Ankur Aggarwal

As a kid, my mother unknowingly taught me a lesson that shapes my decisions even today.

Remember when you were a kid? You'd break a glass and be so petrified that you would hastily clean up so that your mother doesn't find out?

I did that too, but it all was in vain, because mothers eventually do find out. 

But instead of getting angry, she said something that has stuck with me ever since:

“Always tell the truth—especially when you don’t want to. That’s when it matters the most.“

It sounded simple at the time. But over the years, I’ve come to realize the weight of that lesson.

Telling the truth when the stakes are low is easy.

But when there’s risk involved—of embarrassment, of loss, of consequence—that’s when integrity is tested.

It is those moments that define who we are as people and as leaders.

In business, too, trust is built not in our successes, but in how we handle setbacks.

Whether it’s with customers, partners, or teams—transparency in tough times earns you more respect than perfection ever could.

Character isn't built when it's convenient—it's built when it's hard.

What's that one lesson for you?

#lesson #growth #business #entrepreneurship