Who are the biggest influences in your life?
Throughout my journey, many individuals have knowingly or unknowingly guided me and left a profound impact on my life. Among them, two stand out as pillars of inspiration, one from my personal life, my mother, and one from my professional life, my former manager.
My Mother:
I have never seen anyone as strong as my mother. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering selflessness are qualities I really admire. While it’s true that mothers are inherently giving and selfless, my mother’s selflessness is evident in almost every act she performs. Her kindness and readiness to forgive, no matter how others treat her, truly define her character.
There are times when I feel frustrated and tell her, “Mom, you shouldn’t be so kind; the world will only take advantage of your goodness.” But her response is always same, she defends her actions with the conviction that good deeds bring peace to one’s own mind. Even in the face of my anger, she doesn’t change and always hold onto her principles with grace.
Her innocence, compassion, and relentless hard work inspire me every day. She has shown me the true meaning of giving without expecting anything in return.
My Former Manager-cum-Mentor:
In my professional life, my former manager has been a guiding light. Having worked closely with him for nearly a decade, I’ve not only seen a great leader but also found a true friend with a kind heart. Whenever I faced challenges or felt stuck in my career, a conversation with him always brought clarity, solutions, or at the very least, hope.
What sets him apart is his willingness to support and guide without being asked. Time and again, he has gone out of his way to help me navigate difficult situations. Now that I’ve stepped into a managerial role myself, I often find myself reflecting on his leadership style. I try to emulate the qualities I admired in him, the empathy, wisdom, and approachability that made him such a remarkable mentor.
Both my mother and my former manager have profoundly influenced me in their own unique ways. My mother has shaped my personal values, teaching me kindness and resilience, while my former manager has shaped my professional growth, guiding me with wisdom and support. I am forever grateful to both for their impact on my life.
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