Chhaya Gandhi, a manager at Ola Electric, has recently shared a heartfelt and inspiring message on her LinkedIn profile, marking her first actual post on the platform. In her reflection, Chhaya Gandhi provides a glimpse into her transformative journey at Ola Electric and the significant lessons she has learned along the way.
Chhaya Gandhi begins her post by acknowledging the courage it took to write and share her thoughts publicly. She states, “This is my first actual LinkedIn post, and I thought it should be something meaningful. It took some time to write it and some courage to post it, not wanting to sound like a seasoned philosopher.” This humility sets the tone for an authentic and insightful account of her experiences.
Reflecting on her time at Ola Electric, Chhaya Gandhi notes, “Everything great comes to an end. So did my stint at Ola Electric last month, after a wonderful 2+ years.” Contrary to popular opinion, Chhaya Gandhi emphasizes that her workplace has had a profoundly positive impact on her. She describes how Ola Electric has accelerated her growth trajectory, challenging her to think outside the box and come up with extraordinary solutions.
Chhaya Gandhi writes, “It’s challenging, it’s rough, it’s exhilarating. It puts you on your toes 24/7 (exaggerating a bit). But it’s also a place that makes you think outside the box, come up with extraordinary and non-linear solutions, and continually push your limits.” Her gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the best minds at Ola Electric is evident, showcasing the importance of a supportive and stimulating work environment.
As Chhaya Gandhi transitions from her role at Ola Electric, she reflects on her meticulous approach to life planning. However, for the first time, she finds herself without a concrete plan. She shares, “Those who know me know I always plan my life meticulously—Plan A to Plan B to Plan C. For the first time, I had no plan. Scared? Absolutely. The fear of being left behind. Being last in this race or even second because who knows the runner ups anyway.”
Despite this fear, Chhaya Gandhi recognizes the necessity of taking a break to understand herself better. She recounts a pivotal moment when a disagreement led someone to advise her to go home and reflect. Initially, she did not grasp the significance of this advice, but during her “unplug moment,” she began to truly understand and embrace the concept of self-reflection.
Chhaya Gandhi explains, “Thanks to this unplug moment, I truly understand (or at least some of it) and embrace this concept. I took this time to unplug, spend quality time with family, enjoy home-cooked food, reconnect with loved ones, took long, long, long… walks, relax, and reflect.” This period of introspection allowed her to reflect on her mistakes, lessons learned, missed opportunities, and achievements, ultimately leading to a shift in her perspective.
Through her reflections, Chhaya Gandhi has realized that life is not a race against others but a personal journey. She shares, “I learned it’s not a race. The only race is with yourself and only if you want to run it.” This profound realization has changed how she views the world, highlighting the importance of taking breaks and prioritizing self-care.
Chhaya Gandhi concludes her post with a powerful message to others: “Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to unplug.” She encourages those yearning for a break to take the time to switch off, spend time with loved ones, go on vacations, and simply live, love, and laugh. Her message is a reminder that taking a step back to recharge can lead to new beginnings and a renewed sense of purpose.
Chhaya Gandhi’s journey at Ola Electric has been one of growth, challenges, and valuable lessons. Her experience underscores the importance of self-reflection, taking breaks, and embracing change. By sharing her story, Chhaya Gandhi inspires others to prioritize their well-being, recognize the value of introspection, and understand that life is a personal journey. Her words resonate deeply, reminding us all that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a step back and reflect.