On this International Women’s Day, I honor a mentor who has shaped my life for over 40 years – my sister.

Her influence in my life extends far beyond my admiration; it is a masterclass in resilience, focus, and leadership. Through her, I have come to understand that true success is not an accident of talent or circumstance, but a deliberate composition of choices – each one made with intention, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to what truly matters. Today, I want to recognize not just her remarkable career or the roles she has excelled in, but the qualities that have defined her journey and, in turn, have profoundly shaped mine. Three strengths stand out, each a guiding force that continues to inspire me: the discipline of consistency, the power of selective focus, and the courage to go first.

First, she has taught me that excellence is built in the seemingly ordinary. It is easy to celebrate victories, but the foundation of any meaningful achievement is laid in the spaces where there is no applause. It is in the quiet hours of effort, the unnoticed repetitions, the commitment to showing up even when motivation wanes. Many lose steam when the novelty fades, when the work becomes tedious, when progress is slow. She never did. Instead, she embraced the discipline of persistence, proving that the extraordinary is merely the accumulation of small, deliberate actions done consistently over time. Through her, I learned that greatness is not in grand gestures but in the resolve to keep moving forward, brick by brick.

She also mastered the art of selective focus. In a world that bombards us with distractions, she has an uncanny ability to tune out the noise and center her energy on what truly moves the needle. This is not mere efficiency – it is wisdom. She knows that every ‘yes’ to something unimportant is a ‘no’ to something meaningful. Her clarity has been a lesson in power: the power of curating one’s life with intention, of fiercely protecting one’s time, and of giving undivided attention to what – and who – deserves it.

But perhaps the most profound lesson she taught me is the courage to go first. Whether it’s offering a smile to a stranger, speaking up when silence is easier, or taking the lead on a new initiative, she has always chosen action over hesitation. This simple act of stepping forward creates waves – opening doors, forging connections, and transforming possibilities into realities. She taught me that leadership is not about titles; it is about movement. It is about being the person who dares to take the first step, not for applause, but because it is right.

These three lessons – mastering the everyday, cultivating focused attention, and daring to lead – are more than principles; they are a way of being. They are the foundation of a life that is not just successful, but deeply fulfilled. And they are the lessons that, time and time again, have guided me in my own journey.

So today, I celebrate her.

I celebrate her resilience, her wisdom, her quiet strength.

But beyond that, I celebrate every woman who has supported, inspired, and guided me.

Because this day is not just about recognizing individual greatness – it is about acknowledging the collective brilliance, persistence, and impact of women everywhere. To my sister, and to all the women who have shaped my path – thank you.

Your strength moves the world forward, one bold, intentional step at a time.