Leaders

In the vibrant landscape of Market Research, wom­en entrepreneurs are making significant strides, bringing unique perspectives and innovative ap­proaches to the industry. Among them stands Sarika Jain, a seasoned professional whose journey in Market Research began right after college, eventually becoming her life's calling.

Sarika values the concept of 'possibilities,' a phi­losophy that has guided her from student days to be­coming a young market researcher and, eventually, a senior executive dedicated to fostering possibilities for her team. As the founder and CEO of The Insights Tea, Sarika's entrepreneurial endeavor is a testament to her commitment to building and realizing possibilities in the ever-evolving market research landscape. In an insightful dialogue with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Sarika unfolds the compelling nuances of her entrepreneurial journey, marked as influential in the national sphere. Here's an excerpt from an intrigu­ing conversation.

What inspired you to establish The Insights Tea and what was the underlying idea behind establishing the company and its key areas of specialization?

Embarking on the journey of establishing The Insights Tea has been an organic progression fueled by my deep-rooted passion for the field of Market Research. As my professional journey unfolded, so did the vi­sion of how I could contribute to the realm of Market Research. The culmination of this evolution led to the establishment of The Insights Tea in 2022.

At the core of our vision lies the commitment to translate consumer ethos into profitable business solu­tions for brands. We've crafted a diverse set of solutions within two verticals – Strategic Insights Consulting and Learning & Development Services. Our belief in customization stems from the understanding that each business is unique, and solutions need to align with specific goals.

What are the key responsibilities that you shoulder as the Founder of The Insights Tea. What are your focus areas in terms of driving growth for the company?

In my capacity as the Founder of The Insights Tea, my responsibilities span a spectrum of critical areas es­sential for driving the company's growth. I am deep­ly involved in the flexibility of our operations, ready to make swift additions or modifications, introducing new tools or refining processes as needed. Building a cohesive and high-performing team is another pivotal responsibility.

I prioritize fostering a work environment where team members feel valued, heard, and excited to con­tribute. Additionally, wearing my 'forward-thinking entrepreneur' cap consistently, I invest constructive time in planning the future for both my team and The Insights Tea.

In your opinion what are some of the most critical challenges you encounter in your current role? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

In my current role, some of the most critical challenges revolve around dispelling the prevailing prejudice that a start-up lacking strong financial funding is destined to be a wild goose chase. Overcoming this stereotype requires constant effort to showcase the intrinsic value and potential of The Insights Tea.

Additionally, understanding that the journey of en­trepreneurship is inherently unpredictable, with no fixed timeframe for success or failure, poses a unique challenge. I navigate this by embracing the dynamic nature of the entrepreneurial journey, recognizing that learning curves vary, and success may take more time.

Another significant challenge lies in managing financ­es and maintaining cash flow. To address this, I prior­itize an efficient approach to financial management, ensuring effective decision-making and resource allo­cation to sustain and grow The Insights Tea.

What are your top professional milestones that you have achieved throughout your journey?

Throughout my professional journey, I have conquered several significant milestones that have shaped me into the professional I am today. Becoming one of the youngest leaders at my first workplace provided in­valuable early leadership experience. The crucial de­cision to leave my first workplace, despite its perfec­tion, marked a courageous step out of my comfort zone. Drawing from my diverse work experiences in various organizations, I gained clarity on the value I could offer as an entrepreneur, understanding negotiable and non-negotiable aspects of the deal.

What has been your mantra for success as a business leader?

My mantra for success as a business leader revolves around not confining myself to someone else's defini­tion of a job description. While it's essential to excel in assigned responsibilities, I believe in extending beyond those boundaries, actively seeking new opportunities that align with my passion areas and the organization's business goals.

Awards or Recognitions won so far: Won Best Team Award for positive impact on clients in the FY 2018 (KANTAR), Awarded SPARK Award 2019 for creating business impact at organization level (AMWAY), Award­ed SYNTHESIZER Award during EIA (Europe, Russia, In­dia & Africa) MR Summit 2018 (AMWAY), Awarded BEST PERFORMER DURING COVID 2020 at RSPL group (HCD). A business leader you admire: Indra Nooyi, because she normalizes personal challenges, and encourages open conversations for working women.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/business leaders: Start your entrepreneurial journey, embracing risks and challenges regardless of the outcome. Take the plunge and believe in the worth of the journey.

Sarika Jain, Founder, The Insights Tea

Sarika Jain, An Accomplished Market Research Professional, Holds An M.A. In Economics From Delhi School Of Economics And An Economic Hons Degree From Delhi University. With Over 16 Years Of Leadership Experience, She Has Navigated Diverse Roles At Kantar (Formerly Imrb, Millward Brown), Iff India, Nielsen, Rspl Group & Amway. Certified By Harvard Business School Online In Entrepreneurship Essentials And Disruptive Strategy, Sarika's Career Showcases Her Ability To Design And Deliver Profitable Research Solutions Across Varied Business Objectives And Product Lifecycles.