KNOWLEDGE = KNOWING THAT THE TOMATO IS A FRUIT WISDOM = NOT TO PUT IT INTO A FRUIT SALAD - Journeys of a Coach


Do you ever wish that you could go back and begin afresh with someone? I just did…WOW! What an energising experience!


I have known Shankar for over a dozen years as a colleague. While we did not work on the same projects, our paths intersected ever so often providing multiple opportunities to get to know each other. I did…somewhat…..Shankar has recently taken over as the Managing Director of an exciting new venture. I was very pleasantly surprised when he reached out and asked if I would be interested to support him as a coach/mentor. 

In our first meeting, he suggested that we walk and talk. And, so began this new journey. As we paced on a cool winter morning in Delhi, the layers started peeling. And in that hour, I really got to really KNOW Shankar! 

Curiosity and empathy were the foundations from which the questions emerged and I was amazed to learn about so much about what makes him tick. Pieces of the jigsaw fell into place and my admiration for his immense courage, drive, compassion and intelligence took on a deeper hue. And all that in just one conversation – built on the right foundations!  

As I was flying back, I could not help but regret…”Why had I not taken this time years ago to better understand him? Why did I previously lead from evaluation/judgment, rather than from curiosity?”  And then, I gave myself some allowance….that I too was learning….and over time, quickly inferred knowledge, that one counted as being paramount, is slowly replaced by a quieter wisdom…..


I am looking forward with great enthusiasm to continue my journeys with Shankar as we forge a deeper connect. And maybe, just maybe, we might eventually get spiritual – when neither knowledge nor wisdom matter………. and we use the tomatoes to have a couple of Bloody Marys! 

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