Marketing plays a vital role in the business landscape as it enables enterprises to communicate their offerings effectively, enhance brand visibility, boost sales, and cultivate customer loyalty. By articulating unique selling points, fostering consumer trust, and ensuring satisfaction, marketing facilitates sustained business growth and success.

According to a recent survey by LinkedIn, women now constitute a commanding 60% of the workforce in the marketing sector and this underscores a revealing surge in the number of women active within the marketing industry. 

Vaishali B Shivshankar, Head of Marketing for India & SAARC at F5, is one such leader in the marketing ecosystem as she excels in devising marketing strategies for enterprise software adoption.

Jeet Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO, ObserveNow engaged in a light-byte conversation with Vaishali to understand the women behind the designation as she shared about her choices in fictional characters, her proudest accomplishment in life, and a lot more life choices that make her life radiant and inspire her to keep innovating. Let’s dive into the conversation that unfolded some exclusive insights into her journey. 

Here is an edited excerpt:

In a room full of people, how does someone spot you? Describe yourself in one word.

Radiant

Your go-to Strategy for every Problem?

Innovate

If not in the current profession, what would you be?

Explorer

If your life was to be turned into a movie, who would you like to play your part?

Deepika Padukone

What’s your proudest personal accomplishment outside of work?

Survival

A one inspirational line you heard that you never forget?

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue those counts.”

What’s your favorite book or podcast that has influenced your style?

The secret – Rhonda Byrne

Your favorite Destination in the world & why?

Interlaken in Switzerland, I am a nature lover and outdoor person.

Situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken offers stunning views of the surrounding Swiss Alps, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The lush greenery, crystal-clear lakes, and charming Swiss villages.

What’s your favorite leadership quote?

“Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” – Michelle Obama

The one thing you are terrible at?

Cooking

The Best book to read and by whom?

Ikigai – the Japanese secret to long and happy life by Hector Garcia and francesc Miralles

How do you face criticism?

Be open-minded and ask for clarity

Your favorite Movie quote?

“Picture abhi baaki hain mere Dost”

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room, what would you choose?

Besharam Rang – Pathan 

If you could compare yourself to an animal, what would it be and why?

Lion cos it signifies power, courage, determination, and leadership

What fictional character do you identify with the most and why?

Katniss Everdeen from “The Hunger Games” series. She is free-spirited, confident, bold, and courageous, facing challenges with determination and strength. Katniss inspires others with her resilience and fearlessness in the face of adversity. Her strong sense of justice and independence make her a compelling and relatable character for many.

Which three famous people would you invite to a dinner party? 

Modi ji, Shraddha Jain (Aiyooshraddha), Amitabh Bachan 

And lastly, tell me about your most unusual talent which no one knows. If any

Hmm maybe I will say exceptional memory.