The Real "NY" Factor!

Of the million things that Columbia Business School says to attract intelligent minds to its various MBA programs, certainly among the Top 3 is the "New York (NY)" factor. "Experts from Wall Street, Captains of the Industry...", the rant rolls on. I agree, and one hundred percent.

New York means many things to many people. The financial capital of the world to some, the costliest real estate in the world to some others. The epitome of fashion to many and the essence of sheer cultural diversity to most. Bright lights and buzzing streets to a city that never sleeps.

All of this granted, today, I learnt the most important lesson about New York city and perhaps the most important lesson in my MBA yet. Today I learnt, what that the Real "NY" factor is. It's CONFIDENCE. Everything in New York city is about confidence.

It is the average New Yorker raising his hand to hail a taxi. It is the women who stroll the streets at midnight, least afraid or worried. It is the proud cassanova, from whose arm hang 3 charming women, all at a time. It is the businessmen of the city, sharp and savvy, all the time.

A lesson I could have never learnt in classrooms or board rooms is what I learnt tonight. Perhaps through the same confidence that drove me to this bench in the middle of Broadway and 94th street. And everything that I have seen in the hour gone by, from the front and center seat.

It's now 1 AM and it's time to sleep. For there are more lessons to be learnt tomorrow. I'm confident.