Beyond titles and timelines

In a world where careers are often measured by titles, promotions, and perfectly aligned timelines, through trails and errors, I’ve discovered that true fulfillment lies not only in climbing ladders, but in discovering who you truly are and having the courage to pivot when that voice within nudges you to do different.

Sharing story of my professional journey, shaped not by convention, but by self-discovery, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Taking the Default Path: Engineering 

Growing up in India, the societal narrative is simple, become a doctor or an engineer. 

I chose Computer Science Engineering not because I was deeply passionate about it, but because it promised security and respect.

I worked hard, driven by curiosity and ambition, and even secured a job offer in my third year, a milestone that seemed like a fast-track to success. But as I stepped into the professional world, I began to realize that something essential was missing.

Engineering projects in many big organizations often span 3-5 years, and as an engineer, it can feel like contributing a mere drop to the ocean, missing out on the greater impact. Many even leave organizations during this phase, hardly understanding the impact they created. I felt similarly, experiencing a lack of impact in my work, unable to see the changes or the influence it was making, which left me demotivated.

The Discomfort: Realizing It Wasn’t Enough

Reflecting today, I realize my background in computer science engineering has shaped my thinking. It has instilled in me the mindset of an engineer, enabling me to approach problems with a structured and analytical perspective. 

Nowadays, having the ability to understand and communicate in technical language proves to be incredibly advantageous in everyday tasks. Whether it's troubleshooting a software issue, optimizing a workflow, or simply explaining a complex concept to a colleague, technical skills are an invaluable asset. 

This realization fills me with a sense of pride and motivation, however then, at my younger self software development, though intellectually stimulating, didn’t ignite me from within. I sat for long hours doing my desk job, gave it my all trying to make sense of algorithms, logical flows and testing cases, but it didn’t bring out the best in me. 

I felt like not walking on my path.

This discomfort was a signal. It forced me to ask hard questions about what I truly wanted? Is this something I want to do for the rest of my days? And more importantly, is this who I wanted to be?

The Pivot: Choosing to Begin Again

Instead of ignoring the voice of discomfort, I chose to act. I realized that to stay motivated, I needed to see the impact of my work and achieve tangible results. Which would enable me to bring my whole self to work every day and reconnect with myself. 

I decided to pursue an MBA. It also meant, means to get a better job!

This journey wasn't easy either! In India, over 300,000 students prepare for the CAT exam each year, competing for fewer than 10,000 seats in top colleges. Achieving a high percentile is just the beginning; you also need to be shortlisted, have a strong academic record from as early as class 10, and then clear the final hurdles of interviews, case studies, and group discussions.

I feel proud to state, I gave the CAT exam three times!!! Each time to do better than the last. 

After every attempt, self-doubt crept in, growing strong each time. I worried about time slipping away, about being “too late.” But here’s the key, do not give up! 

I didn’t because deep down, I knew I wasn’t starting over — I was starting right.

Discovering My True Calling: Human Resources

I started with self-reflection – What is my personality type? What are my streghths and weaknesses? How would I want my idle day look like in office? What is the impact I want to create? 

Followed by counselling and mentorship from industry experts and my mother, I discovered that what truly energized me was understanding people, solving workplace challenges, and helping others grow. Human Resources became the space where my skills, interests, and values intersected.

During my MBA, I made sure to stay grounded in real-world experiences — engaging in internships and corporate projects to stay close to live business problems. Each experience shaped not just my understanding of HR, but also my ability to navigate business complexity with empathy and structure.

The Internship That Changed Everything

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, I joined Honeywell as an intern — a time marked by uncertainty, isolation, and fierce competition. But I saw it as an opportunity to show up fully. 

Typically, MBA internships last for about two months. However, I extended mine to over a year, balancing it alongside my ongoing curriculum. This experience allowed me to gain deeper insights and make a more significant impact within the organization.

I collaborated across teams, spoke up in meetings, came prepared, and went beyond just delivering, I focused on understanding the deeper impact of my work. Never hesitated to ask questions, engage with leaders across different geographies, and seize every opportunity to learn. 

Personal outcome: - I build valuable connections and gain diverse perspectives. Professional outcome: - Was offered a pre-placement opportunity, not just as a reward, but as a recognition of commitment, curiosity, and resilience.

Growth Beyond the Title: Expanding My Scope, Not Just My Role

Since joining Honeywell full-time, my career has been anything but exponential. 

While my official titles have progressed steadily, the real story lies in how my scope has expanded far beyond the paper-defined roles.

I’ve worked across multiple businesses — Digital IT, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Commercial, and now Energy & Sustainability — each with its own pace, pressures, and people. 

From collaborating with developers, to engaging with engineers and supporting high-impact sales teams, I’ve had the privilege of navigating complex human dynamics across business landscapes.

Geographically, I’ve moved across India for work, like literally! Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, including a pivotal chapter in Madurai, where I led an engineering site as a young woman from North India adapting quickly, living alone, and learning what leadership truly means outside your comfort zone.

Functionally, I’ve taken on different shades of HR from business partnering, HR specialist and site HR leadership, to handling compliance, performance management, organizational design, change management and workforce planning, to now also driving branding and employee engagement. 

The experiences I gained was a result of seizing the right opportunities at the right time. Each adding a new layer to my muscle!

And the most powerful part? Most of this influence came without formal authority. I learned to lead through ideas, empathy, and initiative. Never waiting for a title to validate my contribution. 

I just kept asking: Where can I add value next? Where can I learn more? 

Pro tip to succeed in any organization you should also focus on having mentors and sponsors! 

This mindset  of always learning, always stretching is what I believe will shape me into a well-rounded HR leader, and eventually, the CHRO I aspire to be.

To the Reader: Make Peace with Your Detours

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. I hope it resonates with you, especially if you're standing at a crossroads unsure of whether to stay on the well-trodden path or take the road less defined.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You don’t need a perfect plan. You need courage.

Courage to listen to yourself.

Courage to try again.

Courage to grow without needing a title to justify it. Title automatically comes in!

In today’s fast-changing world, skills age quickly. We must be selfish about our learning because when we stop learning, we start becoming irrelevant. And the best kind of growth doesn’t come with comfort it comes when we stay comfortable being uncomfortable.

So, here’s to growth beyond titles and timelines.