In conversation with Bhavna Sodhi, a pitchbook expert. She helps companies derive a numerical value to their business so that they can raise external capital. Apart from the quantitative aspect she also helps them with qualitative inputs technically called pitch books. She shares how it is to work from home experience and why she thinks it is the most productive way to work.
“It was great to spend my formative years in the Kasauli Hills in a boarding school. Life was all about fun with each day flowing seamlessly into the next. Time was spent discussing boyfriends, crush lists, getting in and out of trouble, sneaking food from the dining hall for the "after" meal - the walk back to the dormitory was more than sufficient to develop the hunger pangs! And then there was the " Aha" moment!
I accompanied my brother 4 years my senior for college admissions and it was a shocking experience to say the least - damn this world was a tough place to get into!
And so the rigmarole of trying to excel in each activity begun- couldn't expect to get into a decent college with a brilliant academic board score so went the other way
And then "Phew" there was a relief when I joined JMC, Delhi. Yipee !!
College life was about having all the time in the world and me wanting to start making money and so I worked all 3 years at Hyatt Regency Delhi - the free cafeteria food /cafe discounts being the best part - slurrp - still remember those days fondly.
And then the 3 letter word MBA chased me! Not being academically the best, got through a private college and interned with Citibank - hated it and vowed to never join a bank!
A year later and day 3 of the final placement;
Institute Director - “Why are you not participating in the placement process? Not interested in taking up a job?”
Me - “No Sir, I do wish to work but all offers are for Bombay and I want to be in Delhi.”
Institute Director - “You are 23 years old, don't be so picky.”
Me - “It's good to know your mind, Sir.”
Day 5 - Standard Chartered comes to campus and makes offers for Delhi and I make it.
I shocked myself by staying with them for 12 years thereafter! When I quit I was heading their Priority Banking Segment for North India.
WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Do you have a business which you wish to expand?
Do you have a business in trouble?
Do you wish to sell your business?
Don't know the USP'S of your business?
Know the USP' but don't know how to project them?
Call me at 9811102917 or drop me a line at sodhibhavna@gmail.com for answers!
Working from home
Bhavna's husband’s clinic which also serves as her office
Baby and then babies - aged 2.7 years and 10 months respectively:-) My husband is a Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgeon and hence both of us had extremely busy professions.
We had had our children because we wanted to give them the best in the world and firmly believed that there was no substitute for our time.
We also did not wish to burden grandparents on either side with the responsibility of rearing them. And so I decided to go independent. It has been the best decision I could have possibly taken.
Well apart from the above stated, there are many other reasons why I opted work from home option for myself.
I am my own boss
I control the quality of my work
I stick to deadlines
Growth as a professional
Building my own brand
Frankly, the babies got me thinking but the other reasons made me quit!
Added advantage - I spend quality time with my children in their formative years.
P.S. - My elder one has already told me that she is happiest spending time with her friends which DOES NOT include me!
Discipline is the key
As I often joke with my friends, I cannot spare a departure of even 10 minutes from my routine. The minute that occurs everything goes for a toss! So discipline, discipline and more discipline - eating and breathing time like a cuckoo clock would describe it best. Very trying but also extremely rewarding at the end of the day. " Cutting off" and " switching in" at the time set aside is critical.
Beat me at this if you can :-)
5:00 AM - Feed the younger one
6:00 AM - Hit the gym
7:00 - 7:30 AM - Household chores - man they are never ending - aren't they?
7:30 - 8:30 - Bathing and breakfast self and kids
8:30 - 9:00 - Reach play school
9:00 - 12:00 - Elder one goes in independently, I do a class for the younger one for an hour in between and get 2 hours of work
12:45 - 2:00 - Children back home and sleeping, 15 minutes of household chores, 1 hour of work
2:00 - 8:00 - Children's lunch, play, park, dinner and in bed
8: 00 - 9:00 - Dinner and chill time!
9:00 - 9:30 - 30 minutes of work
So this is what I do consistently for Monday to Friday - I become a clock!
Saturday and Sundays are for relaxation and family time. Also once a week I go out for a concert/ dinner with a friend - no husband/kids are invited;-)!
My husband has been my pillar of strength right through. In fact, when I decided to quit, he had offered to be in my position - something which 90% men would never even dream of. It is not imperative but definitely very conducive if you have support from your spouse in your career aspirations.
Going back to the 9-5 grind
Life is full of surprises so I never say never. I have kept the option open. My work has picked up well and I will take a more certain call on this later in my life. Given the fact that I have remained connected with my line of work, it would make it easier for me to get back. I would certainly advise every working woman to continue working, come what may. Yes, it is tough but then so is life. Having a life beyond your family is important especially as time goes by, your husband becomes busier and your children grow up.
At the moment I am loving what I do!
Each one of us must work for our own self-respect, for our kids to love us more and for us to be better parents. Ask yourself what is it that you want in life? Are you happy? And then work at it! Also, develop your hobbies and keep in touch with your friends!
Aurevoir till we meet again:-)