HE HAD MY BACK.....AND MY SHIRT





HE HAD MY BACK.....AND MY SHIRT
"The value you bring is a lot more than what we pay you, Sanjay" said this gentle-man way 2 decades ago as he did my first performance appraisal. "Let me see what I can do to bring you to par."
I got a 20% raise that year. The next year was the same. I never asked. He simply worked the system to make it happen.
10 years later, I played a small part of bringing him back to PSI - the work and the people we both loved.
He met my parents and my oldest brother in Chennai, my hometown. After he left, I recall my brother turning to my mother and saying "Doesn't he remind you of Chitti (my other brother)?" I had not made the connection until then.
Over the past 25 years, this was a special and unique connect. Yes, I had a few other close friends and family. But none who could relate to the work and PSI that was so much a part of my DNA. We worked together, our families spent time with each other across three continents, we went off on solo trips and yes, we shared our fears, our regrets and our ambitions.
For many he was the best boss they had. But Andrew to me (and to many others) was more. He is simply the best human I have known.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Importance of Rekindling Play – 5 Days in Bir, June 2024

Image
  The Importance of Rekindling Play – 5 Days in Bir, June 2024 Feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Sometimes, taking a step back to rekindle play and patience can be transformative. Over the past week, I attended a program called “A Primer on Patience” at the Deer Park Institute in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India. This program, based on Buddhist psychology, offered a ‘light-touch’ approach to imparting deep-rooted wisdom in an interactive and enjoyable manner accessible to everyone. I had previously studied under the lead trainer, Nivedita, and her down-to-earth and practical style of imparting wisdom resonated deeply with me. More importantly, Nivedita embodies humility and warmth, making the experience even more enriching. Here are five key insights and takeaways from my time there: 1. I Felt Free and Energized! I had forgotten how much I love sharing space with like-minded individuals in a fun learning and authentic sharing environment. We learned, we shared, we drew, we laughed, and...
Read more

We Are All on 'Standby'....

Image
We Are All On 'Standby'.... In the past few days, three poignant experiences wove themselves into a single narrative that felt too significant not to share. The first is something we all experience this time of year: the turning of the calendar . One year ends, and another begins. It’s a natural time to reflect, reset, and reimagine what’s ahead. The second was attending a memorial service for a young man who tragically passed away. It was a moving tribute, but also a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability. As I sat there, a friend shared about their elderly parent, deeply suffering, and said, “I wish they would find peace and move on.” The contrast was striking: here was a young man, full of life and promise, gone too soon, while another life lingered on amidst suffering. The third came from my own home. My daughter is preparing to leave for the U.S. on a standby ticket, arranged through her cousin. When people asked, “When are you leaving?” she replied, “Maybe today,” be...
Read more

"I have no intention of dying before my death" - Lessons from a Centurion

Image
  Living Fully and Leading with Intention "I have no intention of dying before my death." This powerful declaration set the tone for an inspiring morning, offering valuable insights for today’s leaders. We gathered in a sunlit, glass-enclosed room—a perfect setting for a Sunday filled with meaningful conversations and deep reflections. The atmosphere was warm, the coffee was perfect, but the true highlight of the morning was a discussion with a centenarian who had recently celebrated his 100th birthday. For the next hour, we were guided through a fascinating conversation about life lessons and their relevance in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. This centenarian’s wisdom was profound, and as leaders, we were reminded that leadership is as much about character and wisdom as it is about strategy and execution. Here are some key lessons that stood out, offering valuable guidance for leaders at every stage: "I have no intention of dying before my death." This sta...
Read more