I juggled job interviews with a car seat and a baby in tow

I was fortunate to be part of a family that championed independence and the freedom to express oneself, so I was able to carve a path toward personal and professional success. 

Always inclined towards interpersonal connections, it was only natural for me to find my calling in talent management and development. As I grew in my career, my focus shifted towards actively participating in and eventually leading transformative change and growth initiatives for the organisations I was associated with. Amidst the ebb and flow of life’s challenges, I have adhered to a set of key principles that have consistently fuelled my motivation and kept me grounded. I’m sharing some here.

Embracing change with an open mind: When I was 33, my husband and I, parents to two young daughters, made a bold decision to uproot our well-established careers in India for a promising consulting opportunity in the US. I relocated on a dependent visa, ushering in a challenging phase of adaptation. The early months were not easy, as my husband’s work commitments kept him away from home on weekdays, leaving me to navigate our new life with our daughters. Despite moments of doubt, I persevered. Juggling job interviews with a car seat and a baby in tow, in the frigid winters of north-east US, I found my resilience rewarded when, within three months, I secured my first role as a human resources manager. This marked the beginning of a journey where maintaining an open mind and embracing change not only helped me navigate the transition but also opened doors to many different avenues.

Continual learning, and appetite to take calculated risks: With over 30 years dedicated to the field of talent management and a two-decade tenure within the same company, I opted to step outside my comfort zone. Venturing into a new realm of change management and corporate development marked a significant departure. This willingness to take risks has allowed me to engage in a continuous learning journey. Learning and acquiring fresh skills is paramount for staying relevant and adaptive. Keep at it!

My suggestion for women is to remain focused and optimistic. Believe in yourself and in the people around you. Have faith that everything will fall in place, eventually – both personally and professionally. Explore beyond comfort zones. Keep growing! Keep achieving!