Winning Together
Madras Management Association conducted its Women Managers’ Convention 2024 on 16th March at MMA Management Centre, Chennai. In the session on the theme, ‘Winning Together,’ Ms. Sharanya Modi, Global Head of HR at EFL was in conversation with Ms. Aparna Popat, a two-time Olympian in Badminton.
Sharanya: I work in the corporate sector for a supply chain company, with a presence in about 40 countries. As a result, I often find myself collaborating across time zones and with individuals from diverse backgrounds. What strikes me is the unity among women, regardless of career level, life stage, or nationality. There’s a palpable sisterhood in our shared commitment to mutual support, which forms the cornerstone of collective success. Now, I’d like to turn to Aparna and ask her to share her journey and what “winning together” means to her.
Top of Form
Aparna Popat: I began playing badminton at the age of eight, purely out of love for the sport; there were no aspirations of becoming a champion at that time. My journey took off from there, and I participated in my first national competition at the age of 11, retiring at 28 after two decades of competitive badminton.
Throughout my career, the concept of winning has been ever-present, as is natural in sports where victories and defeats go hand in hand. Fortunately, I experienced considerable success from the very beginning. However, upon reflection, I realize that no victory is solely mine to claim. In reality, no one achieves anything in isolation.
According to me, there are three ways of winning together. The first is through teamwork, where each member contributes their skills and efforts towards a common goal, resulting in collective triumph. The second form of winning involves using individual success to give back to society. For instance, if you’re serving in the defence forces and protecting others, your victory is not just yours; it benefits the community as a whole. The third type of victory occurs when you win, numerous people feel as if they have won. Examples include a player winning an Olympic medal or the success of a national space mission like Chandrayaan-3. Ultimately, such achievements represent victories for the entire community, nation, and even the world.
Sharanya: They say when you go alone, you go fast. But when you go together, you go far. That’s where mentoring and coaching come in. The more people that help you, the faster and farther you will go. How much importance do you place on your support system compared to your own efforts, such as discipline and perseverance?
Aparna: The best example I can provide of winning together and being mentored was at the Commonwealth Games in 1998. It marked my debut in a multi-sport event representing India. Being the youngest member of the team, and with no Indian woman having won a singles medal yet, the stakes were high. We went into the Games with eight members on both the men’s and women’s teams. Prior to the start of the games, we underwent a rigorous training camp together, fostering a strong team spirit. As the tournament unfolded, the men’s team performed admirably, securing a silver medal. Meanwhile, the women’s team earned a bronze. In the individual events, Gopi Chand clinched a bronze medal, and I went on to secure a silver. This marked India’s first-ever medal in women’s singles at the Commonwealth Games.
Looking back, in the semifinals, I found myself trailing in the third game, just one point away from elimination. At that critical juncture, my entire team, initially seated on chairs, moved to the green court mat, cheering me on crazily. Their unwavering support and encouragement ignited a fire within me. I thought to myself, “If they believe in me, who am I to doubt my abilities?” That propelled me into what they call ‘the zone.’ Fuelled by their belief, I fought back, securing each point until I secured my place in the final.
Though I ultimately lost in the final and earned a silver, it was during that moment I truly realized the significance of winning together. As we returned from the tournament, each member of the team proudly adorned a medal around their necks. Reflecting on that moment still evokes strong emotions in me. Experiencing such collective success, where all 16 players returned with medals, was an extraordinary privilege.
Sharanya: How do you navigate through setbacks and failures? What advice would you offer to our young leaders to safeguard their mental well-being?
Aparna: Each individual’s circumstances are unique, and mental health is something within our control to some extent. While there are days when things may not go as planned, I believe that our mindset plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences. From my personal journey, I’ve learned that finding purpose and joy in what you do is essential. With a firm grasp on your purpose, you can weather the ups and downs and find inner peace. It’s an internal journey. Of course, having a supportive network is also vital.
For me, the passion for sports ignited at a very young age. Even at three or four years old, I was somersaulting and doing cartwheels, knowing that I wanted to pursue sports. I discovered my purpose early on, but for some, it may come later in life. The key is to keep exploring different avenues until you find that sense of peace and balance.
Sharanya: Do you perceive any specific challenges or obstacles that women, whether in sports or other fields, encounter compared to men?
Aparna: During my playing days, the selection process for the Indian team was biased towards men, with one women’s singles player selected alongside four men’s singles players. This placed immense pressure on the sole woman player to secure her spot. If selected, she would enjoy 12 months of international badminton; otherwise, she would spend a year in India. I viewed this disparity as a challenge and used it as motivation to strive for excellence. From winning titles in under-12 nationals to seniors, I held the No. 1 position for 16 years out of 17, driven by the fear of not being able to compete if I didn’t maintain that ranking. Challenges can serve as powerful motivators for improvement.
In broader society, certain expectations are placed on women, particularly in sports. We’re expected to be well-behaved, non-aggressive, polite, and respectful. Yet, when we step onto the court, we’re criticized for lacking killer instincts. Even comments about our physical appearance, like losing weight, can be judged. For instance, when I shed pounds, my mom would remark, “You look frail,” despite my assertion that I was fit, not frail.
The notion that understanding a woman’s mind is akin to managing a browser with 2500 tabs open simultaneously rings true. Prioritization becomes crucial. Despite our best efforts, guilt often accompanies us. Balancing work and personal life and finding the equilibrium are important.
Sharanya: Indra Nooyi often talks about the challenge of the biological clock and the professional clock coinciding, where your children require your attention at the same time as you’re receiving a significant promotion. How does this resonate with your experience?
Aparna: In sports, the career trajectory is quite different from other professions. It has a notably short shelf life, and as you age, adapting your game to the changes in your body becomes increasingly challenging. While youth emphasizes physicality, maturity shifts the focus to strategy and experience, all while maintaining peak performance. This presents a unique challenge.
Moreover, sports is a highly public domain where victories and defeats are both visible to all. There’s no hiding from the spotlight. Unlike many other professions where you steadily progress and climb the ladder, in sports, your career often ends abruptly with retirement. It’s a hard stop, and you’re left wondering, what’s next? Even achievements like being an Olympian don’t necessarily translate into job qualifications. Even roles directly related to sports, such as coaching, often require starting from scratch in a new career path. It’s like embarking on a second career from ground zero, which can be incredibly daunting.
I often ponder whether I should have pursued more academic degrees, but when I reflect on my journey, I realize that I found the greatest joy and fulfilment on the badminton court. It’s where I truly felt at home.
Sharanya: Every achiever in any field tends to have certain non-negotiables. For example, for someone in finance, integrity might be non-negotiable. Personally, I prioritize courage over comfort. While it may be easier to decline an uncomfortable business trip, I choose courage over comfort. What are your non-negotiables?
Aparna: As a parent to a 10-year-old daughter, I believe in passing on our values and experiences to our children. For me, three principles are paramount. Firstly, approach everything with the right spirit and strive for excellence, always aiming to be the best version of yourself. Secondly, surround yourself with the right people; those who uplift and support you on your journey. And thirdly, always uphold integrity and ethics in everything you do. These three principles are equally indispensable to me.
If you encounter challenges, meet them head-on and give them a playful wink. Instead of shrinking in the face of adversity, strive to expand and grow. Empower yourself, take ownership and responsibility, but above all, have the courage to embrace discomfort. As a woman juggling multiple roles, discomfort may often be your companion, but it’s something to be proud of. Wear your struggles like badges of honour and keep moving forward.