At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Sonam Sharma for an exclusive interview with us. Sonam is an Entrepreneur, Founder & Director of GAAS Media and Sozart Creative. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Sonam:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey as an actor and entrepreneur has been richly diverse, rooted in a strong background in English theatre and a commitment to cross-cultural storytelling. Alongside my acting career, I run multiple businesses focused on branding, marketing, media, and entertainment. This fusion of arts and entrepreneurship allows me to harness my creativity while driving positive social change.
With academic foundations in Design & IT from England and English Literature from Delhi University, I have navigated a myriad of creative fields. I passionately believe in the power of storytelling to amplify voices and share experiences. My goal is to portray stories that inspire and challenge societal norms, whether through film, production, or writing.
In addition to my artistic endeavours, I serve as a Branding & Marcomm Consultant, empowering organizations to communicate messages of inclusivity and diversity effectively. By collaborating with fellow artists and visionaries, I have seen firsthand how profit-driven initiatives can coexist with a strong commitment to societal impact.
I am also dedicated to humanitarian efforts, supporting NGOs focused on uplifting underprivileged children, women, and differently-abled individuals. As an ambassador for Cancer Awareness and Mental Health, I leverage my personal experiences to advocate for better support systems and holistic well-being.
Being recognized at the Women in the World Summit in 2015 for my contributions to women’s empowerment was a humbling milestone that deepened my commitment to this vital cause. Through my work, I strive to create a more inclusive world, where the fusion of storytelling and transformative entrepreneurship inspires a brighter future for all.
‘GAAS Media’ and ‘Sozart Creative’ are such unique names; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
At GAAS Media, our journey began over a cup of tea, where a group of passionate professionals aimed to revolutionize the media landscape. The name GAAS, derived from the initials of its founders, represents our collaborative spirit. Initially focused on syndication, we have now expanded our services to include content creation through engaging podcasts and the launch of our own music label, BMR (Be Major Records).
We believe in ensuring that your content reaches every corner of the world, creating captivating narratives that resonate with global audiences. From our New Delhi headquarters, we curate international content and collaborate with partners in vibrant hubs like Dubai, London, and New York, catering to clients across MENA, the UK, the USA, and Southeast Asia.
This year, we launched three podcast shows featuring a diverse range of voices, from artists to entrepreneurs, allowing us to highlight fresh perspectives and dynamic storytelling. Our commitment to exploring new territories is at the heart of GAAS Media, where every project begins with a unique story and vision.
On the other hand, Sozart Creative reflects my personal brand and evolved from a thriving art community into a boutique marketing and branding agency. We embrace creativity in all its forms; our team, affectionately known as “Sozartists,” is dedicated to providing innovative solutions and occasional creative interventions to elevate your brand.
Led by myself, Sonam Sharma, with a background in advertising, acting, and the arts, Sozart Creative boasts a talented women-led team, supported by our male colleagues who serve as the backbone of our operations. We help businesses brand, re-brand, launch, and re-launch, infusing them with the magic needed to thrive in today’s digital landscape.
Over the last year, we have gone global and serviced some great brands and personal brands in healthcare and pharma to lifestyle, wellness and beyond. Together, both GAAS Media and Sozart Creative are committed to transforming the way stories are told and brands are built, always aiming to push creative boundaries and drive impactful results.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
Despite the challenges I face, what keeps me going is the magic of self-awareness, a powerful tool I’ve come to truly value in my leadership journey. It’s not just about celebrating my strengths; it’s about acknowledging my quirks and weaknesses and giving them a VIP seat at the table.
This self-awareness serves as a superpower, allowing me to engage with others openly and confidently – understanding that none of us are perfect and that it’s okay to be a little rough around the edges.
Recognizing my weak spots is not a one-time exercise; it’s an ongoing introspective journey. It’s about asking myself, “What are my not-so-shiny bits, and how can I balance them out?” This continuous reflection is not just a leadership strategy, but a fundamental life lesson that teaches me perseverance. It instils the understanding that challenges are opportunities for growth rather than reasons to quit.
Moreover, this self-awareness enhances my ability to build an exceptional team. By knowing where I might stumble, I can surround myself with remarkable individuals who complement my skills and bring their A-game in areas where I may falter.
This collaboration and support fuel our collective determination to persevere, reminding me that it’s essential to pause, reflect, and adapt rather than retreat in the face of adversity. Ultimately, it’s this blend of self-awareness, teamwork, and an unyielding commitment to resilience that propels me forward, even in the toughest of times.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The three most important lessons I’ve learned in life revolve around the principles of silent deep work, patience, and commitment.
First, I’ve come to understand that when you’re on the winning path, it’s crucial to let your actions do the talking. This ties into the concept of “silent deep work,” where the focus is on the quality and impact of your efforts rather than on boasting about your plans or achievements. The results of dedicated work often speak volumes, making powerful statements without the need for loud proclamations.
Second, patience is key. Success is not always immediate, and the reciprocity of effort may take time to manifest. I’ve learned to embrace the journey, understanding that true growth often happens in quiet perseverance. Staying committed to my goals, even when the outcomes are not yet visible, has taught me that enduring patience pays off in the long run.
Lastly, commitment is vital. Life’s path can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to remain dedicated to your vision and efforts, regardless of external circumstances. By staying the course and being unwavering in my resolve, I truly believe that success will inevitably follow suit.
Together, these lessons remind me to focus on consistent effort and inner strength, trusting the process and allowing my accomplishments to shine through.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Success is a multifaceted journey shaped by a blend of resilience, continuous learning, and meaningful connections.
Some things I can immediately enlist are as follows:
Continuous Learning: Embrace lifelong learning to adapt and grow in an ever-changing world.
Resilience: Cultivate the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain focus on your goals.
Clear Vision: Establish a clear vision and set actionable goals to guide your journey toward success.
Strong Relationships: Build meaningful connections and collaborate with others to foster support and innovation.
Self-Discipline: Practice self-discipline to stay committed to your plans and manage your time effectively.
Emotional Intelligence: Develop emotional intelligence to navigate challenges and relate genuinely with others.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
It may seem like I am driving the same point home, but this is what it is: to students and young professionals aspiring to build a successful career, prioritize continuous learning and self-awareness. Always seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skill set, as the world is ever-evolving, and adaptability is crucial to staying relevant.
Embrace challenges as valuable opportunities for growth; setbacks are often the greatest teachers. Additionally, cultivate strong relationships within your network. Building meaningful connections with mentors, peers, and industry professionals can provide invaluable support and open doors to new avenues.
Remember, success is rarely a solo endeavour, it’s about collaboration and shared experiences. Above all, stay committed to your goals, remain patient, and trust the process. With a proactive mindset and resilience, you can carve out a rewarding and impactful career.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
I want to answer this with a little example of a story that resonates deeply with my journey. One meaningful lesson I learned from a mentor comes to mind. During a pivotal meeting, he received an incoming call but chose to let it ring. When a staff member asked, ‘Aren’t you going to get that?’ he responded, ‘No. That call can wait; this meeting is important.’
This simple act conveyed a powerful message: where you focus your attention speaks volumes about your priorities. By prioritizing our time together, he demonstrated how to value people over distractions, and this profoundly shaped my approach to empowering others.
Each day, I strive to create an environment where individuals feel valued and heard, encouraging them to share their dreams and ideas. This culture of support not only touches lives but also fosters genuine connections. Witnessing the growth and motivation in those around me is incredibly fulfilling.
Ultimately, my journey is about inspiring others and making a positive impact every day, creating a community where we uplift one another and embrace our collective potential. That’s what makes this journey so exciting!
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
