Crucial Success Skills Forged Through My Journey
Dear Readers, I am here today not just as a business woman or an advocate for women's empowerment, but as a daughter, a product of resilience, shaped by the extraordinary journey of my mother Mrs. Suman Gera, the driving force of our lives ! Her story is not just hers; it belongs to countless caregivers silently bearing the weight of their loved ones' mental illnesses. Growing up, we witnessed the life altering effects of schizophrenia first hand with dad's diagnosis. Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic brain disorder that causes people to interpret reality abnormally. Imagine a life where reality is a fragmented chaos, where voices in your partner's head dictate a narrative far away from truth. Yet, amidst the chaos, she continued fighting battles for endless years unseen by the world for her family, for her kids' education, for dad's self respect, while also enduring the stigma and shame society often casts about those grappling with mental illnesses without any support.
In a world that often measures success by degrees earned or titles held, it's easy to overlook those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. But let me tell you, they are the real heroes, the pillars of strength upon which families and communities are built. By recognizing and honoring the leadership qualities demonstrated by caregivers, business leaders can gain valuable insights that can help them navigate the complexities of the business world with compassion, resilience, and effectiveness. What are the leadership lessons that I learnt from her journey? I am summarizing the top 5
1) Resilience: Caregivers often face immense challenges and setbacks, yet they persist with unwavering determination. Business leaders can learn from their resilience in the face of adversity, understanding that setbacks are inevitable but can be overcome with perseverance and a positive mindset.
2) Adaptability: Caregivers must constantly adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected developments. This ability to pivot and adjust plans on the fly is a crucial skill for business leaders, especially in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.
3) Empathy: Caregivers demonstrate deep empathy and compassion towards those they care for, understanding their needs and providing support accordingly. Business leaders can learn the importance of empathy in fostering strong relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders, leading to greater loyalty and trust.
4) Effective Communication: Caregivers must communicate effectively with healthcare professionals, family members, and the person they are caring for. Clear and open communication is essential for building trust and ensuring that everyone is on the same page—a lesson that is equally valuable in the business world.
5) Time Management: Caregivers often juggle multiple responsibilities and tasks, requiring strong time management skills to ensure everything gets done. Business leaders can learn the importance of prioritization, delegation, and efficient use of time to maximize productivity and achieve goals. And most importantly she raised my brother and me to be good humans over everything else and to be kind to others. To my mother, and to all the unseen warriors who walk among us, I say this: Your strength inspires us all, and your love lights the way forward. Thank you for being the guiding light in our lives, for showing us the power of resilience, and for reminding us that love conquers all.
Crafting Creative Opportunities from Every Challenge
In the aftermath of the storm that rocked our world with my dad passing recently , my mom emerged as a shining example of strength and resilience. Despite the tough times, she didn't let the darkness win. Instead, she became our guiding light, helping us piece our lives back together. It is because of her that we are successful in our careers and more importantly we are proud of the fact that we have a big heart . And guess what? She didn't stop there. With a heart full of courage, she decided to pursue her dream of studying psychology. Now, she's working hard to earn her MA in psychology, determined to use her experiences to help others going through tough times like we did. My mom's journey teaches us something important: even in the toughest of times, we can find strength and hope. She's proof that no matter how hard things get, we can overcome them with determination and love. Also what I learn from her everyday is that in lifting others, you elevate yourself
My Impact
Breaking the silence of shame and stigma surrounding caregiving for people with mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia and such complex illnesses where there is limited education, has a profound and impact on individuals and communities alike. Her story is the support to those millions of families suffering in silence. In terms of tangible benefits, there are many First is Increased Awareness and Education: By sharing personal stories and experiences on platforms like TEDx and engaging with communities of caregivers, we have raised awareness about the challenges faced by caregivers and the realities of living with schizophrenia. Reduced Stigma and Shame: By speaking openly and honestly about our experiences, we have empowered others to share their stories without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Caregivers of persons with schizophrenia and other mental disorders experience high levels of burden, are often depressed and anxious because of the patient’s illness, avoid large social events with their relatives. Most face financial difficulties and to make matters worse there is coping with stigma and shame. Shame of the reactions of the illness and the impact that it has on others. Shame of sexual hallucinations, imaginary affairs and a lot more. As a result they end up distancing themselves from the world It is our responsibility is as a society to carry the caregivers along , to reach out to them as sometimes they are too tired to do that. Life is so much more professional success. Sometimes just existing is a feat too. There is a need to educate people in our country.
A lot of people still believe that mental illnesses can be solved by just religion, by eating right, by getting married Unfortunately, there is still a significant amount of discrimination around mental health conditions, judgment or exclusion from friends, family, or community members who didn't understand. This shift in attitudes through awareness is crucial in creating a more inclusive and compassionate society Thirdly it is. Access to Support and Resources: Breaking the silence of shame has also connected individuals and families with much-needed support and resources. By sharing information about available services, treatment options, and support networks, we have helped caregivers access the assistance they need to navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one with schizophrenia. This has led to improved outcomes and quality of life for both caregivers and individuals living with mental illness. Sometimes, it only takes one story to start a movement ! It's time we make this a movement
Scaling New Heights in Personal and Professional Triumphs
It's time for us to pause and reflect on what truly matters. Success is not about the letters behind your name or the corner office you occupy. It's about the depth of your compassion, the strength of your character, and the resilience of your spirit.
The Synergy Between My Path and Recognition Values
So My message to the group As a society, we have a responsibility to pay it forward, to uplift and empower those who are 'behind the scene warriors' — to recognize the value of their contributions, to celebrate their resilience, and to be there for them ! Together, we can break free from the shackles of societal expectations and redefine what it means to be successful. Let us build a future where compassion, empathy, and kindness reign supreme. Let's start with taking the first step- Amplifying such stories of resilience and taking a moment to appreciate those who build us up everyday!