In 2004 I went to India. It was an experiment. I was going to build an offshore division for an Austin based education technology company – a fledgling startup. I had no experience for this undertaking. It was a mad leap. But, I had grit and a burning desire to find the India that was within me – always.
I did not foresee the magnitude of the adventure I signed up for. I had joined a Rodeo of a special class, chasing cows and carpenters, roping in teams and resources, haggling prices, and navigating cultural potholes.
Absence of structure and money, although scary, can be liberating. It enabled a clueless and stubborn woman like me to push the envelope and build a division. In the process, I rediscovered a country I thought I knew. I learnt lessons in blood and tears, love and separation. And In all hours of darkness, there remained a light, even if dim, in my heart.
India gave me a headiness I never knew. And a steady throb of joy that comes when you build a community.
There were many people who joined me in this journey. We braved collective hardship for we believed it will lead to good fortunes for all. We were a village – an ebb and flow of people, fixing and installing what seemed like pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle. We forged very real relationships that transcended jobs, relocations, hierarchy, and life altering changes.
When I finally exited India, we had two gleaming offices full of young IT professional scripting their blooming careers. I carried back an arm full of stories and redolent relationships. Looking back, I feel I was so very fortunate to have had this opportunity – to take a leap, to build a division and raise a village.
I came back to America, in new skin and mind. I viewed everything with a renewed wonder and respect. I want to share my stories of enchanting madness.