Meet Priyanka Paranjape

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Priyanka Paranjape. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Priyanka, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I have come to realize that everything is perception and that most of the time you have the power to control the narrative. When I walk into a room, how am I viewing the situation? Do I get imposter syndrome and think everyone in the room is different and hence more talented/deserving than me? Or do I go into the room with self-assurance and faith in my abilities? That is part one.
Secondly, having a sense of confidence is important – knowing what you bring to the table is important. And this comes with experience. I remember my internship days in Mumbai, India in my late teens/early 20s where I was trying my hands at different things while pursuing my master’s degree. I explored advertising, journalism, television research, etc. I was working at a news station as an intern and was not at all trained to function in a highly demanding environment, especially something like broadcasting live news. This one time, I panicked and messed up and the superior called me out in front of the entire office – It was humiliating but when l look back at that incident, I take two things from it – one, it made me better at decision making in high stake situations and second, I ingrained that I should have the ability to show empathy towards my subordinates even in worst situations.
I also feel that if you have an open mind and heart and have willingness to learn, you have a better chance of standing out. When I was pursing my second master’s degree in electronic communication and broadcast from San Francisco State University, every classmate of mine was different. We came from different countries, different cultures, different upbringings and that’s exactly what we celebrated throughout the two years – so even when there was no resemblance whatsoever, we collaborated on art and creativity! I hold that space close to my heart as it taught me that being the only one in the room is not a bad thing.
I could have done without some of the challenges, but I guess those were necessary to reinforce the value of getting up each time you fall. Today, I welcome walking into a room where no one looks like me and leave it if I feel it’s not meant for me.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I essentially work as a media producer which is a blanket term for so many things and the definition of which changes from continent to continent. In India, it is typically used to refer someone who invests financially in the project. In the USA, it has more layers where the producer is also involved from early stages of planning to final stages of distribution. My work lingers between being a producer, a line producer and a production manager. A lot of factors play a role while deciding what role I am taking on. As a producer, I have to understand the scope of story and plan accordingly. There is a different kind of challenge to make sure the director’s creative vision is met while balancing the rest of the production world. A lot of times it’s paperwork – taking permits and making sure that we are in alignment with the union rights. For me, it’s like solving a challenging puzzle – how do I efficiently put all the production pieces together while keeping the pulse of the story alive? So I like to be involved as much from the beginning as it allows me to truly understand the project. My creative side helps me to visualize locations and bring artists (cast and crew) on the project who I know will do justice to the story. As a line producer, I have to be vigilant and make sure we don’t go over budget. It comes with experience where you are prepared for contingencies and allocate the money in such a way that it supports the story.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I would rank stepping out of comfort zone, good communication skills and being kind at the top.
Especially in the early days, being able to try new things and jump at the opportunity pushed me out of my comfort zone. And that worked wonders on the number of things I got to do career wise. I tried my hands at digital marketing, was a celebrity PR manager, made brand decks for advertising, worked on social media campaigns etc. It was like jack of all, master of none. But I was a decent writer and was able to represent some amazing brands as their social media and marketing writer. I loved writing blogs, social media posts and end-to-end website content! I dabbled in different things, which took me to writing. So, I would encourage all those who are starting out not to be afraid to try different things even if you don’t think you are skilled at it – you end up knowing if that’s your cup of tea or not – and I think it’s a win-win!
Also work on your communication skills! Our industry thrives on connections and communication. Having the skill to tell your idea, to translate it from your visualization is an excellent tool to have. I am still working on building better communication skills – both verbal and written.
And lastly, kindness goes a long way. Sometimes we work under so much stress and navigate demanding work environment that practicing kindness is the last thing on your mind. But I feel it defines you as a human being and that’s what you will be remembered for. An act of kindness (for others and yourself) goes a long way.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents lead by example. We come from a middle-class family in Mumbai where we had access to things we needed but nothing luxurious. My father is a football coach, and I don’t know any other person who is fiercely dedicated to their passion. Actually, I don’t know a lot of people in my close circle who have found their passion or have the capacity to follow it with all its challenges. I have seen him take tons of training sessions and put a team together to participate in district and state level tournaments. Many times, when the association/state does not have monetary funding, he does so from out of his pocket. He coaches young kids, both girls and boys, and has one goal: to put football on the map of India. He is also the one from whom I get the love for travelling. He still goes on solo hikes in India and tells us all about his adventures. I feel sports teach you a lot and when you have such a dedicated sportsman to look up to, you learn discipline, team work and resilience from an early age.
My mother is the one to hold the family together. I have seen her balance her work and family in such a beautiful way, and she makes it look easy. She has instilled good manners and honesty in us, for which I am extremely grateful.
When you have two people not giving up and living an honest life, I think that’s the most impactful thing they have done for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priyanka_summertimeconnections/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/priyanka.paranjape?mibextid=7B2xQ4
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyankaparanjape/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14790500/

Image Credits

Chris Ceguerra for the last team photo taken outdoors