Abanti Sankaranarayanan, corporate leader, talks to Nikshubha Garg about making a mark in a male-dominated industry, the importance of a gender-neutral working environment, leading a team, and more.
An Economics graduate from St Stephens (New Delhi), and armed with an MBA from IIM (Ahmedabad), Abanti Sankaranarayanan has held senior positions in multiple national and international organisations, an achievement she credits to hard work and good luck. Currently, she leads the Strategy and Corporate Affairs functions at Diageo India. So, what makes a powerful voice in business today? Let’s find out.
How did your childhood contribute in shaping you as a professional?
My father served in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), and I spent my childhood immersed in family, friends, reading, travel, music, and cricket. As a child, I was taught to palce high value on striving for excellence, culture, and integrity. My varied interests, intellectual curiosity, love for travel and reading— all of which I trace back to my childhood—have made me a well-rounded professional, not to mention a person with a sharp external radar.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
At the professional level, leading Diageo in India through many twists and turns over eight years. On the personal level, bringing up my twin children to be good, rooted human beings who work hard.
How difficult is it to be a woman in an industry traditionally dominated by men?
As surprising as it may seem, I have had no special challenges being a woman in the alcohol industry. Whether man or woman, in any industry or organisation, you have to earn your stripes. Like most professional women (and men), I have made it to where I am because I have worked hard, surpassed expectations, learnt from leaders I have had the good fortune to work with, made some smart choices of roles and companies, and been lucky at some points in time. Everything that is required for a man to succeed in the corporate world is also true for a woman.
Denne historien er fra July 9, 2019-utgaven av Femina.
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Denne historien er fra July 9, 2019-utgaven av Femina.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE GOODNESS OF GHEE
What: The Pure Cow Ghee range for babies with sensitive skin from Himalaya Babycare
Hello Hyderabad!
The Kaftan Company makes its debut in Hyderabad with a physical store
A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY
Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, That Place Bowl & Bar aims to be something out of the ordinary
BIG ON THE SCREEN
Writer-director INDIRA DHAR is no newcomer to international film festivals, but a standing ovation at Cannes for her latest film was an unforgettable experience. She talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the inspiration, her love for films and more
COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY
Try these strategies if you hate not being taken seriously.
FIND CALM IN CHAOS
Deal with difficult situations using the principles of stoicism.
GREENER IN THE CUP
Samiksha Bhowmik details why a cup of matcha needs to be part of your diet
THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS
LYLA, in Mumbai's BKC, seamlessly blends Central American vibrancy with Californian flair
A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices
Bringing contemporary twists to tradition, MERCHANT & ME is a youthful urban space for cuisine and cocktails in Pune
10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Seychelles hits all the high notes on the romance roster whether you're on honeymoon or a love break.