In this blog, we chat with Lipi Jain assistant manager in the content department for Reinvent Digital, Lipi talks us through her career and how she’s got to where she is today.
Can you tell us a bit about you and your career:
Born and brought up in an upper-middle-class family in India, I chose to run behind the crowd- yes, I selected to pursue engineering. Not soon enough, I realised that engineering is not for me, and I can’t be content being a website developer/designer. From there, I started searching for myself and finding my interest area.
Since childhood, I was intrigued by everything creative. My love for creativity and a desire to be in one of the creative fields made me try my hands in content writing. Initially, no one liked my content, and I thought of quitting it. But, I had to continue with at least something, and that something was content writing at that point. Slowly, I got the hang of it and started loving it. Today, I am one among the pool of good writers (they say).
A typical day in your career:
My day starts with developing a to-do list of tasks on priority. I plan, strategise, research, and develop content for each of the clients on priority. Meanwhile, I also manage to add ons and talk to clients, client servicing team, social media team, etc., whatever the time demands.
How did you get to where you are now and did you face any challenges along the way?
I got recently promoted to the post of assistant manager, and in the path, I faced at least a few if not many challenges. I had to quit from my position of a content writer because of the payment issues with one of the companies I was working with. I was also in depression due to personal life, exactly at that point in time. These things combined wreak havoc on me. I was jobless for the next seven to eight months. I lost all hopes, and my confidence level came down to zero. I had no friends and no career.
If any, can you tell us more about how you overcame those setbacks?
I somehow pushed myself and gave 6-7 interviews and got selected in one of them. But, at this point, I had to start from scratch due to the break of 7 months. I did not lose hopes and decided to move forward with whatever I got. I gradually got back my confidence and returned back on track with determination and by constantly feeding myself with positive thoughts.
What is an important initiative that you feel passionate about in your role?
I started with something. This is the biggest initiative I took. The next initiative I took was, I started as a freelancer as well.
What do you think gave you the drive and determination to succeed?
I think I have still not achieved anything that I can call success. I am waiting for more opportunities to knock my door.
What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learnt along the way?
I learnt that doing what you love and loving what you do is important. Else, you can’t grow and shine in the industry or least- at your workplace.
Have you ever felt that your gender has brought unnecessary challenges to your career?
Not yet, but yes, in terms of remuneration, I have always felt that the male counterpart is paid more for the same work profile.
Outside your work, what are your favourite hobbies and pastimes?
Outside my work, I love to meet my friends and spend time with my people. I love to bring a smile on the faces of underprivileged people by feeding them. And not least, I love to relax and eat!
Do you think enough is being done by businesses to address gender imbalance?
I don’t think any bold step is yet taken to address the gender imbalance. People are still biased towards female workers, and it is still a male-dominant society.
What’s one key leadership lesson you’ve learned along the way?
Leaders should not act as a supervisor. The relationship of a leader with the team is a give and take relation. The more a leader gives to the team, the more they will help him/her in growing.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self?
I would say the things you are worrying about are not even worth 1%. Calm down and see what the future has in store for you.
Anything else that you would like to add about your career or story:
My story has not yet reached on the last page. Simply, it is not the end yet. There is a lot to see and a lot to do. I am just waiting for more opportunities and discoveries in my life.
