There's something special about Nelson up there at Trafalgar Square, the closest thing to God you can be and still be seen here on earth. We've mostly seen each other from a distance in recent years. It's been a while since I've been in his place, the planet's centre, they say, in an empire where the sun never set. For some reason, I always end up close to the south of Piccadilly but never at the centre of our Lord.
This day I chose a new path. I cut across his domains, stopped at one of the lions, and let my gaze sweep 360 degrees. If Nelson is the centre of the world, Canada and South Africa's enormous buildings to the east and west stand as the bastions they once were when the New World was conquered, starting with Elizabeth the First. Great Britain built enormous wealth by conquering and establishing trade.
History is becoming increasingly apparent as I continue my journey, having first said goodbye to Nelson. I set my sights on the Strand and followed one icon after another. Charing Cross, with perhaps the most beautiful facade in the world for a train station, the Savoy, the hotel that sits a little furtively tucked away in a side street, a magnific one. Imagine what its bar has created of world-class drinking classics; yes, there are several American Bars in London, although my favourite is in St. James. Finally, on this hit parade, we find, as always, Twinings. Their address is easy to remember, as they have been selling tea there for over 300 years.
But this morning's walk aims not to relive the birthplace of Dry Martini or Earl Grey. Today we'll focus on - The Empire Strikes Back in a new edition. Where the Strand takes over in a curious turn, shall we say half circle, we also find a classic Waldorf Hotel. But above all, India House takes pride in place, with a substantial Indian flag covering a large part of the facade. It all points to the new India, today's India, the incredible power of India, and the biggest market of the future. The empire is fighting back.
India has already surpassed its former colonial host in the size of its economy, and Indian investment in real estate on English soil is now greater than domestic investment. In the past, Indian players have become owners of British classics such as Jaguar, Land Rover and British Steel.
The legacy of the post-colonial society and its relations have sometimes been challenging for each party. We are now seeing how India, based on the best of Britain's social traditions, such as language, education and justice - is developing its society with geography and population in a global world where India is knocking on the door to become number one. I admire your flag, saying: Well done, India, before I continue my walk and look for the High Commission of Australia just around the corner.
I am circling overland in silence and invisibility, instantly scanning and checking to bring the insight, a column by Mr Joakim Dahl. It's a scheduled posting that is not necessarily based in real-time but can also occur at a particular time after the assignment, depending on external circumstances and integrity.
When darkness falls dull in its effect of change, afternoon breaks into the evening. At the same time, a pulsating flow of people on the sidewalk increases, down to the subway and up from the subway.
I turn off from Duke Street after my regular visit to the Checkers Tavern; as the raindrops hit the surface, my umbrella is raised, and Jermyn Street is in front. There is something magical about this time frame in London, between the afternoon and before dinner - an hour of possibilities and exploration. The effect of Dunhill and Floris reaches me as Jermyn, in his usual way, presents hit after hit, but now it is Waterstone's flagship.
Few stores can initiate, inspire and invite you to a journey in intelligence - an intellectual path of discovery as you have never seen. I always go here to find a perfect conversation topic for my drink at the club before dinner. With my classic conversation opener - look what I found…: Dominion will place the story of how we came to be what we are and how we think the way we do in the broadest historical context. Ranging in time from the Persian invasion of Greece in 480 BC to the ongoing migration crisis in Europe today and from Nebuchadnezzar to the Beatles.
It broadens my view in business and as a fellow human being to create insight and take part, as well as learn from others and be inspired. Welcome to the conversation before dinner.
My favourite position on the board of directors is when I add business experience and knowledge in combination with intelligence and creativity. It provides the extra dimension that leads to the development of companies. It’s about monitoring the environment and an understanding of how business, society and the market are connected.
With a background in the above and creating inspiration and developing in a board of directors, I was cicerone for a visiting council in London. No other city is at the centre of the world, in a transformation and constant development, on all levels, from market to politics, as London.
Today's theme was development and creativity in the position of the market. Bishopsgate is developing into a modern financial hub that strengthens London's trademark. The neighbourhood next door, Shoreditch, fosters creativity in business development.
Sometimes magical also happened, where the final stop of our bus journey was Primrose Street, Benjamin Disraeli's favourite flower and one of my favourites in England's history. Magic. “A simple primrose wreath amidst the mass of floral tributes. It had been sent by Queen Victoria, with a simple message attached: His favourite flowers.”
Ready to enter St James and the clubs in my club jacket and jubilee tie. Networking with social and business connections is a valuable part of my ecosystem.
I was heading to The East India Club, a private members club in the heart of London’s clubland. Founded in the middle of the 19th century, its original members were the servants of the East India Company and Commissioned Officers of Her Majesty’s Army and Navy.
