Today I spoke in a panel talking about career development and growth. Almost all the questions were cliched..where do you want to be in 5 years, advise to your younger self and the value of mentor ship..Right after the discussion, I saw a barrage of people come my way to talk about how inspiring they thought I was and how I felt and spoke like a human who is far from perfect but on their journey to get better.

Once I stepped away from the crowd and the less deserved adulation, I got thinking about what changed in me over the years that my stories inspired people.. my journey while unique had been the same and I have spoken about it over many years in different setting etc.

As I reflected, I identified that as I have become more and more secure in my life, I have also started becoming more vulnerable. My stories now come from a place of learning and I no more regale tales to demonstrate my strengths but often areas where I was unsure or vulnerable and how in those moments of self doubt, the best in me transpired. I am more inclined to now look at collective successes and they seem sweeter than the time when I was a hero in a situation and may that is why people connect with me better than before.

My vulnerability has made me more relatable.. in the time when collective strength is far outpacing the hero mentality and Avenger movies are making much more money than single hero movies, maybe it’s time to to share our weaknesses more publicly and we can be collectively more successful and fight our inner and outer Thanos!

Till later!