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Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Vidya Mohan

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Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Vidya Mohan – Preeti Juneja Q. Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career, and why? My source of inspiration has varied depending on the phase of life I’ve been in. Most of the time, it has been colleagues turned friends who share similar values who’ve played a significant role in my journey. Spending time with nature also inspires me in unexpected ways. For eg: Hiking or Trekking has inspired me to let go of my fears, enjoy the journey and rely on myself till I reach my destination. Q. How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time? Initially, I would focus on setting goals and then do everything possible to collaborate along with the team and help deliver the best possible, which leans more towards ‘servant leadership style.’ Over the years, my leadership style has evolved to being more situational. Being agile to a particular situation, being clear and directional, being participative are some predominant traits. Q. What advice would you give young women looking to enter this field? Focus on developing authentic relations along with technical capabilities, which is the foundation for your career. Rest if you must, but never quit! Q. What skills do you think will be most important in the future? Communicating authentically, navigating ethical challenges around misinformation and data privacy Data analytics to tailor messaging and improve campaign effectiveness Content creation Strategic Thinking and problem solving Building relationships in a hybrid world Reputation management Crisis management On Leadership Lessons: Q. What is the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career so far? Humility, character, values and convictions are non-negotiables. Q. How do you approach failure, and what lessons have you learned from it? Well, I whine for a while, then talk to myself for hours and remind myself that I’m an eternal optimist. So, I dare to hope, talk to people who give me hope and then act. It’s just not in me to give up easily to any situation that seems like a failure. I have seen some brilliant people failing so I’ve learnt that failure is situational and does not define a person’s ability to succeed. It’s always a matter of choice whether you want to get consumed by failure or take a chance to learn from it. Q. What strategies do you use to build trust within your team? Trust is based on instincts and not strategies. It is built on the foundation of being yourself and feeling psychologically safe. Q. Can you explain how effective communication impacted your leadership experience? Whether it’s an organisational change or goal setting for the team, effective communication helps in building and maintaining trusted relationships, clarity in thought and action, resolving conflicts and achieving common goals. Q. How do you empower others to take on leadership roles within your team? I empower them by communicating openly about what I see as their strengths and areas of improvement at equal intervals to manage personal and professional expectations, encourage them take on ownership in projects where their strengths will give them the confidence to lead, provide them with necessary support in challenging situations, appreciate their contributions and trust them to collaborate and do their best. DREAMWEB INDIA IS GRATEFUL TO VIDYA MOHAN  FOR HER VALUABLE TIME TO THIS REMARKABLE INTERVIEW. WE WISH HER SUCCESS IN HER FUTURE ENDEAVOURS. Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for Vidya Mohan ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com About Author Vidya Mohan Vidya Mohan is Chief Corporate Communications, KPMG in India. She leads efforts in shaping the firm’s public image and managing its communication strategies. Proficient in crafting compelling narratives, managing crisis communications, executing integrated marketing strategies, fostering media relations, and leading corporate communication initiatives. 27th November 2024 Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women More Interviews Published by preetidwindia I’m an entrepreneur, a marketing specialist, and a blogger. I work to help companies, brands, people with marketing strategies. I envision everyone having a blog of their own. My efforts are focused on this vision. For this, I help my audience with blog set-up, content creation, and content marketing. View all posts by preetidwindia

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Shailja Saraswati Varghese

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‘ET Panache Woman of the Year 2024’ by the Economic Times; ‘2024 Woman Advertising Maven Award’ by Adtech Today She has trained corporate professionals and mentored young entrepreneurs in areas like Advertising, Marketing, Consumer Understanding, Branding, Social Media. She has published in International Journals and presented papers in national and international conferences and is involved in international joint research projects in the area of advertising. She is a visiting faculty at management institutes of repute in India and overseas. Her teaching, research and consultancy interests are in the area of Advertising, Branding, and Social Media. A passion for storytelling and media-fueled her journey into the content industry. Starting in television, Shailja gradually transitioned into digital media, where she continued to make significant strides. Beyond content creation, her interest in personal growth led her to mindfulness, where she now shares her insights as a trainer and motivational speaker.In addition to her media career, Shailja is deeply committed to yoga and meditation. She believes mindfulness is a crucial tool for enhancing well-being in both personal and professional spheres. Shailja frequently conducts workshops on integrating mindfulness into daily life, sharing her learnings through her YouTube channel, where she discusses inspiring personal growth and motivation topics. Her success story reflects the importance of perseverance, personal growth, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. Recently, her contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards such as the ‘2024 Woman Advertising Maven Award’ by Adtech Today and the ‘ET Panache Woman of the Year 2024’ by the Economic Times. Shailja Saraswati continues to be a force of inspiration, both in the media world and beyond, using her platform to spark change and empower women everywhere. Her success story reflects the importance of perseverance, personal growth, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. Recently, her contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards such as the ‘2024 Woman Advertising Maven Award’ by Adtech Today and the ‘ET Panache Woman of the Year 2024’ by the Economic Times. Shailja Saraswati continues to be a force of inspiration, both in the media world and beyond, using her platform to spark change and empower women everywhere. Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Shailja Saraswati – Preeti Juneja Q. What inspired you to launch “Unstoppable Woman”? “Unstoppable Woman” is a collaborative platform dedicated to empowering women and sharing impactful stories of resilience and success. My inspiration comes from my mother, mentors, and industry leaders who have championed innovation. My spiritual approach to life, combined with mindfulness and self-mastery, has been a guiding force in my personal and professional journey. Q. Every life story offers something significant. What in particular interests you and why? Women supporting one another to create a strong network for navigating both personal and professional challenges is what interests me. Through my podcast, Unstoppable Woman, I aim to amplify the voices of strong, determined women from diverse backgrounds, fostering a community of support and inspiration. The podcast serves as a platform for celebrating triumphs, overcoming adversity, and driving positive change. Through this platform, ‘Unstoppable Woman’, I feel women from all walks of life come together to share stories, learn, and uplift one another. Q. It’s been an incredible year for you, with honors like the ‘2024 Woman Advertising Maven Award’ by Adtech Today; ‘ET Panache Woman of the Year 2024’. What is your message to young professionals? My message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple yet powerful – stay true to your passion and never give up, no matter the challenges. I believe in the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in an ever-changing industry. Q. When and How did your spiritual journey begin? My spiritual journey kicked off very early on in childhood, but I took notice of it during a tough time in my life. This is when I actively turned to meditation and mindfulness, which opened doors to deeper spiritual exploration. It’s been a transformative experience for over 2 decades now that’s brought me inner peace and a renewed sense of purpose. This is fundamental to who I am and where I am headed. Q. What is the future of content marketing? What AI capabilities, tools and techniques do you use to enhance content in your professional space? The future of content marketing looks bright, primarily due to AI advancements. I utilize AI tools like GPT-4 for efficient content creation and predictive analytics to identify trends and optimize strategies. AI also enables hyper-personalization, tailoring content to engage specific audience segments, while SEO tools help enhance reach by analyzing keywords and user behavior. Overall, integrating AI enriches the quality and effectiveness of our content, making it an exciting time in the field. Rapid-Fire:  What are the essentials for hosting a good podcast? To create a successful podcast, I believe it’s essential to know your purpose and target audience, which takes time to develop. Planning engaging content with high audio quality is vital, along with maintaining consistency and relevance in your episodes. Authenticity goes a long way; being yourself helps foster a genuine connection with listeners. Additionally, seeking organic promotional strategies before diving into sponsorships can make a significant difference. 2. With the rise of video marketing, do you think long-form blogs are gradually becoming obsolete? Regarding blogs, I see them as timeless. They not only enhance SEO but also provide detailed insights that remain valuable. The evolution of content formats tends to cycle, and I believe blogs will continue to coexist with newer media, such as video. 3. One book everyone must read? I would recommend everyone read “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. It offers profound lessons on justice, morality, and empathy, themes that resonate strongly with us today. One-Liners: 1.Storytelling is: The heartbeat of communication; it transforms facts into relatable, unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply with our audience. 2. A not-to-be-missed daily routine for mental health & wellness is: Grounding yourself in gratitude—just a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for can shift your mindset and enhance your overall

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Padmashri Shovana Narayan

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Celebrating 75 Years: Shovana Narayan, India’s most celebrated Kathak Guru A multifaceted pioneer, Shovana has left an indelible mark as a performer, choreographer, guru, researcher, organizer, and author. Her performances, which blend deep-rooted classicism with innovative artistry, are celebrated for their freshness and social consciousness. Since her debut in 1954, she has mesmerized audiences across the globe at leading national and international festivals. Her shows before Heads of State have been lauded as ‘captivating,’ ‘sheer poetry,’ and ‘sublime joy transcending boundaries.’ Shovana Narayan is renowned for her unique contributions to Kathak and beyond. She seamlessly balanced dual careers as a professional dancer and an Indian Administrative Service (IAAS) officer, achieving excellence in both fields. Her work addresses various social issues, including environmental concerns, women’s rights, and human rights, showcasing her commitment to meaningful causes. She has pioneered contemporary interpretations of classical literature and mythology, engaged in inter-faith and intercultural dialogues, and introduced innovative dance genres. Her service on various academic and cultural committees further underscores her influential role in shaping contemporary Indian art. Shovana Narayan stands as a paragon of Kathak. Her eclectic taste, bold views, and luminous personality continue to inspire and challenge audiences across generations. Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Shovana Narayan – Preeti Juneja Reminiscing About My Childhood Days: Academics and Dance I come from a family with a rich cultural heritage, particularly on my mother’s side. Our family embraced all of Saraswati’s arts, including scholastics, performing arts, visual arts, and more— essentially, all sixty-four Kalas. Every child in the family was immersed in these arts and trained accordingly, though the direction they ultimately took depended on their interests. Besides music and the performing arts, my mother’s interests included literature in Sanskrit and Hindi, and I grew up surrounded by the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Puranas. When I was around four years old, brimming with the boundless energy typical of children, I was introduced to the world of dance. My first guru, Guru Sadhna Bose, the renowned dancer and actress of that era, was taken aback when she first saw me. She told my mother in Bengali, “You didn’t bring a child; You brought a baby!” Besides training in dance, I also attended formal schooling at Loreto Convent, Calcutta. I fully immersed myself in dance, and I loved academics as well. Dance became my aatma – my soul, while the other activities continued to nourish my mind. Interestingly, I was also introduced to classical music. However, I never took it seriously, and my sister never pursued it in dance. We were given the opportunity to explore various fields, but we both had a strong inclination towards scholastics as well. As a result, we followed two parallel paths – one in the arts and one in academics – and both have continued to shape our lives. Reminiscing About My Childhood Days: Family and Personal Interests Women supporting one another to create a strong network for navigating both personal and professional challenges is what interests me. Through my podcast, Unstoppable Woman, I aim to amplify the voices of strong, determined women from diverse backgrounds, fostering a community of support and inspiration. The podcast serves as a platform for celebrating triumphs, overcoming adversity, and driving positive change. Through this platform, ‘Unstoppable Woman’, I feel women from all walks of life come together to share stories, learn, and uplift one another. I don’t come from a family lineage of traditional artists. My grandfather, my Nanaji, was a prominent figure in Indian history, serving imprisonment in 1919 during the freedom struggle and serving in the Central Assembly from 1922-23. Originally from Bihar, he was a great freedom fighter, a prominent lawyer, and a zamindar. Tragically, “not only did he die in 1930, but his two sons also lost their lives in the struggle for independence”. His younger sister was one of the first four female members of the Bihar Assembly in 1937 and notable in her own right. Given this rich legacy of nationalism, it is no wonder that the Bhagavad Gita was deeply ingrained in our lives, often sung at home, and became a significant part of my upbringing. As a child while I was singing ‘वनिता की ममता न हुई…’ and ‘हिमाद्रि तुंग श्रृंग से प्रबुद्ध शुद्ध भारती’ while also ‘Baba, Black Sheep Have You Any Wool’. My reading varied widely from Jai Shankar Prasad’s modern Hindi literature to Enid Blyton’s children’s books, and later included Shakespeare. At school, I loved physics, anything related to mathematics, and logic. This interest led me to pursue a PhD in Physics. By then, I had become recognized as a solo professional dancer. At one point, I pursued two careers simultaneously: dance and civil service.Today, my interests range from archaeology and history to anything logical and analytical. Anecdote I: I was 26 years old when my father died in a train accident in 1977. The next day, I gave the Agni. Later, my sister collected the Asthi and then went to Haridwar to complete all the final rituals. My mother was strong and gave me the courage: ‘This sorrow will not go away, but life will go on.’ I went to Mathura to perform at the festival only a few days after the tragedy. My parents gave me all the opportunities, with the only condition being, “Whatever you do, don’t do it half-heartedly. Do it well. Do it with depth. Do it with dedication. Do it with honesty and sincerity.” My Relationship With My Mother I remember this lesson vividly, as if it had happened just yesterday. I was eight years old then, deeply immersed in my studies, when my mother, a strict disciplinarian, suddenly came in, closed my books, and told me to leave. I was taken aback and scared, wondering what I had done wrong. She told me, “You aren’t studying; your mind is wandering”. I don’t want to hear you say that you have studied for so many hours. Nothing would have gone into your mind if I had

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