This year’s group of DMN 40Under40 winners have a few things in common. Well yes, they’re under 40. Also they have a proven track record of marketing excellence and leadership, whether they’re in roles supporting global brands, or leading their own thriving start-ups. Over the next few weeks, you’ll get to know our winners, and what they’ve accomplished.
Siddharth Taparia is SVP and Head of Marketing Transformation at SAP.
What has been your proudest career accomplishment to date?
One of my proudest accomplishments was landing my first job in the U.S., working in the IT department of a specialty retailer. I was only making $12 an hour, but I was thrilled. It gave me an opportunity to learn a lot about business and leadership, which I then applied to my subsequent roles at SAP, where I’ve been for nearly 13 years now. Joining SAP was another one of my proudest career moments, working for one of the world’s largest B2B technology companies and rising through its ranks has been quite a fun ride.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to future 40Under40 honorees?
Remember the power of human connections. Especially as the world becomes increasingly digital, having the ability to establish person-to-person connections and approaching your career with generosity and kindness is the key to success.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?
I hope that in the next five years we can eliminate all forms of bias from the world of business. We should not need to have forums like Women in Leadership or others as those groups and many others should naturally be part of every conversation about leadership. We should embrace best ideas and leaders regardless of where they come from. My hope is that I can lead this change by example. Personally, I have two little kids and I strive to be a role model for them, continuing to stand up against adversity and show them they can do anything they put their mind to.
What is one interesting fact about you that few people know?
Many people don’t know that I grew up in India and didn’t come to the U.S. until the early 2000s. When I arrived here, I came with only two suitcases and English wasn’t my first language. It was my ability to make personal connections that helped me survive.
