International Women's Day Interview: Priyanka Bhargav

Name: Priyanka Bhargav

Age: 34years

Occupation: Associate Director/ Head- Consumer Reserach
& Insights/PR&Corporate Communications- Myntra Designs Pvt LTD.

ST: Please tell us briefly about you.

Priyanka: I am Marketing Professional with over 13 years of
experience. I am working with Myntra
for last 3 years and in this role responsible for setting the strategic
direction for Myntra and enabling various categories to grow and contribute to
Myntra’s profitability. I also head the PR and Corporate Communications for
Myntra.

I have diverse experience in consumer & brand research, strategy,
operations and PR with a passion for advanced big data analytics. Prior to
Myntra, I have worked with Kantar and Jet Airways. At 9W, I was leading
Research & Analytics and worked across multiple geographies, including
India, Belgium, China, & US east coast. I played instrumental role in
launch of Trans-Atlantic and European routes for 9W.

I am a trained Kathak dancer and learning Zumba, I love to travel,
discover new culture, and read biographies/autobiographies.

ST: Who is a woman that inspires
you the most and why?

Priyanka: I do not wish to nominate one, it’s the character and
qualities in any woman that are inspirational. I am most amazed by
multi-tasking capabilities and level of commitment displayed by women at large
be it home or work. I also believe in something called “Women-Instinct”, it’s
the power to predict or foresee. I am a huge fan of Indira Nooyi, its truly
inspirational to see what she has achieved and continues to do so.

ST: How are you celebrating this
year’s International Women’s Day?

Priyanka: This International Women’s Day, I will start by
reaching out and thanking the Men who have touched my life profoundly – to
start with, my professors, bosses, husband, mentors and special thanks to my
dad!

ST: What is the most important message you want to send
out to all the women around the world on this occasion?

Priyanka: 2 key messages – I particularly get pained to hear of
instances of sexual harassment, domestic violence, rape. I strongly believe if
every woman takes it upon herself to teach her son to respect women in his
life, we can collectively make this world a better place to live. I have a son
and I am raising him to respect women, which I feel is my biggest
responsibility.

And secondly, I feel women suffer from “guilt”, guilt
of compromising her family and children time to achieve her professional goals.
Easier said than done, but fellow women take it easy. There is nothing wrong in
taking support from family and friends, speak out and share, and share the
load, and don’t feel guilty about it.

ST: What according to you is ‘women empowerment’?

Priyanka: Women empowerment is all about taking your OWN
decisions without the fear of implications.

ST: What would you say are the
main challenges facing women at present in India?

Priyanka: a. There are laws and regulations to protect women
rights, however there is lack of awareness, owing to lack of education and
exposure.

b. Women Brain Drain from corporate world after starting a family. As
per a research report, 43% women leave jobs to raise kids, reasons could be
different, however its sad to see these numbers!

c. With age, responsibilities at work and home front go up multifold,
stakes are high and risks are higher. Its important to prioritise and work
around challenges. Pick you battles and go all out and fight.

ST: Where do you want to see yourself in next 5 years?

Priyanka: I want to continue working and contribute to society
and family. Every day I want to do something new. Routines bore me so I am
always looking for disruptions and innovations. Challenges excite me. In 5
years I want to be stronger, healthier and more accomplished than what I am
today. I want to compete with myself and make a better version of Me in next 5
years!