Since childhood, I have always been forthright and spoken about what’s on my mind. My family, too, ensured that my voice was heard. I grew up with four sisters, at a time when girls were considered a burden. We grew up, each with a different ambition, witnessing a world full of opportunities. To support this, our parents provided us with education and ensured that we become independent. My dad, growing up in a village and going on to become a professor at IIT is one of my earliest inspiration. He knew the value of education and ensured each of his daughter completed post-graduation.

My eldest sister was a second inspiration who paved the way for us, questioning and voicing our opinions. While she was an adolescent inspiration, my husband continues to be my inspiration and source of strength; his constant support allowed me to soar. I remember at one point we were in different cities. In the evenings I would have calls and also needed to get my daughter's homework done. Technology to the rescue – he would take care of my daughter’s homework using Facetime (iPad).

I started my career with Indian Air Force. I was the first batch of women officers for the Meteorology branch. Post my short service commission, I went back to college. I did my MBA from IIT Delhi. During campus placements, it was getting difficult to get a job as I didn’t have any corporate experience. Finally, I did get placed and joined as Assistant Manager. This was one of the happiest moments in my life. Thus, began my corporate career. It has been at times bumpy, but I have sailed through. 

From my experience, I believe that most workplace disparities are a result of unasked assumptions. Organizations do not pass on strenuous or time-consuming projects because they “think” that we wouldn't be able to handle them. At times, people do not think that it is important to even ask for women’s opinion on that subject. This is what leads women to silence their own voice or to not ask for help. We feel that people would consider us weak if seek help. Many times, it is assumed that since women are soft/caring, they cannot take tough decisions. But tough decisions can be taken without resorting aggressive behaviour. Empathy is key. 

I love my job. At the same time balance between professional and personal life is needed for optimal performance. As a family, even though we are busy throughout the day, we try to have our meals together. This is a feat to achieve but it gives us some much-needed family time we need. We are so busy in the process of reaching a destination, that we forget to take care of our body and mind which provides the fuel for the journey. In recent times, I make sure to have some “me” time - take an hour or so for myself simply to read a book or collect my thoughts or just do nothing. 

Sometimes I think to myself that if I were given a superpower, I would create a workplace that lets women speak their mind. Not only for others to respond to them, but to actually listen and consider their ideas. People feel they belong when they are listened to and that their opinion matters. The more we listen, the more people will feel valued, respected. We need to embrace the diversity of thinking that a woman brings. The whole purpose of diversity is defeated if we develop women in the mold of “perceived leadership” styles.

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