Be Fearless, Play The Odds: Poulomi Roy's Memo For Women In Leadership

The skincare industry is seeing tremendous shifts, with brands intertwining evolving demands with cutting-edge science. At the helm of one such brand is Poulomi Roy, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Joy Personal Skin Care, who brings a wealth of expertise in branding and marketing strategies. With a passion for innovation and consumer-centric approaches, Roy drives growth through effective campaigns and product launches. Her dynamic leadership fosters collaborations with a keen eye for emerging trends and a dedication to quality and initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences.

In an interview with SheThePeople, Poulomi Roy delved into her inspiring experience as a woman in leadership, shedding light on the distinct challenges and opportunities she encountered in her illustrious career. She also touched upon the strategies she counts on to endorse a safe and encouraging space for fellow women in the industry. 

Excerpts From The Interview

Could you share your perspective on how women's leadership differs from men's, especially within the context of the skincare industry?

Indeed, leadership styles vary, but it's not solely about contrasting men's leadership with women's. Rather, it's about understanding the unique approaches individuals bring to leadership roles. Having said that, in my experience, women often showcase heightened emotional intelligence (EQ), which serves as a valuable asset in their ability to lead effectively on a day-to-day basis.

In the context of the skincare industry, consumer engagement is paramount. Understanding and evolving with consumers, and fulfilling their functional and emotional needs, demands expertise in translating observations into actionable insights to strategize effectively. In this regard, women may naturally excel, leveraging their innate ability to execute such tasks with finesse

Reflecting on your journey, what are some significant challenges you've faced as a woman in a leadership position, and how have you navigated through them?

I have not been challenged but have often seen lumbering doubts in people surrounding me, one being 'She is so good at a creative solution, will she be able to handle business problems?' I have always impressed these people by giving them a very creative solution to their business problems. 

We are also ageist as a society, especially worse with women in the corporate world. I haven’t faced this challenge yet having said I’m sure I will brave this too.

In what specific ways are you actively working to make the path easier for women within your industry or your company?

I believe my credibility and impact are limited; it's not a vast audience that I can make a difference. Nevertheless, I take it in stride and strive to do things to the best of my ability, knowing well that in the end, I may be able to improve the lives of a few.

For instance, I have a policy of ensuring that at least 60% of my team consists of women. Among the various responsibilities we undertake in our roles, I make time to attend forums where I share my experiences to motivate others. Additionally, I dedicate time to writing articles on women's empowerment, which reflects my perspective. I also collaborate with women who are survivors of acid attacks, working towards their empowerment. Furthermore, I engage with colleges to deliver declamations and presentations on women's leadership and share my experiences.

I mention all of the above because it's not easy to incorporate these activities into an already busy schedule. No amount of PR value can compel one to embrace all these endeavours. It takes commitment and a sense of purpose to strive for change

How do you believe your brand contributes to empowering women, either through its products or its corporate ethos?

Directly, we focus on empowering women who are survivors of acid attacks. Indirectly, our brand ethos revolves around a powerful narrative of empowerment. Our products are designed to empower women, and we refrain from entering categories such as fairness creams. Inclusivity and challenging stereotypes are central themes in our impactful campaigns. Our choice of brand ambassadors, ranging from well-known celebrities to transgender individuals, has subtly but significantly contributed to increasing acceptance of our brand.

What message would you like to convey to women who are striving to make their mark in traditionally male-dominated sectors? 

Be fearless and play the odds.