Personal JOurneys

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Michigan in the US, but I've been living in Austin, Texas for the past 25 years. I arrived in Belgium May, 2025. It's been a dream of mine to move back to Europe (I earned my master's degree, or doctorandus as it was called back then, at the University of Amsterdam in 1999) and finally the stars aligned to make it possible. 

I moved to Belgium, and Bruges specifically, so that I could conduct research and write my second novel, which is set in 15th century Bruges. 

I work for an independent classical radio station based in Austin, KMFA Classical 89.5. (www.kmfa.org) During the pandemic we learned that radio can be done (and done well!) 100% remotely, so I asked my bosses if they'd entertain the idea of me working from Belgium.

To my delight, they said yes! I have a daily airshift (3-7 pm local time Monday through Friday), and I also program my shift along with several others. In addition, I produce and host a weekly show called Early Music Now, which is syndicated and heard on dozens of stations all over the US. I hear from listeners as far away as Vermont and Washington State, and once I caught my own show while channel-surfing during a road trip through Oklahoma, which was very fun! The show focuses on music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and early Baroque, from approximately the year 1000 A.D. to 1700. 

That's another reason I was so keen to live in Belgium- there's a thriving early music scene here, and historically, Belgium and northern France were fertile fields for musical talent. For about 200 years, roughly between 1400-1600, this region produced almost every great composer on record. Singers and composers were exported from this tiny geographic area all over Europe, shaping musical tastes at courts and cathedrals from Spain to Italy to Central Europe. In Italy they had their own nickname: Oltremontani, "those who come from over the mountains", and in Spain Emperor Charles V's famous choir was called Capilla Flamenca. 

Two mottos that inspire me: 

I've always loved the Dutch saying "Nee heb je, ja kun je krijgen." There's no direct translation, but in English we say "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" which reflects the spirit of the Dutch saying. 

Another motto I love originated right here in Bruges: Plus est en vous- there is more in you. It was the personal motto of Louis de Gruuthuse, a nobleman, councillor, and arts patron from 15th century Bruges. His palatial home is now a museum, and you can see his inspiring motto all over the place, including on the frame of an original portrait from the 15th century. 'Plus est en vous' reminds me that as human beings we're never finished, there's always more growing, learning, and evolving to do. That may not be what Louis had in mind, but that's how I choose to interpret it. ;-) 

Past work experience or life inspiration that encourages me to work in an international context:

At age 20 I left the US to study abroad in the Netherlands, and the seven years I lived there were hugely influential, and shaped who I became as a person. Many aspects of life in Europe make much more sense to me than the stereotypical 'American way of life', with its urban sprawl and reliance on the automobile. You get to a certain age and start to take stock of your life, and after a couple of decades of driving everywhere I decided that I didn't want to sit in traffic anymore if I didn't need to! I'm now very happy to walk and ride my bike, or take public transportation. 

Pathway from studying to working: I studied musicology at the University of Amsterdam, which is music studied from a research-based, academic perspective rather than composition or performance. After briefly considering a career in academia, I instead pivoted and opted for a career in classical radio. Radio is still a 'gateway experience' for many people, a low-pressure way to discover the riches of classical music. I love being a part of that voyage of discovery, and it helps to remember that no matter how many times I've heard a piece of music, someone else could be hearing that piece for the very first time and falling in love with it.

How my company has supported me:

KMFA has been very supportive during this time, giving me the freedom to follow a dream, and working with the seven-hour time difference! I feel like the move has affected my announcing in a positive away also; helping me to look at things through fresh eyes, while encouraging me to maintain links with Austin so I still sound local. 

General experience living in Belgium:

I really love it here. The people are friendly and helpful, travel is so convenient, and the connection to the past is a vital part of what makes Bruges so special. I'm writing about the 15th century, and trust me, there is almost nothing about our lives that anyone from the 15th century would recognize! But thanks to the splendid art of Van Eyck, Memling, Gerard David and others that is right in my 'back yard', churches like the OLV Kerk and Sint Salvator, and the handful of other 15th century buildings that still exist, I can at least glimpse their world. Along with thorough research and plenty of imagination, I do my best to recreate that world on the page for my readers. 

I read a beautiful quote by the Buddhist monk, teacher, and poet Thich Nhat Hanh. He told a story about an event that made an impression on him, when he connected with people from the past 'in space but not in time'. That's how I feel every time I hit the streets of Bruges, and it's magical. 

I am originally from India. I have been living in Belgium for 10 years. I moved to Belgium for better career opportunities and to challenge myself in an international environment. I am a senior software engineer at Microsoft, working on large-scale, secure software systems that support millions of users, including AI-driven solutions in healthcare.

“Growth begins when you choose courage over comfort.”

Early Inspirations & Human Values

My journey with technology began in India, shaped by a family that valued kindness, curiosity, and hard work. I was always fascinated by how software could help people, even in small ways, and that purpose kept guiding me forward. As I grew into engineering, I realized I wanted to work in a place where diverse cultures and ideas meet. That desire pushed me beyond my comfort zone and eventually toward an international career. Even today, no matter how complex the problems get, I remain grounded and empathetic, being human first. Kindness, respect, and resilience matter deeply to me. These values became the foundation for everything I pursued professionally. 

Moving to Belgium with My Family

Ten years ago, my wife and I moved to Belgium with hope and ambition, unaware of how much it would shape our lives. The early years were a mix of excitement and quiet challenges, new culture, cold weather, and the difficulty of rebuilding a social circle from scratch. I missed India’s festivals, conversations, and familiar energy more than I expected. But slowly, resilience took over, and Belgium began to feel like a place where we could build something meaningful. Over time, we welcomed two children, which completely changed our journey. Watching them grow here made me appreciate the stability and security this country offers. Belgium didn’t just give us a home; it gave us a new beginning. It became a place where our family truly belongs.

Professional Growth & Personal Strength

My career in Belgium has challenged me in ways that have helped me grow, both technically and personally. Joining Microsoft pushed me to think bigger, take responsibility, and collaborate across cultures. I work on large-scale, secure systems, including AI-driven solutions in healthcare, with an impact reaching millions. The work is demanding, but it’s also meaningful. Through strict deadlines, complex problems, and steep learning curves, I learned the value of resilience. I also discovered that kindness and teamwork matter just as much as technical skill. These lessons shaped my leadership style and strengthened my confidence. Belgium played a significant role by giving me opportunities I once only hoped for.

Cultural Differences & Adaptation

Working in Belgium introduced me to a different pace and mindset. The focus on structure, clear communication, and work-life balance was very different from the fast-paced culture I grew up in. At first, the quietness felt strange, but over time, I began to appreciate its stability. I adapted by listening more, planning better, and valuing long-term thinking. At the same time, I brought my own strengths, warmth, perseverance, and a constant desire to learn. This blend of cultures enriched my professional life and relationships. It taught me patience and broadened my perspective. These differences are one of the most significant gifts of working internationally.

Belgium as Home & What It Gave Me

Belgium has given me far more than a career; it has shaped my family and my identity. It gave us a safe, stable place to raise our children and build our future. It taught me resilience through challenges and gratitude through everyday moments. I still miss India, the food, the festivals, the warmth, but Belgium brought its own comfort into my life. The quiet streets, the balance, and the sense of security slowly became familiar. Today, when I see my kids speak the local languages and adapt so naturally, I realize how deeply this country has become part of us. Belgium didn’t just host us; it helped us grow. For that, I remain truly grateful.