Slowly connecting the dots

I can't believe it's only been one week since we embarked on this journey as Nova start-up managers! It feels like a lot has happened over the week. Strangers have become friends, Fika has become a vital part of every day life, self-awareness has been heightened, reflection skills have been put to good use and so many questions have been triggered in my mind about the what-is and the what-if.

One of our check-ins this week revolved around what makes us wake up and come to work every day. For me, that drive comes from opportunities to learn. This week was all about learning something new and unlearning things that have been ingrained in my being for a long long time. 

In terms of learning, I learnt the importance of unity in diversity. It is amazing how individuals from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds can connect so instantly both personally and professionally. Selection of a team is very important and the guys at Universum/Nova have done an amazing job in bringing together such different individuals and united them for a common cause. I've also learnt a lot about start-ups and how much they differ from traditional corporate world. That passion, that resilience, that willingness to take risks and that belief that they can change the world in some way is what was common amongst them all. Checking out the Swedish start-up scene and networking with these individuals really helped in connecting the dots that could build our networks.

I've also unlearnt a few things in the past few days. Coming from a very structured form of business degree and previous jobs, I've unlearnt the need for planning right from day 1. I've learnt that sometimes it is important to get a clear understanding of the why before diving into the how and what. Although this was challenging at times, I believe this week has given a good foundation for what lies ahead. 

I'm looking forward to learning and unlearning in the next few weeks. Bring it on Nova :). 

Rucha