A person who strongly believes in the quote by Confucius, “You have two lives. The second one begins when you realize you only have one”, Priya says “I live my life to the fullest.” Priya Ajit Gilbile is the winner of the prestigious Milestone Mrs. India International 2017 Pageant. We are proud to share her success story with our esteemed readers and affiliates.
An IIM-Lucknow Alumni, Priya is a seasoned professional and entrepreneur with rich and diverse experience.
A dynamic professional and a doting mother at the same time, she truly exemplifies a balanced persona in both professional and personal fronts. Breaking the glass ceiling and reaching the highest levels of corporate success have only been a part of her journey. An art lover and travel enthusiast, she is a mother of 11-year-old. She has a passion for helping people and has supported several charitable efforts such as adopting a village and supporting underprivileged children and women through Laadli Foundation.
Tell us about yourself, your background and what you do currently
Namaste India! It is a great pleasure and honour to be featured in the esteemed article of We Are The City which inspires millions of people!
I am a corporate honcho with diverse experience spanning over two decades currently working for a multinational. As a part of the Executive Leadership Team at Max Bupa, I am responsible for driving complete transformation with a mission to help millions of Indians live healthier, happier lives by offering affordable healthcare options. I have held key leadership positions with multiple companies such as United Health Group, Cognizant Technologies. Currently I live in Delhi, originally hail from the electrifying city of Mumbai. I have always tried to expand my horizons, trying my hand at everything that makes me happy such as singing, painting and spending time with the loved ones.
My dream of becoming a Pageant Queen started from college days when I walked the ramp for various fashion events. Striking the balance between professional and personal life is difficult, especially when both require a hundred per cent attention. It took some deep soul searching for me to understand the importance of both and the balance I needed to create.
Why was winning the pageant essential?
My personal mission is to inspire millions of people achieve miraculous results. While I have been a professional, a family person and someone working towards social cause, by winning this pageant I wanted to have a much larger platform to influence social change and get larger visibility and scale. Personally, I have personally faced multiple adversities and come from a modest background. However, with complete courage of conviction, grit and hard work I have excelled in my work.
What has been your biggest challenge in achieving your success?
I have realised that we are as strong as we think we are. I believe that one has the power and the inner strength to overcome any challenge; after all, challenges are only in the mind. All we have to do is focus on the goal, and challenges disappear. We need to have the will power and effort, and then nothing will be impossible.
The issue that most of us face when dealing with two lives at the same time (personal and professional) is how to distinguish between both and yet create balance. I think we need to learn to prioritise things and with hard work, anything is possible. I went for the Mrs India International Pageant even while my hands were full with my corporate responsibilities.
However due my passion to bring alive my personal mission and perseverance, I managed to achieve what I wanted to do.
It is important that working women invest in some “me-time” in order to achieve that equilibrium. It is important that at least thrice a week one takes out time to indulge in the activities that we love. I do the same by gymming, singing and painting.
What has been your greatest achievement personally?
Being able to pursue my dream, winning the prestigious Mrs. India International title has been my greatest achievement. I always wanted my family, friends and well-wishers to be Proud of me. Also, I feel extremely zealous to see my Son grow up. He is the biggest asset and my world revolves around him.
If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?
I definitely would have been an established Singer.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
I believe inspiration comes from various sources, my son, husband, father, family and friends. However, the biggest source of my inspiration forever is and will be my mother, Mrs. Pramila Prakash Deshmukh. I not only adore her because she is my mother but because she is the most hard working, determined and honest woman I have ever come across. I have seen her work round the clock, diligently and meticulously. Because of her optimistic outlook and never say die attitude, I and my siblings have been able to achieve success in our life.
What does the future hold for you?
A Promise to keep, of inspiring people with the story of my life and engage with them to pursue higher cause, be independent and enlighten the hope that miracles happen if you have the ability to keep your dreams alive and work hard towards fulfilling them.
“I would like to be a person, who engages with the people and is the reason for millions of them who would say – I did not give you because of you….”
I will also continue to make my mark in the Fashion industry and hopefully shine brighter on the Global Platform!
The 2017 International Women’s Day theme is “Be Bold for Change” and Priya’s message to all our reader is:
“Be Fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire!!”
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