Unmasking Humanity: 21 Questions with Joshua T Berglan featuring Faris Aranki

Introduction

Welcome to the premiere episode of “Unmasking Humanity: 21 Questions with Joshua T Berglan.” After a six-month hiatus, Joshua returns with a dynamic new format that uncovers the hearts and minds of his guests. This episode features Faris Aranki, the visionary strategist from Shiageto Consulting, who shares his profound insights and experiences.

A New Beginning

Joshua T Berglan opens the interview with enthusiasm, thanking Faris for his patience and participation. “I am absolutely honored to have you here,” Joshua remarks, establishing a warm and inviting atmosphere for the discussion.

The Superpower of Friendship

Joshua kicks off with a thought-provoking question: “If Shiageto, your amazing organization, were a superhero, what would its superpower be?” Faris delivers a compelling answer:

“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

The conversation explores how IQ, EQ, and FQ (Focus Quotient) combine to craft effective strategies. Faris recounts a story of working with a brilliant yet disconnected team. By introducing gamified interactions, he transformed their dynamics. “What they didn’t realize was the real prize was getting to know each other,” he notes, showcasing his innovative approach.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

Faris shines as he recalls his work on the UK government’s pandemic flu preparedness project in 2008-2009. “They said, ‘What if we get hit by a pandemic? We need to be ready,’” he explains, spending 18 months developing strategies that proved his expertise in tackling complex challenges.

Crafting the Perfect Company Culture

When Joshua asks, “If a company’s culture were a recipe, how would you adjust your strategy to be the perfect seasoning?” Faris draws from his childhood cooking lessons:

“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

Faris emphasizes the critical role of Focus Quotient (FQ):

“Without the focus quotient, without saying, ‘This is so important to my life, I’m going to restructure things,’ the strategy is going to fall apart.”

Mission Impossible Moments

Faris shares a gripping “Mission Impossible” moment where his team rescued a client from disaster by refocusing on fundamentals. “I want to get everyone in and train them how to run a meeting,” he proposed, a simple step that dramatically boosted performance.

Lessons from the Past

Reflecting on history, Faris observes:

“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.”

The Avengers of Strategy

Joshua likens Faris’ career to assembling a strategy Avengers team. Faris reflects on his journey—from teaching economics and math in high school to corporate consulting—saying, “Each of those experiences has been an Avenger,” illustrating the diverse skills he brings to the table.

The Secret Ingredient

Asked what drives him daily, Faris reveals:

“The secret ingredient is that I’m not done. I’m not done learning, meeting new people, or having an impact on the world.”

Heartwarming “Aha!” Moments

Faris recalls a transformative moment from teaching 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.”

Final Thoughts

Joshua wraps up by praising Faris’ authenticity and wisdom, encouraging viewers to connect with him via Shiageto Consulting and LinkedIn to keep the dialogue alive.

Conclusion

This debut episode of “Unmasking Humanity: 21 Questions with Joshua T Berglan” offers an enriching glimpse into Faris Aranki’s mind. His blend of wisdom, humility, and strategic innovation provides actionable insights for leaders and professionals. Catch the full episode and engage at The World’s Mayor Experience.