In the bustling city of Chennai, lives a determined and ambitious woman named Remya Damodaran. Remya is a finance professional with a degree in Cost and Management Accountancy from India, along with a prestigious qualification from C.I.M.A in the UK. With her strong educational background and years of experience, Remya had always dreamed of making a significant impact on society.
In the year 2020, fueled by her passion for gender equality and empowerment, Remya decided to embark on a new journey and start her own firm. She named her venture "Prernaa Consulting Services," with a tagline that captured her vision: "Purpose to bring more women into the workforce." Remya's firm consisted of a full female team, scattered remotely across Chennai and Bangalore.
The idea behind Prernaa was born from Remya's observations during her career in both India and the Middle East. She noticed a stark gender imbalance in many industries, with women struggling to secure the jobs they desired or being confined to conventional roles. Even companies interested in hiring women often faced challenges in finding the right fit. Remya was determined to bridge this gap and provide support to both women seeking employment and corporations aiming to create a more diverse workforce.
One particular segment Remya was passionate about helping was women who had taken career breaks for various reasons. Personal events such as marriage, relocation, childcare, or eldercare often had a more significant impact on women, making it harder for them to reenter the workforce. Many faced difficulties due to lack of support, loss of confidence, or limited opportunities willing to accept candidates with career gaps.
Remya first hand experienced this struggle as well. She had taken a conscious break from her own career for five years when she decided to start a family and relocate. During that time, she pursued higher education and had the unwavering support of her family. However, Remya realized that not all women were fortunate enough to have such backing. Many lacked the necessary support system or mentorship, and some struggled with self-doubt when attempting to restart their careers. Remya understood the importance of providing emotional support, affirmation, and mentorship to help women regain their confidence and succeed in the workforce. Her own experiences had instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and propelled her to create a socially responsible organization.
Remya possessed innate leadership traits that had developed throughout her school and college years. She had held numerous leadership roles, allowing her to cultivate the necessary skills and confidence to lead her own team. However, she believed that true leadership went beyond giving orders. A leader should be actively involved in the work, leading by example and showing the team how to achieve their goals. Remya firmly believed in the power of teamwork, recognizing that each member brought unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. By fostering collaboration and encouraging open communication, she ensured that her team members felt valued and empowered. Remya often sought advice and suggestions from her team, acknowledging their expertise and fostering a culture of learning and growth.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Remya's family had been her unwavering support system. Her husband, from the moment they got married, had always been understanding and supportive of her decisions. He encouraged her to pursue her studies during her career break, ensuring that her CV remained strong. As an HR professional himself, he provided valuable insights and advice to the firm. Remya's parents had always supported her since her school days, giving her the freedom to make her own choices and offering assistance whenever needed. Her mother even became her first investor, highlighting the immense trust and belief her family had in her abilities. Additionally, Remya's in-laws and friends provided constant encouragement and celebration during key milestones and achievements.
As Prernaa Consulting Services began to establish itself in the industry, Remya encountered various challenges along the way. However, her passion, determination, and the unwavering support of her team and loved ones propelled her forward. She built a strong network of like-minded individuals who shared her vision for gender equality and women's empowerment in the workforce.
Prernaa Consulting Services quickly gained recognition for its unique approach and commitment to creating opportunities for women. Corporations seeking to diversify their workforce turned to Remya's firm for assistance. Prernaa's team meticulously evaluated the needs of these organizations and matched them with talented women who had taken career breaks. Through mentorship initiatives and counseling support, Remya ensured that these women were equipped with the skills and confidence required to succeed in their chosen fields.
Over time, Prernaa Consulting Services became renowned for finding the perfect fit for job seekers and companies. Remya and her team worked tirelessly to change the narrative around career breaks and reshape societal perceptions.
The impact of Prernaa Consulting Services extended far beyond corporate placements. Remya and her team also focused on building a strong support network for women, providing mentorship programs, counseling, and resources to help them navigate the challenges of reentering the workforce.
As the years passed, Prernaa Consulting Services experienced exponential growth, expanding its operations to other major cities in India. The remote team model enabled them to tap into talent from different regions, further diversifying their expertise and reach. Remya's firm became a role model for aspiring women entrepreneurs and an inspiration for those seeking to make a positive social impact through business.
Remya's advice to her younger self resonated with many. She openly shared her journey and the lessons she had learned, encouraging young women to pursue their dreams fearlessly and embrace the opportunities that came their way. Her story became a testament to the fact that true happiness lies in taking risks, learning from experiences, and persisting in the face of challenges.
As Prernaa Consulting Services continued to flourish, Remya remained committed to her purpose of bringing more women into the workforce. Remya's efforts were recognized with numerous accolades and awards, but her greatest satisfaction came from witnessing the transformation of countless women who had reentered the workforce and achieved remarkable success. Through her leadership and the collective efforts of the Prernaa team, the gender gap in the workforce began to narrow, and more women found their voices, careers, and independence.
Remya's story and the success of Prernaa Consulting Services have become a symbol of hope, empowerment, and change in society. It serves as a reminder that with determination, support, and a shared purpose, individuals and organizations can break barriers, challenge societal norms, and create a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.
Remya Damodaran
Founder of Prernaa Consulting
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