Member Interview with Namrata Balwani

We are delighted to bring you a Member Interview with Namrata Balwani, Chief Marketing Officer, TPConnects Technologies

What’s your golden rule?

Always put the customer at the centre of every marketing decision. Throughout my 20+ years in marketing, I've found that truly understanding customer needs and building experiences that address those needs is what ultimately drives business growth. Data should inform decisions, but empathy must guide the strategy.

Who has been your biggest influence?

My parents have been my greatest influences, shaping both my personal values and professional approach. They instilled in me the courage to dream without boundaries and to reject gender-based limitations on what I could achieve. This mindset proved invaluable as I navigated workspaces in technology and through to marketing leadership. Their emphasis on humility and integrity has guided my leadership philosophy. When faced with difficult decisions, I often reflect on how they taught me that authentic leadership isn't about having all the answers, but about staying true to your values even when challenged. 

What is your most hated business expression?

"Let's just make it go viral." This phrase completely misunderstands how creative success works. True engagement comes from strategic planning, deep customer insights, quality creative and consistent value delivery—not gimmicks.

What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?

Implementing a comprehensive MarTech stack and Single Customer View at Landmark Group. By connecting customer data across touchpoints and applying the insights for strategic data-influenced campaigns, we delivered several $Mn in incremental annual revenue and reduced customer acquisition costs by 30%. This proved that technology investments must serve real business objectives to deliver meaningful ROI.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

I admire leaders who can balance strategic vision with operational excellence—like Satya Nadella. His transformation of Microsoft demonstrates how focusing on culture, innovation, and customer needs can revitalize even established organizations. I've tried to apply similar principles when leading marketing transformations in my career.

What is on your mind the most right now as a marketing leader?

How to effectively leverage AI for marketing while maintaining the human element. While I'm implementing AI-driven personalization initiatives that help streamline operations, I'm mindful that the best marketing still requires human creativity and strategic thinking. Finding the right balance between automation and authentic connection is critical.

Why is being part of The Marketing Society important for your career?

Having worked across Asia, Middle East, and global markets, I value connecting with diverse perspectives to continuously expand my thinking and approach to marketing leadership. Being part of The Marketing Society provides access to a community of forward-thinking marketing professionals.

Why does marketing matter to you?

Marketing is about solving real customer problems and creating value that lasts. It's the bridge between great products and the people who need them. As someone said, no one believes in marketing till they lose their cat!

Tell us something that’s not on your CV

My professional bio doesn't capture my most demanding role to date: Chief Human Officer to three highly opinionated cats who run the household with military precision. These furry executives have mastered the art of being finicky customers whose loyalty I have to constantly win back and the art of making me feel special while they're actually getting exactly what they want!

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Published on 10 April 2025