Forging Character through Childhood Challenges
My childhood has made me resilient & passionate.
My life has not been a smooth sail and in every situation, I have learned
something new about myself. I was 18 years old when unexpected circumstances
thrust me into running my family’s manufacturing business while pursuing my
higher education. Juggling a factory employing 100 seasoned workers, and
multiple dealers at a young age was a daunting I. I questioned myself daily,
faced sleepless nights, and worried about the business’s fate. To the extent,
that I used to question God ‘Why me?’ when none of my friends were doing any of
this. I was worried that if I failed, I would fail my family business leading
to huge implications.
Despite countless mistakes, I learned fast and
sustained the business for 12 intense months until my father returned to work,
allowing me to focus on my studies and lead a normal life again. It was the
resilience and passion to achieve something that kept me going, It was one of
the raw materials being used in the factory ‘foam’, that taught me to
handle pressure like it does (bouncing back once the pressure is relieved).
This experience underscored the importance of resilience in facing adversity.
Balancing Motherhood and Leadership
I desire to be in two places at once, which reveals the innocent yearning to excel in both personal and professional realms and the guilt that resides in me. I wish I could always be into every minute detail while also maintaining my strength, well-being, composure, and creativity but I've learned it's an unattainable goal. Trying to be a superwoman led to complexity, and from the day I stopped trying to be one, life has become simpler.
Balancing
the roles of a mother and a professional leader can be a complex and demanding
task, but it is achievable with careful planning, support, and adaptability.
Here's how I have managed to strike a remarkable balance between these roles
and navigate the associated challenges:
1. Effective Time Management: I prioritize my tasks and try and set
some boundaries to allocate quality time to both my family and my professional
responsibilities.
2. Delegating and Seeking Help: Asking for help is a skill, I leverage
it fully in my professional and personal role, I delegate responsibilities to
my team, and at home, I involve my family, if possible, or seek help from
family, friends, or hired help when needed.
3. Quality Over Quantity: I've realized that it's not about the
quantity of time spent but the quality of interactions.
4. Self-Care: I have started trying self-care, recognizing that I need to
take care of myself to be effective in both roles. I realized at the age of 50
(bad example) but still learnt. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and
adequate sleep are essential to maintain my physical and mental well-being.
5. Communication: Open and honest communication is key. I
communicate my schedule and expectations with my family and my team at work.
This transparency helps manage expectations and reduces misunderstandings.
6. Work-Life Integration: Being adaptable is crucial. There are
times when I need to adjust my schedule or priorities based on the needs of my
family or my work. This helps me to handle unexpected challenges gracefully.
7. Support System: I've built a strong support system, which
includes family, friends, and colleagues.
8. Continuous Learning: I continuously seek ways to improve my
time management skills, leadership abilities, and parenting techniques even
with 28 years and 24 year old children.
9. Celebrate Achievements: I celebrate both personal and professional achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing and appreciating my efforts and accomplishments helps maintain a positive outlook.
Striking
a balance between motherhood and a professional career is an ongoing journey,
and it's important to remember that it's okay to ask for help, take breaks, and
occasionally adjust priorities. Every situation is unique, and the key is
finding what works best for your family and professional life while maintaining
grace and success in both roles.
Lastly, Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone's journey is different. Don't compare yourself to other mothers or professional leaders. Focus on your own goals and priorities. Remember, you are not alone. Many mothers are also successful professional leaders. With careful planning, effort, and support, you can strike a balance between these two important roles. Although, there can’t be an exact answer to match every situation. I recommend one read chapter 12 of my book “Now, Speak Up Lady”, where I have written more on asking for help.
Embracing Life’s Pivotal Moments
Chapter
2 – In Search of me - One must read the book to know
the answer. I am seriously enjoying the questions as it reminds me of what I
wrote to talk about breaking my own biases
Let
me share some here–
1. There is pride in everything you do. When I had to quit my job and go to
Switzerland, or started my first job in Chennai, etc that left me learning how
to make the most of what I have. You get a situation and how you turn it around
to a winning moment for yourself or people around you and that’s entirely up to
us.
2. Who are You? Some 15 years back my boss asked me to introduce myself
and I kept talking of my qualifications & the company & the portfolio.
He asked but this is just what you do who are you evolving on that to
understand my brand and who I am was a pivotal moment And that question turned
the journey around for me both personally and professionally. Knowing your
brand is critical.
3. DEI -30 years back when I joined banking and saw no women in the
branch at that time – unknowingly I felt the need to focus on diversity and
since then I kept learning and doing my bit to focus on DEI and that made me a
better human. What I learnt in the office on DEI I was able to bring home and
that made me a better professional, and parent, in other words, a better human
being
4. Mentorship: makes the journey easier. Having mentors both male & female helped me navigate my professional & personal life stage transitions to help me forward & upward.
Passion for Inclusion, Diversity, and People
Leadership
My passion for
inclusion, diversity, and people leadership is rooted in a deep belief in the
value of each individual and the positive impact that a diverse and inclusive
environment can have on both workplaces and society as a whole. I have
experienced in my life and seen the difference.
1. Equal Opportunity: I am passionate about creating equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background, gender, ethnicity, or any other characteristic. I believe that every person should have the chance to reach their full potential and contribute to their fullest in any setting, whether it's a workplace or society.
2. Innovation and Creativity: My experience has taught me that diverse teams tend to be more innovative and creative. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together, they bring a wide range of ideas and solutions to the table. This not only benefits the organizations they work for but also fuels societal progress.
3. Social Cohesion: Promoting inclusion and diversity in workplaces can also have a ripple effect in society. When individuals experience inclusivity and diversity in their daily lives, it fosters greater tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of differences in the larger community. I am personally an example who evolved over time.
4. Economic Benefits: A diverse workforce can lead to economic advantages. A company that is inclusive and diverse is more likely to attract top talent and have a competitive advantage. This success can, in turn, contribute positively to society by creating jobs, generating revenue, and supporting local communities.
5. Global
Perspective: In today's interconnected world, a global perspective is
increasingly important. Inclusion and diversity are essential for organizations
and societies to adapt to the changing global landscape. They enable us to
understand and navigate the complexities of a diverse world and engage
effectively on a global scale.
"Empowering Women: The Inspiration Behind
'Now Speak Up Lady' and Its Impactful Vision."
In 2021, I launched the Speak Up Lady mentoring program, and in nearly a year and a half, I've had the privilege of guiding and empowering more than 250 women professionals.
As
I got introduced to new faces, I unearthed fresh stories… dark, complicated, full
of angst, inspiring, and the list goes on at some point, I was prompted to
consolidate my own experiences and those of my mentees into a compilation of
emotions… I did not have much clue back then what to do with this story
bank…that’s when my husband suggested the idea of crafting it into a book… and
here we are!
It’s
a non-fiction. It’s a chronicle of real-life stories with a set of pertinent
questions, and my quest to find answers to those nagging plot points.
Furthermore, the book is structured scientifically keeping in mind how the
human brain functions in filtering information.
There are Illustrations and the most important is the D’s deal: So, what’s the deal? Is this book just a compilation of events, or does every story call for a deeper introspection? The Book is from my eyes – I have tried to summarize after every story and called it D’s deals.
My
submission to all the readers is to ask the question of who you and if many are
get confused with that answer, if we can decode that it opens the door. Simply
put, it’s Deepika’s Deal to all my readers, followers, and mentees. I would
encourage people to write their Deals after that as to what works for them, the
more we write the more we learn
My
deal: Sitting here with all of you discussing the book has been my deal of
getting the message out to all.
Guiding Emerging Professionals: Keys to
Success
1.
Never stop learning- The industry is constantly
evolving, and staying current is essential. Invest in your education and seek
out opportunities for professional development. Read, attend workshops, and
take courses to keep your skills and knowledge up to date.
2.
Build relationships - Networking is not just about
collecting business cards; it's about building meaningful, authentic relationships.
3.
Seek out mentors- who have experience and wisdom to
share. A mentor can provide you with guidance, help you navigate challenges,
and offer a different perspective on your career path.
4.
Embrace Adaptability- The business landscape is
ever-changing, and the ability to adapt is crucial. Be open to change, be
flexible in your approach, and don't be afraid to take calculated risks.
5. Effective Communication- Master the art of effective communication. Whether it's speaking, writing, or listening, the ability to convey your ideas clearly and understand the perspectives of others is a fundamental skill for leadership.
6.
Uphold high ethical standards- in all your professional
interactions.
7. Diversity Equity and Inclusion - Are not just buzzwords; it's a core values. Embrace diversity in your teams and foster an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued..
8.
Focus on outcomes, not just tasks.
9.
Emotional Intelligence- Understanding and managing your
emotions, as well as the emotions of those you work with, is vital.
10. Resilience
and Perseverance- Learn from failures, adapt, and keep moving forward.
11. Passion
and Purpose- Pursue your career with passion and a clear sense of
purpose. When you are passionate about what you do, your enthusiasm will be
infectious and will inspire others to follow your lead.
Lastly, be happy yourself and not put that responsibility on others.
To continue reading timeless literary works
with powerful inspiring stories and people, check out more women leaders
stories.