Calypso Consulting

 

The name “Calypso” actually has two derivations for this company. However, it is interesting to first understand the roots of the word from Greek mythology. Calypso was the daughter of Atlas and lived on an island called Ogygia. When King Odysseus’ men perished in war, Odysseus was washed ashore on Ogygia Island. Calypso soon fell in love with Odysseus and promised him immortality if he would stay with her. He refused because he wished to return home. So Calypso kept him prisoner until Zeus intervened and ordered Calypso to set Odysseus free.   While I did not name the company because of this Greek mythology connection, someone once suggested to me that my love for China could be analagous to Calypso’s love for Odysseus. Perhaps.

 

Over the years, the name Calypso has been used for different reasons. This leads to the first derivation of this company’s name. Calypso music, which was born in Africa but became popularized in Barbados culture, is lively and upbeat. The music spread throughout the Caribbean and, along with its offshoots, remains very popular there. I first heard this music as a teenager and it has resonated in my soul since then. When it was time to name the company, I tried to reflect on words that had happy meanings to me. Calypso was one of the first words that came to mind.

 

 

The second derivation is that it was the name of world famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau’s ship. His exploratory vessel was the setting for many great discoveries. It occurred to me that Calypso Consulting, through its work with Chinese executives and its research, might also find new paths to lead workers in China.