“The best way to rise is by helping others shine”: Lulu Raghavan on eShe TV

By Palak Malik

“The crux of personal branding is how you want to be remembered and what you want your legacy to be,” says Lulu Raghavan. A ‘brand evangelist’ and corporate leader, Raghavan’s new book Go Further, Faster – Shaping a Life That Matters (Bloomsbury India, INR 499) charts out a clear and practical path to personal growth with actionable tips and suggestions.

Raghavan has lived in San Francisco, New York, London and Mumbai in the course of her 24-year career at Landor, a global brand and design consultancy where she is currently president for Asia Pacific.

She summarises her own experience and integrates the insights of many books and experts to weave a wholesome narrative. With a foreword by badminton star PV Sindhu, this really is an all-in-one, go-to self-help book. 

Raghavan is passionate about mentoring women for leadership roles, and teaches at top business schools. A polyglot and philanthropist, the Mumbai-based mother of two daughters has put down all the insights and wisdom gathered through her personal and professional journey to help the reader navigate their own.

You can pick and choose what resonates with you at this point in your journey and come back to the book again to pick another thought. Think of it like an assortment or a buffet offering you a variety of ideas to mull over.

For instance, Lulu recommends The ONE Thing by Gary Keller, advocating drilling it down to one task at a time, but in the next few pages mentions David Epstein’s concept of developing a ‘range’ that encourages one to experiment and develop a diverse knowledge base.

I interviewed Lulu Raghavan for eShe TV. View the complete interview here or scroll down for the edited transcript.

eShe TV: What inspired you to write this book?

Lulu Raghavan: When I conduct workshops on brand building and personal branding, many young women approach me for mentorship. However, due to my other commitments, including a demanding job, I couldn’t personally guide everyone who reached out. So, I decided to write a book, distilling all that I’ve learned in my journey. It serves as a clear blueprint to share my experiences.

The book is aimed at young professionals starting their careers, as well as those with a few years of corporate experience who are seeking growth.

If you had to highlight key takeaways for women leaders based on your research and writing of the book, what would they be? How can these insights help them accelerate their journey?

The most important thing is to have a strong sense of self-belief. You must believe in yourself because if you don’t, no one else will. As women, we often need to do foundational work to build our self-esteem and confidence, as these are essential for growth.

Secondly, it’s crucial to distinguish between internal and external barriers. While external barriers certainly exist, such as an unfriendly workplace or a lack of support from family, the bigger obstacles are often the ones we create in our own minds. It’s essential to identify and overcome these internal barriers to succeed.

Thirdly, as a woman, you can’t simply sit in a corner, do great work, and expect it to be recognised. You must work hard to create visibility for yourself in your industry and actively seek new opportunities.

Fourthly, skills are not developed overnight. Take time to build on them. I’m a huge advocate of the compound interest concept, where consistent daily efforts accumulate over time. You may not notice it immediately, but in three to five years, you’ll realise you’ve gained expertise due to your continuous efforts. Suddenly, you look back, and three to five years have passed.

Lastly, I believe you must be a fearless advocate not only for yourself but also for others in the workplace. The best way to rise is by helping others shine and enabling them to succeed.

You mentioned many books in your writing. If you had to choose your three favourites and the most impactful lessons from them, which would they be and why?

1. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert 

This is one of my all-time favourites. I love it because it inspires individuals to break free from inhibitions and contribute to the world. Many of us are afraid of putting ourselves out there, fearing we’re not good enough or that our work will be criticised. This book helps overcome those barriers.

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear 

James explains that success is inevitable when you commit to small, consistent actions each day, even if it involves six or 10 different things. The key is consistency.

3. Leap to Leader by Adam Bryant 

This book is an essential guide for anyone on a leadership journey. Adam outlines the most critical skills professionals need when transitioning from being individual contributors to managers and, eventually, leaders.

What advice do you have for young women seeking mentorship? 

Start by becoming more self-aware. Identify what you’re really good at and what you want to be known for – what is your X factor? Once you discover that unique quality, think about how you’ll communicate it. Will you start a blog, build a website, launch a podcast, or share articles?

Your expertise and consistency are vital. Once you start, you need to keep going. And while doing so, always consider how you can add value to others.

You place great emphasis on personal branding and self-promotion. Why is it important, and what are your top tips for creating a ‘Brand YOU’?

Firstly, you must be visible by showcasing your achievements – you can’t just deliver.

Secondly, take credit for your contributions. Many women feel shy about discussing their accomplishments, but it’s essential to overcome these inhibitions.

Thirdly, learn how to build your brand. In my book, I discuss the 5 D’s framework: 

• Discover your X factor 
• Define it 
• Design how you express it 
• Deploy your personal branding assets
• Deliver consistently, day in and day out.

Lastly, build your network by investing in relationships. You don’t have to attend networking events for this. Every day, at work or on social media, we encounter people. Develop a system for making genuine connections, gradually building them over time.

That’s how I did it, and the magic of compounding takes over – suddenly, you find yourself with incredible connections and an amazing network.

How can you stay authentic without being too vulnerable in a corporate environment where emotions are often kept separate?

Authenticity comes with confidence. When you’re young and entering the workplace, you might feel the need to impress others, which can lead to wearing a mask to fit in. However, that’s only a short-term strategy, as the truth eventually comes out.

Start by being your true self, embracing both your strengths and flaws. Don’t try to build an image that is not consistent with who you are.

Palak Malik is a digital and communication specialist, recognised as a LinkedIn Top Video Production Voice for her expertise in video production.