Jugaad Quotes

CEOs of large firms often fail to read the handwriting on the wall, because of complacence, inertia, or overconfidence.

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.’ —ALBERT EINSTEIN

resilience, frugality, adaptability, simplicity, inclusivity, empathy, and passion, all of which are essential to compete and win in a complex world. Adopting

The Passionate Educator: Lily Lapenna has created MyBnk, the UK’s first independent, peer-led youth banking program approved by the national banking regulator. In doing so, Lapenna is developing the next generation of financially literate and entrepreneurial citizens. Such literacy will be crucial as the UK economy struggles to avoid another recession. In just five years, thanks to its partnership with dozens of schools and youth organizations, MyBnk has evolved from a pilot project to now reach thirty-five thousand 11-25 year olds in underprivileged neighbourhoods of London. These tech-savvy youth learn about managing money and the basics of entrepreneurship through cellphone-based games.

done me good to be somewhat parched by the heat and drenched by the rain of life.

Jugaad started as the Hindi word for an ultracheap vehicle first fashioned by rural Punjabi carpenters. Having nothing but empty pockets and a problem to solve, the local craftsmen took an old diesel irrigation pump, attached it to a wooden frame, and added wheels and the discarded steering system from a broken-down jeep. They called this jalopy “jugaad,” roughly translated as “using few resources and a lot of determination to find an innovative solution to a problem.

Jugaad starts with the needs of a large population, such as safe drinking water, fresh food, the ability to get from point A to B, improved personal hygiene, etc. Next jugaad looks at existing products stripped of all bells and whistles, searching for simplicity. Finally it uses basic science and two-fisted ingenuity to fashion a solution in spite of limitations—little water, no electricity, tiny incomes, distant communities, and limited infrastructure. One can argue persuasively that it was the principle of jugaad that caused Southwest Airlines to come up with the solution of a ten-minute airplane turnaround or Arrow to acquire dozens of companies without much cash.