‘I wish there were 36 hours in a day!’ exclaims Ruchika Bhardwaj, as we catch up with this vivacious new-age marketer. Currently working with LG India – mobiles, air conditioners and IT solutions – she spends 20 out of those hypothetical 36 hours thinking up brand strategies and executive plans for the digital space. She loves to surround herself with positive people, jumping at the chance to share a cuppa with her besties or spend some quality time with her family. From practising Buddhism, to her travel chronicles and her corporate journey, Ruchika tells us what this ride has been like for her.
THE JOURNEY
Q. Tell us about your career prior to working with the LG group. Did you always know what path you wanted your career to take post B-school?
As a B-school graduate, I was always sure about being a marketer but then even the best laid plans don’t always work out. So I ended up with banks, devoting time to a mix of sales and marketing. However opportunity came knocking soon enough and I made the shift to LG. I took my own time to learn the ropes and handle changes that came along with shifting my industry. Today, I can say that I have learned quite a bit and have managed to contribute to LG’s growth.
Q. What were some of the most exciting seasons in your corporate journey?
When I started out with my banking career, though not my first choice, I remember feeling quite low when challenges were not met. However, with time, things did change for the better and I made some remarkable achievements. Although I wouldn’t call it my career’s most exciting journey, I clearly remember the lessons I learned and I am happy about the fact that I always kept my sprits high without losing faith in my own capability.
CORPORATE CHALLENGES
Q. What exactly is your role at LG?
As Brand Manager for LG, my job role includes brand building in the online space. Digital as a medium is growing very fast; we see something new happening with every passing day. My role entails creating new innovations and concepts to make LG grow in the consumer’s mind. That is a mixed bag of developing strategies, as well as making plans for social media and the digital space, working on smart phone applications development, augmented realities, video production and more.
Q. Can you tell us about some of your success stories at work, and how your role has impacted LG group?
Like I said the digital world gives you enough opportunities to create new innovations and ideas. At LG, while we worked on new product launches, we have created very good engagement on social media. The videos that we have made to promote the brand’s features have earned national appreciation.
Another interesting project that I was involved in recently was the launch of our 2014 flagship Smartphone model LG G3, which was unveiled by Amitabh Bachchan. It was an amazing experience to manage the live webcast, social integration and media activation in the digital space.
BALANCING ACT
Q. Is it just a little harder for a woman to make it in a field such as yours?
I miss my dad whenever I am asked this question, as he would always say, ‘You are my son,’ and he treated me like one. I think for anyone to succeed, it is really important to have family support. That makes all the difference. As a woman, I think you must believe in yourself. If you do, then anything is possible.
Q. So how do you manage work pressure and home commitments?
I think so far life has been quite comfortable as I am still single. Having said that, family always comes first for me. I ensure that I spend enough time with my family members and try not to miss important events as far as possible.
Q. When you’re not busy in the boardroom, what are your favorite indulgences?
I wish there are 36 hours in a day …. My favorite indulgences are not something that I get to do that often now but I am a movie buff and I love taking my mom for movies. I hardly miss any of the new releases. I am a coffee lover too and I love sitting in a coffee shop with some close friends for a gupshup session.
Beside these two things, I follow Buddhism and am a member of a Buddhist organisation in Japan. I indulge in chanting and often meet my fellow members in the neighbourhood. It helps keep me in high life condition.
Q. Does Ruchika, the busy working woman find time to step in the kitchen?
Oh, it’s a stress-buster for me! I love cooking but I don’t get a chance to cook too often because my mom loves to pamper me with scrumptious delicacies. When I do step into the kitchen, I enjoy cooking pasta or a typical Punjabi meal.
Q. Do you enjoy travelling? What are some of your most memorable travel experiences?
Work and life kept me busy and I’ve hardly had a chance to explore places around. But I have listed places that I wish to see before I die. While I was a child, I did explore places with my father, around North India mostly, but my personal choice is beaches and the seaside. On a regular basis, I love to be around Bandstand or Marine Drive, sipping on a hot mocha. I feel these are the best places in Mumbai to connect with the pulse of the city; on one side is the calm sea and the other side is full of the chaotic life.
Q. Tell us a little bit about your personal style.
Style for me is what makes me feel good and keeps my confidence up! I love shopping but I am not a brand-conscious person. So, as long as it feels good, looks nice and is comfortable, it’s in my closet.
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