Beyond hard work: The quiet power of how we show up

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this opinion
article are those of the author

There is a growing conversation about how Indians are perceived globally. Some of it is uncomfortable. At times, it crosses into unfairness - and occasionally, into racial abuse.

That reality cannot be ignored.

But if we are honest, perception is rarely shaped by isolated incidents or online commentary alone. It is built quietly, over time, through everyday interactions. And that is where we have more control than we often acknowledge.

As India’s presence on the global stage grows, so does its diaspora. Indian professionals today are visible across industries, economies, and leadership roles. That visibility brings opportunity - but it also brings scrutiny. Communities that are more visible are often judged not just by their achievements, but by their everyday behaviour. In that environment, even small actions get noticed.

And over time, they add up.

In countries like New Zealand, where social systems rely heavily on trust and mutual respect, these everyday behaviours become even more visible. This is where the idea of soft power becomes relevant. Not in a geopolitical sense, but in a personal, everyday one.

Soft power is not about what we say. It is about how we show up. It is built through behaviour - consistent, visible, and often quiet.

In workplaces, it is reflected in how inclusive we are in our communication. Choosing to bring others into the conversation, even when it is easier to default to familiarity. It can be as simple as how we show up in meetings - whether we create space for others, or stay within familiar circles without realising the signal it sends.

In shared spaces, it is reflected in the standards we maintain - how we treat environments that are not our own, how we respect systems that rely not on enforcement, but on collective responsibility.

In communities, it is reflected in whether we integrate or remain within our own circles. Whether we participate fully, or exist alongside.

These are not grand gestures. They are everyday choices. But they shape trust. And trust shapes opportunity.

Indian professionals across the world are already known for their work ethic, resilience, and contribution. That is not in question. But contribution alone does not define perception. Behaviour does.

The opportunity in front of us is not just to succeed individually, but to influence collectively. To shape how Indian professionals are experienced - through consistency, awareness, and a quiet sense
of responsibility.

This is not about responding to criticism. It is about setting a standard. Because the most effective response to negative perception is not defence. It is demonstration - consistent, visible, and over time, undeniable.

For those of us building lives and careers outside India, there is also a dual responsibility - to contribute meaningfully to the countries we now call home, while continuing to represent the values we bring with us.

That balance matters. Because ultimately, we don’t just build careers abroad. We shape perception. And that doesn’t happen through statements or reactions. It happens in everyday moments - through how we show up, how we interact, and how consistently we choose to uphold the standards we believe in.

That is soft power. And used well, it is far more influential than we realise.

Nalini Dutt is National Manager of AA Home, leading nationwide service operations and growth strategy in New Zealand. She is also Deputy Chair of Rape Prevention Education and an advocate for cross-border economic empowerment.

Nalini Dutt
0212810104
Nalinidutt1010@gmail.com