Monthly Archives: January 2024

Resilience Rising: From IIT Aspirations to Singapore Success

My quest for academic excellence began with a burning ambition: cracking the prestigious IIT entrance exam. While that dream remained unfulfilled, it wasn’t a defeat, but a detour. At Amrita Institute of Technology, I discovered alternative paths to success, landing a plum job at an MNC before graduation. This early detour instilled a powerful lesson: resilience.

Early Challenges and Turning Points:

Moving to Australia for my Masters wasn’t just about academics; it was a leap of faith, stepping outside my comfort zone. Scholarships, a winning business pitch, and a practicum in Malaysia marked my successful journey, culminating in a Singapore Permanent Residency before ever setting foot there. Yet, life’s curveballs weren’t over.

A major surgery in 2010 forced a pause, but instead of surrendering, I saw it as an opportunity for mental and physical growth. Spencer Johnson’s “Who Moved My Cheese?” became my mantra, empowering me to adapt and navigate four gruelling interview rounds at a job fair, securing a role with a Google India channel partner. My parents, my unwavering support system, taught me the power of optimism during this phase.

Embracing Destiny:

Singapore’s job hunt initially felt like a chaotic blur. Advice felt hollow, and self-doubt gnawed at me. But it was then that I learned to prioritize my well-being, drawing a line, and taking a four-month break, supported by my dad. This period of uncertainty, though financially challenging, proved to be a crucible, forging my resilience, and strengthening my belief in a brighter future.

Enter Ravishankar Avadhanam, my professional saviour. His faith in me transformed a daunting job search into a springboard for establishing myself in Singapore. The RPO industry became my canvas for reinvention, where I evolved from a resume recipient to a driving force of the company. This, initially a lifeline, became a robust platform for personal and professional growth, proving that resilience is the key to weathering life’s inevitable storms.

Anne Morant at ADP opened a new chapter in my odyssey. Her unwavering belief in my potential led me to a decade of transformative experiences. Working with diverse colleagues and clients honed my skills, etched resilience into my core, and equipped me with the agility to navigate uncertainties. ADP is not just a chapter; it’s an ongoing narrative shaping my life on both personal and professional levels.

Connections and Self-Discovery:

In 2015, my life partner, Nandini, embarked me on a profound journey of personal growth. Our sons, Jay and Yag, added depth and taught me the resilience of parenthood. Balancing career and family became a masterclass in adaptability.

Each hurdle, each moment of joy, has shaped me into who I am today. Looking back, I see life’s ups and downs as opportunities for growth, molding me with every passing day. I am grateful for the unwavering support and blessings of the almighty that have enriched my journey.