This Women’s day Medianews4u.com is acknowledging some women leaders of the Media, Marketing, Broadcast and Advertising fraternity who have given more than expected.
Presenting to you Women leaders from Viacom18, who share their experiences of breaking the gender stereotypes and how they continue to inspire many other women who are true leaders in the making.
Nina Elavia Jaipuria: Head, Hindi and Kids TV Network, Viacom18
Over the last decade, women have broken stereotypes in this industry both behind the curtain and on the screen. They have become an inspiration for not just other women but for the nation at large. I have always experienced and witnessed equal and balanced relationships and the sharing of tasks both personally and professionally. For example, in my family, the breadwinner and the caregiver have no gender divide and that is my true #EachForEqual moment. Having said that, the world is not an ideal place and in order to make it #EachForEqual, we will have to consciously work at it to overcome stereotypes.
Inspiring Women
I believe in meritocracy – my motto being ‘May the best person Win’ . Thus, I would advice aspiring women to ensure equal opportunity and support to all their team members and having an unbiased view so that each will get what is due to him or her. However, in order to make the world #EachForEqual we will have to take steps towards being more inclusive. For Instance, the body clock and career clock of a woman are in conflict and we must embrace that reality so that young mothers can maintain heathy balance between work and home. This approach would help build strong organisation with great work culture.
Sapangeet Rajwant: Head- Marketing and Digital- Hindi Mass Entertainment and Head of Brand Solutions, Viacom18
I have been a stern believer of the idea that we should have equal opportunities for all and hence I closely resonate with the campaign #EachForEqual. My moment for the same comes right at the start, when we plan our strategies for hiring. We make sure we calculate our workforce needs, keeping in mind that we have equal opportunities for all genders.
Talking about breaking stereotypes, Indian women are a beautiful example of how we create a work life balance.
At Viacom18, we are always working together towards shattering stereotypes and helping each other overcome barriers.
Inspiring Women
I would tell all aspiring women leaders to believe in themselves and not give up hope. While the world will scare you about various things like how ‘women in leadership positions create an imbalance for home’ or how ‘they deny their responsibilities towards communities and societies’, do not listen! Whichever be your barrier, fight it and prove them wrong because if you can dream of being there, you can do it.
Sonia Huria: Head, Corporate Marketing, Communications and Sustainability, Viacom18
Stereotypes exist only when we bring them to power. At Viacom18 and our industry, we have a lot of women in action and quite a few of them in powerful positions. So when we integrate with each other and work towards empowering ourselves, we tend to break all our pigeonholes. My #EachForEqual moment is being able to be lead from the front and getting relevant opportunities from my bosses and mentors only on the basis of merit.
Inspiring Women
For young aspiring women leaders who are entering the workforce, my single and most important message is to never be sorry for expressing your opinion. Be contrarian, confident and keep a no-give-up attitude. Every woman must be assertive about her point of view and ambitious in what she wants to achieve.
As one progresses in a professional career, we face situations that need a winning attitude. Let us keep the workplace gender-neutral and nurture all young leaders as professionals.
