Leaders

Women excel in balancing multiple responsibilities, showcasing resilience, intelligence, and dedication in both personal and professional spheres. Priyanka Nijhawan embodies these qualities, having transitioned from a background in Mathematics at Lady Shri Ram College and a master's in computer science from King's College, London, to leading the representation vertical at Nijhawan Group. She has been the chairperson of the CII-Indian Women Network (IWN) Delhi Chapter where she focused on fostering a community where women promote and support each other.

Embarking in an engaging interaction with Women Entrepreneur Review magazine, Priyanka shares the details of her journey as one of the influencing leaders in the country. Let’s delve into it.

Tell us about Nijhawan Group. What are the key responsibilities you shoulder as one of the Directors of the company?

Our area of expertise at Nijhawan Group is introducing hotels, theme parks, and foreign tourism boards to the market. We are a B2B firm and concentrate on partner sales, marketing, and public relations. We collaborate with travel agencies and tour operators to assist our clients in reaching their target audience.

I have worked in this field as the Director of Representation since 2011. Working together with my colleagues and our foreign offices is one of my duties. I make sure we reach our KPIs, educating our partners about market developments and assisting them in developing more effective product placement strategies. I also manage the planning of travel agent events, dinners, and roadshows.

What are some of the most critical challenges you encounter in your current role? How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

Maintaining a work-life balance is a constant struggle for me as a working mother, especially because I am passionate about what I do. A major professional challenge in representation is the increasing practice by new players of charging low prices for mediocre services. The trust that foreign partners have in the Indian market can be damaged by these subpar offerings, and it takes time to recover that trust.

Managing the high post-pandemic expectations of our partners is another crucial problem. Given that India is currently a top destination for foreign travelers, all of the clients are keen to gain a sizable portion of the market. Making sure our partners get the outcomes they want from the Indian market is tough and takes ongoing work.

I place a great priority on upholding strict service standards and encouraging open communication with our partners to overcome these obstacles and preserve and grow trust. Together with my team, I put in a lot of effort to fulfill our duties, plan high-impact events, and anticipate market developments to guarantee the success of our partners.

You have previously led the CII-Indian Women Network-Delhi Chapter. Tell us about the work you did during your tenure as the Chairperson.

I presided over the Delhi chapter of the CII-Indian Women's Network (IWN) from 2018 to 2019. I was the third chairperson of the IWN Delhi branch when it was still in its infancy.

I have collaborated extensively with the chairpersons who came before and after me to solidify IWN's foundation in Delhi. We intend to provide a forum where women can encourage and support one another. We aim to create a community of women who can exchange experiences, resources, and information.

What are some of the most important professional milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What is your success mantra?

The development and growth of Nijhawan Group Representations' offerings has been one of the most significant milestones in my career. We began in sales and worked our way up to marketing, joint marketing activities, and now full-serviced PR. In response to market needs, we have transitioned from physical marketing tactics to a strong online presence.

My success mantra revolves around integrity and adaptability. Our foundation of integrity ensures consistency and confidence, which is why many of our clients have stuck with us for years. We welcome change and are continuously inventing and adapting to stay ahead in the sector.

How do you foresee the Indian business landscape evolving in terms of being inclusive and diverse? How can companies ensure women’s ample representation in leadership roles?

We need effective female leaders as role models if we are to guarantee that women are adequately represented in leadership positions. I just took part in the signing of a document bringing attention to this issue with BCA, and CII.

Businesses that respect and acknowledge the contributions of their female employees often provide flexible work arrangements, such as work-from-home alternatives. The government has extended maternity leave and other benefits, but more assistance is required to keep women in positions of leadership.

A business leader you admire: I look up to Indira Nooyi, not only for her remarkable achievements but also for her relatable and inspiring insights.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders: Persist through challenging times. As successful women, we must support one another, create conducive work environments, and serve as role models.

Priyanka Nijhawan, Director, Nijhawan Group

Priyanka Nijhawan graduated from Lady Shri Ram College (LSR) with a degree in Math­ematics Honors and earned a master's in computer science from King's College, London. Priyanka has over 10 years of experience, leading the repre­sentation vertical at Nijhawan Group. As the former Chair­person of CII-Indian Women Network-Delhi Chapter, she advocates for policy changes for women.