Payal Patnaik - A Woman of Influence

Our world has been revolving around social and gender stereotyping for ages now. Though the hardliner imposition of dos and don’ts might have mostly faded, though not extinct, however, they do show a strong presence in subtlety which is far more detrimental to human evolution at present. When people rely on stereotypes be it race, gender, or color their mental ability to access and understand others stands compromised.

These biases are ingrained in humans since their inception as a child. A belief spun for ages that one gender must put on the armor of valor and showcase courage as the essence of life, while the other gender is expected to be insignia of tolerance, tenderness, and tranquil come whatever may, and if otherwise they are branded as outcast and taboo for society. It is high time that we break these divides and emerge as one spectrum of a race with a mix of Yin and Yang in everyone. There is tenderness and there is strength in one and all irrespective of gender, color, race, or ability. Just as achievements and goals are not just for one, so are the moments of weakness and tranquility. 

Payal born in the cultural heart of India, the city of temples Bhubaneswar, settled in IT hub of India, Bangalore, having traveled the world for her work, her shared experiences were no different be it any part of the world. The stereotypes she has experienced in and around her often made her wonder and question the foundation of their existence. However, very apt goes the quote “To bring a change one must be the change”. 

She believes in living life as though no one’s watching, shed all inhibitions, express yourself like everyone is listening. Balancing Yin and Yang is the core of her belief and challenging both these sides of mine is what propels her to achieve the unexplored and be limitless at the same time.

Payal got numerous talents which gave wings to her creativity in the form of  blogs and writings. At times, she put on her dancer’s shoes and swag it up. Unstoppable that’s what once on the roll that’s what she is  known for and living upto that,  along with this she also grabbed the Glamorous Diva Award .

She is never afraid to take risks which bring out the biggest opportunities. While you look out for those, be realistic and be prepared for any outcome whilst giving your best shot whatever it may take. As a follower of this belief,  she toil hard to prepare and train herself to maintain a fitness regime that will be  catalyst of endurance in extreme sports like paragliding and mountaineering. Having completed a climb of 4000 m off late in the deep snow of Magankot, soon she is getting geared up for her next venture into Everest Base Camp (5364 m), Kalapathar (5644 m ) and Island peak (6200 m).

In the world of cutthroat competition, being a successful solutions architect has been the propeller which motivated her to try and juggle with other extremes of passion. Payal being known to be part of the most demanding team of the organization with tough milestones and timelines to adhere to, she is one among few of kind who have made a mark with difference.

The path from dreams to success is not easy but if you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to pursue it, then there will be no looking back. As a face of change, she touched many lives around who now dream to aspire and juggle beyond the set boundaries. The very desire that sparks within those who are influenced by her stories and journey covered over social media or in just a casual clandestine conversation makes her feel grateful and proud of her efforts and hard work. The ripples of change have been able to set in minds of few who also dream to steer beyond the cloud of stereotyping is her self reward for being the face of change. What counts in life is not the mere fact that she lived, it is the difference she made to the lives of others that will determine the quality of life.  As they say “Leadership is hard to define and good leadership even harder. But if you can get people to follow you, to be inspired to make small changes, then you are already on the right path.”