Store Manager/Customer Experience Manager

Lady Rajinikanth -Part 5 - 🌍 5 Years, 4X Growth, and One Life-Altering Surprise

Five years. That’s how long I spent with my first product-based company—a place that shaped my career, gave me opportunities, and saw me through countless milestones. Then life threw a curveball. We had to move cities to align with my partner’s job. I knew it was time to take the leap, so I started interviewing, and in 2014, I landed in Bangalore with a 4x hike. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for us to grow. We moved out of our comfort zone. On my last few days in my organisation, I overheard something that stung: “Does she really work, or just butter her manager?” The truth? My manager was an incredible, elderly lady, mentor who taught me so much—guidance that I carry to this day. It hurt that people only saw the “social” me, the one organizing events, hosting dances, and bringing energy to the workplace. They didn’t see the late nights, the dedication, the hard work. But I learned a lesson: When you shine too brightly outside of work, people sometimes overlook your commitment to your role. Then, just as I was ready to take on this new chapter in Bangalore, life whispered another surprise—I was expecting my second child. This wasn’t the first time I’d started a new role in my first trimester, but it always felt like I had to manage the biggest changes simultaneously. Hold on don't sulk there is a reason why this series is called Lady Rajinikanth.Things are Over the top but that's how my life has been. A few weeks into my new job, I was offered an assignment abroad. My first thought? “I can do this.” I’ve always believed that strength—both physical and mental—can carry us through anything. So, I packed my bags alone and crossed borders with a little one growing inside me, kicking as if cheering me on. Leaving my partner and kid was tough but I took a tough call and I leveraged the support of living with elderly. I am always grateful to my in-laws. In Luxembourg, every moment felt surreal. We didn’t save much from that trip, but the memories of my family exploring Europe together are worth more than any paycheck. My partner n kid joined me for a 15 day trip. Time was tight on me I had to return by ~34 weeks to be fit to fly so I kept the grind. Today, I look back and smile through tears—tears of pride, resilience, and gratitude. This is my reality, one of balancing work, family, and self-doubt. And if there’s one thing I want to share, it’s this: No matter what life throws your way, embrace it, grow with it, and never let anyone’s judgment dim your light. PS: During this time when I returned from Europe to India my teammates were surprised to see me as pregnant and one of them gave me the name Lady Rajinikanth.Thanks to him I got hook to write up my story.

A Short Story

The hummingbird and the firefly argued over who brought more light to the world. The hummingbird boasted of its bright feathers, while the firefly countered with its glowing light. A wise old owl hooted, "True light comes from helping others, not just shining brightly." The hummingbird and firefly, ashamed, decided to work together to light the way for lost travellers. Moral: Teamwork and humility are more important than boasting.