Asha Kharga

Lessons from the MDH-Everest row: Navigating foreign waters and engaging the conscious Indian consumer in afaqs! by Nisha Qureshi Bhaskar Majumdar, head of marketing communication, CSR & Digital Egis - India and South Asia says that it's imperative for these brands to communicate effectively with their consumers. He adds that brands should immediately issue transparent statements addressing the bans and assure consumers of their commitment to quality and safety. According to him, clear communication about the steps being taken to address the issue and any potential risks is essential. “Both brands must conduct thorough investigations into their supply chains and manufacturing processes to identify any sources of EtO contamination. If necessary, the brands should initiate recalls or offer product exchanges for affected batches. Rebuilding trust with their consumers will be essential for these brands to regain their reputation and continue serving their loyal customer base.” Mrinall Dey (He/Him) Jyotsna Dash Nanda Minari Shah Amrit Ahuja Seema Shah Ahuja Manu Kumar Aalap Desai Lloyd Mathias Nisha Sampath Sridhar Ramanujam Tarunjeet Rattan Ameer Ismail (He/Him) https://lnkd.in/g8BZ5tHc

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Sharing my piece 'The rise of influencer activism: Bournvita's sour taste' in ET BrandEquity Thanks Prasad Sangameshwaran for the opportunity & considering my piece. In the case of Bournvita, the controversy highlighted the need for brands to adopt transparent and responsible communication strategies during times of crisis. Instead of resorting to legal action and aggressive tactics, brands should prioritize open dialogue and address consumer concerns proactively. Failure to do so can exacerbate the crisis and further damage brand reputation. In today's digital age, the power dynamics of brand communication have shifted significantly with the rise of influencer activism. Mrinall Dey (He/Him) Jyotsna Dash Nanda Aalap Desai Anubhuti Yadav Kulveen Trehan Raja Ghoshal Amrit Ahuja Anup Sharma Soham Majumdar Akanksha Jain CommsAdda Goldee Patnaik Akanksha Jain jatin khattar Manu Kumar Bharatendu Kabi Bhanu Arora Nandini Chatterjee Prof. Diwakar Shukla Paarul Chand Bijoya A Ghosh Karan Bhatia Rahul Puri #Mondelez #bournvita Varghese M. Thomas Minari Shah https://lnkd.in/gCFU8qyt

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Last week, I delivered the opening keynote at the The Economic Times ET BrandEquity BrandWorld Summit. I shared insights on "How to Make it and Not Fake it as CMO". Here are key takeaways: - The average tenure of a CMO is decreasing due to faster promotions and increased churn from failing to meet expectations. - CMOs must adapt to a changing landscape influenced by technology growth, retail-media convergence, and evolving consumers (More Gen Z and Alpha). - To thrive, CMOs must focus on their AQ (Adaptability Quotient). You get recruited for your IQ, promoted for your EQ but your career longevity is based on your AQ. - Aspiring CMOs should craft a personalized 70/20/10 Development Plan, emphasizing learning on the job (70%), building relationships (20%) , and formal training (10%). - I outlined 4 essential CMO personas: The Organisation Architect, The ROI Champion, The Omni-Channel Operator, and The Unifier, and shared 70/20/10 strategies and ideas for each. In conclusion, remember AQ>EQ>IQ. Take charge of your Development Plan to reach the CMO level! Explore the full recording in the comments for detailed insights. #CMO #LeadershipDevelopment

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A Personal Tribute to Sir Ratan Tata, A Visionary Leader I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata, a true legend and iconic business leader. But for me, this news is more personal. In 2012-13, when I was in 3rd grade, Sir Ratan Tata visited my school. My school was the only one in the region with Tata ClassEdge smart boards installed in all classrooms - a cutting-edge technology at that time. What made his visit even more remarkable was that he came to observe how our teachers were leveraging Tata ClassEdge technology to enhance learning experiences. He wanted to see firsthand how his vision of education was being implemented. I vividly remember that day. A few selected students, including me, were called early to school and told that a special guest was coming. We were curious, but the school never revealed who it was. And then, I saw him - Sir Ratan Tata. I shook hands with him, completely unaware of the magnitude of his influence and legacy. That brief encounter left an indelible mark on my mind. His warm smile, humility, and gentle demeanor made a lasting impression. As I grew older, I realized the significance of that moment and began to appreciate his remarkable contributions to Indian business and philanthropy. That chance meeting taught me valuable lessons: 1. Humility and kindness can coexist with greatness. 2. Innovation and progress can uplift communities. 3. Leadership is not just about success but about making a difference. Even today, when I share this story with others, many find it hard to believe. But for me, that handshake with Sir Ratan Tata will always be a cherished memory. Rest in peace, Sir Ratan Tata. Your legacy will continue to inspire future generations. #RatanTata #TataGroup #Legacy #Inspiration #Leadership #PersonalTribute

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Celebrating Children’s Day: The Child as the Father of the Man On this day, as we remember Chacha Nehru’s love for children and his belief in their boundless potential, I find myself reflecting on how children truly are “the father of the man.” Watching my own child grow has reminded me of the simplicity, curiosity, and resilience we sometimes lose in our adult lives, especially in a field as dynamic as PR and marketing. Children teach us invaluable lessons about communication—they’re unfiltered, honest, and bold. In the world of brands and storytelling, these qualities are rare gems. Whether it’s the fearlessness in trying something new, the persistence in asking “why,” or the joy in simple victories, every interaction with children renews my perspective on work and life. Over the years, I’ve learned that staying connected with this childlike spirit fuels our creativity and helps us approach challenges with fresh eyes. Chacha Nehru believed that children are the architects of the future, and today, as I watch the next generation grow, I feel inspired to approach my work with the same innocence, passion, and wonder. Wishing everyone a Happy Children’s Day! May we continue to learn from the young minds around us and remember the child within ourselves. #ChildrensDay #ChachaNehru #PRLife #MarketingProfessionals #TheChildWithin #Storytelling

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Another day at work. Championing Marketing and all the wonderful Marketers building great #Brands. A breezy summary of my PoV :- Roger / Rafa / Novak and Andy - the big 4 , and yet on shoe doesn’t fit all . All 4 player the slams , won / lost, created fans, made us emotional and left real challenges to next gen to achieve. Brands need to balance ATL / Digital / BTL and technology. A start up brand / a top of the chart mid sized bank like us / a top brand in its categories will all have different needs aka far mvp and base sales going / build franchise / play leadership and create new markets + segments Closer home the elections are testimony that all media / medium and content needs to be used to deliver the message. And if I were to track just one thing as a marketer is how is it being interpreted and recieved. Bottom line or top line will happen as desired Marketers are in an election mode due to the various opportunities to communicate in multiple formats and frequency. Managing data privacy - brands should walk the talk, and help create framewors, trust is a non negotiable currency. Misuse of data, spam, proliferation for a few leads more all have long term impact on brand health. 175* only those at the venue knew. ( those outside read in the papers and those born much later watched 83’ ! ;-) #Tennis #BuildingBrands #Competing #Winning Thank You ET BrandEquity

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Bharat Ki Baat. An industry-first study by the PRCAI on the hopes and aspirations of Indian citizens was launched at #PRana last week. The results reveal their views and expectations in 10 key areas — growth and prosperity; geo-political influence; infrastructure; healthcare; sustainability and environment; education; skilling, employment and livelihood; ease of living in cities and digital governance; technology and innovation; and communications and information. The study was conducted by Local Circles, using a community platform that received 180,000 responses from over 40,000 citizens located in 396 districts of India. To know more and get yourself a copy, click here: https://lnkd.in/gD8cTDJx We hope to revisit these questions year-on-year to understand the voices of the people and their expectations from government, private sector and civil society. Deeptie Sethi Atul Sharma Nikhil Dey Kunal Kishore Neha Mehrotra Santanu Gogoi Amit Misra https://lnkd.in/g6cY9dHQ

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After reading everything about the Kolkata case, it’s hard not to feel disappointed, even defeated. But we can’t give up now—we didn’t come this far just to stop here. Change can only happen through incentives or consequences, and right now, we need the strongest consequences to make people fear threatening the safety of women. But who can drive this change? The leader who feels it most deeply. No matter what is said, the fear, pain, and anxiety that a woman experiences are difficult for a man to fully understand. This is why we need more women in powerful positions. And let's be clear—power often comes from 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐘! Of course, raising our boys differently is essential, but that’s been said many times before. What we really need is to raise our women to embrace the spirit of Durga, with the same, if not greater, desire for money and power as men. Today, I realized how foolish I was to focus solely on purpose or impact without considering the role of money. Money is the foundation of everything—change, impact, power! The person who controls the money holds the ultimate power. You can debate it, but it’s a fact. Until we achieve true financial equality and women command leadership positions, some men will continue to act without fear. They 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 to be afraid. We need to become unapologetically the Durga.

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Glad to be a Circle Leader for Lean In Mumbai Network after completing 2 years and 6 months as a Community Manager. As many of you may already know, Lean In Mumbai Network is a leading network in Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In initiative. The initiative comprises of 100 networks, across 183 countries and over 95,000 circles worldwide. The Lean In Mumbai Network is creating Circles to offer safe, non-judgmental spaces where working women can share their challenges, and experiences and develop their leadership skills. As a circle leader, my Circle titled PEACEFUL WARRIORS: THE WORKING MUMS is especially geared towards Career empowerment of Working mothers. My experience as a working mum has taught me that maternal bias is a real thing. Research shows that women are much more likely than men to face bias and judgment if they take extended time off work to care for their children. My effort with this group is to let working mums know they are not alone and that with the right skills and support they can excel in their careers and personal life as well. As members of this Circle, working mothers will have discussions around how to cope with burnout, build confidence, and restart careers after a break. There is no fee required for participation. Circle duration: 6 months What will you get? 1. Access to the collective wisdom of global experts. 2. A forum to discuss and ask questions that you might have 3. Have Accountability partners to bring out the best in you 4. Network with other women with similar challenges, learn from them, and inspire others 5. How to overcome self-doubt 6. Make friends for life 7. Circle will be limited to 7 members How will the Circle meet: The Circle will meet online each month, with interactions and support available between meetings on the Whatsapp group. The group will also meet offline a few times during the 6 months, so members can get to know each other better. About Bharti Athray (me), the Circle Leader: Being a business owner in the demanding advertising industry and a working mother of 2 boys (now 23 and 16 years old), I have had to make some tough choices and have had difficult conversations with my family. The journey of a working mother is not easy, but it is very rewarding and fulfilling, especially when your children become your biggest cheerleaders. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and learning from women passionate about striking work-life balance. Let us find ways and tools to succeed at work and with our families. We owe this to ourselves! Leave a message in the comments / DM to register. I look forward to hearing from you. Tag a friend if you think she should be a part of this Circle. Siji Nair Kaul Aarti Kelshikar Svetlana Tatuskar Pratishtha Shyam Lean In #communities #women #leadershipskills

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We had our ideation workshop at toss the coin today. The idea for the title came from our all-time favourite book “Who moved my cheese” Teams from our India locations converged in Chennai to brainstorm solutions for our customers' real-time challenges, offering fresh perspectives on creative problem-solving. Reshma Budhia guided the team through her Design Thinking book, “I AM,” which served as an excellent framework for our ideation process.   The day concluded with a collection of highly impactful ideas that we plan to share with our customers using the SMART goal template.   In-person workshops like this enable diverse teams to exchange ideas from an outside-in perspective while challenging the usual inside-out stance of the Account teams. This approach allowed us to question the status quo, introduce new ideas, and propose different operating models.   If you’re interested in learning more about our workshop format, do DM me.

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Leadership Lessons from my journey from Ranchi to Mumbai Adaptability is key to growth: Moving from Ranchi, a serene and slower-paced city, to Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, was a significant shift. This transition taught me the importance of being open to new experiences and adapting quickly to changing environments. Being flexible and open-minded allows you to navigate various challenges and opportunities effectively. Persistence overcomes obstacles: The journey was not without its hurdles. From dealing with the competitive atmosphere in Mumbai to managing a fast-paced life, resilience became my cornerstone. I learned that leaders must stay steadfast and resilient, no matter the obstacles, to inspire and lead their teams through tough times. Understanding and respecting diversity fosters stronger teams: Ranchi and Mumbai are culturally diverse, and understanding and respecting the cultural nuances of people from different backgrounds taught me the value of inclusiveness. As a leader, recognizing and appreciating the diverse perspectives within your team can lead to more innovative and effective solutions. Strong relationships are foundational to success: Moving to a new city requires building a new network from scratch. This experience underscored the importance of forging strong, genuine relationships. Effective leaders know the value of a robust network and the impact of collaborative efforts in achieving common goals. Seize opportunities for personal and professional development: Mumbai presented numerous opportunities, Taking advantage of these opportunities for learning and growth helped in my professional journey. Clear vision and focus drive success: Amid the chaos and distractions of a big city, maintaining a clear vision of my goals was crucial. This focus enabled me to make strategic decisions and stay on the path to achieving my objectives. Achieving balance ensures long-term sustainability: The high demands of life in Mumbai taught me the importance of balancing personal and professional commitments. Leaders need to model a balanced approach to work and life, promoting well-being and productivity within their teams. My journey from Ranchi to Mumbai has been a transformative experience, rich with leadership lessons. Embracing change, showing resilience, valuing diversity, building relationships, seizing opportunities, maintaining focus, and balancing life are key takeaways that have shaped me. These lessons continue to guide me as I navigate the complexities of leadership in a dynamic world. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on how your journey has shaped your leadership style! #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #Adaptability #Resilience #Diversity #Networking #Opportunity #Vision #WorkLifeBalance

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With nearly half of primary school students (6+ crore, as per National Achievement Survey of 2021) having learning levels lower than appropriate for their grades, India is facing a learning crisis. P&G Shiksha, the flagship CSR program of Procter & Gamble India since last 19 years has supported thousands of schools and communities, impacting more than 45 lakh children. P&G Shiksha has been working with reputed partners to prevent and remediate learning gaps over last many years, to focus on learning outcomes. Recently, we have also been focused on creating awareness about learning gaps – because they can happen with any child. Our approach this year is different, yet impactful. As per a Forbes report, a recent video of a child incorrectly answering to a journalist was one among the top 10 most searched memes in 2023 in India. One’s entertainment can be someone else’s crisis. But humour can also be a powerful tool, which we are leveraging to spotlight the issue of #LearningGaps. Join us as we #StandUpForLearningGap and help us spread the word to reach many parents, guardians, well-wishers, teachers. Watch the film here: https://lnkd.in/dpqvd6zZ #PGIndia #PGShiksha #StandUpForLearningGap #PGEmp

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The Journey of Leadership Book Summary Here's a book from 4 senior partners at McKinsey basis their interactions and interventions at the Bower Forum program for CEOs. Enjoy Shiv www.shivshivakumar.com

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Should you rely on numbers or anecdotes? Hard data or your own personal experience? Here's how marketing and Consumer India expert Rama Bijapurkar answered this question: "I think there's a little bit of the tyranny of 'Or' that is implicit in your question, Numbers OR anecdotes, you know? As you say, in Indian spirituality, if you examine a problem deeply enough, the contradiction should vanish. So I'm often asking people that what is the story that the numbers are telling you that you're finding resonating in your anecdotes?” I loved that response - why put a false dichotomy between two complementary tools of storytelling? Why the tyranny of 'OR'? Why not the joy of 'AND'? Not Numbers OR anecdotes. But Numbers AND anecdotes. I'm kicked to present the 26th conversation of the Story Rules Podcast, with Rama Bijapurkar. Rama is among India's leading market strategy consultants, a best-selling author, teacher, and leader on several company boards. For decades, she has been a keen observer and insightful commentator on the Indian consumer market. She's written several books, including her latest, ‘Lilliput Land: How Small Is Driving India's Mega Consumption Story’. Rama's career path is fascinating. With a background in physics, she transitioned to market research and consulting, and became a highly sought-after expert on consumer behaviour and business strategy in India. Any MNC entering the Indian consumer market would have either read Rama’s books or gotten her advice on how to approach this unique and challenging space. In this conversation, we explore Rama's fascinating perspective on the Indian consumer, her storytelling approach, and the insights she's gleaned from her research and experience. We discuss the power of anecdotes, the importance of credibility, and the importance of analogies in storytelling. Rama's ability to connect the dots between data, anecdotes, and real-world observations is fascinating. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen on understanding the Indian consumer, changing market dynamics and the power of storytelling in business. Enjoy the episode wherever you get your podcasts! Thanks to Radhika Marwah and Prateek Agarwal for the connect. https://lnkd.in/dhJVNDdx

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Put Vikram Damodaran into any scenario, and he sets the trend. The #Alcobev industry wasn't waiting for tech or craft revolutions, but leaders like him create those pivotal moments. And such trendsetters ensure, we dont do catch up games. ( Evidence = Single Malt) Vikram, this is incredible! Your ability to anticipate and shape the future is not just inspiring; it's infectious. And I am not the lonely victim, the ones copied below too :) #Innovator #trendsetter #passion Vijay Subramaniam, Kiran Kumar Yamalakonda, Krishnaraj CK, Girish Gopalakrishnan, Abhinav Mishra, Ramesh Venkatesan, Chaitanya Sarawate, Abhishek Kothari MD,MBA, Dr. Harsh Chopra, Ravi Bhardwaj Annamraju, Paritosh Dhawale, Rahul Cordeiro, Sitara Unni, Shivakumar Hosangadi, Asha Poulose Johnson,Kshama Supreeth Kankanady, Karishma Patel,

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In my recent opinion piece, I highlight the strong junction of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with skilling towards constructing a better, more inclusive future. Together, education and empowerment show how we can face the world's problems and find significant answers. It is abundantly evident that by supporting strategic alliances and investing in human potential, we can build a society where everyone can access possibilities. CSR and skilling are transforming tools for closing economic gaps and promoting sustainable development, not only projects. Empowered people define the future. Our investment should be in people. Third Planet Foundation TheCSRUniverse https://lnkd.in/gr2f_YRn #SkillingForTheFuture #CSRImpact #SustainableGrowth #Empowerment #InclusiveLeadership #HumanCapital #StrategicPartnerships #livelihood #development #creatingoppertunities #sustainable #people #skilldevelopment #education #bettertomorrow #india #corporatesocialresponsibility #ngos #ngoindia #sdgs #skillindia #skilling #csrindia #women #womenempowerment #youth #CSR #pmkvy #nsdc

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📣 Arc Analysis: What's happening in FMCG and smart durables? My colleague Aditi Shrivastava has a sharp analysis on what might have triggered the sales drop in India's consumer markets. 📌 In Q2 FY25, Honasa Consumer saw a 7% ⬇ in revenue to Rs 462 crore, 📌 As did Wow Skin Science in FY24, ⬇ 23% to Rs 233 crore, 📌 Smart wearable brand Boat ⬇ 5% in revenue, 📌 Noise 🎧 - flat sales, 📌 Licious' revenue ⬇ 8% in FY24.   These companies did one thing in common. Aditi has the deets in this Arc Analysis. And for regular updates, don't forget to subscribe to our WhatsApp channel. The link is in the comments section.

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Continuing our "Verse to Work: Unraveling Corporate Insights through Poetry" series on LinkedIn! 📚✨ Today, we reflect on the profound lines of great marathi poet Kusumagraj: "आकाशपण हटता हटत नाही मातीपण मिटता मिटत नाही आकाश मातीच्या या संघर्षात माझ्या जखमांचं देणं फिटता फिटत नाही।" Translation: "The sky refuses to retreat, The earth refuses to close, And in this struggle between sky and earth, The debts of my wounds never seem to be repaid." In the corporate world, this verse symbolizes the ongoing, relentless struggles we often face—the tension between high-flying ideals (the sky) and grounded realities (the earth). Despite our best efforts, we sometimes find ourselves caught between these conflicting forces, with the scars of constant effort never fully healing. This poetic insight speaks to the perseverance required in the workplace. We are frequently balancing lofty goals and grounded obstacles, always pushing forward despite the inevitable challenges and setbacks. The "wounds" mentioned here remind us of the emotional toll and the resilience needed to thrive in a dynamic, ever-changing corporate environment. Moreover, it invites us to embrace the struggles as part of our growth, recognizing that the tension between dreams and reality is where true progress happens. While the battle may be ongoing, each step forward adds strength, wisdom, and depth to our professional journey. Let’s draw from this verse the resolve to keep pushing forward, no matter how persistent the conflict between ambition and reality may be. Stay tuned for more reflections inspired by the timeless poetry of Kusumagraj! ✨ #Resilience #AmbitionVsReality #Perseverance #Kusumagraj #CorporateInsights #versetowork 📖👔

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Today, on World Pancreatic Cancer Day, I reflect on my sweet Mom’s battle with this disease & our enormous loss in 2022. Her journey taught me invaluable lessons: 1. Be your own health advocate. Insist on testing if something feels off. 🩺 2. Cherish life’s true values. Don’t get lost in the daily grind of work. 💖 3. Embrace hope & positivity. Even if you’re at the most horrific part of this journey, your outlook matters. 🤗 I encourage everyone to educate yourself through organizations like the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), pancan.org #WorldPancreaticCancerDay #HealthAdvocacy #WorkLifeBalance

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