Akanksha, as a young girl growing up in a small town in India, wanted to be the people’s advocate. But her interest and grip on business & brand management put her on a different route and she became a Lawyer and then an entrepreneur She has intensively worked and thought about her brand Yes Madam to revive it, accelerate its growth, maintain its leadership in the category, and expand the brand’s portfolio. She also made sure that Yes Madam transformed from a concept to a brand. With the conviction that she is still developing, she continues to be as passionate about branding as she was when she first entered the industry."
In a conversation with a Women entrepreneur, Akanksha shares her journey of passion and impact. During the conversation, she also discussed how you foresee the Indian technology market growing in the next few years and about the service industry.
Take us on a journey through your formative years. What were some of your early inspirations that helped shape the trajectory of your life?
During my formative years, becoming a businesswoman was never a goal of mine. Instead, I dedicated five years of my life to earning my law bachelor's degree because I was passionate about advocating for people’s problems. However, my desire to improve women's social standing led me to pivot toward the beauty industry. Unsure where to start, my father encouraged me to join his business, Yes Madam, and join the organization as an intern before pursuing higher studies in London. I was hesitant but courageous enough to follow his advice. And through that internship, I discovered that the beauty industry was about more than just glamor & glitz. It was more about creating jobs and providing economic opportunities, especially for women.
My heart was captured, and I knew that this was where I could make an impact. London was off the list as I decided to pour my passion into the beauty business. So, I can say my father was & is one of my inspirations.
You are someone who has built a successful and lasting career in a highly competitive industry. In your opinion, what are some practical do’s and don’ts that help other women also build a fruitful and lasting career in the Indian business landscape?
As a womenpreneur, I would be happy to provide some practical do's and don'ts for women looking to build a successful career in the Indian business landscape. Here are some tips:
DO's:
Set clear goals for yourself and create a roadmap to achieve them.
Develop a strong work ethic and be willing to put in the time and effort to succeed.
Build a strong network of mentors and peers who can provide guidance and support.
Continuously upskill yourself and stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies. Being in the beauty industry, I keep myself updated with the latest trends in the industry
Take calculated risks and be willing to step outside your comfort zone to grow.
DON'Ts:
Don't let gender biases or stereotypes hold you back from pursuing your career goals.
Don't be afraid to speak up and assert yourself in the workplace.
Don't compromise on your values or ethics in pursuit of success.
Don't be afraid to seek help or ask questions when you need it.
Don't let failures or setbacks discourage you - learn from them and use them as opportunities to grow.
Remember, building a successful and lasting career takes time and effort. But with the right mindset, skills, and strategies, you can achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact in the industry
How do you foresee the Indian technology market growing in the next few years? Which industry trends will amplify this growth the most?
The Indian technology market is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years, driven by various factors such as increased government support for digitization, rising demand for technology services, and the growth of startups and innovation hubs. Some of the industry trends that are likely to amplify this growth include:
- Digital transformation: With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, more companies are expected to embrace digital transformation to enhance their operational efficiency and customer experience.
- E-commerce: The e-commerce industry in India is expected to grow significantly, driven by the increasing popularity of online shopping and the rise of mobile payments.
- Cybersecurity: With the growing threat of cyber-attacks, there will be a greater demand for cybersecurity solutions and services in India.
- Internet of Things (IoT): The adoption of IoT devices and services is expected to accelerate in India, as more companies seek to leverage the power of connected devices to enhance their business processes and customer experience.
- Blockchain: The adoption of blockchain technology is expected to increase in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and supply chain management.
Overall, these trends are likely to drive growth in the Indian technology market over the next few years and create new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Women are breaking the glass ceiling; however, the service industry can certainly make room for more leaders on the top? What’s your take on it?
As a woman in the service industry myself, I strongly believe that the service industry, like any other industry, should provide equal opportunities for both men and women to rise to leadership positions. While progress has been made in breaking the glass ceiling for women, there is still a long way to go. It is important for organizations to implement policies and practices that promote gender diversity and inclusion, such as offering equal pay and benefits, providing mentorship and leadership training programs, and creating a supportive and inclusive work culture.
Women who aspire to leadership positions in the service industry should also focus on developing their skills, building their networks, and seeking out opportunities to take on challenging roles and projects. With determination, hard work, and the right support, women can succeed in breaking through the glass ceiling and achieving their career goals in the service industry.
How has becoming an entrepreneur from an advocate changed your life?
Shifting from being an advocate to an entrepreneur can be a significant change for many people and so it was for me. Now I take more risks and come out of my comfort zone, and learn something or the other every day. To my surprise, I thought that passing my bar council exam would bring a sense of fulfillment but entrepreneurship is something that I actually want to do. Additionally, I can feel greater control over my work and career trajectory but it comes with challenges such as managing finances, dealing with uncertainty, and balancing work and personal life. My experience has still been very fulfilling and it always makes my day whenever I see any service professionals connected with Yes Madam achieve something and Yes Madam proves itself a reason behind someone’s smile.
