When a Walk Becomes a Journey Back in Time
Some mornings are just ordinary, but others hold a special kind of magic.
This past Tuesday was one of those days.
The sky over London was a brilliant shade of blue, the air warm with the promise of summer. I had to keep reminding myself: I am so lucky to be here. It was one of those perfect weeks in London – rare enough that every moment felt like a gift.
I decided to take the scenic route to the City of London. Not the fast, practical tube ride that most commuters would take, but a three-hour walk from Putney, where I was staying with friends, all the way to Nates Coffee to meet my former supervisor, Chash.
This was a chance to reconnect with someone who shaped my early career, and to revisit the places and memories that had made my years in London so special.
The Long Walk: From Putney to the Heart of the City
Walking through London is never just about getting from point A to point B. It’s an experience, a moving postcard of the city’s many faces.
From the leafy calm of Putney, I made my way along the Thames, crossing bridges and passing familiar streets that seemed brighter and more alive in the morning sun. London’s architecture never fails to captivate me—its blend of history and modernity tells the story of a city that’s always changing yet somehow timeless.
I stopped often, taking photos of the grand old buildings, their stone facades glowing in the sunlight. Passing landmarks like Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, I felt a wave of gratitude. London wasn’t just the city where I once lived—it was where I learned to navigate both life and career, where friendships were forged, and where dreams began to take shape.
Arriving at Nates Coffee: A Place of Connection
After three hours of walking (and more than a few pauses to soak in the scenery), I arrived at Nates Coffee, tucked away in the City. Chash’s office was in the same building, so it was the perfect meeting spot.
While waiting for her, I let my mind wander back to the days when I was new to London and even newer to my role at Neudata. Back then, I was fresh out of school, eager to prove myself but also making plenty of mistakes along the way.
And that’s where Chash came in.
The Power of a Patient Mentor
In the early days of my career, mentorship was everything – though at the time, I didn’t even realize how rare and valuable it was to have someone like Chash in my corner.
She was patient when I stumbled, generous with her time, and genuinely invested in helping me succeed. I remember making mistake after mistake, feeling embarrassed and frustrated, but Chash never lost her calm. Instead of criticizing, she guided me step-by-step through the process, helping me understand what went wrong and how to fix it.
Those lessons stuck with me. Not just the technical skills of my role, but the human side of leadership – how to listen, how to support, and how to lift others up.
Career Growth: From Neudata to Global Hedge Funds
During our catch-up, Chash filled me in on her life since we last worked together. She’s now leading the data sourcing effort at a top hedge fund, a role she took on after leaving Neudata. It was inspiring to see how her career had evolved – proof that the skills we built in those early, scrappy startup days could open doors to the biggest stages in finance and data.
Many of our former colleagues have also gone on to impressive roles, joining the data teams of the world’s largest hedge funds. It’s amazing how our small London office became a launchpad for so many career journeys.
The Ex-Neudata Girls: A Tradition of Support
One of my favorite parts of working in London was our ex-Neudata girls’ catch-ups – informal meetups where we’d share updates, swap advice, and cheer each other on. Even though I left the city, I was happy to hear the tradition is still alive.
Professional networks are powerful, but personal networks – built on genuine friendship – are priceless. These meetups weren’t just about jobs and opportunities; they were about celebrating milestones, offering encouragement during challenges, and keeping the bonds strong no matter where our careers took us.
Gratitude: Looking Back to Move Forward
As I left the café after our long conversation, I felt lighter, happier, and deeply grateful. Grateful for the sunshine, for the chance to walk through one of my favorite cities, and above all, for the mentors who helped me find my footing in the professional world.
It’s easy to look forward and focus on the next goal, the next step. But moments like this remind me that it’s just as important to look back – to acknowledge the people and experiences that got us here.
Lessons from a Walk and a Coffee
This Tuesday morning in London was a gentle reminder of three important truths:
1. Mentorship Shapes Careers
The guidance, patience, and encouragement from a mentor can leave a lasting impact on your skills, confidence, and professional path. If you’re lucky enough to have a mentor, treasure that relationship.
2. Relationships Matter More Than Titles
Years from now, you might not remember every project or promotion—but you’ll remember the people who believed in you, supported you, and made you better.
3. Gratitude Changes Perspective
Whether it’s for a sunny day, a beautiful city, or a meaningful conversation, pausing to feel grateful makes the journey richer.
Walking as a Form of Reflection
I could have taken the tube and been at the café in under an hour. But walking gave me something no quick commute could: time to think.
Each step was a bridge between past and present – between the young, nervous professional who first met Chash and the person I am now. It’s amazing how physical movement through familiar streets can unlock old memories and offer new clarity.
For me, walking was a form of meditation, a way to reconnect with myself and my surroundings. If you’re ever in London, I highly recommend setting aside a day just to walk. The city reveals itself differently at walking pace.
I’ve lived in different countries and traveled to many cities, but London holds a special place for me. It’s where I learned independence, where I built lifelong friendships, and where I took my first real steps in my career.
The city has a unique mix of history and innovation – where centuries-old churches stand beside glass skyscrapers, and quiet parks exist just steps away from bustling markets. On sunny days like this one, it’s easy to fall in love all over again.
How to Create Your Own “Gratitude Walk”
Inspired by this day, here’s how you can turn an ordinary walk into a meaningful experience:
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Pick a Route with Personal Meaning – Choose streets, landmarks, or neighborhoods tied to your memories.
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Go Device-Free – Leave the headphones and notifications behind; let your mind wander.
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Pause and Observe – Notice the details—the architecture, the light, the sounds.
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Reflect on Your Journey – Think about where you were the last time you walked here, and how far you’ve come.
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Meet Someone Who Matters – If possible, end your walk with a coffee or meal with a friend, mentor, or loved one.
That Tuesday morning walk from Putney to the City of London was a journey through my own personal and professional history. It reminded me of the power of mentorship, the importance of nurturing relationships, and the simple joy of gratitude.
London will always be the city that taught me, challenged me, and welcomed me back with open arms. And for that, I’ll always be thankful.