It's been Two Weeks

Yeah, it's been over two weeks. Updates? Got some advice on year end bonus from friendly ex-boss (not female). India trip coming up in a week's time. Could be a defining one. Tough decisions. Am not good with them decisions. Spend too much time evaluating, dissecting, ruminating. The more time goes by, the more confusion grows, and the more unsure I get. Choice is also not a simple one. So there. Let's hope for the best. On the work front, things picking up. New boss due to start in 3 weeks time. Hope he is good. Super boss thinks he is a "top guy". As super boss says. Also, need to work out the bonus and promotion angle with the old boss (the one from the walk till Baker Street one Friday evening after work). Man, life couldn't be more crowded, complicated and exciting than it is right now. Can't complain really. But then again, I am me!! Till next time...

Whirlwind Roadtrip

Just back from a whirlwind roadtrip across Southern Europe. 3 Days, 3 Nights, Ford Galaxy, 1600Km, 3 Drivers, 3 Countries, 6 Main Stops, several stop&go's, mountains, landscapes, lakes, city centres, cathedrals, beaches, skin, night clubs, F1 racing tracks, casinos, breakfast-on-the-road, skipped lunches and lavish dinners, near death experiences on the road, SatNav confusions, tempers on the high, enthu on the low - it had it all. Was fun. Would do it again.

Dirty Politics

In Indian Mythology, there is description of a time when God disguised himself as the beautiful Menaka to distract the Demons from the pursuit of Nectar of Immortality. I can't help but draw parallels with that tale for what is happening to me in office these days.

Having found out I have the potential of being a strategic pawn in the power struggle that lies ahead for my team at the bank, there is this person, my ex-boss, who I so despise, who is trying to get me to join him for whatever it is worth. In a bid to do that, he has entrusted the two chicks on the team with the task of befriending me, with renewed vigour, and extract information. It could so happen that the very same information could be used destructively against me and my godfather or could be used not-so-destructively to further his own interests. The question for me then is, do I want to take that risk and play along? I think not.

Halfway Around the World

I did fly to meet her. Last weekend. Figured it would make sense to meet face-to-face. Explain the situation. Was very enjoyable. We connected. There was resonance. However, different geographies is proving to be a deal breaker. Hope I am making the right decision.

To Call or Not To Call

I didn't call today. Waited. Guess I did the right thing. And perhaps am committing a big mistake by flying halfway around the world to meet when I don't know if I am even worth a call. Time will tell. Shortly.

Constant Learning

Today I walked with my boss all the way from my workplace in the city to baker street, some 4.5 miles and 90 minutes. Realized there is so much more I have still to learn. So much by way of work I do everyday & so much by way of how organizations function.

Insider Trading

I know I shouldn't be using this term so loosely given the profession I am in. However, the fact of the matter is that I am doing insider trading these days, or at least it feels like that. Let me elaborate.

A couple of months back, I was contacted by the guy who recruited me in the bank. He wanted to know about my area of business. I explained. And he listened intently. With time the questions grew more focussed, more probing. I sensed a bigger play. I asked. He responded. He would be the global head of my business in a month's time. And as he had told, the top management was selectively taken out. And the bank paved way for his entry.

What that has come to mean for me is that I am party to information and discussions that are meant for several levels above me. While I revel in the power and bask in its glory, with power comes responsibility. To not share with anyone. This is a unique experience. For I am not normally known for keeping secrets. So there. I am an insider now. And learning how to deal with it. Guess this anonymous blog is a perfect outlet.