Trust - an interview with Deepika Jaswal
As May comes to an end, our spotlight shifts to the cornerstone of authentic relationships: trust. Trust is the glue that holds relationships together, fostering a sense of security and confidence in others. It enables us to depend on one another, feeling safe and assured in the honesty and capabilities of those around us. In this blog post, we delve into the art of fostering trust in relationships by interviewing Deepika Jaswal, our esteemed and cherished Uncommon member.
What does trust mean to you personally? How do you define trust in your relationships and interactions with others?
Trust, to me, is the cornerstone of all meaningful relationships. It's a profound sense of security and confidence in someone, born from consistency, honesty, and mutual respect. Trust means knowing that promises will be kept, and intentions are genuine. In my relationships, I define trust through transparent communication, empathy, and reliability. It involves being open and vulnerable, yet feeling assured that my thoughts and feelings are valued and protected. Trust isn't built overnight; it's cultivated through shared experiences, understanding, and a commitment to uphold each other's best interests. Ultimately, trust fosters a deep connection and a sense of belonging.
Can you share an example from your own experience where trust was demonstrated or earned? What were the circumstances, and how did trust impact the outcome of the situation?
In a previous role, I led a project team through a challenging initiative with a tight deadline. I built trust by fostering open communication and demonstrating reliability. When we faced a critical technical issue, I encouraged the team to share their insights. Trusting a team member's unconventional solution, we implemented it and successfully resolved the issue, meeting our deadline.
This trust empowered team members to take initiative and contribute their best ideas. The collaborative atmosphere not only solved the immediate problem but also strengthened long-term trust and cohesion, leading to continued success in future projects.
How do you cultivate self-trust as a leader and confidently make decisions in your role?
Cultivating self-trust as a leader involves continuous self-awareness, learning, and reflection. I build self-trust by embracing my strengths and acknowledging areas for growth. Regularly seeking feedback and being open to constructive criticism helps me improve and stay grounded. To confidently make decisions, I rely on thorough analysis, drawing from past experiences, and consulting with trusted team members and mentors. I also prioritize aligning my decisions with core values and long-term goals. Embracing a growth mindset, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, further strengthens my confidence. Ultimately, self-trust is nurtured by staying true to my principles and continuously striving for excellence.
About Deepika
Deepika Jaswal is a seasoned Data Scientist with expertise in data engineering, machine learning and AI. Originally from India, she has been living in Singapore since 2016. She leads development of automated forecasting systems, predictive models based on geospatial data available. Deepika holds a Master of IT in Business (Artificial Intelligence) from Singapore Management University. Known for her ability to work with diverse teams, she is dedicated to driving sustainable impact through advanced data solutions. In her free time, she loves painting, pottery and reading.