She is everything at once, quite literally. She is a writer, a journalist, a script writer, a poet, a film maker and much more. She has worked for some of the key newspapers in Pune and has also branched out into an array of professions over the years. Today, she is considered a talent house in itself. She now works as the PR manager of a well known NGO in Pune,
Here’s what this SHERO – Nandini Hate-Mane has to say,
Your website showcases a lot of your work. In your words - what exactly do YOU do?!
Well, that is a loaded question! I write, because for me writing is my pillar. I think I am constantly writing.
So the rest of the of the roles are like split-ups – a script, a book or a poem.. all that is simply writing! To understand and write better scripts, I did a short course on film making – and basically as they say ‘tasted blood”!
Because I have been a journalist before, ‘showing’ my stories instead of writing them– was an exciting proposition – my love interest is ‘making documentaries’ so here I am – Jane of all writing trades! Therefore, as the drop down menu on my website shows – I am a writer, a journalist, a script writer, a script doctor, a poet, and a mentor.
What was your first job like and how did it help you get to where you are today?
My first job was as a space-seller in Sesa-Goa, the Yellow Pages, and way back in 1992! I got placed through a campus interview at SIBM. I really didn’t like my first job! I then worked as a ‘correspondent’ with A&M magazine, and that was the start of my writing career!
My salary was not much but I was happy doing what I had chosen. I think both Sachin Tendulkar and me are very lucky! We both did what we loved and got paid for it too!
As the PR manager of a popular NGO in Pune (Peepal Foundation), what are your biggest challenges?
Emotions! My greatest challenge is of believing in people’s words! Prima facie, everyone wants to do good work, wants to help an NGO! And they say so too, but when it comes to actually writing out cheques or digging into their pockets – it is very hard to differentiate between the real givers and the ‘really emotional’ non-givers!
How is the corporate sphere different from working in an NGO and why this change for you?
The change began as ‘helping out’ a friend to manage the growth of his NGO. But soon enough, the work, the way it was fashioned – simply seduced me! In a corporate world, I loved the writing work – and it primarily gave me joy and the money that I earned – it was a result of my effort.
Here at the NGO – I am primarily catering to people who need help and positivity. One positive word, one real rupee has the potential of being converted into a million positive things! The effect is like a nuclear chain reaction!
In the corporate world, I was making a difference in my own life – here at the NGO, I am making a difference to many, many lives!
What are the top 3 challenges women face in the working world today?
1 – Balance of work and family/children,
2 – no or very little ‘Me’ time and
3 – ‘aggressive’ and ‘ambitious’ are labels that are hard to take off , working women are rarely perceived as ‘gentle-women’ any more .
How do you balance your work and personal life?
I have the support of a super-understanding husband who chips in to make sure, that my work does not suffer!
I meditate and heal myself every day - that helps create a balance.