Making sense of the subcontinent
I’m constantly amazed at the paths people take to India.
Some people get called into an office one day and find themselves in an Indian airport the next week. Others come here trying to start their own business and capitalize on the Indian market. Others come to live out a sense of adventure.
Then there’s Robert. [Read more…]
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You have identified an ideal partner for your business in India: strong financials, common interests, and experience in the field. The company is an older family-run business. You soon realize that the key to sealing an agreement is a meeting with the patriarch, an older man who doesn’t come to the office much anymore. His blessing is essential, but you are having a lot of trouble getting his attention. What do you do?
In this episode of Working With India, I talk with Arjun Buxi. Arjun is a native Indian who grew up in a Punjabi family business, and is now a Communication Consultant and Educator in the San Francisco area. Arjun is a true expert in the field of Indian business culture, especially when it comes to how family dynamics affect things. His knowledge is both experiential and scholarly.
Here are a few of my favorite moments in this show:
Here are some of the links mentioned in the show: [Read more…]
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I often envy my Indian friends who come from family businesses. Their fathers and grandfathers have put in the hard work to carve out a niche and set up an established company. It’s not that it’s an easy position, but it seems great to have that kind of upbringing, heritage, and opportunity.
But it’s nearly impossible to break into the inner circle of that sort of family business…
Unless you marry into it.
Here is the story of Rohan and Shannon. [Read more…]
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It doesn’t take long to realize India’s potential. Given the amazing population advantage, the language advantage, and the commitment to serious work hours, India is in shape to be a major player.
But what about you? If you take up a role in India, are you subjecting yourself to isolation from the home office or are you gaining a chance to grow faster than your peers? Will your time in India be merely a chance to gain some global exposure, or can it be much more than that?
This month’s Working With India podcast features Nick Mitchell, Managing Director of Phenomenex in Hyderabad. [Read more…]
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Don’t do India alone.
I think that’s the best advice anyone could give on how to survive here. Whether you are signing up for a three-year assignment with a multi-national, or just trying to establish a life in India, nothing is more helpful than a circle of friends.
One of the best things about a circle of friends is hearing their stories. Stories from people who have been exactly where you are now, and figured out a thing or two along the way.
To help with this, I’m happy to announce the Working with India Podcast – conversations with people who have worked with India for a long time and have insights to share. We’ll discuss how to transition to an Indian style of working, develop leaders, implement processes, prepare for repatriation, and much more.
The first episode features Andrew Mogendorff, who recently completed a three-year assignment with Target in Bangalore. Andrew came to India with his wife and two young children.
Here’s what you can expect from the first podcast: [Read more…]
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