In an exclusive interview conducted by Packaging MEA, Richa Pande, Head of Marketing for Industrial Print at HP, provides a captivating glimpse into her role and journey, shedding light on her strategies for success and her unique perspective on navigating the dynamic landscape of the packaging industry.
Usha: Richa, to begin with, can you shed some light on your role as the Head of Marketing for Industrial Print at HP and walk us through your journey to reaching this position?
Richa: Absolutely. As the global marketing head of industrial print at HP, my responsibilities encompass all aspects of the customer journey. From passive awareness to post-installation engagement, I ensure that our marketing efforts add value at every touchpoint. My journey has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. From understanding the dynamics of B2B marketing to navigating cross-functional collaborations, each milestone has presented its unique set of challenges which I’ve tackled head-on.
Usha: Managing global marketing for HP is undoubtedly a substantial responsibility. What have been some key milestones or challenges you encountered along this journey?
Richa: I prefer to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Transitioning from an individual contributor to managing larger teams and eventually assuming a global role has been a journey of constant evolution. Managing diverse time zones, understanding cultural nuances, and aligning marketing strategies across regions have been some of the challenges I’ve embraced as part of the role.
Usha: As a woman leading in a predominantly male-dominated industry, what strategies have you found most effective in navigating and succeeding in this environment?
Richa: Firstly, I’ve been fortunate to work in an environment like HP, where inclusivity is ingrained in the culture. Building strong relationships, focusing on professional excellence, and being proactive in seizing opportunities have been key strategies for me. Additionally, fostering allyship among colleagues and highlighting the contributions of women in the industry have been instrumental in driving change.
Usha: Speaking of highlighting contributions, you’ve emphasized the importance of storytelling and recognizing the achievements of women in your field. Could you elaborate on this?
Richa: Absolutely. I firmly believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and empower others. Recognizing the achievements of women, whether through internal initiatives like our ‘Women Behind the Press’ initiative, not only celebrates their contributions but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring leaders. For example, I’m thrilled to share an initiative close to our hearts at HP. This year, as we marked International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, we celebrated the remarkable women behind the innovation driving our digital print technology forward.
In particular, we highlighted the pivotal roles of Barbara McManus, director of R&D, Raia Slivniak-Zozin, head of HP Indigo Printing Technology Lab R&D and their team whose dedication and ingenuity have been instrumental in shaping the success of our latest technologies.
We showcased these inspiring women and their contributions to our groundbreaking HP Pagewide and Indigo LEPx technology. Their work not only exemplifies our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence but also underscores our belief in creating a more inclusive and innovative tomorrow.
It’s about creating a narrative that amplifies diverse voices and paves the way for future generations.
Usha: Reflecting on your experiences, have you encountered any gender-related challenges, and if so, how did you overcome them?
Richa: Early in my career, navigating male-dominated spaces posed certain challenges, from finding my voice in meetings to forming professional relationships. However, through initiatives like diversity training and observing effective networking strategies, I learned to overcome these obstacles and assert my presence in the industry.
Usha: What can organizations do to create more inclusive environments and foster the advancement of women in leadership roles?
Richa: Organizations must genuinely prioritize diversity and inclusion, not just as a checkbox exercise but as part of their core values. Investing in the growth of talented individuals, particularly women, and providing opportunities for them to showcase their potential is essential.
Moreover, addressing biases and promoting a culture of inclusivity at all levels is crucial for fostering women’s advancement.
Usha: As a role model for women aspiring to leadership positions, what advice would you offer to those starting their careers in management roles, especially in industries like packaging print?
Richa: My advice would be to focus on mastering hard skills while also prioritizing the art of forming productive relationships. Taking calculated risks, volunteering for challenging projects, and embracing opportunities for growth are essential for carving out a successful career path. Additionally, finding activities outside of work that provide mental rejuvenation is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Usha: Thank you, Richa, for sharing your invaluable insights and experiences with us! It’s been a pleasure speaking with you
Richa: The pleasure is mine, Usha. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important topics.
In a rapidly evolving industry, leaders like Richa Pande continue to redefine success through their commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and continuous learning. As she aptly demonstrates, it’s not just about breaking barriers but also about paving the way for others to follow suit.