Imagine this… I was getting ready to board my plane – they called out my group and at the same time, my bank called up. I was expecting a call from them and if I missed it, it would have been a problem. Needed to get something done urgently. Additionally and somewhat tangentially, I needed to give some finishing touches to the Board slides so I could send them out while in flight to the Board members to review them.

I scampered down the jet bridge, barely greeted the air hostess and quickly went to sit in my seat. All this time, I was talking to the bank agent and trying to get the laptop tethered to my phone so that I could get to my account while I had her on the phone.

I was totally focused. Once I got that done, I needed to download the Board slides so I could work inflight. Meanwhile, an unassuming young gentleman came and sat in the seat next to me. I quickly acknowledged him while I was still talking to the bank.

In due course, my bank call got over, my presentation got downloaded and the air hostess announced that the door had been closed. I shut off my laptop and threw in the pouch in front – ready to pounce on it moment we became airborne.

Sitting back, my first thought was “Did I bring my suitcase with me? I can’t remember putting it up in the bin. Did I leave it at the gate?”

My second thought was “Who just asked if I am Rajib Roy?” Turns out my neighbor who I had barely acknowledged had asked me – “Are you Rajib Roy?”. Made eye contact for the first time and recognized good old Steve Albert from my past life. We had worked for a few years together over a decade and a half back. I did not remember his last name – but Steve helped me out immediately. I remember him as a really smart young executive in our Strategy group. Later, I was checking his LinkedIn profile and realized that he has built an impeccable career for himself.

Regretted not having kept up with him. Could have learnt a lot.

We talked quite a bit about our old colleagues. They were really good. In fact, we took a picture and I sent it to his ex-boss Laura Wilbanks – who we both have very fond memories of!

The one thing I still did not get… If Steve is that smart – which he is, why did he choose to remember me? Worse, acknowledge it? I guess even the best have their blindspots 🙂

But thrilled that he remembered me.

May your tribe increase, Steven Albert!