In the 81st episode of Jam with Sam, Sampath Iyengar engages in an insightful conversation with Anindita Chatterjee, Chief Marketing Officer at Rentokil PCI. A passionate marketer, avid traveller, and fitness enthusiast, Anindita shares her journey from engineering to marketing, her adventures across 58 countries, and her vision for inspiring others to follow their passions.
A Vibrant Childhood and Lessons in Compassion
Anindita describes her childhood as lively and adventurous. Dubbed a “live wire,” she embraced exploration early, a quality that continues to define her today. Growing up in different cities cultivated her adaptability and interpersonal skills, while her mother’s NGO for underprivileged children taught her compassion and resilience. Inspired by her mother’s work, Anindita aspires to open her own school for underprivileged children in Mumbai someday.
From Engineering to Marketing: A Career of Bold Choices
Anindita’s professional journey began with engineering in Nagpur, where hostel life taught her independence. Post her executive MBA from NMIMS, she transitioned into marketing. With nine years at HUL, she honed her skills and embraced the company’s customer-obsession philosophy. Memorable campaigns like Dove’s “No Makeup Challenge” shaped her belief that beauty stems from confidence and authenticity.
At Wellspun, Anindita explored e-commerce during the sector’s boom, collaborating with platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. This role deepened her appreciation for the interplay between marketing and sales. Currently, at Rentokil PCI, she leads marketing for pest control services, focusing on boosting brand awareness and engaging Indian consumers to adopt preventive hygiene practices.
Adventures Around the World
Anindita’s wanderlust has taken her to 58 countries, with New York, Iceland, and Jordan ranking among her favourites. From solo scooty rides along Portugal’s Algarve coastline to daring treks in Uganda’s rainforests, her journeys are a testament to her courage and a zest for life. Notable experiences include:
- Gorilla Trek in Uganda: A magical encounter with gorillas, including a playful baby gorilla.
- Amazon Forest Expedition: Midnight crocodile spotting on the Amazon River.
- Cyprus Visa Challenge: Securing a handwritten visa in Cairo after initial immigration hurdles.
Each trip underscores her belief in stepping out of her comfort zone to create unforgettable memories.
Lessons from Travel and Life
Travel has been a profound teacher for Anindita. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks, asking for help, and embracing the unexpected. Her advice? Climb that mountain, take that leap, and savor every moment because the memories make it all worthwhile. Her philosophy extends to inspiring others to follow their dreams and conquer challenges with determination.
The Future Beckons
Anindita envisions herself as one of India’s top travel influencers, blending her love for marketing and travel to inspire others. She plans to launch her own travel venture, sharing her experiences and tips with a broader audience.
Conclusion
Anindita Chatterjee’s story is a vibrant mix of professional achievements and personal adventures. From redefining marketing strategies to exploring the farthest corners of the world, she is a trailblazer who believes in living life to the fullest. Her journey encourages others to embrace challenges and turn dreams into reality.
About Anindita Chatterjee:
Anindita Chatterjee is the Chief Marketing Officer at Rentokil PCI, a passionate traveler, and a budding travel influencer. With a career spanning engineering, marketing, and e-commerce, she exemplifies adaptability and creativity. Anindita inspires people to explore, learn, and grow through her stories and campaigns.