“We take an individualistic approach to our work, embracing an open mindset over a herd mentality.”

***Dipti Vaidya* *(Co-Founder, Investronaut)***

Have you ever imagined standing at the precipice of a significant life decision, the kind that could alter the course of your personal and professional journey? Years ago, Dipti Vaidya found herself entrenched in a successful but unfulfilling career in hotel management. It was a path chosen with enthusiasm, fresh out of college with dreams of making a mark in the hospitality industry. Yet, as the weeks passed, a nagging feeling of unfulfilled potential began to grow. She wanted a job that challenged her and allowed her to innovate and make a difference. Hence, she made a bold move and transitioned from the structured world of hotel management to the dynamic and ever-evolving tech industry, eventually founding Investronaut, a leading integrated marketing agency in Pune, in 2017.

While the hospitality industry taught her invaluable skills in customer service, operations, and staff management, the analytical and creative problem-solving aspects of IT truly drew her in. Switching careers meant using her skills in a new context, and it was a tough row to hoe, but, as Dipti shares, “I embraced it with open arms. When I served as the head of Client Servicing in a software company, I learned how to bridge the gap between customers and operational teams which enhanced systems and workflows in ways that directly impacted business outcomes. This is when I realised how much I loved the power of technology to change businesses and, in turn, make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

When Sabbatical Resulted In Her Personal Growth

Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. Choosing to take a break from an established career was a tough call for Dipti. She was in a field that was advancing rapidly. While she had worked hard to establish herself in the industry, she chose to take a sabbatical to devote herself fully to her family during those precious early years of her children’s lives.

“While it was very difficult to step away professionally, it was a decision I made wholeheartedly out of love and commitment to my family,” shares Dipti.

The sabbatical period turned out to be a time of significant personal growth for her. Being a mother taught her invaluable lessons like how to bounce back from tough times, manage her time well, and juggle multiple tasks at once – skills that are just as important in the boardroom as they are at home. Even though she wasn’t working professionally during this break, the sabbatical itself became its own form of career development. It prepared and equipped her for the rigours and challenges of entrepreneurship that lay ahead.

“Stepping back to focus on my family before jumping back into my career gave me renewed purpose. The sabbatical nourished me, not only as a mother but also as a leader. I emerged more focused, grounded, and ready to take on my next chapter,” adds Dipti with a smile.

The Evolution of Investronaut

Dipti re-entered the business world with a new purpose– to establish a company that reflected her values: innovation, flexibility, and empowerment. That’s how Investronaut came into being. The core of Investronaut rests on five essential principles– Imagination, Innovation, Interaction, Integration and Impact. Investronaut offers integrated marketing solutions, which include social media marketing, digital marketing, SEO services, and brand strategy, among other services. Through its brand, media, and tech solutions, Investronaut stays connected with its customers through their feedback and delivers services with a customised approach.

“At Investronaut, we help people pursue their careers without sacrificing their personal lives. We specialise in creating digital solutions that drive business growth by using technologies like AI and data analytics. However, it’s not just about the services we provide; we aim to establish a work atmosphere that helps everyone manage their professional and family responsibilities,” mentions the Co-Founder.

Investronaut: Integrated Marketing Solutions

Since its inception, Investronaut has served individuals as well as growing businesses from different industries. With a promise to become a communications partner, Investronaut offers a wide range of services to meet diverse client needs, from baseline business consulting to integrated marketing and branding solutions. It offers a comprehensive suite of services to drive digital success for its clients. The team delves into understanding the client’s business, customers, competition, and goals and creating tailored strategies that align with broader business objectives.

Investronaut also has a professional team of branding experts who specialise in building authentic brand stories and visual identities, including branding guidelines, logo design, and packaging. When it comes to building a communication strategy, the team thinks out of the box to develop integrated communication plans spanning PR, social media, content marketing, events, and more.

Team Investronaut also excels in conceptualising and executing Creative Campaigns, focusing on engagement and measurable impact through social media campaigns, video content, contests, partnerships, and experiential marketing. From website design to e-commerce, apps to analytics, it offers end-to-end Digital Solutions. With custom media plans that combine digital marketing, traditional advertising, PR, and events for maximum brand exposure and return on investment, Investronaut stands as a full-service communications partner dedicated to fueling the success stories of its clients in India.

For its excellence in the field of Digital Marketing, Investronaut was bestowed with the ‘Digital Agency of the Year’ Award for 2021 at the National Awards for Excellence in Branding &Marketing (7th Edition). “Our goal is to help people and businesses by providing meaningful digital solutions. Looking forward, we aim to be a positive force for change, by promoting long-term growth of emerging businesses and leaving a lasting impact in the business arena,” shares Dipti while emphasising one of the core ideas behind incepting Investronaut.

The Driving Force of Investronaut

Investronaut is a team of thirty-five professionals, and Dipti calls it Investronaut’s powerhouse. They are a perfect blend of fresh graduates and industry professionals with over ten years of experience. As they come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, they bring different perspectives to the table. This diversity fuels their ability to think creatively, take smart risks, and deliver results.

At the firm, Dipti encourages an open mindset. She motivates each team member to think independently, voice opinions, and collaborate with other teammates to find solutions. There’s no place for people who just say ‘yes’, but those who ask insightful questions and tackle problems with an open perspective. Team Investronaut is united by a shared passion for their work, with a commitment to deliver the best solutions to the clients. With the right mix of enthusiasm, experience, and expertise, the Investronaut Team helps clients navigate the digital landscape with agility.

A Woman Uplifting Other Women, and more

Understanding the common struggle of balancing work and family, which can be even tougher for women, Dipti made it a key goal to challenge this norm when establishing Investronaut. She believes in nurturing an inclusive and empowering environment. Her firm provides flexible work arrangements, supportive maternity and paternity policies, and opportunities for professional development that cater to the unique needs of working professionals.

“We have taken many initiatives like flexible work hours and location, Return-to-work programs, employee Resource Groups and Mentorship and leadership programs. These initiatives support the professional growth of all employees regardless of gender,” add Dipti.

The Journey Continues

Despite the twists and turns in Dipti’s path, whether it’s transitioning from hospitality management to technology, taking a sabbatical, or becoming an entrepreneur, each experience has prepared Dipti for what lies ahead in the industry.

Dipti believes that there’s still a lot of work to be done. “We need to challenge the status quo, support ambitions, and make workplaces more flexible. Persistence and empathy are the key. We can create a world where everyone feels encouraged and empowered to reach great heights, both at the professional and personal levels,” she emphasises.

She further adds, “Through Investronaut, I aim to set an example that if we provide an inclusive environment, women can grow to infinite heights, while balancing both work and family. However, this can’t be achieved alone; this requires collective action. Therefore, let’s continue to support each other, advocate for policies that help working parents, and nurture the limitless potential of the next generation. Through our collective efforts, we can make the journey a bit easier for the working mothers to come.”

Dipti finds inspiration in the saying, “Growth happens outside your comfort zone.” You need to step out of your comfort zone and take on challenges. Take risks, discover new possibilities, and handle the ups and downs with an open mind.