Lady Praises Unilever, For Giving Her Leave To Pursue MBA & Even Promised Her A Promotion

“My parents thought I was joking when I said, ‘I got into Unilever!’ I guess I can’t blame them.

As a kid, if someone told me that I’d be working at one of the biggest companies in the country one day… I would’ve laughed! Not that I wasn’t a good student, but back then, my aspirations weren’t corporate-inclined; as a child, it seemed more fun to become a dancer or a performer.

But as I grew up I realised I wanted more from life and started off on the path to secure my future, by studying mechanical engineering from VJTI.
College life flew by in making friendships that I still cherish and having the time of my life. During placements, I bagged the role of an assistant production manager in a leading FMCG company.

I was doing well for myself, and making my parents proud! I worked there for 2 years, until I heard about an opening in Unilever. Just the idea of working for a company that was a household name was exciting!

But when I actually got the job, I couldn’t believe it! Neither could my parents. It was a huge moment for us.
Since the day I joined Unilever, I loved it! I was working with brilliant people who were constantly striving to make it a house of brands that touched lives.

And I got the opportunity to do the same during my first project–heading operations for the launch of Magnum ice creams in India. We worked day and night to make sure that the products reached the retailers on time and in good shape. It was exhausting, but worth it!

After the success of that, I was promoted to Manufacturing Manager. And later, I even switched to the role of Project Manager. While the excitement of new adventures at work was fulfilling, I wanted to accelerate my personal development. So, after speaking to my mentor and loved ones, I took the leap and applied for an MBA. I was over the moon when I got into IIM-I! But then, it hit me–I would have to quit my job and leave the place I considered home…
But turns out I didn’t need to do that at all–instead of losing my job, I was given a sabbatical to pursue my MBA.

And with that, Unilever also promised me that when I returned, a promotion would be waiting for me. So, after my MBA, when I was back as the Global Sourcing Operations Manager, I was determined to show them how much I valued their faith in me!

And their support wasn’t just limited to professional growth, but also personal.

When I was having my baby, they had my back–covering all medical expenses. For a new mother-to-be, that was one less thing to stress about.

Honestly, I thank my lucky stars everyday–I have the freedom to work from Mumbai and look after my son, Evaan, while my team operates out of Bangalore. And being home with my son gives me the privilege to witness all his milestones–from his first laugh to his first steps.

And just the way my family helps me look after him during my meetings, my Unilever family supports me through flexible ways of working.

Today, I’ve got the best of both worlds–as a mother AND a leader!”

Source: Humans of Bombay

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com