PVLF 2025

Interview with K.J. Alphons, Author "The Winning Formula: 52 Ways to Change Your Life"

Explore K.J. Alphons' wisdom in The Winning Formula as he shares 52 strategies to overcome challenges and transform your life in this exclusive interview.
on Jan 18, 2025

Interview with K.J. Alphons: Insights from 'The Winning Formula

K.J. Alphons is from the 1979 batch of the Indian Administrative Service. He rose to national prominence as an effective administrator and anti-corruption crusader. He was Commissioner of the Delhi Development Authority and a pioneer of the literacy movement in India. The mass contact programme he started as District Collector won the highest UN award for innovation in governance. He was featured in the list of 100 Young Global Leaders by Time magazine. In 2006 Alphons left the civil service and joined politics. During his tenure as tourism minister, India was third in global tourism. He was also Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology. He is also a motivational speaker and the best-selling author of Making a Difference

Frontlist: The idea of 'new beginnings' is often intimidating. What advice from The Winning Formula can help readers take that crucial first step toward change?

Alphons: New beginnings are always scary because it's so comfortable to stay in one's comfort zone, doing what one has always done. But to make life meaningful and truly make a difference, one must break free from that comfort zone and embrace new challenges. I was a zero performer in school—scoring only 42% in my board exams. I couldn't write a sentence in English, and my Malayalam wasn't great either. I had a happy childhood, but I decided one day that I was intelligent and talented. From that point, I never looked back, though it was a tough journey to prove it to myself.

I learned English and became India's best national debater for three years, despite starting off being booed at competitions. I excelled in the IAS exams and decided always to take unconventional paths. Every role I took on was a 'new beginning,' whether as a District Collector, where I won three Best Collector awards and led the literacy movement or as Commissioner of DDA, where I demolished 14,310 illegal buildings. I even redefined what it means to be a politician. New beginnings are tough, but they're exhilarating because you get things done and grow in the process.

Frontlist: Holistic wellness isn't just about success but also about balance and happiness. How does The Winning Formula guide readers to achieve success while living fulfilled lives?

Alphons: For me, life boils down to two key objectives: to be happy and to make others happy. While discussing happiness with sociologist Dipankar Gupta, he argued that happiness should be self-centered. I disagreed. True happiness cannot exist in isolation. The Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—guides me. Success, for me, is making as many people as possible happy.

In my roles as an IAS officer and politician, I focused on treating every individual with dignity. I met every person who sought my help, answered every call, and acted on every message. Even a cup of coffee shared in my office was a gesture of respect. This approach not only created balance but also instilled purpose in my life. Balance, dignity, and empathy form the foundation of a fulfilled life.

Frontlist: If readers are feeling stuck or uncertain at the beginning of this year, which key lesson or story from The Winning Formula would you suggest to inspire them and help them find direction?

Alphons: Start with the first two chapters. They showcase how I went from being labeled a "dumb kid" to becoming one of the IAS toppers and a Time magazine Young Global Leader. You'll also read about how I led a team to demolish 14,310 illegal mafia buildings, despite personal threats to my family. The stories are about ordinary people doing extraordinary things through grit and determination. After reading, you'll feel inspired to make bold decisions in your own life.

Frontlist: Holistic wellness is centered on balance, purpose, and growth. In what ways does The Winning Formula guide readers in aligning their pursuit of success with their overall well-being?

Alphons: Holistic wellness is not just about success in terms of wealth or position. Balance in life is essential. I work 15-hour days because I love my work—it makes me happy. But I still find time for a daily 5 km jog, music, reading, family dinners, and friendships.

"The purpose" is another pillar of wellness. My purpose has always been to make a difference in the world. Growth comes from learning, listening, and adapting. I have no ego when it comes to adopting great ideas from others. We achieve true wellness by integrating balance, purpose, and growth into our lives.

Frontlist: If someone were to start their year with The Winning Formula, what mindset or action should they focus on in the very first week?

Alphons: Begin by overcoming self-doubt. Tell yourself, "I am good. I am capable. I can make things happen." Believe in your own potential and act on it. Many people lack the backbone to stand up for their beliefs or take bold steps. But when you believe in yourself and stand firm, everything becomes possible. Effort is the key, and it works.

Frontlist: If The Winning Formula inspires just one change in a reader's life, what do you hope that change would be?

Alphons: The belief in oneself. I want every reader to realize that they have the power to make a difference—not by relying on anyone else, but by taking action themselves.

Frontlist: Your book is filled with incredible stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things. Can you share one personal story from your life that profoundly shaped your journey to success and inspired the stories in your book?

Alphons: One life-changing moment was when I threatened to arrest Tamil Nadu's revered Chief Minister MGR during my first job as Sub Collector of Devikulam. MGR wanted to take over a temple on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. I stood firm and declared I would arrest him if he tried. He backed off.

This incident taught me to stand up to bullies, no matter how powerful. It shaped my career, allowing me to perform my IAS duties with integrity for 27 years. Another key moment was taking Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi into custody during the 2004 elections. These experiences prove that one moment of courage can redefine your life.