Meet Sarita Parchani, a leading edge Global Marketeer with a passion for driving change. Holding an MBA and serving as a Senior Judge for the Canadian Marketing Association’s CMA awards, Sarita brings 16+ years of experience in Financial, Retail, and Advertising industries across 5 countries. Her expertise in digital marketing, strategic thinking, and operational excellence shines through her role in TD Bank’s multicultural marketing portfolio, crafting world-class plans that enhance customer loyalty and shareholder value. An advocate for diversity, Sarita champions women in leadership and visible minority groups, making her an inspiration in the marketing landscape.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started in your field?
After my MBA, I consider myself fortunate to have launched my career in India, which has served as an exceptional training ground for the challenges of today’s VUCA world – characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. In this dynamic environment, I received valuable training and experience, navigating through a multicultural country that exposed me to diverse cultures, values, and traditions. It was this exposure that ignited my curiosity to understand the consumer psyche and how it influences decision-making. This journey of discovery ultimately led me to choose Marketing as my career path.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
In my career, one of the biggest challenges I faced was taking the risk of living and working in five different countries. Each new country brought with it unique cultures, customs, and work environments that I had to adapt to. Initially, it was daunting, as I had to step out of my comfort zone and confront the unknown.
To overcome these challenges, I embraced a positive attitude and adopted a learning mindset. Instead of being overwhelmed by the cultural differences, I saw them as opportunities to expand my horizons and grow both personally and professionally. Understanding these new cultures was not only essential for personal adaptation but also crucial as a marketer. By immersing myself in the local cultures, I gained valuable insights into the preferences, values, and needs of the customers in each country. By incorporating cultural understanding into my marketing strategies, I could deliver on the customer needs more effectively and establish stronger connections with the local markets, which, in turn, contributed to the success of the company’s growth and expansion in those regions.
I also relied on my transferable skills, which helped me navigate various work environments. Effective communication, adaptability, and problem-solving were crucial assets that allowed me to connect with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and find creative solutions to the challenges that arose.
Moreover, I made a conscious effort to build strong relationships with my coworkers and local communities. By doing so, I gained valuable insights into their perspectives and built a support network that helped me settle into each new country smoothly.
In the end, the key to overcoming these challenges was remaining open-minded and willing to learn from every experience. As a result, I not only adapted to different cultures but also grew as an individual and professional, enriching my career in ways I could not have imagined before.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career, and how have they influenced your approach to leadership?
For me, Leadership is about empowerment. It emphasizes that the responsibility of a leader to increase the ownership, autonomy, and responsibility of the team—to encourage them to think for themselves and explore their own ideas. During the early stages of my career, I was fortunate to work for some great leaders, who allowed me the freedom to experiment. They instilled in me the belief that failure was not something to be feared but rather an opportunity for growth. By creating an environment that nurtured experimentation and innovation, they ignited a sense of joy in pursuing ambitious goals and pioneering new paths. Inspired by my leaders, I strive to create a similar environment for those I lead, fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation.
One thing that people don’t know about you and not listed on your LinkedIn profile?
One aspect of my life that may not be evident from my LinkedIn profile is the deep importance of my family. My kids and family mean the world to me, and they are a significant driving force behind my motivations and aspirations. While my professional achievements are highlighted on LinkedIn, my commitment and love for my family play a crucial role in shaping who I am as a person and influencing my decisions both in and outside of work.
What advice would you give to young professionals or entrepreneurs who are just starting out in your field?
My advice to young professionals or entrepreneurs just starting out in my field would be twofold: First, embrace the mindset of not being afraid to take risks. In the ever-evolving landscape of our industry, taking calculated risks can lead to innovative ideas and significant growth opportunities. Be open to exploring new paths and stepping outside your comfort zone, as it can often lead to valuable experiences and lessons.
Secondly, be astute with your finances. In the early stages of your career or business venture, financial management is crucial. Keep a close eye on your expenses, budget wisely, and avoid unnecessary debt. Building a strong financial foundation will provide stability and flexibility, allowing you to pursue opportunities and navigate challenges with more confidence.
By combining a willingness to take risks and a keen sense of financial management, you can set yourself on a path to success in our field and pave the way for a fulfilling and prosperous career or entrepreneurial journey.
In closing, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to Sarita Parchani for gracing us with her expertise and passion during this interview. Her unwavering dedication to driving change and fostering diversity has truly left an indelible mark on our team and readers alike.
The depth of knowledge and insights she shared as a leading edge Global Marketeer has been truly inspiring. As an MBA holder and Senior Judge for the Canadian Marketing Association’s CMA awards, Sarita’s accomplishments and contributions to the industry are commendable.
We are immensely grateful for the time and wisdom she has shared with us. Sarita Parchani’s remarkable expertise and advocacy serve as a guiding light for all aspiring marketers and leaders.
Once again, thank you, Sarita, for being an inspiration in the world of marketing, and we wish you continued success in all your endeavors.
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