Mridul Aggarwal-Food for thought
1) What defines you as a person?
I am an extremely optimistic individual who believes in being positive at all times. The personal ambition with self-confidence to put my best foot forward each day to maintain my resilient balance of what life is and what life can be. As a value, the essence of growth really drives me to be a better person than yesterday, be it professionally, personally, for myself, or for society at large.
2) What keeps you going?
My deep-rooted belief that I can do better than what I did yesterday to catapult my dreams into a bestowed reality. The idea of a better tomorrow drives me, while I know the present creates the future, I firmly believe that an innate sense of confidence in my abilities, skills, and values is of paramount importance to keep me going.
Professionally finding the perfect balance between my passion and vocation/professional skills keeps me motivated to get to work each day and reach my goals in the long term. I hope to find and act upon my Ikigai at some point in my life in the real pursuit of happiness!
3) What’s your long-term vision?
To be able to live with a sound sense of purpose, drive communities towards a better future and enable businesses to create growth opportunities while staying true to their values. To continue to thrive at work while engaging with my passions with a sense of hope for a better tomorrow.
To spread cheer and joy, while taking life and what it offers wholeheartedly. In the end, finding balance in everything is what makes life meaningful. Work is important but the other various assets of life make the picture complete and wholesome.
My long term vision can very well be described by lines from this following poem:
“Lives of Great Men All Remind Us,
We Can Make Our Lives Sublime,
And, Departing, Leave Behind Us,
Footprints On The Sands Of Time”
4) Why Talerang?
It is a dynamic space for young minds to collaborate, learn and develop a holistic approach to one’s professional career which is based on mutual trust, authenticity, and a responsibility to support and nurture talent. It provided me with an understanding of what it takes to excel in the professional world. I often speak of it as a finishing school for early professionals!
The community created by stakeholders is an extremely helpful space and they are always willing to help you with any sort of personal or professional assistance. I did my Talerang course in 2014 but 7 years later I am still leveraging and benefitting from this vibrant and helpful community. P.S. Talerang helped me with my 1st job too and constantly provides me with mentoring and guidance.
5) Any advice for someone just starting out in their careers?
Be open to change, agility is the key to building a resilient and successful career today. Talent and energy are a pair that need equal attention along with ‘Unabashed Enthusiasm’ to persevere. Knowing the details and driving through your passion are important virtues as you embark on your professional journey.
Being out of the comfort zone can be uncomfortable but that’s where growth lies.
I started my career taking orders and cleaning tables in a restaurant. But within 5 years I have reached upper mid-level management at one of India’s leading unicorn startups. Be open to doing any sort of work that comes your way. This attitude will help growth beyond measure! As was said in the movie 3 Idiots “Aim for Excellence and Success will follow unabashedly”
