Page 32 - Masala Lite Issue 170 February 2025

32 CASH COURSE WITH ATUL

FINANCE IN The Wolf of Wall Street and Wall Street

HOLLYWOOD: revel in excess and ruthless pursuits
of power. These depictions make for
thrilling storytelling and gloss over
WHAT TO the destructive consequences of such
behaviour. Real-life extremes – whether
taking on excessive leverage, chasing risky
EMBRACE AND investments, or prioritising profits above

all else – can lead to financial ruin. There
WHAT TO are many examples in history where this
has proved true.
IGNORE For individual investors, the lesson is that
balance is key. Sensational gains often
come with equally sensational risks. You hear a lot about those that swing for the
fences and make it huge. Remember that for every one of these winners, there are
many who lost a lot you will never hear about.
A BRIEF SUMMARY: The long-term really matters
Films like to focus on aggressive short-term plays; in reality, wealth is rarely built

• Films about finance like The Wolf of Wall Street and Wall Street captivate overnight. Warren Buffett built his extraordinary wealth over decades and harnessed

audiences with stories of wealth, power, and excess. the power of time to compound.

• These movies often blur the line between fact and fiction, glamorising the Keeping an eye on the long-term means foregoing the chasing of immediate rewards
extremes while glossing over the consequences. that can lead to reckless decisions. Having this
mindset can help you hold on during periods
• Real-world finance is less about yachts and more about spreadsheets. of turbulence or steadily contribute to your

retirement accounts.
• By separating entertainment from reality, we can highlight some lessons
about what creates long-term success in this domain. Ethics really matter
The mantra from Wall Street of “greed is good”
is not a sustainable philosophy. Films dramatize
It’s not all about the yachts the “ends justify the means” approach, where

Many finance movies paint a false picture of finance as a playground for the ultra- bending the rules leads to momentary triumph.
wealthy. Yachts, mansions, and parties take centre stage and create a tantalising Unfortunately, this does happen in real life as
image of success. The reality is far less glamorous. Most professionals in finance well. The consequences are often ugly and result

spend their time in spreadsheets, reading filings, and doing mundane tasks.
in scandals, lawsuits, or worse.

Most of the exciting opportunities captured in the film come after years of diligent

work, not overnight success. Consistency and discipline are more common than Trust is a currency in finance, and once it is lost,
champagne and helicopters. Believing the hype can mislead aspiring investors into it is nearly impossible to regain. The downfall

chasing flashy and high-risk ventures instead of building a solid foundation for the of figures like Bernie Madoff serves as a
long term. reminder that unethical behaviour carries heavy
consequences. Doing the right thing might not
The extremes are dangerous feel sexy, but it lays a rock-solid foundation that

Hollywood thrives on extremes, and finance films are no exception. Movies like cannot be bought.

unfamiliar ingredient at a local market, while
a writer might craft a compelling story from an
overheard conversation.
The Power of Being Observant, The Benefits of Heightened Awareness

Present, and Situationally Aware Enhanced Decision-Making: By gathering more
information from your surroundings, decisions
Darshan Mehta shares the behavioural are more informed and thoughtful. Leaders
tools that can enhance one’s personal who are observant can foresee potential challenges and pivot strategies accordingly.
and professional lives. Improved Problem-Solving: Awareness helps identify issues at earlier stages. Whether
in business or daily life, spotting patterns or irregularities can prevent problems
In a world brimming with distractions, cultivating the ability to be observant, present, from escalating.
and situationally aware can significantly enhance both personal and professional Strengthened Relationships: Presence and attentiveness communicate respect and

lives. These qualities go beyond mere attentiveness; they shape how we interact empathy, fostering trust and deeper connections. This not only benefits personal

with our environment, make decisions, and navigate daily experiences. Whether it’s relationships but also enhances teamwork and collaboration.
in business, relationships, or simply walking down the street, sharpening these skills
can yield profound benefits. Increased Safety: Situational awareness acts as a personal safeguard, reducing the

likelihood of accidents, theft, or harm. By staying vigilant, you protect yourself and
Understanding Observance, Presence, and Awareness those around you.
Being observant involves keenly noticing details—subtle body language, shifts in
Boosted Creativity and Innovation: Observant individuals draw inspiration from their
conversation, or environmental cues. Being present is the art of immersing yourself
environment, allowing them to think outside the box and develop novel ideas or solutions.
fully in the current moment, free from distractions or wandering thoughts. Situational
How to Cultivate These Skills
awareness refers to understanding what’s happening around you and anticipating
1. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises such as meditation or
potential changes or risks.
focused breathing. This trains the brain to remain in the present moment.
While these traits often overlap, each plays a distinct role in enhancing perception. For

instance, a leader who practices presence during meetings can pick up on employee 2. Limit Distractions: Turn off unnecessary notifications and set designated times
concerns that others miss. A traveller exercising situational awareness can avoid for social media, allowing for more focused attention during critical activities.
dangerous situations by recognising early warning signs. 3. Engage Your Senses: Actively notice sights, sounds, and smells around you. This
Real-Life Examples strengthens your brain’s ability to process details.
Professional Setting: Imagine a project manager who notices a team member’s subtle 4. Ask Questions: Curiosity fuels observance. Ask about things you don’t understand
hesitation during a presentation. By addressing it directly, they uncover a potential and pay attention to the responses.

flaw in the plan, preventing costly mistakes. In contrast, less observant managers 5. Reflect Regularly: At the end of the day, reflect on moments where you felt

might overlook such cues, resulting in oversights. present or noticed important details. This reinforces the habit of awareness.
Personal Relationships: In social interactions, being present allows for deeper, more By honing these skills, you’ll not only enrich your daily experiences but also become

meaningful conversations. By actively listening without the distraction of phones a more intuitive, empathetic, and effective individual in all areas of life.
or inner dialogue, relationships strengthen. A friend who notices when someone is
feeling down, based on non-verbal cues, can provide timely support, reinforcing bonds. Darshan Mehta is the founder and CEO of Carmina, a Latin
Safety and Security: A driver practicing situational awareness might notice a pedestrian cuisine restaurant in Bangkok, and the host of the “Getting
stepping onto the road from a blind spot, preventing an accident. Likewise, travellers to Aha” podcast. He also the founder of iResearch, an
who are attuned to their environment can avoid unsafe areas by recognising unusual online insights platform that enables companies to quickly,

behaviour or crowd dynamics. easily, and affordably extract insights from consumers or
employees worldwide.
Creative Professions: Artists, writers, and chefs often find inspiration through acute

He can be reached at dm@iresearch.com.
observance of their surroundings. A chef might develop a new dish by noticing an
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