Travel Links

Women’s Day special series by Travel Links Magazine – Ms Matuli Madhusmita Swain

Matuli Madhusmita Swain

Marketing & Communications Manager
Crowne Plaza Jaipur (IHG)

Matuli Madhusmita Swain is an actress, author, speaker, life coach, and marketing and communications expert with over 10 years of professional experience working with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, IHG, Grey Group, and Dr. Reddy’s Foundation. Matuli loves good content and champions conversations on marketing, leadership, new-age workplace practices, economics, entrepreneurship, sustainable travel, and tourism. A proud Odia!

  1. Please let us know about your initial years in the Travel Industry.
  • My initial years were challenging, fun, and actually filled with a lot of travel. I used to manage international fam trips of media from USA, UK, Europe, the Middle East to India; so that meant learning to know my country better and being the best ever ambassador to the international media. Social media was picking up momentum then, so we’d have a lot of fun trying to do those posts and updates.
  • I am still surprised by how much India has to offer and how little the world knows about our travel heritage.
  • The senior leadership of women was a rarity, so I was especially proud to have a lady boss who was and continues to be a fantastic mentor. Of course, I have moved the needle in my own way, and seeing more female equity in leadership today, makes me happy and proud. It has to become the norm.
  • I have made rookie mistakes too, so am glad I could learn early on in my career.
  1. What are the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
  • My biggest challenge was not to believe in myself more. It is important. There is no way one can know everything beforehand, so having innate self-belief is important. We have to cultivate it slowly and steadily.
  • Time management and delegation is another area I have worked on steadily. Delegation is important and necessary and as we climb up the hierarchy; leaders, especially women need to be aware of decision making fatigue. Mind game has to be strong to takeimportant decisions – so time and energy have to be treated like gemstones of life.
  • The best way to overcome a limiting belief is by taking what I call- Brave Baby Steps, ahead. Small steps, every day can give results beyond belief. We may feel we aren’t doing much but I can vouch for it – one fine day, you will realize how far you have come and how much strength and confidence you have built.
  1. Please let us know a bit about your strengths.
  • Resilience, Integrity, and Focus.
  • Patience, Hustle, and Hard work.
  • Simple does it. Always.
  1. May we know more about your current initiatives?
  • I am a hospitality marketing communications professional who also is a creative writer, speaker, life coach and actress. I am passionate about money, spirituality, marketing, business, entrepreneurship and thought leadership. Given my talents and skills for creative expressions in the form of writing, speaking and acting; I strive to combine my strengths and do more of what I love to do and earn. You can check our my YouTube channel (Matuli Madhusmita Swain ) and my e-book (Marcomm Cookies on Kindle) to get some really nice, informative, inspiring content.
  1. How was 2020 for you and what would you like to do in 2021?
  • 2020 was a surprise that I didn’t see coming, much like the rest of the world. It has made me a digital professional, sharpened my writing skills, opened up great new collaborations, and overall given me a crash course in respecting life and being thankful for having family and friends.
  • 2021 in one line is – Do your best with what you have now. One good day at a time. Stay grateful and things will get better, soon.
  1. How do you plan to achieve your goals in 2021?
  • Small, consistent steps. I read this fantastic book called Atomic Habits by James Clear, and it has been a game-changer. My idea of 2021 is to keep it significant.
  1. Last but not the least; please let us know the initiatives you are working on towards the social causes/ women empowerment.
  • I am the League President of IWH (Media); a part of the group Indian Women in Hospitality (IWH) founded by LaxmiTodiwan. We have some great roundtables and leadership talks consistently which is great for connecting with inspiring women and being part of a thriving community.
  • For those, who are keen for a career in communications and marketing; I am a LinkedIn request away.
  1. Anything you would like to say on this special day.
  • Women Leadership equity is built; one step at a time by thousands of women willing to and showing up, for themselves despite the odds. Next time, you feel like giving up, think again. March ahead.

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