Cultural expectations surrounding the elderly are being challenged today, and with good reason!
While it was the norm to slow down and retreat into a quieter life post-retirement, more men and women are finding purpose and joy in doing the opposite.
WisdomCircle honours such men and women by shining light on their journey through an inspiring series called “Wisdom Stories”. These people have successfully smashed stereotypes, and their stories remind us that life should be lived to the fullest, no matter what age or stage.
I started my professional career when I turned 46 years old, and I never looked back. I joined Fabindia in the year 2000 and spent the next 9 years learning everything that came my way. A turning point was when I shifted from Retail Sales to Production, where I got a deeper understanding of a range of functions like fabric purchasing, forecasting and production, giving me an end-to-end perspective on the industry.
When Fabindia announced their “Retirement at 56” scheme, I started looking for new pastures, as I was nowhere near retiring. I joined Hastens for a year and honed my skills in luxury client servicing.
In 2010, I applied for a managerial role at Manish Malhotra, which led me to join them. I have grown both professionally and personally in these 13 years. I am deeply inspired by Shilpa Sharma, who I reported to at Fabindia and Manish Malhotra, my current boss at Manish Malhotra Stores. Working closely with both underlined the importance of hard work, dedication and passion.
Skills that were key to my success were accountability, time management and my ability to listen. Also, I have managed to give a positive spin to tough situations. Things usually fall in place if your intent is pure, and your approach is positive.
Today, I draw energy by keeping myself active and engaged. My message to the wisdom generation is to learn new skills, travel, earn so that you don’t yearn, and socialise and laugh at yourself and with your friends and family.
I am not a fan of big celebrations and certainly don’t like the spotlight on me. But recently for my 70th birthday, I put out all the stops to celebrate my life with everyone who touched it. It was a grand affair, where my family and friends turned up in droves to show up for me. I must have done something right, to be the recipient of so much positivity.
Shashii Bowry
Interview credits: Saonli Sen Choudhury of WisdomCircle
