What was high school like for you? How did it contribute to your personality/ the person you are right now?
I went to an all-girls school. We were not subjected to gender stereotypes and hence grew up thinking we can do anything. We proved the society wrong about female friendship stereotypes as well. I have friends who have been with me from grade 1 and all of them are well accomplished in their career path.
If money was no object, what would you do all day?
I am an artist with a focus on Japanese Anime and Manga art. So, of course, I will paint all day. And hopefully, earn money at the same time.
What advice would you give to a 5-year-younger you?
Take care of your health. I am battling stage III breast cancer at the moment. Without family history, it is a lifestyle disease for me. We as women are always fighting demons which try to drag us down and health takes a backseat. And so, we should remember without health we will lose the battle even before we can fight it.
How do you think women are better equipped to deal with problems as compared to men?
All women I know have grown up battling stereotypes, gender-based violence and molestation. We learn to deal with them quite young. I think that makes us just more experienced to handle personal problems better.
Many IIMs and other b-schools award extra points for being a woman. What is your take on that? Do you propagate the concept OR Have you faced any backlash for the same?
I personally believe when it comes to higher education, extra points may be a hindrance and not a facilitator of women's education. It does not give women bigger opportunity but only gives an unfair push. I do propagate female quota in undergrads but not at MBA.
Name one incident that you encountered where someone told you, you couldn’t do something because you’re a woman.
I have been told multiple times by both men and women it is impossible for me to have a very successful career and a peaceful family life because I am a woman. I intend to prove them wrong.
If you are out on a date, do you prefer to pay yourself? If you insisted that you want to pay for yourself, how did the other person react?
I have been always been either lucky or just plain intelligent enough to date men who never found it strange that I wanted to pay for myself. The waiters in the restaurants, however, were a different story. They always handed the bill to my date though clearly, I extended my arm out to get the bill.
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