Our Monthly interview with one of the ADAPTOVATE team. Each month we ask one of our team from around the world to answer a few questions. While not in the same league as The Proust Questionnaire – we think it’s a great way to share our stories with you.
This month we sat down and spoke with Alan Trivedi, a principal in our LA office.
1. First up – how long have you worked with us?
14 months
2. Why did you join us? Were you in the industry previously, or looking for a new career direction?
I had spent over 22 years helping organizations adopt new ways of working across several different industries. I was looking to work with other motivated and passionate individuals to drive change more broadly and profoundly. After my initial meeting with one of the founding partners, ADAPTOVATE felt like a great match.
3. How has your previous experience and career helped define where you are now? Would you have done things differently?
I’ve always relied on my natural curiosity to fuel my decisions and pave my career path. I can’t say that I would have done anything differently. My experiences have shaped how I embrace opportunities, tackle challenges, and relentlessly pursue a better version of myself. Learning to be comfortable with uncomfortable has become a habit.
4. How do you balance your work life with your ‘real’ life – Do you have a good balance and how important is it to you?
It starts with eating healthy, meditating every day, getting enough sleep, and making time for my family and friends. These are foundational, which helps in bringing my best version forward for everything else.
5. With so many of our team remote working, we always like to ask how do you have your home office/desk set up? Organised or chaos? Any top tips?
I am very organized and minimal in my workspace design. I have a setup where I can work sitting or standing. My top tip is to make sure you have the right ergonomic arrangement. It’s worth the time and investment.
6. Do you play music during your Agile workshops with clients? What do you recommend on your latest playlist?
Recently, pre-COVID, I was in Argentina, leading a client workshop. During the workshop, I played Argentinian local music and popular American music, and they loved it! We work in diverse environments, so I play a variety of different themes based on where I am; I’ve built quite an extensive playlist on Spotify over the years.
[editor – here is the Agentina Top 50 playlist on Spotify]
7. How do you think technology has best helped humanity and do you have any concerns about our future?
I believe technology is a valuable tool for improving the human experience. Technology is helpful when it improves accessibility to knowledge, advances healthcare, and expands our ability to explore our universe. My concern is when technology is used to control and exploit other humans for selfish gain.
8. Strategic Foresight allows companies to detect changes early and ensure action is taken quickly. Which companies have you seen able to change and adapt quickly (and hopefully using Agile methods to do so)?
Organizations that live their values, have important conversations about their beliefs, behaviors , and outcomes can quickly adapt to produce products and services that are most important to their customers. Here are 3 things that I have seen companies do well that allow them to change and adapt quickly:
1. define value based on clear aspirational goals and measurable outcomes
2. continuously monitor progress against those goals and outcomes
3. enable leaders in adopting agile mindset and behaviors to improve culture and lead high performing teams
9. What does success mean to you personally?
Upholding the values that are true and dear to me 1) Spiritual Growth: Seeking connection to a higher purpose, 2) Freedom: Embracing liberty and exercising choice and free will, and 3) Family: Taking care of and spending time with loved ones.
10. Finally – You’ve time travelled back to your 10- year old self – What advice would you give?
Keep your friends and family close – stay connected, be grateful for those who have taught you important life lessons, and work hard to free yourself from judgments and assumptions.
Special 11th Question – How have you found 2020, and working through life and work during COVID?
I continued to be open to grow and learn how I can stay true to my values and be grateful.
