Sonal Dawda, an exceptional woman from Dubai, has recently made waves by being crowned ‘Marvelous Mrs. India 1st Runner-Up’ and awarded ‘Marvelous Fashion Icon’ at the prestigious pageant organized by India’s first Mrs. World, ‘Dr. Aditi Govitrikar’, and Bollywood fashionista ‘Ms. Reena Dhaka.’ But Sonal’s journey goes beyond her beauty and grace; her achievements as a ‘Middle East Woman Leader’ and ‘Best Marketing Leader’ in the corporate world reveal a woman of intelligence, resilience, and vision. A true embodiment of the adage, “Beauty with Brains,” Sonal’s remarkable career and personal growth story are an inspiration to all.
A Visionary Career Path in the World of Insurance and Marketing
Sonal’s career trajectory reflects a blend of passion, perseverance, and calculated risk-taking. With an educational background in Advertising and Marketing, Sonal’s career took flight in 2004 when she entered the advertising industry in Dubai. Joining a reputable advertising agency, she quickly climbed the ladder, gaining exposure to some of the most iconic celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. Her ability to pitch and secure large accounts in a booming industry was a testament to her strategic acumen and tireless work ethic.
However, like many industries, advertising went through a transformation. The recession brought about shifts in spending habits, with companies increasingly turning to digital advertising. Seizing this change as an opportunity, Sonal transitioned from the advertising agency side to the client side, a move that required both adaptability and foresight. To keep up with evolving trends, Sonal pursued a course in digital advertising and Photoshop, paving the way for her current role as Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications & Strategic Partnerships in a forward-thinking company.
Her unwavering belief in continuous learning and the motto of ‘never giving up’ led her to excel in this field. Since then, Sonal has been instrumental in the growth of her company, initiating long-term partnerships, executing successful branding strategies, and ultimately earning numerous awards for both herself and her organization.
Her leadership and marketing expertise have solidified her position as a Middle East Woman Leader and a Best Marketing Leader, making her a key figure in the industry.
Overcoming Mental Barriers: The Journey to Self-Healing
Sonal’s approach to self-healing is rooted in the power of the mind. She firmly believes that the biggest obstacle to self-growth is negative self-talk. “The conversation between your ears, in your mind, is the most powerful conversation,” she says. Negative thoughts, whether self-imposed or influenced by external criticism, can derail personal progress.
To overcome this, Sonal adheres to a mantra she calls the 3 R’s of Self-Healing:
1. Reflect: Sonal prioritizes moments of self-reflection. Every day, she dedicates 10 minutes to connect with her inner self in her ZEN DEN, a serene space in her home designed for mindfulness and clarity. This simple practice allows her to observe her thoughts and foster self-love.
2. Replace: The words we use have immense power. Sonal actively replaces negative phrases like “I hate this” or “This is boring” with more positive alternatives. She believes that positive self-talk is a cornerstone for cultivating a peaceful mind and strong self-worth.
3. Restore: Sonal restores her energy by practicing gratitude, surrounding herself with supportive people, and engaging in activities that enhance her well-being. Whether it’s through journaling or staying connected to her community, she recognizes the importance of nurturing both her mind and soul.
Technology and Business Growth: Harnessing Digital Power
As a modern-day entrepreneur, Sonal understands that technology is no longer optional; it’s a crucial aspect of business success. She emphasizes the need for digital transformation and how businesses must adapt to survive in today’s fast-paced world. “Adopting the right technology strategy for your business needs is essential to keep operations seamless and customer satisfaction high,” Sonal advises.
Through her position as Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Sonal has pioneered digital partnerships and played a key role in the launch of several B2B and B2C online portals. This approach has allowed her company to tap into new distribution channels, resulting in increased customer retention and satisfaction. Her efforts have earned the company awards such as Digital Innovation of the Year and Best Customer Experience, reinforcing the importance of merging technology with human expertise.
Sonal’s involvement as a panelist at MarTech, InsurTech, and Customer Experience Conferences has furthered her knowledge of the latest industry trends and allowed her to network with tech providers, bringing cutting-edge solutions to her company.
The Holistic Life: Finding Balance Amidst Chaos
In today’s fast-paced world, balancing work, family, health, and self-care can feel like an impossible task. Yet, Sonal advocates for the importance of living a holistic life, where nurturing the mind, body, and soul is key to achieving personal and professional fulfillment.
Her journey toward a holistic life began in October 2023, when she received an invitation to audition for the ‘Marvelous Mrs. India’ pageant. This marked a turning point, leading her to embark on a transformational journey that included physical fitness, mental clarity, and a deeper understanding of her soul. Balancing this new pursuit with her corporate commitments, Sonal achieved remarkable success, being crowned ‘Marvelous Mrs. India 1st Runner-Up’ and ‘Fashion Icon.’
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Sonal’s dedication to community welfare and environmental sustainability has been just as remarkable. She is already making strides in her commitment to Environmental Sustainability & Social Responsibility by engaging in initiatives with Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality, such as beach clean-ups, tree planting, and Iftar meals distribution to drivers and laborers during Ramadan. She was also honored to serve as a Pledge Ambassador at the COP28 Eco Walk by Dubai Expo City.
Her involvement extends to actively collaborating with women entrepreneur organizations, participating in panel discussions, and mentoring individuals from all walks of life. Through these platforms, Sonal shares her experiences, offering guidance and inspiring others to pursue their aspirations.
Sonal is also raising awareness on the importance of mental health through her vlogs. Her exceptional journey in both fashion and philanthropy was further recognized when she was crowned Fashion Icon by Dr. Aditi Govitrikar & Rina Dhaka, with her achievements being acknowledging by renowned fashion platforms such as Vogue.
Staying Focused in a Dynamic Business World
In the ever-changing business landscape, Sonal emphasizes the importance of staying grounded. For her, the key to maintaining focus in such a dynamic environment is a clear vision and belief in oneself. Her approach to goal-setting is both practical and inspiring:
– Setting goals based on a clear vision
– Breaking down those goals into actionable steps
– Tracking progress regularly and adapting as needed
– Finding a mentor to guide and challenge her
Sonal also advocates for a healthy lifestyle—both physically and mentally—through practices like mindfulness and maintaining a positive mindset. These principles not only keep her focused but also fuel her growth and success.
Awards and Accolades: A Journey of Recognition
Sonal’s career and achievements have not gone unnoticed. In addition to her titles as ‘Marvelous Mrs. India 1st Runner-Up’ and ‘Marvelous Fashion Icon,’ she has received several prestigious awards:
– Middle East Woman Leader at the Middle East Leadership Awards & CMO Asia 2023
– Best Marketing Leader at the UAE Women Achievers Awards 2024
– Award for Excellence at the Middle East Women Leadership Awards 2024
– Best Performer – H2 2023 at Dubai National Insurance
– Jury Plaque at Dubai Queen 2024
These accolades reflect not only her professional expertise but also her leadership, vision, and ability to inspire those around her.
The Philosophy of Success: A Quote to Live By
When asked about the quote that resonates with her most, Sonal shares her guiding philosophy:
“Continuous improvement and belief in one’s own self with the motto of never giving up.” This mindset has been a cornerstone of Sonal’s personal and professional growth, helping her overcome challenges, learn from failures, and ultimately build a legacy of success.
Conclusion: A Message to the World
Sonal Dawda’s story is one of resilience, determination, and ambition. As a woman who has seamlessly balanced the demands of her corporate career, pageantry, and social responsibility, she remains a powerful role model for all.
Her message is clear: “Wear your confidence, chase your dreams, and conquer the world.” And indeed, Sonal is doing just that, one milestone at a time.
As Sonal continues to inspire and pave the way for other women to follow their dreams, she remains a shining example of how beauty, brains, and ambition can coalesce to create a force of nature in today’s world.
