How I felt being my Unapologetic Self...

I was wondering whether I should share this or not because it felt too cliché. That’s when my Business Manager, Sanchith said, “True, everyone’s post is cliché, but your individual experience can never be cliché”. I felt like he hit the nail right on its head. So, here I am, baring my soul to you…

April 29, 2022; 9 AM. I reached TEK Chennai as a fresher, i.e., with the hopes of joining a team which was fun, vibrant, and absolutely energetic on the floor too. I had so many things running through my mind, but the one thing that I was firm about was to not give the usual, boring “interview answers”. But that again depended on how I would be interviewed, and I was praying to not have to go through a conventional set of questions/rounds.

I reached a half hour earlier than said time, I sat in the lobby peeking inside to see if I like the vibe of the place. I did. I felt at ease, as far as I could look inside. I met my point of contact, headed inside, sat down chatting with him. Again, comfortable, but not entirely because I was too curious about the rest of the team. A few minutes later, one by one, everyone started walking in. Chirpy, casual and friendly - they way they were with one another. That was one thing off my checklist!!

9.30 AM sharp – everyone assembled in front of a board where so many things were written, names of people, actions, offers, starts, etc. – all Greek and Latin to me. Then I got to know that it was a meeting to discuss their work for the day, keep themselves focused on what to prioritize.

At the end of the meeting, I was confused, for they were all holding hands – I followed suit. Then one of them took lead and started saying what seemed like an affirmation or a pledge, which others repeated. I was floored. I loved it so much and I immediately knew this was the team I was looking for. After the pledge, everyone from the team just started introducing themselves, got to know who I am, the basic ice breaking.

It must have been a little past 10 when I was informed that my interview would be in about half an hour. After that, I turned to the first person next to me and I vividly remember that I asked her “anything I should be worried about?” with a smile. She flashed an even brighter smile at me and went “just be yourself, its all cool with him”.

INTERVIEW TIME!!!! my interviewer and I stepped into a meeting room, and he started asking questions. By questions, I mean anything and everything that would not fall under “USUAL”, thankfully. I would usually feel terrified of one-to-ones but that day, exactly a month ago, I was absolutely calm, confident and in control of all my emotions. Why? I knew I did not come here for just the job, but to be a part of the beautiful team right outside the door. I knew I would fit here perfectly, just like Cinderella and her glass slipper. I gave my answers – nothing out of the resume or the interview answer template – I was just being me, while being calm and collected, telling everything about who I am to the person opposite me - helping that person decide whether I can be a part of them.

An hour later, I saw myself speaking to the Director of Business Operations and CFO of Allegis group! Happy, smart, cool, ENERGETIC and charismatic Chennai-ite, dear Ranjith! His personality was such that I kept calling him “sir” which Sanchith had to keep correcting… LOL! Spent about forty-five minutes on a Teams call with him too. He seemed to love my energy the same way I did his!! He said he’d reach Chennai on Monday and we know both of us were eager to meet each other!

After all this, Sanchith came back and we shook hands as he said “Nishitha, you’re in, Welcome to Allegis”. I got introduced to the team - officially, this time. All my reactions during the course of that day came from my heart - I was smiling ear-to-ear thinking of the numerous shapes I can mold myself into - that of a leader - to begin with.

Now, I can proudly say I am in a job I like, with people I like, doing things I like - all while exploring more and more about myself, just because I was my unapologetic self for the very first time in decades!! I am so glad I opened up. Being who I am only made me feel more powerful and comfortable, if not anything else.

So, be you, wherever you go, wherever you are - those who want someone like you, will definitely welcome you with open arms...!