She Is on the Rise Season 5: A Journey of Belonging

“About six years ago, I returned from a sabbatical and stepped into a workplace that felt completely new. My role was limited, the team was experienced, and I often felt like I was starting from scratch. I had to unlearn many things and rebuild my confidence along the way.

For the first few months, finding my footing within the organization was not easy.

That’s when my business head, Mr. Chaitanya Rajwade, stepped in.

Although I wasn’t directly reporting to him and he knew little about my past experience or career break, a simple face-to-face conversation helped him understand the challenges I was facing. He began assigning me tasks that required working closely with experienced members of the team, giving me the opportunity to engage, learn and gradually find my place.

He also ensured I travelled to different work locations to better understand the business, the product and the regional teams. That exposure made a lasting difference.

It meant I was part of the team.
It meant I could contribute.
It meant I belonged.

Within a year, recognising my potential, my role was reassigned. That moment became a turning point in my career.

My journey has always been driven by passion and persistence. But what helped me move forward during that phase was not applause or advice. It was the simple yet powerful acknowledgment that I had something meaningful to contribute.

Leadership, I learned, is not just authority. It is the responsibility to recognize and enable someone’s journey.”