From age 6 or 7, I dreamt of being a public servant or being high-up in politics. This might sound crazy for one of 3 daughters from the 2% Sikh minority in India, but my family has a strong tradition of public service.  Every night we’d talk (and still do!) about the big issues and my parents always treated us as equals and pushed us quite hard. I couldn’t understand why I had so many opportunities while some little girl in a village nearby was born with not enough food, little possibility for a good education and all that comes with that.  My family gave me a sense of values and fairness which still drives me to this day. 

It’s something I’ve experienced at points throughout my career rather than a sudden realization.  As a woman of colour, I’ve always felt I had to work much harder in terms of output to be treated the same, and at communication because we’re often voiced over.  We can be judged for our behaviour differently too – if we’re focused and driven, we’re seen as ‘headstrong’ not ‘amazing.’
There have been big moments too like struggling to get back onto the job ladder in Switzerland after maternity leave and having to accept a double demotion.   
 
Now I’m much better at calling things out and I’m much more optimistic since the BLM movement when the world took note. At Swiss Re, I have the opportunity to tell my story and get the support from our leadership to further the issue of gender and race inequalities. We’re genuinely moving the dial on inclusion which feels exciting. 

Speak up and speak up now.  I was silent for a long time – so I’d encourage you to stand tall and call out those micro inequities.  Get a mentor or coach and pull on all the support you can.  Don’t ever make yourself smaller than you are.