To me, the quintessence word marketing was introduced in the year 2000 by Philip Kotler through his books and professors. Operational details of the then market-leaders such as Toys r us, Cadillac, etc., were limited to mentions in books and imaginations. Perhaps, growing up in a small town in India in an age sans the Internet could be a factor. Having moved to the UK, many books such as malls, online markets, and ubiquitous marketing psychological strategies became part of my everyday life. I started my career in the UK with telesales, slowly paving the way to direct customer sales to a designer and beyond. That decade still considered customers as kings. I was happy doing what I did without mentioning every hidden part and parcel of the ‘sales’ role—been a recipient of the customer success award winner.  Taking a break after the birth of my second child and relocating to the US made me witness a big gap in my resume and the jobs advertised. The gap is not the lack of my skills; in fact, I have earned a couple more “Coursera, Hubspot, and Udemy degrees and supporting many of my friends’ startups.  The gap exists in the titles of the skills  I have achieved or already have. Some companies would highlight the need for them to ‘rewrite’ my CV. Really? My technique or secret lies in ‘Relationship marketing’- reducing the gap between the company’s goals to customer’s needs.  

“Are you sure you want to resign because you are pregnant”- the last question posed by my manager on my last day at work? He added, ” this decision is the end of your career, choices.” That was a permanent position with a great chance to move up the ladder. But by then, we made the need of the hour decisions and requirements prioritised.  The dillydallies between mothering, and career choices played hide and seek. From being ‘me,’ I was promoted to “Indi and Hamsi’s” mum. School friendships and tiffs, demand for parent volunteers, and multiple moves (yes, moved from North of UK to South and now the US) arose a pressing need for parental support to bestow kids a comfort cushion. I must admit, my children, blessed me with my best of friends. Who knew, mothers of your children’s friends will be your kindred spirits!

From the highly protected nest of my parents in a town where most people know me to a different country as a newlywed posed other challenges that nurtured me to a better adult. My husband is constantly encouraging me to be inquisitive about the world around me. There were “friends” who only used us as a means to their ends. Then there are  “friends” who became our next to family, friends who we could call humanists,  friends who made me realise, “you are important too”! Everyone around me, every problem, every selfish motive, every warm soul I see every day helps me evaluate, be empathetic, be economical, be caring, be positive.

I’m now a mentor for our school district, an advisor for an online learning portal, and a marketing lead for our school PTA. All roles are voluntary. This giving back to society gives me contentment. I am striving to provide a close-knit community for my children.

In my attempt to balance life as a mother, a woman, a human being, my thoughts must be framed and channeled congruently. Hence, here I am.