In early 2005, I visited the stunning Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an Indian archipelago that remains one of my most cherished holiday destinations.

These islands hold countless remarkable stories: of brave freedom fighters from India’s colonial era, the struggles of World Wars, the devastating 2004 Tsunami, and some of the world’s oldest surviving indigenous tribes.

The devastating tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. A massive 100ft wave, part of the Asian Tsunami, ravaged the Indian Ocean’s coastlines, claiming many lives across 14 countries. In India alone, official reports recorded 10,749 deaths, with 5,640 people missing and countless others left homeless. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands bore the brunt of the destruction.

Yet, amid the tragedy, most of the indigenous tribes and local wildlife survived unscathed because they sensed the danger early and moved to higher ground. Meanwhile, many others, caught unaware in their daily routines, were swept away. This stark contrast is a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to stay attuned to nature.

Today, humanity is increasingly captivated by and dependent on technology, often at the expense of our innate instincts, letting artificial cues override our natural body clocks.

There’s no denying technology’s incredible benefits; it has undeniably enhanced our lives. But as we embrace progress, we must nurture our intuition and maintain harmony with the natural world as opposed to the artificial world.

As a leader exploring AI’s potential in decision-making, I often reflect on this balance. While data and algorithms offer invaluable insights, I’ve learnt not to underestimate the wisdom of my inner voice.