The MarketHear ’24 panel brought together industry leaders to discuss the seismic shifts in marketing strategies catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Expert Panelists delved into accelerated digital transformation, emphasizing vernacular content, multiplatform approaches, and data-driven personalization. The disruption caused by discount brokers in finance was analyzed, as was the need to balance technological innovation with human-centric engagement. Adapting to career transitions and continuous learning were highlighted as imperatives in an ever-evolving landscape where agility, customer-centricity, and leveraging AI/automation are keys to future success.

Digital Transformation in Marketing

“Embracing the digitization of marketing isn’t just about keeping up with the times; it’s about seizing the opportunities it presents to engage, inspire, and connect with audiences in ways never before possible.” – Ann Handley

Digital Marketing Takes Centre Stage

One of the notable developments during the covid-19 was the adoption and development in the digital marketing. As reaching the customer with the traditional methods has become difficult for the business they have to rethink on their ideas. Even the elephant sized businesses were finding themselves in the trouble and the digital marketing was the viable solution for them. Thus, digital market has come to the light of market. According to panelists, the success of digital marketing initiatives underscored the importance of agility and adaptability in navigating uncertain times.

Change in Customer Habits

The panel highlighted how customer habits are transforming- for instance, digital payment methods have been adopted by businesses from tea stalls to malls. However, a main concern is the high cost of digital transformation and competition in the new era. While digital promotion is beneficial, marketing encompasses more than just promotion.Businesses still use traditional approaches for aspects beyond digital ads and sales. Panelists shared challenges from their own experiences while working with limited budgets for digital campaigns to generate productive results.

Budget Allocation and Pricing

During the discussion panel also raised a concern regarding the unplanned allocation of the budget for the digital marketing. Even after achieving the appropriate results digital marketing face issue of lack of budgeting which many times derived in undesired results and can also become cost for the company as may lead to false decision making. The digital transformation of marketing has necessitated a reevaluation of budget allocation and pricing strategies.

The Role of Data Analytics

Data analytics emerged as a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies, enabling marketers to glean actionable insights from vast troves of information. Panelists emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making in today’s fast-paced business environment, noting that the ability to harness data effectively is a key differentiator for marketers. However, they also acknowledged the challenges posed by data security concerns, underscoring the need for robust safeguards to protect sensitive information.
Disruption in the Finance Market

Data analytics emerged as a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies, enabling marketers to glean actionable insights from vast troves of information. Panelists emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making in today’s fast-paced business environment, noting that the ability to harness data effectively is a key differentiator for marketers. However, they also acknowledged the challenges posed by data security concerns, underscoring the need for robust safeguards to protect sensitive information. This creates challenge for the business to generate the trust and thereby sales in the field of finance. Also, panel raise ethe concern about use of traditional methods in the finance market.

Conclusion

Overall, the discussion provided insightful perspectives on how digital transformation is radically changing marketing. It was clear businesses must continue adapting to new technologies and data driven decision-making to engage modern consumers and drive growth. On the other hand, traditional ways cannot be fully abolished as still digitization is a challenge in various industries. Attending events like this is invaluable for staying current on the rapid changes in the field

Delving into critical topics such as the evolving economy, consumerism’s role in growth, and emerging market dynamics, the discussion offered profound insights. Historical economic principles were revisited, enriching the conversation and illuminating India’s potential as a global trendsetter in technology and finance.
Equally compelling was the second panel, “Geopolitical Resilience and Sustainability Progress: India Leadership Agenda” which explored the intersection of geopolitics, sustainability, and India’s leadership role. Moderated by Mr. Mangesh Sawant, the panel featured industry stalwarts Mr. Kishor Pradhan, Mr. Sambit Roy, and Mr. Vishal Bhavsar. Discussions on the Red Sea crisis, climate change impacts, and trade dynamics underscored the imperative of resilience and sustainability in India’s leadership agenda. ESG factors were spotlighted, with insights shared on logistics management and the evolving landscape of global trade routes. The exchange of invaluable insights and experiences between panelists and attendees underscored the depth of expertise and thought leadership present at SIM’ergence ’24. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, the Simarthan Foundation, for their unwavering support, and commend Ms. Jyoti Devjani, Mr. Mangesh Vaitla, and Mr. Vijay Agarwal for their invaluable contributions to amplifying the event’s impact. In closing, we express gratitude to all participants whose presence and contributions made SIM’ergence ’24 a monumental success. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to inspire and drive forward the dialogue on India’s economic growth and global leadership.

Introduction: Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE), the SIMSREE Alumni Committee recently organized a thought- provoking panel discussion on the topic Thriving in an Uncertain Economy. The event featured six distinguished alumni representing diverse industries, each sharing their experiences, views, and insights with the batch.

Event Details: The panel discussion, held at the College, brought together alumni from various industries to shed light on the multifaceted aspects of navigating an unpredictable economic landscape. The six panelists, hailing from different sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare, and more, offered a comprehensive range of viewpoints that enriched the students’ understanding of the topic.

The distinguished panel, featuring Mr. Ajay Talware (Moderator) (Director -Advisory – PwC India), Mr. Jay Modi (Partner – Hermitage Consultants LLP), Mr. Roshan Nalwale (VP – Regional Head Investments – IndusInd Bank), Mr. Sanjay Dahifale (Channel Manager – QAD), Mr. Vinay Desai (Director – Corporate, Commercial & Institutional Banking (CCIB) – Standard Chartered Bank), Mr. Pankaj Dheer (Entrepreneur – Chyavan Rishi Ayur Siddha Private Limited).

The event commenced with an insightful exploration of the current economic climate and the challenges it poses. The panelists shared their personal journeys, discussing how they successfully navigated uncertainties in their respective industries. One noteworthy aspect of the panel discussion was the emphasis on diverse roles within each industry. Panelists delved into the various opportunities and career paths available, giving students a broader perspective on potential roles they might consider in the future.

The Q&A session was a highlight of the event, providing an interactive platform for students to engage directly with the panelists. This allowed attendees to seek clarification on specific points, explore individual concerns, and gain deeper insights into the business world. The interactive Q&A session further enriched the learning experience, ensuring that students could directly address their queries and concerns.

Conclusion: The panel discussion proved to be a resounding success. The event not only exposed students to diverse perspectives from seasoned professionals across different industries but also provided valuable insights into the varied roles available in each sector. The panel discussion has undoubtedly contributed to the holistic development of the students, empowering them to face the uncertainties of the economic landscape with confidence and resilience. As students leave the event armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, Sydenham College’s initiative stands as a testament to its dedication to nurturing well-rounded and future-ready individuals.

Keynote Address by Mr. Ravi Chaturvedi: Mr. Chaturvedi’s keynote address was a compelling narrative of his journey in the world of entrepreneurship. Drawing from his rich experiences, he provided invaluable insights into identifying opportunities, validating ideas, crafting business plans, and securing funding. His keynote served as a guiding beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, setting the tone for the enlightening discussion that followed.

Panel Discussion: Under the adept moderation of Mr. Nilesh Lele, President at Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses, the panel discussion unfolded seamlessly. The panelists, each a stalwart in their respective fields, shared their expertise and personal anecdotes, addressing the various discussion pointers with depth and clarity. Panellists’ Insights:

Creating:

• Ashwin Srivastava elucidated on the importance of social impact and sustainable growth, drawing from his experience in transforming millions of lives through Sapio Analytics.
• Vaibhav Goyal shared his expertise in leveraging AI solutions for enterprise transformation, emphasizing innovation and agility in crafting compelling business plans.
• Vibha Kagzi provided insights into market research and customer validation, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace data-driven insights in refining their ideas.

Building:

• The panelists discussed team building, culture, marketing, branding, and scaling operations, offering practical strategies for fostering a positive work environment, reaching target audiences effectively, and managing growth sustainably.
• They emphasized the need for adaptability in responding to market shifts and emerging challenges, urging entrepreneurs to remain agile amidst changing landscapes.

Sustaining:

• The discussion on sustaining businesses delved into maintaining financial stability, overcoming setbacks, burnout, and exploring exit strategies.
• The panelists shared key financial metrics, resilience-building techniques, and insights into different exit options, empowering students with a comprehensive understanding of long-term sustainability in entrepreneurship.

Conclusion: The panel discussion on “Creating, Building, and Sustaining” was an enriching experience for all attendees. The panelists’ diverse perspectives, coupled with Mr. Nilesh Lele’s adept moderation, ensured an interactive and insightful dialogue. By involving students in the discussion and addressing their queries, the panelists fostered a conducive learning environment, leaving everyone inspired and enlightened.