Leaders

In business, some journeys are defined by courage and an unshakeable belief in possibilities rather than just mere survival. Meenal Zende’s professional story is no different. What started as a young girl's promise to her father, to create jobs instead of looking for them, transformed into a compelling entrepreneurial journey founded on an insatiable appetite to learn.

I hold a diploma in Printing Technology from JJ School of Arts, and diplomas in Graphic Designing and Web Multimedia, and Advertising and Public Relations from Wellingkar Institute, making me a triple diploma holder. Inspired by my father, I often took initiative, going beyond my responsibilities and acting as an intrapreneur.

A defining moment came during my first job when my strict boss, while I was serving my notice period, asked if I was really sure about leaving. That recognition motivated me and strengthened my resolve to pursue entrepreneurship.

Introduce Yadnya Brandscapes and share its growth since 2001.

Starting in 2001 as a one-woman company, we’ve grown to a 22-member team offering diverse services such as brand development, creative content generation, advertising on TV, Radio, print etc, event management, social media, and, recently, AI-generated content and influencers. As Founder and Director, I steer the company’s vision, empower the team, ensure innovation & quality, and oversee operations, client servicing, finances, and media operations.

We have primarily focused on Indian brands, especially in retail, while using our experience with international brands to support local businesses in boosting their growth and helping them envision a larger path forward. We would love to assist global brands in reaching the last mile in India, ensuring effective customer connections.

Small retailers often face challenges like choosing the right advertising medium or communicating effectively. Focusing on these details has been our strength, delivering both energy and tangible business growth. Many clients have stayed with us since 2001, reflecting our emphasis on relationships, continuous learning, and lasting impact.

What are the key challenges in your role? How do you navigate them?

I don’t call difficulties as “challenges”; to me, they are situations that need a response. Labelling them negatively limits solutions, while seeing them as situations opens the mind to focus on “what’s next?” Over the years, we faced many; financial crises in 2008 and 2010, GST, demonetization, and the toughest, COVID-19 in 2020. During the pandemic, earnings stopped and advertising budgets were slashed, making it our most difficult situation.

Two things helped us survive: our team at Yadnya and our clients. We openly discussed the situation, temporarily reduced salaries, but didn’t lay off a single member. Ensured everyone’s health and families were cared for. Work continued uninterrupted, and clients were guided to stay connected with their customers. This collective effort helped us sustain and grow.

What are your key career milestones and your success mantra?

I follow a success mantra I once heard from Narayan Murthy: “It took me 25 years to become successful overnight.” This line has been my guiding principle. When we completed 20 years, I thought, “Five more years to go, nothing to worry—let’s keep working. On 21st September, we complete 24 years, and I remind myself that I still have one year in hand.” This mantra has been my constant source of energy and direction.

While hitting the ’25 years in business’ milestone is still ahead, there have been many achievements along the way: organizing a national-level jewellery industry event in 2006, introducing stop-motion animation in 2010, creating AI-generated videos, and securing international accounts. Awards like the Service Excellence Award by MACCIA, Woman of Substance Award, and recognitions from CMO Asia as one of the Top 50 marketing professionals have also been significant motivators.

What’s your advice for brands looking to build lasting trust?

Now is a great time for brands, as people increasingly recognize their value. Earlier, this awareness was limited, which is now widespread. Advertisers and brand owners should focus on building strong, lasting brands. With AI knowledge accessible, not just companies but individuals can also develop themselves as brands.

Branding is not a one-time effort; it requires continuity to achieve true positioning and shape consumer perception. For any industry, success comes from answering: “What’s in it for the user?” Today’s era favours brands that prioritize customers. Unlike a decade ago, when trust was confined to established names, consumers are now open to exploring new products and entrepreneurs. The market is wide open, now is the time to act!.

Meenal Zende, Director, Yadnya Brandscapes

Meenal Zende is the Director at Yadnya Brandscapes, a creative who blends imagination, strategic vision and human-centric leadership to make brands grow and connect empathetically with their audiences. From being a one-woman start-up to becoming a 22-person agency, Meenal's journey spans 360 degree Brand development reflecting her passion for storytelling that evolves with technology and culture.

Awards:

Excellence in Service Sector Award for Women Entrepreneurs by MACCIA (Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture)

Excellence in Stall Designing Award by MCHI Property for client Soft Corner Marketing

Woman of Substance Award for inspiring women around

Excellence in Conducting Business and Service Sector Appreciation Award, presented by esteemed client Madhavbaug

50 Most Influential Rural Marketing Professionals of India – awarded to Kiran Zende (Director, Yadnya) by CMO ASIA