Bleeding Blue for Brand Lowe's

December 2015, I walked in to the heavily blue decor reception of Lowe’s India.

A warm friendly front office welcomed me, politely asked me to take a seat, and without a hassle dialed the person I was to meet. Thank you, Ali – for being the way you were and continue to be. Friendly partners to work with. Check.

Without making me wait much, another broad grin welcomed me, my recruiter, who continues to this day proudly grin and has moved up the ladder at Lowe’s, to pursue his dream. Thank you, Vivek– for being an awesome superhuman and for being a friend. Friends at work. Check.

Then there were interviews, and I spoke to an amazing panel from our global team – and guess what? All women panel. Thank you, Colleen, Connie, for the opportunity and support. Priorities on organizational diversity and amazing bosses: Check.

I had checked the India website before my interviews, and I saw something drenched in blue, which screamed for help. There would be a lot of work to do and how! Check.

A few months later, I joined the then 300-member organization. My reasons were simple and logical. Here was a story to tell, of a company: within just a year had set some basic practices in place, without seemingly having done anything strategic about it – they seemed to think this was a part of their inherent DNA. The smiles, the warmth, the priorities…the opportunity. I took off my rose-tinted glasses and listed down what I did not like, and instead of that deterring me, I knew instinctively, once I am a part of their journey, they will know and we will fix it. Thank you, Lowe’s for being that. For changing every time you needed to, for going every extra mile to keeping customers happy (as much as you can and how hard we try!), for being an employer of choice, not branded by any organization, but just being that.

Then, there are leaders, who give you credit, value and time, and then also say great things behind your back to every person they meet. Leaders (global board members and again two women!), who would stay grounded literally, and kneel with you when clicking a group photo. Leaders who will say, “I am sorry, I don’t know how to do it. Can you help me?” Leaders who run out with you to see the snow, because he heard it was your first snow and clicks a selfie with you. Global leaders who while walking down a crowded hallway, sees you, changes course of walk, to thank you with a hug. Leaders who valued, stayed true to their word of being there for you even after they left Lowe’s. Leaders who Whatsapp message you to say, “thank you for doing what you do!” I am thinking of all of you who built a bit more character in me, and taught me values I will cherish and learn from.

Then, there are colleagues, who have immense energy and potential (what a deadly combo), who you work with on just one project, but keeps in touch with the same warmth, even after they leave Lowe’s. Thank you, Pavithra. Soar!

Then, there is Shiv. In a way only Shiv can be. He has been the most irritating stakeholder ever. But even the fights were fun. Thank you, Shiv - for listening, for fighting, for the times we didn’t agree, and most of all, for your grace and maturity in accepting an alternate view.

There are so many more stories about people. Now you may think, why such an emotional note? Why couldn’t I just write about the achievements and thank people, and be done with it? Because someone once told me, “you are an emotional person”. Oh yes, I am. But isn’t that what you and I are about? People, connects, relationships, growth – isn’t it all emotions at the end? What do you call that feeling that puts a smile on your face at the end of a long tiring day – an emotion! Tomorrow is my last working day at Lowe’s India. Now why is my story coming to an end, when I sing glories? You evolve. Your perspectives on your priorities change. You learn a lesson and you want a new platform.

Many of you, while working with me would have heard me say, “we can’t do it, but let me see how I can help to solve your situation.” What we are not as Lowe’s is just saying, “we can’t do it!” and leaving it at that. Our fundamental belief lies in our togetherness to solve problems. There is a great new story to tell at Lowe’s India, and if your current simple and logical reasons and priorities are same as mine when I joined, do apply – it’s a beautiful journey and totally worth the experience. Trust me.

To my amazing team - thank you for bearing with my all kinds of crazy. You guys made it worth the while.

I will, in some way always bleed blue and delightfully watch as the orange is crushed! Thank you, Lowe’s!