Hilmi Jaafar’s Post

10, 20 or even 40 years with the same company? That‘s crazy! I can still remember thinking so when meeting many of my new colleagues during the first days and weeks at Mosca GmbH. Back then in 2008, I had just started as a student in mechanical engineering and I would‘ve never thought I would one day look back at 15 years – or 1/3 of my professional life – with the same company. One reason is for sure the many possibilities I had during that time: from R&D and Engineering, to Product Management, Sales, relocating to Asia, expanding business in Asia-Pacific and, ultimately, returning to headquarters as part of the group management board. Despite getting to know many different cultures around the world, there was always one common company culture to rely on. Mosca is where it all started, where I completed my studies, where I learned everything I know about leadership, where I grew as a manager and as a person. Looking back at it now, it was never about career goals but doing something meaningful and having fun along the way. And most importantly, I‘ve met a bunch of incredible people without whom the ride would‘ve only been half as fun and some of which I now call friends. My gratitude goes to all Mosca colleagues across the globe, especially the entire Sales, Service & Marketing crew, to my bosses who inspired and mentored me and all partners and customers for open and trusting relationships. In retrospect, these 15 incredibly successful, sometimes bumpy but always fun years don’t feel crazy at all. I guess time really flies when you’re having a good time. But sometimes unforgettable journeys must come to an end, to embark on new ones. I will now take a step back in order to be open to a new challenge next year. But for sure Mosca and it‘s people will forever be a significant part of my life.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SUPPORTING BENEFITS OF MEDITATION AND YOGA - As Arjun immersed himself in the practice of meditation and yoga, he became increasingly curious about the scientific research supporting their benefits. He discovered a wealth of studies that validated the positive effects of these ancient practices on mental and physical health. 1. The Neuroscience of Meditation: Modern research in neuroscience has shown that meditation can have profound effects on the brain. Studies using brain imaging techniques have found that regular meditation practice can increase the density of grey matter in regions associated with memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Meditation has also been shown to reduce the activity of the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, leading to decreased stress and anxiety. 2. The Physiological Benefits of Yoga: Yoga has been extensively studied for its benefits on physical health. Research has demonstrated that yoga can improve flexibility, strength, and balance. It has also been found to lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, and enhance cardiovascular health. Yoga’s emphasis on mindful movement and breath control is believed to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the effects of stress. 3. Mental Health and Well-being: Both meditation and yoga have been shown to have significant benefits for mental health. Studies have found that these practices can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. The practice of mindfulness, a key component of meditation, has been shown to increase emotional resilience and improve cognitive function. 4. Stress Reduction and Resilience: Meditation and yoga are effective tools for managing stress and building resilience. Research has shown that these practices can lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, and reduce the inflammatory response associated with chronic stress. By promoting a state of relaxation and enhancing emotional regulation, meditation and yoga help individuals cope with life’s challenges more effectively. Ready to join Arjun on this incredible spiritual journey? Read more in English: 🛒 Amazon Kindle - https://lnkd.in/dAZFPE3T Or buy from your favorite store, including Apple Books, Kobo - https://lnkd.in/dP7TJEqZ Read for free in English - https://lnkd.in/dE93bieH Read More in Hindi: अमेज़न किंडल ईबुक - https://lnkd.in/dsGY5SC4 या अपने पसंदीदा स्टोर से खरीदें, जिसमें एप्पल बुक्स, कोबो शामिल हैं - https://lnkd.in/dWxTmU6b

I don’t often share from my ‘day job’, but here’s my latest curation - which I think is a positive reminder that despite the current winds of change (the only constant…) there are still so many wonderful humans doing wonderful work in service of a better future. Their values are something worth focusing on, connecting and growing. One of my favourite yoga quotes feels timely here: “where our attention goes, grows.” In the current socio-(enviro)-political climate, (& even just at work where it’s our job to “solve problems”), our attention can easily end up constantly on “what’s not working”, which if we’re not careful, can develop into less positive perspectives, attitudes and feelings. Or create thought patterns and habits where we forget to notice or no longer see (or see the value in seeing…) what IS working. BRIGHT SPOTS. I was reminded recently (credit to the inspirational Jeremy Dean) of the concept of bright spots and bright spot thinking, from the book ‘Nudge’ (Heath and Heath, 2010.) I would love to see a bright spot category put into every project report! The bright spot is looking for what IS going well, and what IS working, and building from there. I particularly recommend the article below on ‘Managing complex work programmes’ by Rob Cousins (brilliant complexity thinker), and the accompanying webinar with innovation expert Daniel Hummerdal. Would love your reflections or feedback on these. Follow their work at: www.openchange.agency. The thought-leadership in Aotearoa is truly humbling. What conditions do we need to create, to allow what IS working, to spread and coalesce and empower more agency? FFTF (food for thought Friday ;-))

🌟 Embracing Gratitude and Embracing Change 🌟 As I reflect on the journey that has shaped my automotive career, gratitude fills my heart. From the first engine I worked on to the teams I led, every moment has been a lesson in passion, perseverance, and growth. In this ever-evolving industry, I've witnessed the transformative power of innovation and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. The automotive world isn't just about vehicles; it's a vibrant ecosystem fueled by dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. My journey has been adorned with remarkable milestones, cherished collaborations, and the unwavering support of mentors and colleagues who've become like family. Their guidance has been invaluable, shaping not only my professional acumen but also instilling a profound appreciation for teamwork and determination. During this joyous festive season, as we celebrate the spirit of togetherness and hope, I extend my warmest wishes to you all. May this season be filled with laughter, cherished moments, and the embrace of loved ones. Today, I stand at a crossroads, ready to embrace new horizons and contribute my expertise to a team that values dedication and a passion for innovation. While the path ahead may be unknown, I carry with me the conviction that the right opportunity awaits—a place where skills meet passion, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference. To those who have been a part of this incredible journey, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support and encouragement have been the driving force behind every success. If you're seeking a seasoned automotive professional driven by dedication and fueled by passion, let's connect. I'm eager to explore new possibilities, contribute to a dynamic team, and continue shaping the future of automotive excellence. Change is inevitable, but with it comes the promise of new beginnings and exciting opportunities. Let's embark on this journey together—where innovation meets expertise, and every challenge becomes a chance to excel. #AutomotiveProfessional #Innovation #NewBeginnings #CareerOpportunities #Gratitude #FestiveSeasonGreetings

As we end the week, help us celebrate our team member Vicken Frankian’s 5-Year Anniversary! Vicken is a team player and a tremendous asset as our Project & Process Engineer. He is committed to ensuring Dixie Excellence through his hands on approach of overseeing and assessing existing processes and workflows while optimizing productivity with a focus on improvements and monitoring equipment. We made time to catch up with him to ask a few questions about his time at Dixie. This is what Vicken had to say: What's your favorite quote? When facing any hurdle at Dixie we lean on our leaders Richie, Jake and others quote of “we’ll figure it out. We’ll get creative” and get it done. What do you like about Dixie? The best part about Dixie is being part of a team where you are seen, heard, and are able to contribute greatly. We also treat each other as family and are not afraid to be real with each other. We support, challenge, and advise each other on a daily basis which keeps our momentum strong. Why have you stayed so long at Dixie? After finishing a project and seeing the final result at the Operator level, I want to use that success to move on to the next challenge. Dixie has a lot of potential for positive change and every challenge is another opportunity to make a difference. Would you recommend someone else to work at Dixie; if so, why? Dixie Chemical is a great place to learn and grow as an engineer. You have the opportunity to be hands-on from the moment you put your boots on. We may be a smaller company, but your efforts have a bigger, more noticeable impact. Do you have a favorite memory working at Dixie? My favorite memory was coordinating and executing the removal of tanks T-118 and T-138 from the plant. It was a great spectacle watching two out-of-service tanks being lifted over the units, set on a truck, and hauled away for disposal. This opened up space for future construction and proved our seriousness about making big improvements to the plant. Do you have any advice for our employees? Maybe something you learned why at Dixie? We may have different roles, but we are all working toward a common goal. Be patient and you will see how all of our efforts contribute to the success of the company. We want to thank Vicken Frankian for 5 Years of Service to the Dixie team. You are greatly appreciated and valued as a team member. #5YearsofService #DixieExcellence #DixieBlueandGreen #ProcessEngineer 

Bridgestone Americas BSRO. How is it that you know how the automotive repair industry can be driven by retail standards?? How is it that you know that from one year to the next, you expect to surpass the numbers the next year?? Have anyone of you really been immersed in this industry?? Your degrees you've attained in college, do they really teach you how each industry functions or is it general??? I'd love to impart wisdom to your college education!!! But here lies in the problem, my experience is not worth dirt to what you have been taught by general secularists that are paid to teach you generalities. So herein lies my challenge, come spend three weeks, no a month is a shop and experience the reality of real life. I would gamble that you could not stand to be in the shop at our level!!!

Time flies when you are busy, but when you're bored, it seems as if the day will never end. Researchers have found that specific neurons can grow weary if repeatedly exposed to the same stimulus, altering the brain's perception of time. This conclusion can be drawn from an article in Nature from September 2020. This week I celebrate my five-year anniversary at Forcit Group and I can only conclude that time really flies when there is a lot going on and when you have fun. These five years have been packed with new learnings, energy, growth (in business and personally) and also plenty of challenges. A few reflections on the top of my head: - Yes, it might sound like the cliché of the century, but nothing is more important than having the right people - The best days at work are spent with customers or out in operations with our people. These days are packed with new insights, energy and learnings - Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work (I think Peter Drucker already concluded this) - Past performance is no guarantee for future success. Adaptability and responsiveness to an everchanging business environment cannot be overrated - As a leader, few things are more relieving than knowing you have a team where everyone is far more competent than yourself within their own area of responsibility I want to thank all the fantastic people (customers, colleagues, partners etc.) I have had the pleasure to meet and work with during the past five years for making time really fly! Looking forward to continuing for several more years and several more learning opportunities and interesting opportunities to pursue together!

What time is it?...It's time for another #WeightPacker! Today we would like to present our Project Manager, Giulia G. 1) Giulia, let's talk about your interests. I studied Oriental languages in Venice to explore the intriguing Asian culture that caught my interest during high school. A scholarship in my final year took me to Tianjin, an experience that enriched me both academically and personally. I find it hard to stay away from the East for too long! In 2023, I made three trips, some for leisure to discover new Asian countries, and others for work at the CAC China trade show in Shanghai. These trips reflect my deep ongoing interest and engagement with the region. 2) Describe one of your typical working days. My workday is quite dynamic. I love the fact that I'm constantly dealing with different tasks. One day I'm at my desk, preparing a Design Review, and the next, I'm in the workshop with colleagues, gearing up to test a machine for a customer visit. Being a Project Manager means I interact with every department in the company and get a full overview of each project. This is what I enjoy the most about my challenging job! 3) How did you end up in WeightPack? I noticed WeightPack had connections in China, so I applied for a job, thinking my language skills could be useful. Even though I lacked a technical background, WeightPack saw potential in me for a project manager role. I couldn't pass up such an interesting challenge! During these years, I've learned a lot about an industry I wasn't familiar with and had the chance to work with Asian clients, which has been a valuable experience. #WPFamily #WeightPackers #performancefirst #ProjectManager

Regardless of place and time, Gemba walk is an effective way to identify and make improvements