After getting selected into Indian Institute Of Foreign Trade, I started preparing to embark upon the new journey. As every B-school has a protocol for business formal, I went to Allen Solly to shop for the same. I got the suit selected and when I was trying it I could feel the confidence and the courage surging through me to undertake the responsibility. When I looked in the mirror at myself, I could feel how my life now was going to transit and how massive this change would be. I could fathom its depth. It made me realize how exciting my journey would be and it braced me for the same. Then I found out that they use 100% eco-friendly fabrics, which made me loyal to the brand as being the Gen Z child I believe that being environmentally cautious is our duty and being associated with a brand which understands that responsibility and is actively working towards it made me proud.

During my research paper presentation at Harvard, Boston, I went to the American Eagle Outfitters. I was mesmerized by the ambiance of the store. I browsed through their Demin section. The material of the jeans was intricately woven and was a perfect fit for me. This has never happened in India. I am very particular about my choice of clothes and I believe that clothes mean nothing unless someone lives in them. To my disappointment, the brand was unavailable in India and I had to revert to altering my clothes for a perfect fit. While I was ruminating about my bad luck, I came across the news that Aditya Birla was bringing my dream brand to my country. They entered into a strategic alliance with American Eagle which opens the brand to Indian markets. My happiness grew leaps and bounds. I could now look like the person I always wanted to look like. Buying clothes from an amazing collection and having your perfect fit, what else could I wish for. Aditya Birla Group provided me with the range of apparels that made me feel complete and confident.

Talking about international environments, as a team leader at AIESEC, I had to send 10 leads for cross-cultural internships to Indonesia. After briefing them about the entire process, and completing all official process of sending them for their project, I got bad news.

Indonesia had been struck by natural disaster and the project had to be canceled. This caused stress to both the parents and the leads of the Indonesian project, who were now reluctant to go for the same. Despite having the policy of refunding the money, I wanted to be able to give these ten leads an alternate opportunity of a lifetime. But this involved a lot of work.

First, I had to design a new project for them as the rest of the existing projects were full. After creating the new project for the ten leads, I had to convince very reluctant leads to go for this new opportunity in Bhutan. To convince them I had to explain to them the entire project, the benefits, the opportunities and ensure them that they were safe.

To assure them the safety, I conducted a conference call with my counterpart in Bhutan and other members who have already been there. After deliberating for a while the leads agreed to embark on this new journey.

I did not succumb to the pressure of the sudden contingency and rose to the occasion with an alternative plan which created a win-win situation for all the stakeholders. This situation brought the best in me and I could resonate with Aditya Birla's power of 5, which emphasizes on how integrity, seamlessness, passion, speed, and commitment can aid you to overcome hurdles and achieve great heights. I realized that gratification of overcoming obstacles is my biggest motivator and I believe my passion, agility, and commitment towards work help me overcome challenges and achieve the Big In My Life.

Preksha Burad

The 'Big' In My Life Is A Reflection Of My Personality | Preksha Burad, IIFT