Young women leaders in marketing are living examples of the proverb ‘Where there's a will, there's a way’, as demonstrated by their ground-breaking contributions to the field. Their ability to effectively navigate changing consumer and market trends, along with their potent leadership abilities, establishes them as key influences in the industry. One of the best examples of how young female executives are changing the marketing scene is Divya Gupta, Re-Founder of Image Media World.

Divya, at just 21, has made remarkable strides in her professional journey, heavily influenced by her father, Rajiv Gupta, who has inspired her career. Growing up with a keen interest in business, Divya was inspired and sometimes intimidated by her father's impressive career and the legacy of M.M. Mithaiwala, her grandfather's company.

Her father encouraged her to join Global Advertisers, where she faced the challenge of working with a team much older than herself. Within three months, she played a crucial role in establishing a new office. Now leading Image Media World, Divya combines her innovative spirit with a deep understanding of global markets, effectively managing a team of 200 and continuing to build on her family’s 75-year legacy.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur Review magazine, Divya talks more about her company and its unique operational model. Let’s delve into it.

What led you to establish Image Media World? What are its key areas of expertise?

In May 2023, my father asked me to draft a digital marketing plan, sparking the idea to revitalize Image Media World, a company originally founded by my sister in 2017. The concept of creating a 360-degree advertising firm resonated deeply with me, especially as I saw the potential of digital marketing to connect with a global audience.

A trip to Dubai in June further solidified this vision. Observing the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape there, I became convinced that digital marketing is the most effective tool for achieving globalization, linking businesses with audiences worldwide.

On August 1, 2023, I officially rebranded Image Media World, expanding our expertise to include digital marketing, development, design, and consultation. We now specialize in building complete e-commerce platforms and offer a 360-degree advertising solution that integrates digital marketing, outdoor campaigns, and print media.

This rebranding marks a new chapter for Image Media World, reflecting our commitment to innovation and helping brands reach their global potential through cutting-edge digital strategies.

What are the key responsibilities you shoulder as the Re-Founder of Image Media World?

As a new-age marketer, mastering the fundamentals of running a business—like hiring the right staff, managing accounts, and handling daily operations—was a steep challenge. To overcome this, I immersed myself in every aspect of the company, learning by doing.

As the Re-Founder of Image Media World, I juggle day-to-day tasks with strategic decisions, ensuring every detail is covered. My focus remains on hiring the right people and maintaining financial discipline, both of which are vital for the company’s growth and success.

What are the most critical challenges you encounter as a new-age marketer? How do you over­come the said roadblocks?

With numerous companies and freelancers crowding the field, standing out has become increasingly difficult. Additionally, the dynamic nature of content trends and algorithms require constant vigilance and adaptability.

To stay ahead, I’ve focused on continuous learning and staying updated on market developments. As AI continues to advance, building a creative and flexible team has become essential. Embracing data-driven strategies and understanding our audience deeply are key to creating resonant content.

What is the most important professional milestone you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What is your success mantra?

The three months I spent working at my father’s office before starting Image Media World marked a significant turning point in my career. It was during this period that I grasped the intense competition in the market and the critical importance of consistency and continuous Learning. These experiences shaped my approach to business.

My success mantra constitutes of consistency, adaptability and resilience. These principles have been instrumental in building Image Media World into a company that not only survives but thrives, consistently delivering value to our clients.

How do you foresee the digital marketing landscape evolving going forward?

The digital marketing field is becoming increasingly competitive as freelancers and small content creators rapidly launch agencies. With major clients like MNCs entering the space, making an impact is more challenging than ever. However, the future of digital marketing remains promising, driven by key trends such as AI and automation, which enhance personalization and efficiency in marketing, and data-driven strategies that utilize analytics for smarter decision-making.

Short-form video content, particularly on platforms like Reels and TikTok, continues to dominate, while purpose-driven marketing is seeing brands with strong social values gain more traction. The rise of micro and nano influencers is fostering authentic connections through influencer marketing, and omnichannel strategies are improving customer experiences through seamless integration across multiple platforms.

Divya Gupta, Re-Founder, Image Media World

Divya holds an IB Diploma from Singapore International School, where she focused on business management and geography. She earned a BBA in International Business from Russell Square, in affiliation with Royal Holloway University of London. Currently, she is pursuing her MBA at Yale University while simultaneously running her company.

A business leader you admire: My father, Rajiv Gupta, who has successfully managed ten companies, is my greatest inspiration and hero in business.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders: Trust your instincts and believe in your vision, surround yourself with a strong, motivating network of individuals who share your drive.