I’ve been back to Madagascar, my native country, about 8 times now, in just over a year, for business. I’m here again this week. A lot going on.
It’s funny. When I left this country as a teenager, I didn’t just leave physically. I drifted away intellectually and emotionally too - for years. Except for the occasional funerals and other family milestones, I was gone. Far.
Today, older -maybe a bit wiser- I feel lucky. Lucky to be back, to give back, and to bring back with me the sum of my journey: my failures, my wins, my perspective.
I imagine anyone who’s left their home, built a life elsewhere, and returned, feels a mix of pride, duty, and tenderness.
The world is vast out there, full of wonder and challenges. You do your best, fight your battles, and try to prove yourself.
But home is home. It stays with you. It shapes you. And no matter where you go, it holds a special place in your heart.
I consider myself a proud global citizen, shaped by and grateful for the cultures of my adoptive countries. But Madagascar -this island- was my lottery ticket. And the lottery ticket of millions of my compatriots.
And I’ll do my part to help us ALL win.
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