1st day of IE

Nov 12

Today we went for our official first day of IMBA at IE. This was the day I was looking forward to for a long time.

The university of Segovia which was bought by IE business school is an old medieval time building with high ceilings and grand architecture. It was the look and feel of a beautiful university. I believe that IE Business school might move there some time in the future.

We had presentations by the Dean Mr. Santiago Iniguez, Associate Dean Mr David Bach and a host of others welcoming us to the IMBA program and giving us a lot of information about how to go about the year ahead. David made us look at each other and then mentioned – these are your teachers for the time ahead. This was an important message. Yes, I have to learn from all of them. The Dean also mentioned that we should have an attitude that I know nothing and change is but permanent. Profound words, which Gurudev has already mentioned in all his teachings. There is so much of spiritual knowledge which has been adapted to the corporate world. So easy for me to understand the subtle meanings and understand what was said. Keep your eyes open and yours ears to the ground. David also read out a poem, by Constantine P Cavafy, to us about the idea of Ithaca. What I took from it was that there is the goal to reach but the journey to reach the goal should be exciting, enjoyable and in this journey I must have the continuous hunger to reach the goal. That’s what will make my course more and more exciting.

There was a board member, a fairly old gentleman, probably in his sixties. He was humorous and jovial and connected with each and every student sitting in the audience. He gave some tips too and all of them stressed on the fact that we should network, not only with the students but also the professors. They (the professors) will be the ones which can open doors and make things happen for us. What I learnt from him was that even when you become a big man and has been there and done that – have a sense of humor. I strongly believe that your sense of humor can win you lots of friends.

We also had David Sifry – founder of Technorati Inc. He has been a serial entrepreneur and gave us a lecture on tips for being a successful entrepreneur. What I learnt from his lecture was that it’s a difficult process no doubt, but if you have self belief and commitment to hard work, it will work out. Be ready to fail and face failure as fast as possible. Keep the team you have and have the brains and guts to move on when your time is up. It was a damn good lecture and gave a great insight into what it takes to be a real entrepreneur. It was indeed a great day of learning. School starts tomorrow.