We were lucky to catch up with Robina Singh recently and have shared our conversation below.
Robina, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Finding Resilience from Within
When it rains, it does pour. These last few years have been immensely difficult for me on many fronts. While I do have a network of supportive friends, family members and acquaintances, ultimately, I find myself looking within to find answers, guidance, and motivation, especially when life throws a curveball. This is because no one knows me better than I know myself. As a first generation immigrant, I’ve had to lean on myself time after time. Having to uproot our lives in India for a better future in the U.S.A., was not an easy experience. Two months after turning 13, my parents, older sister and I took a one-way flight to New York; that was nearly 30 years ago. It was a very different time back then. As an immigrant who looked different and spoke English with an accent, student life, and frankly life in general in the adopted country was anything but easy. Fast forward to three decades later, with the benefit of hindsight and experience, I know it is those challenges that made me who I am. As the youngest in my family, I had a vibrant childhood in India. My teenage years into my twenties here in the States were a blur since life as a new immigrant was moving at the speed of light with challenges abound. At a very young age, I was trained in the sport of Badminton, specifically in singles, where all you have on a vast court is yourself to count on and dig deep within yourself to strategize your next move while the fastest object in all sports, a shuttle, is hurling towards you and you cannot let it hit the ground, not if you want to win the point, and ultimately, the match. I can’t think of a more fitting training than this to prepare me for what was to come. With a natural independent streak and not wanting to cause concern for my parents or my sister, and at the time with a very small social circle, at each hurdle, I turned to one person who knows me and my situation better than anyone else – me! I can’t say that I always find the answers right away every single time. But you know what happens every single time? I show up for myself and not only that, I show up with intent. And each time I look within, I walk away with a deepening sense of resolve to never give up and with a commitment to myself that I will channel my frustrations, setbacks, anger, and pain towards something positive and impactful for myself and others. Thirty years ago, I wasn’t sure what to call this. Thirty years later, I realize that this is my way of seeking resilience from within.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I lead with intentionality in everything I do. I have been quite fortunate to have had the opportunity to dedicate my time and energy towards professions that fulfill me, enable me to continue to grow, challenge me to come out of my comfort zone, and make impact in intentional ways. As a DEIB leader, I work to empower people of color to achieve their full potential in the workplace and beyond. I am committed to creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all. In addition, I volunteer my time to mentor international students and young professionals. As an animal lover, I dedicate a healthy amount of time to learn about animal welfare issues and support a global animal rights organization as a humane policy volunteer leader. Growing up in India, I was trained in the sport of Badminton which has played a significant role in my personal and professional life. Like music, I believe sports are a universal language and have the transformative power to bring about positive change in the world. I advocate for gleaning life and leadership lessons from sports. I am also passionate about global affairs and international diplomacy – in fact, this is where my career began over 15 years ago, and through board leadership, I support organizations that are in this space.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Accept Setbacks and Learn From Them Setbacks are inevitable in life. It is immensely important, especially when you are early in your career journey, to accept and learn from setbacks. We are the sum of our experiences and setbacks are important teachable moments that make us stronger and resilient.
Being Well Rounded
While it is important to gain expertise in one thing, being well rounded is equally important. It not only allows you to experience the richness of what life has to offer, but it also positions you as an invaluable asset for the organizations you work for and the people you work with. Being well rounded also means that should a disruption throw you off your career path, you will always land on your feet by leveraging the myriad of talents and abilities you have attained overtime.
Challenge Yourself
I am a firm believer that growth and progress comes when we are challenged to push our boundaries and our thinking. Challenge yourself to take on projects that seem out of your comfort zone or collaborate with people who have different and more experiences than you. Doing so, will help you to build your inner fortitude to tackle changes and disruptions head on and in the process build and strengthen your resilience.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
One of the most impactful things my parents have done for me is to empower me to pursue my passions and dreams including a career of my choice. Their support of my aspirations has enabled me to expand my horizons to become the person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinasingh/
