Manisha Chauhan: From Maternity Break to Growth

“I have always believed in growing through diligence and perseverance.”

My journey has been shaped by consistent effort, adapting to change and learning through challenges.

Then came a phase that disrupted my rhythm.

During maternity, I stepped away from work to be fully present for my newborn. While it was a deeply fulfilling time, it also felt like my professional journey had paused. Determined to keep moving forward, I enrolled in a Digital Marketing program at IIM Indore. Balancing coursework with caring for my baby was exhausting, but it helped me stay connected to my sense of growth.

When I returned to work, my manager Nithin Chavan made all the difference.

He created an environment where I could rebuild momentum without feeling stretched or judged. He trusted me with meaningful projects, while giving me the flexibility to manage my responsibilities at home. His approach was simple yet powerful. He focused on enabling, not evaluating.

That support helped me regain confidence.

It meant I could contribute meaningfully.

It meant I continued to belong.

My journey has always been driven by inner resolve. But what helped me move forward in that phase was thoughtful, unintrusive support from a leader who chose trust over assumption.

Sometimes leadership is not about directing. It is about quietly creating the space for someone to rise.