Howard Gardening Story #4 – Khushboo and the Syntillating Spark

 

Howard Gardening Story #4 – Khushboo and the Syntillating Spark

Khushboo was one of our top performers — sharp, dependable, full of life.

But there was more to her than just performance metrics.

She was a livewire in our internal events community, Syntillations. The moment an event was announced, she’d be buzzing with ideas, colors, themes, and that contagious energy that made things sparkle. 

Somehow, deep inside, I always felt — this one’s going to be an entrepreneur.

And sure enough, one day, she left. Started her own event management company.

When I met her last, she had that unmistakable glow — the glow of someone who had found her flow. She looked a true blue entrepreneur — confident, creative, in command.

And I couldn't help but wonder…

What if we, in HR, had zoomed in closer?

What if we’d created space for her to lead experience-design across the company — not just events, but onboarding, engagement, internal branding?

Back then, CSR wasn’t as structured. But had it been today — could we have created a social impact platform around her?

One where she could have designed magic for schools, NGOs, public events — powered by employees?

✨ Because people like Khushboo don’t just manage events. They create movement. They shape belonging.

To my HR and CSR leader friends reading this — do you have a Khushboo in your midst?

If so, celebrate. She can enhance your brand.

And let’s make sure the next Khushboo doesn't just walk away — but walks ahead with us.

Would love to hear your stories too. Just call me.

#HowardGardening #CSR