Quo Vadis?

"Quo Vadis" translates to a Latin phrase meaning "Where are you going?" It is also commonly translated poetically as "Whither goest thou?". Before you all think I have started learning Latin or becoming religious right up in the public eye. Its NO to both. There’s a background as to how "Quo Vadis" made me ruminate. Read on…

On 7 December 2023, at the IFSEC INDIA Awards, I was awarded the title of "Security Leader of the Year 2023." I was super grateful for the recognition. In fact, this was the 1st award that I ever got in my life in my professional career. Obviously, it was super gratifying for me. At the moment when my name was called out on the stage, my thoughts went back to all my past managers, many of whom were and are leaders, while some just remained managers too. I was thankful for the guidance that each of them provided in their own unique manner, all of which could assist me in discovering my “WHY” in my professional life.

Post the event & once all the dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin in my system got flushed out, I started analyzing the rather fulfilling experience. Suddenly, the chorus of the song “Feeling Good” started playing out in my head, and then I experienced an epiphany. I re-remembered the title of the award that I was given, and the award said, “Security Leader of the Year 2023,” with 2023 being the most important for me. It did not say that I was recognized as the Security leader till the end of time. The time period of the recognition was fixed. It meant that there were many Security Leaders before me and that there would be countless other Security Leaders who would be recognised for their efforts too. It was time to move on.

The biggest lesson for me was that I should be thankful to the environment that recognized me and the efforts that I put in, due to which I was rewarded with the trophy. The next super important message was that 2024 is another year, and resting on laurels can be rather disastrous. It could make me lose my edge in my professional work, the same edge that made me what I am. Would I want to lose that edge? NO.

So, it’s the Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached” mode for me. Then like a friend of mine said set another goal then "Wash Rinse Repeat" till satisfied.

?PS – I purposely chose to wear my Bihar Regimental tie while receiving this award. As my journey as a work ethic was inculcated during my tenure with 10th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment. This necktie is remembering thankfully the inputs that I go back then which shaped my ethos.