Up in the Air

I’m home. Finally.

After spending the last two weeks in India, I get another two weeks in Texas.  In my penny pinching mode, I neglected to review in detail the route that STA travel gave me on this leg home.  I ended up spending a full 24 hours in the air and several more in airport layovers…ugh.   I learned that joints will swell with prolonged time in the air, and my wonky ankle suffered quite a bit (gah…I’m ready for this to heal already).   Anywho, I made it home and am now playing Christmas catchup.   Over the next few days, I’ll make some more India-related blog posts.  Excuse the backwards nature of this.

On my flight from Amsterdam to Atlanta, I sat next to a gentleman who was also on my Mumbai to Amsterdam flight.  A few courtesy words ended up becoming a 3+ hour conversation (and I generally avoid talking to people on airplanes).   John noticed the mehndi (aka henna) tattoo on my hand and asked if I went to an Indian wedding.   I thought it was quite perceptive and clever for him to guess that.  Over the next few hours, I learned that he married an Indian woman, has two kids with her, and makes a family trip to India each year.  He also quit his engineering job and is investing his retirement savings into producing a Bollywood film that he wrote.  This piqued my interest, and I couldn’t help but respect the fact that he is pursuing his passion for film-making in the latter half of his career.   And, it’s quite impressive what he’s been able to accomplish as a white guy producing a film on India. 

He wrote a very touching story based on his own life experiences in the US and India as well as things he wanted non-Indians to learn about India.   He then found an Indian script writer who has been in the industry for 40 years to help polish it.    Then, he met with A. R. Rahman (Academy Award winning singer, songwriter, producer of Slumdog Millionaire fame).  Rahman couldn’t write the songs for John’s film; however, he offered the students of Rahman’s music school for this work.    John also has made several trips to find ideal shooting locations and local people to provide technical skills for the filming and production.   The casting has been a work in progress with several prominent Indian actors and actresses at least expressing luke warm interest in taking a role.  He even met with AB Corp. (Amitabh Bachchan’s company) and got a hint that Amitabh (the most famous Indian actor/celebrity) would make a cameo appearance.

This is incredible progress for a middle class American, and it just goes to show how resourceful we can be.  From my Paths to Power class this fall quarter, I learned to rethink the way I view the resources I have in my possession.  It is amazing to think what we can accomplish with the seemingly little that we think we have.   If you don’t believe me, check this out: http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/.   A man was able to trade a paperclip for a home.

John is making good progress with his film but still has a ways to go.  And then he found me in seat 23J.  I was able to help him out in a few ways.  Firstly, one huge constraint he has is funding.  The Indian film industry is quite interesting.  The message he has gotten is that funding will depend on whether he makes his film an American film or an Indian film.  It is likely difficult for most people to understand the differences.  However, the subtlety of this issue has enormous impact on funding and marketability.   Indian films tend to be colorful, romantic, fantastical, conservative, star-oriented, and predictable.  They are also in Hindi with English subtitles.  American films have more creative freedom, are less formulaic, and plot-oriented.   I helped John think through the tradeoffs in this big decision he has.  And it would make a fantastic business school case given the many issues and people involved. 

I also helped John edit the way he pitches his film to production companies and investors to make the message more “crisp”.  I think he’s got a great story, music, knowledge, potential.  But, it’s got to be packaged in a way that resonates with the people that will fund and distribute his film.

I’m no music afficianado, but he also asked me to give him my opinion on the soundtrack for the film (which he had on his iPod).  I was very impressed with what Rahman’s students made and the professional nature of it.  There are a few catchy tunes that have mass commercial appeal.  We also discussed various plot themes and scenes.  John and I both have 1) an American understanding of India and 2) first hand accounts of India and Indian culture.   I wish I could write about some of the very interesting and nuanced things that this film will show, but you’ll have to wait to watch the film ;).   The one thing I can say is that John has altruistic motivations to not only educate but enlighten audiences with his work.

And finally, I offered to introduce him to a classmate of mine who previously was an entrepreneur in the indie film industry in Hollywood. 

It was incredibly rewarding for me to help John out.  I enjoyed learning about the film industry and his experience.  And, I hope that my nebulous skill set as a former consultant, current MBA made a difference for him.  He needs all the help he can get, and I have my fingers crossed on this one.  

Much is done. Much to do.

Where do I start?  I guess the beginning would be appropriate.

This fall, an opportunity of a lifetime came my way.  Each year, the India Club at London Business School organizes a trek (Yatra Trek) all over India for students and partners.  They needed another trek leader to help with the planning and be there on the ground to support.  So, I thought "why not?".  Best. Decision. Ever.

I'm a co-leader of this trek with Sherene, and it's been an incredible experience working with her.  After a very CRAZY few weeks of finals, second year project trips, dissertation planning, Yatra prep, etc., I found myself frantically packing for this trip.  Actually, I find that I'm always frantically packing because I always cut it close.  Fast forward, I made it to Heathrow just in time and boarded my Emirates flight.  Best. Airline Experience. Ever.  Emirates is living proof that economy class doesn't have to be hellish.  The staff was so friendly, the food was quite tasty, the entertainment system was engaging, and no screaming babies.  I will continue to steer business to Emirates when I can't fly Continental.    A day stop in Dubai and then made it to Delhi.

So, I meant to blog everyday while in India.  Fail.  Sherene and I are in charge of 35 Yatra Trek members + managing to a jam packed schedule.  Plus, this is India so things never go as planned.

Anywho, I'll do my best to give snippets the next few days.  On day 2 in Delhi, we had Mr. Tarun Das speak to us.  He is the former head of the Confederation of Indian Industries (an important business roundtable) and is on the board of many blue chip organizations.   Because an important meeting with India's Finance Minister popped up for him, we had to rearrange our schedule and were late to meet him.  Because of the strong VIP culture in India, I was freaking out a bit.  However, it turned out alright, and he was so kind and engaging.  He individually met every student and had a small chit chat conversation ahead of his talk.

I really enjoyed the talk and following Q&A because he was candid and spoke at exactly the right level for people who only know headline stats about India.  Here is a high level summary of some things I learned:

-In 1947 when India gained independence, the self-doubting Indians looked externally for help in which direction to lead their country.  The US was focused on rebuilding Europe and Japan after WWII.  Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, looked north to Moscow for guidance and steered the country down a socialist model where the government had command and control of the economy.   That lasted for 40+ years until 1991 when India began privatization, accepted foreign investment, and began dreaming new dreams.  One decision led to 40+ years of stalling for a country with ~1 billion people.  Diplomacy, openness, and willingness to help other countries matter when nation states are at precarious points.

-I've always wondered why most Indians choose to study in the US and not the UK (even though many do).  US universities are top-notch, but getting a work permit to stay in America is challenging.  Given the 200 years of British rule, it seems to not make sense.  The missing piece is a decision that Margaret Thatcher made where UK universities began charging tuition on a sliding scale based on nationality. Foreigners for the first time had to pay more to go to UK university than Brits.  And, scholarships are not as prevalent in the UK as they are in the US.   Now 130,000+ Indians study at US universities every year.  Those talented individuals could have come to the UK (where they likely would have felt more comfortable and welcome).  If not for their reputation, US universities will face this challenge if our narrow-minded government continues to "protect" American jobs with stringent work permit nonsense.

-From 1963-1988, India had NO contact with China for 25 years.  Now China is India's main trading partner (ahead of the US) with trade at >$70 billion USD in the first 9 months of 2011.  That's alot of economic activity that wouldn't have happened if India and China didn't have a relationship, albeit slightly adversarial and cold.  India has many free trade agreements with ASEAN, Singapore, and potentially Europe.  It will be very difficult to sign one with the US as Obama can't talk about it with unemployment high in the US and an election around the corner.  I predict it will happen in the next 10 years.   On the other hand, India is hesitant to sign free trade agreements with China because they (rightfully) don't trust China's prices and doubt there is an actual private sector.  The onus in on China to change its ways and frankfully have better ties and diplomacy with the rest of the world if it wants to compete and benefit in the long run.

-Lessons for foreign companies entering India.  Don't go with a JV approach because the foreign and domestic companies both will want to rule the world.  That combo does not make for a good industrial marriage.  Don't fly in for day long business meetings in India and feel you can get the job done.  Business one night stands don't work in India.  Don't think of India as one market...think of it as 27 countries (not 1).  There are 27 states that were amalgamated to form India (a country that never existed otherwise).  Each state has its own language, food, traditions, beliefs, social issues, etc.

Overall, my takeaway was "A lot has changed in India in the past 60 years.  A lot still needs to change."

And now, here are a few pictures...

A Water Bottle's Journey Across the Ocean

Whoa?!?!...blog posts on consecutive days?  Go me! ;)

I received a very special care package from my wonderful college roommate Holly on Thanksgiving.   It made my day and reminded me how thankful I am to have the friends and family that I do.

After a consulting project my study group B2 did last year for one of the largest FMCG companies in the world, I've been fascinated with companies' ability to innovate.  We were reviewing some of the inhibitors of innovation for our client, and I learned a great deal about R&D and Marketing in consumer-oriented companies.  This is an example of how companies get it right.

This is a new water bottle that Brita launched.  (Yes, those are two laptops in the background.  Please don't judge.)  Basically, it's a dishwasher safe water bottle that has a special filter that screws on the underside of the cap.  Tap water is then as good as throw away bottled water.  Each filter lasts ~150 bottles.  The actual plastic Brita bottle retails for ~$10 and two-pack refills are ~$7 on Amazon.   Quite reasonable in my opinion.  Plus, this product makes it easier for people to be healthy (drink water vs. fizzy drinks) and green (less trash).  

I feel like the uber-cool early adopter on campus.  Only problem is that few know about Brita in this country. Mucho impressed with this product innovation.

Ode to Beets

My friend Reese recently reminded me that my blog has gone into hibernation recently.  As my LBS friends would say...heinous!

As I've grown older, my palate has changed.  I used to hate asparagus, dark chocolate, arugula, and avacadoes.  Now, they're a few of my favorite things to eat.  Another mature flavor that I've only come to appreciate from moving to London is the humble beet.   My mom used to make them for my dad, and only my dad.  No one else would come near them...especially me because the blood red color freaked me out.  Beets are popular in the UK and show up on many menus.  Ordering a salad with beets at a group dinner is what hooked me to this vegetable.  I now have the below salad at least a couple of times a week.  Just a little arugula, goat cheese, chopped beets, and balsamic glaze.   And in this country, you can buy very good pre-cooked beets marinated subtly in malt vinegar to give a sweet and succulent punch.  I read a food critic's blog mentioning how antioxidant-rich beets have grown in popularity as chef's have increasingly paired them with goat cheese (and what doesn't taste good with goat cheese?!?)

For more beet-inspired recipes, here's a list of 100.  http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/beets/index.html

The Choice is Yours

I saw this the other day on Pinterest and thought it was clever.  We all make a subconscious decision everyday about this.  Let's make a conscious decision to go with the latter.

A Helping of The Help

I'm back in London and finished reading Kathryn Stockett's book "The Help" last week.   I highly recommend it to everyone.

It's a fictional story about the lives of African American housekeepers in the South (U.S.) in the 1960's.   This is Stockett's first book, and like Harper Lee, she's written a masterpiece on racial tensions through the lives of everyday individuals.  "The Help" is what I call an "all emotions" book because it will make you laugh, cry, wonder, get mad, etc.  And those are the best kinds IMO because they mirror our own reality.

The format of the book is quite clever.  Stockett's protagonist Skeeter is an aspiring writer who teams up with the African American help in Jackson, Mississippi to secretly write a tell-all book about what it's like to work for their white employers.

It's interesting how in an unequal world, there could be so much love and hate between whites and blacks.   And through it all, African Americans persevered.  There's a shocking moment when readers find out about the Terrible Awful, but I couldn't help myself but to cheer for Minny in her act of retribution towards evil Hilly.

I don't think "The Help" is a story about the South.  I think it's a story about humanity.  We have a peculiar tendency to create artificial lines.  And this is true around the world.  In India, there was the caste system.  In South Africa, there was apartheid.  Even in London, a city sometimes called the capital of the world, there are unspoken feelings that Eastern Europeans are lower class.   Why do we do this?

I don't know the answer.  But my hypothesis is that we create barriers and put other people in boxes because it allows us to more quickly understand the world.  Humans often rely on deductive reasoning, meaning we make conclusions based on generalizations.  And we also think and learn in analogies.  This can help us quickly indentify what Little Samuel's parents do, what kind of car they drive, and where they live based on outward appearances.  It doesn't make it right though.

What's the solution?  This terrible problem we have isn't something that will go away in my lifetime, I believe. The best solution is a mindset.  If we individually start treating people like people instead of treating them as X people or Y people, it'll be a start.

I like to know what the author's motivation is when reading their work.  Stockett grew up in Jackson and was inspired to write this book based on her own childhood experience.  In the acknowledgement section, she wrote, "...my belated thanks to Demetrie McLorn, who carried us all out of the hospital wrapped in our baby blankets and spent her life feeding us, picking up after us, loving us, and thank God, forgiving us."

Just like old times

For better or for worse, I'm back in Austin for half the summer.  Besides that awful not-to-be-named school, the city really is the jewel of Texas.  Getting here was quite an adventure, and something I never want to do again.  I had a final on a Wednesday, two finals on a Friday, and two finals were on Saturday (the Brits are assessment nazis who don't think twice about weekend tests).  Post finals celebration at the Windsor was followed by the Stream B end of year party (in the Porn Basement...aka the Stream B party house).  Over the year, my study group and friends had won three bottles of champagne (including a giant magnum of Veuve Clicquot), so we celebrated the end of the first year with them.   Then, I stayed up most of Saturday night frantically packing for the summer and shoving my stuff into every nook and crevice so my flat could be subleased for the summer (thank goodness I found a subleaser).  The cab came to my place at 6 am Sunday morning to take me to Heathrow for my non-stop flight to Houston.  After an exhausting trip (where my seat's entertainment system was jacked...grr), I unloaded in Houston and had dinner with Holly at Ruggles Cafe in Rice Village (one of my faves).  Monday morning was a ridiculous number of errands and then driving to Austin in a rental car to start work on Tuesday.  I'm staying with a wonderful couple who are family friends.  They have a great place in Tarrytown and welcomed me to their home.  I don't know how I would have managed to do this this summer without their help.

Cheers to B2, the best study group.  Ever :) 

The next tough part about moving to a new city is being friendless.  Luckily, there are a handful of people I know that have welcomed me and inducted me into the Austin culture.   

Blast from the past high school rendezvous with Jennifer and Kaci.  Good to see Kaci after 9 years!

Double trouble.  Went to a "soup party" with Steven and Bryan (aka Brooks).  I don't know how to describe the event, but think of it as a Tupperware party meets summer BBQ, but with soups instead.  Very Austin culture but fun!

Monday funday!  After an intense P90X-esque class at Pure Austin, I head across the street to have dinner at the Whole Foods world HQ on Mondays.  It's like a gastro Disney World.

Three men and a lady.  I don't remember how and when I met Cason, Jared (aka Morris), and Craig (aka Craigers), but I did.  They are a bit older, wiser, and funnier than me and are a great group of guys to hang out with!

Pinterest
I credit my sweet dear friend Amy as the one who introduced me to such great things as Chaco's, Martha Stewart Living, SLR cameras, REI, Hill's Bike Shop, garage sales, and Pinterest.  This last one is a neat website that allows you to track, store, and "pin" your favorite items and ideas together online.  You can also see what your friends are (p)interested in for inspiration.    I became a member this weekend and LOVE it.  You should check it out...very cool service.  http://pinterest.com/