Shalakha's journey from a Research Analyst to a Marketing and Communications Manager has been incredible. Working for a large organization like ABB is a unique experience with well-established processes and distinct dynamics. Her journey has been filled with learning and growth, and she is currently managing marketing and communications for process industries in India.
What Shalakha appreciates most about her work is the diverse nature of her responsibilities. Shalakha's daily tasks include internal and external communication, organizing events and trade shows, and increasing brand awareness. She takes pride in representing ABB for clients like JSW Steel and various others, and her interactions with them played a crucial role in her progress.
Shalakha's success mantra is grounded in continuous learning and networking. To climb the ladder, she has upskilled herself by staying updated with industry trends and leveraging her network to achieve her goals during challenging times. She believes that marketing thrives on creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. She understands the importance of being cautious about what goes public on behalf of ABB. In the marketing world, any idea can go viral in a minute.
“My work is very exciting and interesting”, one of the incidents Shalakha resides that “for an event in Mumbai, the vendor did not do the arrangements on time as per the schedule and the in-person event happening next day, I was worried, however, my manager gave supportive solutions, resulting in a successful event with promising results. I realized the importance of not relying solely on vendors and the necessity of conducting a pre-check beforehand. I value the guidance from my managers and peers at ABB, which differs from the dynamic environment of startups. I always feel valued when proposing creative ideas to my peers and superiors.”
Back in college, Shalakha found assignments on framing strategies to increase brand awareness and drive growth interesting, which sparked her interest in marketing. Marketing initiatives demand fresh perspectives and constant innovation. She was drawn to the media and entertainment industry because of its productive and creative demands. This led her to pursue a career in marketing and communications, as it brings out the productive side of a person and involves engaging with external media.
Shalakha’s presence has significantly enhanced the visibility of the process industries business both within and outside ABB by leveraging digital channels such as Viva Engage, social media, and LinkedIn, thereby boosting engagement across various sectors.
Shalakha's strategies for managing multiple stakeholders effectively involve setting clear expectations, communicating regularly, and taking feedback to ensure smooth cooperation. Embracing others' ideas and opinions has been highly productive for her. The culture of care and collaboration at ABB has been fundamental to her success and fulfilment. Shalakha admires ABB's CSR initiatives, such as carpooling and low-carbon footprint days. Proud of her growth at ABB, Shalakha considers the knowledge gained from her peers and colleagues a significant achievement.
"Evolve" describes Shalakha's journey at ABB, filled with learning, development, and an open path to success.
Her message to aspiring professionals is “to continually learn, be creative, and stay informed about market trends. The foundation you build in your early career years will shape your future success."
