Introduction:
I am thrilled to introduce Priya, a dynamic leader who has embraced life on her terms, balancing an unconventional career journey and family with grace and resilience. Currently an Area HR Director overseeing operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar with Marriott International, Capt Priya’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity—all while her husband remains in India, and she raises her daughter abroad.
In this conversation, Priya shares her experiences growing up in a disciplined army household, navigating male-dominated spaces, and building a fulfilling career while raising her daughter. Her journey is a testament to the power of knowing oneself and living unapologetically. Let’s dive into her inspiring story.
Harpreet: Priya, thank you for being here. To start, tell us a bit about yourself and your journey.
Priya: Thank you, Harpreet. If I had to describe myself in one sentence, I’d say I’m just a girl on an adventure. Growing up in an army family meant moving every 18 months, adapting to new schools, languages, and cultures. This vagabond lifestyle instilled resilience and adaptability in me.
After studying hotel management—a choice that wasn’t conventional at the time—I spent six years in the Indian Armed Forces before transitioning into HR. Since then, I’ve worked in diverse industries, from financial services to luxury hotels, and now oversee HR operations across multiple countries. My journey has been anything but traditional, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s important to note that these are personal choices. For me, working across borders and embracing opportunities felt authentic to who I am. But I always emphasize this: authenticity looks different for everyone. If your heart says to stay home and focus on your family, do that. If it says to pursue a career, go for it. The key is staying true to yourself and living unapologetically, whatever that may look like for you.
Harpreet: You’ve made bold choices, like moving abroad with your young daughter while your husband stayed back. How did you handle societal judgment and find the confidence to pursue your path?
Priya: It wasn’t easy. When I decided to take a role abroad—first as Senior HR Business Partner for Qatar Airways in Doha, Qatar, and now in my current role in Thailand overseeing operations in multiple countries—many questioned my decision. Relatives wondered if my marriage was okay or if I’d “abandoned” my family. But I’ve always been unconcerned about what others think of my life choices. My husband’s unwavering support made all the difference. He told me, “I don’t want you to regret not taking this opportunity.” That, combined with my mother’s help and a reliable nanny, gave me the confidence to move forward.
Being authentic to myself meant accepting that my path wouldn’t look like everyone else’s. For some, authenticity might mean staying home, and for others, it might mean pursuing a career like mine. What matters is that the decision feels true to you. Knowing my daughter was cared for and thriving, allowed me to fully embrace my career.
Harpreet: What was it like being one of the few women in the Indian Armed Forces? How did you navigate that environment?
Priya: It was challenging but transformative. In a male-dominated space, you need to earn respect by understanding people’s mindsets and proving your competence. I made it a point to know my troops personally—their names, families, and challenges. At the same time, I ensured I could match or exceed their physical and professional standards.
Dealing with envy or dismissive comments from male peers required resilience and humor. I’d tell them, “Up your game and stop being insecure.” It’s important not to take everything to heart and to focus on excelling in your role.
Harpreet: Many women struggle with saying no. How did you overcome that challenge?
Priya: It took time. Early in my career, I burned out because I couldn’t say no, taking on tasks beyond my scope. One experience stands out—I was managing an impossible workload because I kept agreeing to every request. I remember a senior leader pulling me aside and saying, “Priya, you’re doing too much, and it’s okay to set boundaries.” That moment was a turning point.
I also recall another situation: when I moved abroad, I felt the need to overcompensate professionally because I was adjusting to a new country and role while raising my daughter. It took me a while to realize that saying no wasn’t a weakness; it was a way to protect my time and energy. Now, I approach out of scope requests by asking myself, “Is this aligned with my goals and do I have the bandwidth to do it?” If the answer is no, I politely decline. That mindset shift was liberating.
Harpreet: What values guide you in your career, and how do they influence your leadership?
Priya: Integrity, courage, and empathy. Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Courage is stepping out of your comfort zone to seize opportunities. Empathy is understanding and valuing people as individuals. These principles have shaped my leadership style, making me a leader who builds trust and fosters growth.
Harpreet: Finally, what does living unapologetically mean to you?
Priya: It means embracing who I am and making no excuses for my choices. I prioritize my career and my daughter without guilt. I travel, invest in myself, and take on opportunities that excite me. Life is too short to live by others’ expectations. Being unapologetically me means staying true to my values and enjoying the journey.
ALLOW YOURSELF A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Priya’s story reminds us that living unapologetically isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity, resilience, and owning our choices. Let’s take inspiration from her courage and create lives we’re proud of.
Are you living in alignment with your values, or are external pressures shaping your decisions?
What boundaries can you set to protect your energy and focus on what truly matters?
How can you celebrate your unique journey and use it to inspire others?
