Balancing in Motherhood and Work !

As I reflect on Mother's Day, I'm reminded of the profound impact my mother had on shaping who I am today. From my childhood to adulthood, her guidance, love, and sacrifices laid the foundation for my values and character. It's only when we step into the role of motherhood ourselves that we truly understand and appreciate every lesson our mothers imparted. The respect and gratitude we feel for them take on a new dimension.

At the same time, the absence of a mother's support, whether due to distance or loss, can leave a profound void. The realization of the value of her guidance hits us deeply, often accompanied by a sense of guilt for not fully appreciating it sooner.

Mother's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the immense influence mothers have on our lives and the enduring bond we share with them, whether they are physically present or watching over us from afar."

1.????????????????? Can you tell us about your upbringing and early life in your village? How do you think your background has influenced your values and career aspirations?

"I was born and raised in Malegaon, a small town in Maharashtra. Growing up as the youngest of four siblings, I witnessed firsthand the societal preference for male children. My mother, who was the seventh girl child in my grandparents' family, experienced this bias, with a total of nine siblings born before a boy finally arrived.

From a young age, I questioned why one gender was given so much importance and what made them perceived as more capable than women. Coming from a family where both my parents were educators, the value of education and self-reliance was instilled in us from the beginning.

These early experiences fueled my curiosity and shaped my beliefs about gender equality and the importance of empowering women. They also inspired me to strive for equal opportunities and challenge societal norms that perpetuate gender disparities.

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2.????????????????? "What role has your mother played in shaping who you are today? Can you share any specific lessons or values that she instilled in you?

"My mother has been a significant influence on who I am today. She epitomized strength, independence, and was admired by her colleagues, siblings, and family alike. From her, I learned the importance of perseverance—never giving up until you achieve your goals. She taught me the value of collaboration, emphasizing that surrounding yourself with the right people can propel you forward. At the same time, she instilled in me the importance of taking a stand when necessary, not shying away from expressing my perspective, and maintaining my identity even in the midst of a crowd. Her lessons have been invaluable in shaping my character and guiding my journey."

3.????????????????? Reflecting on your journey over the past eight years, what have been some of the key milestones or moments that have defined your career in CSR leadership?

My journey began with the Kerala disaster response campaign, where I was thrust into the role of CSR head with little prior knowledge of how e-commerce worked. Despite the steep learning curve, I spearheaded efforts to get the campaign on our webpage, partnered with the government, and mobilized our employees and customers to support relief efforts. Our swift and effective response made us the fastest and first responders to such a massive disaster, showcasing the power of collective action and community support.

Following this success, my passion for working with diverse communities was recognized, leading to the creation of a new role in operations. This role enabled me to collaborate actively with global leaders and design programs for underrepresented groups such as persons with disabilities (PWDs) and LGBTQI+ individuals. Our efforts in this area garnered recognition from the government and underscored our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within our organization.

As my role evolved, I had the opportunity to partner closely with the business to develop strategies that addressed key concerns within our communities and diverse cohorts. This expanded scope allowed me to leverage my experience and expertise to drive meaningful change and make a positive impact on our extended family of associates.

Throughout this journey, the unwavering support of my organization has been instrumental, especially during personal challenges such as the loss of my mother during the COVID-19 pandemic and the realization that my son falls within the autism spectrum. In these difficult times, my managers and leaders provided me with the space and flexibility to prioritize my family's needs, demonstrating a genuine commitment to employee well-being and support.

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Overall, my career in CSR leadership has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of social impact, a dedication to diversity and inclusion, and a profound sense of gratitude for the unwavering support of my organization during both professional and personal challenges. These experiences have shaped me into the leader I am today and fuel my ongoing commitment to driving positive change in the world around me.

4.????????????????? How do you balance your professional commitments with your responsibilities as a mother? Can you share any strategies or insights on managing work-life balance?

Balancing professional commitments with motherhood is undoubtedly a challenging task, but I've found that with careful planning and support from both my organization and my family, it is indeed possible. Here are some strategies and insights that have helped me manage work-life balance effectively:

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Ownership and Partnership: Taking ownership of my responsibilities and actively partnering with my manager has been crucial. Open communication and collaboration ensure that expectations are clear, and my manager is aware of any challenges or needs I may have. This partnership enables me to have the flexibility to manage both work and family commitments effectively.

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Flexibility in Location: I am grateful for the flexibility my organization has provided, such as the option to work from Mumbai where my extended family resides when I was expecting my second child. This arrangement has been immensely helpful in ensuring that I have a support system in place while juggling professional responsibilities.

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Strategic Time Management: I structure my day in a way that allows me to tackle important tasks during the first half, leaving the second half for connecting with stakeholders and my team. This approach ensures that I remain productive and focused while also staying connected with my colleagues, even if they are working remotely from different locations.

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Supportive Family Environment: Having a supportive husband and house help is invaluable. We work together to plan ahead, especially when I need to travel for work. By coordinating schedules and responsibilities in advance, we minimize disruptions and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the home front.

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Overall, achieving work-life balance is a continuous process that requires proactive planning, effective communication, and a supportive network. By leveraging these strategies and maintaining a positive partnership with my organization and family, I am able to navigate the demands of both professional and personal life successfully.

5.????????????????? In what ways do you draw inspiration from your own mother in your approach to leadership and motherhood?

My approach to leadership and motherhood is deeply influenced by the inspiration I draw from my own mother. She instilled in me the importance of being a problem solver and approaching challenges collaboratively with stakeholders. This approach has shaped my leadership style, particularly in community engagement initiatives within operations.

In operations, we have defined a community engagement charter that emphasizes collaboration and partnership rather than working in isolation. This collaborative approach is inspired by my mother's teachings and has been instrumental in driving impactful programs. I am proud that our leaders consistently integrate the perspective of community engagement into various initiatives, including DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) hiring and understanding the needs of our OTR (Off the Road) and UTR (Under the Road) populations.

By embracing my mother's leadership principles, I strive to lead by example, fostering an environment of collaboration, empathy, and problem-solving. This not only drives success in my professional endeavors but also shapes my approach to motherhood, as I seek to instill similar values of resilience, compassion, and teamwork in my own children.

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6.????? How do you incorporate the values you learned from your mother into your work in CSR and your interactions with your team?

The values I learned from my mother, particularly her generosity, compassion, and commitment to helping others, deeply influence my work in CSR and my interactions with my team.

From a young age, I witnessed my mother's selflessness and dedication to supporting those in need, despite facing financial challenges herself. Her willingness to extend a helping hand to friends and community members left a lasting impression on me. I carry forward her legacy by incorporating these values into my work in CSR:

Empathy and Compassion: My interactions with community members and stakeholders are guided by empathy and compassion, inspired by my mother's example. I strive to understand their needs and challenges, and I am committed to finding meaningful ways to support them.

Commitment to Social Impact: My mother's dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others motivates me to pursue impactful CSR initiatives. I am driven by a desire to create meaningful change and contribute to the well-being of communities, just as she did.

Inclusivity and Support: Like my mother, I believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. I encourage collaboration and teamwork within my team, fostering a sense of unity and collective purpose.

Groundedness and Gratitude: My mother's humility and gratitude serve as reminders to stay grounded and appreciative of the opportunities I have been given. I approach my work with a sense of humility, recognizing the privilege I have to make a positive impact.

In summary, the values instilled in me by my mother shape the way I approach my work in CSR and guide my interactions with my team. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and service continues to inspire me to strive for excellence and make a difference in the lives of others.

7.????????????????? Can you share any anecdotes or memorable experiences that highlight the impact of your work in CSR on your community or the people you serve?

"Several impactful experiences stand out from our work in CSR, demonstrating the tangible difference we've made in our community:

·??????????????? During various disasters, such as the Kerala floods, Uttarakhand floods in 2018, and the COVID-19 pandemic, our organization proved to be a reliable first responder. Our swift response, efficient logistics network, and dedication showcased our ability to provide timely assistance to those in need.

·??????????????? Receiving the President's Award was a moment of pride for our efforts in advocating for the needs of persons with disabilities (PWD) and diverse communities. By working backward to address their requirements and ensuring their inclusion across our network, we've made strides in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

·??????????????? Our partnership with Pad Man on menstrual health and hygiene has had a profound impact on rural women self-help groups (SHGs) in our communities. Not only have we provided them with economical and biodegradable sanitary napkin options, but we've also empowered them with sustainable livelihood opportunities. Through local manufacturing and sales in neighboring villages, these women have gained economic independence and contributed to breaking the stigma surrounding menstrual hygiene.

These experiences highlight the transformative power of CSR initiatives and reaffirm our commitment to creating positive change in our community.

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8.????? "How do you hope to inspire your own children through your career and commitment to social causes? What lessons do you aim to impart to them?

"I hope to inspire my children by demonstrating the importance of giving back to the community through my career and personal endeavors. Through my work with the community, I've gained invaluable insights and experiences that I aim to impart to my children.

For example, my daughter's passion for helping street dogs highlights the impact of compassion and empathy. She actively provides food for stray animals and collaborates with government hospitals to ensure injured animals receive proper care. Additionally, she has formed a resident group to support this cause, demonstrating the power of collective action and community involvement.

By encouraging my children to engage with social causes and make a difference in the lives of others, I aim to instill values of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility in them. I hope they will carry these lessons forward and continue to advocate for positive change in their own unique ways."

9.????????????????? Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, both in your career and as a mother?

"In the future, I aspire to be a strong advocate for supporting women who lack exposure or opportunities for growth due to various circumstances. Over the past 20 years, my experiences have shown me the resilience and determination of women in communities. It's often the women who ensure their families are fed, prioritize their children's education and skill development, and strive to break the cycle of hardship they've faced.

I envision myself playing a role in empowering these women to become change agents within our communities. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or creating opportunities for skill-building and education, I aim to support women in realizing their full potential and making positive impacts in their lives and the lives of their families."

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10.?? As we celebrate Mother's Day, what message would you like to share with other mothers who are balancing their careers and family life?

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"I've often received advice from others suggesting that I take a break and focus on my kids, encouraging me to take life easier. However, deep down, I know the unique challenges my child faces, and I understand that to be the strong pillar of support they need, I must prioritize my own happiness.

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My work not only provides financial stability but also allows me to pursue my passion for giving back to the community. Rather than sacrificing my own fulfillment and sitting idly by my children, I've made the decision to strike a balance and give them quality time, even if it means cutting back on other commitments.

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It's crucial to remember that there's no concept of a perfect mother—we're all unique individuals with different circumstances and challenges. Never feel guilty for not meeting the perceived efficiency of other parents. Ultimately, you must be at the driver's seat when making decisions about your life, prioritizing what's best for you and your family above all else."?

I would like to give special thanks to my Akhil Saxena, PCC Dr Karuna Shankar Pande ( He /His/ Him ) Supriya GD Arunima Dandawate Kundan Thorat Gaurav Arora @ashish sharma NILAVADI SIVAM family peers and my team who empower me every day !

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