Sonia's journey of leading, learning and owning it

When I look back on the journey I have had, it's been a whirlwind of cities, roles, and milestones. I have worked in different countries, across industries, and at companies of all sizes but it wasn’t just about climbing the ladder, it was about proving to myself that I was enough. Enough to lead, to create, and to leave an impact that mattered.

Growing up in South Asia, the idea of women in leadership felt like a far-off dream, a scene from a movie I didn’t quite belong in. I’d watch senior executives—mostly men—making decisions, designing strategies, and leading businesses, and somewhere deep down, a quiet voice would whisper, You could do that, too. But just as quickly, a louder voice would counter that thought.

It wasn’t a lack of confidence in my abilities; it was the environment around me which led me to believe leadership roles didn’t seem to come with my name on them. But with every project I delivered, every late night spent fine-tuning strategies, and every small win that validated my skills, I began to rewrite that narrative.

And now, as an Indian woman in a leadership role, I have made it my mission to make that path a little smoother for others. Watching the women on my team rise is easily my favorite part of the job. Throughout my career, I have learned how powerful encouragement can be—how it can spark confidence—and how its absence can sometimes dim even the brightest sparks. That learning is what brought me to Alaan.

From my very first conversation with Parthi, I could tell this wasn’t just another founder chasing the next high. It wasn’t about quick wins or flashy metrics; it was about creating something that mattered to his customers and more importantly creating a workplace where people felt valued. That clarity and commitment is why I’m here and why I feel so deeply connected to what we’re building together.  Our team has evolved into a powerhouse filled with talented men and women and super smart Gen Zs who constantly keep me on my toes—and occasionally make me wonder if I’m still cool enough to hang with.

The shift from questioning my own place in leadership to now empowering other women in their journey has been nothing short of a challenge. That drive to break barriers and build something meaningful is what has fueled my journey over the past year.

This was just one chapter, but it encapsulates everything I value most: taking ownership, solving meaningful problems, and supporting others as they climb the ladder.

Looking back, I’m glad I trusted myself. As the Director of Sales at Alaan, I am not just proud of what we have built—I am proud of how we’ve done it: with heart, hustle, and a team that constantly raises the bar. It’s been a journey of proving to myself, and hopefully to others, that leadership doesn’t come with a pre-set mould.

And it turns out, I was made for this—helping build something meaningful, leading a team I genuinely admire, and making an impact in an industry I believe in.

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