What do you remember the most from your childhood? Is there any special memory you’d like to share?
School and Stories - going to school every day was an opportunity to learn every hour, from teachers, friends, mutual respect, equality holistic development. I studied in a convent school which had many initiatives which students primarily ran. Such opportunities give you the learnings that you keep for life.
Stories - time spent with my grandparents. My grandparents lived in a haveli in (Mathura) western UP. In our summer breaks from school, we often visited my grandparents in UP. My grandfather used to narrate a story every day. They were basically his life experiences. There was always a message learning in every story. Google doesn't have all the information there's so much to learn from these life experiences. Stories from his childhood days, some stories that he heard from his grandfather, stories behind some rituals/customs that we follow, his school days- the pranks he would get up to with his friends, the street plays they would stage to protest against British rules, his travel stories. My grandfather loved traveling spending time with his friends family. Late Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev (King of Nepal) was my grandfather's friend. So my grandfather would travel to Nepal often. At times trains, at times in a tanga (horse cart). How he made friends in this journey (travel life). These were fascinating tales of various cultures and places with lessons that later became the foundation for who I am today. I've learned a lot about our customs, ethics, values about life from these stories. As a curious child, I would always ask him: but Baba, Why? And he would respond to all the Whys with a story that had both logic humor.
What would you like to share about your family, your bond with them, how do you stay together despite the busy lives we live?
Family is the circle of strength! It's a special bond. As a child, I was fortunate to have lived in a joint family. It helps you establish bonds build relationships. It also provides avenues of a constructive attitude. From my grandmother, I learned that "it's in giving that we receive".
I've learned patience the importance of letting go from my mother. My father is my best friend; he inspires me. He has been my biggest strength and role model. I admire his "never giving up attitude" In 1997, we almost lost him. It was a dreadful day when doctors asked us to take him home as it was only a matter of a few hours before his body would shut down. My cousin, a doctor, suggested giving it a final try and removing the infected part through surgery. The chances of it working was 0.5%. With the blessings of the supreme force, wishes from loved ones, our prayers were answered and the surgery worked. It took him nearly a year to relearn everything- standing, sitting, walking, talking. It was a tough time. Tough time always makes you tougher!
His recovery taught me the real meaning of 'NEVER GIVING UP' His love for life, attitude, fitness, energy, and enthusiasm to live every moment fuel my desire to make the best of what I have.
I believe in building strong relationships. Relationships with family, friends, team members, professionals from the fraternity.
I made friends in school very fast, and that friendship continues. I speak with my school friends (Aisha Latika) at least once a week - we live in 3 countries, in different time zones.
My family is not limited to my blood relatives but also extends to some of the most amazing friends that have been with me through thick and thin. I've made these friends in school, college, and the workplace. I'm also grateful to have the best mentors in my life. They inspire me I've learned a lot from them. I am what I am because of the people in my life, lessons learned in my life.
Faith, Family, Friends keep me going.
My growing years taught me:
- "Honor every commitment".
- "Trust is earned". Trust takes years to build, seconds to break forever to repair".
- "Tough time always makes you tougher".
Growing up, what were those habits that made you the person that you are today?
Reading - an hour of reading every day is a must. Honor every commitment- "Trust is earned". Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, forever to repair".
What is your formula of balancing your work and personal lives and being an ace in both?
Well, it's setting priorities expectations. Depending on the situation, I prioritize my work relations. If my teamwork commitments need my time, I miss few events at home, like birthdays, etc. God forbid, if there's a medical emergency in family/friends then that becomes important and I manage work accordingly. Work-life are no different for me. I've never worked with a 9-5 / weekday attitude. That's by choice. WE come before ME- always. My team is also like my extended family. If required, I am and have been there when needed, whether it is a Sunday or Monday.
Like I said, Trust is key...Team: Together Everyone Achieves More.
If you would be given the superpower for one day to do something for Women, what would be that?
Empower Women. Gender diversity should never be about just a tick in the box, and the same stands true for other parts of our society, be it the LGBTQ community or the specially-abled. So I was given the superpower for one day to do something for women- I would empower all women to take decisions.
What was the biggest setback in your life and how did you overcome it?
I took a sabbatical for a year in 2010. Back then, people "taking a sabbatical" wasn't taken in the right spirit, if you know what I mean...
It was the hardest time in my career. But I didn't give up. Grateful to my family my mentors. I invested in myself by learning.
I took small consultation projects and added new skills. Each experience and project has played a part in shaping my career and life. Every achievement that I earned has been the product of sheer hard work, dedication, and commitment. But none of this could have worked had I not been honest with myself and my stakeholders. Also, it's important to celebrate not just successes but also failures because of failures – it is here that our learning comes from. Sometimes, we as women are not able to fully realize our potential as we get bogged down with day-to-day challenges or issues. We are born with strong instincts that help us chose our actions. I genuinely believe that all of us are a result of our choices made with courage and conviction!
Gender diversity at the workplace has improved in recent years. However, we still have a long way to go. I look forward to pushing the boundaries further to bring-in every deserving individual within this sphere irrespective of their gender, sexual orientation, or unique ability. Miles to go before I sleep…..
Define in your own words - #WorkingWomenWonders
There's a little Wonder Woman in all of us. We need to pay attention to hear her voice.
WorkingWomenWonders: Are Women who Inspire and make an impact.
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