@spotlight
Featuring deep conversations with thought leaders, innovators, rule-breakers, and the causal geniuses we discover inside Swell.
Dr Lavanya Wadgaonkar, Global Head, Corporate Communications, Nissan on transcending cultural borders, melting barriers and embracing change.
Prior to joining Nissan in 2012, Lavanya worked at a printing company, Lexmark Petrochemical conglomerate, Reliance and diversified power management company Eaton in various leadership roles in communications and marketing. Originally from Hyderabad in India, Lavania holds a PhD in emphasis and a master's degree from Osmania University. Welcome as well. Lavania
It's the city that shaped my thoughts, matched my taste, given me the freedom to explore the new and the old. Growing up in a family of film enthusiasts, I spent most of my time on film sets or on the stage of Ravinder Bharti. We literally ate mythology for dinner with a father who was a devoted storyteller. Performing arts have been an integral part of my life. And the cultural richness of Hyderabad became a perfect setting for us
That was the first time he told me to come to his office promises and demonstrate that I can ride. I was very young. The next day I got my first bike and I realized that he wanted to see my confidence rather than my skill. So this was very important for me because every time I undertook something I thought was daunting, I would think about that. That do I have the confidence to do it? I could always acquire skills
Which leads me to my next question, what is the golden key to a work life balance, especially for a woman in a leadership position? Is it a myth, or is it something that we, as women must consciously set out as an expectation from the organizations or initiatives that we choose to be involved with? What's what has been your approach in this regard
For example, first day at school, we are more worried and then try to appease them. Mom will be waiting for you. Mum will pick you up. I'll buy you an ice cream. If you behave that it is a natural event for them. It is natural. My daughter went to College, to Ireland, all by herself in this covered situation. And before going, she said, you need to believe in the way you brought me up
Indeed, accepting our vulnerabilities as we make our choices and moving forward with a strong sense of self belief toward what we find empowering a very powerful message. Thank you for for that. Your career has spanned several countries, cultures, and companies. What has been the core set of values that you saw as constant across these diverse landscapes that have helped you define and lead communication programs successfully
Covid has not made it any easier for us. As companies, we are trying to find our unique wise among the cluster. At the same time, be credible and relevant. The channels we use to communicate diversified and grew multifold. There is a greater need to become focused and precision. Communication based on who you are targeting is critical, with digital being the main mode. Geographical lines are all blurring. However, today we are also dealing with the conscious employees and activists to consumers
Srija for time immemorial, we have used stories to communicate and influence civilizations. That's why we call timeless stories classics, whether epics or fairy tales, every generation grew up reading them. And to a large extent, these stories shaped our thoughts. It's very curious. We also used many ways to tell these stories. In India, you can take whether it's a Harikatha or a classical dance or drama or movies. You're using relevant channels to reach audience
Thank you so much for putting the storytelling narrative in context. And as you rightly said, it could very well be among the most creative times in the industry, especially as far as community and marketing communications is concerned, and it's going to be challenging and creative at the same time. So we look forward to embracing this change as we move ahead, talking about change
Future is not bleak, but it's not bright either. It's a long way towards parity. Gender diversity cannot be brought in by mere percentages. We need a mindset change. We have to build it layer by layer with a proper pipeline for women leadership. Automotive is one of the industries which even today is pretty much maledominated. However, things are changing. There is more consciousness on this subject. There is more recognition for diversity. However, we have to battle the old norms
Leadership should definitely not be about gender, as you rightly said. And even if the road ahead doesn't seem very easy, we can only be hopeful that we swell get there someday. Moving on to another question. I know that you are a writer and a Conorcer of art. I wanted to know. How is it that you stay in touch with the artistic side of you, the writer in you the art connoisseur, the singer. How do you keep those interests alive?
It's difficult and easy as well as a communication expert, I become the words spoken by others. I give structure to their thoughts. I have to adapt to so many styles, so many nuances and different subjects. Six there is a lot of creativity and writing there, so I'm not very far away from what I like to do. However, I'm constrained by what I can say and for who I can say. My words are no longer mine