Leaders

'Work hard, be kind and amazing things will happen’ believes Deepika Sharma. An entrepreneur, marketing whiz and a devoted family woman, Deepika has lived life adhering to this philosophy and perhaps that has helped her achieve professional success. Currently functioning as the Managing Director and leading marketing manager at Leading Edge Info Solutions, she emphasizes on hiring more country men and provides them with a safe and secure work environment.

Deepika is a passionate and energetic professional who believes in maintaining her cool even in adverse situations. Understanding the client's needs and good team management skills set her out from the crowd. She is a master at active listening & persuasion and is also a Bona fide competitor analysis expert.

Deepika is an active hope coach providing counselling. She also renders HR skills training which helps the company build healthy relationships between employee and employer, helping them build employee & employer friendly policy so that harmony flows both ways.

Deepika spoke to the Women Entrepreneur Magazine team about the various facets of her professional and personal life that make her a truly wholesome role model.

Take Us Through Your Early Educational Journey And Prior Industry. What Motivated You Towards Field Of Digital Marketing?

After completing my BCA at Lovely Professional University, I was offered a position as a Recruitment Consultant with NIIT Limited. I put in 100 percent into my first job. I was known as the one-woman army because I was in charge of the entire process, from calling the individual to collecting fees.

However I was dissatisfied with the work environment at the company where the formal management kept minimal contact with the employees. I believe every employee would like to hear the management's appreciation for their performance. I recall thinking to myself how great it would be if I could become my own boss.

Serendipitously, a friend approached me to become a partner at their firm and that that's how my career as an SEO Executive began.

Take Us Through The Foundational Journey Of Leading Edge Info Solutions. What Aspects Of Your Role You Find It Most Challenging And How Do You Overcome Them?

Leading edge specializes in website development, digital marketing, content writing, and paid advertising for international clientele.

The company was formed by two friends, and I was introduced to it after one of the partners left the organization, along with one of the company's major department. As a result, I was given the opportunity to partner with the company and build the SEO department from scratch. I switched shifts from day to night and brought 13 projects in a month, as well as started to hire employees for a new team.

Currently I am the Managing Director and lead the marketing projects at Leading Edge Info Solutions. I am responsible for understanding the client's requirements and building a strong team. I'm also in charge of the firm's savings, fund allocations, policies, as well as the hiring system and dealing with corporate personnel, including management.

My belief that anything is possible and my never say-die attitude are two principles that assist me in finding ideal solutions to the plethora of challenges that I encounter.

What Approach Do You Take While Working On A New Brand? What Are The Key Aspects Of Your Personality And Leadership Style That Have Helped You In Your Entrepreneurial Journey?

I first try to grasp the client's prospects and capture their thoughts on paper. Using a questioner and a form, I get the requisite information from the client and, in particular, understand what the client's customers might be looking for. I always check to see if my client is familiar with the possible customer. If my customer has a clear idea of who their product is intended for, I get them on board with the marketing and design team.

“My belief that anything is possible and my never-say-die attitude are two principles that assist me in finding ideal solutions to the plethora of challenges that i encounter”

With the use of various tools and data analysis, I assist clients in getting to know their customers. I am a competitor analysis expert. Our clients usually approach us with detailed information, and we assist them in ranking their website on Google both organically and through sponsored advertisements such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Linkden.

As a business leader, I ensure that I meet my clients' needs on time, provide honest services, and employ my country's people while also ensuring that they feel safe and learn more in my company. I often tell my team, "you are my family and it’s my duty to take care of you."

I am also a member of the ITCA IT Company Association contributing value to make Tri City a big IT hub.

I follow basic values such as being honest, following my heart, and evaluating every situation before reacting. I live by the concept of "do not react, take action," and I always keep in mind that there are many people higher up than you, which helps you deal with your ego.

Do your task with a pure heart, because karma is everything. Everyone deserves to be loved and respected, and treat your employees like family.

I read a lot of books, and Chanakya has been really helpful to me in my work and I have learnt that “Action speaks louder than words."

How Do You Balance Between Your Professional And Personal Life? What Would Your Advice Be To Women Who Aspire To Become Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs?

I started my career early and spend a lot of time planning and thinking about what I want to do. I worked hard for the first three years of my marriage to establish the team and departments so that I could find stability after becoming a mother. My husband was supportive and always encouraged me to pursue my dreams even after the baby was born. Parenting was new to us, and managing the business was even tougher, but my partner made things easier. However, there were some difficult situations as well; but that is life. We have risen from the ashes, just like a phoenix.

I would advise women to invest time in learning a useful skill that will benefit them at any age. This can enable you to be financially stable. Education is not just about degrees; it also about educating yourself about life, relationships, family, job, personal development, and self-care. Also, look at inspirational women role models and learn from them.

Deepika Sharma, Managing Director, Leading Edge Info Solutions

Deepika Sharma is a passionate and energetic professional who understands the clients’ needs and has great team management skills. She is the master of active listening and persuasion and also a competitor analysis expert.