Sheetal Vanwari is CMO, Awfis Space Solutions Ltd. She is a seasoned professional with a diverse trajectory that reflects her passion for exploration and growth. With a career in marketing and advertising, her journey underscores a dedication to her craft and expertise.
Over the span of seven years with Awfis Space Solutions Limited, she has held positions, notably serving as Vice President of Marketing and later as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Since March 2023, she has assumed the pivotal role of Chief Marketing Officer, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey. In her new role, she spearheads the company’s marketing endeavors, showcasing her ongoing development and leadership within the organisation. She has been actively involved in establishing processes, fostering community engagement, orchestrating event launches, managing PR activities, executing BTL advertising campaigns, overseeing digital and performance marketing initiatives, managing social media platforms, and driving thought leadership initiatives.
She embarked on her academic journey by earning a degree in English Literature, which laid the foundation for her subsequent career path as a Communication and Soft Skills Trainer within the corporate realm. Her transition into the field of advertising was a deliberate choice fueled by her passion for writing. Progressing from roles as a Jr. Copywriter to eventually becoming a Creative Director, she immersed herself in the nuances of brand communication, honing her skills in understanding consumer psychology and proficiently communicating across diverse mediums. With a portfolio spanning industries including E-Commerce and FMCG brands, Sheetal has made contributions to campaigns. Her professional experience includes tenure with companies such as Leo Burnett and Webchutney, alongside a brief stint in a residential real estate firm.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day that was celebrated this month Medianews4u.com caught up with Sheetal Vanwari, CMO, Awfis Space Solutions Ltd
Q. Could you talk about the activities that Awfis did on the occasion of International Women’s Day?
At Awfis, we don’t view Women’s Day through the lens of a single day, but as a part of an ongoing culture built on inclusivity. For us, inclusivity is more than just a value—it is our strength. We take pride in fostering a workplace where women excel as leaders, innovators, and changemakers across key functions, including Operations, Sales, Finance, Marketing, HR, Legal, Real Estate, and Procurement. Their contributions are invaluable in driving our success.
Our recognition as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for five consecutive years and our place among ‘India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women’ reflect our unwavering commitment to building a culture of opportunity and growth for all. But beyond these accolades, we see this as a responsibility—one that drives us to push boundaries, champion inclusivity, and create pathways for women to lead at every level.
Like every year, on Women’s Day, a series of engaging activities were organised across our centers in multiple cities to celebrate and honour women in our community. A keynote speech highlighted the importance of inclusivity and the continuous progress toward equality. Participants took part in interactive sessions, insightful discussions, and fun celebrations. The activities recognise and cater to the multifaceted women who work with us by engaging them at a cerebral level along with creating opportunities to have fun and network. The events also encouraged creative expression, providing a platform for individuals to share their perspectives and inspire each other.
Q. As a woman what have been the challenges faced in advancing to a senior leadership position?
Moving to a senior leadership position comes with its set of challenges for every person, and the only way anyone makes it is with a lot of support, at a personal and professional level. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have mentors and leaders who have been invested in my growth, showed me the path to success and helped me along the way.
Similarly, having a supportive family and partner have played a crucial role in overcoming challenges of managing home, work, and personal time. The biggest challenge as a woman is to have the self-belief and confidence to go for what I want, to believe I deserve it and speak up for myself rather than let only my work speak for itself.
Q. What words of advice do you have for women who are climbing the corporate ladder?
Women professionals often receive an overwhelming amount of advice, so my only suggestion is to gain clarity on their goals and pursue opportunities that align with them. Likewise, effective leadership isn’t about conforming to stereotypes or predefined expectations of what a leader, a woman, or a woman leader should be. Instead, it’s about embracing authenticity and cultivating qualities that foster a positive and empowering work environment.
Q. Is work life balance important? How does Awfis ensure this for its female employees?
Work-life balance is not a one-size fits-all policy; it means different things to different people based on their life stage. At Awfis, we understand that maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional commitments needs flexibility at its core. Our wide network of centres in all key micromarkets means there are plenty work-near-home options for women when they need it. Likewise, there’s flexibility in choosing remote working or wfh when required with intimation to the reporting manager.
We believe that recreation plays a vital role in enhancing productivity and engagement. As part of this commitment, we regularly organise sporting events, festive celebrations, live performances, food fests, retail popups etc. Work-life integration doesn’t have to only begin at the end of a workday.
Q. What steps has Awfis taken to ensure that personal and professional growth for its female employees are at par with men?
At Awfis, we are committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace where female employees have the same opportunities for personal and professional growth as their male counterparts. We have implemented several initiatives to ensure that women can thrive, lead, and succeed at every stage of their careers.
Our approach includes:
- Equal Growth Opportunities – We follow a merit-based culture that ensures fair access to promotions, leadership roles, and career advancement programs.
- Mentorship And Leadership Development – We offer mentorship programmes, networking events, and leadership training to empower women to take on senior roles and decision-making positions.
- Workplace Flexibility – Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, we provide hybrid work models, flexible hours, and the option to work from nearby centres to accommodate diverse personal and professional needs.
- Diversity And Inclusion Initiatives – As part of our commitment to gender equality, we actively work towards improving gender representation at all levels of the organisation.
- Well-Being And Support Programmes – We prioritise the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our female employees by offering counselling support, wellness initiatives, and an inclusive work environment.
By integrating these initiatives, Awfis ensures that women are not just part of the workforce but are empowered to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change within the organisation.
Ensuring the safety and security of women in the workplace is one of our top priorities. We take proactive measures to safeguard our women teammates:
Transportation: For women working late, we provide fully reimbursed cab services, ensuring safe and reliable transportation to and from work. This initiative supports a secure work environment where women feel safe traveling to and from the office, especially during late hours.
Safe Workplace Culture: We foster a culture of mutual respect, encouraging both men and women to work together to eliminate gender-based violence, discrimination, and harassment in all forms. This reinforces our belief that women should feel comfortable and secure in all aspects of their work life.
Q. Does Awfis encourage women to push their limits and challenge societal norms which can be regressive?
We are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and empowering workspace where women can break barriers and challenge societal norms. We recognize that a progressive work environment is key to encouraging women to push boundaries and realise their full potential.
Our spaces are designed to be professional, respectful, and supportive, allowing women to work with confidence. With flexible working hours, options to work from nearby centres, and tailored facilities, we help women seamlessly balance their careers and personal commitments.
To further support our women colleagues, we encourage them to participate in leadership programmes, networking events, and mentorship opportunities. At Awfis, we champion a merit-based culture that encourages women to innovate, take on leadership roles, and excel with confidence. By redefining traditional work structures, Awfis fosters an environment where women can thrive, collaborate, and shape their own success stories.
Q. Does Awfis promote the hybrid work culture for its female employees and female employees of companies it works with, especially for those with children?
With multiple locations, centres and thoughtfully designed workspaces, we create an environment where women can seamlessly integrate their careers and family lives without compromising on either. Many of our centres also offer dedicated mothers’ rooms, providing a comfortable space for new and young mothers to work efficiently. By championing work-life balance through creating flexibility, Awfis ensures that women don’t have to choose between personal responsibilities and professional success—they can truly thrive in both.
Q. Does Awfis sometimes encourage female employees to take a sabbatical to explore other interests or for their mental well-being or after they have given birth?
We recognise that personal growth, mental well-being, and life transitions play a crucial role in a fulfilling career. We strongly support our female employees’ need for flexibility, which could mean taking or extending a break from work.
We believe that stepping away from work when needed can lead to personal rejuvenation, fresh perspectives, and long-term professional success. As an organisation, we strongly support education and have granted sabbaticals to promote continuous learning. Our workplace culture ensures that women feel valued and empowered to make choices that align with their personal and professional aspirations. By fostering a culture that prioritises work-life balance, Awfis enables women to return stronger, more inspired, and ready to excel.
Q. When you look at Gen Z female employees entering the workforce are their expectations different from older generations like millenials and Gen Y?
Gen Z is defined by its idealistic outlook, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, social progress, and environmental responsibility.
We have observed a notable shift in workplace priorities between Gen Z and older generations such as Millennials and Gen Y. While previous generations often prioritised career advancement and financial stability, Gen Z women place greater emphasis on work-life balance, flexibility, and purpose-driven work. They expect a seamless integration of personal and professional life, valuing well-being, inclusivity, and social responsibility in their work environments.
In 2023, we published a report on workplace preferences among Gen Z and Millennials, which revealed that Collaboration is a priority for Gen Z and Millennials, whereas better work infrastructure, quiet spaces, and improved work-life balance are more compelling reasons for older generations to work in an office. The report highlighted how workplace preferences are evolving across generations, reinforcing the need for adaptive, inclusive, and flexible work environments that cater to diverse professional expectations.
