Some of the specific initiatives I drove in the role include streamlining the e-commerce processes and bringing the reconciliation on track. The biggest achievement for me during this period was the JBP (Joint Business Plan) I closed with a huge seller. The preparation of the JBP was an exhaustive exercise where both my financial acumen and negotiation skills were put to test. Right from identifying the price points to sell to calculating the advertisement spending to be undertaken, it was one mammoth of an experience. This role gave me immense exposure to the brand role which candidates seldom get in other FMCG/FMCD firms at the start of their career. I was empowered to make decisions and immense value was given to the ideas/suggestions I brought to the table right from the day I started handling the project. I was given the opportunity to handle the P&L of the brand on e-commerce and my inputs to grow the brand were appreciated. e-commerce is a very new channel to Asian Paints; however, the growth has been phenomenal. Hence, the learning curve in this role is very steep but the experience is enriching.
The approachable nature of the leadership in the organization is another highlight of Asian Paints. People make time for new joiners and help them succeed in their careers and enable personal development. I was motivated by my manager to sign up for the ‘Certified E-Commerce Professional’ course which was a huge value add both personally and professionally. The investment done on every new joiner by the leadership at Asian Paints is noteworthy. As a part of my role, I frequently get to interact and work with various stakeholder teams and leaders (General Managers, Associate Vice-Presidents, and Vice Presidents) within marketing and outside it such as taxation and commercial functions and this has helped me gain an understanding of other functions as well.
The LEAP program in itself is an experience of a lifetime. Apart from the fact that there is an in-depth immersion in all facets of one’s own function, you gain exposure to all other functions through various stints such as sales stints, plant stints, etc. You also literally learn to paint through a stint on LTP (Learn to Paint)! I believe by helping each other, learning by sharing, and having fun, I’ve made friends for a lifetime in the LEAP 2020 batch.
My suggestion to new joiners would be to be an empty canvas ready to be painted with the colors of Asian Paints. The most important thing and something that has worked for me during the trainee stints is to reach out to as many people as possible for any support and ask as many questions as possible. Join in with an open mind, ready to experience one of the best companies out there!
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