Many men tread the well-worn path of socio-cultural expectations with blinders on. As midlife approaches and existential questions arise, we often find ourselves adrift. We conceived Borderlands as a harbour—an empathic community, a refuge for men seeking a deeper connection to themselves and the world.
The story begins in the vibrant community of a non-formal, experiential micro-school in Goa where Mayank, Roy, and Qusai first connected as fathers.
Each of us—Mayank, a former global delivery and operations leader who transformed his life through fitness; Qusai, who balances over 20 years of experience in health research, teaching Qigong, Somatics, and Yoga, with his family’s real estate business; and Roy, an accomplished designer with a knack for connecting purpose-driven brands with their audiences—had left behind more conventional urban lives in pursuit of something deeper. We traded the security of our former careers for a life with a greater potential for meaning and joy.
We envision Borderlands as a place for experiential learning and growth in the second half of our lives.
Mayank’s transformation began with a growing focus on fitness, awakening his warrior spirit and helping him break free from the societal expectations of a typical middle-class upbringing. This journey took a humorous turn when his 16-year-old son, Zayden—still figuring out how to shave properly—casually remarked, “Dad, you really need to work on your self-awareness.” The comment, delivered nonchalantly, struck a chord. It reinforced what Mayank had been gradually coming to realise: personal growth is about much more than the physical.
Mayank reached out to Qusai, recognizing the need for a broader, more integrated approach.
Together, Mayank and Qusai began shaping the vision of a retreat where men could reconnect with their primal instincts, align head, heart, and gut, and navigate midlife with courage and wisdom. As fathers, we wanted to embrace our identities as men fully while also honouring our commitment to raising children with values of equality and respect.
Recognizing the need to connect with a broader audience, they approached Roy, father of a bright 13-year-old daughter, who immediately resonated with their mission. With Roy’s design expertise, Qusai’s deep experience in holistic practices, and Mayank’s passion for fitness and personal development, Borderlands took shape—starting with retreats designed to help men find their power and their joy, both for themselves and as role models for their peers and future generations.