STRUGGLING LION ALWAYS WINS

Summary

In this motivational speech, Mr. Gagan, an alumnus of Delhi College of Engineering, shares life lessons on resilience, ambition, and self-improvement. Using a powerful analogy of two lions in a forest, he emphasizes the importance of striving for difficult, meaningful goals rather than taking easy shortcuts. He advocates for developing empathy through NGO work, acquiring new skills through free courses, and focusing on personal excellence in academic and extracurricular pursuits. His key message encourages students to build a strong personal brand, pursue their passions, and prepare for a successful career by constantly learning and improving.

Takeaways

• 😀 Strive for greatness, but don't settle for easy wins. Like the 'struggling lion,' aim for bigger challenges that push you to grow.
• 😀 Success isn't always about short-term achievements. It's about the long-term struggle and pursuit of significant goals, like the 'golden deer.'
• 😀 Building empathy through social work or NGO involvement gives you an edge in the corporate world by developing your character and emotional intelligence.
• 😀 You don't have to be a 'gold medalist' in everything, but excel in one or two areas where you can make a significant impact.
• 😀 Always work on improving your soft skills, such as speaking and presenting, because these skills will set you apart in interviews and professional environments.
• 😀 Personal growth and professional success require dedication to continuous learning—take courses and gain expertise in your chosen field.
• 😀 Being proactive and taking on extracurricular activities or leadership roles can give you an advantage in the corporate world.
• 😀 Work hard, stay disciplined, and never give up, even if you fail. Struggle is a part of success, and persistence will eventually pay off.
• 😀 Develop a deep knowledge in at least one industry, so you can become a subject matter expert who stands out to top companies.
• 😀 Building your professional network is crucial—create a strong online presence, and be connected with industry leaders and influencers to unlock opportunities.

Q & A

What is the core message of the first story shared in the transcript?

The core message of the first story is about the importance of persistence and aiming for bigger goals. The 'successful lion' catches small prey like mice, which may seem successful in the short term, but it ultimately leads to diminishing returns. The 'struggling lion,' on the other hand, chases bigger, more challenging prey like the golden deer, which requires consistent effort, struggle, and persistence, leading to long-term success.

What lesson does the speaker draw from the analogy of the successful lion and the struggling lion?

The speaker draws the lesson that success is not always about catching easy wins (like the successful lion catching mice) but about striving for higher goals, even if they seem difficult or elusive, like the struggling lion chasing the golden deer. The struggle and persistence are essential for ultimate success.

How does the speaker relate the story of the lions to students' academic and professional lives?

The speaker encourages students not to settle for small, easy achievements but to pursue larger goals, even if they face setbacks or challenges along the way. The struggle, while difficult, leads to greater personal growth and success in the long term, much like chasing the golden deer.

What is the significance of 'empathy' in the speaker's message?

Empathy is presented as a crucial skill in both professional and personal life. The speaker emphasizes that students should engage in philanthropic activities and work for NGOs to develop empathy. This quality not only benefits society but also enhances a student's prospects in the corporate world.

Why does the speaker suggest students take online courses during their 4 years at university?

The speaker encourages students to take online courses to develop expertise in specific fields, which can make them stand out in competitive job markets. By showing dedication to learning and acquiring new skills, students can demonstrate their value to top companies.

What role do 'speaking skills' play in a student's career success, according to the speaker?

Speaking skills are vital, as they help students articulate their thoughts clearly in interviews and professional settings. The speaker shares a personal experience, highlighting that effective communication can make a significant difference in career advancement, especially in interviews for top companies like McKinsey.

How does the speaker view the relationship between grades (CGPA) and career success?

While the speaker acknowledges that grades are important, they stress that skills, dedication, and extracurricular involvement matter more. A student can still excel and secure prestigious jobs if they demonstrate unique competencies and experiences, such as research, leadership, or involvement in NGOs.

What is the significance of 'LinkedIn' in the speaker's advice to students?

LinkedIn is presented as a crucial platform for building a professional network and demonstrating achievements. The speaker advises students to aim for 30,000 followers on LinkedIn to increase their visibility and demonstrate their dedication and expertise to potential employers.

What does the speaker suggest about becoming an expert in a particular industry?

The speaker advises students to focus on mastering a specific industry, such as IT, hospitality, or pharmaceuticals, and become experts in that field. This deep industry knowledge and specialization will make them highly competitive in job markets and can help them stand out among peers.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of perseverance, even when facing failures?

The speaker emphasizes perseverance as it is the key to long-term success. By continuously striving to improve and overcome failures, students will eventually achieve their goals. The struggles they face today will prepare them for future challenges and help them reach their ultimate potential.