Must Read | Rising Stars Shivani Thapliyal, 27 Chief of Staff CompanyStore.io Bangalore, Karnataka, India What has been your proudest moment in your work? Every time I see someone carrying a product that we’ve created, I’m doing a drum roll in my head. Whether it’s a custom backpack or a fun hoodie, the ability to create something that brings a feeling of belonging in our customers is joyous beyond belief. What is the biggest challenge for you in your career? Finding the right balance between creating high-utility merchandise for a value-conscious market (India) has been a focus area for us. Navigating the local fragmented supply chain by building robust fulfillment solutions has been a rigorous yet equally rewarding challenge. What does it require to do great work on behalf of overseas clients, working across time zones? It requires a blend of passion, commitment and a good sense of humor about the occasional 1 a.m. meetings. What keeps me awake are the accolades that we receive for a well-thought-out project appreciated by clients and partners and, of course, endless cups of coffee! It helps to have such great partners across the globe. In what ways do you see opportunities for the industry to grow globally, with more international spending? I see tremendous opportunities for the industry to grow globally by fostering strategic partnerships with distributors that excel in their respective regions. While globalization has brought countries closer, each market still has its own nuances. By collaborating with local experts, we can bridge these gaps and deliver truly global solutions that cater to diverse customer needs. What does the industry need to do to attract and retain more young leaders? There is a need to create more engaging and interactive learning platforms where talented individuals can truly experience what the promotional products industry offers. Giving young talent opportunities to bring fresh ideas to the table is key to sparking their interest and a culture of innovation. Mentorship from industry leaders would provide invaluable guidance, too. With the right support and opportunities, young leaders can see the potential for a fulfilling and impactful career in this field. Stephanie Zieber / Shutterstock.com 46 • NOVEMBER 2024 • PPAI
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