Nine years ago, my life was forever changed when I picked up Ram Dass’s iconic book, Be Here Now. At the time, I had no idea the profound impact it would have on me, nor could I have imagined how deeply his teachings would integrate into my journey. Ram Dass has been a guiding presence, shaping my path in ways that continue to unfold with each passing year. His work has not only inspired me personally but has also become a foundational element of how I approach my professional endeavors.

Ram Dass once said,

“We're all just walking each other home.”

A Wisdom Gem from Ram Dass

When Ram Dass passed away in 2019, Rachel and I both felt an extraordinary shift. It was as though we had received a "wisdom gem" from him, a gift of understanding that clarified the essence of his teachings and their relevance to our lives. His departure from the physical world served as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life and the eternal nature of love and presence. This moment deepened our connection to his legacy and influenced how we continue to show up in the world.

Hero’s Journey: Returning to Roger Williams University

Fast forward to today, as I prepare to step into a new role as an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University (RWU), I’m struck by the synchronicity of this moment. RWU holds a special place in Ram Dass’s history, as he delivered a Dharma Talk there in the 1990s. Knowing that I’ll be teaching at the same institution where he once shared his wisdom feels profoundly symbolic. It’s as if the torch is being passed, not just from Ram Dass to me, but through the lineage of all those who have been touched by his teachings.

This role at Roger Williams also represents a personal hero’s journey for me. I first attended RWU as an undergraduate from 2009 to 2013, a period before my spiritual awakening. At the time, I was focused on conventional success and had little awareness of the deeper truths that would later transform my life. Returning to RWU for my MBA in 2023-2024, deeply immersed in my spiritual studies, felt like a homecoming—a chance to bring my expanded perspective back to where my journey began. This mirrors Ram Dass’s own path, as years after he was dismissed from Harvard, he returned as a guest speaker to share the very teachings that had initially led to his departure. Similarly, I feel I am continuing the work he started, but with a spiritual foundation that informs every aspect of my approach.

***Graduating with my MBA from the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business at Roger Williams University, May 2024.***

From Uncertainty to Clarity

When I began my undergraduate studies, I had no clear vision of what I wanted to do with my degree. Inspired by my cousin, who owned his own business, I set my sights on entrepreneurship. But at the time, I didn’t have a passion to guide me or a business idea to pursue. This lack of direction ultimately led me to take a job with Target, where I focused on refining my leadership skills—a decision that would lay the groundwork for my future journey.

Empathy and Connection with Students

Now, as I prepare to return to RWU as an adjunct professor, I can’t help but reflect on how much I resonate with my students. I literally sat in the same chairs they do now, grappling with uncertainty about my future. That shared experience gives me a unique perspective and a deep sense of empathy for where they are in their journeys. My goal is to help them navigate those same uncertainties, not just with tools for entrepreneurial success but with a mindset grounded in awareness, resilience, and authenticity.

The Entrepreneurial Journey: Highs, Lows, and Loving Awareness

The entrepreneurial journey is often filled with highs and lows, moments of inspiration, and times of doubt. Having a mindset that is both grounded and flexible is essential. This philosophy aligns closely with Ram Dass’s teachings and serves as a cornerstone for how I plan to teach Entrepreneurial Finance. By helping my students cultivate awareness and presence, I hope to equip them with the tools to remain resilient and focused, even in the face of uncertainty. Awareness of what is doesn’t necessarily define what will be—it opens the door to possibility.

Ram Dass’s influence is woven into every aspect of my teaching. His message of being fully present—“Be Here Now”—reminds me to meet my students where they are, to listen deeply, and to create a space where they feel seen and heard. His emphasis on service inspires me to approach my work with humility and a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of others. And his ability to blend humor with profound insight encourages me to bring authenticity and lightness to the classroom, even when discussing weighty topics.

Diffusion of Innovations: A Framework for Connection

This idea also connects with the framework of the Diffusion of Innovations, which maps how people adopt new ideas. As an entrepreneur, I’ve often felt like an Innovator—the first category in the model—bringing forward ideas that may seem far-fetched to some but resonate deeply with others. Early Adopters are those who see the potential and step forward, while the Early and Late Majority require time and evidence before embracing the concept. Then there are the Laggards, who resist change until it becomes inevitable.

Understanding this curve has helped me shift into non-judgment when encountering resistance, allowing space for curiosity. Instead of closing off, I’ve learned to ask questions, engage in dialogue, and embrace all perspectives as part of the journey. This mindset, rooted in loving awareness, opens doors to connection and growth, both personally and professionally.

Honoring Ram Dass’s Legacy

As I embark on this new chapter, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the ways Ram Dass’s teachings have shaped me. They have helped me navigate my own journey with greater clarity and compassion, and they have given me a framework for helping others do the same. In many ways, I see this work as a continuation of his legacy—a way of honoring the wisdom gem he left behind and sharing its light with the next generation.

Ram Dass once said, “We're all just walking each other home.” As I step into the classroom at Roger Williams University, I carry that sentiment with me. My hope is that through my teaching, I can help my students discover their own paths, connect more deeply with themselves and others, and find their way home to the present moment. In doing so, I feel deeply connected to Ram Dass, to Rachel, and to the unfolding journey that has brought me here. The work continues, and I am humbled to be part of it.

Taken at the Sri Neem Karoli Baba Ashram and Hanuman Temple in Taos, New Mexico May ‘23

I’m thrilled to bring my journey full circle at Roger Williams University, and I look forward to walking alongside my students as they explore their own paths.

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