Women In Marketing 2024 Edition ft. Prachi Ahuja from Adobe
Prachi Ahuja, a Marketing and Sales Manager at Adobe, was born in Delhi, is a polyglot, discovered her passion for marketing as a social media intern, believes in the importance of both MOOCs and traditional learning, and values regular check-ins for a harmonious hybrid work setup; by the way, do make sure to check out Gulati’s Restaurant for some of the best butter chicken. Welcome to Women In Marketing
Personal Background:
Thanks for taking the time to participate in our ‘Women In Marketing’ feature. Where were you born, and what childhood memories stand out for you?
I was born and raised in the vibrant capital city of Delhi, India, a place that has always inspired me with its stunning architecture, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Growing up in such a dynamic environment immersed me in diverse perspectives and brilliant minds, which sparked my curiosity and passion for learning.
My childhood was filled with unforgettable moments, but my mother had the most profound influence on my life. She has always been my greatest motivation, encouraging me to explore new skills and languages and to embrace every opportunity. Her belief in me has been a driving force, instilling a sense of resilience and a love for knowledge.
One of my favourite memories is when I attempted to hide my exam grades from her, terrified of her reaction. As I grew older, I learned that those grades didn’t define my worth or potential. Instead, my honesty, gratitude, and kindness truly shaped my character. This realisation was pivotal, teaching me that our true abilities often reflect how we treat others and respond to challenges.
I carry those lessons with me every day, using them as a foundation for my personal growth and my career in marketing. I’m excited to continue this journey and to inspire others along the way!
What’s your favourite meal that you wouldn’t share with anyone
If you haven’t tried the butter chicken at Gulati’s Restaurant in Delhi, you’re missing out—it’s incredible!
What would be your plans for a sudden $10 million windfall if you were to receive it tomorrow?
I will buy all the Nike Jordans and Louis Vuitton Bag collections from around the world – Jkkk Hahaha.
If I suddenly found myself with a $10 million windfall tomorrow, I would let it sink in because that kind of money can change everything. My first step would be to consult with a financial advisor to map out an intelligent plan for managing the funds. Clearing any debts would be a top priority, as there’s something incredibly freeing about starting fresh. I’d then focus on investing a significant portion in a mix of stocks, bonds, and real estate to ensure long-term growth.
A solid emergency fund would also be crucial for peace of mind. I believe in giving back, so I’d allocate some funds to causes I care about, whether education, healthcare, or environmental initiatives. Investing in my personal growth would be necessary, too, perhaps through classes or workshops that spark my interest.
On the fun side, I’d love to set aside money for travel to explore new places and cultures, creating unforgettable experiences along the way. Lastly, I’d consider supporting local businesses or initiatives that could use a boost. Overall, I would aim to enjoy this windfall responsibly, making choices that lead to long-term happiness and fulfilment.
Can you share an interesting fact or hidden talent not found on your LinkedIn profile? Previous Women in Marketing candidate Anastasia Hamel says that she can breathe fire!
I’m proud to say that I can speak seven languages! One of the coolest things about myself is that I can mimic the sounds of different birds—I can chirp in a very literal sense!
I have an extensive collection of shoes and bags, which I love! I also enjoy collecting fridge magnets from all the places I travel. I aim to fill my fridge with these little souvenirs soon—maybe that $10 million windfall from earlier could help me with that! Haha!
Career and Work:
How do you typically start your day, and are you #TeamCoffee, #TeamTea, or both?
Coffee and I are best friends forever! I can’t function without it—it’s fuel for my brain. Honestly, I’m a bit worried about what society would think if they knew that, being an Indian, I’d never even tasted tea! Hahaha
There’s a funny story behind it: when I was a kid, my mom used to tell me that if a child drinks tea, a tree would grow on their head. Ever since then, I’ve had no desire to try it!
What inspired you to pursue a career in marketing? Didn’t the “I want to become a doctor” bug bite you?
I remember those school essays that started with “I want to become a doctor, pilot, teacher, and so on.” Honestly, I never imagined forming such a strong bond with marketing! I’ve always been a creative person who thinks outside—or even beyond—the box.
I can vividly recall my early days as a social media intern. It was a role I loved; who wouldn’t enjoy connecting with people online? That experience sparked an incredible journey for me. From there, I progressed to managing a team of interns, which was both challenging and rewarding. I experimented with various marketing strategies, and while some didn’t quite hit the mark, others became huge successes and earned me plenty of recognition.
Now, I’ve expanded my expertise beyond social media. I’m diving into account-based marketing (ABM) event marketing, and I’m enjoying the new challenges in product marketing. It’s incredible to see how far I’ve come—from that eager intern to a pro marketer navigating this dynamic field. I’m excited about where this journey will take me next!
You hold an MBA from NNIMS (You Go, Girl!!). Considering the rise of online educational platforms like Coursera and Google Skillshop, how do you foresee the future of tertiary-based education?
Given the rise of online platforms like Coursera and Google Skillshop, the future of tertiary education will be dynamic. Traditional degrees will still hold value, but I see a shift toward a more blended approach.
Students will likely combine formal education with online learning to tailor their skills to specific industries. This flexibility allows for a more personalised education that can adapt to the fast-paced job market. Employers increasingly recognise the importance of skills over degrees, so those who take advantage of traditional and online learning will have a competitive edge.
In the end, I believe we’ll see a more diverse landscape where various learning paths coexist, and that can only be a good thing for everyone looking to grow and adapt!
Many industries had to create systems overnight that would enable their respective workforces to work from home due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s your perspective on remote and hybrid work, and how have you dealt with its challenges? Do you have a preference?
The shift to remote and hybrid work has been a significant transformation for many industries, opening up many new possibilities. Remote work offers incredible flexibility and can lead to a better work-life balance. It’s also expanded the talent pool, allowing companies to hire from anywhere.
However, it comes with challenges, like maintaining team cohesion and communication. I’ve found that regular check-ins and virtual team-building activities help bridge that gap. It’s essential to create a sense of connection even when working from different locations.
As for a preference, I lean toward a hybrid model. It combines the best of both worlds—allowing for in-person collaboration and social interaction while still offering the flexibility of remote work. This way, I can enjoy focused work at home and benefit from the creativity and energy of being in the office with my team. Ultimately, finding the right balance is critical to productivity and job satisfaction!
AI is the hot topic of the day, most specifically, generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. How do you address the challenges you face in your day-to-day responsibilities? Any specific tools you’d like to plug us with?
AI, especially generative tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, is a hot topic right now! In my day-to-day responsibilities, these tools can enhance productivity and creativity. For example, I often use AI to brainstorm ideas, draft content, or even analyse data trends, which saves me a lot of time and helps me think outside the box.
One of the main challenges is ensuring that the output is aligned with my projects’ context and specific needs. To tackle this, I provide clear and detailed prompts when using AI tools, which helps improve the relevance and accuracy of the results.
As for specific tools, I’d recommend ChatGPT for drafting and refining written content. I also find tools like Canva helpful for creating visually appealing presentations or social media posts, as they integrate AI features for design suggestions. Lastly, project management tools like Trello or Asana are great for keeping everything organised, especially in a remote or hybrid work setup.
Also, when in marketing, you can’t leave Hubspot, your dearest friend, behind.
Overall, leveraging these AI tools has helped streamline my workflow and tackle challenges more effectively!
According to the WEF, the pandemic caused a 4.2% reduction in women’s employment compared to 3% of men (from 2019 to 2020). How can organisations better support women and mothers, especially in light of the pandemic’s impact on women in the workplace?
The pandemic’s impact on women’s employment has been significant, highlighting the need for organisations to take proactive steps in supporting women and mothers in the workplace. Here are a few ways organisations can make a meaningful difference:
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible hours and remote work options can help women, especially mothers, manage their responsibilities more effectively. This flexibility allows them to balance work with family needs, which is crucial.
- Parental Leave Policies: Giving both mothers and fathers generous parental leave policies encourages shared responsibility at home. This can alleviate some pressures on women to handle childcare and household tasks alone.
- Career Development Opportunities: Organisations should prioritise mentorship and sponsorship programs for women. Providing resources for skill development and advancement can help them regain confidence and thrive in their careers.
- Mental Health Support: Recognizing the mental health challenges many women face due to added stress from caregiving and work can be vital. Providing access to mental health resources and promoting a culture of well-being is essential.
- Childcare Support: Offering childcare solutions, such as partnerships with local childcare providers or on-site childcare, can significantly ease the burden on working mothers and enable them to focus on their careers.
- Inclusive Company Culture: Fostering an inclusive culture where women feel valued and supported is crucial. Encouraging open discussions about women’s challenges can lead to better understanding and more robust support systems.
By taking these steps, organisations can create a more equitable workplace that empowers women and helps them thrive, particularly during the pandemic’s challenges.
2024 and Beyond:
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush—just like the sun and the moon shine when it’s their time, you, too, have your moments to shine. Remember, you can’t have it all at once; achieving your goals requires hard work, intelligent strategies, and unwavering dedication.
Everything is Hard-choose your hard wisely. After all, nothing worthwhile comes easy! Embrace the journey, put in the effort, and trust that your time will come.
What are your personal or professional goals and aspirations for the future?
My personal and professional goals for the future are centred around growth and impact. On a personal level, I aspire to continue developing my skills and knowledge by pursuing further education or certifications that align with my interests. I also want to travel more and experience different cultures and perspectives that enrich my world understanding.
Professionally, I aim to take on leadership roles where I can mentor and inspire others, helping to foster a collaborative and innovative work environment. I want to deepen my expertise in marketing and explore emerging trends, particularly in areas like digital marketing and AI integration. Ultimately, I aim to make a meaningful impact in my field, contributing to projects that drive positive change and resonate with audiences.
By blending my personal and professional aspirations, I can create a fulfilling and balanced life that allows me to grow while making a difference!
Who are some of your sheroes?
- Parveen Ahuja, Founder of My Life (P.s My Mother, Haha)
- Melanie Perkins, Co-founder of Canva
- Karen Lynch, CEO of CVS
- Falguni Nayyer, CEO of Nykaa
- Julie Sweet, Chair & CEO, Accenture
- Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCLTech
- Richa Kar, founder and CEO of Zivame
- Whitney Wolfe Herd, Co-founder, Bumble
- Oprah Winfrey, CEO of OWN
- Emily Weiss, CEO & Founder of Glossier
What are you currently reading, and how do you consume your content?
I’m reading ‘The Greatest Salesman in the World’ by Og Mandino. This book serves as a guide to the philosophy of salesmanship and success, telling the inspiring story of Hafid, a humble camel boy who rises to achieve a life of abundance.
As an old-school person, I love reading paperback books. There’s something incredibly satisfying about holding a book and immersing myself in it—especially the fragrance of a new book!
You wake up one day, and before you know it, you are nearing retirement. What would you like your professional legacy to be? Furthermore, what do your colleagues and superiors admire about you the most?
If I woke up one day and realised I was nearing retirement, I would want my professional legacy to reflect a commitment to mentorship and innovation. I hope to be remembered for empowering others to reach their full potential and fostering a collaborative work environment where creativity thrives. I want to leave behind a culture that values continuous learning and adaptability.
As for what my colleagues and superiors admire about me, they appreciate my ability to listen and support others. They often mention my dedication to teamwork, my knack for problem-solving, and my passion for sharing knowledge and encouraging growth within the team. Ultimately, I want to be seen as someone who contributed to the success of projects and positively impacted the people around me.
Share a unique message for young professionals in the marketing industry.
To all the young professionals in the marketing industry: embrace your unique perspective and never underestimate the power of your voice. Creativity and adaptability are your greatest assets in a constantly evolving field. Don’t be afraid to take risks and think outside the box; some of the best ideas come from unconventional thinking.
Stay curious—continually seek out new trends, technologies, and insights. Networking is essential, so build relationships and learn from those around you. Remember, marketing is about understanding people, so listen to your audience and stay authentic in your messaging.
Lastly, be patient with yourself. Success takes time, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Keep pushing boundaries and believe in your ability to make an impact. The future of marketing is bright, and you are a vital part of it!
Thank you for your time, Prachi. We hope this interview will inspire future leaders and other Women in Marketing. How can people follow you and your company on social media?
You can follow me on the following social media channels:
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Thabiso Kgabung
As Managing Director at naughtybanana, I am responsible for leading and managing the organisation’s marketing strategies and business development. I am involved in driving brand awareness, customer acquisition, and revenue growth through effective marketing initiatives, market research, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. I have experience working with clients in various industries such as defi, crypto, music and events, consumer packaged goods to name a few. I am passionate about entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving which help me stay updated on industry trends and foster innovation to drive the organization’s competitive advantage in the market.
