🧪 Career compounding, finding your "Why" & postcard application

Hello there 👋🏽,

Welcome back to the second edition of the Marketers Help Marketers newsletter.

Yes, I know—it's Sunday.

Blame it on Holi.

I realized after posting on LinkedIn about the episode on Friday,

that most folks were OOO from LinkedIn.

So I figured taking a 2-day break would be okay.

Let’s dive in!

My guest this week was Mohita Nagpal.

Mohita is a journo-turned-marketer.

Interestingly, she is the second journalist on the podcast.

She has worked and led marketing at growing startups like Borneo, Facets, Hiver, and Belong.

Her story is a testament to the fact that career paths aren't always linear, and that's perfectly okay!

Starting at the intense Indo Asian News Service (something she compares closely to startups), Mohita honed her storytelling craft, working 40 stories a day.

Those early journalism days still shape her as a marketing leader to this day.

Here are a few standout career lessons from Mohita’s journey:

✨ Find your "Why"

Be clear on your "why" behind your career decisions. Whether it's the desire for a leadership experience, the opportunity to work with smart people, or the allure of a differentiated product, knowing your "why" helps you manage the inevitable ups and downs of your career journey.

✨ Play to your strengths

Leverage your core skills. Her strength in storytelling became her superpower, guiding her to roles at Wingify, Hiver, and beyond.

✨ Career compounding works

Mohita's career is a beautiful example of how seemingly unrelated experiences can compound and contribute to your ultimate success. Her time in journalism, though demanding, was where she truly honed her writing craft—a skill that has been fundamental to her marketing career.

✨ Pick companies strategically (timing is everything)

If you want to work with startups, you have to figure out at what stage of growth you want to join in, so you get to make the best impact. She recommends choosing companies where your strengths align with the business maturity stage.

✨ Curiosity pays off

Mohita jumped into marketing purely out of curiosity, transitioning from journalism without knowing exactly what awaited her. It led to roles that significantly boosted her career.

✨ The power of self-awareness

Understand your strengths and weaknesses clearly. Being a leader is not about knowing everything but about having the humility to seek help and hire people who excel in areas you might not.

✨ Adaptability is your superpower

With the rise and adoption of AI, adaptability is key. Be curious, stay relevant, and be willing to pivot when necessary.

✨ Job hunting 101: Own the assignment

As a hiring manager, Mohita is bullish on assignments and personalized outreach. Want to stand out? Use assignments to demonstrate ownership, curiosity, and a clear thought process.

A Wild Thing Candidate Ever Did - Sent Job Application via Postcard

In a fun anecdote, Mohita shared a memorable experience as a hiring manager. She received a job application in the form of a postcard! While the candidate didn't ultimately get the job, their creative approach certainly caught Mohita's attention. It’s a testament to the power of standing out from the crowd!

On a related note, a few weeks ago, Anushka Karmakar shared this fun, goofy hire-me video that generated some interest in her profile. So, hit a sixer the next time you apply for a role. Don't just leave it at a 'here's my resume' email.

My next guest is a true generalist in every sense of the term - he's worked in marketing, customer service, product.

He juggles a full-time role with running a micro-SaaS startup that generates $5k per month, has acted in a serial, and creates funny videos on product management.

You won't want to miss this conversation!

On personal note

• 🎵 What I have been listening on repeat: Boy

• 📖 Started reading this thriller: Dark of Night

I'd love your thoughts or any funny Holi stories you might have. Reply back!

Your marketer friend,

Mita