africa. "We would like to have some additional scholars in each of these three areas by the time of the 125th anniversary of the scholarship scheme, which is 2028. We are going to have a big push on fundraising between now and the 125th anniversary," Mr. Trainor said. Mr. Trainor, who himself was a Rhodes Scholar in 1970, says people often talk about the Rhodes Scholarship transforming their lives. '...it also transformed mine. I had barely been out of the United States at the time that I took up the scholarship and, you know, it broadened my view of the world and led to my becoming a historian of another country, and then making my career in another country, and so on,' he said. "So, and then having this series of academic leadership jobs which have been very international in scope. Scholarships was totally beyond my background and aspirations at that stage," he said. The Rhodes Scholarship is given to outstanding students to undertake two to three years of study, depending on the academic curriculum taken, at the University of Oxford. Students aged 18–23 years (up to 27 years in particular circumstances) are eligible to apply. The Rhodes Scholarship is among the world's pre-eminent and oldest graduate fellowships, based at the University of Oxford since 1903. Administered by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, the programme awards 106 fully funded scholarships to students from anywhere in the world with proven academic excellence who also show exceptional character, leadership, achievement in extracurricular activities and a commitment to solving humanity's challenges. The applications for the 2026 session began on June 3 and are open till July 23. Noted Rhodes scholars from India include the late Olympian Ranjit Bhatia, the late playwright Girish Karnad, economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia, researcher and historian Mahesh Rangarajan, environmental law expert Lavanya Rajamani, among others.
