Diageo India is among the country’s leading beverage alcohol companies with an outstanding collection of premium brands.
Meet Nidhi Pingala, whose journey from entrepreneurship to becoming a Sales Manager is truly inspiring.
Nidhi’s professional expedition took an exciting turn when she decided to pull down the shutters on her organic care brand to join the corporate world. After her stint as a Risk Investigator at an e-commerce major, she joined Diageo India as a Management Trainee during the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown. Reflecting on her early days as a Management Trainee in Lucknow, Nidhi says, “I encountered resistance while interacting with locals, as I was a woman discussing alcohol. Undeterred, I persisted, making repeated visits until a positive change was evident.”
Navigating the high-pressure realm of sales, Nidhi expresses gratitude for her family's support. She says, “While one can maintain a work-life balance through self-management, a supportive family is equally important.” A memorable achievement of Nidhi’s was the way she established strong relationships with elite retailers in South Bombay who were not expecting a woman professional in the male-dominated alco-bev space. Through persistence and assertiveness, she built trustworthy connections, ultimately solidifying her position as a sales manager.
One pivotal piece of advice she received from a leader was to "be fearless." This counsel propelled Nidhi to seek guidance, setting her apart as a fiercely proactive professional. She says, “Diageo’s I&D policies truly help foster an environment that is devoid of gender-based disparities”.
Nidhi’s message to women aspiring to enter the industry is: "Believe in yourself, trust your capabilities, and leverage supportive environments to propel your career forward." She lives by her grandfather's mantra, "I had the blues because I had no shoes until, down the street, I met a man who had no feet." This has always been a constant reminder to acknowledge privileges and be grateful. Nidhi's journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to breaking barriers. As Nidhi aptly says, "Never be afraid to experiment and run the show."
