Women leaders play an integral role in the growth and success of firms today, bringing diverse perspectives, empathy, and innovation to the table. Their leadership styles have helped foster inclusive cultures that encourage collaboration and high performance. One such leader is Ramya Parashar, the COO of MiQ, a global leader in programmatic advertising. MiQ specializes in data-driven digital marketing solutions, leveraging AI and machine learning to help brands navigate the complexities of digital advertising. Ramya's leadership journey has been shaped by her focus on empathy, innovation, and strategic growth. She fosters collaborative, diverse teams and actively works to shatter stereotypes, proving that women can balance professional and personal lives while excelling in leadership roles. Let’s read on.

Can you share insights into your professional journey as a business transformation leader? What have been some of the key turning points throughout your extensive career?

My journey as a business transformation leader has been marked by navigating diverse industries and leading innovative initiatives. Key turning points involved balancing people-focused leadership with the rapid pace of technological change, notably during the shift from on-prem to cloud-based infrastructure. This experience taught me the importance of agility and understanding both data and the people behind it. I realized that true innovation requires not only embracing new technologies but also fostering strategic and creative thinking for long-term change. Ultimately, transformation is driven by people, vision, and leadership, not just processes and technology.

Can you introduce us to MIQ? As the COO, what are the primary responsibilities you manage?

MiQ is a global leader in programmatic advertising, offering data-driven digital marketing solutions. The company excels in using data analytics, artificial in­telligence, and machine learning to help brands, agen­cies, and businesses optimize their digital advertising efforts. MiQ stands out by integrating diverse data sources to provide actionable insights for enhancing campaign performance across digital channels like CTV, display, and mobile. As COO, my responsibilities include managing operational efficiency, implement­ing business strategies, overseeing global operations, driving performance and growth, fostering innova­tion in data and analytics, and cultivating a high-per­forming culture. These duties ensure MiQ's operations align with its global goals and deliver on revenue and profitability targets.

As one of the key leaders at MiQ, what are your main focus areas for driving the company's growth?

My focus in driving growth revolves around three key pillars. First, operational excellence and scalability, ensuring efficient processes and systems as we ex­pand globally, while adapting to local markets. Second, innovation and data-driven solutions, leveraging AI and advanced analytics to stay ahead in programmat­ic advertising and deliver better outcomes for clients across channels like Connected TV, display, and mo­bile. Third, client-centric growth, building strong rela­tionships and offering impactful solutions, especially as the industry evolves with new regulations, such as the shift towards a cookieless future. By focusing on these areas, my goal is to drive sustainable growth and maintain MiQ's leadership in the programmatic ad­vertising industry.

Can you highlight the most significant professional milestones you've achieved throughout your career? What has been your guiding success mantra over the years?

As COO, I’ve achieved several significant career milestones, contributing to both personal and organizational growth. A major accomplishment was leading the global expansion in the managed services space by establishing regional teams and streamlining operations, enabling scalable growth while maintaining high service standards. Another highlight is MiQ’s innovation in programmatic advertising, leveraging data analytics, AI, and machine learning to solidify our leadership and diversify our service offerings. Additionally, developing a high-performance, people-first culture has been crucial, ensuring employee satisfaction and operational efficiency while driving long-term growth. My success mantra has always centered on agility, innovation, and people. Adaptability in a fast-paced industry, fostering a culture of innovation, and prioritizing the right team have been key to achieving and sustaining success. These principles continue to guide me in my leadership journey.

How do you envision the representation of women in the Indian business landscape evolving in the near future? What steps can companies take to foster more inclusive leadership teams?

The future of women’s representation in the Indian business landscape looks promising, with growing awareness of the positive outcomes diversity brings to both organizations and society. While women are increasingly breaking barriers across industries and holding leadership roles, there is still significant work to ensure sustainable progress and inclusivity at all levels. Key enablers include cultural change towards inclusion, government and corporate initiatives promoting gender diversity, and the rise of women entrepreneurs, supported by government schemes and funding.

To build more inclusive leadership teams, com­panies can institutionalize mentorship and sponsor­ship programs, set diversity goals with accountabil­ity, and offer flexible work policies. These policies can support women balancing professional and per­sonal roles, helping them flourish in leadership. Ad­ditionally, fostering an inclusive culture that values women’s input and showcases women role models will encourage other women to aspire to leader­ship positions. As more organizations adopt gender parity-inclusive policies, women are expected to assume more leadership positions, contributing to long-term success through diverse perspectives and innovation.

Ramya Parashar, COO, MIQ

Ramya Parashar is a seasoned leader with a deep commitment to gender diver­sity and inclusion in India’s business sector. With experience in spearheading corporate initiatives and mentoring women entrepre­neurs, she has championed policies promot­ing flexible work, diversity goals, and leader­ship development. Her advocacy for women in leadership continues to shape the indus­try.