BW MIW: Geetika Mehta - To Take Risks Without Fear
The year 2024 began on a new note for Geetika Mehta, as she took the helm at Nivea India as Managing Director. Her career is a testament to her ability to drive transformative change, something that we saw in her earlier stint as the managing director of Hershey India. The role saw her orchestrating initiatives that led to double-digit topline growth. Her proficiency in spearheading the ‘go-to-market’ strategy solidified her reputation as a visionary in the consumer goods industry. Reflecting on her journey, Mehta shares her guiding principle, “My journey all through has been about embracing challenges and staying curious. That is a value I would encourage everyone in my team to emulate.”
Perseverance is Key
Mehta acknowledges that the corporate world in India continues to face concerns such as gender bias, lack of representation and unequal opportunities. Her brand of leadership has been about addressing these hurdles, and the commitment continues at Nivea.
Mehta has seen her share of challenges. Two decades ago, she faced gender bias and work-life balance challenges as a woman in sales leadership. “By delivering results, seeking mentorship and prioritising self-care, I broke through barriers and advanced in my career. Despite the challenges, resilience and proactive learning helped me achieve success,” the woman leader advises, adding, “It’s heartening to see more women assuming leadership positions.”
A Year of Achievements
During her tenure at Hershey India, Mehta spearheaded initiatives at the manufacturing facility in Mandideep, Madhya Pradesh, that created a significant impact. “From having zero women working on the factory floor in 2022, I am proud to share that in just 10 months we achieved a significant milestone of one hundred women employees working in the manufacturing facility,” she says. This achievement symbolises her dedication to fostering gender diversity and inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
The Balancing Act
In the fast-paced corporate world, Mehta underscores the importance of work-life balance. She advocates prioritising well and investing in personal growth. “Invest in yourself was a brilliant advice someone had shared with me,” she recalls. Mehta attributes her balanced approach to being a voracious reader and dedicating focused time to personal and professional development.
For young women aspiring to leadership roles, her advice is rooted in self-belief, continuous learning and authenticity. She encourages leading with integrity,
embracing challenges and building supportive networks. “Take risks and celebrate successes, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth,” she asserts.
For International Women's Day 2024, Mehta’s message is about leveraging collective strength and potential. Highlighting the importance of continuous learning, collaboration and resilience to create a future where every woman can thrive, she remarks, “Have confidence in your abilities and take risks without fear.”
