I was on stage as a panelist for an event at my old b-school
This will be a short post. A few weeks ago, I got a call from my alma matter. It was the director of the b-school. Back when I was a student, he was one of our most senior faculty. He was always cool with me, and he is generally a cool guy.
The call said that, there was going to be an event. ‘Startup Charcha’, it is called. In this event, they invite folks who have started their own companies. I have been a small businessman for over 8 years now, and recently incorporated my business as the revenue figures and customer demand has gone beyond what one person can manage. So, they said, they would love for me to come over.
It was a pretty cool invite. I am a huge fan of my b-school. I was in the middle of a house relocation and business expansion, but, I went ahead with the event.
Excellent Hospitality
There is no such thing as 100 % hospitality. There have been times in the past when my b-school has treated me poorly, but that usually boils down to specific individuals.
Fortunately, this time, looks like the director was personally managing all the guests. I was picked up at the Mysore railway station by the driver dude (and he is the guy I remember from my college days!!! In fact, I must have met some 10 to 20 people from the staff from 10 years ago. It was so cool to see all of them) and taken to the official guest house.
I was offered excellent tea, lunch and was well taken care of throughout the day. When the event itself was over, the same driver dropped me off. All in all, I felt like a VIP. Ah! Yes, I like it! If you are an alumni reading this, yes, if they end up inviting you, go for it. Its a pleasant experience.
Good Event
The event itself was good. There were 3 of us. One guy was a sports management consultant, who was really chilled out. I liked that guy. It was about two hours program. There were some questions and answers session. It was fun, as far as events go.
I like a little more pizzazz in my events and discussions. Still though, it is a campus after all. My b-school has always been famously serious about everything. I am used to it. The students were also super serious, scared of freely engaging with me or any other panel member. I remember my own class mates being equally super serious throughout their 2 year stay at the campus.
I saw some 20 people sleeping in the hall. It was so funny, LOL!!! I used to be one of those people who would happily sleep at conferences. So, yes, I am glad that tradition is still present.
Of course, my batch did have some colourful characters. If my classmates are reading this, thank you AG, SK, RK, AP for keeping the engine running. Amongst the girls, I thank DB, ST, NM, AU and VS for keeping it cool.
Final Note
All in all, for me, the whole event was a blast from the past, nostalgia filled thrill ride. The event itself was okay, and I will pray to god that the students would interact a little better. I mean, it was an event on ‘startups’ but not one of them had a query or question or any sort of zest about how to start their own thing.
It’s like, many of them are already hell bent on getting placed in a company and moving to a life filled with the monthly salary, loan EMIs and that sweet comfort of company sponsored health and life insurance. I don’t blame them. I have been on my own for eight years, and being an entrepreneur is not for the weak hearted. It’s not for everyone and the audience I saw, first impressions, seem like they have far removed themselves from any risk taking.
So, there you go. That was my experience and I don’t know if I will ever be invited again, but I am happy that they did this time.
Photo Credit — Photo by Science in HD on Unsplash
