Crucial Success Skills Forged Through My Journey
I was a carefree and happy-go-lucky girl, never taking my studies seriously or worrying about scoring high marks in school. That was until my 10th standard exams arrived. I found myself facing disappointing results compared to my friends, and my only option seemed to be choosing Arts as my subjects for senior secondary. The thought of taking Arts was embarrassing for me, contrast to the aspirations of my friends who aimed for Science or Commerce streams. But it was a turning point that demanded flexibility and adaptability. I approached the principal, pleading for a chance to take up Commerce stream.
To my surprise, I was granted only three months to prove my capability. It was a difficult challenge, but I was determined to grab the opportunity. In those three months, I pushed myself and made sure that I exceled in my subjects and not only that I earned the position of class monitor—a symbol of achievement and leadership in our school. This experience left a permanent mark on me, teaching me valuable lessons about the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing change. From that day, I made a commitment to myself to never stop learning and growing. And it's this mindset of agility and lifelong learning that has been crucial to my success—both personally and professionally.
Crafting Creative Opportunities from Every Challenge
Approaching adversity requires a combination of resilience, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. When unexpectedly assigned with leading the HR function due to the sudden departure of HR head of one of my previous organizations, I faced a tough challenge. Overnight, I found myself in a position of immense responsibility and challenge. I was told “The buck stops with you now.” In that moment, I realized that I had been given a unique opportunity—one that could either drive me towards leadership or leave me overwhelmed and defeated. With the company actively considering external candidates also, the pressure was on to prove myself. Every aspect of the HR function now fell under my purview. There was no room for secondguessing, I had to hit the ground running. There were moments of doubt, but I found strength and resilience I never knew I possessed. I started taking full ownership and accountability of my decisions.
I thought I would never take a travelling job but during this challenging time I travelled every three months to our other offices. I knew that my performance during this interim period would not only determine my future within the company but also shape my identity as a leader. I sought guidance from my mentors, leaned on the support of my team, and remained open to feedback and learning opportunities.As the weeks turned into months, I began to see results- employee engagement improved, HR processes got more streamlined and talent development initiatives started giving results. Ultimately, company made the decision to give me permanent HR leadership position. So overall, overcoming adversity taught me the importance of resilience, ownership, and seizing opportunities
My Impact
I firmly believe that people are never 100% ready for the challenges they face, but it's our duty as leaders to recognize their potential and provide them with the opportunities to shine. When I interview candidates for my team, I don't search for perfection. Instead, I look for individuals who possess a genuine passion to make a difference. By taking risks and giving opportunities to those who may not be fully prepared, I've seen the incredible transformation that can occur. When individuals are given the chance to step into roles that stretch their abilities, they often rise to the occasion in ways that exceed expectations. I've had the privilege of impacting the lives of my team members by guiding them and helping them realize their full potential.
Through mentorship, support, and encouragement, I've seen individuals blossom into confident leaders. I still remember recruiting one of my team member who wasn’t from HR background but had passion to make career in HR field. She was just waiting for one opportunity which could help her start her journey. Today, she is at good position and inspiring others too to reach their dreams and aspirations. In empowering others to shine, I've not only made a difference in the lives of my team members but also contributed to the greater good of our community and field. I believe that by investing in people and providing them with the opportunities they deserve, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Scaling New Heights in Personal and Professional Triumphs
For me, success is not merely a matter of achieving goals or hitting targets; it's about delivering excellence and creating meaningful impact in everything I do. I measure success by the quality of my work and by my ability to meet and exceed the expectations of my customers, whether they be clients, colleagues, or supervisors. It's about listening attentively to their requirements, understanding their expectations, and aligning my efforts to meet them. Once I have a clear understanding of what my customers expect, I set high standards for myself and my team. I often remind my team to not settle for ticking off boxes.
Instead, treat every task as opportunity to showcase your skills. Ask questions incase you need more clarity, take notes and work on a plan. Share the proposal with your client or boss to cross check if you are going the right way or take feedback. And then work towards it and aim at delivering the best. The benchmarks I have set for myself and my team is to be on top of our client’s or boss’s mind whenever any opportunity comes. You should be the first choice and you can only do that if you are aligned and deliver the best.
The Synergy Between My Path and Recognition Values
In your view, how does your journey align with the values and goals of this recognition? Throughout my life journey, I've displayed the transformative leadership in every endeavor I've pursued. Starting from my early days, I've always believed in the power of bringing out the best in people and providing opportunities for growth, even when they may not feel fully ready. This belief guided me through my academic journey, where I learned the importance of embracing challenges and striving for excellence. As I transitioned into my professional career, I carried this attitude with me, whether leading teams, driving projects, or navigating unexpected challenges. When I was unexpectedly given opportunity of leadership role in HR, I didn't just see it as a challenge to overcome. But I also saw it as an opportunity to inspire and empower my team.
Transformative leadership is also about fostering innovation and creativity, and I express this through approaching tasks with creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to think outside the box. By encouraging my team to ask questions, seek clarity, and propose new ideas, I create an environment where innovation is seriously driven. Throughout my journey, I've embraced change and uncertainty as opportunities for growth, continually seeking new ways to innovate, improve, and make a positive impact. By embracing challenges with resilience and creativity, I've not only achieved success but also inspired others to do the same