Tillitonse - A Transformational Journey Together

Might resonate with those of us who find ourselves straddling two worlds, still someone's child, and at the same time, the parent of an adult child.  --- The Shoe Is On The Other Foot -  “I think we’ve run out of things to talk about,” my daughter announced on the phone. And then, quite reasonably, “Maybe we should talk once every two days.” For a moment, it hurt. She has been away in the US for five years now. First studying, and more recently working. And somewhat to our surprise, we have spoken almost every day. Often because she calls us. So yes, it was a bit of a shock. There was that little sting of rejection. And then, a moment later, I started laughing. Because I had just spent 24 hours with my mother. And during this time, I had found myself getting irritated with her. She was often finding things to talk about. Revisiting things we had already talked about. Asking about things of no great consequence. Occasionally circling back to something we had possibly discussed ...

  The Hidden Cost of Belonging A reflection on relationships, emotional friction, and the challenge of being misunderstood After spending a few months in the United States, I returned to Chennai and noticed something unexpected. Within a couple of weeks, I found myself in situations where emotions had been ruffled—mine as well as those of others. Nothing dramatic. No major conflict. Just the small misunderstandings, unintended slights, and differing interpretations that seem to arise naturally when we live in close proximity to family, friends, and long-standing relationships. It made me reflect on something I had experienced during my time away. Life there felt emotionally simpler. Part of that was circumstantial. Most of my interactions were professional, transactional, or brief. I coached clients, interacted with service providers, spent time with family, and largely remained within a relatively small circle. There were fewer opportunities for expectations, history, assumptions,...

  2025 — Looking Back; Looking Ahead,  Balancing being and doing. That tension sat quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) at the centre of my year. Work, Waiting, and the Loss of Momentum Professionally, 2025 was largely a year of waiting. The year began with an abrupt jolt. Much of my work had been in leadership development with international NGOs. Then, almost overnight, four contracts were called off following shifts in U.S. funding priorities. An entire ecosystem was shaken. Decimated isn’t too strong a word. Ten years ago, I had stepped away from a 23-year career to become an independent coach. That move, though risky, felt alive. I was younger, hungrier, and had planned for it. This transition felt different. My energy was lower. I hadn’t anticipated it. And the sense of direction I usually rely on wasn’t there. At times, I felt… rudderless. Almost like a product without a market. I did what one does—I reached out. I received sound advice from well-wishers. There were sp...