What's on my mind? New chapters, charity and changing the world
Keri Gilder
Putting the power of the digital universe in the hands of our customers wherever, whenever and however they want.
I still remember the day I dropped my kids off at school here in England after we moved across the pond. My son was 10 and my daughter seven. My son, being older and a super sensor, grabbed our hand as hard as he could and did not want to let go, walking into his new class reluctantly and wanting help to settle. My daughter, the polar opposite, when asked to be shown to her class, happily skipped away waving goodbye, with a smile on her face and excited about meeting her new classmates - my husband and I were the ones that needed a hug as we walked away!
This week was the final drop-off of our children at school, as my daughter embarks on her freshman year at university. Needless to say, we’re all going through a bit of separation anxiety. She will start ‘adulting’ as she lives on her own, and my husband will have to find a new purpose as his 21-year career of being a stay-at-home dad comes to an end. I’m going to have to find solace in not having my little helper and our dinnertime entertainment around. The cats are even going to have to adjust as they don’t have her to sleep and snuggle with!
Getting to this point of seeing my daughter off to university has been a lot of work with ups and downs along the way. There were also many tough prioritisation decisions and times I needed to put my family first. One of those tough decisions has been not to participate in the Colt Charity Bike Ride. The training would have taken me away from the last days and weeks with my daughter. The ride itself would have also taken me away from my husband, who is also going through the same emotions as I am right now. Life is always about choices, and I have chosen to prioritise my family because as Roger Federer, the great tennis player, says “life is bigger than the court”.
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This week 175 riders and 45 support crew will set off to ride and support 450km from Brussels to Düsseldorf to raise money for 22 charities across the globe, really bringing to life our value of ‘we can change the world”. And although I, and many other Colties, will not be riding our bikes, making sandwiches at the feed stations or packing bags into vans, we will be there with you in spirit and know this will have a hugely positive impact on the charities we support with the fundraising.
Good luck to everyone taking part, I’ll be closely following your progress!
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Business & Purchase Head
2 个月Keri thank you so much for sharing your personal heart touching moments with us. I can imagine how difficult it is to manage and balance between personal and professional life together. I remember my COLT Days when I had to fulfill my childhood dream and I discussed with my manager and he said let me speak to your boss Garry Beauvoir and see if he permit your 15 Days leave so that you can go and achieve your dream. And when Garry listened to my manager and got to know that I want to walk on RAMP and win the Mrs India Worldwide pageant. He literally jumped from his chair and started clapping. And immediately said Vendana please go ahead and win the Crown. It will be proud moment for all of us. And Keri I participate and won the Mrs India Worldwide pageant 2011. So I would like to thanks to my Husband my 2 little boys and COLT for allowing me to achieve my childhood dream to the fullest. After winning that crown I had a grand welcome in my COLT Gurgaon office I can't forget it till my last. Thank you COLT I still wish if I can come back again in COLT CONGRATULATIONS Keri for your tremendous success!!
Attended Arizona State University
2 个月Very nice??????????????
Director @ Colt Technology Services |Program and Portfolio Management | Leading New Product Introduction related Programs | DEI leadership | Thought Leadership|
2 个月This is very touching Keri and as a parent I can understand. Last month was one of the toughest month for me in my life when my father was sick and I was running between hospital , home and school. My father passed away and I am so thankful to colt to give me time off to take care of him and prioritise my time with him rather than worry about work. I remember talking to Ash and he said “Shashi , go and take care of your father, work will happen later. You have given so much to colt , can we not back you up during this tough time” . This was a gift for me and I am so happy to have prioritized my time with my dad during his last .
Health, Safety and Security Manager
2 个月Good choices! Prioritizing is not always easy but important!