I figured out who I was working for

Story of role-model Radhika Balakrishnan

I grew up in a culturally conservative Tamil family in Mumbai

"Essentials, yes. Luxuries, No!" - That was the family mantra.

I recall a 6 year old me, yearning for that fancy eraser that I so badly wanted. Ofcourse, the answer was a No. I resolved to do well financially for myself and afford myself all luxuries.

As I grew, I saw how much toppers and winners are lavished upon. It seemed unfair, especially if they had just barely nudged past the number-2.  

Yet that is how it was. So, I strived to be #1 in what I did.

In my teenage years, I found my tribe at the Chinmaya Mission. Guess where all this positivity took me to? I became the first CA - girl too - in the family at age 21.

By then, I had seen some unsavoury things CAs have to do to survive. It was not for me. I joined a bank instead.

If I was trying to make my life easy, surely I did not succeed. 

In the initial couple of years, I landed a difficult boss - who stifled me at every step. He was impossible to please - but taught me the futility of crying myself to sleep every night. 

Eventually, I asked myself who I was working for?

Things turned around when I started doing things for my own sake - by simply answering how I can contribute usefully, in this moment.

This mindset has stayed with me and thanks to it, I do not think, I will encounter toxic people ever again.

I took a career break when my son came along. Then I tried my hand at entrepreneurship for a while. Alas! it did not work out. 

When I tried going back to a job, I found 3 offers. 

Yet the salary that all 3 offered to me was based on what I was drawing before I stopped working rather than the value, I brought to the table today.

I decided, I will wait till I find a commensurate assignment. So, I waited. 

When I found an opportunity that met me half-way on value I would add rather than the hours I would spend - I knew I had made the right choice. 

Life reverted back to its, ‘Oh! Another week gone :)’, rhythm.

I did not think anymore about only what work was assigned to me. Instead I looked at how I can make my organisation better. 

Perhaps, it is similar to how a good batsman in the cricket field looks for gaps between the fielders to make a shot. 

If I were to focus on the fielders around me, I would hit the ball straight into their hands. Not me.

I asked myself, if I had it in me, to create a bigger impact.

 I did a few courses in coaching and counselling and slowly my vision got uncovered

This acquired urgency after I got Covid. I did not want to waste any time, that was left to me, just whiling time.

Today I am the Founder of CXO Incubator Community, an executive coaching platform to support mid to senior level professionals transition to being Purpose-driven leaders.

My biggest learning from my life is to Have Faith. faith in oneself and faith in the supreme power.