My name is Umma and I identify first as a human being, then a woman and a woman of colour.

 

It’s great that we are living in times when an individual is not seen as a monolith. We all represent our unique identities and life journeys. And I’m going to share a slice of mine with you today.

 

To begin with, I must say it’s been an incredible journey. I am really grateful for the opportunities I have had and the many visible and invisible mentors and sponsors along the way who have propelled my journey forward.

My story actually begins with me studying to become a doctor!

 

 

As is with many Asian parents, it was my Dad’s dream.

 

One day, I was on a bus ride to my medical coaching classes, when I happened to sit next to a girl who was a student like me. She told me that she was applying for the newly introduced BMM course (Bachelors in Mass Media).

 

That set something off in me.

 

Months later, I took the medical entrance exams. But when the moment of truth arrived, I filled the form for BMM, instead of for medical school.

 

They say courage is feeling the fear but going ahead and doing what’s right anyway. This was one such moment for me.

 

At that time, I felt the weight of my parents’ expectations. But decided that if my folks felt that becoming a doctor would make them proud, I could make them proud by doing something I’m passionate about as well.

 

Meeting that girl on the bus that day was destiny, but hard work was a choice I made to fulfill my dreams.

 

I wish there was a substitute for it, but there isn’t. When I started out, I didn’t care about money or paychecks; only learning. (Not the best approach, I must add, as it is known that women do tend to undervalue themselves often.)

 

When I walked into my first ad agency, I found that I was everyone’s TG. All the brands wanted to sell something to my age group - the newly coined “millennials”. They all wanted my opinion on how I used a product or felt about a category.

 

I decided that this was actually the best time for me to be present in these rooms, than to be in a classroom, studying further, like many of my friends were doing.

 

And so I courageously set aside the acceptance letter that I had received (with much glee) from one of the colleges I had applied in for further studies.

I realised that, if my subject is creativity, life is the best teacher. I decided to learn on the job and expose myself to various experiences, often behind my parents’ backs. Even though my parents were champs, the infamous ‘you’re a girl’ often slipped in. But hey, I was educating myself… Isn’t that what you wanted? A little defiance never hurt nobody and can get you to be the No.1 Creative Director one day.

 

I remember, I was one of the first people in my class to start working. I moved through four agencies in my journey thereon and I am so grateful to have found amazing mentors in each. People who spotted the talent in me, nurtured it, and gave me opportunities.

I realised that if one shows up, every day, wanting to get better at what they do, and put in an honest day’s work, every single day, people will see it.

 

Encouragement and support showed up in various forms. Like, a fat book on advertising excellence given by my first boss with a hand written note on the first page - “This is not a gift, I want ten great ads in return.” Well, Sir, it was a gift for sure - the gift of belief is the greatest gift of all.

 

Or was the greatest gift the gift of being nominated to attend LIA’s Creative LIAisons. It was such an incredible learning experience and I was told that there was a clear ‘Before’ / ‘After’ seen in me. It was my first exposure to a global forum and a jury room. Getting recognition there made me feel good about the value of my ideas in the larger world. The lessons I learnt there made me a better leader and also a good juror in many award shows to follow. Interestingly, my first gig as a jury member was as the jury president of an award show. I wouldn’t have known what to do if not for LIA.

 

I soon pivoted and moved to Singapore, to find my place in the world. And then I pivoted back to India to join Google India as the Brand & Creative Lead - to explore the wonderful intersection of technology and creativity - the future.

 

I also became the first Indian woman to hold stage and speak at various forums including Cannes, Adfest and more.

 

In my story, I never let the fact that ‘I am girl’ be anything more than that...a biological fact. And one I’m proud of. By shifting the perspective, adversity  can turn into purpose. Obstacles can turn into opportunity - to become better and to make things better.

 

It’s not a surprise then that two of my favourite pieces of work ‘run’ in the same theme - a belief in questioning the status quo; and in becoming and making better.

What really counts in the end are not the awards, but the possibility of affecting change.

 

My message ultimately is - Be the change and don’t be shy to claim your space.

 

The first time I attended a client meeting as a cub writer, I actually pulled my chair back because I didn’t feel like I belonged to that table. Having ‘a seat at the table’ couldn’t be more real to me as a statement. It is everyone’s responsibility to create these seats, and to have the awareness to empathetically nudge someone who could be pulling their chair back a little. Everyone can do with a little help. Diversity is empty without ally ship.

 

It’s always a journey. But no matter who needs to hear this today, you have it in you to go forth. Feel the fear, and yet, #BeUnstoppable.