Monday, October 13, 2025

A Quarter-Century Journey: From October 14, 1999 to Today

 

A Quarter-Century Journey: From October 14, 1999 to Today

The Beginning: October 14, 1999

Twenty-six years ago today, I walked through the doors of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for the first time. Fresh-faced and filled with equal parts excitement and nervousness, I had no idea that this first step would launch a professional journey spanning continents, companies, and countless unforgettable experiences.

That date—October 14, 1999—marks not just the start of my career, but the beginning of an adventure that would take me across five continents and shape who I am today.

The Foundation: TCS Years

TCS was my university in the real world. It was where I learned the fundamentals of technology, project delivery, and client relationships. The company's culture of learning and emphasis on excellence became the bedrock of my professional values. Those early years taught me discipline, attention to detail, and the importance of teamwork—lessons that would serve me throughout my career.

But perhaps more importantly, TCS gave me my first taste of international work. Those initial overseas assignments opened my eyes to the global nature of technology and sparked a curiosity about the world that has never dimmed.

Expanding Horizons: The HP Chapter

Moving to Hewlett-Packard (HP) was a significant leap—a chance to work with one of the most iconic names in technology. HP brought a different perspective: innovation at scale, a rich heritage of engineering excellence, and a truly global footprint.

At HP, I worked on larger, more complex projects that took me to new countries and exposed me to diverse work cultures. Each client interaction, each project kickoff in a different time zone, each collaboration with colleagues from around the world added new dimensions to my professional toolkit.

The NESS Experience

The transition to NESS Technologies brought yet another flavor to my journey. Here, I experienced the agility and innovation mindset of a company that balanced the efficiency of established processes with the creativity of newer thinking. NESS challenged me to think differently, to be more entrepreneurial, and to take ownership in ways I hadn't before.

Finding Home: CSG

My journey with CSG International has been particularly rewarding. The company's focus on customer engagement solutions in the telecommunications and media industries opened up fascinating challenges and opportunities. At CSG, I've had the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that impact how millions of people connect and communicate.

Six Continents, Countless Memories

Over these twenty-six years, my passport has become a treasured scrapbook of experiences:

Asia – From the bustling streets of Singapore to the tech hubs of Bangalore and beyond, Asia has been both home and destination, familiar yet always surprising.

Europe – London's financial district, Amsterdam's canals, the precision of Germany, the warmth of Mediterranean countries—Europe taught me that excellence comes in many cultural flavors.

North America – From Silicon Valley to New York, from Toronto to Mexico City, North America showed me the pace and scale of innovation, the art of the pitch, and the beauty of diverse perspectives.

South America – Brazil's energy, Argentina's passion, and the emerging tech scenes across the continent reminded me that innovation knows no geographic bounds.

Africa – Projects in South Africa and Kenya revealed rapidly evolving markets, incredible resilience, and the universal nature of technology's promise.

Australia – Down Under brought a refreshing work-life balance perspective and showed me that great work can happen anywhere, even on the other side of the world.

Only Antarctica remains unvisited—and honestly, there aren't many data centers down there!

The Real Treasures

While the stamps in my passport tell one story, the real treasures of this journey have been far more valuable:

  • The People: Colleagues who became friends, mentors who became lifelong guides, clients who became partners. Every interaction enriched my understanding of not just technology, but humanity.

  • The Perspectives: Working across cultures taught me that there are many right ways to solve a problem, many valid approaches to teamwork, and that listening is often more valuable than speaking.

  • The Growth: From technical skills to leadership, from project management to strategic thinking, each company and each continent added new capabilities to my professional repertoire.

  • The Adaptability: Learning to work effectively in different time zones, navigate different business cultures, and bridge communication gaps has been invaluable.

Reflections on Satisfaction

As I look back on this journey from October 14, 1999, to today, the overwhelming feeling is one of deep satisfaction. Not because everything was perfect—far from it. There were failed projects, missed opportunities, difficult transitions, and countless challenges along the way.

The satisfaction comes from something deeper:

  • The privilege of working on meaningful projects that made a difference
  • The joy of continuous learning and growth
  • The richness of experiencing the world through work
  • The relationships built across borders and time zones
  • The knowledge that I've contributed something valuable to each organization I've been part of

Looking Forward

As I mark this twenty-sixth anniversary, I'm reminded that the journey isn't over. Technology continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace. New continents of possibility—cloud computing, AI, digital transformation—await exploration.

But I carry forward the lessons of these twenty-six years: stay curious, remain adaptable, value people above processes, and never stop learning.

To anyone starting their career today, I'd say this: embrace the journey. Say yes to opportunities that scare you a little. Seek out experiences that challenge your assumptions. The path from TCS to wherever you're headed will be uniquely yours, but the rewards of a journey lived fully are universal.

Here's to the next chapter—wherever in the world it may take me.


What has your professional journey looked like? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below.

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