Everybody Has an Opinion Here

My first brush with India was in the mid-1990s. I had this family friend in Mumbai. I would get a bottle of Johnnie Walker for him and he would tell me all kinds of stories about India.

India fascinated me.

Once when I was at his place, I heard these drum beats etc. and they told me they were going for the Ganesh immersion. Dressed in my formals — tie, suit and leather shoes — I joined in. I walked a few kilometres with the procession, joined the people in the celebrations and even got into water. It was a very special experience. I can’t forget the sound, colour, mood and the environment. Someone who hasn’t seen this, hasn’t experienced it... How do you explain this India to them?

Throughout my career, I have always thrilled in exploring new places, learning new things. And I have volunteered for postings and assignments that nobody wanted. I remember once I was posted in Singapore and in 26 months, I made 131 international trips in the region. It was terrific. So in 1997, when New York Life signed the joint venture here and I was offered the position, I grabbed it.

I see my role as an expat to develop an India strategy, groom local managers and build expertise, transfer knowledge and industry expertise. Once that is done, ensure there is a recognition for the local people. And move on. It is like adopting something; groom it and grow it and then give it away. But during the time you are here, you have got to love staying and working here.

As an expat you can’t just be passing through the place as a visitor. You have got to engage more deeply than that. Moving to a foreign country is always challenging. And it is important to have a partner who is as excited about moving and settling down in a new place.

I am so lucky; Jill is always prepared to move. She takes care of the home-front which makes things much easier and comfortable for us to live here. This understanding and relationship with the partner is extremely important. Including India, this is my 12th international move and if I count my movement of base in Australia, I have moved 23 times in my career.

I have seen the insurance business here grow, but I too have grown as a person. I have great friendships here; unbelievable experiences. So far, I have travelled to 70 Indian cities; the most memorable one being the one with Jill to Puri in 1996. I had gone at a very special time — I was told every 20 years they cut and carve (a) tree into an image of a god and then take out a procession. It was a rare moment. Housing and infrastructure are two major issues (when you relocate to India). And it is important to keep in mind that it is not going to be the same as Sydney, London or New York. Settling down here is challenging. Nothing comes easy — you have got to hunt and find things.

Getting a good house is difficult. School is a big challenge, but in cities like Delhi things are much better. Also as a partner, Jill is prepared to try new things. She is training to be a yoga teacher. Twice a week, we both do meditation — which is fantastic for her and me. It is important to keep in mind that at times India could be very frustrating and challenging. Getting to places could be disappointing with unpredictable traffic. But, I have to add, we have found love and warmth here. I have more friends here than anywhere in the world. What bothers an expat like me in India are small nagging issues and it can get very frustrating at times. Like the other day an electrician had to come to fix things in the house. He won’t turn up on time. The traffic can be unnerving and very unpredictable.

There is a Shani Bhagwan’s gathering that happens near my place frequently and it completely chokes the traffic. But everywhere you need to remind yourself that this isn’t the same as home. Get off the track, experience the country as a local would. If you have hobbies, tap that. I love art and I have got involved with that. Every country has something that you can get involved in.

I get invitation(s) from everybody. Be choosy. Business and position give connections to meet people and one must use it well. There’s a community of expats in every country. But I try and socialise with many sets of people. Relationships don’t stop even though you move on. I am still in touch with my past friends. The greatest challenge here is that everybody has an opinion.

In China, you tell them what to do and they will do. Here things are different. Education here is good. Indian managers are doing well. But they also have an opinion, and they discuss and articulate it. Getting them aligned is important. There are new joinees to the business world who have never worked and (are) still figuring out work ethics. So many people are doing things for the first time. So you need to set the right work values that are important for a global organisation. Do what is right. Business is not just a contract — you have to keep the trust.

BENNETT TIPS

Settling Down:
India is unpredictable, complex and small things often take long time to get fi xed. Life will not be perfect here. But I promise it will certainly be exciting.

Local Managers:
Indian managers are smart, articulate, passionate and always have a point of view — unlike the Chinese. For good execution, building consensus is critical.

Doing Business:
India is one country with different markets. MNCs must be agile and flexible to respond better to the heady pace of growth. Of course you need to be physically super fi t.

India on CV:
A stint here teaches you patience, tolerance, managing scale and frenzied growth. You learn to manage all kinds of diversity — religious, social, economic and demographic.

(As told to Malini Goyal)

Garry Bennet was till recently Managing Director of Max New York Life Insurance Co. He has since moved on to Hong Kong.