Prema Chandra

I attribute my success to persistence and a consistent effort to go beyond routine responsibilities. I focus on contributing meaningfully in my work—whether through mentoring, managing transactions, or navigating challenges—while steadily building credibility over time. Like many women, I have faced challenges that have tested my confidence and required me to continually prove myself, which has strengthened my resilience. My journey is grounded in continuous learning, adaptability, and ongoing professional development in support of long-term success.

One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve received came from a former manager who told me that when people begin coming to you for guidance or input, it is a sign that you are growing professionally. They also encouraged me to stay focused on my role and long-term goals, even when navigating complex or challenging situations. While career decisions can sometimes involve difficult choices, I’ve learned that it is important to remain grounded in my objectives while upholding professionalism, integrity, and required ethical standards.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to focus on creating value beyond individual tasks by continuously improving, contributing meaningfully, and helping solve challenges within their teams and organizations. In my own career, I have experienced many ups and downs, which taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating complex situations. Over time, I learned that success also depends on developing strong decision-making skills, maintaining clear and consistent communication, and building capabilities that extend beyond the basic requirements of the role.

I think with the biggest challenges, it's always been dealing and convincing the opposition as to the transactions that you need and trying to reach a middle ground that is appealing to everyone. It's a win-win situation. And that's been the goal in the process to work towards it can be challenging.

The most important values in my work and personal life are honesty and integrity, particularly being truthful with myself in how I manage both areas. I believe that if I am not able to maintain balance and handle my personal life effectively, it becomes difficult to perform well professionally. For me, this means being honest about time management, staying disciplined through different phases of life, and maintaining the ability to navigate and adapt to defining moments as they arise.