Leadership abilities are not defined by their expertise related to specific industries. Irrespective of the industry, a true leader is defined by his/ her competencies and decision-making abilities that are critical to the organization's success. Starting her career as a choreographer, Monieka Khanna reached her peak, achieving numerous successes throughout her journey, including attending an on-air dance show as a celebrity judge. She later switched to event and artist management and still is one of the well-known event planners across Gurugram. Currently, she is working as the Head-Strategy & Business Development at SIPL Group and has successfully taken care of several projects across various sectors, such as education, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Infrastructure. In her 16 years career, Monieka has been working in diverse sectors and has achieved success in all owing to her diligent effort, effective PR, management, and leadership abilities.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur, Monieka talks about the roles and responsibilities she takes care of at SIPL, the critical challenges she has faced throughout her career, and much more:

What are the various responsibilities that you shoulder as the Strategy Head for Subhash Infraengineers? Tell us about the major focus areas in your current role.

SIPL is majorly an infrastructure company. I joined the firm as an Education Consultant around six years back when they were venturing into education and wanted to open their school. From marketing and HR operations to hiring teachers and the principal, and working on admission targets, I set-up the school's operation from scratch. Impressed with my strategy and operation, the firm moved me to its corporate. I have also worked on setting up the firm's operations in the healthcare sector, which includes setting-up the firm's medical centers, hiring doctors, and much more. During the pandemic, I have also worked on strategizing and boosting SIPL's hotel and hospitality ventures.

Currently, as the Strategy head of Subhash Infraengineers, I take care of the entire marketing, strategize the budgeting and take necessary calls regarding the position and presence of various verticals of the firm and the necessary steps required. I have a team of professionals under me whom I have trained myself, helping me with all the tasks. Our digital marketing team is responsible for both online and offline marketing and budgeting of the firm's operations.

Tell us about the most critical challenges you face in your current role. What steps do you take to overcome the roadblocks that you face?

I have faced many challenges throughout my whole professional journey. People usually have this general conception that only academicians can run schools. I am involved with the running of schools and have been taking care of backend processes, such as hiring, setting up operational issues, marketing issues, and so on, even though I am not an academician. I am also directly in touch with the management regarding school operations. However, I had to face roadblocks as I was not an academician and even the principals and teachers thought that I am too young for the job. However, I work hard and do my research well before strategizing. Now with around 14 years in the education sector, I have earned enough experience, and knowledge regarding school operations.

Another challenge that I have faced is in terms of showcasing my abilities. As the corporate office infrastructure has been largely male-dominated, it was a huge challenge for me to break through and voice my opinions as the only women employee. It took me a long time to make them understand the importance of showcasing your work and achievements to the world.

“You have to diversify yourself, keep on exploring, and learn from it”

Another major challenge that I have faced has been in terms of investments. While people usually don't mind investing in various events and parties, they become a bit dithered when it comes to brand building. It was a huge challenge for me to showcase to them the importance of the brand building. I usually get around five to seven quotations from other firms to help them understand the market value. Even my previous PR background and network help a lot in getting quotations for much lesser than the usual market price.

What are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

While other kids at 18 were learning and going into college, I had already started my dance school and was earning. I never took any money from my parents and even paid the rent through hard work. This achievement of mine helped me gain a lot of confidence. At the peak of my career in choreography, I was a celebrity judge for an on-air dance show named Aja Nachle on MH One channel. Doing that at such a young age was a huge accomplishment for me. Having worked in diverse fields over the years has also helped me become a known face in Gurugram, and I don't go and ask people for work anymore. Nowadays, people call and ask me for collaborations or events, which, I think, is a huge achievement.

The advice I would like to give to young women is not to restrict themselves to just one field and keep exploring. You have to diversify yourself, explore, and learn from it. I started my career as a choreographer and never imagined that I would be opening schools and healthcare centers or running a hotel one day. You are the result of what you say and perceive. Keep striving for hard work and never stop.

Monieka Khanna is an experienced strategist with more than 16 years of professional experience in various sectors, such as education management, dancing, Marketing, PR, production management, and event planning, and is presently working as the Head-Strategy & Business Development at SIPL Group. A Multifaceted leader with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry, she has done her BA Hons (English) from Delhi College of Arts and commerce.

Awards & Recognitions:

· Dr. Sarojini Naidu Award ­ International Awards for Working Women 2022

· Woman's Day Award for School Business Management 2020

· Women of Influence Award 2019