Year 1: Being Vulnerable | Being HUFT

We choose the Heart.

Time is always in a rush. Sometimes, in its relentless momentum, it has the ability to break down years of conditioning. Conditioning that made us feel strong, formidable and powerful. We condition ourselves in a way that works for us. But what works for us, doesn’t always work for everything and everyone around us. I have always been a high-functioning workaholic, with the power to break down complex problems into workable solutions. My relentless obsession for head > heart was holding me steady, till I came to HUFT. I never thought the challenge I would struggle to navigate is ‘me’. Everything changed one evening when “we choose the heart” was put in front of me. We are always taught to be efficient, and effective. But we aren’t taught how to be purposeful, loving, warm and kind at work. I was a little of all of that, but not enough. And I needed to change.

Being vulnerable didn’t come naturally.

It was a challenge. After many years of working in highly fast-paced, sales-driven establishments, I was to be a leader in a structure where purpose, passion, societal impact, brand value, peer growth, kindness and empathy were the driving pillars of building the business. Here, vulnerability was embraced, honesty demanded and disagreements encouraged. I was no longer pushing for atomic changes to marketing x business functions, but pursuing sustainable behaviour change through the brand. Slowly I learnt to build safe spaces around me. I went out of my comfort zone. I spoke openly about my anxiety, post-covid irritation triggers and physical health challenges. I spoke to my friends and family about my struggle with being receptive to change. It took a lot of letting go of my ego. As of now, I think I am about 80% there.

My team became my best critic and companion.

I am obligated to my team for their honesty, integrity and steadfastness. Their ability to help me navigate very complex times both personally and professionally has been life-changing. In the past, I haven’t worked with too many professionals who are GenZ. Mental health conversations have not been real. I wasn't the ideal mentor or boss, to begin with, and maybe far from being so, but I am trying to be a better colleague and aid. I wrote about my struggle with it here. I am on a good path now and I am kinda proud of myself for staying the course.

Not all money is good money.

Commerce growth is imperative. However, growth at all costs is a very steep fall. It was a learning curve at HUFT to see it play out as we increased investments into manufacturing and capacity building but reduced all the bad spending. Today, we take business decisions that are for the marathon and not only for the sprint. Money comes at a cost, and I am happy we recognised the penalty early on. For those who know me, I love sprints, and I am coming to embrace the long run as second nature. I hadn’t seen this so up close, and it has been very rewarding.

Next is everything.

There has never been a more complex time for businesses. Global funds are rightfully cautious. Consumers are ridiculously spoilt for choice. Supply chains are terribly broken. Marketing is rampant with inefficiency, bots and bad data. Brands are challenged for relevance. Talent is difficult to get, and even more difficult to inspire and retain. Border politics are closer to home. The rupee devaluation is troublesome. The cost of running a business is more positioned for failure than ever before. In the midst of this, we are trying to build a business that drives true value to our customers, brings brisk rewards for our stakeholders and helps the industry to thrive. It is not easy but I don’t like the easy. Easy is boring. We are at the precipice of change, and next is everything.

---------------------------

I have many to thank for this journey, but most importantly, I am just proud that what we are doing has meaning, nuance, depth and discipline. If you or someone you know wants to be a part of our team, write to me at [email protected].

#HuftForFamily