Breaking Out of the Pond: Global Connections Matter

Posted by Parvathy Krishnan on Aug 07, 2024
From the Chair

This week, we are privileged to feature a message from Parvathy Krishnan, our Director for Asia. Parvathy has been a dedicated and passionate volunteer for NPAworldwide for many years. Before her election to the Board of Directors this year, she served as the Country Leader for India for over 15 years. We are grateful for Parvathy's unwavering commitment to our network and her ongoing efforts to connect our members worldwide. —Pam

In a tiny pond, Croakster the frog proudly boasted, “This pond is the best place ever!” A dragonfly buzzed by, it said, “You must visit the vast lake beyond. You’ll meet new friends and learn so much from them!”
Croakster replied, “Why would I leave? I’m so comfortable here!”
One day, the dragonfly convinced Croakster to visit the lake. Croakster’s eyes popped at the sight – what a beautiful world out there! Frogs happily hopping around, an exciting game of catch the fly and the biggest body of water he had ever seen!
 
Just like Croakster discovered all he had missed out on staying in his little world, we greatly benefit from meeting and connecting with people all over – not just members in our region, but members all over the globe.

 

Over & above attending Area & Practice Group Calls in our own respective region, how wonderful would it be if more of us attended Practice Group Calls in other regions?!!

By taking the effort to convene from across time zones & by sharing experiences and knowledge from each region, we’ll break down barriers, understand diverse cultures, and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Consider the current economic landscape: While some giants like the US and China see moderate growth and persistent inflation challenges, many parts of Asia including India are seeing positive trends. Despite the high youth unemployment numbers, the overall job market is growing, with significant job creation and economic expansion. This growth reflects a dynamic labour market and increasing opportunities across sectors.

Leveraging on the connections that we have in our NPAworldwide network becomes especially valuable during these times, even with the challenge of odd hours, a petty inconvenience. When regions face economic fluctuations, collaborative global connections can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, creating new opportunities for all. We all know that for us in NPAworldwide, new opportunities mean more splits!

Wanting us to break out of our very own pond, I made an old initiative more formal. While I have invited members from far flung regions to several India calls over the years, I have now put in place a practice of having a member on each call as a Special Invitee for all Asia calls. Those who have attended the June & July Asia Cross Industry Practice Group Calls would have seen the huge value addition in these calls, sharing insights with our Special Invitees.

During the June call, Pam Robison, our Chairperson, gave a great overview of the state of our network & am sure took back with her a wealth of information regarding Asia. 

I am stoked with the impact & effect this has had and continues to have on each of us & so excited imagining the possibilities!

This concept holds good even more so for all the amazing in-person Conferences. So, let me see all of you in Bali next month!!!!

Here’s to more New Croakstering ourselves!!!