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John Lewis Partnership
Taj’s Story
Partner & Organisation & People Change Manager
When I first looked at joining the Partnership, I was immediately drawn to its reputation for genuinely caring about its people. The co-ownership model isn’t just a concept; it creates a true sense of belonging.
Since taking on my role as Organisation & People Change Manager, my experience has been fantastic. What I love most about my team and the unique culture here is the collaborative spirit. It is an environment where everyone’s voice is heard, allowing you to just be your authentic self – because it is within that diversity of background, culture, and thought that we truly thrive.

My heritage is a huge part of who I am, and I am incredibly proud to bring my culture’s values of selfless service, community, and a strong work ethic to the Partnership. These values influence everything I do. They ground me when navigating extreme complexity, enabling me to bring clarity to ambiguous areas and approach challenges calmly and professionally. Whether I am fostering great teamwork or driving hard to meet project deadlines, these principles empower me to show up as my authentic self every day.
This July for South Asian Heritage Month, I plan to celebrate by attending Unity Network events, sharing stories with my colleagues, and spreading awareness. It is a brilliant opportunity to learn from each other and celebrate the beautiful diversity within the Partnership.
A massive highlight for me has been reaching my 60-day milestone with the Partnership and achieving key project deliverables within such a short space of time. In just two months, I have been able to make tangible improvements to my projects, consistently hit key deadlines, and connect with a number of inspiring senior leaders.
My advice to future Partners would be:
- Be authentically you: We value diverse perspectives and want to see the real you during the interview process – when you do that, you will naturally shine!
- Embrace the culture: Take the time to understand what it means to be an employee-owner; it changes the way you work, collaborate, and invest in the business.
- Be curious: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, constructively challenge, build your network, and take advantage of the amazing development opportunities here.
Happy South Asian Heritage Month!