Gayatri Sriram: Star of India
By Alixandra Rutnik on Jul 28, 2020
"The best thing I did for myself, was put everything aside and apply to Next Creative Leaders."
Next Creative Leaders is all about highlighting the talented women and non-binary creatives in our industry who are thriving in their careers. And while the competition has always been global in scope, this year we're taking steps to make it even more so, by introducing new regional recognition to the top winners from various parts of the world.
But even before we expanded our international footprint, Gayatri Sriram has been killing it, becoming our second Indian-based Next Creative Leaders winner in 2018. Today she is the Digital Marketing Manager and SEA at Bacardi India, and she has some great advice to share for anyone considering entering this year's class.
Back in 2018, what made you want to apply for Next Creative Leaders?
The ones who had experienced it before me. I know some of NCL's alum personally and we often spoke about the profound impact it has had on them. It was as simple as wanting that for myself! The idea of being part of a program that recognizes women for their creative thinking, but also how that same creative thinking wants to change the industry, was too bloody tempting.
"I know some of NCL's alum personally and we often spoke about the profound impact it has had on them."
What was it like to be chosen as the top 10?
It was a strange, heady, potion of emotion. It's easy to be consumed by daily job lists, deadlines, and pitch work, and forget to come up for air. The best thing I did for myself, was put everything aside and apply to Next Creative Leaders.
"The electric energy of sitting at a table with women and non-binary creatives, passionately having the most difficult conversations will last forever."
The electric energy of sitting at a table with women and non-binary creatives, passionately having the most difficult conversations will last forever. You will go back to your world and look at work, the people, your agency, and everything else with renewed purpose.
And there is always more to learn. Everyone from the youngest ad professional to the most veteran experts was wide-eyed and starstruck by either someone or someone's piece of work.
How did you feel to be on The 3% Conference stage?
Oh, the people I got to meet and the conversations I got to have! It was nerve-wracking. I was going up and talking about my work to a room full of talent and curiosity. It was the most wholesome experience. Also, I got to meet Cindy Gallop in all her leathery glory!
How did your life change after speaking at The 3% Conference?
At first, there was the giddiness of seeing my name on the list. To be recognized by The One Club for Creativity and The 3% Movement, for having the potential to change the face of creative leadership is something else! Reinforcement at such a global stage gives you the strength and power to act on what you've always known and believed in about yourself. 3% has put an amplifier to my internal thoughts, and today I speak with more conviction and confidence, knowing that I have some of the most talented people backing me up. It reframes what's important.
What is your advice to the women and non-binary creatives looking to apply this year?
I've lately been so inspired by Jacinda Ardern and how she's giving the world a lesson in leadership. If we ever forget what makes us unique and try to play by the rules, she's here to remind us that those playground rules never worked anyway! The old-world acceptance of the right age, right background, or right gender are being called out. So lean into what makes you unique and apply with truth, confidence, and a whole lot of personality!
"The old-world acceptance of the right age, right background, or right gender are being called out. So lean into what makes you unique and apply with truth, confidence, and a whole lot of personality!"
We'd find all the reasons to not apply– not ready yet, not enough awards, not enough experience. I'd tell women our thoughts, ideas, and intuition are more valuable than any neatly-typed resume. With NCL, I was invited into a community of strong, opinionated, amazing female leaders and we continue to learn so much from each other. The journey towards becoming leaders begins with saying yes to opportunities of support and recognition today. You deserve it, apply now.
GAYATRI SRIRAM LINKEDIN PROFILE
GAYATRI SRIRAM'S NEXT CREATIVE LEADERS 2018 PORTFOLIO
Are you a talented woman or non-binary person with creative work to share? You should enter Next Creative Leaders! The final deadline to enter is August 10.
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