Subashini Mahendran

My journey has shaped me in many ways beyond my career. As I took on greater responsibilities, I learned to stay patient, think through situations carefully, and approach challenges with a calmer mindset.

Over time, I realized that these changes influenced my personal life as well. Whether at work or at home, I now handle responsibilities with greater clarity and confidence. More than anything, this journey has taught me that the way we understand people and respond to situations can make a meaningful difference in every part of life.

One piece of advice that has stayed with me came from my former Team Lead, Berkunath. Early in my career, I was quite introverted and often hesitated to express my thoughts. He told me that if I believed in an idea, I should share it with confidence. Otherwise, even a good idea might go unheard.

That simple advice changed the way I communicate. Since then, I've made a conscious effort to express my thoughts with confidence while remaining open to different perspectives, and it continues to guide me even today.

When I first started my career, I rarely hesitated to take on new responsibilities. My instinct was always to say yes and find a way to get the work done, even if it meant putting in extra hours.

Over time, I realised that commitment isn't about saying yes to everything. It's about understanding what I can realistically take on and being transparent about it from the beginning. Setting the right expectations helps build trust and allows me to give my best to every responsibility I accept.

One of my proudest achievements has been building my own home. Growing up, my family always lived in rented houses, so owning a home was a dream I carried with me from childhood. To me, it was never just about having a house - it was about creating a place my family could truly call our own.

After I started working, I was able to turn that dream into reality. It remains one of the most meaningful milestones in my life.

If I could relive one phase of my life, it would be my college days. I was a quiet introvert who often held myself back. I hesitated to participate in activities, speak up, or make the most of the opportunities around me because I lacked confidence.

If I had the chance to go back, I wouldn't try to change who I was. Instead, I would be more open to new experiences, participate more actively, and worry less about what others might think. I believe I would come away with even more memories, friendships, and experiences to cherish.

One of the memories that always brings a smile to my face is an office trip I went on with my colleagues. At work, we usually saw one another in a professional setting, focused on our responsibilities. During that trip, however, I got to see a completely different side of many of my teammates.

The conversations, the laughter, and the little moments of fun revealed personalities I had never noticed before. It was heartwarming to see how carefree and playful everyone could be outside the workplace, and those simple moments made the trip truly memorable.

Whenever I think about that trip, it still brings a smile to my face. More than anything else, I cherish the memories we created together and the friendships that grew from those shared moments.