Growth Doesn’t Always Come with a Title - Namita Sharma

"Growth doesn’t always come with a title." That quote stands true when it comes to my roller coaster journey in the industry. This journey has taught me an important lesson: never underestimate where a so-called “desk job” can take you. Growth doesn’t always come with a title—it comes with curiosity, consistency, and passion!

When I first joined this industry, it wasn’t love at first sight. To be honest, I had my eyes set on a career in banking. I thought this job would be just a stepping stone, something temporary until the “real” opportunity came along. But life has its own plans. The more I learned about international moving, the more fascinated I became. Who would have thought there was an entire industry dedicated to shipping households across the globe? For me, it was like discovering a hidden world I never knew existed.

I started from the very basics—as a fresh graduate and a pricing executive. My role was simple: quoting partners, helping the sales team, and submitting RFPs. I was the quiet backend girl, working behind the scenes. At that stage, I couldn’t have imagined becoming the face of the industry someday. But one piece of advice I hold close and would share with every young professional is this: never stop listening and learning.

Even though I sat in the pricing department, I made it a habit to listen to conversations around me. I absorbed how the customer service team dealt with clients, the way operations handled planning, and the challenges our shipping line partners faced. Every story, every issue, every piece of feedback taught me something. And without realizing it, those little learnings were shaping me into the professional I would eventually become.

My extrovert nature helped me too. I loved connecting with people, and slowly, colleagues turned into friends and mentors. I’ve often been told that my laughter is infectious, but what mattered more was the trust I built through dedication. I’ve always believed work isn’t something you switch off from at 5 PM. If you truly enjoy what you do, it becomes part of your life. I still remember being on vacation once, standing near a waterfall, when a partner called me for urgent help. Without hesitation, I picked up. The partner was surprised, even touched, that I responded during my break. But for me, it wasn’t an obligation—it was just who I was.

Then came a milestone moment—my first industry conference. Walking into that hotel lobby, surrounded by strangers, I felt like the underdog. Everyone seemed to know everyone, while I stood there quietly, observing. But little by little, I started connecting, and with every conference, those strangers turned into familiar faces, then into close friends. Today, when I walk into a conference, it’s those warm hugs, big smiles, and shared laughter that fuel me. That transformation—from being unnoticed to being recognized—is something I’ll always cherish.

Another turning point for me was joining the FIDI 39 Club. It gave me a platform to meet like-minded young professionals from around the world. What started as networking soon turned into friendships and collaborations that continue to inspire me. The club gave me not just learning opportunities, but a community—people who understand the challenges, celebrate the victories, and share the same vision for shaping the future of our industry.

Looking back, I smile at the girl who once thought she’d leave for a banking job. If I had taken that route, I might have missed out on discovering a career that is so dynamic, global, and fulfilling. My story is proof and I’m sure many friends and colleagues can relate that the unexpected can be truly beautiful— if only you embrace it with open arms, a curious mind, and a hardworking spirit.

So to all the young professionals just starting out, I’d say this: Don’t rush. Don’t box yourself in. Listen, learn, and let the journey surprise you. Because one day, when you look back, you’ll realize every small step mattered—and that the dream you didn’t even know you had has quietly come true.

By Namita Sharma

Delight International Movers - UAE