Honoring the beginnings that inspire our mission today
There are moments in our journey that gently pull us back - not to dwell in the past, but to reconnect with the foundations that quietly shaped who we are today.
Last week was one such moment.
At the first-ever alumni meet that brought together batches from 1994 to 2026, I found myself revisiting the very beginning of my corporate journey. Somewhere between shared laughter, familiar stories, and thoughtful conversations, time seemed to blur - past and present coexisting in the most meaningful way.
The First Chapter That Shapes Everything
For me, L'Oréal was never just my first corporate role.
It was my finishing school.
It was where I learned what it truly means to be a professional - to show up with discipline, to stay curious, to strive for excellence, and to learn from those who set the bar high not just through their achievements, but through their intent and integrity.
The fundamentals I built there didn’t just stay with me - they evolved with me. They continue to influence how I think, lead, and show up in every space today.
The Power of Shared Beginnings
What made the evening truly special was reconnecting with people who were once colleagues and are now CXOs, founders, and industry leaders.
And yet, nothing felt distant.
Whether it was a familiar face or a first-time conversation, the connections felt effortless - grounded in a shared beginning that continues to bind us in unexpected ways.
It was a reminder that while our paths may diverge, the roots we share often keep us connected.
Culture That Stays With You
What stood out most was not just the success stories, but the unmistakable presence of a shared culture.
The spirit of collaboration.
The entrepreneurial mindset.
The deep respect for people and ideas.
The quiet pursuit of excellence.
These weren’t just organisational values - they had become part of who we are.
Because strong cultures don’t remain within the walls of an organisation. They travel with individuals. They shape leaders long after they move on.
Beyond Titles, Towards Purpose
For a few hours, titles faded into the background.
What took centre stage were relationships, shared experiences, and a deeper sense of purpose. We exchanged perspectives, celebrated journeys, and allowed ourselves the rare pause to simply be - not as roles, but as individuals connected by a meaningful chapter of our lives.
A Moment Made Personal
As the evening unfolded, it became even more special.
I found myself celebrating my birthday, surrounded by people who, in different ways, have been part of my professional evolution.
It was grounding. It was energising. It was deeply meaningful.
Roots That Let You Grow
We often think of roots as something that holds us back.
But in reality, they do the opposite.
They hold us firm.
They give us confidence.
They allow us to grow - forward, upward, and beyond.
And sometimes, all we need is a moment to return to them, to remember just how far we’ve come.
#EnRouteToRoots #LeadershipJourney #ProfessionalGrowth #OrganisationalCulture #PurposeDrivenLeadership