11 / 327
•
11
As we both begin a new chapter in the journey
of Persistent, not many would know that our
journey together dates back a decade.
It was at one of our customer’s offices that we
both first met. One was there to sell Persistent,
while the other was trying to get more business
for IBM. We both got talking. During the
discussion, we realized that together we could do
much more.
In the last decade, each of us has used the
other as a sounding board for bouncing ideas,
experimented with new business models
when working together, told stories, and held
discussions on our life’s journey. Thus, we
moved from being strangers to acquaintances to
partners to dear friends.
As destiny had it, when Anand started looking for
a new CEO, Chris had decided to move on from
IBM and had already given IBM his notice. Having
spent many years with IBM and reached the top,
Chris was looking for the next big move in his life.
Meanwhile, Anand after running Persistent for
30 years, wished to get a helping hand in taking
Persistent to the next level.
The topic was broached over dinner, with Chris
mentioning his aspiration to take on his next
challenge outside IBM and Anand sharing the
update on his search for a new CEO. To work on
a mission to grow Persistent was just the obvious
next step in the relationship then.
Chris decided to take the plunge and presented
his thoughts and ideas for Persistent to the
Board. The Board did their due diligence and
gave their approval for the appointment of Chris
as CEO.
So, here we both stand together today, hand in
hand, with a common mission. The road ahead
won’t be smooth. There will be many bumps, we
will fight, we will argue, but we will watch each
other’s backs and together we will take Persistent
to the next level.
Our Journey To Date