#WomenDisruptors: Be geared to navigate through constant changes in the industry

We, at Adgully, have always saluted and honoured women managers and leaders across diverse fields. ‘Women Disruptors’ is Adgully’s special initiative to bring to the fore some remarkable women achievers in M&E, Advertising, Marketing, Communications industries, how they think, how they manage things, how they lead from the front and much more.  

Sapangeet Rajwant, Head - Marketing, and Digital - Hindi Mass Entertainment & Head of Brand Solutions, Viacom18, has built and enhanced Colors and Colors Cineplex customer engagements across platforms and boosted customer engagements on all important platforms. In the course of her career, Rajwant has accumulated considerable experience in building brands and creating award winning 360-degree marketing campaigns. 

Rajwant is an acknowledged pioneer in entertainment marketing. She has set the template for the launch of iconic shows like ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘India’s Got Talent’ and ‘Dance Deewane’. The industry recognised her leadership through awards like the Buzziest Brand Award; Golden Award of Montreux, Switzerland; Promax Asia; Venice TV and Promax India. 

How do you inspire and motivate your employees as a leader of your organisation?
I believe that the true potential of an employee can only be tapped if you give them opportunities for holistic self-development. I also believe that failure should never be punished, in fact, it’s the right time for a leader to pull the team together and focus on their learning. Personally, I ensure that my team works in a pleasant workplace, wherein no idea is judged and collaboration is encouraged. 

Your three important tips or guidelines to become a winning leader?

• Trust your team
• Set clear goals & expectations
• Encourage creative thinking without judging

A role model that you can think of as a great leader to follow?
My first significant mentor was Tarun Mehra, who taught me the basics of marketing. I came from an events background and he took me under his wings and taught me how to be proficient when it comes to detailing and understanding the consumer in order to craft good campaigns. 

How do you nurture and train your people to become a leader in the future?
Excellence is the need of the hour and all businesses foster it. I always tell my team that a good leader is one who is willing to learn from others. One must be able to navigate through the constant changes that the industry undergoes and should be able to embrace it with her/his team together. 

What would be your approach to manage a crisis as a leader?
As a leader, I make sure that I listen to my team’s point of view before sharing mine and it has worked very well for me. I also feel that collaborating is the best way to manoeuvre when stuck in a sticky situation. More ideas generated can always give you the best result even in tough situations.