The Women in my Life

Several women in my life have made a significant difference to my grasp of the things happening around me. I wanted to take time and thank all them for making such an enormous positive difference to my life. Had it not been for these women, maybe I would have lacked some perspectives that I now cherish so much.

Rani Teacher:
“Why on Earth have you cut your hair like a donkey just before the extempore competition tomorrow?” Humorously, Rani Teacher always put things - however good or bad they were - into perspective with her point-blank remarks. Even if donkeys are not known to cut their own or anybody’s hair for that matter. I bet we all can recall at least one teacher who made a noteworthy positive impact lasting throughout our lives. Rani Teacher was my favorite tutor by far during my high school days not just because she taught English and Theater, but also because, as students, we felt she understood us.

Anne:
Anne was my manager at Lehman for two years before the firm went bust. Anne was not only a great strategist, but also an excellent role-model. She was the senior-most and only woman in quant FX strategy (I was the other one, but then I was one of the most junior people in the team, and I can hardly call myself a quant). She is now a senior partner at a Hedge Fund which manages over a 100mn dollars. Now that is some serious food for inspiration!

Ms. Miller:
Meeting Ellen was a “Devil wears Prada” moment for me. Even if now it feels childish to boast about my humble achievements to the head of Lehman’s recruitment team for entire Europe, back then when I was fresh out of my grad school, it seemed like a really cool idea. Well, Ellen seemed to disagree and for a moment I had almost shot myself in the foot. It’s surprising how much effect even a 15 minute meeting can have on your life. It could well make you realize that there is still so much left to be done.

My undergrad friend Nidhi, my sister Shilpa, Tulay - my friend from grad school and Ylva, my colleague at Lehman:
Each one of these extremely smart, caring and uber cool women personify a complete woman. I am so lucky to have you all as my friends. Thank you babes!

Suchitra and Madhuri:
What do best friends at high school do? They help you hide your love letters from being found at home and keep you updated with your latest well-wishers and not-so-well-wishers in school. Sometimes, when there is nothing else to do, they also help with boring tasks such as homework and stuff. Back in school, people would kill for such friends.