Educational
Foundations and Strategic Growth
My journey from a
lower-middle-class household in a Coimbatore refugee colony to my current role
as the AVP of PVR Cinemas has been a tapestry woven with resilience,
determination, and continuous learning. My educational background, though
unconventional, has been a crucial contributor to my career success.
I was an average student in school but excelled in sports; therefore, my education extended beyond the traditional classroom setting. The playground became my classroom, where I learned invaluable life lessons in teamwork, determination, and goal-setting through my passion for sports. These principles have been guiding lights throughout my professional journey.
My career began as a
preschool assistant and later as a caregiver for an elderly woman—roles that
instilled in me the importance of empathy and compassion. Despite facing challenges
in my marital life, my unwavering desire to work and establish my independence
remained intact.
Rejoining the workforce after becoming a mother, I started as a tele caller at Shiamak Davar’s Dance Academy. Recognition from Shiamak himself for my aptitude in call management boosted my confidence, leading to a steady climb up the ranks, eventually becoming the branch manager. This journey exemplified how dedication and hard work can transform humble beginnings into a successful trajectory.
Later in my career, joining Inox and subsequently becoming a part of the PVR family for the past 13 years has been a significant chapter. Each step in my professional evolution has provided valuable insights about the industry, people, and, most significantly, my capabilities.
The start of the pandemic brought unique challenges, particularly when my daughter embarked on her pilot training course in New Zealand. I faced taxing times and had to make personal sacrifices, pledging my mother's jewels for a year. Yet, a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors helped me continue to finance her education and pursue my own personal growth initiatives. Undertaking transformative courses from esteemed institutions like ISB Hyderabad, IIM, UCLA, and MICA during this period marked my transition into a stronger, more capable version of myself.
In essence, my educational journey, blended with diverse life experiences, has been the driving force behind my career success.
Family Influence on Career Empowerment and Leadership
My family background and the
unwavering support system I've been fortunate to have, have been instrumental
in shaping my career and nurturing my commitment to empower women. The
foundations laid by my family have been pillars of strength, propelling me forward
in my professional journey and influencing my approach to leadership.
Coming from a lower-middle-class background in a Coimbatore refugee colony, my early years were defined by the love and support of my family. Being the first child, my family provided the best they could afford, instilling in me values of resilience and humility that have been guiding principles throughout my life.
Despite hurdles in my marital life, the desire to work and establish my independence remained undeterred. The support of my sister-in-law after having kids was a turning point, enabling me to carve out a distinct identity for myself.
The supportive network around me, including colleagues at Inox and PVR, has shaped my leadership approach. Their encouragement has instilled in me a belief in the power of mentorship, collaboration, and creating spaces where individuals, particularly women, can excel.
When I was looking to pursue
my executive education during the pandemic, close friends came forward and
offered to help me finance it without any questions. These are friends who
opened their hearts and helped me evolve into the person I am today.
Shaping Career Paths and Valuable
Networks
The education I received from MICA, IIM Raipur, UCLA, and ISB has been a cornerstone in shaping my career. It transformed me into an unrecognizable, confident, and versatile professional, equipping me with skills and insights that are invaluable in today's dynamic business landscape.
At MICA, I honed my skills in marketing and PR, building upon my natural aptitude in advertising. This experience not only deepened my understanding of these fields but also made me more adept in strategizing and executing effective marketing campaigns.
IIM Raipur played a crucial role in developing my managerial skills. The general management course there broadened my perspective on business operations and strategy, making me well-prepared to take on leadership roles. It instilled in me the ability to make informed decisions and lead teams effectively, even in challenging situations.
The experience at UCLA was particularly transformative. It taught me the nuances of being a C-level executive, focusing on leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills. The diverse cohort at UCLA, with peers bringing varied perspectives to the table, was enlightening. It humbled me, calmed my mind, and refined my ability to view business challenges from multiple angles. This experience was invaluable in sharpening my problem-solving skills and enhancing my adaptability in the corporate world.
ISB's holistic approach to business education provided me with a comprehensive view of leadership and entrepreneurship. The collaborative learning environment and the interaction with a diverse group of professionals expanded my network and exposed me to different business practices and cultural perspectives.
What
made these educational experiences particularly valuable were not just the
courses themselves, but the networks I built and the real-world insights I
gained. The connections with fellow alumni, faculty, and industry leaders
created a robust support system and a platform for continuous learning and
collaboration.
Thriving Amid Challenges: Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
Throughout my journey in the corporate world, particularly at PVR, I've navigated the challenges of a male-dominated industry with confidence and resolve. My experience at PVR, under the leadership of Ajay Bijli and Gautam Dutta, has been significantly positive, marked by a workplace culture that ensures safety and respect for women. The professional conduct and the gentlemanly behavior of my male colleagues have been commendable.
Over my thirteen years with
PVR, it's been interesting to note the rarity of workplace romances in the
sales department. While it's not an issue to find love in the workplace, the
lack of such instances at PVR is quite surprising and speaks volumes about the
professional environment here.
However, working in any male-dominated field does come with its share of challenges.
There have been instances where my ideas and contributions were overlooked simply because of my gender. A particularly striking incident was with a colleague who consistently disregarded my input in meetings, often preoccupied with his phone. This behavior led to a pivotal moment where I challenged him to a sales contest to prove my competence and worth. The challenge was simple: select a client from a list of two hundred and demonstrate our selling skills. The outcome of this challenge led to a significant change in attitudes. I not only proved my capabilities but also earned the respect I deserved.
Such experiences have taught
me that sometimes, logic and reason are not enough; one must demonstrate their
abilities to be taken seriously. It's a reflection of the deeply ingrained
gender biases in our society, where the rarity of women in leadership positions
can lead to underestimation. However, I firmly believe that such biases should
never be acceptable, and I am committed to challenging and changing these
perceptions.
Shaping Leadership with Insights from Motherhood
Being a single mother has profoundly shaped my professional path and leadership style. The responsibilities and challenges of single parenthood have instilled in me a unique perspective on independence, resilience, and the importance of preparing the next generation for life's unpredictabilities.
In my journey as a single parent, I've focused on grooming my children, Prarthana and Vinay, to be self-reliant and capable individuals. From managing finances to running a household, I have ensured that they are equipped with practical life skills. This approach to parenting has directly influenced my professional ethos. It has taught me the value of empowering others, be it my children or my team members, to be independent and self-sufficient.
This experience has also reinforced my belief that women should prioritize their careers alongside their families. In leading by example, I've shown my children the importance of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of personal goals. I've never felt guilty about the time spent away from them for work because I know that the quality of time spent together is what truly counts. This has been a vital lesson in my leadership approach – the significance of quality interactions over quantity.
The journey has not been without its challenges. As a single mother, I have faced criticism and judgment, but these experiences have only strengthened my resolve. They have taught me about the nuanced dynamics of manipulation and the importance of playing dual roles effectively, thereby eliminating any chances of such behavior in my children.
Professionally, these experiences have translated into a leadership style that is driven by a strong sense of responsibility, clarity, and fairness. I’ve learned to balance emotional intelligence with practicality, understanding that leadership is not just about nurturing but also about preparing individuals for real-world challenges.
In essence, single parenthood has not just been about raising children; it's been an integral part of shaping me into a more robust, empathetic, and effective leader. It has provided me with a unique perspective on human behavior, management, and the importance of fostering independence. This journey has been instrumental in preparing my children for life, just as it has prepared me to lead with resilience, empathy, and strength.
Fueling
Change: Empowering Women in Careers
My journey towards empowering women in their careers has been deeply personal and rooted in my own experiences. Unlike many coaches in the industry, my approach to coaching is not derived from generic content found online. Instead, I developed a unique framework called the ‘Shero Mindset,’ which is a culmination of my life's struggles and triumphs. This program isn't just a set of guidelines; it's a testament to a journey from a lower-middle-class upbringing, where my family and I faced financial hardships, to my eventual rise to a position of influence in a major corporation.
The inspiration for creating the ‘Shero Mindset’ came from my personal evolution. I realized that many women, like myself, start their careers with a clear sense of identity and purpose, only to lose it under the weight of societal expectations and professional pressures. This program is designed to help women rediscover and embrace their true selves, without the need for any filters, whether in the office or at home. A pivotal moment in my career was the realization that the struggles I faced were not unique to me. Many women encounter similar challenges but lack the resources or guidance to overcome them. This realization propelled me to become an advocate for women's success in the workplace. By sharing my story and the lessons I've learned, I aim to inspire and empower women to not only achieve their professional goals but to also thrive as authentic, no-filter individuals.
My approach goes beyond traditional career coaching. I believe in addressing every aspect of a woman's life to help her become a truly global leader. The current corporate landscape often lacks empathy and fails to recognize the individual aspirations of employees. Through the ‘Shero Mindset,’ I aspire to cultivate a new generation of empathetic leaders who understand the value of giving back as much as they take, who can confidently voice their needs, and who genuinely know their teams' dreams and aspirations.
In essence, by empowering
women to become global leaders who are empathetic, aware, and unapologetically themselves,
I am not just coaching individuals; I am striving to change the world, one
leader at a time.
Mentors: Catalyst of growth
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in my professional journey, acting as a guiding light through various stages of my career. I attribute much of my success to the mentors who have believed in me, taught me, and supported me through both highs and lows.
Gagan Adlakha, a leadership & life coach, stands out as a significant figure, having believed in me during the lowest point in my life. His faith and guidance were instrumental in helping me navigate through tough times and emerge stronger. Siddharth Rajsekar, another key mentor, has been like a teacher to me, holding my hand and leading me towards the heights I've always aspired to reach. His mentorship has been crucial in shaping my career path and helping me realize my potential.
Surendran J, Founder of Success Gyan, has been another vital presence in my life, offering support and guidance that have been fundamental to my personal and professional growth. I am profoundly grateful for his influence and the role he has played in my journey.
At the heart of my mentorship experiences are figures like Sadhguru, Gautam Dutta, the current CEO of PVR, and Shalu Sabharwal, my current boss at PVR. Their wisdom, leadership, and insights have been invaluable in my development. Additionally, the support from Mahir, Doctor Priya, Doctor Sibee, and my ever-favorite Rajnikanth sir have been crucial in shaping who I am today.
These mentors have not just been guides; they've become a part of me, as integral to my identity as I am to myself. They are the reason I am who I am today. Their mentorship has not only provided me with professional guidance but also enriched my life in countless ways. Their lessons have transcended professional boundaries, touching upon deeper aspects of wisdom, resilience, and personal growth.
Empowering
Women: Navigating Success in Career Transitions
As a single mother and a professional who has climbed the ranks in a challenging industry, my journey has been one of constant learning and resilience.
On Advancing in Current Roles and Career Changes: My advice to women looking to advance in their current roles or considering a career change is to first be clear about their goals. It's essential to assess your skills, understand your passions, and align them with your career objectives. Continual learning plays a crucial role; upskilling and staying abreast of industry trends are critical. Additionally, building a robust network and seeking mentorship can provide invaluable guidance and opportunities.
On Starting a Business: For those venturing into entrepreneurship, thorough preparation is key. This includes not only developing a strong business plan but also understanding the financial aspects of running a business. It’s crucial to balance this with personal responsibilities. The resilience and adaptability I've learned from my personal life have been crucial in my professional endeavors.
Work-Life Balance: Striving for work-life balance is important but not always possible. Always be open to help and pick quality over quantity. Take the help from family and don’t shy away from hiring help.
Emotional Strength: As women, we often face the challenge of balancing our emotional responsibilities with our professional goals. It’s important to stay strong and remind ourselves that pursuing our career goals is as important as our familial responsibilities.
In conclusion, the journey for women in the professional sphere, especially for single mothers, is about balancing multiple roles with strength and grace. It’s about setting a strong example for our children, showing them the importance of independence, resilience, and hard work. My experiences have not only shaped me into a strong leader but also into a nurturing parent, and I believe these roles complement each other in empowering me to be the best version of myself.
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