What if we all truly believed we are one?
Last year was full of memorable moments—leaving corporate after three decades, embracing uncertainty, and taking the leap into my own consulting practice.
But my favourite moment?
Returning to Rishikesh, at the foothills of the Himalayas, beside the mighty Ganges for a self-leadership retreat with fifteen incredible humans, led by the amazing Steve Griffith and Tegan Wallis.
The retreat brought back wonderful memories of growing up in India—and of a special trip to Rishikesh with my grandmother and aunt during our annual pilgrimages to sacred sites.
💡 Lessons from Grandma & A Life of Belonging
Grandma was a rock—strong, yet soft. Wise, yet warm. Family members from near and far sought her counsel.
I was very close to her, and I learned so much.
Her ability to make everyone feel invited and at home was a lesson in belonging—one that I absorbed at just four or five years old.
🏡 A Home Without Borders
India has over 2,000 ethnic groups—and I experienced that first-hand at home.
Our family home was sandwiched between a Mosque, a Hindu home, makeshift houses on one side, and a tiny road cutting through the middle of it all.
We celebrated Christmas, leaving out biscuits and milk for Santa. We feasted on Lamb Biryani during Eid. And we waited eagerly for our once-a-year new clothes during Durga Puja—Bengal’s biggest Hindu festival.
I later realized we were Hindu—but who cared?
As kids, all that mattered was that they were all festivals we got to celebrate.
🌎 Deep Down, We Are One
It never occurred to me back then that the world prefers to categorise us—putting people into buckets, assigning labels.
In doing so, we forget something important: that deep down, we are all ONE.
But that feeling of oneness is just the start—true leadership is about making everyone feel like they belong, wherever they are.
I love you, Grandma. Thank you for teaching me that. I know you are with me always ❤️
📩 I just published my first whitepaper and how-to guide: Closing the Gender Pay Gap and Accelerating Women into Leadership Positions. Get in touch, and I’ll personally send one your way.
Photo credit: Cherie Foran
For senior leaders navigating complex challenges, the journey to impactful leadership can feel daunting at times—but it doesn’t have to be walked alone. Anoop, with 30+ years of experience across three continents, a former Board member and CPO of a Fortune 10 company in Australia, and winner of the 2022 HR Leader of the Year award, advises senior leaders on making profound changes.