Vikas Narula is Creator and Co-Founder of Keyhubs (keyhubs.com), a Minneapolis-based management software and consulting firm, which specializes in helping organizations realize their potential by uncovering and tapping the hidden organization—the informal network of relationships that exist between employees. He was listed among 100 leaders to “help you thrive” by Twin Cities Business magazine. He is also Founder of Neighborhood Forest, a social venture dedicated to giving free trees to school children every Earth Day. He maintains an active blog at www.keyhubs.com/blog and covers topics related to entrepreneurship, our interconnectedness, and the human Spirit. Vikas earned his MBA from Duke University and has a B.S. in computer science from Maharishi University of Management.
Why does the world need a work revolution? (In other words: the way we’re working isn’t working. Why not?)
Consider the high rates of employee disengagement. Work is not fun for a vast majority of employees. That is simply not right. In many ways, the spirit of commerce is at odds with the human Spirit. More on that here.
How are you or your organization reinventing work in some way (big or small)?
The path of entrepreneurship saved me from my work unhappiness. Through entrepreneurship I got to reclaim the pillars of human motivation and personal satisfaction: autonomy, mastery and purpose. These three ingredients working together create immense satisfaction and joy. For this reason, a good portion of my time is devoted to inspiring others to consider the path of entrepreneurship as a viable career alternative.
Why do you do what you do?
Because I love it.
What kind of art (any kind) do you like and why? Any recommendations we should know about?
I love the work of Turf Fienz. I used to breakdance when I was a kid. They take it to a whole new level of grace and beauty.
What is one specific thing your company does that makes your culture unique and/or different?
I think an important differentiating aspect of our culture is that we want to make Spirituality the central organizing principle of our firm. We want that to be a cornerstone of our culture by bringing together the Universal Truths of all Faiths and finding a way to infuse those concepts into our daily work. We want to recognize, celebrate and glorify the Spirit that lives in our hearts.
What is one discipline/industry totally different from your own that has inspired you? How does it impact your work?
Social entrepreneurship stories such as these inspire us everyday: Greyston Bakery and The Empowerment Plan. We want to contribute in positive ways to help uplift the less fortunate.
What’s one tangible and concrete technique other organizations should use if they want to create a more human and/or meaningful place to work?
Focus on purpose and people over profits.
What is one surprising thing we should know about you?
I grew up in the “most unusual town in America.”
What does your preferred work environment look like?
A comfy coffee shop.
What is “required reading” or “required viewing” for people who want to understand what makes you tick?
- http://www.keyhubs.com/blog/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpxfvYUo42w
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQuPUZUARNY
Where in the world are you?
Minneapolis, MN
How can people connect with you?
Twitter: @NarulaTweets
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vnarula/
Keyhubs: www.keyhubs.com
Neighborhood Forest: www.neighborhoodforest.org
