Tillitonse - A Transformational Journey Together

WE LOST A PRECIOUS DOLPHIN THIS WEEK As Kitty so eloquently put it…”An unabashed dolphin amongst the sharks.” This is my reflection on this gentle giant who touched our lives at PSI and beyond. Powerful moments like this provide a rare opportunity to PAUSE and RESET our lives. David may have moved on, but by integrating his essence into mine, he continues to be a part of me. This morning, I pulled out the albums and surrounded myself with the pics mainly going back to the early 90s in Zambia….and a floodgate of memories came streaming in. The metaphor of the dolphin for David is so apt – intelligent, playful, affectionate, elegance personified and embodying goodness. At a personal level, David opened so many doors for me: 1. To social marketing and PSI: The amazing launch of MAXIMUM in a few months after his getting to Lusaka stands testimony to his quiet efficiency. And what a success it was! No wonder David was awarded the ‘Marketer of the Year’ by the Marketing Association of Z...

Get Stuff Done!   A while ago, when leading a team, we had one major outcome that was getting delayed. The technical specialists working on this task had hit a road-block. Our partner organization, an insurance company, was simply not prioritizing this task. It was time to call in the 'Wolf' (only for 'Pulp Fiction' fans). Enter Venu.  My brief to him: "Venu, please get it done by next month". And he did.  Venu did not know much about the subject. In fact, he knew nothing at all. But, he had one trait that is so rare.... The ability and willingness to 'Get Things Done'  I was reminded how rare this trait is recently when leading a team. We were placed with making some decisions and move to action. Many offered suggestions, some offered historical perspectives some were critical/skeptical, but one person, turned around and said - 'Let me handle it'  This person was no more skilled than any other. But he has constantly put up his hand, taken the ...

  Am capturing some key insights from my recent experience at Bodhi Zendo, a meditation centre just outside Kodaikanal, South India.     The Importance of ‘Sanga’ I had heard of this place for a few years and wanted to experience it. But never really made any serious efforts. Then I was speaking to Gowri Shankar, a fellow Rotarian, who said he was going for a 3 day session. Further, he invited me to stay over at him home in Kodaikanal, a hill station relatively close by. It was this nudge from Gowri that catalyzed a desire into action. Ancient wisdom and modern transformational practices have emphasized the importance of like minded travelers (‘sanga’) especially when one is on a journey outside typical social norms. Here was this reminder one more time.   Clarity of the ‘Why’ and Perseverance are Needed to Overcome the Mind-Games Despite many similar solo trips over the past 15 years, it’s amazing how the mind can come up with multiple reasons for n...

 20 SECONDS OF COURAGE MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE Last week I went scuba diving. I am not a trained diver and was accompanied by an instructor. As we descended into the waters, one needs to 'equalize' regularly. Basically, this is a process where one has to 'pop' one's ears by blowing out. If you do not, pressure builds up resulting in pain. I had trouble equalizing, particularly in my right ear. I tried twice and it still was not happening. Frustration was building up. So was some fear. Further, my daughter and nephew had easily done so and my instructor was staying back with me. Now, some guilt too...."I was holding them up!" So, frustration + fear + guilt But fear was the dominant emotion. "What if my eardrums burst? I am in a foreign land (Mexico) and don't speak the language....." Then, I recalled a powerful insight: What if I relaxed and gave myself a short burst of courage? So, I took a few relaxed breaths, told myself that I have dived ...

  I am sure that you have noticed that it is hard to just drop by and meet anyone these days? And this was true even before the pandemic. Of course, the situation has become significantly harder over the past few years.  This trend is all pervasive - both professionally and personally.  For years, I would drop by and casually spend a day in the head office of the global organization I used to work for. I loved just walking the corridors and connecting with so many folks. Some conversations would just be a 'Hi" while others ranged from "Come on in...let's talk" to "Great to see you here...do you have sometime to spare? I want to discuss something with you."  And in these precious unplanned chats, connections would be forged and ideas often emerged that would be fulfilling and often, very productive. So, a year ago, when I was in the office, I was disappointed to see that almost all rooms were empty as folks worked from home. Undoubtedly, there are myriad...

  CLOUDS OF SADNESS Feb 16, 2023 Just capturing my state of mind and sharing with a few of you who matter.   The first six weeks of this year has been tinged with sadness. A cloud has remained since the start of the year… actually seems like quite a few clouds of ill health and mortality. I wish I could shake it off with one powerful shrug.   The year began with COVID getting to Lata finally. Fortunately, it was a relatively mild attack. Hence, New Year’s Eve was devoid of the usual mirth as it was quietly spent at home.   Then as the first week ended, the first anniversary of my father’s passing started to loom large. Not just for me…but my mother and other members of the family as well. We experienced a volcano of expressions. Last year, on Jan 14, 2022 we had had the last family gathering before my father tested positive for COVID the next day. He passed away on Jan 28, 2022. So, this pervasive cloud hung around until that date.   Quite natu...