Sustained Will

Looking back at my career spanning more than two decades, I am content.  I cherish the milestones I have achieved along the way. The people I have met have only made it more worthwhile.

I have spent eight and a half years at thyssenkrupp. The experience has been enriching and has added to my knowledge. As part of my job, I am required to travel, to interact with the clients, sometimes stay late at work to meet deadlines, negotiate contractual terms and conditions and ensure that we meet the company targets. I enjoy the nature of the work I do and the dynamism which comes along with it. In 1993, when I graduated, I chose a career in marketing over a technical career. In retrospect, I am glad that I chose marketing for in this area, I found my passion, my strength. I have received appreciations from my clients as well as internally. These stand out to be my real motivators.

In 2000, due to multiple reasons, I decided to take some time off work. It was a time when the chemical industry was shaping up and newer plants were set up across the country. This was also the time that taught me my self-worth. I didn’t want my education and my fortes to go unutilized. And so after six years, I joined an EPC company dealing with technologies.

I identify myself as a strong person with a strong will. I am confident of my skills. Thus the opinions questioning my capabilities don’t shake up my confidence. To balance this, I like to remain highly organized and plan well. This habit comes in handy be it in the selection of clothes for the week or taking care of household chores. An effective work-life balance is a notion that can be managed quite well if one prioritizes. Aged parents and work keep me busy through the week. Yet, I make it a point to find time to cook or read or connect with my friends. I like to laugh to my heart’s content, to appreciate what is good in life, to support those who need help and advice. This keeps me alive and going.

I am aware of my strengths and weaknesses and embrace them. In fact, the same can be said about women today. They are able to voice their opinions and stand for their beliefs. But yes, I do dream of a world where the term, ‘gender neutrality’ will not be required. This would mean breaking down the deep-seated biases and beliefs that we carry within ourselves. If we are able to weed out these biases, there indeed will not be any requirement of a special day dedicated to women. That is also when “BreakThebias” will just be a notion of the past. Looking forward to living in such a world…