How to Live

By: Sharad Lal
  • Summary

  • A podcast that explores ways to live a good life - thrive at work and in life, connect with a deeper purpose, strengthen relationships, and fulfil potential. Creator and Host Sharad Lal is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker and coach who works with leading organisations like Google, Unilever, J&J, P&G; having supported over 20,000 people in discovering their potential and purpose.

    © 2025 How to Live
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Episodes
  • #088 Turning purpose into action with Uma Balasingam
    Feb 24 2025

    When scaling a cause, should you pick passionate volunteers or capable ones?

    Most instinctively say passion. But Uma Thana Balasingam’s journey scaling Lean In Singapore to 7,000+ members tells a different story.

    Here’s the hard truth she discovered: Passionate people don’t always make great leaders. When she and her co-founder started delegating leadership roles to their most committed volunteers, they hit a wall. Leading a movement isn’t just about heart - it’s a skill. Managing complexity, making tough calls, and leading others require more than just good intentions.

    The dilemma?

    • Capable people execute brilliantly but often vanish when things get tough.
    • Passionate people stay committed but can struggle with execution.

    Early on, you don't have the luxury of choice - you work with whoever shows up.

    But as you scale, the reality sets in:

    • Passion without execution creates chaos.
    • Execution without passion creates emptiness.

    You need both.

    In the latest How to Live podcast, Uma and I unpack this challenge. From founding Lean In Singapore to leadership roles at VTech, Dell, and IBM, to now building Elevate to champion women across Asia - she's lived this tension between passion and capability.

    If you're wrestling with turning your purpose into impact, this conversation is for you.

    Episode Shownotes
    https://howtolive.life/episode/088-turning-purpose-into-action-with-Uma-balasingam


    Next Wave
    6 month program for high performers hitting 40s and beyond to design the next phase of life. Register interest below -
    https://www.sharadlal.net/nextwave

    Leave us a message
    https://howtolive.life/contact

    About Sharad Lal
    https://www.sharadlal.net/

    Follow us
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharadlal24/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PodcastHowtolive/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcasthowtolive/

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    39 mins
  • #087 Wisdom from the Maldives with Afeef Hussain
    Feb 10 2025

    When resources are limited, how do you still access the best?

    Afeef Hussain wanted his team - and his country Maldives - to learn from the world’s top minds. But bringing in world-class speakers and trainers isn’t cheap.

    So instead of saying, "We can’t afford them," he asked, "How can we make it work?"

    His solution? Leverage what he had.

    He invited top experts - leaders like Stephen M.R. Covey and other global thought leaders - to experience the Maldives, offering them world-class hospitality at Lux Resorts. In return, they shared their knowledge, mentoring his team and raising the leadership standards of an entire nation.

    Resourcefulness beats resources.

    Today, the Maldives isn’t just a paradise for tourists - it’s known as a place where top talent comes to learn, grow, and further their careers.

    We talked about this mindset - and much more - on the latest episode.

    Episode Shownotes
    https://howtolive.life/episode/087-wisdom-from-the-maldives-with-Afeef-Hussain

    Next Wave
    6 month program for high performers hitting 40s and beyond to design the next phase of life. Register interest below -
    https://www.sharadlal.net/nextwave

    Leave us a message
    https://howtolive.life/contact

    About Sharad Lal
    https://www.sharadlal.net/

    Follow us
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharadlal24/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PodcastHowtolive/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcasthowtolive/

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    36 mins
  • #086 Forties Fitness Guide with Alex Mearns
    Jan 27 2025

    Forget six-packs - in your 40s, fitness is about feeling good, not looking good.

    Let’s face it - most of us in our 40s aren’t hitting the gym for six-packs or beach bodies anymore. The idea of chasing aesthetics just doesn’t feel exciting or meaningful. But here’s the twist: strength training and fitness aren’t about looking good- they’re about feeling good.

    When you feel strong and healthy, everything changes. You’re more productive at work, more present with your family, energised for your friends, and - most importantly - happier within yourself.

    In the latest episode of How to Live, I speak with Alex Mearns, founder of Levitise, who works with C-suite leaders to transform their fitness and health holistically. His clients include leaders from BCG, UBS, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs.

    We dive into:
    ✨ Why cholesterol isn’t the real health villain
    ✨ How to master the "upward spiral" approach to sustainable fitness
    ✨ Breakthrough strategies that actually work
    ✨ Designing a health plan that fits your busy life

    This episode is a reminder that fitness isn’t about vanity - it’s the foundation for thriving in all areas of life.

    Episode Shownotes
    https://howtolive.life/episode/086-forties-fitness-guide-with- alex-mearns

    Next Wave
    6 month program for high performers hitting 40s and beyond to design the next phase of life. Register interest below -
    https://www.sharadlal.net/nextwave

    Leave us a message
    https://howtolive.life/contact

    About Sharad Lal
    https://www.sharadlal.net/

    Follow us
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharadlal24/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PodcastHowtolive/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcasthowtolive/

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    37 mins

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