To L'Oreal's Neel Pandya, the biggest leap is to put India on the global map for digital initiatives

Life is about taking a quantum leap to break the everyday routine and do something extraordinary. Be it work, relationships or family, people are always looking out for newer experiences that enrich their lives. However, breaking the wheel of your daily rut is usually not an easy task, as people are so caught up in their monotonous schedules that they forget to turn their “Why’s into Why nots”.

&flix, the English movie channel from ZEEL, urges people to leap out of the ordinary as it celebrates its first anniversary. &flix believes in #EverydayLeaps that allow you to break away from the monotony and do something new, everyday. The Hollywood movie channel with its massive library of movies showcases a world of unlimited possibilities enabling viewers to #LeapForth. The channel brings its viewers closer to horizon of new experiences, new journeys, hence inspiring them to break away from the regular and leap into something that they have never done.

Bringing the same experiences of unlimited possibilities, &flix caught up with industry stalwarts to know about their biggest leaps.

&flix spoke to Neel Pandya, National Media Head of L’Orèal India, to understand his idea of #EverydayLeaps, the possibilities and leaps that have been crucial in his journey till date. He also shares his views on constant reinvention of self and the importance of leaping forth to achieve what you aspire. He also wishes to embrace the possibilities of not just what is, but what could be.

• Your idea of #EverydayLeaps is...

I keep reinventing myself to the endless possibilities and avenues that help me and the brands that I manage. Also, if you love your work, #EverydayLeaps just give you a kick to work harder. Life at L’Orèal is all about one team. The employee supportive environment has helped me combat with every challenge and has made my life easier and smoother.

• To avoid getting stuck in the rut, your secret sauce to leaping forth into a world of unlimited possibilities is...

I believe in the mantra of ‘never settle’ and ‘keep reinventing yourself.’ I like pushing the envelope to come up trumps on newer frontiers. I usually prioritize my tasks and review them later. Apart from all of this, my secret sauce is living a healthy lifestyle. All thanks to the employee wellness programmes at L’Orèal which has motivated me to exercise regularly

• One superhero you relate to is... Hawkeye

•That one superpower that gets you going is...

I am optimistic in most situations and try to keep a smile on my face. This helps in calming myself under challenging circumstances and have a positive outlook towards life.

• Marvel’s Venom has shown the world that sometimes it takes a little bit of bad to do some good. Your meaning of embracing your inner evil for a greater good is...

I can certainly relate to Venom in some manner. I feel nobody is perfect and you should keep shaping yourself to be the best at what you do. I believe in being transparent and honest with people. Not only does this attribute help me drive results at work but has also shaped me into a better human being.

• Your biggest leap in making the person that you are today is...

Transitioning from agency to the client side was perhaps one of the most exciting career leaps for me. This helped me look at the picture very differently compared to the one I was familiar with.

My former experience not only helped me to take better decisions in a new role, but it also helped me understand both ends of the table and ensure qualitative output in a motivating environment.

• For you, the possibilities that lie beyond what meets the eye are...

Everyone has a dream/ aspiration in life. I also have some, however the one which I really want to see the light of the day is, to take India’s media activity to international standards. We keep hearing and taking a lot of inspiration and learnings in media (especially on digital) from global countries and I really want to put India on the global map from where case studies and best-case practises are referred from.