Taranjeet Kaur reflects on the mentors, challenges, and life choices that shaped her leadership journey. In this personal essay for Adtech Today’s Women’s Day special, she writes about navigating bias, motherhood, and ambition while discovering the importance of balance, empathy, and self-belief.
Early Foundations
Early years — both in childhood and in professional life — shape the person we eventually become.
I was fortunate to grow up in an environment where I was always told that I could achieve anything I wanted. Gender limitations were never a conversation at home. That belief stayed with me as I stepped into the professional world.
I began my career in media and advertising, working across a variety of roles that gave me a strong foundation before eventually moving to the corporate side of media. My first role as a media executive allowed me to experience almost every aspect of the industry.
The leader of that team became my first true mentor. He taught me not only the technical side of the business but also what leadership looked like in practice.
A few years later, another important turning point came when I was approached by a leader from a large FMCG company for a role on the client side. She became a career sponsor who believed in my potential and helped propel me into my first major client-facing position. I remain deeply grateful for her mentorship, guidance, and trust.
Navigating Bias and Expectations
Along the way, I also encountered people who believed I was not ready for certain roles — sometimes because I was a woman, and sometimes because my confidence and values made them uncomfortable.
Those moments were challenging, but they also became a source of motivation. When your capability is subtly questioned, proving yourself becomes more than just professional success — it becomes personal validation.
As my career progressed, I realised that skill alone was not enough. Workplaces are complex ecosystems where people bring their own motivations and agendas. Navigating that environment required resilience and perspective.
At the same time, life outside work was also evolving. Marriage brought new responsibilities and expectations.
As a woman who grew up in the 1980s, I feel our generation has lived in a space between tradition and change. While progress has been significant, societal expectations around women have not completely disappeared. Balancing responsibilities at work and at home was often challenging.
There were moments when I wanted to give up. But something inside me always pushed me to keep going.
Discovering the Real Balance
Over time, I realised that the real “trick” was not simply balancing work and home.
It was about achieving mental balance.
Learning the art of letting go and the art of choosing your battles became critical life lessons.
Just when I felt I had begun to understand that balance, life presented another defining chapter — leadership and motherhood arriving at the same time.
The joy of becoming a mother was immense. But it also came at a stage in my career when professional responsibilities were growing rapidly.
Like many women, I had to make difficult choices.
I believe every mother finds her own way of balancing priorities. Unfortunately, not everyone around us always accepts that individuality. At one point, I encountered situations where others expected me to follow their version of what motherhood and career should look like.
That became a turning point.
I chose peace and happiness over immediate career progression.
At the time, it felt like I might be stepping back.
But looking back today, I realise I did not lose anything.
In fact, that decision opened doors to opportunities I may not have otherwise explored.
“Sometimes choosing peace over pressure becomes the most powerful decision a leader can make.”
One of the roles I accepted during that period was not part of my original career plan. Yet it eventually became one of the most meaningful roles I have taken.
It brought me a supportive leader, a strong mentor, and the ability to embrace motherhood without losing my professional identity.
Lessons That Shaped My Leadership
Over the years, a few simple but powerful beliefs have shaped the way I lead.
-Own Your Time
Managing both work and home requires conscious effort. It is important to create moments for yourself — even if it is just fifteen minutes in a busy day. When you are happy and centred, that energy naturally reflects in both your professional and personal life.
-Seek and Accept Help
Women often hesitate to ask for help. I admit I am still learning this myself. But accepting support can make an enormous difference in managing responsibilities effectively.
-Focus Fully
When you are at work, focus on work. When you are at home, be mentally present. The quality of time we give to each space matters far more than the quantity.
-Lead with Empathy
Empathy is one of the most powerful qualities a leader can develop. When you begin to see situations from other people’s perspectives, you naturally listen more and lead better.
“Leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It is about understanding people and creating space for them to succeed.”
A Message to Women
If there is one thing I would like to say to women navigating their own journeys, it is this: Believe in yourself.
Stay true to your core values. Lead with empathy. And trust that things will eventually fall into place — like a beautiful puzzle slowly taking shape.
This article is part of Adtech Today’s Women’s Day 2026 series, where women leaders reflect on the journeys, choices, and experiences that shaped their leadership.
