TheGlitzMegaStarMom Rohini Kesavan Rajeev is an established Psychotherapist, Clinical Social Worker & POSH Compliance Consultant with over 22 years of experience as a mental health professional. Along with her IT leader, partner Rajeev, she co-founded The Able Mind, a Govt. of India certified mental health startup that provides the complete spectrum of mental well-being support services using the best of technology to connect people with a concern anywhere in the world to qualified mental health professionals at minimal cost keeping the anonymity intact & the accessibility unmatched. Rohini is also on the management & advisory boards of NGOs, colleges & organisations that work towards social betterment, mental health, education & employee wellbeing. She is also a PhD Scholar from TISS, Mumbai. As a mompreneur, Rohini avers, “I think with a full work schedule, accepting that you are less-than-perfect and that it’s okay but making sure you prioritize what is important help avoid regrets and guilt, which is all too real for a mom who holds a paid outside job.”
As a part of TheGlitzMegaStarMom initiative, could you tell us about the magical moments of your journey as a MegaStar Mom and what TheGlitzMega StarMom initiative means to you?
TheGlitzMega StarMom initiative means being recognized for your efforts which in turn propels one forward to do even better and also influences other moms to put their best foot forward. It is only together that we can grow and shared experiences are rewarding in itself and I think this platform does just that.
Could you describe your experiences as a mompreneur? Pick out three of fave moments with your little ones.
Being a mompreneur is a question of choice, acceptance and priorities. As I see it, if we choose to do what keeps us happy and occupied, while also creating a meaningful way of life, then we won’t second guess ourselves and our decisions as often while also setting a good example for our children. I think with a full work schedule, accepting that you are less-than-perfect and that it’s okay but making sure you prioritize what is important help avoid regrets and guilt, which is all too real for a mom who holds a paid outside job.
Three favorite moments with my little ones…
My husband and I have two sons aged 13&1/2 and 10. Given that we have a mental health company together, often times our children come to the office when we have to stay back late at work and when they do come and see the teamwork, they are very vocal about how proud they are about what we do. They have their own cubicles and provide a lot of entertainment to our team with their antics. I really enjoy their office visits and more recently, it has become one of my favorite moments with them.
My older son is my confidante. We discuss all things that matter to each other and his inputs and perspectives are very fresh and sincere. He says things that make me think and I really enjoy my honest conversations with him and look forward to our evening walks.
My younger son is my cheerleader and fixer-upper. There isn’t a bad mood or a painful experience that he can’t fix. I love sharing the most insignificant small win or loss with him because he really makes me feel super special for sharing it. He reminds me of my father who till today fusses over every small accolade of my sister and I and our husbands, and makes us feel like rock stars!
Tell us about three challenges and rewards of running a successful business or being an influencer while being a mother.
Challenges:
1. Managing time and distributing energy. Managing several responsibilities can be exhausting and requires us to manage expectations, seek out support, delegate tasks and accept being less than perfect. This, especially the last one, is difficult to do.
2. Taking time out to tune in, rest and rejuvenate. Women often ignore self-care as it is probably the only thing that affects us individually and doesn’t damage those around us. But the collateral damage of not prioritizing our needs can be expensive. Festered problems and exhaustion can result in crabby moods and pent-up frustration and resentment. We should make time to do what we need for ourselves so that we are in a better place to do what needs to be done, without regret.
Rewards:
Financial independence, increasing self-respect due to the ability to meaningfully contribute towards a better life for those around you be it in terms of service, or job creation etc and the pride of positively influencing your children and making your spouse and parents proud. Being an equal partner to your significant other and sharing the load.
