In 2021, Apoorva Bapna decided to take her leadership role and use it to lead the development of two important employee groups, Stella for women and Unite for the LGBTQIA+ community.
While India is the world's largest democracy, it struggles to progress on gender equity and diversity, two areas Bapna wants to improve—especially for WPP’s team of 9,000 in India.
“I love my role, honestly; it is a role that doesn’t exist in most parts of WPP. When it was created in March 2020, I was super excited because it was almost like a canvas, where you could use multiple colors to paint it and make it look beautiful,” Bapna said. “I think this role allows me to do that, which is why I really love it.”
Bapna's efforts in both areas saw great success, even as the COVID-19 pandemic swept through India. More than a dozen people in the Unite program have gained visibility throughout WPP India.
“I'd love to do things that can be scaled, that can be replicated not just in India, but in other markets across WPP,” Bapna said. “And create a culture which goes beyond India, to really promote this whole idea of diversity, equity and inclusion across the board."
I had separated from my husband when my daughter was born in 2010, so I chose to live with my parents until my daughter turned 6 months old. I then had to choose between being a full-time mother or returning to work and my career. It was the most significant decision I have ever had to take. Ultimately, I decided to get back to work because I wanted my daughter to understand and experience the importance of independence, career and role-modeling. Since then, my daughter and I have never looked back.
Music is my passion, and I took tuition from the age of 10. From singing to the piano and even playing the drums, I remain endlessly captivated by sound, tone and rhythm. I suspect that had things turned out differently I would have aimed for a music career. On reflection, I try to create harmony and tone in my current role at WPP, so perhaps those lessons were not for nothing.
The conversation needs to shift from “good to do” to “must do.” The whole DEI agenda needs to become a strategic imperative for the industry, with gender at the forefront. We must demonstrate that diverse and inclusive organizations perform better and attract the best talent. We must celebrate leaders from all underrepresented groups by sharing their stories, breaking industry stereotypes and positively influencing our peers and clients.
My biggest lesson from the pandemic has been to never take anything for granted. India went through a terrible second wave, and many people in my professional and personal circle lost lives to COVID. At the onset of the lockdown, I moved back to live with my family. Those two years have been invaluable in demonstrating the power of family and community, a rare positive from COVID. I can say that I have truly learned the importance of work-life balance, well-being and resilience and have managed both relatively smoothly and successfully so far.
Live in the moment. Don’t have regrets about the past. All of the decisions and experiences of my past have helped me get where I am today. Seize the moment.
