GLAM

GLAM (Global Leadership Assessment for Managers) is one of the first courses in the London Business School curriculum. In preparation for the September course, we received an email a couple of weeks ago asking us to answer an online questionnaire - 240 questions along the lines of 'do you usually talk the most in group conversations'... Most of the questions seemed standard, there were a few bizarre ones - ' have you ever jumped with joy', 'Are you a superior human?'. I tried to keep my skepticism in check and take this seriously. Now, I need to find at least 6 people who would answer similar questions about me proving 360 degree feedback. If wonder what questions would be posed to them and I shudder to think of their responses.

Last days in the US

Last week, I gave my notice at work & I should say that things went surprisingly smooth. Almost everyone was surprised - especially when they heard the magnitude of the change I was subjecting my life to. I was professional and clear in explaining the when, the how and why of my move. I also gave sufficient notice (more than 3 weeks) and promised a smooth transition. I thought the response from most of them (at lease straight to my face) was very positive and encouraging. Definitely a super big load off of my shoulders now...

The Ascent of Money

The Ascent of Money

I watched this on TV last night and found it quite interesting. Turns out that all 4 episodes will be available online for free. This takes you through the quest for gold and silver, the origin of interest rates and banking (literally from benches) in Italy, bond markets to fund wars between Italian city states & the rise of the first corporation - the Dutch East India company. It was good to connect the dots on historical figures and places - Pizzaro, the Medici, Florence and the like.

Time to give notice

The move is within reach now. I plan to give my notice to my current employers tomorrow. I had to wait till the last minute because there is a chance that in the environment where I work I might be shown the door the same day I hand in my notice. So I picked 3 weeks as the ideal notice period. If they wish to keep me, I have sufficient time to transition things to my satisfaction. If not, I don't lose my paycheck too soon before I start school. And heaven knows, I am going to need every dollar to carry me through the program. Wish me luck!

Speaking of the dollar, for the last 6 months I have following the pound's roller coaster ride. It is at $1.62 today and I am hoping for a dip in the next few months - as I start moving money to pounds.

Day 1

The next 2 years promise a lot. Next month, I will quit my job, sell my house and uproot my family from the US to London. I will quit the confines of my cube to pursue a full time MBA program. I feel that this will be a good time to document my experiences and thoughts. This is intended primarily for my family and friends scattered across the world. However, I do hope that it would be of interest to others. I have certainly benefited from blogs that gave me perspective on the London MBA - Back in the saddle, Angel Angie, Foreign Foran to name a few and feel that it is my time to write.

I write this in my cube, even as I look forward to becoming cuBeless!