Leadership Spice

When I look back at my career, I often think of the innumerable stories. What stands out is not the promotions or the achievements. It’s the journey itself. I cherish every challenge, every choice, every small victory, and every moment I doubted myself yet kept showing up.

Young Mother, Big Dreams and a Tough Start

I was already working before I got married. My challenges in my career started as a young mother with a 6-month-old baby. My first job was with the hospitality industry. The guilt of leaving a kid at home weighed heavily on me. There were so many instances when I just wanted to quit. Every morning, I hesitated. I wondered if I was doing the right thing. My mother’s voice kept me going:
“Don’t give in to emotions. Be strong. You are not just building your career but you are shaping your children’s future as well.”

There were no professional nannies, no extended family support. It was just my husband and me, navigating a world that seemed designed to test us. Domestic help had to be trained, routines had to be established, and endless patience became my constant companion.

Some days, I went to work with tears hidden behind a smile. Some days, I returned home exhausted. Hospitality was demanding – long hours, rotational shifts, constant pressure but yet I excelled. My work was recognized, and I earned promotions. I learned that perseverance pays, and that leadership begins with showing up, even when it’s hard.

Second Child, Early Return, and Flexibility

When my second child arrived, I faced a new set of challenges. Pregnancy and work were demanding. My boss requested, though it was not mandatory, that I return early. He offered flexibility. I could visit home several times during the day. I lived close to the hotel, which allowed me to attend to my newborn. It was a very tough decision for me. I discussed with my husband and we both took charge of managing the kids, household responsibilities, and professional commitments. Those early days taught me resilience, time management, and the art of prioritizing without guilt. I realized that leadership is not just about managing others. It’s about managing yourself under pressure.

Making Career Choices: Mobility vs. Children’s Education

A big promotion later required relocation to another city. I stood at a pivotal juncture, knowing that every choice mattered. On one hand, career growth beckoned; on the other, my children’s education and stability were at stake. I chose the latter. Leaving my hospitality career was not easy. However, I knew it was the right choice for my family. It also aligned with my values.

This was my first lesson in leadership: courage is not only about saying yes. At times, it’s about saying no and staying true to your priorities.

Retail: Navigating Family Politics

In my next role in retail, I stepped into a family-owned business. Politics, conflicting opinions, and interference from multiple family members were daily challenges.

Objectivity and tact became my tools. I listened more than I spoke, assessed situations carefully, and remained consistent in my actions. Slowly, I earned the trust of the Managing Director. Over time, my decisions were respected, even above those of family members.

It was here that I learned another leadership truth: trust and credibility are built through consistency, fairness, and patience.

Banking BPO: Breaking Barriers

Moving into banking BPO brought a new kind of challenge. I inherited a role from a man who refused to give a proper handover. I could have complained, resisted, or waited for someone else to fix it. But I chose to take responsibility.

I networked with my subordinates, learned from their experiences, and slowly pieced together the gaps. Day by day, I built credibility and established myself as a reliable leader. I took on the role of VP – Learning & Development. This marked a shift in the organization’s approach to leadership appointments.

Again, in this role, balancing work and home remained challenging. I guided my sons, shared responsibilities with my husband, and navigated office politics. This was a constant reminder that leadership requires not only professional skill but also emotional resilience.

Consulting and Freelancing: Bold Choices

After years of climbing the corporate ladder, I made the bold decision to quit and start my own consultancy. Consulting was not easy. I was alone, building teams, managing clients, and establishing credibility without the safety net of a corporate structure.

It was a time that tested perseverance like never before. I had to be disciplined, resourceful, and patient. My children, now choosing their higher education paths and careers, moved cities. I grew as a leader, a mother, and an individual.

Today, I thrive as a freelance OD consultant, a grandmother, a mentor, a mother-in-law, and a wife. I am a woman who never shrank from her dreams.

Leadership Lessons from My Journey

1. Show Up Every Day – Even when the path is hard or uncertain.
2. Build Trust Through Consistency – Leadership is credibility in action.
3. Balance Courage with Care – Career decisions must reflect both ambition and values.
4. Persevere Through Politics and Pressure – Every organization has challenges; how you navigate them defines your growth.
5. Celebrate Small Wins – Recognition, mentorship, and small victories fuel resilience.

Leadership Recipe: Lemon Soufflé

Life is delicate and layered, like a soufflé. It requires precision, patience, and care. Yet, it rises beautifully when handled with skill.

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20–25 min

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing ramekins)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for coating ramekins)
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Method

Step 1: Prepare Ramekins

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Butter 4 ramekins and coat inside with 1–2 teaspoons granulated sugar, shaking out the excess.
• Place ramekins on a baking tray.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Base

• In a small saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until warm (not boiling).
• In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
• Gradually pour warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
• Return mixture to the pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a smooth custard.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Beat Egg White

• In a clean bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites.
• Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add a teaspoon of sugar at a time, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 4: Fold Whites into Lemon Custard

• Gently fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the lemon custard to lighten it.
• Fold in the remaining whites carefully in two additions, maintaining as much air as possible.
• Be gentle – do not overmix.

Step 5: Fill Ramekins & Bake

• Spoon the soufflé mixture into the prepared ramekins, filling almost to the top.
• Smooth tops lightly with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until soufflés have risen and tops are golden.
• Do not open the oven door while baking, or the soufflé may collapse.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar.
• Serve straight from the oven – delicate, airy, and bursting with lemon flavor.

Tips for a Perfect Lemon Soufflé

1. Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume.
2. Use a clean, grease-free bowl for whipping whites.
3. Fold gently to keep the soufflé airy.
4. Serve immediately – soufflés start to deflate as they cool.

To every woman reading this:

You don’t need to be fearless, just resilient.
You don’t need to be perfect, just persistent.
Your journey, ambition, courage, and care are layers in the life you are building.

Show up. Keep pushing. Keep rising.
Your soufflé of resilience will be unforgettable.