Vidya Rao

Life takes us on a journey that is unique to each one of us. Everyone has a story that would be inspiring if we care to pause and hear.

All the women in my family are my inspiration and role models - my grandmother, mother and aunts. Despite her limited ‘formal education’, my grandmother was the ‘go to’ person for all and could hold her own space in any setting. My mother and aunts are the first-generation women who decided to balance both home and work. Seeing them in action, taught me to create my own path and not be afraid to be a trailblazer!

Inclusion is the fundamental and essential human graciousness and respect that we offer to one another. As individuals, each one of us is different. Acknowledging and embracing these differences to create a ‘wholesome’ provides a sense of ‘belonging’. This sense of belonging is vital for people to do their best in all aspects, and hence being inclusive matters a lot.

JLL provides a great platform for everyone to achieve their ambitions. My efforts have been towards fostering an environment conducive for everyone to utilise this platform. While it is easy for some, a few timid and hesitant voices need support and encouragement. Lending an ear to these voices, working with them on their journey and watching them evolve is truly satisfying. One of the principles I live by and encourage my team, interns and graduate trainees to follow, is to constantly work on being a better version of themselves – the competition is with one’s own self!