In the new-age evolving economy, from legacy business houses to fast-growing unicorns, corporate boardrooms are filled with a constant chatter about “benchmarking.”

The default human tendency is to look outward for blueprints of success. Yet, when I look back, my own foundation was built quite differently. Growing up as a Gen X, my earliest lessons in appreciating diverse rhythms and collective harmony began during summer vacations. I fondly remember accompanying my nani to the society temple for evening bhajans during our holidays. We would bring out the musical instruments like dhol, manjira, and khanjri, turning holiday evenings at home into vibrant group singing sessions with my maternal family. That deep sense of connection set the stage for the broader cultural vibrancy of the time, whether it was catching the passing charm of 90s Bollywood, listening to the timeless melodies of veteran singers, or losing myself in the infectious energy of a garba night. Subconsciously, those early experiences taught me the value of adapting to different rhythms, environments and enjoying group activities.

I carried that adaptability into my professional life, but it was anchored by something much deeper. When I first stepped into the CA profession, my parents gave me advice that became my compass. They told me, “Be like a tree that leans down towards the earth when it grows”. It is a reminder to stay humble regardless of the heights I reach. They also told me to always focus on making my own line bigger through my skills, efforts, and high commitments, rather than ever trying to cross or erase someone else’s path. This resulted in healthy growth of my career.

Navigating the Corporate Life

In a dynamic corporate world, where the race to the top can sometimes overshadow collaboration, those words were my guiding principle.

I remember sitting in a panel interview for career progression. Midway through, one of the judges paused, remarked and appreciated the ‘honesty’ in my conversation. The proud moment was to reflect on my parents’ teachings, holding firm against the tide.

The approach of focusing on my own skills and deliverables, doing the right things and a network of good people steadily advanced my career.

A Professional Career Pivot driven by Self-Leadership

This personal grounding became especially crucial when my career took a major pivot. When I decided to step down from a leadership role in a consulting firm to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, the rulebook completely changed. Suddenly, I was not just managing established structures; I was starting from scratch, from establishing my own brand identity to the ultimate test of delivering exceptional, tangible results to my clients.

We often read the biographies of billionaires or study industry titans, hoping to copy their paths. But after navigating both sides of the table, a simple realisation dawned on me that we don’t necessarily need a hero to look up to.

Anchoring our drive to a celebrated leader ties our momentum to a variable we cannot control. People stumble, pivot, and change course. The challenges of building a business or steering a project are entirely your own. Trying to replicate someone else’s journey today is like using last year’s playbook for tomorrow’s game. Even fixed aims, like hitting a certain revenue target or securing a specific title, have their limits. Once we reach them, there’s often a hollow plateau waiting on the other side.

The Power of Incremental Compounding

So, what keeps the momentum going? In my experience, it comes down to the simple law of incremental compounding. The most reliable benchmark is just the quiet, internal effort to be a little better today than I was yesterday. It is an internal locus of control that stays with you, regardless of market crashes, shifting corporate trends, or the hurdles of running your own business.

When I made that mental shift, the questions I asked myself daily began to change:

• Instead of wondering, “How do I become the next big name in the consulting profession?”

I started asking, “How can I make my brand’s approach slightly more robust today?”

• Instead of worrying, “Will this client engagement define my career?”

I asked, “What did I learn from yesterday’s client meeting that I can apply right now?”

Looking back, true inspiration has always felt quiet to me. It does not need a headline or a viral story. It is just a steady, unyielding commitment to personal growth while staying connected to your roots. For me, the ultimate benchmark is not found out somewhere; it is simply trying to outdo the professional I was yesterday.

About Rupali

A Chartered Accountant, she specialises in Family Office Consulting, with a keen interest in helping global Indian families navigate their legacy journeys. Beyond her professional world, she brings genuine warmth and curiosity to everyday life. She loves travelling and discovering new places with family and friends and finds joy in Bollywood music and the timeless charm of Gujarati cultural melodies.

A firm believer in celebrating life, Rupali embraces milestones, achievements and even the little everyday wins with gratitude, enthusiasm and a zest for life.

Rupali Ashar can be reached on dhamanirupali@yahoo.co.in