Well - this will be my last blog posting for the foreseeable future because Geeta and I are entering a new phase of our lives and we've a got a new blog to run.
http://werehavingthree.blogspot.com/
It has been a pleasure and I really hope this blog has been useful for all prospective MBA candidates.
All the best in your endeavours.
Sacha Gera, MBA
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Back to Working Life
I'm starting the third week of my new job at IBM. It feels good to be back in the working world although it was a bit of an adjustment the first couple of weeks – Over the summer I’d become accustomed to waking up on my own terms, and going to bed when I felt like it. It definitely isn’t like that anymore! My first client engagement/training engagement is in Mississauga which is quite the commute from downtown (where I live). I’m getting used to Toronto traffic and I can see how people waste a lot of time on their daily commute. I’m trying to beat the traffic by going in early and staying a bit later.
The first couple of weeks have involved training, and some job shadowing to ease me into the management consulting world. It’s been quite the experience so far – keep you posted.
Over the last couple of weeks, I really feel like I’m getting back into a routine. My schedule on Monday through Friday has become pretty standardized with work, home life etc. Weekends are my time to relax and spend time with Geeta. I’ve also started running more often and for longer distances. I try to get in two 5km runs per week and one 8-10km run on the weekend. My goal is to stay as fit as possible both physically and mentally over the coming weeks.
Other than that, there hasn’t been a lot going on. The May, 2009 Ivey class continues to stay close after graduation and we get together at least once a month. We recently got together at a colleague’s place + on occasion we get together for after work drinks. Definitely miss not seeing everyone every day. I’m now starting to reminisce on the Ivey days more frequently. I miss them. What a year it was! I was looking at pictures, and our year book the other day and it really made me appreciate how amazing the year was; from the China Study Trip, to the Consulting Project, to making new friends…what a year!
The first couple of weeks have involved training, and some job shadowing to ease me into the management consulting world. It’s been quite the experience so far – keep you posted.
Over the last couple of weeks, I really feel like I’m getting back into a routine. My schedule on Monday through Friday has become pretty standardized with work, home life etc. Weekends are my time to relax and spend time with Geeta. I’ve also started running more often and for longer distances. I try to get in two 5km runs per week and one 8-10km run on the weekend. My goal is to stay as fit as possible both physically and mentally over the coming weeks.
Other than that, there hasn’t been a lot going on. The May, 2009 Ivey class continues to stay close after graduation and we get together at least once a month. We recently got together at a colleague’s place + on occasion we get together for after work drinks. Definitely miss not seeing everyone every day. I’m now starting to reminisce on the Ivey days more frequently. I miss them. What a year it was! I was looking at pictures, and our year book the other day and it really made me appreciate how amazing the year was; from the China Study Trip, to the Consulting Project, to making new friends…what a year!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Winds of Change
In a couple of hours, my parents are coming to visit Geeta and I for the first time since we’ve relocated to Toronto. I’m excited that they're coming up. My parents are moving to the U.K. (in a couple of weeks) for the next four years as my mother has taken a diplomatic posting with the Canadian Embassy in London. I’m excited for her and my dad. I still can’t believe that they are uprooting their lives at their age (now in their 60’s), but at the same time I am inspired that they are actually doing it. What I like most about it, besides having a place to crash in central London, is that my parents are actually following through on a dream that they’ve talked about ever since I was a child: taking a foreign posting. I am always inspired by people who follow-through on their dreams and make things happen. I try to live my life by this same principal – ‘don’t just talk about it, make things happen’. It is sad that they are moving and that the ‘Winds of Change’ are in the air in all aspect of my life at the moment - but after the MBA experience I feel more prepared to deal with change then ever before.
I spent all of last week in Ottawa helping my parents pack up their household. It is amazing how much stuff can accumulate in 30 years of occupancy. My parents had a hard time departing with many of their antique possessions, which made the move frustrating at times ;) After a few dozen rounds of debates/arguments/boxing we were able to dispose of roughly two tonnes of excess furniture, articles, clothing and junk - the move was finally completed and the new rental tenants were ready to move into my parents’ home on time and on schedule.
While in Ottawa, I also had the opportunity to meet up with a few Ivey classmates that happened to be in town. It was nice seeing them. Since Geeta and I have moved to Toronto we’ve been able to frequently meet up with Ivey friends, which has been really nice and has helped us ease the transition into the big city. Good friends in any city = good times ….in my opinion. Our social senator liaisons recently organized a class get together at a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game, which was a fantastic way for all of us in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) to meet up and catch up on the last couple of months since school ended.
With one week to go before starting my first post-MBA job at IBM, I’m feeling ready and excited to get back into the working world. I feel like I’ve been off of work for far too long now, and I think that getting back to work will help me get into a routine again. Geeta and I have been without an income for about 15 months now so the money won’t hurt either ;) I had a large list of things to do while I was off on vacation, and I’m happy to say that at least half of it was completed. My post-MBA vacation was a great time to do a lot of self-reflection and I think it was quite healthy for me. I realize that I need to work on finding more time to relax especially when I settle back into the working routine – I’ve become quite the restless soul over the last few years!!
Earlier this year I promised myself that I would read a self-improvement book called Crucial Conversations. It’s about learning to deal effectively with conversations that involve high emotions, high stakes, and opposing opinions. I’m almost finally done the book, and I must say that it is well worth the read. I highly recommend it to everyone. It is applicable to your professional life and your personal life, and it will change the way you communicate and handle yourself when it counts the most – both at home, at work, and everywhere else.
I’ll end off with an interesting set of lyrics from my favourite rock band. Yes - I know it has nothing to do with this blog entry, and the topic of 'enemies' is kind of a strange one...but thought I'd share it anyhow.
“Choose your enemies carefully because they will define you.
Make them interesting because in some ways they will mind you.
They are not there in the beginning but when your story ends.
Going to last with you longer then your friends”
~Cedars of Lebanon, U2
Until next time…
Sacha
I spent all of last week in Ottawa helping my parents pack up their household. It is amazing how much stuff can accumulate in 30 years of occupancy. My parents had a hard time departing with many of their antique possessions, which made the move frustrating at times ;) After a few dozen rounds of debates/arguments/boxing we were able to dispose of roughly two tonnes of excess furniture, articles, clothing and junk - the move was finally completed and the new rental tenants were ready to move into my parents’ home on time and on schedule.
While in Ottawa, I also had the opportunity to meet up with a few Ivey classmates that happened to be in town. It was nice seeing them. Since Geeta and I have moved to Toronto we’ve been able to frequently meet up with Ivey friends, which has been really nice and has helped us ease the transition into the big city. Good friends in any city = good times ….in my opinion. Our social senator liaisons recently organized a class get together at a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game, which was a fantastic way for all of us in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) to meet up and catch up on the last couple of months since school ended.
With one week to go before starting my first post-MBA job at IBM, I’m feeling ready and excited to get back into the working world. I feel like I’ve been off of work for far too long now, and I think that getting back to work will help me get into a routine again. Geeta and I have been without an income for about 15 months now so the money won’t hurt either ;) I had a large list of things to do while I was off on vacation, and I’m happy to say that at least half of it was completed. My post-MBA vacation was a great time to do a lot of self-reflection and I think it was quite healthy for me. I realize that I need to work on finding more time to relax especially when I settle back into the working routine – I’ve become quite the restless soul over the last few years!!
Earlier this year I promised myself that I would read a self-improvement book called Crucial Conversations. It’s about learning to deal effectively with conversations that involve high emotions, high stakes, and opposing opinions. I’m almost finally done the book, and I must say that it is well worth the read. I highly recommend it to everyone. It is applicable to your professional life and your personal life, and it will change the way you communicate and handle yourself when it counts the most – both at home, at work, and everywhere else.
I’ll end off with an interesting set of lyrics from my favourite rock band. Yes - I know it has nothing to do with this blog entry, and the topic of 'enemies' is kind of a strange one...but thought I'd share it anyhow.
“Choose your enemies carefully because they will define you.
Make them interesting because in some ways they will mind you.
They are not there in the beginning but when your story ends.
Going to last with you longer then your friends”
~Cedars of Lebanon, U2
Until next time…
Sacha
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Four Recent Financial Post Articles
I've written four recent blog articles for the Financial Post. Enjoy.
High Yield Corporate Bonds - A Safe Short Term Play With High Return Potential?
Timing the Economic Recovery - Maximizing Portfolio Returns with the Sector Rotation Strategy
Nortel: Bidder Motives, Canadian Pride
Why GM & Chrysler but not Nortel?
High Yield Corporate Bonds - A Safe Short Term Play With High Return Potential?
Timing the Economic Recovery - Maximizing Portfolio Returns with the Sector Rotation Strategy
Nortel: Bidder Motives, Canadian Pride
Why GM & Chrysler but not Nortel?
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
First post-MBA blog…Toronto – my new home
First post-MBA blog…Toronto – my new home
This is blog #36 and my first as an Ivey MBA graduate. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep doing this but it was really nice to hear from some readers that this blog has actually been somewhat helpful to prospective MBA students - So I’ll write from time to time as an MBA grad and Ivey alumni and profile my life in the big city – Toronto.
It has been over a month since graduation however time seems to be passing very quickly. I’ve been busy catching up on all the things I neglected during the year including filing my taxes ;) Geeta and I travelled to Florida for 11 days – Disney World was overwhelming, Miami was not totally as expected, but the Florida Keys were heavenly. Did I mention that we got chased out of the waters by a shark while beaching it up in the Keys – no worries; no one got hurt :)
So how does it feel to be done?
Well besides the flashy/shiny Ivey ring that I received upon graduation, I really don’t feel all that different (by the way the ring has got quite the bling bling factor to it – still trying to get used to it :) ). I do however feel more prepared for the working world and more confident than ever. I feel like I have a toolbox of strategy, financial, leadership, communication, analytical, networking and marketing tools to propel toward my executive aspirations. Guess time will tell.
Life in the big city.
We have moved into our new apartment in central Toronto, and we are really starting to embrace the vibrancy and cosmopolitan nature of our new home – Toronto, Canada. So far so good – really liking the restaurants, coffee shops and walking. Love that everything is accessible and that we don’t have to drive much in the heavy traffic. What’s even better is that we’ve moved to a city where many of our Ivey colleagues/friends are also located. It feels like we are picking it up where we last left off. In the first couple of weeks, Geeta and I have managed to meet with many friends and it has made the transition much easier. Good friends + new city = don’t matter where you are!
In other news….
My brother’s family is the new poster family for Immigration Canada. I think this is hilarious. My niece and nephew have since been enrolled in modelling school. Too funny! Check it out here. Pic on the left.
My niece Sanya turned one! – can’t believe it has been a year already. She was born during module 1 of the program and I am looking forward to seeing her in an upcoming trip to Otown (aka Ottawa). My Californian niece Ayana is now four! – man I feel like I am getting old! Pics below - baby Sanya in her crib and four year old Ayana at her Cinderella-themed bday party.
My dearest parents are moving to London, U.K. come late August! My mother is taking a diplomatic posting with the embassy in London - I am so proud of her and all her accomplishments. She’s always a source of inspiration. The fact that both my parents are still ambitious enough (even in their 60’s) to make big moves and live a fulfilling life is hugely inspirational to me. I hope I’ve gotten some of that in me. I’m looking forward to many wonderful trips to the U.K. over the next four years.
Until next time…Sacha Gera, MBA :)
This is blog #36 and my first as an Ivey MBA graduate. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep doing this but it was really nice to hear from some readers that this blog has actually been somewhat helpful to prospective MBA students - So I’ll write from time to time as an MBA grad and Ivey alumni and profile my life in the big city – Toronto.
It has been over a month since graduation however time seems to be passing very quickly. I’ve been busy catching up on all the things I neglected during the year including filing my taxes ;) Geeta and I travelled to Florida for 11 days – Disney World was overwhelming, Miami was not totally as expected, but the Florida Keys were heavenly. Did I mention that we got chased out of the waters by a shark while beaching it up in the Keys – no worries; no one got hurt :)
So how does it feel to be done?
Well besides the flashy/shiny Ivey ring that I received upon graduation, I really don’t feel all that different (by the way the ring has got quite the bling bling factor to it – still trying to get used to it :) ). I do however feel more prepared for the working world and more confident than ever. I feel like I have a toolbox of strategy, financial, leadership, communication, analytical, networking and marketing tools to propel toward my executive aspirations. Guess time will tell.
Life in the big city.
We have moved into our new apartment in central Toronto, and we are really starting to embrace the vibrancy and cosmopolitan nature of our new home – Toronto, Canada. So far so good – really liking the restaurants, coffee shops and walking. Love that everything is accessible and that we don’t have to drive much in the heavy traffic. What’s even better is that we’ve moved to a city where many of our Ivey colleagues/friends are also located. It feels like we are picking it up where we last left off. In the first couple of weeks, Geeta and I have managed to meet with many friends and it has made the transition much easier. Good friends + new city = don’t matter where you are!
In other news….
My brother’s family is the new poster family for Immigration Canada. I think this is hilarious. My niece and nephew have since been enrolled in modelling school. Too funny! Check it out here. Pic on the left.My niece Sanya turned one! – can’t believe it has been a year already. She was born during module 1 of the program and I am looking forward to seeing her in an upcoming trip to Otown (aka Ottawa). My Californian niece Ayana is now four! – man I feel like I am getting old! Pics below - baby Sanya in her crib and four year old Ayana at her Cinderella-themed bday party.
My dearest parents are moving to London, U.K. come late August! My mother is taking a diplomatic posting with the embassy in London - I am so proud of her and all her accomplishments. She’s always a source of inspiration. The fact that both my parents are still ambitious enough (even in their 60’s) to make big moves and live a fulfilling life is hugely inspirational to me. I hope I’ve gotten some of that in me. I’m looking forward to many wonderful trips to the U.K. over the next four years.
Until next time…Sacha Gera, MBA :)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The night before convocation
What a surreal moment it is. I’m feeling happy, excited and sad all at the same time. Tomorrow is our convocation and it marks the last day that we will all be together as a class. If only I could have one more class together in Amp A to hear Gerard talk about cuuuulture, to hear Dany make a funny comment, to hear Selena talk about oil and gas, to hear AK sing ‘Journey’, to see Matt B. raise his eyebrows and deliver a Jack Welch quote, to see Ricky playing on his iPhone, to see Alan playing chess, to see Sudha getting riled up about biotech, to see Vikas being an eager beaver, to see Mark T. take his time to answer a question, to hear David Atkinson ramble off a well-polished response, to see Diana and Adwoa correct the professors with the pronunciation of their names, to watch Heather make an intelligent remark, to see Samar look for water, to see Erin talk legalities, to see Jamie sum it all up, to see Zev talk ‘greed is good’, to see Rahul rap, to see Steph debate accounting, to see Sid talk banking, to see Z smile, to see Sabir say !’er, to see Flossie brew up an wicked response in case she gets called, to see Jeff talk medicine, to hear Joy-Ann talk about how cold it is, to see Jimmy serenade a classmate, to watch Waleed rock his chair, to see Pat deliver his roller-coaster speech, to see Matthew John talk politics, to hear Sebestian talk business, to hear Greg’s deep analysis of the situation, to hear Tom talk face-grinding, to hear Mukul talk cricket, to hear Garima talk India, to hear Raghu make a bold statement, to hear Neal talk numbers, to hear Sunny talk ops, to watch Jason B. trade stocks, to watch Anya talk Russia, to hear Karen talk consulting, to watch Andrew crunch some numbers, to watch Sid D. and Somea in deep discussion, to see Vanessa wearing a ‘vote for Vanessa’ shirt, to see Chris talk IT, to hear Will talk law, to hear Nolan spontaneously whip up a response, to see Ramit staring at Mukul, to hear Alykan talk about oil fields, to hear Pierre Mason crack a joke, to watch Joseph fall asleep, to hear Pier Jr. talk about the lab, to hear LP talk French, to watch Justin P. demonstrate his seeds of greatness, to watch Justin W. put himself out there with a vulnerable speech, to hear Gang deliver a perspective from China, to watch Wei’s observant tendencies, to hear Karthik offer a candid perspective, to watch Senay’s ‘Obama-ness’, to watch Mark R. play professor and teach a class, to listen to Manju’s long words of wisdom, to watch Neha’s facial reactions, to watch Somea’s strong will, to hear Khaled quote a section from the law book, to hear Anurag’s soft-spoken intelligence, to see Dev’s perfectly maintained beard, to watch Ashish snap a picture and to listen to myself ramble about Nortel. Oh – and to wonder why all those AMBAs are so smart…..
Today was a busy day. I had a number of errands to complete, and a lunch to attend before my parents, in-laws, and sister in law came into town. I managed to fit in time for a coffee with a good friend – which was really nice. It made me realize how much I’m going to miss hanging out with everyone. At night, Geeta and I cooked up a bbq dinner and enjoyed some good discussions and laughs with the family..
Dis-Orientation Week Update:
Wednesday: We attended Ivey Laundy! It’s an Ivey tradition for the outgoing class to make/show videos, demonstrate their talent etc. What a funny night. There were some pretty awesome videos with imitations, slide shows etc. Some pretty amazing performances too including singing/rapping/dancing from various classmates. We followed up with an appearance at the Barking Frog, an Ivey MBA’s most frequented club. Crazy times, very little sleep, and my body is aching - a last taste of what partying is like at Ivey.
I can’t believe tomorrow is it ;(
Today was a busy day. I had a number of errands to complete, and a lunch to attend before my parents, in-laws, and sister in law came into town. I managed to fit in time for a coffee with a good friend – which was really nice. It made me realize how much I’m going to miss hanging out with everyone. At night, Geeta and I cooked up a bbq dinner and enjoyed some good discussions and laughs with the family..
Dis-Orientation Week Update:
Wednesday: We attended Ivey Laundy! It’s an Ivey tradition for the outgoing class to make/show videos, demonstrate their talent etc. What a funny night. There were some pretty awesome videos with imitations, slide shows etc. Some pretty amazing performances too including singing/rapping/dancing from various classmates. We followed up with an appearance at the Barking Frog, an Ivey MBA’s most frequented club. Crazy times, very little sleep, and my body is aching - a last taste of what partying is like at Ivey.
I can’t believe tomorrow is it ;(
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