Divya Sharda - I Believe In People and Their Intent (Director - Gaana)

I am "formally" a lawyer. Yet, I chose to work in the media industry. I have no formal education/degree in media and I don't dismiss a candidate based on their education.

Tell us about your background, journey, and upbringing.

I come from a simple middle-class family living in Mumbai. My grandfather was from Punjab and set up his textile business in Mumbai & Surat. My dad was born and brought up in Mumbai and picked up various languages and is a true epitome of Mumbai's spirit. 

He was an entrepreneur and a social worker and my mom helped him with his business and managed the home. They supported me on every journey I wanted to take.

At school I was a shy child till the teachers encouraged me to read the news, participate in elocution, debates, singing competitions and drama as well. I am eternally grateful to them. I was a studious kid, often missing family get-togethers because the missing school didn't sound like a good idea. 

Always amongst the Top 2 in class, I was also winning a lot of accolades in the extra-curricular activities. I was the school Head-Girl as well. I have been learning Hindustani classical music since school.

I chose to study Arts for junior college at St.Xaviers College and did a theatre workshop with Nadira Babbar and joined her theatre troupe Ekjute. We performed in various cities in India and even abroad. Theatre changed my life. Then I decided to study Law at Govt Law College (5-year course) in Mumbai. 

While I was studying Law, I started listening to FM radio and got very interested in the medium. I sent a "CD recording" to two stations and WIN 94.6 onboarded me as their radio jockey in 2003-2004. I completed my law though. In fact, I love the subject so much that I went ahead and completed LLM in IP Law.

Since then, there has been no looking back. I have been associated with radio (have hosted almost all-time bands), music (radio & digital), voicing, and theatre in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Dubai for close to 18 years.

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How did you rise to the highest echelons and what are your future plans?

For me, the designation/post never mattered. I was always interested in bringing value to the table - and it could be as simple as bringing a smile to my listener's day to executing large programming plans for radio stations on a national level or OTT platforms like ZEE5 and now Gaana.

My future plans? I don't really believe in planning too much in my personal life. My desire though is to be able to bring the best experience for consumers in any area I am connected to. I can't stand mediocrity and strive to make sure that the user/listener is delighted with what we have to offer.

What does your typical workday look like?

At this point in my career, most of my time is spent grooming and guiding the team. I think people who are creative need a strong sense of belonging and should be happy doing what they are meant to do and that has always been my focus. I do have lots of meetings to attend - some are more productive than others, but all aimed at getting new, unique powerful ways to engage users.

Several global companies have come out and thrown their support behind not needing a formal education. What is your opinion about this?

In today's day and age - this is changing and fast. I am "formally" a lawyer. Yet, I chose to work in the media industry. I have no formal education/degree in media and I don't dismiss a candidate based on their education.

How do you handle someone who has lied on their resume?

I believe in people and their intent. If you lie on your resume, it is not difficult to spot it during the interview. We also have background checks that help. Anyone who lies on their resume may not go far anyway.

How has covid changed things at your workplace & which of these changes do you intend to make permanently?

Well, home is now the workplace. I must admit, I am not very happy with this change. It's important to have your own space to work where there aren't constant interruptions. Also, meeting people, having conversations is what drives my energy and I miss that. Talking to the laptop all day is very exhausting (and boring now) What could be permanent is flexible working days and timings.

                              

What advice do you have for those starting their career and those who are eyeing the top job?

For those starting up - be open to learning, be flexible and be true to yourself and your work. Also, be clear about why you are where you are. Show initiative and be creative. Keep an eye on competition and trends - stay relevant.

For those planning to grow in the corporate world - I think the fundamentals remain the same, but the key is to at least have a sense of what others are up to in different departments. Don't stay in your own well and be curious. Having an attitude where you are focused on the overall growth of the company - will take you a long way.

Which is your favorite book/show and why?

I read non-fiction now. I have been meditating for a few years and books by Osho (introduced to me by my dad) and Sadhguru is mostly seen by my bedside, Homo Sapiens was a fantastic book, and a New World by Eckhart Tolle is my current go-to. I switch between books a lot.


Shows based on real-life events are what I seem to gravitate towards. But the last series I binge-watched was Mare of Easttown (fantastic screenplay and performances) and Working Moms (quirky and yet relatable) Schitt's Creek & Modern Family are series to rewatch anytime! It's very difficult to get comedy right.


Bio -

A lawyer by degree but a media professional for more than a decade, I am actually a wanna-be spiritual guru. I'm a mother to a 4-year-old and don't like cooking though I live to eat. Yoga and meditation are my safe haven and music is what I breathe.