Interview with Daniyal Vadsaria - CMO at Codment

Welcome to an exclusive interview with Daniyal Vadsaria, Chief Marketing Oficer at Codment.

Please tell us about yourself. Your childhood, education, up to professional development, and how did you come to the current stage? 

Since childhood, my involvement in community services and leadership roles, such as being a leader in Boys Scouts and Rovers, enhanced my sense of responsibility and a commitment to helping others. I actively supported senior citizens in their daily activities and religious ceremonies, which not only shaped my character but also honed my leadership and organizational skills.

Throughout my childhood, I was aimful to become a Pilot. However, God had other plans for me! So, I started my career in marketing, which obviously was the right decision. For me, my career has been a transformative journey that has enhanced both my professional and personal life. 

In my role as a CMO, I've had the privilege of leading diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and driving results. Marketing has instilled in me the importance of understanding people's needs and aspirations, which has made me more empathetic and socially aware.

Were there any hardships/challenges along the way? Could you tell us a bit about them?

My journey has been shaped by a series of unexpected turns. Initially, a career in marketing wasn't my early aspiration, as I wanted to become a Pilot. But I had to adapt and mentally accept it as the path that remotely resonated with my interests. So, I started my professional journey while still studying, compelled by the need to support myself financially following the loss of my father. 

Balancing the demands of work and education at that young age was exhausting. But those experiences instilled in me a strong work ethic and resilience. I learned to plan my way up the career ladder, gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to be competent in my role today. 

My path may not have been traditional, but it has given me a unique perspective and a drive to succeed that has proven invaluable in my role today.

Was your current position something you’ve always wanted to do? How did the idea come to be?

Indeed, my journey to becoming a Chief Marketing Officer didn't start as my initial aspiration. However, I've always embraced the concept of trusting the timing and the process of learning. I firmly believe that if one path doesn't lead to your intended destination, another will present itself. 

As I mentioned earlier, it's about adapting, being flexible, and going with the flow. This mindset has served me well, as the marketing landscape is ever-evolving, and being open to change and growth is essential for success. While it may not have been the path I initially envisioned, it has been a fulfilling and rewarding journey for me.

Other than Codment, you also work at NOVVI Properties, Anideos, and Virtual Reality Creators. What do you do to handle the stress of three jobs? I.e. hobbies or de-stressing methods.

Great research on me, indeed! Well, regarding NOVVI Properties, it was indeed a freelance project that I was actively involved with, although it has seen a slower pace of activity recently. As for VRC, it operates as a parent company, and Anideos and Codment are the DBAs (Doing Business As) under its umbrella, where I oversee and serve the organizations.

When it comes to handling stress, there are certain things that I prioritize, one of which is a healthy work-life balance. I always set small, achievable goals to maintain control and reduce stress. Additionally, regular exercise, meditation, and spending quality time with family and friends provide a welcome respite from the demands of the job.

Your LinkedIn profile displays confidence in your abilities. How long did it take to develop this confidence? Do you ever struggle with self-doubt?

From the beginning, I've been actively engaged in various activities, whether it's been public speaking or leading groups. These experiences have had a profound impact on my self-confidence. They've instilled in me the belief that I can present my ideas effectively, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore possibilities with assurance. 

This early exposure to leadership roles and public interaction has been instrumental for me in developing a mindset where self-doubt was not an option. It's fueled my determination to keep moving forward and continuously seek new opportunities for growth and innovation.

How would you describe the work environments you have found yourself in over the years? Particularly at Codment?

Creating an inclusive environment within our company is paramount to our growth as a team. I firmly believe that everyone's unique perspective and ideas have the potential to drive innovation and foster a dynamic workplace. To ensure this inclusivity, I actively encourage one-on-one sessions with team members to provide a platform for them to share their thoughts, concerns, and creative solutions. 

Through individual interactions, we often discover the most valuable insights and opportunities for improvement. An inclusive culture is not just a priority but a core value for our company, where every voice matters, and collectively, we thrive.

Many of Codment’s employees come from IT and Computer Science backgrounds. How much cooperation do you have with the rest of the team, as Chief Marketing Officer?

My role at Codment is inherently interdisciplinary. It involves close cooperation with every facet of our team, from developers to designers, project managers, brand and sales experts, to content specialists. 

Effective communication and cross-functional teamwork ensure that our marketing strategies align seamlessly with the technical expertise of our IT professionals. This cross-departmental collaboration not only enhances the quality of our marketing efforts but also facilitates innovative solutions and augments our overall approach as a tech-driven company. 

If you had the chance to travel back in time, to a point in your life of your own choosing, where would you go and why, and what would you do differently or tell your past self?

I should have taken calculated risks, especially in the early stages of my career, as it can work as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. As we all know, youth offer unique advantages, such as the ability to be bolder and more agile in our decision-making. The more people immerse themselves in their roles and build a strong foundation of experience, the more they tend to become risk-averse. I should have done that!

But at the same time, I believe we can’t learn until we experience something. So, it is better not to let the fear of the unknown hold us back. I would have suggested to my younger self to take more risks, learn from them, and use them to fuel your journey towards what you really want to achieve. 

Has the working experience from your other three jobs given you any advantage in your work at Codment? Do you feel like you’ve grown faster as a financial expert?

As I mentioned earlier, those were not three distinct jobs, but I thoroughly enjoy the multifaceted nature of my responsibilities. Moreover, the "financial expert" aspect may be misunderstood, as I don't claim expertise in that domain.

You share your insights and experiences proudly on external platforms, like podcasts, articles, and interviews. Are you a strong believer in the free availability of high-quality, useful information? If so – why?

The opportunity to share the knowledge, experiences, and whatever is in my "bucket" makes me happy. There's a profound sense of satisfaction in knowing that my insights might offer others valuable lessons or inspire fresh ideas. 

I firmly believe in the idea that by helping others learn and grow, we collectively create a brighter future for all. This commitment to shared growth and learning provides me with a sense of fulfillment and fuels my enthusiasm.

You are a team player, actively wanting to cooperate with people to “accelerate other companies’ success and help them achieve new heights in the market.” Where does this strong belief in cooperation come from, and what do you gain from it?

I believe in the concept of cumulative growth. Working with different companies and industries has provided me with an expanded and diverse exposure that's been incredibly enriching. It's in these experiences that I've found both personal and professional growth. 

The satisfaction and sense of achievement that come from helping others and contributing to their progress is immeasurable.

Lastly, an open question: Is there anything you’d like to share with the world? Your biggest tip or some words of encouragement, a handy tool for beginners? Whatever you think is important.

The essence of a successful journey, whether it's in entrepreneurship or a professional career like mine, often lies in taking calculated risks. It's these well-thought-out chances that open doors to innovation and opportunity. 

Another important thing is the determination not to quit until you've achieved what you've worked tirelessly for. It's about resilience, the willingness to face challenges head-on, and the commitment to see your goals through.