What do you remember the most from your childhood? Is there any special memory you’d like to share?

My special memory will always be time spent with both my parents. Being a Sikh, my parents were very adamant about learning the language, history, and culture. Every Sunday, we would go to Gurduawara (Sikh Temple). Right after that, it would be Punjabi class where I would learn to read and write Gurmukhi (Punjabi language). Those were fun precious moments spent with my parents. They thought me about selfless work as both of them were active volunteers in the Gurdwara. Dad would cook in the langgar (Free Kitchen) and mum would teach Gurmukhi for free to Sikh children. It's not easy to be a volunteer as you need to influence people to work along with you. Dad had tremendous amount of patience and humility which I admire so much.

Growing up, what were those habits that made you the person that you are today?

It thought me that donating your time instead of money teaches you more about patience and humility. I am not saying one is better than the other, it is just my point of view through what I have learnt in my journey. When you donate your time, you need to work at grass root level people, understand the problem and come up with solutions. This teaches one to be humble and have patience. I learnt this from my parents...though I still need to work a lot on humility and patience to be in par with dad! He was as cool as a cucumber! Nothing could instigate him. I wish he was around to ask him his secret tips!

What would you like to share about your family, your bond with them, how do you stay together despite the busy lives we live?

I live with my mum as my sisters are busy with their married lives. Well, we do have our occasional mother-daughter dramas...because both of us are strong-headed. My son- my furry kiddo-Raj Singh is our peace make, lol. I am also my mum's driver and home cleaner, hahaha in exchange of her delicious meals that are worth drooling for! Mum makes good chai too! But yes, we are a typical Sikh family. I grew up having Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Sikh Book) at home, so that's family too. I guess that's why my parents were adamant about learning Sikh culture and also reading Gurmukhi.

Where do you draw your strengths from? Who or what are the biggest inspirations of your life?

My strength comes from reading scriptures. I have read the bible too, been to church as well. I don't see any religion above the other or better than the other. So spirituality gives me strength. There are times I listen to Sufi music as well. But my BIGGEST inspiration comes from Sikh History which is filled with valour. If they could at that time face the cruelty of the Aurangzeb empire with such bravery, then why can't I face the minor adversities that life throws me? Everything is minor to me compared to what people faced during the Aurangzeb tyranny. So history teaches us a lot and my parents are very smart to expose me to all this since young.

What is your formula of balancing your work and personal lives and being an ace in both?

I don't think there is any formula or a routine. I just need to know what is my intent for that day. I would list it down in my book. It is never more than 4! Once I am done with each, I would tick it and feel super happy. Since I work from home, I will take a break by 5 pm by just being with me in my room to explore my residual thoughts and feelings. Spend time with mum and Raj by going for a car ride. I am not a shopping mall person nor a moviegoer. I keep in touch with friends via WhatsApp and meet only occasionally.

What disparity do you still see on the gender front at the workplace?

Dato' Aliyah in one of her interviews, said this "Disparity only exists if you think it exists. The best person takes the job". That opened a whole new dimension of thought for me. Your thoughts reflect your inner world. If you think disparity exists it is because your thoughts have disparity. What happens next is you start fighting for the disparity, and more disparity occurs. Instead, make yourself so valuable that people cannot resist but to offer you what you want regardless of your gender. You manifest what your inner world is. My teacher of NLP said, "Why can't you get things in ease?, why fight. If you always fight, then you will only get fight. Do things at ease so things come with you in ease". It is a mind shift, it's changing our belief systems. So as a woman, I work to improve my inner self and support others as well. Good things will come my way as I send good vibrations out in the world. No gender has higher power than the universe. So the universe will channel me all the good that I deserve with ease.

If you would be given the superpower for one day to do something for Women, what would be that?

To have a high sense of self-worth and NO victim mindset. High sense of self-worth does not mean taking care of your outer beauty. You can wear shabby clothes, no make-up on but still, look radiant because you have worked hard on your inner self. I don't think image consultants are going to be happy with this, but it is true. Sense of worth is so misunderstood, that women focus too much on grooming, clothes, and shoes. Well, that's good, but what about the inner? What about all the skeletons in the closet that you refuse to let go off? It shows from the way you speak. You can't hide it.

What is the happiest moment of your life that you’d like to share?

I have too many happiest moments... it's hard to pick! But if I had to pick one would be meeting Raj. I call him my shadow because he knows exactly my mood, when I am not well and when I need the extra TLC (tender love care). Raj is so different compared to my other furry kids.

What was the biggest setback in your life and how did you overcome it?

Losing my job was my biggest setback. I use to earn a 5 figure salary and a fat bonus. I made certain investments too at that time. Losing my job created a lot of fear within me as to how I would pay all my loans. But God has been very kind to me. He sent me great teachers and mentors to support me in my inner journey. I worked hard on my inner self. Money comes to me with ease and I am able to pay my monthly installments with ease, it's a miracle! This is why I am a firm believer of personal growth (working on your inner self). When your inner self is able to see things in clarity, your outer journey will be clear too.

Share any initiative/s you have taken to empower other women if any?

Every day is an initiative, You know why? Listening is the biggest empowerment! Just listen and don't jump to give advice! Just listen. Only give advice when you are asked for. Most of the women out there just need someone to listen to them with empathy.

Define in your own words - #WorkingWomenWonders

Be your own working wonder woman

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