Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral
In today’s competitive and fast-changing world, building a strong personal brand is as important as achieving financial success, said motivational speaker, corporate trainer and former Indian Air Force squadron leader Walter Mascarenhas during his talk titled Ask and be Rich. The lecture was organised as part of the ongoing centenary lecture series of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji in January 2026.
Mascarenhas stressed that true success comes from being in demand and cultivating a strong reputation. He said that qualities such as honesty, kindness, discipline and sincerity form the foundation of a personal brand. According to him, individuals who are known for these values naturally attract opportunities and professional growth.
Explaining his three-pronged ASK approach—Attitude, Skills and Knowledge—Mascarenhas highlighted the increasing importance of soft skills in both personal and professional life. He observed that abilities such as communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, decision-making, stress and time management, along with critical and creative thinking, are essential life skills that are often not adequately addressed in formal education.
He elaborated that knowledge includes facts, information, awareness, education and experience, all of which enable better decision-making and innovation. Attitude, he explained, determines how individuals think, feel and behave, ultimately shaping outcomes in life and work.
Mascarenhas also spoke about achieving a fulfilling and balanced life by working on both mental and physical well-being. He referred to neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) as a tool to influence thought patterns and emotional responses, saying that happiness is a conscious choice that individuals can make most of the time.
Addressing the fear of failure, he encouraged the audience to focus on persistence, consistency and patience. He emphasised that progress comes from small, daily efforts rather than mere planning or intention. He also underlined the importance of physical fitness through proper diet, exercise and a positive outlook.
Drawing from his diverse experiences in the Indian Air Force, corporate training, skydiving and scuba diving, Mascarenhas concluded by advocating lifelong learning. He urged people to remain students throughout their lives, continuously improving themselves and overcoming fear as a key step toward personal growth and long-term success.
