India's Independence & Husk Foundation Day!

There's so much to share about the last few days at Husk...a few pictures until I finally sit down to write.

Celebrating India's 65th Independence Day in the field
and HPS 5th Foundation Day! 

Poori Subzi Brunch post flag hoisting
with Pratima ji

Celebrating Husk turning 5
with one last plant visit!

Final dinner with Gyanesh ji in Patna

An excuse to celebrate!

All over India, people celebrated Raksha Bandhan today. It is a special day where the relationship between a brother and sister is celebrated. The sister ties a thread, Rakhi,  to her brother’s wrist to symbolize her love and gratitude for always protecting her. It is a small gesture that brothers and sisters alike, look forward to. Sisters are gifted something special in return from the brothers for the rakhi they receive - money, clothes and the latest trend thanks to Cadbury's marketing efforts - chocolates.

Boys and men, walked around proudly with bracelets around their wrists throughout the day today. There’s a great variety in the rakhis as well – there are rakhi’s with a lot of bling while others which are a bit more subdued & simple. I did feel immensely guilty for sending virtual rakhi’s to my brothers this year…but then I convinced myself that there’s a perk - they’ll have them all year round! 

Rakhi Thali - for the Rakhi ceremony

Undeniably, there was something special in the air all morning. Bhabiji, my neighbor, was elated all night with the possibility of her brother showing up to surprise her. Sure enough, after a long overnight journey, he showed up this morning to get his rakhi tied. The day was filled with the sound of prayers from poojas, reminisces of the tikkas on everyone’s foreheads from the morning ceremonies and of course the never ending food!

I thought about our ancestors and why they created so many festivals throughout the year. I concluded that perhaps it was a way to encourage people to stop, pause and reflect. To cherish the special relationships in their lives and ensure they get celebrated at least once a year if not all year round. It refreshes the soul to connect with loved ones, to sit down to a special meal and share a few memories and laughs. Even though I am miles away from my brothers, the occasion gave me a reason to call them and write them. Yes, of course, life goes right back to normal, but days like Raksha Bandhan allow people to share happiness within their communities and connect. Our ancestors were brilliant – forcing us to take a break from the daily routine and instead pay attention to what matters the most - people. By celebrating each relationship, those created by birth and others through shared experience, we foster these relationships. Each in its own right is beautiful if we pause to notice.  These festivals enable us to put aside our worries & differences -instead focus on sharing our joy & happiness.

As I type this – Bhabiji walks by, in one swift motion force feeds me a Rasgulla  - even before I can tell what it is. No matter what the occasion, these celebrations make days like today worth cherishing…all because of the delicate relationships they represent & foster.

Customer Service

This blog was inspired by the several grueling and frustrating conversations I’ve had with the Air India staff throughout this year. Sure, it has been a difficult year for the airline especially with the pilot strikes - however as Seth Godin says “Every tough time and every pressured project is another opportunity to earn the trust of someone you care about.” Yes, you should in fact care about your customers.

I recently put together a customer service training manual for all our employees at Husk. Some of the lessons seemed elementary, today was just another reminder how critical, difficult and important it is to implement those "basics"!

    

Listen

True, customers want to be heard especially when they are upset but this is a prerequisite for you to do your job. Until you understand their dilemma, their pain point, their goal - it is impossible for you to help them.

Escalate 

No one can have all the powers or answers. When things are out of your locus of control, escalate the issue. Be proactive, customers will certainly appreciate the time saved. Rather than waiting for a frustrated customer to ask for your manager, introduce them to a more experienced colleague right away.  This will do wonders for you and your reputation, perhaps even improve the organization’s negative brand image. For those that are self interested - who would you want talking to your manager about you? 

     A) A customer who you assisted immediately and referred to the manager

     B) A customer that has been given the run around and has reached your manager as a last resort

It is always your job & your problem

A customer is every employee’s problem whether it affects your job responsibilities directly or indirectly. Your job exists because the customer chooses to bring his/her business to you. Respect that choice and make their problem your problem.

If employees simply care and do their best to address a customer’s concern – regardless of the outcome - the customer leaves with some sense of satisfaction.  Treating customers as though they are disposable simply creates job insecurity.  My hope for all employees is that we continue to develop empathy for our customers and stay mindful of the long term vision.

JOBS!

After the six hour drive to Varanasi we climbed up three flights of stairs to step into an unbearably hot room. There were about 40 candidates eagerly and silently waiting for our arrival. I couldn’t help but feel incredibly guilty for making them wait; I presume they had been there for at least 2 hours. 

Just as I was getting used to the stuffy atmosphere, the invertor gave out. The two giant rickety fans that were helping ventilation in the room had stopped working just as Satish ji, interim director of operations, began providing the attendees an introduction about Husk and the importance of our work.

Satish ji introduces Husk to the candidates 

We were there to recruit electricians and linemen for our operations team. These men would be trained via Husk Power University and then sent to the field to assist especially in preparation for the upcoming monsoon months. Birender ji, Head of engineering at Husk, asked each candidate a series of simple technical questions. I was there to assess their experience, communication and willingness to work within the harsh rural conditions in Bihar. Husk invests a lot in its employees, so it is important that we not only attract but more importantly retain talent once they are trained.

 Candidates browse through our new HPS brochures as they await their turn.

A candidate complete an informational
sheet prior to his interview.

                                               






To ease the obvious nervousness and anxiety, we started out asking simple questions like their name, telephone number and school details – information they had already completed on their forms prior to the interview.   Eventually, Birender ji and I posed a series of worst possible scenario questions for the candidates:

• Are you willing to leave UP and move to Bihar and work in a rural area? Aren't you afraid?
• Do you cook? What would you do if you are unable to find food for dinner in the village after finishing up work late at night?
• What would you do if a customer starts to swear at you about the fluctuation he/she is experiencing in the power supply?
• Will you be able to live without a fan or light despite this heat? Our plant is the only supply of electricity in the village and it operates for just 6 hours at night.
• What will you do if a customer refuses to pay you for the month?
• If you have to sweep or clean up the plant in case your co-workers are missing – would you or is the job beneath you? After all you are more educated than the Husk loader?

Needless to say we got a great variety of interesting responses to the questions. The questions were all based on reasons we've lost trainees in the past. As I asked these difficult but realistic questions, I was amazed at the candidates’ willingness to endure hardship for long term gains. It is difficult work – Husk needs young, honest, hardworking individuals that aren’t quitters. The employees aren't incentivized with huge salaries, bonuses or luxuries. If they can manage to stick it out, it is an incredible opportunity for them to learn, grow and progress - in a region where opportunities for semi-trained individuals are slim at best.  The interviews reminded me of this ad we had discussed at Acumen’s midyear check in.  

Text:MEN WANTED for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful, honor and recognition in case of success.Context: In 1913, Sir Ernest Shackleton placed this ad in the Times to build a crew for an expedition to the South Pole. 5,000 men responded to the ad and 27 were selected.

The good news is that we selected over 25 people to join our electrician training program. Trainees are provided a monthly stipend along with housing for the training period. Successful completion of the training guarantees them a job with HPS. Those that were not selected for the electrician training were offered an option to train as operators. Once they gain experience operating a plant and develop their technical skill set,  they can begin training as an electrician. 

Working at Husk has definitely wiped away any illusions I may have had about working in rural India. It is a dirty, sweaty, difficult, trying but also an incredibly unique experience. Where else could I ever show up in flip flops to an interview and question a candidates culinary skills? As we were leaving, I realized that this was the first interview most of the candidates had ever attended.  I left in great admiration of their determination and willingness to work hard.

I too am beginning my career search post the fellowship.  The night before our trip to Varanasi, I had politely turned down an opportunity after an interview because the job responsibilities didn't sound exciting and I realized they weren't a good fit. After an incredibly humbling 3 hour experience with these candidates, I realized how fortunate I am to have a choice.  

Unfortunately, for many around the world it is still a luxury to have options to explore. To have a means to earn an income, beyond that generated through farming for survival, is rare. I am convinced that it is by creating access to opportunities that we can truly empower.  Education is at the core of every development issue we battle and HPS is doing its share to educate and empower the local population. 

This week, we welcomed the new recruits in Patna. I’m excited to see the fruits of HPS’ very first ground level recruiting session.

A Bihari Delicacy!

Bihar is known for its litti – chokha. My fellowship experience, much like Aamir Khan's recent visit to Patna, would have been incomplete without a cooking lesson on making this favorite local treat! Recipe below for those that want to try it!!

Ingredients for approximately 40 littis (a minimum quantity @ the guesthouse!):

·         2 packets of Sattu (250gms each)
·         4 medium Onions
·         Handful Green Chilies
·         2 tbsp Garlic
·         2 Tomatoes
·         One large bunch of coriander
·         4 Lemons
·         4 cups Wheat Flour
·         2 tbsp of ajwain
·         Oil for frying
                     ·        Salt to taste

Step 1: Empty the sattu in a large bowl. Use your fingers to break up the mixture. Keep working your way through the bowl. When it is adequately broken up, you’ll notice you can form shapes  and it begins to stick together.

Step 2: Add diced chilies, garlic, onions to this mixture. Mix well. Squeeze lemon juice onto the mixture. 

Step 3: Knead wheat dough into a thick consistency adding water, oil and salt. Add ajwain to the mix.

Step 4: Grab a generous amount of dough and roll into a smooth giant round ball.

Step 5: Next start pressing in the center of the dough to make a hollow center – so it starts to look like a bowl.

Step 6: Stuff a giant spoonful of the the sattu stuffing into the dough bowl.

Step 7: Bring in the sides of the wheat dough together. This will cover up the sattu completely with the wheat dough. The uncooked litti should look like this.

Step 8 : Heat the oil and fly until the cover is golden brown. (You can also cook the litti over an open fire for a healthier version).

Step 9: The finished litti will look like the picture below.  Serve them slightly warm. 

To accompany the litti – Biharies make a variety of sides chokha including chutney, eggplant, potatoes, a selection of sauces. We made simple yet tasty chutney to go along with our littis.

Steps for coriander chutney:

     1) Roast tomatoes over an open flame until the skin gets a little burnt

     2) Peel off the skin of the tomato.

     3) Roast garlic, coriander and chillies on a pan. Wait till they get a little brown. This gives the chutney a nice roasted flavor.

4)  Grind tomatoes, garlic, chilies, coriander in a mixer. Add salt. Don’t add too much water – you want the chutney to maintain a thick consistency.

 5)Serve with your Litti!

Munna ji:  My instructor & the cook at the guesthouse!

Reflections inspired by the Ganga

Yesterday, I experienced Varanasi first hand. I drove there with a few colleagues to recruit candidates for HPU’s linemen training (more details in a later blog). If you know anything about India, you've invariably heard about Varanasi. I too had heard extremely varying views from friends and family about what is considered to be the holiest sites in India.

Along the banks of the Ganga – you truly witness life, death and everything in between all in one glance. Children running around selling candles as yogis meditate in stillness; buffalos bathing as families cremate loved ones; young adults smoking marijuana while pundits chant centuries old scriptures; foreigners walking around with rudraksha malas as locals soak in the sun with flaunting their DIOR sunglasses. The sensory overload pales in comparison to Mumbai airport’s exit gate or New York’s Times Square for that matter.

What was most shocking and unexpected though was the hustle and bustle of ongoing business transactions along the Ganges bank. Cops stand by a temporary barricade to openly accept bribes from cycle rickshaws and bikers for entry to a "pedestrian only" pathway leading to the river. Along the way, men wearing saffron robes look for their prey and insist on guiding visitors to the hidden temple entrance.  They offer deity darshan for a small “finder’s fee”.  Along the bank, priests walk around with brass plates used for religious ceremonies – eager to adorn a tikka on a non suspecting visitor’s forehead and swiftly hand over coconut as prasad (blessed offering) – all in return for a fee they deem appropriate. The ferry boats in the Ganges are no exception. After your guide has introduced you to all the ghats along the river - they stop to share that last ghat is where visitors give “Gupt daan” – literally translated to “anonymous donations” – an act that will bring the donor good luck. I was dumbstruck by the facade of religion and tradition used to promote dishonest businesses everywhere I looked. Under the disguise of holy and pure, the Ganga can be described as a market place filled with deception.

We sailed to end the day with the Ganga Aarti. As I listened to the chiming of the bells, the chatter from all that I had just witnessed silenced itself. I started to think about the millions that had come before me -  full of hope to cleanse themselves in the Ganga. I thought about how for hundreds of years, thousands of souls from all around the world had probably left feeling blessed to hear the same prayers, I was witnessing. The glowing lights diverted my thoughts away from the numerous examples of deceitfulness I had observed earlier.  An amazing sense of calmness came over me as I experienced the synchronized Aarti made as an offering nightly to the Ganga.  I was in awe and suddenly I felt fortunate to be there.

I concluded on our six hour drive home that Varanasi is certainly special.  The negative noise within me was silenced while I floated amidst the dishonesty, corruption, lying and cheating. I suppose the Ganga is just a unfiltered and clear reflection of the world. A world filled with selfishness, dishonesty and deceit balanced with hope, faith and generosity. We choose where to focus our thoughts and effort.  

Ripple Effect

I break your trust. “I” could be anyone – stranger, lifelong friend, boss, spouse, subordinate, organization, supplier, customer, government - the list could go on and on. Anyone you come into contact with – directly or indirectly - carries their reputation with them.

The varied experiences you have with me over time – begin to reveal a prominent and unique image. Each interaction adds a different color, a different stroke to your canvas - of me. Suddenly - one incident, one un kept promise, one misspoken word begins to tarnish this portrait. The trust which may have been difficult to establish in the first place, is shred to pieces.  Now you begin to view each interaction associated with me - with a shattered lens.  Consistent with human nature, you are more likely to share your disappointments, rather than surprises, with those close to you.

Unfortunately, the shattered lens doesn’t just affect my individual credibility. My actions or in actions - influence and create unseen ripple effects.  My associations - family, department, company, educational background, race, gender, religion, nationality - are somehow affected. Reputations develop, organizational culture is influenced, stereotypes get formed, and expectations begin to change; you begin to react differently to the same interaction because now I’ve opened Pandora’s box and given you a reason to question and doubt.

Lack of trust is often cited as one of the biggest challenges with doing business with rural customers.  They’ve been burnt by too many NGOs, banks and businesses promising to solve their problems. Many fail to deliver, shattering their trust and making it difficult for the next solution to be given any consideration.

Each of us is therefore burdened with enormous responsibility. To ensure our actions create positive effects in the communities we belong to. It is important to individually recognize our extended influence.  It is just a matter of pausing to decide – do you wish to create a masterpiece or help destroy art? After all you too must bear the consequences.

'Improbable is possible'

"Hopefulness isn't being an optimist. It's being a realist knowing that the improbable, is possible."  — Marshall Ganz

Last night our conversation gravitated to discussing exceptions to any rule or norm. Gyanesh ji caught me by surprise when he said, "Exceptions mean that there are possibilities." 

At Acumen, the concept of moral imagination is frequently discussed. I think of moral imagination as a combination of empathy + imagination. An imagination that allows you to challenge the status-quo to create practical solutions that are developed through an empathetic lens. 

Gyanesh ji has demonstrated this imagination exceptionally throughout each initiative at Husk. It is his ability to look at issues as opportunities that has struck me through out my time here. Lack of qualified workforce, was an opportunity to train locals through Husk Power University; electricity theft was motivation behind in-house development of a low cost prepaid meter; waste from gasification process was a means to establish incense production. It shouldn't be surprising that he views exceptions as proof of possibilities or the improbable as possible. HPS is certainly one of improbable exceptions in rural Bihar. 

Are you doing your best?

We are often our worst critics. So when answering this question honestly, in most scenerios I'd guess that, more often than not, people think of a few more things they could've tried, pushing themselves a little harder for a better result perhaps knocking on one more door to exceed that sales target. 

"Your best" is naturally individually defined . Each person brings their own capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, unique experience and bar of judgement. 

Individual drive and passion certainly play a major role. Some people are relentless in the pursuit of their individual best. If it doesn't meet their standard, it isn't good enough no matter what everyone else says. They push, struggle and fight to revel in the glory of giving it their all. Content often with the efforts even if the results don't necessarily manifest. 

But managers must also recognize their large responsibility in creating a constructive and challenging space to enable such individuals to pursue their best. Employees must be equipped to do their best early on - when they are full of hope and passion. Setting targets, training, mentoring most importantly listening are ways managers can ensure employees will stay the course regardless of the obstacles they face. If as a manager you are unable to create an atmosphere of high expectations with unlimited support for your employees to pursue their personal best - you unknowingly stiffle passion, contentment and job satisfaction. You end up creating employees that eventually settle for less than their best. Most importantly creating a dangerous and contagious culture within the organization.

In the end, the super stars always manage to shine. Regardless of surroundings, managers, team morale, available support, resources or obstacles they may face. It is the rest of the 95% that managers must handle with care. What could we achieve if everyone was pursuing their personal best and enabling others to do the same? The better question to ask perhaps - is what couldn't we achieve with everyone's best?

Disappointments

If you are human, you have been disappointed over and over in your life. Disappointments all stem from our expectations. Some that are reasonable, others that aren't. Yet we are all making a choice post the disappointment, on how we deal with disappointments, a critical choice that dictates if we can eventually overcome the disappointment.

Professional disappointments are perhaps a little less complicated to handle than personal ones. When faced with one at work, we can respond by abandoning the plan, finding someone else to blame or simply quitting all together. The other alternative it to ask those involved with the disappointment (team members, customers, managers, subordinates) for the issues, roadblocks, blind spots and potential solutions they may see to overcome the disappointment. This facilitation requires an open, unbiased mind to ideas that you may not necessarily agree with. It requires unprecedented patience during the process as you encourage a diverse set of ideas from each stakeholder. It requires enormous flexibility to revise the action plan, make a minor adjustment or even a complete u-turn if required. It also requires a relentless commitment to your vision. An insistence that you won’t settle for anything less than the ideal despite the severity of disappointments you may face along the way. Definitely easier said than done.

Why wait for the beach?

Another first in Bihar: Drinking coconut water while working. 

Makes my afternoon rather special!

Bharat Band

The government hiked the price of petrol by Rs. 7.54/liter (including taxes) at midnight yesterday. Based on the new rate Indians pay ~ $5.54/gallon. As I sat there contemplating how expensive it would be to drive around Patna, I was reminded of Esther Duflo's book Poor Economics. She states that although price hikes affect everyone, they adversely and rather severely affect those that are really poor. The average middle class household may let go of a few luxuries but the poor may have to resort to reducing or skipping meals just to survive. 

A few political parties have decided to protest the hike and declared a Bharat band (All India shutdown). This means in all the major towns & cities - including Patna - activities stop. Public transport, shops, schools, businesses are forced to shut down. The protests initially started out peacefully but by mid-afternoon we've had violence throughout the country...Patna, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkatta. 

The violence much like the forced shutdown causes unnecessary harm. In the end, politicians are featured as part of a morning headline and regular people suffer the consequences of  public buses being set on fire, trains halting for days, damaged cars and closed down commercial businesses. 

I remember planning a trip with senior management at GM a few years ago- they were all foreigners visiting India for the first time. The day before the trip, a band (shutdown) was declared and the trip was cancelled given the risk involved. Lost business, lost tourism, lost jobs and a risky reputation for the country to overcome. 

Inevitably, I wonder how we could express our discontentment in a useful and peaceful way. Rather than halting the economy and wasting India's precious resources - why not reward those businesses that are working towards lowering our dependence on petrol? Rather than voicing discontentment through a shutdown each time we face an issue why not put forth real solutions? 

Sure, shutting down India leads to one benefit - bringing the issue to the forefront. The steepest hike yet for those paying Rs. 73.14/liter is enough assurance that the issue won't go unnoticed. 

Safety First!

Trying hard not to look ridiculous while modeling the
essential yellow hard hat.

Husk Power University

I had the opportunity to visit Husk’s Training Center for the first time today with a few potential partners from Nigeria. Husk takes great pride in Husk Power University which was developed in partnership with Shell Foundation, now I know why. 

Training Center Facility

The Husk team has a clear mission, to provide “ Power to Empower” & they do just that at the training center.

Reviewing Theory

Class in session

Final Test

Semi-skilled to unskilled youth are recruited as trainees for various plant positions. They spend a month at the training center where they are taught both theory & hands on training on the machinery. While we were there, a new trainee who had completed his coursework was going through his final series of tests. We must have added even more pressure with the additional spectators and our cameras - but he was focused as he tried to identify the fault in engine based on the abnormal noise it was making.  To the untrained ear it just sounded loud!

This type of simulation training helps operators when they are out in the field and face issues in daily operations. But Husk doesn't stop there – they also send the trainees to an operational plant. There they work alongside the plant operator for two weeks, observing and learning the realities of operations outside the training center. Husk really wants to equip these individuals to succeed.

Husk Gasifier Simulation
Safety First!

They don’t stop there either. All trainees are put onto a development path that will allow them to progress as they gain more experience and develop their skills. This means that all trainees, including those that have completed schooling up to 8^th grade, now have a career path they can choose to follow. It is an initiative aimed at developing and training the local rural workforce. So often, well intended solutions fail because upon installation, the team heads back to their respective metros, never taking the time to truly develop local talent to maintain the solutions put into place.  Husk dares to take seemingly complex concepts and machinery, and break them down catering to its rural audience. This creates a strong local workforce that keep Husk plants running. With the limited opportunities available in rural Bihar, Husk is not only providing the much needed jobs but also a transferable skill set for future aspirations the trainees may have beyond Husk.

By creating access to new opportunities through education, Husk true to its mission enables direct and sustainable empowerment.

109º F

With frequent power cuts and alarming temperatures in Patna, unusual happenings are starting to take place.  All the critters and creatures from the outside have decided to invade my slightly cooler bedroom.  A new one every day,  mice, lizards, even bugs I’ve never seen before.  As I slept last night, I felt something crunchy crawling on my forehead. I flung it across the room onto the curtains in one quick motion. I switched on the lights rather paranoid, only to discover that a flying cockroach had crawled on my face a few moments ago. No one said this year was going to glamorous, but this may be where I draw my line. Needless to say, I stayed awake all night with the lights on to capture any friends the creepy crawler had brought with him.

When the weather is this warm there are changes even in people’s day to day activities.  Although, I usually walk to the office from the guesthouse, I carefully timed my departure to ensure that I would be ready to go around the same time as my colleague. You see he has a bike! Even the 1 km walk seems unbearable in this weather. Unfortunately,  Mithlesh ji, another employee staying at the guesthouse had the exact same plan. The solution? Get all 3 people and their bags on the bike of course! I felt like a true Bihari as we rode in style under the blaring sun. 


The hot weather is bringing some rather nasty and some pleasant memorable firsts.

Is getting the job done the most important priority?

I have been thinking about this question a lot lately.  I believe that as a manager if I continue to tell people what to do, how to do and when to do - I wind up developing individuals that simply follow and implement at best. I don't encourage their questions, develop their strengths or recognize their potential. It is a much more challenging task to instead try to develop ownership and accountability within them.  By encouraging people to pursue projects as their own responsibility, they alone are tasked with the success or failure of it. This invariably means that the job doesn't always get done when I want and how I want it. Yet, it helps preserve individual ownership that is hampered when I unintentionally turn an employee into an implementer.  This is a disservice to the employee and the organization.
I must strive to strike a balance between providing guidance and creating accountability. Guidance can only be provided if I understand and recognize the employee’s individual strengths, weaknesses, drive and capabilities. Accountability on the other hand can only be created by giving employees both the authority and responsibility to deliver. There’s a risk no matter what approach I pick; one approach can potentially hamper a single deliverable while the other obstructs an employees’ potential.
Personally, I'd rather risk a deliverable at the cost of compromising the organizations’ full potential. 

Faith

It is around a 100F in Patna right now. After surviving several hot nights on a rickety fan that runs mostly on the inverter - I finally got my hands on a cooler yesterday. Everyone at the guesthouse was equally excited about its setup – from the neighboring kids to the new cook in the guesthouse! Before we turned it on, the cook, Munna ji insisted we say a little prayer. It didn't last long – in fact it was quite humorous - he cheekily asked the Symphony Jumbo Jr. to “Please cool maam’s room well” as he rotated an incense stick around the white plastic box it in a giant circle. The whole episode was rather hilarious.

Later in the afternoon, I took potential partners to a plant. We arrived at the plant around dusk, so partners have the opportunity to witness the process of starting up the biomass plant. Right before the operator turned on the supply of electricity – I noticed he folded his hands and said a quick prayer to a board of wires and bulbs that allow him to monitor his supply throughout the village.

On the dark ride back, I thought about these two incidents and the enormous faith that seems ingrained in this community. At every step, whether it is a rare occasion, like buying a new cooler, or a daily occurrence like turning on the lights – people acknowledge and thank a power beyond themselves. They take the time to appreciate and give thanks for the special and the ordinary. It seems like a straightforward way to keep humility at the forefront on a daily basis. 

Patience

I distinctly remember facing the panelists as they asked me my biggest weakness. At that point I had realized they were either going to like me for who I really am – or else I truly wasn’t a good fit for the fellowship. So I spoke candidly to a panel of folks that believed in patient capital – “My biggest weakness is patience.”  

The fellowship has attacked this weakness head on time and time again with work, myself, relationships and results. I conducted my first solo business development visit yesterday. For the first time in the last 6 months, I finally felt confident enough about my knowledge and my abilities to sell the business model we’ve developed at Husk.  I just needed to have the patience to develop an understanding of the plants and the intricacies of their operations. Patience to listen to the most common questions we get from potential partners. Patience to know how and when to push. Patience with myself to adjust and learn.

Patience to deliver measureable impact. 

6 Months In...

I knew I had taken a break from writing – but I didn’t realize it was this long! I’m now six months into the fellowship.  The last three have passed much faster than I anticipated.  Highlights below:

·         I went back to CORD with the Kelley Globase Crew.  Spending time at CORD was truly inspirational and reenergized me from within. There’s something magical about Sidhbari – the mountains, the fresh air, the Hari Om greetings, early mornings and late nights - they all seem to help you silence yourself. It is as if all the burdens of the world are lifted up; you experience and admire nature in its purest form. Spending  time with Dr. Didi was just a reminder of how one person, leading through love can create a sustainable change that seems magical, even amidst all of nature’s wonders.

An ordinary view in Sidhbari

Holi @ CORD!
Photo Credit: Madhu

·         I went to Africa for the first time! Nairobi, Kenya and Zanzibar, Tanzania in particular.  Reconnecting with the other fellows was fantastic. I walked away as I always do, when I spend time with them, with many things to think about, even more things to put into practice, and a renewed appreciation for having this incredible opportunity.  We had a chance to visit some of E. African fellows’ social initiatives and I was blown away by their commitment to change.  When I think of passion - I always ask myself – what would be worth risking my life? It feels unreal when you meet those that are already doing so without hesitation and an ounce of regret. More on that via a separate blog.

Fellows with Rama @ Baba Dogo, Nairobi
Photo Credit : Ramil

Extreme Lunch!
A lioness and her cubs had just left this spot
Photo Credit: Ramil

·         Took a few days off on a Safari – possibly the most incredible place I’ve ever visited.  It feels as though you’ve gone back in time and are witnessing the world as it once was. It is absolutely stunning – I don't have words to describe it justly. Think Yousef said it best – “I can’t believe we waited this long to do this!”

·         At work we've managed to finally finish an animation video that explains our business model.  As Albert Einstein said – “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough”– I think I am finally starting to understand it.  Would love feedback and another soundtrack!!

Phew – it’s been a hectic but fun 3 months!  No more writing vacations....

Three Months later...

Its been exactly three months since I first landed in Patna. So, what's changed?


I've realized over time how impatient I've been with people, processes and the systems around me. As I look back, I distinctly remember my first monthly management meeting. I remember voicing my concern about several changes I deemed integral to the organization's success. At the time, experienced managers politely told me - we just weren't ready for them yet. Last week, many of the same changes transitioned from the wish list and made it on to the essential list. 


Similarly, our roles as fellows have transitioned significantly. We have slowly integrated ourselves as part of the team.  Investees are no longer referred to by name instead as I noticed on our latest Global Fellows call, all the fellows were using the words "we, us, our" when referring to their projects or teams. A transition accomplished through patience and perseverance despite cultural, physical and mental barriers.


Personally, I've learnt to cope and find comfort in my surroundings. The hard wooden plank I call a bed no longer phases me; I am no longer phased by seeing my coworkers the minute I wake up; I now automatically pause for 10 seconds after speaking into my computer because of the Skype lag; I have developed a system to keep the swarms of mosquitoes at bay; I have scheduled down time in my evenings when I know internet won't cooperate;  I even have my own rickshaw guy who rides a special low rise rickshaw convenient for baggage and shorties like me!


I have become more patient with myself and others; Patience and acceptance are integral to building personal credibility and making even the smallest contribution in this community. I'm glad to have 6 more months to grow.