Walpole: What does your role entail, and how long have you been doing it?
Radhika Bodalikar: My role as Marketing & PR Coordinator at Newby Teas is to enhance the company’s presence, build lasting relationships and drive impactful marketing initiatives that resonate with the company’s values as a non-profit. I have been in this role for a year and a half and during this time I have gained immense knowledge of the history and craft of tea.
The luxury market is dynamic; it requires constant adaptation and innovation. I stay informed about industry developments and emerging trends by engaging in networking events and communicating key information with both the sales and marketing teams.
What’s your career background and what makes you passionate about what you do?
I graduated with a degree in Interior Architecture as it had been my dream to be an architect. While job hunting, however, I took on a temporary role at Alexander McQueen, and after two weeks they offered me a permanent position. This opened a whole new world for me: I fell in love with luxury fashion and since then I have gained experience of working for both Kering and Richemont, in addition to smaller independent women’s fashion brands.
I started working on the shop floor, which was a great learning curve. It educated me on the expectations of ultra-affluent clients when purchasing luxury goods. Working in the most junior role taught me how important relationship building is in the luxury service sector. It also afforded me the opportunity to meet a plethora of people from all walks of life, ranging between supermodels, actors, athletes, politicians, royalty and entrepreneurs.
In the long run, we will meet and work with the same familiar faces. The luxury industry is constantly adapting and evolving to keep products exciting and relevant. I love how luxury brands can adapt for collaborations with artists and other lifestyle brands to grasp the attention from a wider audience.
Can you tell us about a woman who you look up to regarding your work?
My friend Ann Bracken Renwick, who wrote How to Break into the White House, always gave me confidence and reminded me that I am capable of achieving greatness in the workplace. Ann started her career working at Capitol Hill before she was assistant to the President at the White House. She always said to be enthusiastic, to take on tasks at work even if they are not part of your job title and to have a sense of humour. When she started off, she was making coffee, answering the telephone, greeting constituents and jogging with the senator when required.
What’s a significant obstacle for women in your industry or the wider luxury sector that you feel isn’t talked about enough - and why is it important to highlight?
I think many women don’t speak up when they are struggling with their wellbeing, especially when it comes to women’s health - both mental and physical. Many women suffer during their monthly cycle and it would be of great benefit for both companies and employees if the subject were openly discussed and employers were more supportive of this issue. Most women would prefer flexible working hours and, if supported, I'm certain they would perform better – stress brings on several health issues that are overlooked. However, it's refreshing to see the growing awareness on mental health, especially following the pandemic.
What advice would you have to other women following your career path that would have helped you when starting out?
When asked to do tasks which are not part of your job role, take them on. You will enhance your skills and make yourself more adaptable to the evolving industry. The different sectors of the luxury industry are intertwined and your skills will be transferrable. It's best to learn as much as possible. Always remain curious and don’t hesitate to ask questions. In my younger days, I wish I had more confidence to ask for a promotion or a raise. Don’t hesitate to ask for what you deserve.
What does success look like to you?
Having worked with luxury for over 20 years, success is more than just personal achievements and promotions to me. I value the ability to leave lasting impressions, create memories and see smiles on clients’ faces. We spend a lot of time at work and it is therefore vitally important to have good relationships with colleagues and to be able to have humour in the workplace. A day is made more productive with good, positive energy.
