Hi, I’m Sharin Kariappa, 39 years young people enthusiast; married ; completed MBA in HR from Madras University and opted Talent Acquisition and delivery as career of choice. Born and brought up in serene and scenic Coorg where I completed my formative years of education. Primary and high school were the years which instilled in me strong ethics, to stand up for what I believe and to be the best in whatever I aspire. An active student that I was, I participated in various intra and inter school competitions like elocution, essay writing, quiz and chess. As an all rounder, I was adjudged the ‘Best Outgoing Student’ of my school in Class 10th. I was an active Rotaract member in Class 11th and 12th volunteering for various social causes like polio awareness, blood donation camps, etc. During my graduation days at St. Agnes College, my competitive spirit remained and continued participating in competitions and again was actively involved in AIDS Awareness Programs. It was after my marriage that I explored the world beyond studies and realised that I didn’t have a Godparent in Corporate world to get any references to start my career. As a naïve country side girl, I set out to build my career on my own merits. Post couple of short stints in small firms, I got an opportunity to work in admin dept in one of the corporates. Then, there was no looking back. Despite mounting personal challenges in family, my focus on professional front was intact. Very quickly, I moved into HR and over a period of time into delivery. Currently, as one of the core members of leadership in my organisation, I have initiated focussed CSR activities as a part of my organisational goals. At work, my focus is to train the team to be better in what they are good at. Challenges are given to them to step up and get ready for next rungs of career. At every juncture, I ensure women around me are empowered. My team constitutes majorly women professionals as I believe in practising what I preach. Its only when you empower people around you, you are empowered. Along with professional life, I have ensured that my family and culture are given equal importance. I actively participate in various traditional and cultural programs conducted by our community and have won prizes. I firmly believe that the stronger our roots, the higher can we fly. Contributed my bit during floods at Kodagu by volunteering in rehab programs. This is just the beginning of my contribution to the society. This COVID phase gave me a glimpse of the importance of using authority with responsibility. Felt responsible for each employee’s job and his/ her livelihood. Each decision taken was evaluated beyond work and performance to weigh the impact on extended families. The ethics imbibed in childhood played a major role in lot of decision making. This phase made me realise that its important to be strong but more important to be empathetic This is me… strong outside, firm and empathetic inside.