Meet the SHEROES - Kavita Rao

She’s had an amazing professional journey thus far and worked at some of the most reputed companies, in different capacities. It’s always wonderful to look at up a SHERO who has crept up the Corporate Ladder.

Let’s hear what the Chief Talent Engagement Officer for Genesis Burson Marsteller has to say about her professional journey,

What line of work are you presently in and how has your professional journey been so far?

I work as the Chief Talent Engagement Officer for Genesis Burson Marsteller and am responsible for the entire people and culture experience.  I’ve had a very interesting professional journey so far – I started my career selling space with the Bennet Coleman Group ( Times of India), then moved on to Genesis Public Relations becoming a Public Relations professional, then moved to HSBC as Global Head of Corporate Communication and last year made a switch to Talent Engagement by taking on the role of Chief Talent Engagement Officer.

What was your first job like and how did it help you grow in your career?

My first job was extremely challenging as it was a sales role and I don’t think I was a natural at it.  In addition it was in a male dominated industry that was very target oriented. In addition I was a young single mother with a toddler who needed to be back home in time.  Quite a challenging time and it taught me to be great negotiator, to be resilient, very determined and focussed and disciplined on time. 

What are the biggest challenges Indian women face in the work front?

Even now when a woman is going through  life changing events like Marriage, Maternity and other responsibilities, it very rare that they get the full support of the organisation.  It’s a difficult time for anyone when they try to balance being a good professional along with being a good family person.  It’s most often that teams and peers find it difficult to support them.  But I have seen many women make a success of this with the support of their family members.  I would not have been able to see the many successes of my life if it wasn’t for the amazing support I got from my parents.

What advice would you give young women careerists?

Be ambitious for yourself.  Dream your own dreams and get the support of your loved ones to make it come to life. Life is all about ‘balance’ and only we know what will work for us in different circumstances.  Be conscious of the larger dream you have and make choices and compromises to fulfil that dream. 

What does it take to be successful in the professional world?

You have to be a professional at all times.  That’s what sets you apart.  Be passionate about the work you do and create your own stamp – stand for something and you will be recognised.  

How do you see yourself professionally in the coming years?

I believe that when you love the work you do…it shows and that has always been my mantra.  I like to challenge myself by taking on new things that force me out of my comfort zone and make me learn new things and I will actively continue to do that professionally in the years to come.