Winning Stroke: Interview with Smriti Somani, Marketing Head, Zeta

1. If not in the current profession, you would be?

A choreographer

2. One tune you always hum.

I Want To Break Free by Queen

3. One book to read when you want to motivate yourselves.

I like reading biographies for the life stories and lessons they present of someone's journey. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and Open by Andre Agassi were the recent ones I read and enjoyed.

4.One dialogue of a movie that motivates you or you like the most.

Madhatter:"Have I gone mad? Alice: I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I will tell you a secret, all the best people are!" - Alice in Wonderland

5. The place you never been to and always want to go

Iceland to see the Northern Lights - this is definitely on my bucket list. And so is Kashmir. 

6. An animal that signifies you & why?

Probably a monkey. They are energetic, playful, resourceful and mischievous 

7. A movie character you most resemble or resonate with.

Jules Ostin (played by Ann Hathway) from the Intern

8. If your life was to be turned into a movie who would you like to play your part?

Ann Hathway 

9. Luck or Hard Work, what do you think weighs more in defining a successful person?.

I think they both play an equally important role. You can be hardworking but also need luck on your side to have the right opportunity.

10. One best decision you ever made

Joining a start up. The learning curve is immense and I am really happy i joined Zeta.   

11. A strategy that you always use to take your decisions in personal or professional life.

Every situation calls for a different approach. Sometimes I weigh the pros and cons of the choices I have, sometimes I request for feedback and insights and sometimes I follow my intuition. 

12. Whose advice do you seek when in dilemma?

It is usually my husband.

13. What has been your biggest achievement?  

I have attained many milestones but I think my biggest achievement is yet to come             

14. One thing that you want to change in yourself.

Many times projects don't go as per plan, especially when you are part of a dynamic startup working on so many new ideas. It is important to be less emotional at these times and more objective while handling these volatile business situations.

15. A line said by your closed one that you never forget.

Something one of my former bosses taught me and stays with me - Always stand up for what you believe in and speak your mind.