Introduction:

Welcome to the inaugural episode of “Unmasking Humanity: 21 Questions with Joshua T Berglan.” After a six-month break, Joshua returns with a fresh and engaging format designed to delve into the hearts and minds of his guests. In this episode, we are honored to have Faris Aranki, the brilliant strategist behind Shiageto Consulting, sharing his insights and experiences.

A New Beginning:

Joshua T Berglan kicks off the interview with a warm welcome, expressing his gratitude for Faris’ patience and participation. “I am absolutely honored to have you here,” Joshua says, setting a positive tone for the conversation.

The Superpower of Friendship:

The first question dives into the core of Shiageto Consulting’s ethos. Joshua asks, “If Shiageto, your amazing organization, were a superhero, what would be its superpower?” Faris’ response is both unique and insightful: “It’s the ability to become friends with absolutely everyone. It doesn’t matter if it’s Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, or Kim Jong-un. I would imagine Shiageto the superhero would just have this ability to be everyone’s best friend.”

Blending IQ, EQ, and FQ:

Joshua and Faris explore the perfect blend of IQ, EQ, and FQ in creating successful strategies. Faris shares a fascinating story about working with a team of highly intelligent individuals who lacked emotional intelligence and focus. By gamifying their interactions, Faris was able to foster better relationships and enhance team dynamics. “What they didn’t realize was the actual real prize to be won in the game was getting to know each other,” Faris explains.

Overcoming Industry Challenges:

One of the standout moments of the interview is when Faris recounts his experience with the UK government’s pandemic flu preparedness project. “In 2008 and 2009, I spent 18 months working on pandemic flu preparedness for the UK government. They said, ‘What if we get hit by a pandemic? We need to be ready.’” His expertise and innovative approach to strategic challenges are evident throughout the discussion.

Crafting the Perfect Company Culture:

Joshua asks, “If a company’s culture were a recipe, how would you adjust your strategy to be the perfect seasoning?” Faris draws a parallel to his childhood experience of learning to cook from his mother. “If culture was a recipe, we’d be looking for the simplest way back. It might just be adding a bit of salt or a bit more Connection in the team.”

Transforming Strategy Execution with Focus Quotient:

The concept of Focus Quotient (FQ) is a recurring theme in the interview. Faris explains, “Without the focus quotient, without actually saying, ‘Do you know what, this is so important to my life, I’m going to restructure things,’ the strategy is going to fall apart.” His emphasis on FQ underscores the importance of dedication and focus in achieving strategic success.

Mission Impossible Moments:

Faris shares a compelling story of a “Mission Impossible” moment where his team saved a client from a strategic disaster by focusing on the basics. “I want to get everyone in and train them how to run a meeting,” he suggested, which led to a significant improvement in the company’s performance.

Lessons from the Past:

Reflecting on the importance of learning from history, Faris states, “We kind of belittle them and say we’re cleverer now. But you know what? We’re not that much cleverer, and we do make those mistakes over and over again.” His humility and willingness to learn from the past are key takeaways from the conversation.

The Avengers of Strategy:

Joshua draws an interesting analogy, asking Faris how his career journey has been like assembling the ultimate strategy Avengers team. Faris recounts his diverse experiences, from teaching high school economics and maths to working in corporate strategy and consulting. “Each of those experiences has been an Avenger,” he says, highlighting the unique skills he has acquired along the way.

The Secret Ingredient:

When asked about the secret ingredient in his work that makes him jump out of bed every morning, Faris responds, “The secret ingredient is that I’m not done. I’m not done learning, meeting new people, or having an impact on the world.” His passion for continuous growth and helping others is truly inspiring.

Heartwarming “Aha!” Moments:

Faris shares a touching story from his time as a high school teacher in Nepal. “I remember the first kid I helped get over that barrier of not getting it. For me, it was a beautiful moment seeing a client get something that would change their life.” These moments of transformation continue to drive him in his current role.

Final Thoughts:

Joshua T Berglan closes the interview by acknowledging Faris’ authenticity and profound insights. He invites viewers to continue the conversation and support Faris through Shiageto Consulting and LinkedIn.

Conclusion:

This episode of “Unmasking Humanity: 21 Questions with Joshua T Berglan” offers a deep and engaging look into the mind of Faris Aranki. His wisdom, humility, and innovative approach to strategy provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to enhance their leadership and business skills. Watch the full episode and join the conversation at The World’s Mayor Experience.