The Iron Lady I know of

She was just about to start her college under graduation when her father passed away. All her father left the family with is a lot of debts that his children had to settle. When her elder sister and brother who hadn't yet started earning for the family, she had a difficult college life to pass with three younger brothers in school. When the family was in a critical financial situation, she forced herself to earn for her whole family as a sole bread-winner. 

Thankfully when a corporate company offered her a job in the final year of college, it paved way for her immediate relief to some extent. From there she went on to earn a lot of laurels to her name both with her team and her clients overseas. She strived so hard to earn a good name with her team. Her office had seen a lot of changes as part of the global recession - a lot of employees had been laid off since the company couldn't afford to pay them anymore, yet she still stayed on.

In fact, it was exactly during the recession period that the company decorated her with a global recognition award - something that's not very easy to achieve! She happily chose to take up any difficult task when the other members stepped back and became a hit with the clients. When a tricky situation came up, it was not a problem at all for her - she would analyse the situation in-depth and never stops until its resolved promptly.

She was also very apt in identifying hidden talents of her team members and assigned work accordingly. After coming home from office working in night shift, it's her duty to baby-sit her nephew when her sister headed out for work. When she didn't know anything about cooking, or even a difference between mint and coriander while in the market, she quickly learnt cooking somehow soon after getting married.

Her morning tasks included preparing both breakfast and lunch for all her seven family members when each her brothers used to finish off 10 rotis just like that! When life offered her hurdles in every direction she came over it with ease and did her best both professionally and personally. 

While most managers had ego issues, she was open to fresh ideas even when it came from people working a few levels below her - she encouraged them and gave every form of support they needed to achieve best results.

She managed to settle all her father's debts within a few years and went to buy her own house. Now she is a proud owner of two houses, a happy wife, devoted mother and a team leader, all in one.

She once told that her husband is the only thing that happened right in her life. He was the only one to find that sorrow behind her smiling face. 

She didn't fear any change that came along her way but took it as an opportunity instead to achieve something new. 

Through every challenge she faced, her bright smile never faded. Well, I think that's her biggest success! When she is open for any challenge, nothing can beat her!

No doubt her family prospered only because of her tireless efforts! I haven't seen anybody who would take up any challenge head-on and come out with flying colours irrespective of the hardships involved.

This lady taught me a lot of things without realizing it - she is my dearest friend.