See & Recruit, proudly presents the Career Story Series—a platform showcasing the inspiring journeys of senior professionals who have excelled as industry leaders. 🌟 Through this series, we bring you stories of ambition, resilience, and success, offering insights from those who redefine leadership in their domain!
Lajja M’s career journey is more than a showcase of HR expertise—a powerful story of courage, resilience, and transformation. Her path, marked by twists and turns, is a captivating narrative of stepping into the unknown to build something extraordinary for herself and those around her.
Hailing from the vibrant city of Bombay, LM grew up surrounded by endless opportunities. Yet, like many young professionals, she started her career navigating uncertainty. The first three years in HR took her through the dynamic media industry, but a pivotal moment came when she transitioned into the financial sector. This move wasn’t just a career shift—it was the start of her true calling in Human Resources, where she would dedicate 17 years to shaping a legacy.
Now the Head of HR and Admin at Spark Capital, LM oversees key divisions like wealth management, asset management, and investment banking. This role was neither easily attained nor predictable. One key trait defines her journey: the courage to step outside her comfort zone.
LM didn’t start with plans to lead in HR. Initially drawn to finance and research, her first MBA internship left her unfulfilled and searching for purpose. Everything shifted during her second internship in HR, where she experienced a defining “aha” moment: recognizing HR as more than a support role—it’s a cornerstone of organizational success, driving growth by empowering people to thrive and shape their careers.
She was drawn to fields emphasizing human development and believed that organizations are built around people, not the other way around. The intricate dynamics of workplace relationships, the psychology of employee motivation, and the impact of organizational culture on performance sparked her interest, and she started exploring HR as a potential career path.
LM consulted her professors and was advised that though HR is an uncharted territory, it is a Sunrise sector. Given her inclination and her research, she decided to take it up. This set her on a path she never turned away from.
But stepping into HR wasn’t without its challenges. Back then, the available choices for specialization were limited, and HR wasn’t viewed as a strategic field. This can be attributed to the fact that HR was at a very nascent stage; hence, it was still evolving as a discipline. However, she was fortunate to have dedicated professors in every area of the domain. Insightful lectures from experienced professors with real-world applications and case studies made their guidance invaluable.
Guided by her grit, she turned every obstacle into an opportunity to learn and grow.
As LM advanced, she faced challenges that tested her resilience. The first was stagnation—a feeling many mid-career professionals face when their growth plateaus. But instead of being bogged down by this, LM took action. She set timelines for overcoming her obstacles and pursued new opportunities. Her mantra? “Passively waiting won’t yield any results. One must be proactive because your career is your responsibility.” This ownership over her journey allowed her to break free from stagnation and push forward.
Another challenge came with the rapid pace of technological change. In a world where everything was going digital, LM knew that staying relevant meant embracing new tools and technologies. But instead of viewing this as a hurdle, she saw it as a chance to innovate. By continuously learning and adapting, she ensured she stayed ahead of the curve in an evolving HR landscape.
However, the most pivotal moments in LM’s career were rooted in one simple truth: real growth happens outside your comfort zone. Early in her career, she made a promise to herself to never give up and shy away from a challenge. Whether taking on new roles, leading teams, or accepting new projects, LM understood that progress required stepping into the unknown. “Success and growth lie on the other side of complacency,” she explains. Each risk she took, no matter how daunting, brought her closer to her goals.
A characteristic she respects the most and that defines her is integrity. When reflecting on her career, LM hopes to be remembered as a driven, resilient, and committed individual who spearheaded impactful organizational changes.
Her journey to get here has been incredibly demanding and taxing. While she has faced numerous challenges, she explains that if not for embracing discomfort, taking a few calculated risks, and maintaining her determination and perseverance, she wouldn’t have reached this far.
Looking ahead, she envisions herself thriving as a strategic advisor, actively contributing to business growth and shaping the future of the organizations she contributes to.
Today, LM is not just a leader but a source of inspiration for the younger generation. She is associated with a gender-diversity platform as a mentor and now pays it forward by nurturing & encouraging young women as they navigate their careers. Her message to them? “Self-belief and learnability are your superpowers.” For LM, success isn’t about staying safe or comfortable; it’s about pushing boundaries and constantly seeking growth.
Looking back on her journey, LM shares one piece of advice she wishes she had embraced sooner. “Aspire high and seek opportunities,” Only then will you push yourself to take those giant leaps.
LM’s career is a story of persistence, resilience, and the power of embracing the unknown that enabled her to take action through every challenge and risk with a focus on continually investing in her growth. Her journey reminds us that the path to success isn’t always clear, but the courage to step into the unfamiliar leads to true greatness.
