Reflections of 2011

After a tough 2010, 2011 was more than satisfying. While there is always scope to improve, I was able to achieve most of my goals - both on personal and professional fronts. As I completed my goals and the accompanying score card for 2012 today, I just thought of remembering a few things that gave immense satisfaction in 2011:

• BridgeCo, the India development center that I started and which I subsequently helped turn into the only engineering center got acquired. Some of the people that I have groomed and mentored continue to work there and I hear they are doing very well. For a teacher, parent, guru, mentor, nothing gives more satisfaction than the fact that the folks they helped are standing on their own. It is also a biggest gift for any leader. Well done folks!
• My reading is back on track, almost about a book per week on varied subjects. #books that I read is an indication of how am I doing in several other fronts.
• Started trekking! Formed a club of sorts with a set of all weather friends and we trekked in 3 different seasons and 3 different terrains. The best one was the one we did in Monsoon.
• Had fun with the family and we took three vacations in 2011, including a week long road trip covering distant places like Kanyakumari and Rameshwaram. More adventurous trips planned in 2012.
• Even my younger son started playing cricket and has been selected to represent the school, along with his elder brother. Made time to watch some of the matches they played and it was a different experience!
• I assumed responsibility as a Director on the board of SoL South Foundation (a not-for-profit society) and took additional responsibility as its Treasurer. Its an unique experience leading a bunch of volunteers. It also gives governance experience which is unmatched.
• Jumped to twitter bandwagon in April and have shared about 500 tweets mostly on technology. It has helped me to stay on top of things that are going on in the tech world and to expand the network.
• Was invited by IBM as a mentor for their Bangalore leg of Smartcamp and since then have been associated with the Smartcamps held around the world. Its a great experience to interact and share knowledge with young entrepreneurs and at the same time learn from industry veterans and VCs.
• At work, started with connectivity toolkits (WLAN, GPS, BT, Zigbee, etc.,) and later in the year was asked to lead all the toolkit development which includes cellular toolkits also (LTE, WCDMA, CDMA2k/EVDO etc.,). Learnt quite a lot on the job. It has been a special year for us as we are poised to cross $1B in revenues for the first time in our history. We are also named as Top-25 global companies to work for.

A thoroughly satisfying year. With recession looming large, I expect another year full of challenges and excitement.

So many people help you along the way. I want to thank the almighty and each one of my loved ones, friends,  and my mentors who continue to love me and help me grow - life would have been meaningless without you all.