Simeran Bhasin and I go back to 2007, which is when we worked together for the first time.
I, as Account Director at Lintas Bangalore and she, as my client at Fastrack. Over the years Simeran has grown from being my client to a much respected colleague, sounding board and now a friend.
We have created some stellar work together and been solid partners to each other. From the memorable campaigns on Fastrack to Licious to the very recent launch of the plant-based meat Uncrave.
Over the years I have witnessed Simeran grow as a manager and as a leader. She is someone who strongly believes in democratic decision making and taking her extended team along. But make no mistake… she is and always was fiercely opinionated. If she is convinced about something and you are on the other side of the table, it’s safe to assume that you will need all your debating skills, knowledge and conviction to get her to relent. But again, on the occasions that I have won debates with her, she has turned out to be the biggest ally.
A natural leader, Simeran has inspired many young professionals, both in her working environment, as well as mine. I remember at almost all our engagements; it would be difficult to say who was client and who was agency. Simeran ensured everyone in the room would have the ownership of the task at hand. And that I believe is her greatest strength as a manager, a leader and as a fellow human. She always led from the front. In fact I remember her leaving a role and joining a new place only to come back to the company she left. When I asked her why, she just said she missed “the pace and action”.
Of course she has won many awards and accolades in her professional life. But my take is that that’s largely because of who she is as a person – instinctive, fierce, unafraid to fail and an out and out leader of the pack from the front. That’s Simeran’s ‘own way’!
As an old friend and colleague, not only can I say that recognition for Simeran is a truly well deserved one, but I am also honoured to be the chosen one to pen down this acclaim.
(Simeran Bhasin is Head – Alternative Protein, Licious. The author is Co-founder and Group Chief Growth Officer, Quotient Ventures, which houses Tilt and Vector Brand Solutions, and StudioQ.)
