With International Women’s Day just past — and recognizing that a single day is never enough to celebrate the contributions of women — we are dedicating the entire month of March to spotlighting voices from across the industry as part of our IWD Voices series.
Next up, we speak with Vedika Soni, Senior Growth Manager at Landor in India.
Vedika discusses what this year’s IWD theme means to her personally and professionally, and shares how her understanding of fairness has shifted over the course of her career. She also reflects on the mentors who shaped her approach to leadership, and her personal support for girl child education.
She goes on to discuss what has genuinely improved for women in the workplace and the responsibility she believes senior leaders bear in making equity a lived experience rather than a stated commitment.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” What does this mean to you professionally and personally?
Rights, Justice, and Action reinforces one core belief – meaningful progress happens when intention is backed by action.
We’re at a pivotal moment where equality has shifted from conversation to expectation. Evolving workplace cultures, greater access to education, and global awareness have accelerated this and we’re beginning to see the impact.
Rights, Justice, and Action reinforces one core belief – meaningful progress happens when intention is backed by action.
Professionally, one of the most powerful drivers of change has been women and allies who actively open doors, through mentorship, sponsorship, and advocacy, ensuring others don’t face the same barriers they once did.
Personally, it’s a reminder that the progress we celebrate today was built on the courage of those who came before us. Now it’s our turn to shape a world where every woman and girl can lead, grow, and belong. And that demands bold choices, deliberate action, and unwavering commitment, every single day.
What first drew you to your industry, and was there a defining moment that set your career in motion? Was there a role model who influenced you early on?
Branding and marketing drew me in for one reason, the rare opportunity to merge strategic thinking with creativity, all in service of building meaningful connections with people.
My career has never had one defining moment, and I’ve come to realise that’s the beauty of it. Every client interaction, every diverse perspective, every new industry encountered continues to shape my trajectory. It’s the accumulation of experiences that quietly shapes you, each one adding depth to both the work and the person behind it.
My career has never had one defining moment, and I’ve come to realise that’s the beauty of it.
I’ve also had the privilege of learning from mentors who led with kindness, brought sharp strategic thinking to the forefront, and embraced challenges with openness. Watching Elizabeth Harris, Julian Cole, Lulu Raghavan, and Meenaz Shamim in action didn’t just guide my career; it defined what great leadership looks like.
How has your understanding of fairness changed as you’ve gained experience and seniority?
Early in my career, fairness meant equal expectations and equal outcomes. Experience taught me otherwise. True fairness is about customising approaches that recognise individual strengths and unlock each person’s full potential.
Early in my career, fairness meant equal expectations and equal outcomes. Experience taught me otherwise.
It’s about platform, where everyone has the confidence to speak and the assurance that their voice truly matters.
As conversations around women and work have evolved, what do you think has genuinely improved—and where do you think more attention and action are still needed?
The shift is real and encouraging. Greater representation, more inclusive cultures, and a growing commitment to equity are all signs of meaningful progress. The next step is ensuring that commitment translates consistently into opportunity, growth, and belonging for every woman.
Is there a project or initiative you’ve worked on related to women’s empowerment that you’re particularly proud of? What made it meaningful to you?
I’ve always believed that true empowerment begins with education. Supporting girl child education for the underprivileged is something deeply personal to me. Keeping that door open is a small but meaningful step towards her financial independence and a future built on her own terms.
What responsibility do senior leaders have in shaping more equitable workplaces, beyond statements or policies?
True equity is felt before it is measured. Senior leaders have the unique ability to shape culture through their everyday actions, by embracing diverse perspectives, championing diverse talent, and creating genuine space for every voice to be heard. When leaders lead with empathy, equity naturally evolves from a conversation into a lived experience.
What is one change you would like to see in workplaces for the next generation of women?
I’d love to see the next generation of women inherit workplaces already built on equity, where breaking barriers is no longer the journey. Where women are empowered to show up fully, lead authentically, and thrive unapologetically.
