Focus on the job, not on the gender

From a very young age, I was keen to work in a field I was passionate about. The only problem was, I seemed to like everything I tried my hand at – be it advertising, consulting or hospitality. However, when it was time for me to choose a career path, I decided on hospitality real estate because I found it to be a very good balance between the working the left brain (analytics) and the right brain (creative thought).

Having now worked for more than 10 years in this field, I have come to realize that even if you choose a profession that you love, it takes hard work to be successful. Work generally entails 80 per cent donkey work and 20 per cent fun; but that 20 per cent is so rewarding that it will make your heart soar and make you fall right back in love with what you do. 

When I started with Brigade, one of India’s top real estate developers, the company had just completed its first hotel in the hospitality domain. The portfolio has since grown to 7 operating hotels with 5 more hotels under various stages of construction. It was exciting to be part of this growth phase, especially at a time when the hospitality space was going through a metamorphosis. 

FINDING SENSE OF PURPOSE AT WORK

Having a passion for F&B, I launched a couple of restaurant concepts called HIGH Ultra Lounge and the Art Café, both award-winning restaurants. Additionally, I launched Asia’s first real estate tech accelerator which has since mentored over 30 startups in the real estate space and grown my profile to oversee the company’s office and retail portfolios as well. While I did find myself outside my comfort zone many times, I learned to enjoy what I was doing by finding meaning and purpose to my work and my contribution to the company.

PERSONAL GROWTH

When I reflect, I see that it was the self-motivation I had to “create a positive impact” on the organization that drove me to work extra hard and be result oriented. I have also always had the innate desire for self-improvement, which makes me take action to overcome my shortcomings. Through work, I found ambition that I never knew existed. It is a real thrill for me when I am able to close a deal, make a sale and increase revenue or cut costs for the company. I love having the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives, by taking care of our employees, customers and stakeholders. 

While I am a second-generation entrepreneur, I was not given a fancy title and a fat pay cheque from the get-go. I had to work my way up from the frontlines, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I had smaller responsibilities initially, which allowed me to take decisions on my own and learn through my mistakes without adversely impacting the company. It is only when one takes 100 per cent responsibility for one’s actions and decisions, can one understand the pressures of running a company.

The one principle that constantly guides me through all of my decision-making is this – “Do what is in the best interest of the organization.” This gives me a lot of clarity when I am in two minds. I also firmly believe that if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. Respect for all – from the office boy to the CEO - is key. There should be dignity of labour. 

LEARNINGS START AT HOME

I feel lucky for the humble upbringing I was given by my parents. They instilled values in my sister and me that are crucial for any leader to carry forth a business. They lived and enacted these values every day, which made it easier for us to imbibe. They are the epitome of integrity and hard work and these values have held our company in good stead over the past 3 decades. Our parents have always wanted us to work, despite being two “girls”. The best advice my mother gave me was “It doesn’t matter what job you have, as long as you are working and are financially independent” because financial independence is what allows one to take control of their lives. 

As for working in a male-dominated industry such as real estate, my father always said “Focus on the job, not on the gender” and that has made me into a result-oriented person who does what needs to be done in order to get the job done. 

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

My message to all aspiring women leaders is this: – don’t let age, marriage or kids be the reason you let go of your dreams and career. Follow your dreams and find a way to make yourself financially independent and secure. I write this article while on maternity leave; while I am enjoying a short break away from work, I know that when I do get back, it will be with a bang, as my best is yet to come.