Show Notes
What does it really take to lead when everything around you is changing? In this episode of Middle Manager Mastery, I speak with Deepali Agarwal. We explore how middle managers can build resilience during disruption, lead teams through changing strategies, recover from wrong decisions, and adapt to the rapidly changing world of AI. Deepali also shares practical lessons on strategic thinking, consumer insights, managing overflowing calendars, building strong allies, and making the most of experience as you grow in your career. From knowing when to tear up a carefully made plan to learning how to “zoom in and zoom out,” this conversation offers practical insights on leading with clarity, adaptability and empathy. A conversation for anyone navigating middle management, leadership, strategy and career growth. About Deepali Agarwal Deepali Agarwal is a business and marketing leader with close to 20 years of experience across Unilever, J&J, Danone and Philips. She has built and scaled businesses across 10+ consumer categories and led teams across Asia-Pacific markets including Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. She has also founded and headed her own premium D2C skincare brand. Deepali has been recognized among India’s top 40 marketers under 40 and among the country’s most powerful marketing influencers, with her teams winning 50+ national and international awards. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Deepali Agarwal 01:54 - What to do when your entire market flips overnight 06:59 - Leading teams when strategy changes 11:13 - Making wrong calls and learning to bounce back 14:19 - Why vulnerability is a leadership strength 17:07 - The mindset shift managers need in the age of AI 21:59 - How to earn a seat at the strategy table 26:43 - Managing overflowing calendars and competing priorities 29:31 - Building allies to work more effectively 33:25 - The ability to “zoom in and zoom out” 35:27 - What strategic thinking actually means 38:08 - Turning consumer insight into a winning strategy 40:44 - Career growth, patience and enjoying the ride
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