Welcome to 5 O’Clock Reflections, a daily blog by Hemant Rustogi as he explores lessons learned in life, business, and his quest for wisdom. Each month Hemant invites a person who intrigues him, to join him for a 5 pm interview to share their insights over their favorite cocktail. You can learn more here.

When the Young Create Perspective

As we get older, we tend to give advice to the young, so that they can learn from our mistakes.  Still, we don’t know it all, and a youthful lens towards life can create a meaningful perspective and clarity, like none other.   “Life is … [Continue reading]

Leaders and Managers

You will never see a tribe led by a manager.  At best, they help maintain the status quo. Leaders build and lead tribes — they inspire, protect, nurture and are guardians of the culture.   Leaders inspire you to do your best work. … [Continue reading]

Fire in the Belly

Let your passion fuel the fire in your belly.  Find your calling, and feed it with hard work and undying commitment. Let every setback be the spark to get better, and learn from your failures.   There is no magic potion that serves as … [Continue reading]

Platitude and Reality

We excel at sending motivational messages about “never giving up”, about “staying the course”, and about “creating positive energy in the world”. These messages sound good, they feel good, and these platitudes are designed to inspire.   The … [Continue reading]