Leaders

As we navigate through life, we sometimes explore our inner calling, with a change in our careers to pursue those interests. And that’s what happened with Kanika Suri. Having gained over seven years of experience in the Healthcare vertical, she could have just raised her career bar with the post-pandemic demand for several medical devices and equipment. But life took a different journey altogether. She decided to shape a new destiny for herself and joined TOSSIDO IN, an elite fashion accessories design & manufacturing company. Was the shift from the most thriving industry easy? How did she navigate any challenges that stumbled her way? Kanika in a chat with Women Entrepreneur magazine, gives an imbuing insight of her journey, the passion and talent that fetched her acclaimed recognition among top women in business.

Could you share your professional journey, twists and turns in it?

My journey has been quite an adventure! It all began with my commerce degree from Lady Shri Ram Delhi, where I pursued studies in finance and marketing, even receiving offers from Google, Deloitte and UBS. However, I soon realized that finance wasn't my true passion, leading me to explore my father's venture while preparing for my master's in marketing at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies.

After graduation, I embarked on a diverse career path, starting at HT Media before joining Boston Scientific, a US-based medical devices giant. My tenure there was transformative, transitioning from product management to leading sales in South India. Being the youngest in a sales role without a sales background was initially challenging, but the journey taught me invaluable lessons, earning recognition through marketing excellence awards and leadership accolades.

However, in 2019, I felt compelled to pivot. Despite excelling at Boston Scientific, I felt a creative constraint in the regulated medical devices industry. Today, I serve as the Director of Corporate Sales at Tossido, overseeing bulk corporate customizations and specific online categories. Along this path, I've committed to continuous learning, undertaking courses at esteemed institutions like ISB Hyderabad and participating in Goldman Sachs' Women entrepreneur program at IIM Bangalore.

Change is often easier said than done. Tell us about your career transition to a completely different industry, the challenges and more.

Despite challenges, change can lead to the most fulfilling experiences in a professional career. My journey was not a bed of roses, especially when COVID forced a temporary shutdown. While the industry I just moved out of was flourishing immensely, the fashion accessories domain faced a setback. Despite this, the adversity became an opportunity for learning, where we focused towards design, launching over 200 unique designs, making Tossido as a brand synonymous with extensive customization and creativity. We envision Tossido becoming the biggest design company catering to clients across the world.

Any advice to youngsters who are on the verge of making such crucial decisions in life?

Transition can be a difficult decision, but one that can be incredibly rewarding. My advice would be to start by deeply understanding your passion and how it aligns with your skills and values. Take the time to explore your chosen field, network with professionals already in that space, and gather as much information and insight as possible. It's important to have a clear plan in place. Assess the risks involved and be prepared for the challenges that might come your way. Financial stability is essential, so having a safety net or a backup plan can provide a sense of security during the transition phase.

Invest in yourself through courses, workshops, or any form of education that can enhance your skills and knowledge in your chosen field. Also, don't hesitate to seek mentorship or guidance from those who have already walked a similar path. Persistence and adaptability are vital as well. Be prepared for setbacks and challenges along the way, but stay committed to your vision. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances will be invaluable. Lastly, trust your instincts and passion. Sometimes, taking that leap of faith and following your heart can lead to the most fulfilling and enriching experiences in your professional journey.

Share some of the milestones and business lesson you have earned.

In my seven-year corporate journey, significant milestones mostly revolve around trust-building. Tangibly, achieving 16+ awards, including Sales Manager of the Year and more. These accolades stem from surpassing sales targets and impactful marketing strategies at Boston Scientific. At Tossido, we have designed accessories for The Indian Defence Forces, International chain of Luxury Hotels like The Oberoi Group, The Leela Palace & Resorts, The Lodhi among many others; renowned celebrities; Netflix shows; manufacturing for larger brands, and more. Our proudest achievement lies in crafting saleable products from diverse art forms and aiding specially-abled and autistic kids through meaningful projects, backed by a skilled, differently-abled team of 18 individuals in our production unit.

Coming from a high-performing background, I entered with no team and faced zero sales due to COVID's shutdown. Initially, it felt like a terrible career decision, one that was emotionally and financially taxing. Adapting, we ventured into fashion masks, targeting kids' comfort and design, which surprisingly gained traction. While recovery took time, this setback shaped resilience and taught me invaluable lessons in adaptability and personal growth. Stay grounded in all situations, avoiding extremes and remember, 'This too shall pass!', a lesson taught by my mentor and guiding light, my father, who laid the foundation for this current organization. Unfortunately, he left us along the journey in 2016. We are working towards a seed he has sown and a vision he has shown. As of today, we have more than doubled our sales from the pre-pandemic period and have expanded our teams and offerings multi-fold.

Kanika Suri, Director- Corporate Sales, Tossido

Kanika approaches competition uniquely, fostering collaboration with industry peers as partners, sharing insights, and supporting one another. She prioritizes skill development and ensures distinctive product experiences, embracing technology for operational enhancement and a superior customer journey.