If you could attribute one other person or life event to your success, who or what would it be and why?
Quitting journalism was a pivotal moment for my success. During my time as a photojournalism student in University, I worked as a part-time stringer for national dailies. In my final year, I found myself covering a significant anti-government protest and submitted my story to one of India’s top and highly respected newspapers. They accepted it. However, when the article was published, it bore little resemblance to the truth—I discovered that the photos had been manipulated, and the text was rewritten to align with the government’s agenda. This experience shattered my faith in Indian investigative journalism, leading me to make a bold decision: I shifted my focus to advertising. In this new field, I believed my ideas could be expressed authentically, without compromising their essence. This shift proved to be a turning point, as it enabled my ideas to flourish and contributed significantly to my subsequent success.
What is the number one quality you look for in talent?
Adaptability: The creative industry is constantly evolving and changing, so individuals who are flexible and adaptable are certainly better equipped to navigate these fresh challenges.
What is something the industry isn’t paying attention to that they should?
Mental health.
What is the very best career advice you’ve ever received?
Care about what you do, and do what you care about.
What part of your role as a leader do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect of my role as a leader is discovering the perfect fit for each team member and witnessing their remarkable growth. I’ve come to understand that it’s not always a matter of unwillingness; it can simply be a case of individuals being unable to perform certain tasks.
What are you most proud of in the last 12 months? Or, what milestones do you most look forward to over the next 12 months?
What ignites my fire within the past 12 months is still a work in progress. Hush-hush, for now, can’t spill the beans just yet. But mark my words, this ground-breaking idea will reshape the very fabric of possibilities for Indian women in STEM, empowering them to not only enter but thrive in this domain. It’s a force so potent, it will make waves that reverberate across the subcontinent. Brace yourselves!
What has been the most challenging moment so far in your career?
Uprooting myself and venturing across borders. A bold leap into the unknown. Grappling with diverse cultures, befriending strangers. A rollercoaster ride of unraveling norms and forging fresh connections.
