In this digital age, Sales & Marketing is a huge and prolific sector. Today, amidst a chorus of loud marketing where there are diverse channels & media existing, majorly driven by creative and formalized by customer-centric approach across industries, there are acknowledgeable marketing & sales leaders also who deserve applauds for their valuable contributions in driving value business growth with greater RoI. Lavina Colaco, Associate Director Sales at WhiteHat Jr. (an ed-tech organization) is one of those recognized sales & marketing leaders. She is known for her proficiency in boosting sales for organizations through business development, new client acquisition with consistent stakeholder engagement and conducting keen market analysis, consultation and recommendation, program management, and more to deliver customer requirements keeping the sales team and stakeholders motivated for critical accomplishment of set goals.

Launched in 2018, WhiteHat Jr is one of the country's fastest growing ed-tech startup, helping kids develop skills in coding, math and music. Currently, Lavina has been an adept sales leader helping WhiteHat Jr in planning and pitching domineering sales tactics for the organization to flourishing the ed-tech industry worldwide.

In an in-depth interview with the Women Entrepreneur Magazine team, Lavina shares with us her leadership skills, her professional experience and her endeavour to establish digital education across the world. Kindly, read through the snippets.

Take Us Through Your Early Educational Journey And Preceding Industry Experience That You Bring To The Table.

I am a Bachelor of Arts in Literature & Education from University of Mumbai, and I also have done MBA in General Management from China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Shanghai, China. My education got me a very nice exposure to Chinese culture.

Being an upright sales executive withholding over 10 years of successful leadership roles across the real estate and ed-tech industry, I have always strived for achieving greater individual targets and business objectives with keen care. In real estate, I have worked with some renowned companies like Trespect India, & others, and real estate doyens like Anuj Puri and others, across multiple projects, when it comes to affordable, luxury and mid-pricing property segments. Prior to joining WhiteHat Jr, I was working with Trespect India (a real estate residential advisory firm operating across top metros) appointed as its Senior Manager.

Throw Some Light On The Various Roles And Responsibilities That Your Current Role In Sales Entails At Whithat Jr.

Presently, being the Associate Director-Sales at the WhiteHat Jr, I have been leading a team of over 85 professionals across various processes by developing and executing strategic and operational sales plans to achieve sales conversions and revenue targets. Hence, applying the right strategy and business tactics, I am fostering an environment for customers where they can enjoy high levels of service.

“I always pay heed to customers feedback and thoroughly research on it so as to deliver the best of the customer requirements”

Tell Us About Your Approach To Driving Growth Amidst Whitehat Jr? Also, Mention About The Leadership Style That Helped You With Overcoming The Challenges And Accomplishing Milestone Along Your Professional Career?

Working as a sales executive along the years, I have built a better understanding of the market and that listening to customers is the key to building a progressive business ethos. Hence, I always pay heed to customers' feedback and thoroughly research on it so as to deliver the best of the customer requirements.  Word of mouth marketing scheme is the verse I go by.

My leadership style entails concrete vision that does not change, though improvises to become advanced. I prefer sticking to the plan even if there are hurdles leveraging my strength. Working towards instilling equality amongst my people, I aim to establish trust everywhere for our works. It is this outlook of my professionalism that has helped me traverse through any business challenges along my career and achieving the competitive advantage over others.

How Do You Balance Between Your Professional And Personal Life? Also, Mention About Your Hobbies?

I have a very nice and a big family and I like coming back to it. Now, in these time of WFH environment, the timings are very flexible, hence, I ensure to take out as much time as possible for being with them. Also, I am a Junior diploma holder in Kathak, I squeeze in some time for riyaaz with some of my Kathak mates. 

What Would Your Advice Be To Women Who Aspire To Become Business Sales Leaders?

I would like to put up my response to this question through Meghan Markle's quote, ~ "Women don't need to find a voice, they have a voice. They need to feel empowered to use it and people need to be encouraged to do so". Women, you are enough just as you are, so don't feel bounded, just break your shackles to live up to your dreams.

Lavina Colaco, Associate Director Sales, Whitehat JR.

Has 10+ years of experience in driving sales for organizations via large-scale business development administrative direction, quality competitor analysis, digital marketing and technology development.