A Partnership for the Ages

So much has been published about the feat of Oxyzo and OfBusiness being unicorns (and more) from a founder couple in the past 3-4 days that its almost embarrassing for me and @Ruchi Kalra. We, the 5 founders of both companies, have always believed that the company has no hierarchy. And there will never be one.

The “spouse working with spouse” relationship, though, is always a study of 2 extremes. You either fail miserably (for obvious issues), or it can be a force multiplier for the ages. I am sharing my early inspiration (while growing up) of couples who swung it like no other in matrimony.

The Curies – Maria and Pierre – They won the Nobel together in ’03 for research on radiation. The story goes that Pierre fought to get her nomination in for the prize when she was kept out due to gender biases in high sciences. This, after he had spotted her talent and supported her financially, academically, and in research. After Pierre passed away in his mid 40s, she kept the legacy alive: Marie went on to get her 2nd Nobel for discovering Radium and Polonium. The love they had for each other and for science changed the world we live in today.

The Durants – Ariel and Will – They were the co-authors of 11 volumes of The Story of Civilization. They won all their prizes jointly; they wrote their biographies jointly too! The story goes that when Ariel heard Will had been admitted (he was 96), she stopped eating and passed away. Will, on hearing the news on TV, passed away too, 2 weeks of her death. They both always maintained that it was their differences that made them grow.

The Kersees – Jackie and Bob – Bob coached Jackie to greatness in the heptathlon and long jump. Her twin golds at the ’88 Seoul Olympics with the still-standing world record in heptathlon (and her repeat heptathlon win at ’92 Barcelona) made her the face of female track and field with Florence Griffith Joyner. Still going strong after 36 years in matrimony, she defines professionalism: “I always saw him as an athlete, not as a wife.”

Suffices to say that partnerships are necessary for greatness in any field; you couldn’t be luckier if it was forged and destined at home. This is to salute all who have (/ found) their life (/ work) partners at OfBusiness.

Read more from CEO speaks Column:-
– Evolution through 7 holis
– In love with March