Of courage and payback.

Some time last year, I promised myself that I would make efforts to be more courageous. And stronger. And a little selfish. And earlier this year, I decided to take that plunge. I quit my job. A job that I was in a toxic relationship with. A job that was holding me back.

At that time, I was quite uncertain of the future, I couldn’t clearly see the path ahead. But strangely enough, the uncertainty seemed to be accompanied by a quiet confidence. Where did I get that confidence, I couldn’t seem to fathom. And then one day I got my answer. A stray conversation with an erstwhile client landed me a meeting with a bunch of seasoned professionals, who were starting a new venture. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, they wanted me to steer the ship! The proposition was terrifying — ‘I am too young to be doing this’, ‘this business was somebody else’s baby’, ‘I will not to be able to pull it off’, and other such brainwaves scared me into saying no. For better or worse, I let go of that opportunity. But the incident didn’t leave me completely unrewarded. It gave me the validation for the quiet certitude that my heart had been nurturing all along.

A few days later, another conversation with another client landed me my first independent consulting assignment. And this time, I did take it up. Word went around in their office, and another assignment from the parent concern followed a couple of days later. I did take on more than I had assumed myself able to manage, until I discovered that the ability to push oneself is highly elastic.

Come end of July, and I would be completing one of the two assignments. As I sat contemplating on how to get new work, a part of my brain that had been silent for too long started nagging me. And I decided to pay heed to it. This part was asking me to pay back.

I have been extremely fortunate to have mentors at every stage of my life — people who heard me out on issues that were personal, professional and academic. The gift of being heard is the greatest gift I have ever received, and I think everyone should have an opportunity to experience this magical gift.

So, rather than dreaming of doing it ‘someday’, I have decided to be the listener who could hear people out, today. If you could use a sounding board for your ideas, queries, and fears, do feel free to reach out. Let’s talk. Maybe I could help you. Or maybe I would know other people who could.

You can email me at gargneha@live.com.

P.S. I work with businesses on their corporate strategy, brand-building and communication. I’d be happy to talk about these too, should you be interested.