Cohen Family Passage to India

Honda cars are good, service is another story

2007-03-24T20:53:00.004-07:00

There is only one Honda dealership in Hyderabad India. We bout our CRV from them in January 2006. Since that time, whenever the car needs servicing, I get a twist in my stomach because I know it will be difficult dealing with them. No normally, I do not write about these kinds of experiences and I think this time it is important.

We took our car in because it was involved in an accident. The service manager told us it would take 2 days to repair. This surprised us because in the states it would have taken a few weeks for the same work. We left the car and 2 days later came back to get it only to find nothing had been done. The service manager explained that the insurance company had come and approved the work and now they would order parts.

Two weeks later we took the car back and this time again were told two days. We are leaving for China on Sunday and it was important they keep their word because we need the car and driver available for our daughter. The PROMISED 2-days again!

AND, they put it in writing! Two days later, they said sorry we did not finish. Finally Saturday, they claimed it to be done. I went to pick up the car only to find they had partially repaired the vehicle. They blamed the insurance company stating they did not approve the other repairs. The insurance company tells us they did! On top of that the entire car was a mess. Dirt everywhere! Grease...yuck. Even though Honda are good cars, in fact great cars, if you find yourself in Hyderabad, India...NEVER NEVER NEVER buy from the dealer here as they do not understand the meaning of the world service. You will receive your beautiful new vehicle and then every time it needs service you will have to deal with all the extra frustration.

Hello friends...been a long time

2007-02-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I updated the blog. Life is spinning with so much happening. We went to Dubai in December. Amazing place. There are more than a hundred skyscraper buildings going up all at once. Rising out of the dessert, they have got huge malls, indoor snow skiing (they really do), modern everything!

After Dubai, we went to the states. We arrived in Charlotte, NC on December 24th and drive to our daughter, Jennifer's house. We spent Christmas with her, JJ, Britt and our newest edition, Leo, who was born on November 30.

We had a great time there and then moved on to the mountains of NC in Asheville where we stayed with friends. Then it was on to New York City to celebrate the New Years.

LEADERSHIP WITHOUT BORDERS to be published by John Wiley and Sons March 2007

2006-11-26T14:33:00.000-08:00

Well, I have done it. I wrote my first book and it is about to be submitted to the publisher for editing. The book is called Leadership Without Borders.

Leadership Without Borders
Successful Strategies from World Class Leaders

Significant changes have occurred since the emergence of the knowledge economy demanding a recast of many of the roles of leaders. Today’s leaders work, lead staff, and have customers who are from all over the globe. Anyone working outside their country of origin or with those outside their country of origin needs to understand how to be successful in the global arena. This is critical for leaders and requires blending cultural definitions of leadership with multiple geographic influences. More and more, the internet and other means of rapid communication allow diverse groups of employees to come together to work and learn from each other. All can connect simultaneously to make key decisions that instantly influence organizations on a global scale.

Leadership Without Borders provides practical information gathered from hundreds of leaders who are leading across the globe and have lived and worked in more than 60 different countries in five key areas:

Leadership Characteristics born or learned that ensure success as a global leader
Business Acumen needed to thrive as a global leader
Worldview providing methods for expanding your 360-degree awareness of our global environment
People Leadership encompassing the most important knowledge, skills and attributes for success in any environment
Business Leadership skills and attributes to enhance your global leadership ability

In addition to gaining valuable insights into the five key areas, you will have the opportunity to read about the art and science of global leadership, transitioning to a global mindset, people strategies, enterprise risk strategies, and change leadership in chapters written by key leaders from:

BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON, USA
CHANGE LEADERS, Worldwide
HORASIS: THE GLOBAL VISIONS COMMUNITY, Switzerland
NIKE Europe
SATYAM COMPUTER SERVICES, India
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK, Singapore
UNIVERSITAS 21 GLOBAL, Singapore
VODAFONE, Spain

HAPPY ThanksGiving

2006-11-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving at the Novotel in Hyderabad with friends from around the world.

The Satyam World Tour

2006-10-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

You may wonder why my blog is not so up to date anymore. It is not due to lack of interest, but rather the business that comes from being fully immersed in the corporate and environmental cultures. We have enterred into a routine now that has us working and playing and doing alot of travel. For example, September 8th, I left Hyderabad to go to Mumbai to speak at the Analysts Summit. The next day, I left for New York to speak at the Analysts Summit there. Jay met me in New York and we had a great time seeing the sights. We also visited the World Trade Center memorial site. From New York, it was on to Geneva for the European Customer Forum.

THen it was back to Hyderabad, where I checked into the hospital to undergo surgery for a hernia. Two weeks later, I again boarded a flight to Washington DC, this time arriving just in time to attend the ASTD Best Awards. It was a proud moment to see Satyam make the list at number 15 on our first try. It was also proud to see that the team at Booz Allen was keeping the flame burning as they rose to number one in the ranks.

From Virginia, it was on to Toronto to teach Executive Presence and then onto Santa Clara, Californina to do the same. When the weekend came, Tolbert (or John as some call him) flew in from Minnesota and we spent three days in San Francisco.

I have been to San Francisco many times, but viewing it through his eyes as a newcomer was an incredible experience. For example, we rented an electric car with a gps audio capability that guided us to the sights. We stopped near the Golden Gate bridge and Tolbert decided he has to go into the water, even if just to put his toe in to be able to say he had touched the Pacific ocean (ok it's the bay, but it leads to the ocean). So, he took off his shoes, even with my warning that the water in always cold, and ran down into the water. What a sight as his feet and his brain registered just how cold the water was at the same time.

Now, I am sitting in the hotel lobby waiting for the car to come to take me back to Santa Clara where I will be attending the Conference Board meetings for the next three days. So, for those who thought I had stopped writing, here you go...the newest entry.

8 months and counting

2006-08-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

We have been in India for 8 months now.

Things have settled, but there is so much to do all the time. Whether from office to home or home to wherever, always seems to be something going on.

Tolbert and his four college friends, Tor, Keven and Ibanga got here in June and are spending the summer interning at Satyam.

Kaundy, son of AS Murthy achieved a major milestone in his life and we all attended his threading ceremony.

Upanayana: The Thread CeremonyA crucial event in the life of the orthodox, upper-caste Hindu male is an initiation (upanayana) ceremony, which takes place for some young males between the ages of six and twelve to mark the transition to awareness and adult religious responsibilities.

At the ceremony itself, the family priest invests the boy with a sacred thread to be worn always over the left shoulder, and the parents instruct him in pronouncing the Gayatri Mantra. The initiation ceremony is seen as a new birth; those groups entitled to wear the sacred thread are called the twice-born.

In the ancient categorization of society associated with the Vedas, only the three highest groups - Brahman, warrior (Kshatriya), and commoner or merchant (Vaishya) - were allowed to wear the thread, to make them distinct from the fourth group of servants (Shudra).

Thailand

We took a trip to Thailand with with Tolbert, his buds and Joshua. We stayed for 4 days, 2 in Bangkok and 2 in Pattaya. We saw some amazing history and experienced the culture and beach.

MacKenzie Turns 16

On July 15, we invited 200 people to share our celebration of MacKenzie's sixteenth birthday. It was an amazing party with a DJ and full dinner. Everyone had a great time, especially MacKenzie who was the star of the evening.

When in Rome

For MacKenzie's birthday, we had her select a place to go in Europe and she chose Rome. We spent five days there, say the monuments, ancient Rome and even did side trips to Pisa and Florence. Rome has the best wine, best food, best everything. We loved it.

We stayed at Hotel Atlante and the staff were so friendly. The hotel is a historical building and a nice place, strategically located near the Vatican.

Check out a short history of Rome here: http://www.legionxxiv.org/history/

Three weeks of blurrrrrrrrrrrrr

2006-06-23T03:46:00.000-07:00

The past three weeks have gone by so fast that I just realized I had not made any entries. So, here in photos, is the story of the last three weeks.

The team has now grown to 19 staff including four interns. The interns are Tolbert (our god son), Thor, Kevin, and Ibanga. They all attend University of Minnesota.

School of Leadership is rapidly taking shape and is on schedule for end of October.

Josh, Vikas and I conducted a session for Nipuna, a Satyam subsidiary. We exchanged and shared objects and led a group of activities to enhance relationships.

On my birthday, I woke up around 8 am and got dressed to go to the gym. The door bell rang and I went to answer it only to find my team was outside the door with a cake. It was a great surprise.

Joti, whose Mom is the domestic helper living in the house next door got married. Joti is 16 and her sister Devi is 12. Devi is an amazing child having completed the ninth grade (skipped 2 grades). She speaks Telegu, Hindi and English fluently. And, she has a great personality.

We all went to dinner to celebrate.

On the last day before Dr. Zayd and Muhsinah returned to the states, we all went for a visit to Golconda Fort. http://www.webindia123.com/monuments/forts/golconda.htm for more information on this great place.

We also went to Mecca masjid, is one of the oldest masjids in the city and easily the biggest. Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah began building it in 1617 under the supervision of Mir Faizullah Baig and Rangiah Choudhary. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb completed the construction in 1694. It took 77 years to come up as the magnificent edifice we see today. Like many other ancient buildings in the city, the mosque is a granite giant with awe-inspiring innards. The main hall of the mosque is 75 feet high, 220 feet wide and 180 feet long, big enough to accommodate ten thousand worshippers at a time.

Mecca masjid is just a hundred yards southwest of the historic Charminar. Between Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah and Aurangzeb, Abul Hasan Tana Shah of Golconda also continued the task launched by the Qutub Shahi kings. It is believed that Muhammed Quli commissioned bricks to be made from earth brought from Mecca and inducted them into the construction of the central arch of the mosque, which explains the name of the mosque.

Global Rising Stars

2006-06-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Dr Zayd and his daughter Muhsinah have spent the past two weeks in India conducting the Global Rising Stars programme for Satyam Associates' high school and college aged dependents. These up and comers participated in a four day programme where they stayed at the Technology Center and had the opportunity to learn about how to gain maximum results from the right balance of knowledge, skills, atiitudes, and behaviours.

While in towm, we visited the Mosque, Golconda Fort, Byraju Foundation, Emergency Management Response, and Dr. Reddy Labs. I shall write more about each and share photos so stay tuned.

Serendipity

2006-05-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

We had a 6 hour layover in Amsterdam on our way back from the states. Raffy, who lives in Amsterdam, was our host, taking us around town. Not only was it great to reconnect with Raffy, we all fell in love with Amsterdam.

Jasper...first to adapt

2006-05-15T03:34:00.000-07:00

ASTD Conference

2006-05-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

Same day as the wedding, Pris and I packed and left for the states. Our flight left at 3:15 am (all international flights leave very late or very early because of time zone differences).

We first went to Northern Virginia where we visited with friends. We hosted a happy hour and 40 friends came which was great to see everyone. We also had benchmark meetings with Gallup, Ritz and Booz Allen. Pris also went to Chicago and Detroit to meet with leaders and took a side trip to see her family. She also went to Charlotte to visit Jen, Britt and JJ.

We all met in Dallas. Josh Craver who is relocating to India, Pithamber who leads Virtual Learning, Rajul, head of Satyam Learning Center, and Mukesh Aghi who is CEO of U21Global.

Top left: Pithamber, Ed, Pris, Amy Zuckerman of Gallup at dinner
Top right: Charlotte (MacKenzie's godmother), Ed, Pris at dinner
L to R Center row: Joshua, Pris, Pithamber at entrance to ASTD expo; Charlotte and Sardeek at dinner; Group at ASTD session we led; Jason, Josh, Charlotte; Michael & Zack
Bottom row (L to R): Pithmaber & Pris; Pithamber, Pris, Amy

Pris, Jim (Root Learning) and I led a session using learning maps to help bring awareness to the global skills gap and how we can come together to close it. We had an audience from around the world.

Back row: Christy (Root Learning), Josh, Rajul, Jim (Root), Pierre (Root), Pris
Front row: Ed, Pithamber, and Alison (Root)

Our friends at Booz Allen received Excellence In Practice Citations for Market Focused Learning, People Talk Web Radio and Project Mercury. Congratulations to Sardeek, Charlotte, Jason, Scott, Judy and Raymond who accepted on behalf of Booz Allen.

On our last day in town we drive to our house and took a final walk through. The house has been sold so this was out last time visiting. A flood of memories and a flurry of intense feelings.

Experiencing a traditional wedding

2006-05-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

Ramajinga Raju, Chairman of Satyam invited us to his son's wedding. The wedding took place on April 30 at 11:29 am as prescribed by the priests. To determine the auspicious moment, they calculated the dates of both births (bride and groom).

We attended in traditional attire to celebrate the culture and show our upmost respect for the family. The young man with us is Taj, a friend of MacKenzie's.

Cyber Bees

2006-04-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

School of Leadership Team has moved to temporary offices located in Cyber Towers, while the facility is being built. Outside our ninth floor window, we have the largest bee hive I have ever seen. I commented "there must be a thousand bees." Kavitha, our operations manager countered with, "No, Ed, I think there are more like 10000 bees."

Here is the view from the temporary office. The construction site is where School of Leadership is being built.

We all had dinner out that same night. In front left is Ashu (baby), her momma Shebona who is the housekeeper, Kenzie, Pris, our friend Narsing, then Sefarus (Shebona's brother) and Ramesh (Narsing's brother). Ismail, our driver and Ashu's daddy took the picture.

Today, we have a very busy day. First, we will attend the wedding of Ramalinga Raju's (Chairman Satyam) son. We have been told there will be more than 15000 people there. WOW, that is a huge wedding by anyone's standards.

Then we rush home to pack because Priscilla and I leave for the states late tonight for 2 weeks of meetings and to attend the ASTD conference in Dallas.

Will be sure to post pictures of the wedding, where you will get to see MacKenzie and Pris wearing a Sari.

Satayamasov

2006-04-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

Each year all Satyam associates and their families assemble throughout the world on the same day to celebrate the end of the year and start of another. Last year, the event was canceled because the firm decided to donate funds to Tsunami victoms instead.

So it has been 2 years since the last Satayamasov. The event in Hyderabad was attended by more that 22,000 people and included an evening of incredible entertainment, laser light shows and dinner.

Extra...extra...Satyam enters billion dollar club

2006-04-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

Satyam announced...

"It is with a sense of great pride and joy that I report Satyam’s entry into the billion dollar club. Achieving this significant landmark has been possible by the support received from our Customers and Investors and the commitment of our Associates. I would like to place on record my heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders who made this possible. "

Ramalinga Raju, Chairman, Satyam Computer Services

http://www.satyam.com/investors/i_latest.html

2006-04-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

As part of Hyderabad's efforts to become a global city, there was a seminar where people were asked to speak on various topics. I spoke on What it is like to be a newcomer from outside India.

Singapore

2006-04-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Singapore is a tropical, clean, literally crime free version of New York City. It has a blend of different culture, cuisine, arts and architecture here. Singapore has around 4 million people who mostly live in high rises on this small island country.

We left Hyderabad at midnight and arrived in Singapore 4 hours later but due to the time difference of 2 1/2 hours, it was 6:30 am when we landed. First stop, the hotel so we could take a couple hours more to sleep.

In the afternoon, we went on a city tour. Singapore is a country of contrasts. You have shiney new skyscrapers and in between, there are temples that are several hundred years old.

Here is the view from Satyam's office located on the 40th floor.

Singapore produces more than 35% of the world's supply of orchids. We stopped off at the orchid botanical gardens to catch a glimse of the varieties of orchids.

We completed our day with dinner at the American Club hosted by U21Global. On Tuesday, we met with Press to release information about our new partnership.

Jarong Bird Park
This place is truly amazing. You walk into aviaries that are 10 stories high and you are among hundreds of birds who fly freely among the natural landscape.

The park has a waterfall, man-made, that is 30 meters high.

At Sentosa Island, we visited Underwater World. Sentosa is connected to Singapore by a causeway and a cable car.

And spent a few minutes taking in the view from the beach.

Two weeks...a photo journal

2006-04-09T04:31:00.001-07:00

Over the past two weeks, we have been very busy.

Pris traveled to Chennai for meetings. While she was out of town, MacKenzie and I attended the first birthday party for Sushma's daughter. Then, I traveled to Mumbai to attend a Global Leaders conference and MacKenzie continues to make new friends.

We are launching a Global Business Leaders certificate program in partnership with U21Global and Harvard Business School Publishing to expand the strategic global business skills of our leaders.

Pris attended an HR meeting in Chennai. It was the team's end of year celebration. It was attended by over 200 associates.

And I thought birthday parties were a big deal in the states...more than 50 people attended this little girls first birthday party complete with formal ceremony. Everything took place on a large stage with lots of music. They cut the cake and the baby took the first bite. Then Mom and Dad took a bite, and then all the kids came forward to take a bite of cake and say happy birthday. This was followed by a full buffet dinner.

When India was a British colony, they changes the city's name from Mumbai to Bombay. Today, cities across India have changed their names back to their origin. Madras has returned to being called Chennai, and Calkuta has returned to Kolkata.

I took these picutres from top of the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai while attending the Global Leaders Conference.

We took MacKenzie and her friends to lunch.

Florida Gators win NCAA Title

2006-04-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

I am not a major basketfall fan, but for those who know me, you know that I attended University of Florida and that makes me a huge GATOR fan!

Gators clamp down on UCLA

to win NCAA title

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) --University of Florida dominated UCLA in a 73-57 blowout for the Florida Gators' first national title in basketball.

MARCH 29..…..…......Total eclipse of the SUN

2006-03-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

Back in the early 1970's there was a total eclipse that could be seen in the U.S. I was living in Florida at the time and I remember being warned "do not look directly at it as it could cause severe eye damage." So, this one kid, the neighborhood science geek (who alo happened to have twin black and white pigs pugs...funny the thingd you remember), built this contraption with paper towell rolls and mirrors in order to watch the eclipse.

We, the kids in the neighborhood stood on the street in our neighborhood in Miami, and watched, cautiously of course (yeah right) as the moon eclipsed the sun. It was the most amazing sight to have total darkness in the middle of the afternoon. It was not anything I thought I would ever see or experience again until I received a blog note from David Levitt (thanks Dave).

Unfortunately, I have been so busy with launch of Satyam School of Leadership and getting settled in India, I had not even know that today os the day. And, strangley, no one at work has talked about it (I will ask about it when I get to work and let everyone know what they said).

So, I looked up the information on the eclispse, and guess what, we are too far south to see it.

Oh well, at least it has opened my eyes to pay more attention to what is going on around me and not to get so iummersed into our transition. And, I wish I could remember the science geek's name.

Total eclipse of the SUN, Chaitra 8, 1928 S.E.; March 29, 2006 A.D.; Wednesday

The eclipse is partly visible in INDIA

Area of visibility: The eclipse will be visible in the region covering Brazil, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, North-Western parts of Chad, Libya, North-Western parts of Egypt, Turkey, North Western parts of Georgia, South-Western parts of Russia, Kazakstan, the southern tip of Russia, parts of India and ending will be Visible covering the areas northern tip of Mongolia.

Visibility in India: The partial phases of the eclipse will be visible from the areas covering North-Eastern parts of India, Northern as well as Central India and North-Western parts of India.

Here is a link to a great article on what exactly is a full eclipse.
http://www.iisc.ernet.in/academy/resonance/Aug2002/pdf/Aug2002p29-39.pdf

From Zee News.com... I think you will find this interesting : >

The sun is going away, but don't panic...

Abuja, Mar 11: The Nigerian government, anxious to avoid a repeat of riots that marked a solar eclipse in 2001, warned citizens they may suffer "psychological discomfort" during a new eclipse this month but urged them not to panic.

Information Minister Frank Nweke said an eclipse five years ago caused riots in northern Borno state because people did not know why it happened. "Some people even felt some evil people in their communities were responsible for the eclipse," he said in a statement on Thursday aimed at reassuring Nigerians that the eclipse is expected to darken parts of the country on March 29. "The eclipse is not expected to have any real damaging effect, only social and psychological discomforts are envisaged," Nweke said. He did not explain what the discomforts might be. Bureau Report

Learning patience

2006-03-26T02:55:00.000-08:00

I think to live successfully in India, you have to have / develop great patience. People will promise something today and it does not happen for days even after you chase it down. For example, we waited almost 2 months for an entertainment unit to be built only to have it show up and be partially done. They told us, don't worry we will be back to finish it. Yeah uh huh, two plus weeks later we are still waiting. While I know it can be the same in the states, it sppears to be a way of life here.

The "tomorrow" I will be there or "tomorrow" it will be done, but alas tomorrow never comes.

Bhoomi Puja for Satyam School of Leadership

2006-03-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

Bhoomi Puja is worship of the Bhoomi or the Earth on which work is to commence. All ancient spiritual traditions have considered people as an integral part of nature.

Our own ancient religious beliefs go a step further in declaring that the all-encompassing Divine is manifest in all and every aspect of the Earth and that humans, though at the top of the evolutionary pyramid, are part of Earth’s many forms.

The five components of Nature namely, Earth, Sky, Air, Water and Fire are manifest in all forms of life, flora and fauna. All are bound to each other, within the rhythm of Nature. Significantly, modern environmental gurus echo an identical sentiment!

The worship of the Earth and the various unseen forces present in the space enveloping the construction site is but an extension of this underlying principle.

If a “May I?” reflects “good breeding”, the Bhoomi Puja, where you respectfully seek Mother Earth’s permission to work on her, certainly ranks as “good culture”! Not just that, it also offers an apology to the various insects and other creatures that live on the land. So the prayer is also to these apparently insignificant and powerless creatures that are humbly requested to bear with the inconvenience of migrating!

Booz Allen # 1 in Training Top 100

2006-03-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

Upon arriving in Orlando to attend the Training 2006 Conference, I was informed by Training Magazine, that Booz Allen has achieved the number 1 ranking coming in ahead of IBM, Ernst and Young, and The Ritz Carlton.

For the rest of my life, I will count this as one of our greatest achievements. Ralph Shrader's, vision for one firm and constant support for learning provided the right catalyst for building a world class learning organization. Sam Strickland's, "success is a journey" thinking process consistently motivates all in the GO Team to want to do more, better and with world class precision. And, Horacio Rozanski's, strong leadership and strong relationship skills provides the motivation and the desire to want to be driven to be the best.

It is also important to recognize that this is a recognition earned by all of Booz Allen. Leaders across the firm are always available to provide their stories and learnings. The SRC has been a wonderful partner, helping to build "next practices" for the firm. All of the People Services has contributed. The Recruiting Team's ability to promote employee referral to "come back kids" is exceptions. HR's driving the assessment process as a development tool and continuously reinforcing the usage of the development framework has institutionalize a world class career model. Corporate systems provided guidance and access to the right technologies. Purchasing assisted with gaining best value for the firm. And, the incredible Diversity team, has created processes, learning, and role modeled the way for Booz Allen's quest to be the employer of choice for the best and brightest.

I applaud the best company in learning that also has the best leaders and the absolute best people.

Orlando Florida

2006-03-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

I came to the states to attend the Training 2006 Conference. After a three day stopover at Satyam's office in NJ, I went to Florida for the conference. Jennifer and Britt met me there and we all went to Disney for the day.

3-3-3 and 3

2006-03-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

My mom passed away three years ago today. The day after she passed, I wrote these words for her...

Journeys—A Way to Keep Her
For Mom who taught us to accept, forgive, and to love unconditionally.
We will miss you till we meet again.

Take her home; nothing more to do, let go.
Nonsense, I would know if she was leaving,
I would feel the severing of our souls.
They should not give up so easily.
I’ll show them. I’ll find a way to keep her.

A week passes.
She sleeps, wakes, and barely knows me.
Is this it? Was I wrong?
How do you say goodbye to the one who gave you life?
I can’t. I won’t. I’ll find a way to keep her.

Daily we meet, few words spoken.
We lay together, holding hands.
She opens her eyes; she smiles, we hug.
A childhood prayer she utters,
“Goodnight, sleep tight, wake up bright, to do what’s right, before the night.”
Goodnight, love you Mom. Love you too.
It was worth the wait.

The sun rises, piercing through the clouds; its light shining through.
Breath faint, journey nearing; surrounded by family, sweet music fills the room
The angels arrive; a final breath and her soul soars to heaven.
I found a way to keep her.

Meet the Levitt Family

2006-02-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

Nishi, David and Ethan have been a part of our lives for almost 8 years (well actually Ethan for less since he is only 4). They are two (well three) the most caring people in our lives. Always looking to help out, stay in touch, be there when you need them. I first met Nishi in NYC at a WTB/WCB Training meeting. I immediately thought Nishi was a trainer but later found out she was one of the program coordinators. Well, I told her she ought to be a trainer because she had such natural talent and easily connects with people. Two weeks later we spoke and then she and David relocated to Northern Virginia. We have shared many happy and not so happy life moments but through it all our friendship has grown.

When we moved to India, Dave and Nishi purchased our Honda CRV. I am sure they are taking great care of it.

By the way, Ethan's Hindu name is Avadh. Sound familiar?

Open Minds

2006-02-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

Once a year, Satyam brings together its top leaders from across the globe. This year's theme was Real Time Leadership. An excellent format was used for the three days. Each speaker gave a 5 minute opening produced by Corporate Communications, followed by 1 25 minute briefing. Then each speaker brought to the stage four panel members to respond to questions from the audience on the topic. For example, I had Raju (Chairman), AS Murthy (CHRO), Rajul (head of Satyam Learning Center), and Krishnan (Full Life Cycle Business Leader from Client side of business). This cross section truly made for interesting panels and kept the program flowing.

One the second night, the Star Awards took place. This is the academy awards of Satyam. Hindu movie stars and singers and dancers entertained throughout the evening. It was truly an incredible sight.

Miracle

2006-02-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

Miracle passed away in late December. She was JJ's (Jen's husband) dog. What a beautiful, playful, well mannered, and loving dog. She will be missed.

Now, Jen, JJ, and Britt have added Delyla and Gretel, twin rescue pups to their family. Oh the days and nights of fun, training and mischief. Meet Delyla and Gretel. I can't tell them apart, can you?

What a difference a day makes

2006-02-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

It is so amazing! It snowed a foot in Northern Virginia on Sunday. While everyone was digging out, we were here in India complaining about the heat. To all our friends in the snowy cold...stay warm and have lots of fun. Right about now, I wish it would snow here ;-))

While it was snowing in Virginia, this is the weather we encountered.

Birthday, around town and a safari

2006-02-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

Saturday, we went to lunch with our neighbor's children. Devi, in pick, is having her birthday, her sister Joti, and cousin Rajashaker joined us. We went to an icecream shop and ordered the Titanic. Six blocks of icecream piled high with cookies and fruits and chocolate. Dry ice pushing up through the bottom completed the effect.

They played the birthday song and everyone had a great time. Devi is 12 and comes from a small village. Her mother works for the family next door. She is in 8th grade, having skipped 2 grades and taught herself to speak English. At 12, her mother could insist that she marry, but we think she knows how special Devi is and will let her complete school and maybe even go to college.

Today we went to the old city and toured the zoo. You drive or walk through and stop to see the different areas. The best part is the safari. Everyone climbs on board a van with bars surrounding it. We drive into the first gate and it is closed. The second gate opens and we are in the reserve where the tigers get to roam free. As we drive along we see a tiger walking on the unpaved road. The tiger knows he is in charge and so he takes his time walking the path as we wait and oogle over him. The tigewr crosses the road and then we see another who walks to the pond and climbs in to cool off.

Ashoo, who is Ismail (driver) and Chevana's little girl loves the sights.

7 days...

2006-02-09T22:46:00.000-08:00

I caught a virus last week. The doc called it Dehli belly. It is caused from not being used to the water/food etc. For almost a week, I have either not held down or had everything push through me faster than anyone can imagine. Now MacKenzie has it as well.

I asked the doc what I could do about it and he said, "you can wait 7 days to be better or you can take some medicine and wait a week."

So, I took the medicine and it took a week.

Onward...

Before and After the unpacking process

2006-02-06T01:51:00.000-08:00

A digression...last night I dreamt that I was still with Booz Allen and announced to everyone that I has accepted a job in Iran. I woke up laughing and then realized, I was in India. A double laugh for the morning.

Unpacking through a sea of memories. After 267 packages opened and unpacked, we are almost done. We are finally settled in and hosted some new friends last weekend.

Here are the pics

They say it's your birthday, well happy birthday to you...

2006-01-26T04:19:00.000-08:00

What better birthday gift than being able to sleep in our own home with our own beds. After hours upon hours of unpacking, we finally have a home that looks great (pics to come). AND, thanks to Pris, much of it was completed by January 26. January 26 is Republic Day in India where they celebrate the coming together as one united India. And, it is also Priscilla's birthday.

We began the day by unpacking (of course) and then Pris, MacKenzie and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant in Lake Hussain.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BELOVED AND MY BEST FRIEND

9 1/2 weeks

2006-01-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

After leaving Virginia on November 15, our furbiture finally arrived to our new house this afternoon. The movers unloaded everything and will return Monday to begin the unpacking process.

Afterwards, we went back to Satyam Technology Center and attended a team celebration with more than 3500 people (Satyam associates and families).

Will it rain today?

2006-01-20T06:31:00.000-08:00

Last evening we went to dinner with some new friends. We all sat outside and I encountered more misquitos than I have ever seen. They are everywhere now, as the weather turns from "Winter" where the average temp is 70 to Spring where the average temp is 80. By March / April, it will be over 100 degrees every day.

Ismail is our driver. Here are a couple pictures of him. The traffic here is so heavy and people basically ignore lanes so having him is the only way we can safely get around.

Ed: The sky is so blue today Ismail.
Ismail: Yes sir.

Ed: Do you think it will rain today?
Ismail: No sir.

Ed: What about tomorrow?
Ismail: No sir.

Ed: Next month?
Ismail: No sir.

Ed: When will it rain then?
Ismail: After June 6.

Ed: Not until June 6?
Ismail: Yes sir.

Ed: Why won't it rain until June 6?
Ismail: Because that is when the rain season begins.

For those of you who look outside and see clouds in the sky, I can tell you they will be a welcome site to the constant blanket of blue seen here each day. I find myself actually looking forward to the rain. But! Not until after June 6st.

Here are some more pictures of our visit to Jaipur:

Other sites of interest

2006-01-17T19:20:00.000-08:00

Do you have your own blog or personal site?
Let me know and I will post it here for everyone to see.

Our daughter Jennifer has two sites:
here's her website:
http://jenhaefeli.etsy.com
and here's her blog:
http://twosillygirlsandtheboy.blogspot.com

Meet the Palmers

2006-01-16T03:05:00.000-08:00

Last week, Pris and I were wanting to have an American breakfast so we went to the Taj Krishna Hotel. There we dined on omelets and waffles. It was wonderful! As we were leaving Pris said, "Darlene would love this lobby. It is her style, blending the old and the new and very palatial."

Darlene who? Why, Darlene Palmer, of the Virginia Palmer's! We met the Palmers six years ago when Molly and MacKenzie attended the same school. My first encounter with Darlene was hearing her tell the office person at the school that they had promised to help arrange a car pool. I asked her where she lived and she said Reston. Instant car pool...and for Pris and Darlene-instant friendship which has since extended across both our entire families.

Darlene and Mickey have four children, the youngest and only one living at home us Molly (16) . Additionally, they are raising their grandchildren, Tolbert (22), Gwen (11) and Jocyln (9).

We met Tolbert at my Mom's 75th birthday party. He was 16 and he had gone on a little trip to Pennsylvania (OK he ran away). Mickey retrieved him and brought him to the party. I told Tolbert that night that if he could stay out of trouble and do well in school, I would hire him to work at Booz Allen that summer. Well, he took me seriously and pulled it together. A year later, Tolbert asked Pris and I to be his god parents which we readily agreed to. He is now in his second year at University of Minnesota. His sisters, Gwen and Joclyn are spirited and smart and we have a great time on our dates.

Darlene and Mickey, Pris and I have been have endured many challenges together. Each time, we have been there for each other. Molly went to NY with us and we all traveled to Florida together.

Come back tomorrow

2006-01-14T19:44:00.000-08:00

In order to reside in India for more than 180 days, you are required to register with the Police Commissioner. After completing applications and attaching photos, the three of us met the liaison from Satyam at the Police Commissioner's office. We are told to bring 3000 rupees for the fee.

We go inside and wait in a holding area. There are hundreds of people crammed into a small space, people from all over registering. I read the application form; the last line states there is no fee charged for registering. After a lengthy wait, we are called in to shake hands with the assistant commissioner, who asks a few questions to each of us. Then he smiles and says, "thank you very much, come back tomorrow."

The next day, the Satyam representative goes back to the Commissioner's office to check on the status and he is again told to "come back tomorrow." More than a week of "come back tomorrow" goes by. I escalate up the Satyam chain and the next day, the representative goes back again and this time, he is successful. But, it costs another 700 rupees.

I ask why we have to pay when there no fee to register and am told this is necessary unless we wanted to "come back tomorrow." Reality hits me. The true meaning of "come back tomorrow" is now clear.

Happy Sankranti

2006-01-14T07:27:00.000-08:00

Spirit of Sankranti

While the sky gets dotted with kites, the earth is adorned with `muthyala muggulu'

SANKRANTI IS perhaps the only festival with amazing colour and vibrancy, and also varied in terms of celebrations. Spread over three days - Bhogi, Sankranti and Kanumu - the festivities mark Sun's northward journey called "Uttarayanam". Here is the URL to the full article in today's "The Hindu" --

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/01/13/stories/2005011300640100.htm

Gangireddu aata, is another festive attraction where trained oxen dance to the tunes of the Nadaswaram played by their master.

A Visit to the School of Leadership site

2006-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Satyam School of Leadership will sit on property in HITEC City where the new Satyam headquarters building is also under construction.

We took the opportunity to walk the site. It is next door to Oracle's new building. Sitting on 40 acres, the boulders you see, will be incorporated into the landscape. These boulders are all thousands of years old +++.

Jasper, king of the beasts?

2006-01-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

Jasper has adapted well to his new environment. Last weekend, we took him to visit the aviary and the bunny pen. When he saw the rabbits, he pounced onto the gate. Almost all the bunnies scattered into holes. The only ones who did not run were the babies, who were just as fasinated by him as he was them. We also showed Jasper the deer park. When he pounced on the fence and barked at them, the deer looked up momentarily and then went right back to what they were doing.

Obviously, Jasper thinks he is the king of beasts, yeah right!

A whirlwind...and time passes

2006-01-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

Today in 12 January, and I just realized I haven't made an entry since 1 January. Time is flying by so quickly. Right now we are in the throws of developing the high level design for Satyam School of Leadership and at the same time building the proposed budget for next year which begins on April 1.

The team has started to grow. In fact we have grown 300% to 3 people. Ravi (far left) transferred from the Real Time Leadership Center and Kavitha transferred from the Satyam Learning Center. They are the first two members of my team.

We do have a clear picture of our needs though. For this year, we will grow to a staff of 27 professionals covering leadership facilitation, coaching, alliances, and virtual learning.

The building will be ready in October (3 months later than planned). Here is an up to date views of the building.

Here is a great article on learning and its impact on the bottom line (sent to me by Joanne Melton at Training Magazine) -
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2005/11/21/cz_lk_05bbstrainingland.html

So what else is new? Our furniture in in Chennai, waiting to be released from customs. After that it will take two days to get here and then we will finally be able to move into our house. Could be next week or the week after. All I know is that the beds here are so hard, that I cannot wait to have my own comfortable bed to crawl into for a good night's sleep.

Happy New Year

2005-12-31T20:07:00.000-08:00

We had a quiet evening for New Year's eve. We spent part of the day at the guest house. Around noon, our car (Honda CRV) was delivered, so we took it out for a spin - with the driver of course. We traveled into the city and went to some shops, followed by dinner. We arrived back at the guest house around 9 pm and watched some end of year recaps on TV. MacKenzie went to bed long before mid-night. Pris and I stayed up until around 2 am watching people ring in the new year all across Asia and then went to sleep. A quiet end to 2005.

GUEST BOOK: Is there anybody out there...

2005-12-30T22:56:00.000-08:00

It would be great to know who is reading the blogg, so please leave a comment with your name to let us know who you are.

Blanche Golub

2005-12-29T02:24:00.000-08:00

Last night, I tossed and turned, waking up and then drifting back to sleep. I felt anxious and agitated. I figured the jet lag was still hanging on. This morning, I received an urgent message to call Jay and learnt that while we were sleeping in India, Jay's mom, Blanche, had passed away.

Sweet wonderful Blanche, has been a part of my life since I was 10. Blanche and my mom were best friends since 1969. Her son, Jay and I grew up together, best friends; our daughters, Heather and MacKenzie were born three weeks apart.

Last week, we spent time in Florida including an evening with Blanche. I cherish every visit, every hug I ever shared with Blanche.

Growing up, in South Florida, being raised by a single mother, in the early 70's, was not a simple task. I am sure that is one of the reasons why Blanche and Bernice became such close friends. Together, they helped each get through many of life's challenges and joys.

As a teen, I had a tough time dealing with the divorce of my parents and then later on the death of my father. Blanche was always there with kind words, sterns words, and humor, whatever the moment called for.

Throughout my college years, Blanche encouraged and priased my successes. Among many other happy occasions, she was there when Pris and I married and again when MacKenzie was born.

When my Mom was very ill in 2003, Blanche and Jay flew up to Virginia to be with us. They arrived on February 14 just as I was getting back from a trip to Japan. Mom was very sick and I had to call an ambulance to take her to the hospital. Blanche was right there by her side the entire time. Each day they spent many hours together, Blanche and Mom holding hands, not many words spoken or needing to be spoken.

We had a major snow storm and all the flights were cancelled. Jay and Blanche stayed on for several extra days and each day we pushed through the snow to see Mom so they could sit together. When Mom was feeling better, she and Blanche shared many memories and stories. When Mom passed on March 3, Blanche was there with us providing strength and love to us all.

Thank you dear Blanche, for all your love and for being a part of our lives, and for blessing us a part of your family. Say hello to Mom for us. We will all miss you very much.

A formal Indian wedding...

2005-12-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

She dressed in blue with a long flowing vail covering her head. He dressed in a long beige shirt with a red turban. Led by a marching band and guests dancing, three grooms rode to the hall on elephants carrying swords to meet their brides. For thirty minutes they paraded the grounds, and then fireworks were shot into the air. They walked into the hall and were positioned under a canapy where the Hindu priest stood welcoming them.

Music played and people danced all around. Then to a loud cheer, our brides came forth. Vijay, standing in as the father for the brides argued over the dowry and then once settled, we were told of the sacred union and our vows. This was followed by dozens of photos with all our guests and more dancing. Later on gifts were presented to each couple followed by dinner and more dancing.

We were told that many weddings go on for hours and hours. Ours lasted from 8:00 pm to almost midnight and was the most incredible unplanned experience I have ever had in my life.

Elephant Polo

2005-12-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

Elephant polo is only played in two parts of the world and one of them is Jaipur.
MacKenzie and Pris both got the chance to play.

Sights of Jaipur

2005-12-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

MacKenzie and Pris had the opportunity to tour the palaces.

On to Jaipur

2005-12-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a good site with information about Jaipur: http://www.ent.ohiou.edu/~kartik/jaipur.html

We arrived in Hyderabad on 26 december at 2 am. I held my breath until they brought Jasper out. I could see that MacKenzie was very nervous. He did fine and is safe at the guest house.

We went to our guest house and after a couple hours sleep, left again to catch a plane to Jaipur where we will be for four days. It is much cooler here than in Hyderabad, but still nicer than winter in DC.

Jaipur is called the Pink City because much of it was built using pink bricks. It sits just south of New Dehli.

MacKenzie has quickly made new friends...

We participated in a festival this evening...

And MacKenzie had a great time dancing--

Florida and North Carolina

2005-12-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

When we left Virginia, it was 20 degrees.

When we arrived at our next destination, Tampa, it was 65 degrees. We traveled to Tampa to visit my (our) friend of almost 40 years. Jay Golub grew up 10 houses down from me in Miami. We first met in 1969. I remember, I was playing with the neighbor, Kenny Cole, we had just moved into our house and here comes Jay riding his bike dressed in a suit. Considering that he was 11, that was quite an odd site for me. He was on his was to Hebrew School. Later, we joined the same temple and a couple days a week, there we were, riding our bikes to temple together.

In the fields that are now Joe Robbie stadium, Jay, Kenny, Frankie, Chuckie and I made forts from hoods of cars, digging in the sand to create trenches. We camped in each other's backyards and spent many days hanging out together. Later on, Frankie moved away and Chuckie passed from Luekemia. Jay and I stayed close, sharing good times and bad. I have always felt blessed to have Jay in my life, he is my true spiritual brother!

Jay's Mom, Blanche and my Mom became best friends and stayed close all the way through to Mom's passing in March 2003. Jay and I shared many firsts together...first game of spin the bottle (with girls of course), our Bar Mitzvah's, getting driver licenses, first cars, graduation from high school, first year of college (Univ of Florida, then he transferred to FSU), college graduation, weddings and babies.

In 1990, our daughters were born three weeks apart. To seal our long time friendship, I became godfather to Heather and he became godfather to MacKenzie. Jay also has two sons, Josh (13) and Danny (11).

After visiting Florida, we went to visit Jen (our daughter), JJ (her husband) and Britt (our grand daughter) in their new home in Charlotte, NC. JJ is now working at Bank of America, so they have moved as well. They are really doing great! Their home is gorgeous and we were thrilled to see it. Of course, spending time with them is always special and their never seems to be enough of it.

Next Stop...Tampa

2005-12-17T21:57:00.000-08:00

Two whirlwind days in Northern Virginia, where I got to see friends and have lunch with the Center team at Booz Allen. When I stepped into the house, I admired the finished floors that have been redone for the new owners of our house. All that was left...one bed, some plastic chairs and a beanbag chair. Oh and a TV...what more could you ask for???? When I left India it was 70 degrees, upon arrival to Virginia, it was around 20.

On Friday evening we boarded a plane to Tampa. We are staying with Jay (my best bud since 1969) and his kids for a few days while we change residency to Florida.

On Monday, we will head to Orlando to go to one of the themed parks.

Three in the morning

2005-12-13T12:20:00.000-08:00

I am going home to finish up the move and the flight leaves at 3 am. 3 am! Way past my bed time for sure. So through the haze of tireness, I shall post my thoughts on my first three weeks in India.

Never in my life have I encountered so many nice people who truly want to help and become a part of our lives. People are friendly everywhere you go, which is a good thing because there are more people here than I have encountered before. It is difficult to describe the vastness of the amount of people, animals and vehicles that all share the roads. Everyday, as I am driving to work, I pass a pack of camels where the owners are camped on the side of the road. Cows and buffalo roam freely and this morning a family of pigs crossed the road. Of course, when the animals cross the road, EVERYONE stops for them. Cows, buffalo, pigs and goats have the right of way here.

There are vast differences everywhere you look, from beautiful homes to people living in a lean to on the side of the road. Somehow people accept their lot and seem very happy. Sleepy brains have set in so that's it for now.

More publicity about Satyam School of Leadership

2005-12-12T04:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some more links to press writings about SSL

http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_s/satyam_computers/20051128_leadership.html

http://www.indiadaily.com/breaking_news/52245.asp

http://pressrelease.in/pr/satyam-computers-press-releases/page/2/

Next week, there will be a feature in Business Week Magazine in India.

These people are serious when it comes to working with the media.

Almost time to go back to states

2005-12-12T01:19:00.000-08:00

In two days, I leave for Washington and Florida, making final rounds before returning to India on December 24. Things have picked up significantly here. There is so much to do to launch the leadership program. Last week I went to Chennai to visit offices and had the chance to see some very innovative technologies.

Here is the building where I work, until the School of Leadership is finished.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE!!!

Satyam School of Leadership

2005-12-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

The Satyam School of Leadership will be located on 20 acres in HITECH City (that is the real name of the area). It will have a 300 room, 8 story residence as well as a club with pool and amphitheatre. Here is a drawing of the school.

All over India, they are talking about Satyam's School of Leadership

2005-11-30T05:29:00.000-08:00

On Monday, I participated with the chairman, Raja and SVP, AS Murthy in a press conference attended by media from all around India. Tuesday, articles cale out in more than 40 newpapers across the subcontinent.

Here are some links to the articles...

http://www.satyam.com/mediaroom/pr7nov05.html

http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_s/satyam_computers/20051128_leadership.html

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/11/29/stories/2005112903380400.htm

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/15281506.htm

http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=110021

http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=12&id=125675&usrsess=1

http://www.efytimes.com/fullnews.asp?edid=8152

Senor Valley is where we will live

2005-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Satyam Technology Centre

2005-11-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

We are staying at Satyam Technology Centre (STC) until our furniture arrives. They provides a 2 bedroom guest house. The STC is amazing. It sits on 130 acres and has a bird zoo, deer park, and rabbit park. It also has horses for staff to ride and a club with a pool and gym.

Many people live on the campus. They have dorms for singles to accomodate 300 with four more being built that will ultimately accomodate 800. They have married housing as well.

Hyderabad

2005-11-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

Hyderabad is the fifth largest city in India. We took a tour on Sunday and learned more about the city including the fact that there are only three seasons here. Winter, Summer and Wet.

Ghandi is very important to India.

Here is the Sports Complex

Fast food has arrived in India. Subway, Pizza Hut and KFC are here.

First photos of our journey

2005-11-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

Day 5 and we are going to have a tour of the area. Up to thins point, we have been in meetings, locating housing and shopping for a car.

Luggage in Washington DC.

International Date line (taken from Airplane) ------>

Our first meal, we went to the hotel restaurant.

MacKenzie's new school.

MacKenzie gets fitted for her first Sari -->

We found a house

2005-11-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

We have been here for three days now and I must say it is quite shocking. The first night, MacKenzie came to us and said there was no way she could do this and she wanted to go right back home to Northern Virginia. We tried very hard to calm her down, but the whole time, I was thinking, I do too!!!

We looked at several homes. Everything is very crowded here. There are either homes in place or homes being built and only 10 feet separate each home. We settled on a three story home in a place call Senora Valley. It is new and the homes are just being completed. There are 40 homes in the gated community and we liked it because it felt like a safe place to be.

When you enter the gate (pictures of house coming soon), there is a small garden. The home has marble floors (helps to keep the place cooler), three levels with a bedroom on the first floor, two on the second floor and the fourth on the third floor. Each bedroom has its own bathroom and shower. They do not have closets, rather, they use wardrobes. This will be a great challenge for us because, Pris' clothing alone could fill all the wardrobes in the house. We plan to do some shopping to get at least one more wardrobe for our bedroom.

Something that really surprised me is that the homes either have no airconditioning (they make great use of ceiling fans) or airconditioners only in the bedrooms. The owner of the home we are renting agreed to add another air conditioner in the living room. I will upload some pictures soon for everyone to see.

In the meantime, I can now be reached at ED_COHEN@SATYAM.COM.

Wake up in Amsterdam

2005-11-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

After about 2 hours sleeping, we awoke in Amsterdam for our five hour layover. Next up, a 10 hour journey to Hyderabad. We are making attempts to stay awake so we can adjust our bodies to the new time zone. MacKenzie has already given up and she is stretched across a couple chairs sound asleep.

Ethan turns three and a false start

2005-11-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoon, we hurried to load our luggage into the rental car and then drove over to Lake Anne to celebrate Ethan Levitt's third birthday. After the party we went to the airport. We had already been told by KLM that our flight was cancelled but they also told we were rebooked on a United flight.

We checked our bags and then at the last minute the counter agent declared that they could not accept the ticket from KLM without a FAM (whatever that is). After racing back and forth between KLM and United speaking to mostly indifferent agents (I do not believe customer service exists with airlines anymore), we missed our flight and ended up back home.

Since the flight to Hyderabad only taqkes place every other day, that means we will not be leaving until tomorrow, to again, begin the journey to India.

Good news is we have 2 days to relax!

A Special Day

2005-11-18T12:46:00.000-08:00

Today is our 16th anniversary. My mind wanders from readying to move back to that day 16 years ago when I saw Pris arrive on her horse drawn carriage looking so incredibly beautiful. She stepped down from the carriage and seemed to float across the sidewalk as she walked towards me standing on the overlook at Lake Eola, in Orlando. Surrounded by friends and family we began by lighting a unity candle and then having everyone attending light a candle. Since it was outdoors, we had only street lamps and the candles to light the ceremony. A string trio sat under the street lamps and played beautiful Pacabel.

We exchanged our vows and promises to each other and then presented a ring to Jennifer to seal the union. Tonight, Pris and I will go out to dinner with MacKenzie, Jen, Britt and JJ, our family.

Tomorrow, we embark on our great adventure to India. We fly from Dulles to Amsterdam and them from Amsterdam to India.

But tonight, special moments with my most special people.

So now you believe me...

2005-11-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

The movers have come and gone and here is all we have left...everything else is on the way to India...

Oh and Jasper got a hair cut...

Before:

Introducing the new Schnoodle doo:

Echos throughout the house

2005-11-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

So, they finished packing up the house today leaving us with a TV, rug, end tables and two beds. So, we went to K-Mart and bought some bean bag chairs. Kinda like being in college, nice place hardly any furniture.

200 items now on their way to India. First, they travel to Maryland where they are loaded to a ship. Then, 6 weeks on a ship to India. Arrive in Bombay and on their way to our new home.

We leave on Saturday and will arrive Tuesday. My temporary email address is cohen_ed_s@yahoo.com

Peace to all.

Bidding farewell to my team

2005-11-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

To my incredible Team--

Over the past two months, I have been able to meet individually with most of you. During our one on one time together, many of you thanked me for believing in you. I want you to know, I do believe in you, each and every one of you. Each of you bring a special talent and contribution to Booz Allen, to your communities and to your families. The spirit of this team is the true essence of our impact, our success and our accomplishments.

Booker T. Washington said, "Most leaders spend time trying to get others to think highly of them, when instead they should try to get their people to think more highly of themselves. It’s wonderful when the people believe in their leader. It’s more wonderful when the leader believes in their people! You can’t hold a man down without staying down with him."

I hope my leadership style and values over the past eight years have embodied Washington's principles. Furthermore, I trust that each of you will remember this as you lead others in various parts of your lives.

All that’s left to say is…

Strike more matches
Stoke more flames
Send up smoke signals to let me know how you are doing

And KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! I know you will!

Best regards,

Ed

Training Futures

2005-11-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

Booz Allen Hamilton has been a sponsor for the Training Futures program for several years now. We’re very proud to say that at least eight previous graduates from Training Futures now work for Booz Allen. In fact three of them work on my team and are here today— Sonam Tarring joined us after the last cycle NaTasha Crawford. Sanjeev Metha joined Booz Allen almost two years ago and NaTasha Crawford has been with Booz Allen for more than five years.

I am honored and humbled to have this second opportunity to speak with a Training Futures graduating class. When I spoke, just about two years ago, I talked about my own experience being raised by my mother, who after many years of abuse at the hand of my father, found herself struggling to raise her children as a single parent. I was 12 when my parents divorced and I remember my mother pick herself up off the ground, mustering the little self-confidence she left in herself. She had one goal—to not allow her history to become her children’s future.

I belong to an organization called the American Society for Training and Development. Last year, I was the chairperson for their conference in Orlando, Florida. Tony Bingham, who is the CEO for ASTD, opened the conference by saying—

“According to the Employment Policy Foundation, there will be four million more jobs than workers by 2011. That gap will get bigger for many years after that. By 2030, there could be 35 million unfilled jobs. Imagine how bad this number is if we consider worldwide data. Why? A lack of skilled employees to fill those jobs.”

So, is our future really that bleak? I mean, think about it. Can you imagine the economic impact of not being able to have a large enough skilled workforce to run major businesses throughout the world? I believe that working together, through programs like Training Futures, we can find ways to prevent this from happening?

In fact, inspired by Tony Bingham’s call to action, my wife and I have decided to do something extreme to help change the future. You see, we do not believe there is a shortage of skilled workers. We believe there is a shortage of access. Access to knowledge, access to excellent programs like Training Futures. That is why I have resigned from Booz Allen and my wife, Priscilla has closed her consulting business. In 18 days, we will board an airplane at Dulles Airport, that will take us to our new home in Hyderabad, India.

In India, I will be leading Executive Development and Priscilla, will be leading Executive Coaching and Multi-Cultural Diversity programs for Satyam, a 25,000 person computer services firm.

Satyam is an Indian-owned company who like Booz Allen, Perot Systems, and the other companies represented here today, truly understands their corporate social responsibility. They understand that the gap will not close unless we do something about it.

Now, I will share two ideas, significantly less extreme than the one my family has chosen…so that each of you, can have your own role in closing the gap, your own role in not having your history become your children’s future…the first is idea is called “Ignite the Caring Spirit” and the second, is called “Pay It Forward”

In 1999, I had the pleasure to listen to Ralph Shrader give a speech at the Care Awards—another fine program offered by Northern Virginia Family Services. He spoke about a three-step sequence to “Ignite the Caring Spirit.“

The three steps he identified were—The efforts start small, with a single idea or expression of interest. This “small start” attracts additional people and resources, causing it to take root and grow. Finally, having attained critical mass and momentum, the effort generates organizational pride and recognition and actually spawns other positive developments.

Ralph said, “You can think of these three steps in terms of lighting a fire. First, strike a match. Second, stoke the flames. Third, send smoke signals.”

Step 1: Strike a match-“Someone needs to spark the effort—with an idea, a cause, a first step, maybe just a vocal expression of interest” said Ralph in his speech. Susan Craver and Marla Burton, in partnership with Northern Virginia Family Services, struck a match when they launched the Training Futures Program.

Step 2: Stoke the flames-According to Ralph, “That's the leaders’ job. We need to create an environment where sparks happen and catch fire.” I am sure that you will agree that Northern Virginia Family Services, especially Marla Burton, Susan Craver, Bill Browning, your wonderful instructors and the many volunteers work hard every day to create an environment where sparks happen.

Step 3: Send up smoke signals-According to Ralph, “This last part might at first sound self-serving. But telling your employees, recruits, clients, and others about successful efforts isn't just "tooting your horn," it has clear benefits-for the program at hand and others to follow.” Many hundreds of individuals have been positively impacted by the Training Futures Program. The program has received accolades from our community and beyond. And companies like Booz Allen and Perot Systems who have come to understand the benefits of Training Futures, have become actively engaged. In the near future, I hope each of you will send up your own smoke signals.

The second idea is to “pay it forward.” This was the title of a movie that came out in 2000. In the movie, the teacher challenges his students to come up with some idea that will improve mankind. A young boy decides to do a good deed for three different people. But, instead of having them repay the kindness to him, he asks the recipients to "pay it forward". He asks them to pay it forward three times. So for every good deed, the recipient does a good deed for three others. Imagine how fast that can multiply. You each have the opportunity to “pay it forward.” The best “thank you” you can give, as a graduate of Training Futures, is to work hard, be successful, and then you go help others.

In closing, I would like to leave you with these key messages. First, face each new challenge; be strong for yourself and for those who depend on you.

Strike some matches;
Stoke the flames;
Send up smoke signals to let us know how you are doing; and,
Don’t forget to “pay it forward”.

525600 minutes, how do you measure a year

2005-10-31T19:29:00.000-08:00

That's the song from Rent. Well, today I conducted a multimedia class for about 20 members of the team and then we had lunch and everyone went on their way. This was my last work day in the office but it felt like all the others. I have always looked forward to going to Booz Allen to being with such great people. Today, Jasper came to work and he was very cool, hanging out quietly playing with his toys and then napping.

HAPPY HOLLOWEEN

A week of goodbyes

2005-10-28T03:08:00.000-07:00

"Because I've Known You, I have been changed for good." That is a song from the play Wicked. And that reflects me feelings about saying goodbye to all the great people I have had the privaledge to work with over the past almost 8 years.

When the team presented me with a hard cover book photo journaling my time at Booz Allen along with a signed photo of the team, I was really touched by all their efforts and their warm wishes.

The past few weeks have gone by so fast. I have met one on one with close to 80 people at the Center. Many of them thanked me for believing in them. I do believe in them, all of them. They are such a great team and I could only hope to be able to build another like this one.

Last night the People Services Leadership team had dinner together and Horacio talked about our time together. I found myself unable to say what I was feeling, which was a sense of profound loss and a sense of will we ever meet again. Then, they gave me a compass and Horacio said it was to find my way home. WOW! That really made me feel good.

In the past "goodbyes" have been really hard. This time, I think it is easier because I know I will be back and will not lose touch with everyone.

So much to learn...

2005-10-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

I have been asking many questions about the culture and work practices of India and have concluded that there are many more than I have ever experienced. So, I started looking for information and found this useful website. http://www.stephen-knapp.com/

Check it out if you are even thinking about making the journey to visit us.

Who is Socrates?

2005-10-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

Socrates was born January 2, 2002. I met him when he was three weeks old and from that point on until he came home that May, I would go and feed him three times a week. He is an amazing bird with more than 200 words in his vocabulary.

And now it looks like he won't be able to go afterall. The airlines told me today that birds cannot fly on passenger airlines because of the avian flu scare. Anyone want a really cool parrot?

UPDATE...Socrates is now in a new home with a familt that has an African Gray and other birds...

A house is a home...doggie day care!?!

2005-10-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Wanna buy a house. I sure hope someone out there will find the same happiness and joy that we have had in our beautiful home in Reston.

When the for sale sign went up, I felt a sense of loss because living here has been like a sanctuary in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia.

Doggie day care!

A house for sale and a 14 month old puppy do not fare well. So, Jasper is now going to doggie day care everyday. It costs as much as childcare! He comes home and goes right to sleep exhausted from a full day of play with his new buddies.

My last day in the office is October 31. That's fitting!
Then, the major packing begins.

This morning we woke up to major news about India

2005-10-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

When we woke up, this is what was on the news..."A magnitude 7.6 quake, which has generated strong aftershocks, is feared to have caused thousands of deaths in Pakistan, India, the Pakistani- and Indian-administered areas of the disputed territory of Kashmir, and in Afghanistan. The confirmed death toll now stands at 1,062. The quake hit at 8:50 a.m. local time on Saturday (11:50 p.m. Friday ET) . The epicenter was about 60 miles north-northeast of Islamabad. The effects of the quake -- estimated to be the most intense in the region in a century -- were felt hundreds of miles away. It was felt in major cities, including Pakistan's capital of Islamabad, India's capital of New Delhi and the Pakistani city of Lahore. Indian controls the Jammu-Kashmir state of India and Pakistan controls Azad Kashmir. The disputed territory is separated by a territorial border called the Line of Control."

First thing on everyone's mind was how far is it from Hyderabad. Well, it is about the same distance as from San Francisco to Chicago. India, Pakistan and Afghanistan have been at odds for many years. I can't help but wonder the message our higher power is sending to the world.

Exhausted

2005-10-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen the TLC show where they go into a house and clean every nook and cranny, fresh paint, and everything that you thought you needed at the time you bought it either given or thrown away.

Well that is what we have been doing for the past two weeks just to get our house ready to sell. We still have plenty of "got to have" items in our garage, so please feel free to give us a call and common over to see if there is anything you want.

In between all that, I spent a couple hours meeting one on one with individuals from my team. The hardest part about leaving is the wonderful people I have worked with for the past seven years, not to mention, Booz Allen being one of the finest companies in the world.

And, I filled out more forms to gain permission to take Socrates (our African Gray Parrot) with us. Oh and, we confirmed Jasper's (pictured) reservation on the same flight as us when we make our final journey on 31 December 2005. It will definitely a great way to start the new year!

The journey begins

2005-10-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

We are six weeks away from moving to India. Having spent the last two weeks cleaning and purging material items, I have come to realize how freeing it can be to release possessions.

We are in the process of gaining permission to take Socrates with us and already know how Jasper will travel. India has so much to offer and so much to teach us.