HTTPS   |   5 minute read

10 Questions with Meghna Chand, Global Account Manager

meg

All three editions of ’10 Questions with…’ at TradeGecko to date have been with the men, nothing wrong with that of course, especially when we have the likes of the (very) colorful Suresh.

Well it's time to change that!

In the first (of many) interviews with Geckos of the ‘fairer’ sex, we have Meghna Chand – resident TradeGecko ‘baby’, and sales superstar.

So who's Meghna, and why should we care?

Having grown up across the world, when I graduated (with a degree in Economics and International Development from Canada’s McGill University) I literally had zero idea what to do with my life.

I had interned at Kraft Foods (consumer insights) and PayPal (new ventures), but I just did not see myself doing that long-term. Deciding to come back to Asia, I applied for jobs on LinkedIn, and that’s pretty much how I landed up here!

As to why you should care… well hmm I’m energetic, sociable, witty, and intelligent. If that’s not enough, I also bring a ton of good vibes and good energy! I’m also super athletic, and really into sports like tennis, swimming and soccer. In fact, I used to play tennis at a varsity level, would say I was pretty good at it!

I guess this came from my parents – my dad used to run marathons, while my mum’s been a really big golfer for 35 years now.

Rumor has it that you're (literally) a baby. Are you even of legal drinking age?

Yes, of course I am – but everybody treats me like the office baby for some reason!

It’s probably because I’m the youngest… but should anything happen to me, everyone always comes rushing over to talk to me “Are you fine?” and so on.

But come on guys, I’m literally just a few years younger than some of you (1992 baby)! At the end of the day though, if that means everybody’s checking on me I guess I can’t complain… It’s actually quite funny!

You've studied in Canada, Singapore and Seoul, and lived across the world. What's your favorite 'home' been and why?

Where do we even start… I was born in Delhi, and moved to Papua New Guinea when I was just six months old for three years. It was then back to Delhi, on to Bombay, and back to Delhi again. We then moved to Dubai, on to Colombo, Singapore, Korea, Singapore again, and Canada for my studies.

Yes, my life journey has been in complete shambles, and I blame my parents!

But no seriously though, it’s been fun, and I’ve really enjoyed the life I’ve been fortunate enough to have so far.

My favorite ‘home’ however would definitely be Singapore, and that’s why I’m back. It’s a great, easy city to live in, and I love my freedom and independence here. Not going to lie, the most important factor is definitely the food though!

You leave Singapore, and then you realize how good it is and that you just HAVE to come back.

chicken rice

You can literally get EVERYTHING in a hawker here. And where else am I going to get my chicken rice???

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them?

I don't think there's one person that sticks out for me.

I'll probably want to meet a musician - but I want to see them perform.

I totally want to meet James Morrison, and just watch and enjoy his showmanship. Love his mellow, relaxing music - it's the kind of stuff I like.

His voice is killer awesome, the raspiness - it's just really really soulful.

Who do you follow on Instagram? First five names that come to mind.

@NatGeo – Love the beautiful travel pictures!

@TSA – This account is awesome, simply to view the absolutely bizarre things that people try to check in!

@ManRepeller – She’s just ridiculously awesome. The most insane shoe collection I’ve ever seen, and stuff like that. I love it because that’s just not usually my style at all!

@MindyKaling – Because who doesn’t love Mindy Kaling?

@Gertstilithurts– This is something different, that of my alma mater's bar. I miss college so much, having only gradated last year. Great memories, nice looking through the same events etc and even seeing some familiar faces.

What were the last three items on your credit card statement?

Starbucks, Zara and Sushi Tei – super basic I know.

They are also probably the places where I spend the most money.

C’mon, food, coffee and clothes, what else should a girl spend money on??

Taylor Swift - Tormented, psychotic girlfriend from hell, or once-in-a-lifetime musical genius?

taylor swift

Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime musical genius, her songs and music are just so catchy!

She should actually date more people, so that she breaks up more often and writes even more awesome music.

Here’s a funny story – when ‘Out of the Woods’ her new single first came out, Ruoshan (Inbound Marketing) and I would literally talk to each other, to start the song on YouTube at the same time!

Yeah, it was on repeat that entire day...

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

I could probably never say it when I was a kid.

But seriously, what sort of answer are you even expecting?

Like what the hell am I supposed to say???!

* Editor's note: This.

What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

Hmmm this is a tough one.

I love music, but I’m the least musical person you’ll ever meet – I tried playing the saxophone, trumpet (which is a ‘boy’ instrument I know, I look like a 12 year old boy when I play it) and the piano. I actually had lessons for them all, but I still really sucked at all of them. Which is sad.

Can you help me pick a filter? I don't know if I should go with XX Pro or Valencia.

selfie

I love that song! They actually left out the best filter though - Amaro, which I'm a BIG fan of.

* Editor's note: Meghna once did a KILLER impression of The Chainsmokers' 'Selfie' in our office.

 

Have a globe-trotting story to swap with Meghna? Or thoughts on the best filters for #instagram? Hit her up at meghna@tradegecko.com.

See also:

10 questions with Gherry Harahap, Software Engineer

10 questions with Suresh Kumar, Customer Support Manager

10 questions with Gabi Perry, VP of Customer Success