"Benchmark “I vs. me”--Be your own cheerleader! --Meera Haridas I belong to the modern Urban Indian tribe studying and working in many parts of India with little roots of my own native State where I only visited most of my life. Born in a family of professionals, premium was placed on education irrespective of gender. While we were encouraged to have independent thinking there were also typical boundaries placed on how much wings one could spread so that one strikes a right balance between professional and personal life as a women after marriage. In that space, while I was put through great schools and entered college, I also married while studying for my 2 nd year B.Com. As the spouse of a public sector officer transfer and relocation was imperative. Options to choose a career were a bit tricky. But being ones’ own cheerleader helps to get others to support you. Hence, after finishing my graduation while I tucked away the IIM dream I looked for other opportunities. Writing the typical competitive exams, I got in as an Officer of the UTI Mutual Fund at age 22 and worked in various capacities for more than 14 years and followed with a sabbatical. The sabbatical was an opportunity to complete my MBA, experiment entrepreneurship and spend time with my 2 daughters. But going back to Corporate was a deep desire which helped me move to Bank of Baroda and join laterally as a Marketing specialist in Senior Management and leading the Bank’s Marcom department. Later I got an opportunity to lead a major NBFC brand in Kerala, my native state, for the first time where I experienced a National Brand that essayed its story from a small village. As a marketer, my roles took me across India and the take away from each geographies has shaped my vision and perspective. The journey brought many awards and accolades personally and for the companies I worked for. I also kept hobbies viz. writing and teaching alive most of these times. Of course struggles are inevitable. But when we benchmark “I vs. me” , it helps to bring out the best. Hence the 25 + years journey through public /private sector organization with postings in villages, Tier 1 / 2 cities or Mumbai I have enjoyed every part of my journey. The past year I have forayed into entrepreneurship and enjoy mentoring and motivating others, especially women who share similar dreams. I look forward to opportunities of being part of Boards where I could contribute meaningfully to enable organizations for greater growth."