Can you give a brief overview of your career?

This is my first job. I will be completing two years at EmPower in February 2008.1 had no idea of the kind of job opportunities available after I completed my post-graduation in Microbiology. But after joining EmPower, a KPO firm, my career graph has risen. The company has given me everything. Including recognizing my talents and bringing out the best in me. Looking Back, I am now a totally different person and confident of building a bright career.

How has the path to success been ?

it's been long and hard. Nevertheless, I felt good right from the beginning. I had attended many interviews before joining here where I was reminded that I was inexperienced. At EmPower, fresher's are welcomed and this helped me settle down comfortably. The first few days were long, with so much to learn. Moving up in a growing company was challenging but I enjoyed it. Handling multiple assignments, training new recruits and being helpful to others while I took on more new assignments was fun. I think the determination to succeed has brought me to where I am today. At EmPower, each of us is groomed to bring out the best in us. As we grow, we are expected to train others in the team. We are encouraged to think and,come out with original ideas. Every suggestion is welcomed and every initiative supported.

What does your current role entail?

I am proud to say that I am the first 'home-grown' team lead of EmPower. I am required to manage teams of media analysts who are led by senior media analysts. Handling about 15-20 people and a similar number of assignments and ensuring their timely delivery are my primary responsibilities. Supervision, on-the-job training, mentoring, trouble shooting, interacting with clients on delivery issues, review and taking corrective action, handling trials, experimenting ways to better output are part of my work. It is important that I manage time efficiently. I have to learn and equip myself to become a good manager. I seek help from seniors to identify areas I need to focus as I evolve to the next level.

What are the attributes for becoming a team lead ?

Passion for work and the determination to succeed, patience and diligence, co-operating with the team at all times, learning to follow and to lead according to the situation and to identify the role the organization expects you to play.

What's your advice on how to succeed?

Just believe in yourself, be confident and be true to yourself. Learning is continuous process and each one of us has to set standards for ourselves and work with determination to reach new heights. I came here without knowing much, but I was determined to work hard, learn and grow.

After you reach a certain stage in your career, is it difficult for you to cope with work-life balance ?

My seniors tell me that this is one area that I need to improve on — strike the right work-life balance. Many people tell me not to work late. But if I go home early I would not be able to learn and maybe would not have reached this position. It is very important to have a strong foundation. I am still able to spend a lot of time with my parents and sisters and enjoy a normal family life.