In Atlantis, I saw the answer to all my questions in life. My Purpose and much more. This undying desire to leave behind a better world than the one I inherited, it has been a huge driving force in my life, especially after 2014 when I had a near death experience, it was abundantly clear to me how fleeting is the time we have on Earth. I want to create things, beautiful, inspiring and functional things that humans can use. Things that make them feel better, help them live a wholesome life, and as humans achieving all of this without plundering the only unique home we have on Earth.

What we are trying to accomplish is hard, even harder when coming from the parts of the world that I come. Will this stop us from dreaming? Hell no. In starting Atlantis, I deeply believe that I am fulfilling my dharma. Creating a movement that will culminate in a cleaner, greener and equitable civilization for ALL on Earth. In this journey there have been huge hurdles, boulders that came tumbling towards us, but we prevailed because this is not a mission for an individual or a group of individuals, this mission is for all the life on Earth that is muted by Humanity’s extractive degenerative systems. The energy that comes from carrying out a mission that benefits millions of species on the planet including mankind is a powerful & boundless force, one which cannot be easily dismantled and the best part it is contagious.

As I start a new chapter in my personal life, I am grateful, extremely, for the last 5 years where I had the luxury to tap into solitude where dense deep work happens. Atlantis is my first born child, I have poured everything into it, my blood, my sweat and tears. All the resources I had at my disposal have been called upon time and again to build this vision. Time and again the cosmos has answered, often with abundance. So here is another message out into the universe for whoever is tuning in. We as a civilization are at the crossroads. Humanity’s choices will dictate the future we leave for our loved ones, our children. If you are worried, anxious, unsure how to be part of the Trimtab that is steering humanity away from this catastrophic future, then look no further than Atlantis, in Atlantis you will find a home amongst other like minded humans, who are driven and committed to use all their energy, time, capital & other resources to steer us into a future where the planet and humanity thrives

I am filled with gratitude to the cosmos for letting me do what I am doing, I am grateful to the cosmos for helping me find my purpose, now the mission is to put it all to good use. Over and out with much love to humans, life and this wonderful home we call Earth.

In this writing I dive into an effective new style of leadership called Vanguard Leadership. This style of leadership is one that I have come to adopt after decades of being in leadership positions. From school to college and in professional life, I have been in leadership positions all through, giving me countless opportunities to learn as to what works and what does not. In 2024 the idea of leadership has evolved a lot and over time I have come to rely on the Vanguard style of leadership which is effective in leading a high output teams.

What is Vanguard Leadership?

A leadership style where the leader is in the trench with their team mates.|
Gone are the era of the conference room heroes, teams want to see their leader walking to talk. This is the kind of leadership increasingly suited for the upcoming era of workforces dominated by Gen Zs. Unlike the boomers and to some extent the millennials, leadership and what we expect of it has evolved from the role of authority to one of support and peer to peer trust.

Was Leadership Ever Good?

Leadership, like any human endeavor, has always had its peaks and troughs. There have been enlightened leaders who've made positive changes, and there have been tyrants who've caused suffering. It's essential to differentiate between individual leaders and the concept of leadership. While individuals can be flawed, the idea of leadership is neutral. The Current Revolt Against Leaders isn't necessarily against leadership as a concept but against specific individuals or systems that seem out of touch, corrupt, or self-serving. The internet and modern communication tools have given people the means to express their dissatisfaction more vocally and mobilize more effectively.

A new world brimming with Polycrisis needs humanity to display vanguard leadership

Given the scale and complexity of a polycrisis, traditional leadership models, which focus on maintaining the status quo or incremental change, will fall short. The dynamism, vision, and transformative potential of vanguard leadership makes it perfectly suited to address the overarching challenges posed by the polycrisis.

It promotes the kind of innovative, rapid, and large-scale change that such crises demand. We need to unearth more such humans who can lead from the front, inspire teams from their embodiment of Vanguard leadership.

Who are the Vanguard Leaders?

Vanguard leaders are humans who with their foresight, dynamism, and ability to inspire, can bring about paradigm shifts. Our history is littered with examples of such adaptive and dynamic style of leadership. The problem space (Polycrisis) which we are dealing with is a dynamic and multifaceted problem, which demands humanity to display Vanguard Leadership

What makes Vanguard Leaders the Catalysts of Paradigm Shifts?

In the annals of history and the corridors of organizations, this particular type of leaders have always stood out – the Vanguard Leader. Their defining characteristic? The ability to engender paradigm shifts, regardless of the size or scale of the system they operate in. These leaders don't just respond to change; they are the architects of it.

The Anatomy of a Vanguard Leader

• Respect and Trust: Before any significant change can be initiated, a leader must have the respect and trust of their team. This trust is earned over time, through consistent actions, integrity, and by demonstrating their capability.

• Capability for Greatness: Vanguard leaders have a track record that speaks volumes. They consistently rise to challenges, display resilience, and demonstrate an ability to think beyond the norm.

• Innate Drive: These leaders possess an intrinsic motivation to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and lead from the front.

• Capability for Swift and Impactful Change: They possess the ability to effect substantial change in relatively short time spans, aligning strategic actions with visionary thinking.

Leveraging Systems for Paradigm Shifts

A key ability of Vanguard leaders is their astute understanding of the systems they operate in. They know the levers to pull, the dynamics at play, and the nodes of influence. By leveraging these systems, they manage to bring about shifts that others might deem impossible.

As the world becomes more volatile and complex, the need for Vanguard leaders with comprehensive understanding of Polycrisis is needed. These are individuals who can not only navigate the complexities of today but also chart out a new course for tomorrow. Their ability to effect paradigm shifts serves as an inspiration and a beacon for future generations of leaders.

For me the memory of 3 humans stand out. The Stories of Steven Gerrard and Alexander the Great and B R Ambedkar who displayed multiple times what Vanguard Leadership looks like

• Steven Gerrard: A Maestro of the Football Field

  Gerrard wasn’t just a captain; he was the soul of Liverpool FC, displaying formidable leadership both on and off the field. His ability to inspire his team, especially in crunch situations, was legendary. He inspired his team, not just with his words, but with his action, often stepping up to alter the course of a game with a crucial goal or assist.

  His leadership during the 2005 Champions League final is a striking example. Despite being 3-0 down at halftime, Gerrard's second-half performance, marked by his iconic goal, led a comeback that's remembered as one of the greatest in football history. The notion of “Believe” was vividly embodied by Gerrard, transforming despair into hope and eventual triumph.

• Alexander the Great, Conquering Worlds with Vanguard Leadership

  Alexander’s leadership transcended mere conquests. He synthesized various cultures and introduced innovative military strategies, thus reshaping the world. His ability to instill loyalty among his men was notable. Despite facing overwhelming odds at battles like Issus and Gaugamela, his troops followed him unflinchingly.

  His vision of a united world (often attributed as the "brotherhood of mankind") showcased his ability to think beyond mere conquest and envision a diverse, interconnected empire.

• DR B R Ambedkar championed for the People with Vanguard LeadershipDr. B.R. Ambedkar's leadership was transformative and ahead of its time. As a social reformer and a champion for women’s rights. He wasn't just responding to the challenges of his era but envisioned a more equitable and just society for future generations. His life and work as the architect of Indian constitution is an enduring example of Vanguard leadership's power to usher in paradigm shifts in society.

The narratives of Gerrard, Alexander, Ambedkar, while distinct and from vastly different contexts, underline the immutable qualities of vanguard leadership: vision, courage, and the ability to inspire and mobilize towards collective objectives.

Polycrisis is an interconnected set of crises that impact various dimensions of human existence, from the environment and economy to social and political systems. Addressing such a multi-dimensional challenge necessitates leaders who can catalyze paradigm shifts, a hallmark of vanguard leadership. Why do we believe that vanguard leadership aligns with the requirements to combat a polycrisis?

1. Visionary Thinking: A polycrisis requires leaders to look beyond short-term solutions and immediate gains. Vanguard leaders possess the foresight to envision a future that not only resolves current challenges but also safeguards against future threats.

2. Holistic Approach: Given the interconnected nature of a polycrisis, a piecemeal approach won't suffice. Vanguard leaders tend to adopt a systemic perspective, recognizing that solutions in one domain might impact another, and thus, ensuring holistic solutions.

3. Mobilizing Diverse Groups: Addressing complex crises requires the collaboration of various stakeholders, from governments and businesses to civil society and individuals. Vanguard leaders have the charisma and credibility to mobilize diverse groups towards a common goal.

4. Adaptive Strategy: In a rapidly changing environment, sticking to a rigid strategy can be counterproductive. Vanguard leaders can adapt their strategies based on real-time feedback and changing scenarios.

5. Ethical Consistency: In the face of a crisis, there might be temptations to cut corners or prioritize gains for a few over the broader good. Vanguard leaders, however, remain rooted in ethical considerations, ensuring that actions taken are just and equitable.

6. Empowering Communities: Rather than imposing top-down solutions, vanguard leaders understand the importance of grassroots movements and community-driven solutions. They focus on empowering communities, recognizing that regenerative solutions often emerge from the ground up.

7. Educating and Communicating: Keeping the public informed and educated is paramount. Vanguard leaders prioritize transparent communication, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the challenges and the steps being taken to address them.

8. Resilience and Perseverance: The road to resolving a polycrisis will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges and setbacks. Vanguard leaders exhibit resilience, motivating their teams to persevere even when the going gets tough

Given the scale and complexity of a polycrisis, traditional leadership models, which may focus on maintaining the status quo or incremental change, will fall short. The dynamism, vision, and transformative potential of vanguard leadership make it particularly suited to address the overarching challenges posed by a polycrisis. It promotes the kind of innovative, rapid, and large-scale change that such crises demand. We need to unearth more such humans who can lead from the front. We are sending out this signal into the world, if you believe you are someone capable of displaying vanguard leadership, consider this an invitation to band up against the Moloch of chaos. From the trenches, we continue building what matters.

Let me warm you up a little.

Today we are going to talk about the Polycrisis and the implications of it on human life, on human experience. How does this Game we play make most of humanity live a ‘half’ life. We will ponder together, if this is Game we are playing is even worth playing if all it does is spreading sadness, agony, fear & stress. Just limiting our life experience.

The intention behind this discourse is to help us all manifest and build a new future together, one where human’s experience a fuller life, with purpose, a close relation with other humans and the nature we have around us.

I have often wondered, What would it really feel like to experience the gratitude protocol, something Andrew Huberman speaks of. If we see humans helping each other it leaves a lasting positive experience within us, what if we use this concept to anchor the world to play a different game?

A game where we do NOT hurt/extract the planet or its beautiful nature in pursuit of our progress, How can we play a game where we do not divide humanity and reduce the human experience we all deserve? Is this even possible?

Let us start with the elephant in the room, the broken Game we play with each other and the planet — The Polycrisis.

The term "Polycrisis" refers to a situation where multiple crises occur simultaneously, creating compounded effects that are challenging to manage and mitigate. Today's world has seen various intersecting crises - ecological, economic, social, and political. (remember colonialism, world wars, Covid 19, Rising Climate change?)

These simultaneous challenges often feed into each other, making solutions more elusive. Why should you give a damn about this Polycrisis? Because it probably already affects you.

The potential Emotional Impact, our affair with Doom scrolling: The cumulative effect of a polycrisis can lead to widespread feelings of sadness, agony, fear, and stress, delivered to you almost in real time through social media. For many, these crises can seem insurmountable, leading to feelings of powerlessness and despair.

The unmissable Economic and Social Disruptions: Beyond emotional impacts, crises experienced by many with tangible disruptions in daily life, from job losses and economic downturns to social unrest and breakdowns in community ties, the unrest is out there for anyone who is willing to move outside their bubble.

Worrying Challenges to Humanity's Progress: Rising Crises often divert resources and attention from long-term projects and visions of the future. Instead of focusing on advancements, societies are forced into reactive modes, addressing immediate concerns. Remember how we were all so unprepared for Covid and these rising floods and wildfire around the world.

Polycrisis is the outcome of a Game we have been playing for generations

For generations, many societies have been playing this "game" that prioritizes economic growth, often at the expense of environmental health and social equity. This game has led to unparalleled technological advancements and improved living standards for many. However, it has also resulted in environmental degradation, widening economic disparities, and a sense of alienation among people. We are seeing the rise of tribalism where humanity is forgetting how rare an occurrence we are in the universe.

We really need to stop and rethink if this the game we wish to continue playing.

I for one would love to leave behind a world where the future generation does not suffer the same problems we all did and I have exchanged deep conversations with hundreds of people, common man, the wealthy, the poor, all of them saying something along similar lines. This leads me to think about How can we spend our time, our money and our efforts to build out a different future where we play a different game? A future where we make it work for everyone.

It is monumental, till we all start playing it.

A world of unity and love. More empathetic, more encouraging, more forgiving.

How will this new game look? How should the redesign happen? This is a grand hypothesis that will need many further enquiry but not manifesting it is definitely a missed opportunity for human ingenuity. So let us put some creative brainpower and imagine how we can design a game that can get ALL of us to a happily ever after (yes, that damned thing Disney fed us)

Buckminster Fuller had a vision of a world that works for everyone, it is inspiring and necessary for the future of our planet and species. In order for us to unlock such a future we need to build out regenerative solution. Systems that restore, renew, and revitalize their own sources of energy and materials. Such a redesign will help humanity take care of its needs, driving innovation and resources for the development of self-sustaining systems benefit both the planet and its inhabitants. This is the game we need to play.

The new game requires us to stop extracting and start regenerating.

What will such a game involve? Different meaningful community led initiatives all around the world. I am listing some that have proven potential.

Regenerative Agriculture for producing nutritious food without disturbing the ecology, By moving away from the extractive practices of conventional agriculture, regenerative agriculture promotes soil health, reduces water usage, and increases biodiversity. Techniques like agroforestry, cover cropping, and no-till farming can sequester carbon and improve yield without depleting the land.

Unlocking Material Resilience with Circular Economy, This economic model emphasizes the continual use of resources. Products are designed for durability, reuse, and recyclability, reducing waste and the constant need for raw materials. We will have a future where modularity and repairability is celebrated instead of a new release of the same product every year with a slight modification.

Local and Decentralized Energy Production to reduce global conflicts: Transitioning to decentralized renewable energy sources like water, wind, solar, and geothermal will empower local communities and reduce the carbon footprint of energy production.

Rethinking Urban Design, Designing cities that prioritize green spaces, pedestrian-friendly zones, efficient public transport, and sustainable housing can reduce pollution and enhance the quality of life. Green roofs, urban gardens, and local water collection and treatment systems reduce the stress on centralized grid and give us optionality and more security while reducing our footprint.

Empathetic engineering with Biodegradable Materials: Developing and popularizing materials that can decompose naturally without leaving toxic residues can significantly reduce environmental pollution.

Restoration of Natural Habitats: Re-establishing forests, mangroves, wetlands, and other crucial ecosystems can not only sequester carbon but also improve biodiversity and provide natural defenses against events like floods and hurricanes.

Capacity building at a local scale: Empowering communities with knowledge and resources to implement regenerative solutions drives change from the grassroots level. This includes knowledge about regenerative practices, local ecosystems, and the benefits of community cooperation increasing resilience to climate shocks

Policy and Governance: For a paradigm shift in the system we need to collaborate on Policies. Supportive policies can provide a framework and incentives for individuals and businesses to adopt regenerative practices. Governments can play a crucial role in funding research, setting standards, and promoting best practices.

Cultural Shifts: Beyond tangible solutions, a shift in mindset and values is paramount. Cultures that prioritize long-term well-being over short-term gains, that value nature and community, can drive regenerative practices at every level.

Buckminster Fuller once said, "You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model (game) that makes the existing model obsolete." By envisioning and working towards a future of regenerative solutions, humanity has this chance to create a world that is regenerative, equitable, and prosperous for all its inhabitants.

Change is possible..

The game isn't fixed. As a global community, we have the capacity to redefine our priorities, values, and actions. By harnessing concepts like Huberman's gratitude protocol, we can cultivate a global society that cherishes the planet, its natural wonders, and the shared human experience. The crises we face might be numerous, but so are the possibilities for regenerative redesign.

Fighting climate change ? You will need an army for that.

Yes, this army is what we seek, band of brothers & sisters. The army of the planet filled with Earthlings - all colors, skin, culture and beliefs. We as a race are at a turning point. Humanity as we know will endure pain in billions in the next 3 decades and beyond if we do not act.

We need to Act.

Consider this a rally call.

Keep differences aside for a while and save this home we have created on Earth. Make no mistake Earth will endure this, it is Us the stewards who will be replaced. I do not want this to be my ending, not the ending of my children.

I know it is the same for all of you as well. From one human heart to all the other human hearts reading this. Are we all that different? Don’t we all want the same things?

To be happy, to be loved by friends and family. To enjoy this life and everything it has to offer - nice air to breathe, good water to drink, food to eat and pets to love. If this is all, what we all seek for the most part - why are we all so hell bent on robbing it from one another?

Our planet has enough for all of us, only, only if we change a few things that we do.For a species, We humans have gone to the moon, send robots to Mars, for such magical creatures like us, a small course correction is not going to be hard. It is possible!

When is it possible?

When we keep our differences apart. All of us have wronged each other. I have wronged so many wonderful people in my life, some knowingly and some unknowingly.

I am sorry for each and every one of you. All 8 Billion of you.

Our ancestors have killed each other, robbed and cheated each other. We have done the same. Scores cannot be settled. Covid-19 first and now Climate Change is reminding us that what happens in one part of the world has an impact on the other.

Can we all have a dialogue?We all see the climate change, our waters drying & our food getting scarce.

Can we do a course correction? Can we keep our difference aside, and save our home?

It is time to pen down everything I have endured, learned and solved along with thousands driven just like me, we are in the trenches and we need Help.

Help us course correct, it begins with the courage to say, the courage to say that 8 Billion self actualized humans at the same time collaborating is possible. Think about the progress and prosperity we can build.

We have a whole universe out there, for the explorers among us to venture into, and a loving planet for those in us who want to nurture.

Let us make the Internet era, go down in the history as the age where humanity for the first time realized, how small a band of 8 Billion we humans are. There are over 200 Billion planets out there in the universe, compared to that how small is 8 Billion humans? We are special & rare, let us treat each other like that.

End of the day, what do we all want our legacy to be? Do we course correct to build a golden age of co-operation or will we go down as fossil fuel, made from our own bickering?

This is a rally call brothers & sisters, from the trenches.

We need you.