While these tasks improved my technical skills, the most valuable lessons came from the bus captains themselves. Blue-collar workers are essential to industries but often undervalued and vulnerable to exploitation. Acting as a link between management and workers, I witnessed the challenges faced by our bus captains and how higher-ups sometimes overlook their needs.

In a profit-driven world, people can become mere numbers. This made me question why organisations often overlook the very workers who sustain their business. However, I saw my team and the union work hard for better policies and compensation, ensuring these workers were engaged but also protected. This experience made me realise that HR is a vital tool for justice, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in this field.

A role that involves people requires deep empathy and compassion. It is easy to become detached while making decisions in an office, but true leadership means listening to and advocating for those whose voices may often be ignored. 

Success should not just be about climbing the corporate ladder but about uplifting those around us. Find purpose in your career, reshape it, and leave the organisation stronger than you found it.