An Hour of Inspiration with Sonya Duggal
At Brand Mender, we believe that growth isn’t just about strategy—it’s about conversations that stir thought, challenge perspectives, and spark new energy. That’s exactly what unfolded during our recent TGIF party: An Hour of Inspiration with Sonya Duggal.
With over three decades of experience across global industries, Sonya Duggal brought a refreshing blend of wisdom, empathy, and real-world insight to the table. The session, introduced by our Founder Jaspreet Kaur Khalsa, set the stage for an open and interactive conversation on navigating a digital-first workplace—one filled with heart, challenges, and honest reflection.
💬 A Safe Space to Share (and Grow)
One of the most powerful moments came early on, when team members opened up about their experiences working remotely. From balancing home and work responsibilities to the emotional toll of juggling creative expectations, the conversation quickly became a heartfelt exchange of real challenges. It was especially moving to hear our female colleagues speak about the unique pressures they face—something Sonya addressed with deep understanding and care.
The discussion around creative blocks and client pressures, shared by our design team, really hit home. One of our senior graphic designers, Dipti, talked about moments of friction, blocks, and the importance of mutual respect between collaborators. Sonya reminded us that these aren’t signs of failure—they’re signs of passionate people working hard to make ideas come alive.
🔄 Real Talk About Culture and Morale
“It’s not always easy to admit when things go wrong,” our Co-founder Gopa shared candidly. Be it client feedback or internal errors—these recurring challenges can quietly chip away at team morale. There was vulnerability, but also a shared desire to improve, together.
Sonya responded with empathy, noting how leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, listening, and holding space for the team, even when things are hard. Her reassurance that perfection is a myth, and that doing your best is enough, was the motivation many of us needed to hear.
And when Jaspreet shared her own moments of self-doubt—wondering whether Brand Mender is keeping pace with bigger names—Sonya’s words brought it all back to people. “It’s not the size of the company,” she said, “It’s the strength of its culture.” That line stayed with us long after the session ended.
🤝 Integration, Not Isolation
As we grow, we’re evolving—and with that comes new faces, new energy, and sometimes, new friction. The session raised a valuable point: communication gaps between seasoned team members and fresh hires are natural in a hybrid or remote setup. But they’re also manageable.
In response, the team collectively decided to integrate long-term employees with newer ones across meetings and projects. The goal? Stronger collaboration, cross-learning, and team cohesion. It’s a step we’re excited to implement, with Sonya’s insight as our guide.
🌱 Key Takeaways
- Open communication is non-negotiable. The more we talk (and truly listen), the less room there is for misunderstandings and disconnect.
- Creative challenges are part of the process. Addressing them openly is the only way to move forward with integrity.
- Leadership is a shared responsibility. Pressure is real, but so is support—when we lean into it together.
- Culture needs intention. As we grow, we must protect our values and foster inclusion, connection, and clarity.
🎯 What’s Next?
Sonya’s advice was simple but powerful:
“Let communication be your tool for trust. Don’t be afraid to speak up—clarity kills confusion.”
We’re taking that to heart. As Brand Mender continues to evolve, we’re committed to building a culture that’s not just productive, but human—where learning, listening, and honest conversations lead the way.