Chairman Award

When the idea of taking an assignment in India was first considered in 2004, there was no sense of what form that adventure would take. Equally so there was not an inkling of how the adventure would end. During a visit to Bangalore in February of some senior executives from Jay’s company, BearingPoint, he was informed that he had won the company’s 2007 Chairman Award for his work in Bangalore.

Unlike many company awards that come with a firm handshake and expressions of gratitude, this award, which is bestowed on only one of BearingPoint’s 18,000 employees, comes with a check for $25,000 (minus taxes, of course!). Additionally, Jay and Helen were invited to the company’s annual meeting of Managing Directors in Orlando, Florida to receive the award.

Being recognized for one’s work is always embracing. Our story in Bangalore was indeed unique. The oft-quoted signature line from the nomination was, “If one measures commitment to our client’s success by going the “extra mile,” Jay went 9,000 miles for our DLL client.” In a subsequent conversation with the Chairman, Helen was told selecting this year’s winner was an easy unanimous decision.

Airlines tickets to come the 9,000 mile back home were booked and Orlando hotel reservations made. The award was to be presented early morning on Thursday in general sessions before all the meeting participants. We arrived in time to have some chat time with the company president, Harry You, and chairman, Rod McGeary. Due to scheduling conflicts, the award was re-scheduled to later that day. It was recommended that we enjoy our idle time at Universal studios.

After a rollicking ride at the Revenge of the Mummy, some toe tapping to the Blues Brothers, a monster mash-like Beetlejuice revue, a real hamburger at a fifties café, a spectacular show with Poseidon and a host of other adventurers, we were back at the JW Marriott by 2:30 pm for the award presentation.

During the brief ceremony, Chairman McGeary recognized both Jay and the contributions Helen had made. Due to time constraints Jay was unable to give his acceptance speech. If he had, he would have concluded his list of thanks to the many, many others who made the award possible with:

“Finally, I want to thank my lovely wife, Helen. She left her job and ventured forth. Through everything she has been helpful, encouraging and supportive as we shared our challenges and affections for our new home in India.”

Some things are just not meant to be done alone.