Talk us through an average day in your role.
What makes my role exciting is that there is nothing average about my day – each one brings a unique challenge. A typical workday can be as dynamic as the constantly evolving technology we use. Content today is a 24/7 requirement and given how we have global clients, there is always a sports match or a TV series that is under processing. We live in an attention-driven economy and a seamless workflow is critical to our deliverables, so my day swings between client feedback, problem-solving, and coordination with the product team to ensure timely updates to quality time with my team, as I believe they are the best reflection of the work we aspire to do. It is a collaborative process where my role is to ensure smooth sailing amidst choppy waters.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the media and broadcast industry?
It was the fascination of the unknown and deep diving into the backend of the technology that was the buzzword – AI. The learning curve while uphill was very enriching and satisfying. The soft skills are always transferable, the challenge was to demystify this space of algorithms, machine learning, streaming, data, meta-tags, and everything that was the new age demand for every industry that deals with content.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
I would like to believe that being a woman has brought me more advantages than challenges. While I recognise that the technology industry and more so the sports space is very male-dominated, and as a woman, you tend to get “towered over” and fight for your spotlight, I do have to say that can also give you the advantage of being noticed and heard better, as you tend to stand out. The important thing here is being well informed and having something relevant to make a point about to be heard over the din.
The challenge is more about the industry making a conscious shift to recognising the need for diversity and how this difference is beyond gender. This diversity balances not just the workforce but the perceptions, ideas, and approaches to problem-solving and strategy that Venus and Mars can bring.
What skills or training helped you break into the industry?
In my case, it was learning about sports and looking beyond the usual cricket and tennis. I recall in my early days being so confused between American and European football and how nuanced this space is. Bridging the gap between market dynamics and challenges specific to sport and how technology solves for these required a deeper understanding of not just the sport but the fans and how they drove the agenda.
What advice would you give to women looking to build a career in media and broadcasting?
Curiosity and being a constant learner are key to this industry. With the speed and pace at which the content space is evolving today, it is critical to stay upskilled and updated. Hard work and perseverance are universally recognised, and your commitment to excellence will open doors. As a woman, know that you are better at multi-tasking, empathy, and being astute about reading the trends. So hone those skills and do not be afraid of putting yourself out there and demanding roles and work that you believe you can deliver on.
