At A Glance
- Business Heir (BH) has no qualms lining up like ordinary folk despite her stature.
Years ago, Business Heir (BH) tried to carve out a life beyond her now-famous surname. She built her own reputation as a writer for a leading newspaper—witty, sharp, and widely read. Her columns drew a loyal audience that eagerly awaited each weekly piece. But the pull of the corporate world grew stronger, and she eventually took on an active role in the family conglomerate.
Years later, the family’s assets were distributed among its members, each with clearly defined roles in expanding the empire. Through it all, BH remained grounded, holding on to her humility and sense of humor. At one point, she even poked fun at a long-standing company myth associated with her and the business.
In one instance, BH was at the airport, lining up like any ordinary traveler. Dressed simply in jeans and a white top, she didn’t draw attention to herself—no dark glasses, no entourage, no special treatment. When she reached immigration, she answered the officer’s questions without fanfare. The officer had no idea that he was speaking to one of the country’s most powerful women.
Only after BH had walked away did a supervisor approach the officer and reveal her identity. The officer couldn’t help but reflect on the many personalities who carry themselves with such air and entitlement, silently demanding special treatment. In contrast, true wealth, he realized, carries itself with quiet humility.
‘If you aren't humble, whatever empathy you claim is false and probably results from some arrogance or the desire to control. But true empathy is rooted in humility and the understanding that there are many people with as much to contribute in life as you.’ — Anand Mahindra
Hiding behind
As airport lines grow longer, passengers are expected to cooperate to keep things moving efficiently. Basic courtesies—such as having documents ready for inspection and complying with regulations—are essential.
On one occasion, Celebrity Model (CM) was in line for an overseas trip. Statuesque and commanding attention, she carried an aura that naturally drew eyes toward her. Wearing oversized sunglasses only added to the curiosity, as onlookers tried to figure out who she was.
When she reached the processing staff, CM was asked to remove her shades so her eyes could be scanned for biometrics. The staff, unaware of her identity, simply needed to ensure that her passport matched her face without obstruction. With little choice, she took off her sunglasses. Still, she seemed to think the staff’s request was driven more by a desire to admire her than by standard procedure.
In contrast, another story highlights a different kind of celebrity. An international Singer-Actress (SA), who rose to fame as part of a successful girl group, handled a similar situation with ease. At the height of their popularity, her group performed to packed venues, with audiences erupting in cheers—often loudest for SA herself. Even as she continued to draw impressive ticket sales, she remained open to new opportunities, including taking on roles in hit series, even when they weren’t lead parts.
Despite her success, SA stayed composed and unassuming. She went through the process quietly, without any diva-like demands—a stark contrast to CM’s behavior.
‘Humility is always a good thing. It's always a good thing to be humbled by circumstances so you can then come from a sincere place to try to deal with them.’ — Michael J. Fox
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