An Iron Lady on Three Wheels

Iron Lady on Three Wheels: A Story of Strength, Resilience, and Leadership

I was mid-conversation with a friend in Pune when I booked an auto for my next destination. As I stepped out of the café, I was greeted by a gleaming auto-rickshaw. Driving it was a woman, dressed in blue jeans and an immaculately clean white overcoat.

Meet Tara !

There was something about her presence—poised, self-assured, and unapologetically confident. She keyed in my OTP, started the engine, and we set off.

Like always, I complimented the driver on the cleanliness and good condition of their vehicle. She smiled. “Except for these,” she said, gesturing toward a few scratch marks on the seat cushion. “My neighborhood cats think my auto is their personal scratch post.”

That was our icebreaker. We started talking about animals, and soon, our conversation flowed effortlessly—from vehicle maintenance to work hours, from navigating city traffic to navigating life itself.

She spoke about the early struggles of being an auto driver, how mechanics tried to cheat her by swapping her new parts for old ones, and how she learned to stand up for herself. Over time, she befriended a few trustworthy mechanics, ensuring her auto got the service it needed without the deception.

She had worked relentlessly, repaid her loan on time, and for the past year, had been running a loan-free business—an achievement she was particularly proud of.

But there was more to her than just financial independence.

She wasn’t just driving an auto—she was leading a movement.

As a leader in a local union of auto drivers, she had become the go-to person when drivers needed help—whether it was dealing with a mechanical breakdown, a dispute, or personal trouble. She led with compassion—never hesitating to pull over and assist a fellow driver stranded by the roadside.

Beyond the streets, she was also a mother—raising two college-going children, managing her schedule so she could cook fresh meals for them and be there when they needed her. And yet, she drove her auto for 12 hours a day, six or seven days a week.

“This auto is my livelihood,” she said simply. “Except for one trip to Shirdi, I have never used it for personal recreation. My focus has always been on repaying my loan and providing for my children.”

I asked if she had ever been in an accident.

She told me about an incident when a car driver suddenly swung open his door as she was passing, causing a dangerous situation and a little dent in her vehicle. But she handled it calmly and confidently. “I’m a black belt in Taekwondo,” she said with a smile, “but I’ve never had to use it. I defuse situations well before they escalate—with good communication.”

We were now over 30 minutes into the ride, and I couldn’t help but notice—she was a masterful driver. Not once had she jumped a red light, honked unnecessarily, accelerated abruptly, or braked suddenly. The ride was effortless, smooth, and precise—like an extension of her personality.

She then turned the conversation to me. She had sharp, intelligent questions about my work, about leadership, coaching, and personal growth. I shared insights about the power of questioning, humble inquiry, assertiveness, and how parents can support young adults.

When we reached my destination, I asked if I could take her picture and share her story. She graciously agreed.

I didn’t ask about “the difficulties as a woman in a male-dominated field”. Because I didn’t need to. Her journey spoke for itself.

As I reflected on our conversation, I realized—she embodied the  #ZENTHINK #7Cs of Leadership:

• #Clarity – She knew exactly what she wanted—to repay her loan, provide for her children, and excel in her work.

• #Courage – She stepped into a profession where very few women dared to go.

• #Compassion – She led her union with heart, always willing to help others.

• #Creativity – She found smart solutions to challenges—whether dealing with dishonest mechanics or de-escalating conflicts.

• #Competence – Her driving was flawless. Her leadership, impactful.

• #Congruence – She walked the talk, balancing her roles as a leader, a mother, and a professional with integrity.

• #Consistency – Day in, day out, she showed up. No excuses. No complaints. Just quiet, relentless progress.

She is a leader.

A mentor.

A change-maker.

An Iron Lady on Three Wheels.

Everyday heroes are heroes every day. #everydayheroes