Strive for a Healthy Balance
Armed with a strong academic pedigree and specialisation in corporate law, Rennie Joyy has a diverse professional background. She has worked in senior management positions at multinational banks and is currently working as the founder of Aalekh Foundation, a non-profit organisation aimed to empower women and youth through education and skills. She has over 24 years of experience in banking, corporate law, and international development. In tête-à-tête with Corporate Citizen, Rennie Joyy talks about her work philosophy and how she maintains work-life balance
Corporate Citizen: How do you set out your priorities to keep your work and personal life balanced?
Rennie Joyy: To balance my roles as a lawyer, NGO leader and mother, I prioritise tasks to distinguish between urgent and important activities. I allocate specific time blocks for work, NGO responsibilities, and family time. Setting clear boundaries between work hours and personal time helps maintain balance. I regularly review and adjust my priorities to stay aligned with my goals and ensure to schedule downtime to recharge.
CC: While on the move, what helps you the most in maintaining calm and peace?
While on the move, staying calm and peaceful is best achieved by practicing mindfulness and deep breathing. Keeping a reliable planner, listening to soothing music, and taking short breaks to relax and reflect also help maintain a sense of tranquillity.
CC: What keeps you fit and healthy, and your mind calm and cool.
I stay fit and healthy by eating balanced meals, working out regularly, and staying hydrated. To keep my mind calm and cool, I practice mindfulness, deep breathing, and ensure adequate sleep and time for hobbies.
CC: Your stress busters? How do you like to rejuvenate and recharge and de-stress?
My primary stress busters are spending quality time with my daughter and playing with my two fur babies at home. I also love to unwind by watching movies, which helps me relax and recharge. These activities provide a much-needed break from my busy schedule and help me destress effectively.
CC: What you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to travel, explore new places, and understand the local culture and people. I also enjoy reading books, eating out, and trying different cuisines. Spending time with my daughter and my two fur babies is also a cherished way to unwind and relax.
CC: What works the best for you as relaxation therapy?
For relaxation therapy, listening to soothing music works wonders for me. Additionally, participating in a rejuvenating wellness programme helps me recharge and destress effectively. These practices promote a sense of calm and renewal, allowing me to unwind and rejuvenate both mentally and physically.
"Prioritise effectively, balance commitments, and make time for self-care. Strive for a healthy balance, and remember that investing in personal growth and wellbeing is just as important as professional success"
CC: Do you play any game which helps you in your work? How does it help? What are the lessons the game teaches for life?
While I'm not into sports, I enjoy going for walks and playing with my pets at home. These activities teach me valuable lessons for life:
Presence: Walking and playing with pets encourage being present in the moment, fostering mindfulness.
Stress Relief: Interacting with pets reduces stress and promotes relaxation, aiding in worklife balance.
Responsibility: Caring for pets instils a sense of responsibility and commitment, which translates to managing tasks effectively at work.
Creativity: Playing with pet’s sparks creativity and encourages a playful mindset, leading to innovative problem-solving approaches in work scenarios.
Connection: Building a bond with pets cultivates empathy and strengthens interpersonal connections, vital skills for collaboration and teamwork in the workplace.
CC: What is the secret of your success?
The secret of my success lies in staying focused, being adaptable, and consistently striving for growth and improvement in all aspects of life.
CC: What is your philosophy of work?
My philosophy of work centres around dedication, excellence and continuous learning. I believe in approaching tasks with passion, integrity, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
CC: What message you would like to give to youngsters on Time Management/ Hobby Management/ Profession Management?
My message to youngsters on time, hobby, and profession management is to prioritise effectively, balance commitments, and make time for self-care. Embrace hobbies that bring joy and fulfilment, while also dedicating focused time to excel in your chosen profession. Strive for a healthy balance, and remember that investing in personal growth and well-being is just as important as professional success.
CC: How would you like to define yourself?
I am defined by my commitment to balance, excellence, and adaptability, navigating the intricacies of being a lawyer, NGO leader, and mother while prioritising self-care and embracing opportunities for growth in all aspects of life.
CC: What dreams remain to be fulfilled?
My professional dreams include achieving success and recognition in my legal career, expanding the reach and impact of my NGO to make a significant difference in people's lives, and continually striving for excellence and innovation in both areas of my professional life.
CC: Where do we see you 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I envision myself playing pivotal roles in shaping policy decisions within the NGO sector, both in India and on the international stage. Whether as a policy advocate, advisor, or strategist, I aim to leverage my expertise to influence legislation and drive systemic change, addressing global challenges and advancing social justice initiatives across borders.
TIPS TO MAINTAIN WORK-LIFE BALANCE
- Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to stay grounded and present in the moment.
- Practice effective communication with colleagues and family members to manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
- Learn to say no to non-essential commitments to avoid overextending yourself
- Delegate tasks when possible to lighten your workload and create more time for personal activities.
- Schedule downtime to recharge and prevent burnout, whether it’s through hobbies, exercise or relaxation techniques.