Last evening, the sky was overcast and a thunderstorm seemed imminent, causing my house help to appear anxious due to the darkening clouds. I noticed her concern and kindly offered to let her leave early, ensuring she could arrive home safely before the storm hit. She was visibly delighted and grateful for my consideration.

The security guards in our community consistently show a kind gesture by greeting residents as they enter and exit. I make a conscious effort to respond to their greetings, acknowledging their kindness and showing respect. This exchange has a profoundly positive effect on both me and the guards. I've observed that they now greet me with a warm smile, which suggests that my reciprocation has had a positive impact on them as well.

Over time, I've learned that being kind to myself is just as important as being kind to others. Yesterday, feeling completely drained, I took a 30-minute break from everything – screens, activity, the works. Just me and my thoughts. It was refreshing! This practice of simply being present has been a part of my life since childhood, and I find it incredibly helpful for detaching from the daily hustle. Even a few minutes can make a big difference!

The words we choose have immense power. I strive to be mindful of my language, knowing it can uplift or wound. It's a small but impactful way to show kindness, not just to others, but to myself as well. This is a daily practice I hold dear. #myWayToBeKind

Over the weekend, I found myself in a deeply meaningful conversation with a close friend who was wrestling with some personal challenges. They were feeling overwhelmed and needed to vent, to express their worries and frustrations without interruption or judgment. I consciously chose to listen actively, offering a safe space for them to share their thoughts and emotions. I resisted the urge to offer solutions or advice, recognizing that sometimes, all someone truly needs is a compassionate ear and an empathetic heart. My friend talked for a while, pouring out their heart as I simply listened and validated their feelings. When they finally finished, they paused for a moment before saying, "Thank you. That's all I needed. Just someone to listen." That moment was a powerful reminder of the importance of truly listening to those around us. It's easy to fall into the trap of trying to fix problems or offer advice, but sometimes, the most profound act of kindness is simply being present and providing a safe space for someone to be heard. The experience also reminded me that we don't always have to have the answers. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is our undivided attention and a willingness to empathize with another person's pain or struggle. This interaction reinforced my belief in the power of empathy and the importance of cultivating deeper connections with the people in our lives. By listening without judgment and offering genuine support, we can foster stronger relationships and create a more compassionate world.

While I was out shopping for groceries today, a young child approached me and asked for money to buy food. Instead, I decided to purchase a few essential food items for him. he expressed his heartfelt gratitude, leaving a warm feeling in my heart.

It was pouring rain in Bangalore today, but I had to venture out for some work. On my way back home, I spotted a lady from my society waiting for a cab by the roadside, trying to get back home. I offered her a lift, and she was grateful, mentioning that she had been waiting for a while and was struggling due to the long wait times for cabs caused by the rain

Last week, I visited Puducherry with my family and stumbled upon a charming local handicrafts store while exploring the market. The shopkeeper shared with me that he was struggling with no sales during the season. I decided to make a few purchases from his store, and he was incredibly grateful for my support, his appreciation evident in his warm smile.

Yesterday evening, while buying vegetables from a local vegetable seller, I observed that many customers were haggling over prices. Personally, I've stopped negotiating prices with local small vendors a few years ago, so I chose to pay the full amount requested. The vegetable seller smiled warmly, seemingly relieved, as she had been tense due to the aggressive bargaining from other customers.

Yesterday evening, while buying vegetables from a local vegetable seller, I observed that many customers were haggling over prices. Personally, I've stopped negotiating prices with local small vendors a few years ago, so I chose to pay the full amount requested. The vegetable seller smiled warmly, seemingly relieved, as she had been tense due to the aggressive bargaining from other customers.

Yesterday my house help was not well. I asked her to go home and rest instead of wrapping up the work. She was visibly happy with that as she was suffering but didn’t want to skip the work.

Over the weekend, a recent graduate contacted me on LinkedIn seeking career advice, and I was happy to help.

“Breaking the Myth” 💡 “Women can’t handle tech leadership.” Myth? Definitely. 💥 Reality? We’re driving innovation, leading change, and mentoring the next generation. What’s one stereotype you’ve proved wrong? Let’s break barriers together!

Breaking Barriers Moment: One lesson that shaped my journey— “Your voice matters. Speak with confidence, even when doubt creeps in, because every perspective has the power to drive change."

Looking back on my career, especially as a COO and CTO, I realize that leadership isn't about avoiding challenges; it's about how you navigate them. I've faced plenty of hurdles, and honestly, they've been some of my most valuable learning experiences. I've come to see 'failure' as a stepping stone, a chance to refine my approach and grow as a leader.

Being unwell for a week was tough, but my house help was an absolute lifesaver, taking on extra responsibilities around the house without me even asking. To express my sincere gratitude, I gave her a new dress and some additional cash today. Her reaction was priceless; she was genuinely happy and shared that the extra money was a timely blessing due to some unexpected expenditures this month.