I just returned from my first trip to India which was also my first time to Asia. I love to travel but, to be honest, India wasn’t high up on my list of places to visit. The foremost priority of this month’s trip was business; Cascade365 has a call center and BPO presence in the greater Delhi area and we work with partners throughout the country.

 

From a business perspective, the trip was a great success. I was able to meet the Cascade365-dedicated team in Delhi, to strategize and plan with existing partners, and to meet and discuss possible synergies with prospective partners. My presence communicated Cascade365’s level of commitment to working in India and the in-person meetings gave momentum and energy to some exciting projects.

 

Due to the country’s diaspora, I have met and worked with many people that grew up in India, including friends and coworkers. In my experience, they are generally an accomplished group, so the professional acumen of the people that I met on the ground in India didn’t necessarily surprise me. I did, however, walk away hugely impressed by their work ethic and deep knowledge set in collections, revenue cycle management and software development.

 

What was surprising is how much I enjoyed my time outside of the boardroom and business meetings. Usually when I travel internationally, I research the food, customs and must-see sights in advance. As this was business and we only had a couple of days to play tourist, I went to India with an open and curious mind but ignorant of what to expect and without any expectations.

 

After spending 8 days there and only scratching the surface of what there is to see and do, I am now fascinated by the history of India, its rich ethnic and religious diversity and its evolution from British colony to independence. I learned a bit about Hinduism, a religion that inspired Buddhism and that predates Christianity and Islam by thousands of years, and the Mughals who were originally Buddhist and then converted to Islam and whose kings built a lot of the sights that we toured (e.g., Taj Mahal).

 

Meaningful business relationships created and deepened, a crazy cool cultural experience and crash course on Indian history were great but the best part? The food. I ate Indian food for every meal for 8 days straight and couldn’t get enough. Washed down with a Kingfisher beer or a single malt, the variety of spices and flavors were eye opening for this guy who grew up in rural America.

 

All-in-all, the trip to India was greatly successful and positive ROI was achieved on both a business and human level. I can’t wait to visit the Cascade365 team and our partners there again soon.

A Moment for Mindfulness

Did you know that practicing mindfulness can actually improve pain tolerance by changing the way your brain processes pain signals? It’s just one of the many incredible benefits of mindfulness highlighted in this month’s Altitude Newsletter from our friends at Marsh McLennan Agency.

 

Inside, they explore how incorporating simple mindfulness practices like mindful breathing, eating, or movement can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being. You’ll also find tips for slowing down and enjoying life’s little moments, whether through relaxing activities like yoga or spending time outdoors. Dive in to discover how mindfulness can help you lead a more peaceful and balanced life!

India Trip Experience from Cascade365 COO,
Saket Sahoo

Leadership from Cascade365 made a historic trip to India to visit our collection agency partner earlier this month. COO, Saket Sahoo who is from India wanted to share with you his experience during the two week journey:

 

I had the opportunity to travel to India with Lee Brockett, the CEO of Cascade365, to meet with our existing and potential partners. Throughout our visits in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune, we were thoroughly impressed by the people we encountered—their exceptional skills, commitment, and extensive experience in the debt collection industry were evident across the board.

 

Beyond business activities, we had the chance to immerse ourselves in India’s vibrant culture and enjoy the rich diversity of cuisine. Our travels took us to several iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, historic forts and palaces, and the bustling streets of Jaipur and Mumbai’s downtown. The trip was both productive and culturally enriching, reinforcing our enthusiasm for building strong partnerships in India.

Empowering Communities and Sustainability: Cascade365 donates to AZ StRUT

AZ StRUT has distributed over 100,000 devices to Arizona schools and non-profits, helping bridge the digital divide while reducing e-waste! Cascade365 is proud to have donated phones, computer monitors, and keyboards to AZ StRUT, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting technical education and sustainability. These devices will go on to support vital community programs, empowering students and organizations while contributing to a greener future.

 

AZ StRUT’s mission focuses on improving Arizona’s technical workforce by providing refurbished electronics to schools and nonprofits, supporting diversity in technical education, and promoting responsible recycling. Cascade365 is honored to be part of this initiative, extending the lifecycle of our technology for a meaningful cause. Thank you, AZ StRUT, for making such a significant impact in both education and sustainability!

Fun Days at Cascade365!