A Photo, A Memory, A Journey:

This photo popped up in my Google Photos yesterday. I love the ‘memory’ feature in these apps—it reminds me to be grateful.

A dear colleague, who helped me navigate the exit formalities (selling the car, sorting the passport for our dog), had the foresight to capture this moment. I was blessed with incredible colleagues at the bank. While we moved from the launch phase to establishing dominant, enduring market leadership, it’s the relationships I hold dearest.

Neither the monk nor the Ferrari!

I was neither a monk then, nor am I now. Deeply immersed in Grahastha—a path that is both fulfilling and challenging.

It wasn’t a Ferrari, but something far more meaningful to me—our beloved Prado. We all adored that car!

I’ve always had a deep connection with my cars—each one an extension of me. The Maruti Swift, one of the early adopters of the new shape. The Santro, bought as a surprise on my son’s birthday when SRK was still hard-selling it. The company-provided ones—Maruti 800 Deluxe, Fiat Uno (what a car, we drove it all over Delhi!), and the Premier Padmini before that. And now, a special Skoda Yeti.

I know many feel the same way about their cars and bikes. They aren’t just vehicles; they are part of our stories. Hence, #DetachedAttachment 🙂

Thirteen years ago…Just weeks before returning to India—lock, stock, barrel, and a dog (Fussy).

I was stepping away from corporate life for good, leaving behind five and a half years overseas and all the comfort that came with it. I was quitting at the peak of my career. Looking back, it was divine (hence, perfect) timing. Grace at work.

I was heading back to campus. Destiny led me to INSEAD for executive education, where I discovered coaching, fell in love with it, and knew it was my calling. Along the way, I met incredible new friends.

At the time, I didn’t realize it was my Call to Adventure (Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey).

We moved to a completely new city—Bangalore—leaving behind amchi Mumbai, our home for 12 years.

Coaching became our business. Coach training and healing found their way in too.

Just yesterday, I told a learner coach on her journey to becoming a coachpreneur, “This journey will be full of ups and downs.” I was speaking from experience.

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future. I was neither a sinner then, nor a saint now. But the journey continues.

As we prepare to leave our home of the last 12 years, it’s another step forward.

It’s always about the journey, the experiences, and the company we keep. Grateful for all the friends who have been part of this ride.

“I asked God for all things in life. He gave me life, so that I may enjoy all things.”