Women leaders bring more proficiency to the table: Rima Kirtikar

We, at Adgully, have always saluted and honoured women managers and leaders across diverse fields. Last year, we launched our unique and distinct program, called WOMEN DISRUPTORS, which drew a lot of attention and was highly appreciated by the industry. W-SUITE is a special initiative from Adgully that has been turning the spotlight on some of the most remarkable women achievers in M&E, Advertising & Marketing, PR & Communication industry. In the refurbished series, we will find out how women leaders have been managing their teams and work as well as how they have been navigating through the toughest and most challenging times brought about by the global pandemic. 

In this interaction with Adgully, Rima Kirtikar, Chief Marketing Officer, Viviana Mall, highlights the challenges that working women are facing in the pandemic era, as well as how they are adapting to the changing environment.

How do you think the role and scope of women leaders has widened in the post-pandemic world?

• With difficult times, comes in more opportunities to work and prove one’s role
• Women have always been at par with men in various spheres of life, however, having an upper edge while multitasking & leading multiple fronts both personally as well as professionally
• The post-pandemic world demands for more skills, effective collaborations, team work, creativity & most importantly, empathy – which women leaders pursue better
• Women leaders bring more proficiency to the table, are better at problem solving, which is must to deal with the challenges set-in due to the sudden outbreak pandemic

The rapid transition to digital, an uncertain economic landscape, charting unknown waters, working from home with no modes of the usual contacts. How have you been navigating during the COVID-19 times? What were the challenges that you faced and how did you tackle them? 

• The pandemic was a challenge we were all unprepared for. The ability to be able to adapt at a speed and be prepared to unknown challenge was challenging yet exciting.
• One of the most challenging part was to manage, communicate and stay connected and relevant to our customers. For the same, digital platforms have played a major role. We hosted several events, workshops and contests for our customers through social media
• Being a Marketeer for a leading brand like Viviana Mall, the sudden lockdown demanded for new ideas and strategies we developed during the lockdown phase, to keep the business rolling

How challenging has it been for you to maintain a balance between managing the team & office work on the one hand and family responsibilities on the other as boundaries blurred while working from home? What is your mantra to maintain that balance?

• Quick adaptation to the changing environment and being open to change while preparing for the worst has only served as a mantra to get through with the tough times
• Moreover, being persistent about achieving the professional goals has helped me survive the bad times
• Most importantly, along with my colleagues and fellow mates, it is my family’s support, that has helped to effectively manage both my professional as well as personal responsibilities

Multiple studies have shown how women leaders performed better during the COVID-19 crisis. According to you, what makes women the best in crisis management?

• A woman’s ability to multitask and manage multiple things, by putting in her heart and soul to deal with the problems
• A woman’s ‘Do not give up’ attitude
• A woman’s ability to keep her calm and think rationally with the new challenges coming her way

What are the five most effective lessons that you have learned as a woman leader?

• Again, it is Never give-up
• When everyone is talking about the problem, be the one to find the solution.
• Don’t set limits for yourself
• Motivate your team through real transformation
• Acknowledge, appreciate and show empathy