The corporate journey was wonderful, and I’m most happy that I truly did it my way. On graduating from IIMA the ambition was (of course) to be an MD/CEO. . . and to constantly try to answer that all-important case question: ‘What should Mr. X do and why?’ 

 

I’m happy that I was able to fulfil that dream, and that too in a multinational environment. I hopefully left more than a mark in the various assignments. 

 

But nothing compares with finding the most wonderful life partner, Ranu, and having two simple, lovable daughters, Aditi and Parul, in the family. 

 

Ranu, a Bengali, is Principal of a school for underprivileged kids (over 400 of them). She is a good, genuine person who gets along with everyone. 

 

Aditi is an MBA, and after stints with Ad agencies (last, Ogilvy), is now based in Coke on behalf of Leo Burnett; Parul is a doctor, MS (ENT), and is just starting her professional journey. 

 

Corporate life mein bahut papad bele hain and I have worked and travelled across India and the world. Working across industries was wonderfully challenging. Ultimately it’s about managing and leading people and teams, and understanding well your SWOTs. 

 

Ranu helped smoothen every career move. She’s clearly been an integral part of whatever success has come my way. 

 

And just when I was padding up for my ‘standard’ second innings came the opportunity to play a whole new ball game(s). Fulfilling a childhood passion I ran a local newspaper, Friday Gurgaon, as Editor and Publisher, for 4 years. And now I am back as a student, playing the new game of Law. 

 

Studying for the Entrance Exam of Law Faculty, Delhi was ‘refreshing’, and achieving a 49th rank (out of 18,500) made me smile. I hope to retire to a place close to the hills (maybe Chandigarh)…though Ranu is currently not convinced. 

 

Most of us are already, or would soon be, in teaching, mentoring or consulting. If anyone out there is working on an Executive MBA program(s) for middle level managers, I promise I will find time for it. 

 

Love to all of you and your families from the Sobti family.