This was one of the most memorable experiences I had during my visit to India. Some experiences stay with us long after the moment has passed, not because they were grand, but because someone took the time to make them personal.
Recently, I spent an evening with Kumaran Anandan, an exceptional speaker, leader, and the person behind Tiny Magiq, an organization that uses behavioral science and design thinking to help teams drive massive change through small, routine habits. Having worked with Kumaran in the past, I was already familiar with his deep expertise. What continues to impress me is his ability to turn complex ideas about leadership and growth into simple, practical steps.
Kumaran generously volunteered his time to share his insights with us. His approach wasn't just theory. It was immediately actionable. He showed us that real change does not always begin with a dramatic initiative or a major investment.
Sometimes, it begins with a small improvement, a better question, or just a moment of genuine attention.
That is the power of Tiny Magiq: small actions that create great experiences and, over time, lead to bigger shifts. This philosophy highlights an important truth about innovation: it doesn't always have to be a massive disruption. It can begin with simply observing people deeply, identifying an opportunity, and making one thoughtful tweak that creates real value.
Tiny Magiq in Everyday Life
That same day, I was reminded that Tiny Magiq extends far beyond business. It shows up in the simplest human interactions and the thoughtful gestures we remember most.
During my stay in Bengaluru, I experienced incredible hospitality from Rajdeep Barnwal. As someone who follows a gluten-free diet, I enjoyed the millet pancakes prepared for me that morning. Later that evening, Rajdeep surprised me with a dessert inspired by those exact pancakes, along with a personalized note.
Rajdeep didn’t just serve me a meal. He listened, remembered, and acted on it. He took a basic dietary request and turned it into one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
That is what real empathy looks like in practice. It begins by paying attention to an individual need and ends by creating an experience that feels personal.
What Excellence Looks Like
Both Kumaran’s leadership philosophy and Rajdeep’s thoughtful gesture demonstrate the same core idea: great experiences are built on small, intentional choices.