Because of the demanding nature of their roles and obligations, leaders steadily discover it difficult to determine boundaries between their private {and professional} lives. However that’s not the case with Daisy Chittilapilly, President of Cisco India & SAARC. She makes journey itineraries to occupy her in her free time, and he or she makes it some extent to go on a minimum of one lengthy trip yearly. “It’s like a pastime of mine to plan and put collectively itineraries. And when the time is true, I decide that up and go to that place. Individuals do a number of issues of their free time; I have a look at international locations I wish to go to and construct itineraries!” she says.
Having visited quite a few international locations, Chittilapilly adores many locations, however one nation she completely loves is Peru—she spent a couple of weeks exploring it. “It’s an amazingly scenic, stunning place, and the individuals there are very heat. The meals is incredible.… [And] the culinary expertise, unmatched,” says Chittilapilly. Whereas she lined many places throughout the nation, it was the trek to Machu Picchu that made her expertise memorable.
Chittilapilly had gone on a four-day trek on the ‘Inca Path’ to Machu Picchu, the place she discovered the dawn over the mountains particularly charming. She knew the one strategy to see the dawn was to stroll alongside the path, and never go there by practice. Decided to see it regardless of the problem, she selected to embark on the journey with seven companions and a information. “I believed it will be the hardest for me as a result of many individuals in that group have been youthful and fitter,” she says. However she was one in all two individuals from her group who managed to go the gap. “There have been many dropouts on the second day,” she provides. Chittilapilly took it sluggish and regular, and made it to the camps a bit later than all people else.
Overlaying 45 km in 4 days isn’t often very daunting, however at an altitude of 13,000-15,000 toes, it will possibly take some doing. “It’s about how a lot willpower it takes to get the place you wish to go,” she says. “You could really feel disheartened or discouraged on the prospect of what lies forward, however if you happen to take it sluggish and regular, you’ll make it to your aim; so, you need to set your eyes on the end line,” she explains.
One other rejuvenating expertise she cherishes from her travels is the delight of assembly new individuals and studying about them. Throughout her trek to Machu Picchu, Chittilapilly met a 75-year-old gentleman, and a woman with severe accidents, who have been additionally decided to complete the trek. “That is what I really like most about touring—you at all times get impressed by the individuals round you to push your self additional than you thought was doable,” she says. “After we stay in metro cities, we have a tendency to fulfill like-minded individuals, however while you journey, you meet individuals from all walks of life who can open your thoughts to new experiences, and aid you embrace the unknown and the unfamiliar.”
Aside from Peru, Chittilapilly additionally likes exploring European international locations, the place she was fascinated by the Villa del Balbianello on the banks of Lake Como in Italy. She says she is but to search out one thing she doesn’t like in Italy! “If I needed to decide a continent, it’s Europe. And if I needed to decide a rustic, then it’s Peru.”
Chittilapilly says that she attracts a line within the sand and treats a trip as a trip, which helps her reboot and recharge. Not solely that, it’s additionally a chance for her to go to new locations, immerse herself within the historical past, artwork, tradition and nature of the place, which she feels enhances her perspective. “I additionally really feel it kinds your response to conditions and your capability to have interaction in life broadly, but additionally at work. It shapes you as an individual, a pacesetter and an expert. It broadens your horizons, and also you do find yourself studying, whether or not consciously or unconsciously.”
So ask her what’s subsequent on her itinerary? Pat comes her reply, “Exploring Antarctica”.
@nidhisingal