Mumbai: Today, women are breaking the glass ceiling in every sector. Beyond all this, there still exists a patriarchal mindset. Not many women are in the C-suite taking important decisions. And, of course, there still exists pay parity.

This Women’s Day, we, at Indiantelevision.com, are acknowledging some women leaders of the media, marketing, and advertising fraternity and also from other professions, who have given more than expected.

Her Journey

I joined IdeateLabs as a Manager - Finance. I was always keen on widening my horizon, which led me to get involved across departments in-depth, which gave me 360 exposure to running a business. In a short span of 6 years, I was promoted to join the company board. Thus began my entrepreneurial journey. Today I am the second-largest shareholder, director, and business partner for multiple business ventures.

I manage a host of portfolios, including Corporate Affairs, Business Commercial, Corporate Finance, Risk Management, Legal and Compliance, among others, while also looking after the overall Business Operations of the group: I am dedicated, passionate and a growth-oriented professional-turned-intrapreneur with an ability to turn challenges into opportunities. I am fortunate to receive some industry-wide awards like the Women Disruptors Awards, Top 100 Digital Leaders and 40 Under 40, to name a few.

My long-standing passion for numbers started my professional journey as a math professor for various private coaching classes. Then, I decided to switch to the Finance field and was fortunate enough to capitalize on my experience. This eventually led me to develop an entrepreneurial spirit and pursue new and innovative ideas.

I have been involved in the industry for the past two decades, working for companies such as Reliance Infocomm, GroupM, and IdeateLabs. At Reliance Infocomm, I was responsible for automating and creating internal processes for the purchase of Broadband Products and Services. I was also part of GroupM's core team for its Specialist Units (all non-print) and led the creation of Commercial and MIS processes and automated several traditionally manual functions.

Her inspiration & inspiring the team

As a leader, I am committed to driving the team toward success, keeping them motivated, and encouraging them to follow their passion. I believe in setting an example for everyone by demonstrating positive leadership traits and creating an atmosphere of mutual trust. My journey from Manager-Finance to the second-largest shareholder and Director of the company within a short span is a testimony of how anyone can achieve success if they work toward it. I encourage my team to learn something new daily and expand their horizons.

I am known for taking risks and making the right decisions. With a great role comes greater responsibilities. I always had to make the right choices, no matter how challenging the situation. I have stuck to the path of righteousness and with the correct people. Taking a stand, raising my voice with integrity, and overcoming obstacles has always been my key trait.

I believe in learning lessons from failure. Failure is a nightmare for everyone. Every individual has a fear of failure. I have seen crises and adverse situations in my career, but I made it a point to learn from my mistakes and never repeat them. Passion and consistency keep me growing.

I am a people-oriented professional. I motivate my team to come up with their business ideas and facilitate them with whatever assistance they need to start their venture. It has enabled IdeateLabs to possess over 15 leaders in senior leadership positions, all running their own business units. It ensures the growth of innovative IPs and strengthens our positioning in the industry.

Empowerment of women

I believe in giving opportunities to deserving candidates irrespective of their age, gender, or experience. I keep my team highly motivated by pushing them beyond their boundaries. I strive to close the gender pay gap by ensuring the teams are paid based on the work they bring to the table. Women get equally paid and equal opportunities at IdeateLabs!

Our organization’s policies are formulated to support women, offering one-day menstruation leave every month; my priority is to create a safe working environment for women at the workplace, the team follows strict protocols, and I ensure that the women workforce at IdeateLabs equally participates in risk-taking and decision-making.

I am actively associated with a Mumbai-based charitable trust named SNSM. I contribute to various causes, such as healthcare and welfare for all, promoting education, and helping people in need in whatever way possible. As a woman, I know certain challenges women face; hence I am flexible in my approach.

My mantra is, when they can do it, you can do it better, adding the magic you have within you!