Sanjiv Kodali’s Post

The Penny Drop Moment: How I Pivoted From Brand Buzz for Consumer Truth Remember that feeling in uni when you found your "thing"? For me, it was marketing. I devoured modules, aced exams, and even dove headfirst into a marketing diploma after graduation. My graduate dream job at Cadbury Trebor Bassett (think Trebor Extra Strong and Maynard's Wine Gums!) solidified the path. But after six years, a nagging feeling persisted: something was missing. I chased the "buzz" at Hasbro (imagine marketing Action Man and Star Wars toys!), then at Premier Foods (Mr Kipling, anyone?). Brand management felt good, but not great. Then it hit me – my sweet spot wasn't crafting brand narratives, it was cracking the consumer code. Research groups, data analysis, understanding what makes people tick – that's where the magic happened. But fear whispered, "It's too late to switch tracks." Then, destiny intervened. A Consumer Insight Manager announced her departure, opening a golden opportunity. Did I take the leap? You bet I did! And 20 years later, I've never looked back. The lesson? It's NEVER too late to chase your passion. Put yourself out there, take risks, and don't let fear hold you back. My clients now benefit from my diverse experience – from branding to factory floors, I understand their challenges and speak their language. So, what was your “penny drop” moment or what's it waiting for? Share your story in the comments, and let's celebrate the courage to pivot! #careercrosstalk #insightsdriven #nevertoolate #makeadifference #consumerinsights #marketing #brandmarketing #marketresearch P.S. Want to chat about unlocking consumer truth? Drop me a message!

"Placement isn't just about where your product is located; it's about where it stands out." It is important to learn how crucial strategic placement and positioning are for boosting sales. Take Gatorade, a brand of PepsiCo, as an example. This well-known sports drink isn't just found anywhere; it's carefully placed in locations frequented by its target audience—medicals, fitness centers and departmental stores. This strategic placement keeps Gatorade at the forefront for athletes and fitness enthusiasts when they need it most, whether they're rehydrating post-workout or grabbing a quick energy boost during training. By positioning Gatorade in places where its benefits are most relevant, PepsiCo not only increases the product's visibility but also connects it with the consumers' lifestyles and needs. This targeted approach results in higher sales and strengthens brand loyalty among its core customers. It's a clear example of how effective product placement can turn casual interest into regular use. As I continue to explore marketing and sales, this experience highlights the importance of strategic positioning in achieving market success. #iiebm #summerinternship #MarketingInsights #SalesStrategy #ProductPlacement #InternshipExperience #Gatorade #PepsiCo

Reflecting on my journey as a Social Media Manager since stepping into the role fresh out of high school. From navigating the world of hashtags and algorithms to crafting compelling content, it's been a transformative experience. Starting this gig straight after my high school, I've witnessed tremendous personal growth beyond what I could have imagined. It's not just about posting selfies anymore; it's about strategizing, analyzing, and connecting with audiences on a deeper level. From mastering the art of communication to unleashing my creativity in content creation, each task has shaped me into a more confident and adaptable individual. Being a social media manager has taught me the importance of perseverance, resilience, and continuous learning. It's not just a job; it's a journey of personal and professional development. I'm grateful for the experiences and lessons this role has provided me. Here's to embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead as I continue to grow and evolve in this ever-changing digital landscape.

Delighted to share that I've joined as an Account Executive at White Rivers Media! ✨ My journey in this industry, from intern to executive, has been continuous learning and growth. I am eager to dive deeper and contribute meaningfully to the industry. Here's to new beginnings and continued growth. #NewBeginnings #Branding #Advertising #DigitalMarketing

Excited to share insights from completing the "Insights for Impact" professional development course at Unilever! 🚀 Key Takeaways: 1. Insights often hide in plain sight. Distinguish observations from true insights by asking the 5 "W" questions. 2. Cultivate curiosity. Listen to consumer pain points without biases. 3. Embrace the power of "why." Continuously inquire until satisfied for richer insights. 4. Utilize metaphors to make insights relatable. Play with analogies for deeper meaning. Let's keep the learning journey alive! Sharing knowledge and supporting one another drives continuous growth. 🤝 Thanks to Unilever, Oslando Desouza, Wendy Adams, Pourush Sharma, Anila Vinayak, Nikita naik, Nikita Mangaonkar for this opportunity #Unilever #UnileverMarketingAcademy #ProfessionalDevelopment #LifelongLearning #Insights #MarketResearch

Fellow Network, As some of you already know, six months ago I decided to press the “ Pause” button to my entrepreneurial PR & Communications PS to get a field education in Marketing in a company I deeply admired: Coty. In the past six months, i’ve been tutored by a professional that I was already career following for her great work in Brand Management: Berta Coca ( with extensive field in project & brand management in perfumery, whom better to learn from! ) through market research, product development & consumer behaviour. Here is a sneak peak at one of my highlighted moments: Consumer Testing to understand Audience in Market! 📉👃🏻 What an amazing opportunity it’s been, and how much I am learning!

Throughout the month of Feb I've decided to spotlight and provide you with insights into the amazing people within Reckitt's UKI Commercial business. Next up is the fabulous Stephanie Lilley (and beloved dog), our Regional General Manager for Reckitt's UKI Hygiene business... 🐾 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗶𝘁𝘁’𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲? I find the Reckitt culture to be fast paced, action oriented, delivery focused, inclusive, caring & fun. These are the reasons I enjoy it so much. 🐾 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗶𝘁𝘁? When I first joined Reckitt as a graduate trainee, I was told that the Directors and General Manager expected me to challenge them, and I should expect to be part of debate & discussion. From day one, my opinion has mattered at Reckitt, and I try to take this same approach with my own team. This is why I love Reckitt! 🐾 𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞𝗜 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁? We have a really enthusiastic, dynamic, caring & inspirational team. Every minute I spend with them is a privilege. I like to walk around the office chatting to people, learning about their lives, what they’re working on, how I can support them. I don’t know if they enjoy it so much, but it gives me energy! 🐾 𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗶𝘁𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆? This is very specific, but Optrex Actimist. I remember launching the product and watching it fly so it will always hold a special place in my heart, and if you have hay fever or dry eyes, there really is nothing better. It’s also really easy to use. #freedomtosucceed #culture

Navigating the Retail Landscape: An Insider's Guide! Ever wondered what makes the retail industry tick? Dive deep into the bustling world of retail with our comprehensive industry breakdown! Uncover the key trends, revenue drivers, and market strategies shaping the retail sector. From e-commerce giants to local storefronts, understand the intricacies that define retail success. Read On! Follow us (Career Edge) for more such content on careers in management consulting and business school preparation, if you found this helpful! And to relaunch your career and build your strategy toolkit through live mentorship & placement assistance by folks working with McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Dalberg, you can become a part of our Consulting Fellowship (Application link is in the comments). #careers #knowledge #strategy

As I mark my 1+ years anniversary at Reckitt in Consumer Relations, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the incredible journey and growth I've experienced. Here's a glimpse into what I've learned and achieved over the past year: 🔍 Deepened Consumer Understanding: Engaging with consumers daily has enhanced my understanding of their needs, concerns, and preferences. This insight is invaluable in tailoring our responses and improving product experiences. 🛠️ Problem-Solving Prowess: Addressing consumer issues requires quick thinking and creative solutions. I've developed a knack for resolving concerns efficiently, turning potential negative experiences into positive ones. 🤝 Team Collaboration: Working alongside a dedicated team has taught me the power of collaboration. Sharing insights, strategies, and feedback has led to better outcomes and a stronger team dynamic. 📈 Data-Driven Decisions: Leveraging consumer feedback and data analytics has been crucial in identifying trends and making informed decisions. This approach has helped in refining our processes and enhancing consumer satisfaction. 🌐 Adaptability and Resilience: In a constantly evolving market, being adaptable is key. I've learned to stay resilient and flexible, embracing changes and challenges as opportunities for growth. 🙏 Gratitude for Mentorship: I am incredibly thankful for the guidance and mentorship from my colleagues and leaders at Reckitt. Their support has been instrumental in my professional development. As I look ahead, I am excited to continue this journey, contributing to Reckitt's mission of creating healthier lives and happier homes. Here’s to many more milestones and achievements! #WeAreReckitt #TeamReckitt

Inspired by Greg Hoffman: From Intern to CMO at Nike As I reflect on my own career journey, I find immense inspiration in the story of Greg Hoffman. Starting as an intern at Nike and eventually rising to the position of Chief Marketing Officer, Hoffman's career path is a testament to the power of ambition, resilience, and the ability to adapt and grow. Greg's journey, as detailed in his book Emotion by Design, underscores the importance of creativity, leadership, and the emotional connections that great brands build with their audiences. While my path may be different, his story motivates me to pursue my own ambitions with the same tenacity and passion. In my career, I have always strived to learn and grow, quickly adapting to new challenges and environments. Whether it was managing irrigation for 3,500 chili plants at Batamindo Green Farm, providing financial consultation at AXA Mandiri Syariah, or handling various roles at MilkyHome, I have continuously honed my skills in sales, administration, and purchasing. Currently, I am enhancing my abilities by diving into the field of data analytics, a crucial skill in today's data-driven world. I am committed to leveraging these skills to drive innovation and make meaningful contributions in my next role. Just like Greg Hoffman, I believe in the power of perseverance and the impact of creative leadership. I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and the chance to make a significant impact in my future endeavors. #CareerInspiration #GrowthMindset #Leadership #DataAnalytics #CareerJourney #ProfessionalDevelopment