Breaking Barriers: Devapriya’s Journey of Empowerment and Resilience

In today’s world, stories of resilience, purpose, and empowerment are not just inspiring but essential. One such narrative is that of Devapriya, a trailblazer who has seamlessly navigated the complexities of professional and personal life while challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers. Her journey shared in an insightful conversation on The AboutHer Show, serves as a beacon of hope and guidance for women striving to make their mark in the world.

Roots and Wings: A Balanced Childhood

Reflecting on her childhood in Kolkata, Devapriya attributes her grounded yet ambitious nature to her upbringing. As the elder of two daughters, she grew up in a household that valued tradition but also encouraged her to dream. Her father’s philosophy of providing “roots and wings” became a cornerstone of her life.

“Our roots run very deep, but we were given the opportunities and exposure to really spread our wings and fly.”

This balance of tradition and freedom instilled deep values while giving her the courage to explore the world and her potential.

Overcoming Challenges: A Gendered Lens

Like most women, Devapriya’s journey has not been devoid of challenges, many of which stemmed from societal and corporate biases. Transitioning from a protected childhood to the competitive corporate world brought its own hurdles.

“In the corporate world, there were conscious as well as unconscious biases… It took time to learn how to be assertive without rubbing feathers too badly, and yet, occupy space.”

She recalls her experiences of being dismissed in boardrooms, judged for her appearance rather than her skills, and even labelled as a “diversity candidate.”

Also Read: From a Small Town to Entrepreneurial Success: Samreen’s Inspiring Story

“You learn to prioritise yourself, be firm, and not let those biases define your worth.”

These challenges, though disheartening, fueled her determination to succeed.

Lessons in Work-Life Integration

Balancing professional and personal commitments is a challenge most women face. For Devapriya, this involved transitioning from the idea of “work-life balance” to “work-life integration.”

“Work is a part of your overall life. It’s important to set boundaries and let others in your ecosystem understand and respect those boundaries.”

She also emphasises the importance of self-care:

“I have to put on that oxygen mask on myself first before I can put it on others.”

By setting boundaries and prioritising herself, Devapriya has managed to avoid burnout and maintain focus on what truly matters.

The Power of Mentors and Role Models

A key theme in Devapriya’s journey is the influence of mentors and role models. She credits her father for instilling values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. At 79, her father continues to work with passion and purpose, serving as a daily source of inspiration.

“If Baba, at the age of 79, can get up, get dressed, and work with such enthusiasm every day, what excuse do I have?”

She also acknowledges her professional mentors, saying:

“I stand on the shoulders of giants—mentors and role models who have guided and supported me throughout my career.”

Empowering Women Through Purpose

As an entrepreneur, Devapriya’s vision extends beyond personal success. She founded Conexus with a mission to create a global entrepreneurial ecosystem for women.

“It’s been my purpose to break barriers, not just for myself but for others who follow.”

Her advice to entrepreneurs includes anchoring businesses in purpose:

“Beyond profit, anchor your business in a purpose that resonates with you. A strong ‘why’ fuels long-term success.”

Addressing Women’s Mental Health

Devapriya highlights the pressing need to address women’s mental health.

“Mental health issues for women are often dismissed or misdiagnosed as being emotional or hormonal. This stigma needs to end.”

She calls for breaking the silence and fostering awareness to ensure women receive the support they need.

Also Read: Tara Singh Vachani’s Journey of Vision, Compassion, and Gratitude

Embracing Midlife Rebooting

Midlife rebooting, as Devapriya calls it, is an empowering phenomenon where women reassess their priorities and explore new paths, be it through career shifts, hobbies, or personal growth.

“Midlife is an opportunity to reassess your priorities, pursue delayed ambitions, and redefine success on your own terms.”

She also emphasises the importance of acknowledging hormonal changes during menopause:

“Menopause can be a catalyst for reflection and reinvention. Acknowledge this phase and customise your life to suit it.”

Redefining Success

For Devapriya, success is no longer about perfection. Instead, it’s about finding fulfilment in personal and professional achievements on one’s own terms.

“Success doesn’t have to be about achieving perfection in every area. It’s about finding fulfilment on your own terms.”

Rapid Fire Round: A Glimpse of Her Personality

In a fun and insightful rapid-fire round, Devapriya revealed some delightful facets of her personality:

• Monday Motivation or Friday Excitement?
  “Monday Motivation.”
• Secret Talent?
  “Singing.”
• Favorite Book?
  “Portfolio Life” by Christina Wallace.
• Antidote for a Bad Day?
  “Snuggling with my dog, Milo.”
• Desired Superpower?
  “To be in two places at the same time.”

Final Thoughts

Devapriya’s journey is a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the importance of breaking stereotypes. Her story encourages women to embrace their challenges and define success on their own terms.

As she aptly puts it:

“Every conversation matters, and our voices are crucial in creating inclusive and equitable systems.”

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