From LAW SCHOOL to MARKETING in Dubai
Shivangi Dham: Marketing & Communications Consultant
In a captivating episode of The Dollar Diaries, Shivangi, a former lawyer turned marketing strategist, shared her inspiring journey of self-discovery, resilience, and reinvention. Her story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, embracing change, and advocating for oneself personally and professionally. This blog post delves into her conversation's key themes and insights, offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating career transitions, work-life balance, and the pursuit of fulfillment.
The Early Days: A Passion for Law and Justice
Shivangi’s journey began with a deep-rooted passion for law. She knew she wanted to be a lawyer as early as fifth grade. Inspired by the dramatic courtroom scenes in Bollywood movies, she envisioned herself as a fierce advocate fighting for justice, much like the characters of Rani Mukerji or Shah Rukh Khan. This dream led her to pursue a law degree, where she excelled academically and embraced every opportunity to hone her skills.
After graduating, Shivangi dove headfirst into litigation, specializing in matrimonial and media law. She described her early career as both challenging and rewarding. Working on high-stakes divorce cases, she gained a profound understanding of human relationships and the complexities of the legal system. One of her most memorable experiences was cross-examining a 50-year-old witness, a task that required legal expertise, confidence, and quick thinking. These experiences shaped her professionally and taught her invaluable life lessons about communication, empathy, and resilience.
Despite her success in law, Shivangi acknowledged that the profession demanded immense dedication. Long hours, intense court appearances, and the emotional toll of handling sensitive cases were part of the job. Yet, she thrived in this environment, driven by her advocacy, passion, and desire to make a difference. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, Shivangi was at a crossroads, questioning whether her current path aligned with her evolving aspirations.
The Turning Point: Embracing Change During COVID-19
The pandemic was a pivotal moment for Shivangi, as it was for many others. With courts transitioning to virtual hearings and the world shifting to digital platforms, she began exploring new interests. Always passionate about social media and digital trends, Shivangi started taking online marketing and content creation courses. What began as a hobby soon turned into a newfound passion.
Shivangi’s transition from law to marketing was not without its challenges. Coming from a traditional Indian family, where careers in law, medicine, or engineering are highly valued, her decision to switch fields was met with skepticism. However, Shivangi’s unwavering self-belief and determination helped her navigate these obstacles. She emphasized the importance of advocating for oneself, a lesson she learned early in her career. “No one is going to advocate for you,” she said. “You must speak up and take charge of your own life.”
Her first foray into marketing came through an internship in Dubai, where she was introduced to the world of public relations and digital strategy. Despite having no formal training in marketing, Shivangi’s natural aptitude for communication and her ability to stay ahead of trends quickly set her apart. Within months, she transitioned from an intern to a full-time marketing executive, eventually becoming a senior marketing and communication strategist.
Shivangi’s story highlights the importance of adaptability and the willingness to embrace change. In a world where career paths are no longer linear, her journey serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue what truly excites you. “If your heart is in something, you can succeed,” she said. “It’s about believing in yourself and taking that leap of faith.”
Lessons from the Courtroom
Shivangi’s experience as a lawyer profoundly influenced her marketing approach. She credits her legal background for honing her communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to think critically—qualities that have been instrumental in her success as a marketer. Whether presenting a case in court or pitching a campaign to clients, Shivangi’s ability to articulate her ideas clearly and persuasively has been a key factor in her professional growth.
One of the most striking aspects of Shivangi’s story is her emphasis on the importance of interpersonal relationships. She believes building genuine connections is essential in both law and marketing. “Whether you’re dealing with a client going through a divorce or collaborating with a team on a marketing campaign, it’s all about understanding people and building trust,” she explained. This human-centric approach has helped her excel in her career and enriched her personal life.
Shivangi also spoke candidly about the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, especially as an expat in Dubai. She stressed the importance of having a strong support system and making time for oneself amidst the demands of a busy career. For Shivangi, this meant finding joy in simple pleasures, like spending time with friends, exploring new hobbies, and staying connected to her cultural roots through Bollywood movies and music.
The Power of Networking and Community
A significant part of Shivangi’s journey has been her involvement in Dubai Young Professionals, a networking group that has played a crucial role in her personal and professional growth. She recounted how attending her first networking event—where she boldly took the stage to introduce herself—marked a turning point in her confidence and career trajectory. This experience led to new opportunities and helped her build a vibrant social circle in Dubai.
Shivangi’s story underscores the importance of networking and community, especially for expats navigating life in a new country. She encouraged listeners to step out of their comfort zones, attend events, and actively seek connections. “It’s not just about professional opportunities,” she said. “It’s about building a life that feels fulfilling and meaningful.”
Advocating for Mental Health and Well-Being
Throughout the episode, Shivangi emphasized the importance of mental health and self-care. She shared her belief that true success is not just about professional achievements but also personal happiness and well-being. Drawing from her own experiences, she spoke about the need to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and advocate for oneself in the workplace.
Shivangi also highlighted the role of companies in fostering a supportive work environment. She called for greater awareness of mental health issues and urged organizations to implement policies prioritizing employee well-being. “At the end of the day, happy employees are productive,” she said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As Shivangi looks to the future, she envisions herself starting her own marketing agency, where she can combine her creativity, strategic thinking, and passion for storytelling. She also desired to mentor others, particularly young professionals navigating career transitions. “I want to be someone who inspires others to take risks and follow their dreams,” she said. “Life is too short to settle for anything less than what makes you truly happy.”
Shivangi’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by societal expectations but by one’s own sense of fulfillment. Her story encourages us to embrace change, advocate for ourselves, and passionately pursue our passions.
Key Takeaways from Shivangi’s Journey
Follow Your Passion: Success comes from doing what you love. Don’t be afraid to pivot and explore new opportunities, even if they deviate from your original plan.
Advocate for Yourself: No one else will fight for your dreams. Speak up, set boundaries, and take charge of your own life.
Build Genuine Connections: Relationships are key in your personal or professional life. Invest time in building trust and understanding with others.
Embrace Change: Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and reinvention.
Prioritize Mental Health: True success is about balance and well-being. Take care of yourself and advocate for policies that support mental health in the workplace.
Network and Build Community: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and support you. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and enrich your life.
Shivangi’s journey from law to marketing is a story of courage, resilience, and self-discovery. Her ability to adapt, advocate for herself, and pursue her passions inspires anyone navigating career transitions or seeking fulfillment in their professional and personal lives. As she continues to chart her own path, Shivangi reminds us that the most rewarding journeys often challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown.
In her words, “Life is too short to settle for anything less than what makes you truly happy.” And with that, Shivangi’s story leaves us with a powerful message: the key to success lies in following your heart, believing in yourself, and never being afraid to take that leap of faith.