It has been almost one month since the fellows and I came back from our 7 months of intense learning.  As I reflect back, a whole load of film flashes before me, including highs, lows, laughter, sadness, sharing, caring, listening, understanding, exploring, discovering, learning, making mistakes and realising.  My time away has taught me to reflect deeply and independently, in a totally new eco system.  The optimism that was already a part of me now includes a new type of determination, a new set of skills and drive that I will hopefully unveil in the time to come (God willing). 

I have met some of the most important people in my life that I will always hold dear to my heart, who have helped shape the person I am today.  I cannot thank enough the Saltire Foundation team and supporters, the Babson faculty, my fellow Fellows and their amazing families and my family and friends.

When I came back to Scotland and spoke with various people regarding my experiences and perceptions of Scotland’s hopeful future, I found a very different audience, one that is scarred from exposure to negativity, sinicism, and apprehension; having said that, every single one of them believes that there still light at the end of the tunnel, and are willing to do something about it.  Which is music to my ears, as I believe one of the roles of all the Fellows and Scholars is to help share the invaluable knowledge and experiences we have gained, coupled with optimism and determination – leading by example, and offering advice/guidance when possible. Therefore that glimmer of hope for me is an opportunity in itself, to help catalyse that hope into positive results.

The first step is realisation, without realisation change won’t happen, and without change, the opportunity of going beyond that glass ceiling will only be a dream. Dreams can come true, but for that to happen you have to believe in yourself and your idea.  It is just so important to create that ‘can and will do’ attitude, which is so apparent in globally successful enterprises, once that first step is taken, a world of opportunities will open up.

7 month summary - 7 months, a whole new learning, a whole new value network, and completely new outlook into tomorrow’s world, and sheer determination on my part to do what I can to flourish in  tomorrows’ world.