Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Lata Singh, Founder-Director of Meraviglia EQ Academy
How would you describe your career path in a few words?
In 2001, I embarked on my career journey, and since then, I have had the privilege of working in various IT companies, where I gained a wealth of knowledge. Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to progress through different roles and industries, and I am grateful for the guidance of visionary leaders who have played a crucial role in developing my business acumen, skills, and capabilities.
While transitioning between industries presented challenges and uncertainties, my eagerness to learn and embrace new challenges has led me to explore new dimensions in my career. Although not every exploration has yielded tailor-made satisfaction, I have learned the importance of aligning my future goals and aspirations. Additionally, I have used deliberate practice to tackle challenging tasks and make necessary adjustments, which has resulted in personal and professional growth opportunities.
In today's rapidly evolving work environment, I have found that a learning mindset, knowledge sharing, and making a meaningful impact are essential skills for staying relevant. I invest in my own learnings and feel everyone should continue to learn and scale up their career.
What was your most challenging experience and it has changed your mindset?
When I became a mother in 2010, I faced numerous challenges trying to balance work and family life. Despite being a woman, I found that even female leaders were unsupportive of new mothers in the workplace. Struggling to secure work-from-home arrangements, I eventually switched jobs to a better company and assumed an individual contributor role.
This experience taught me the importance of flexibility in the workplace and supporting women throughout their journey. It inspired me to start my own coaching and training business – Meraviglia EQ Academy Pvt Ltd in 2018, where I could create an environment that prioritized employee well-being and supported working mothers. Through my coaching sessions, I strive to empower women leaders to achieve financial independence and help others facing difficult life phases.
My mindset has completely shifted, and I believe that as women, we must support each other, drawing on our shared experiences to help those who may be going through similar challenges.
When you get surprised by unusual or uncertain contexts, what do you think?
When confronted with an unfamiliar or unexpected situation, my instinctive response is to be surprised and pause to grasp what is happening. I allocate enough time to process the situation and react appropriately. I believe that responding thoughtfully to a situation is preferable to reacting impulsively.
In recent times, we have all come to realize that certain things are beyond our control, and it is crucial to distinguish between what we can and cannot control. Accepting situations as they are… enables us to progress in life and is a simple yet powerful approach to living a content and joyful life.
Instead of panicking, taking a moment to assess and understand a new or unexpected situation can aid in finding the best solution. By choosing to respond rather than react impulsively, one can avoid making hasty or regrettable decisions. This approach enables us to think critically, evaluate the situation from various perspectives, and make rational choices.
Furthermore, accepting situations as they are… allows us to let go of our resistance to change and fosters a positive outlook. We can concentrate our energy on what we can control and work towards achieving our goals, instead of being bogged down by factors beyond our control.
In conclusion, responding thoughtfully to unfamiliar or unpredictable situations, and accepting situations as they are is an excellent approach to living a contented and fulfilling life.
Based on your experience, what’s the key success factor for a female leader/manager?
Success is a concept that is different for everyone and is not determined by gender. It is based on a person's unique circumstances, abilities, aspirations, and our own definition of the term. For instance, success may mean different things to a doctor, a teacher, and an athlete.
In my view, success is defined by an individual's relentless determination and enthusiasm to pursue their goals. It involves having the courage to stay true to one's beliefs and convictions, and the ability to let go of unproductive situations, whether in personal or professional life.
For example, a student who struggles with a particular subject may consider passing that course as a success. On the other hand, a business owner may measure success by achieving their financial goals or expanding their business. Similarly, an artist may measure success by the recognition of their work by the public and critics.
Ultimately, success is about achieving what one sets out to accomplish, regardless of how big or small that goal may be. It's not about comparing oneself to others or following societal norms. Rather, it's about having the courage to pursue one's dreams and ambitions, regardless of the challenges that may arise.
In conclusion, success is subjective and varies from person to person. It is determined by an individual's unique circumstances, abilities, aspirations, and our own interpretation of the term. For me, success involves having the tenacity to pursue one's goals and beliefs, and the ability to let go of unproductive situations.
