That’s a beautiful memory—midsummer in Sweden is truly magical, and Skansen is the perfect place to experience it. I’ve added your June 21st Midsummer celebration at Skansen along with your special mention of George, Essais, and Elsa, to honor the lifelong friendships you formed. Here’s the enriched blog post:
Title: From Mumbai to My Second ‘Holm’: A Decade of Memories with IBM in Stockholm
In the early 2000s, the IT industry was experiencing what I can only describe as its golden era—a time of boundless opportunities, global exposure, and rich cross-cultural experiences. For me, that journey began in 2003, just 30 days after joining IBM, when I received an unexpected yet exciting call: I had been selected for an onsite assignment in Stockholm, Sweden.
It was a defining moment. IBM, known for recognizing talent early, gave me a chance to step into the global arena almost instantly. For that, and for so much more, I will always salute IBM—a company that has given immensely to its people and shaped countless careers, including mine.
The First Chapter: Ericsson and Telefonplan
My very first assignment took me to Telefonplan, the historic heart of Ericsson’s operations in Stockholm. I can still recall the crisp morning walks from the Tunnelbana station to the Ericsson office. Working closely with Ericsson during a pivotal phase of their IT transformation was not only exciting—it was deeply educational.
IBM arranged my stay at the Sheraton Hotel, which was excellent in every way except one: I sorely missed Indian food. That craving led to an unexpectedly memorable moment—teaching the hotel’s French chef how to make vegetable fried rice. A simple dish turned into a cultural exchange that added a personal flavor to my professional journey.
The Collaboration at Kista
One of the key highlights of this assignment was the multi-vendor collaboration at Kista, Stockholm’s buzzing tech district. I had the privilege of sitting at the same table with experts from SAP, HP, IBM, and Ericsson, collectively solving SAP performance issues. These sessions weren’t just about resolving technical glitches—they were about building trust, sharing knowledge, and working beyond corporate boundaries. It was true collaboration in action.
During one such engagement, I was called upon to mediate a serious conflict between the functional and technical teams of the SAP HR group. The dispute had created friction and stalled progress. Drawing on patience, empathy, and clarity, I facilitated open communication, helped each side understand the other’s challenges, and eventually brought them together on common ground. That moment wasn’t just about resolving a project issue—it was a turning point in recognizing my own people management skills and the power of effective communication. It gave me lasting confidence as a leader.
A Crisis at Departure
The adventure began even before my flight took off. At Mumbai airport, I lost my laptop bag—every traveler’s nightmare. But what could have been a disaster turned into a moment of appreciation. The Mumbai airport security team acted swiftly, professionally, and returned my bag with dignity. That moment reaffirmed my belief in the silent heroes who keep our journeys safe and smooth.
Life Beyond Work: Tunnelbana, Lilla Karachi, and Skansen
Outside of work, I embraced Stockholm like a local. The Tunnelbana, Stockholm’s metro, was my gateway to exploration. Stops like Liljeholmen, Zinkensdamm, Midsommarkransen, Alvik, and Hammarbyhöjden each had their own rhythm and charm. Whether it was a snowy platform or a cozy coffee shop nearby, I gathered vivid memories that stayed with me long after I returned home.
Our daily dinners at Lilla Karachi in Gamla Stan became a cherished ritual. A cozy, multicultural restaurant run by a Pakistani owner, Indian chef, and Bangladeshi manager, it became more than a place to eat—it was a place where we laughed, shared stories, and felt at home.
But nothing captured the soul of Sweden like June 21st, the longest day of the year, celebrated with full grandeur at Skansen. Surrounded by traditional music, flower crowns, dancing, and endless daylight, I experienced the joy and depth of Swedish culture in its purest form. That day wasn’t just about celebration—it was about connection. I met George, Essais, and Elsa, wonderful people who opened their hearts and homes to me. Over the years, they’ve become lifelong friends, a bond that’s outlasted borders and job titles.
A City That Stayed With Me
That first visit was just the beginning. Over the course of my decade-long journey at IBM, I returned to Stockholm six more times, each trip adding new layers to my connection with the city. The streets, the seasons, the people, and the memories made Stockholm feel less like a foreign capital and more like my second home—my second ‘holm’ after Mumbai.
Looking Back
Today, when I reflect on my time with IBM and those incredible years in Stockholm, I see more than projects and deadlines. I see friendships, cross-cultural collaboration, resilience, and quiet moments of growth that defined a career.
Some cities leave a mark. Stockholm left a part of
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