Get to Know… Deepa!

Starting a new job from home during a global pandemic is no walk in the park, but a few of our newest Vovia team members had to do just that over this past year. Our latest installment in the Get to Know series focuses on our new Controller, Deepa. Read on to learn more about her role at Vovia as well as her passions for learning, art, writing, and more.

What is your role at Vovia?

I am the Finance Controller at Vovia and I oversee all aspects of accounting and finance including designing and monitoring key business KPIs, risk management and mitigation, and budget planning and analysis. In addition to the routine accounting aspects, my role is to identify the process improvement areas and design solutions to ensure more efficient and effective ways to enhance the performance and productivity for the team. Accounting acts as the central nervous system connecting the dots within all the spheres of the company. 

What do you do in your spare time?

I am an Artist and jewelry designer. On weekends you can find me in my studio painting or working with my daughters on various creative art projects. I enjoy exploring new art forms and methods of creative expression, and I just love those dreamy sequences running in my mind parallel with the daily tasks and chores. It’s a feeling of absenteeism within the present state of being and automatically gives me a ‘who cares’ attitude towards all any negativity that surrounds. You can follow my work on Instagram if you fancy – @deepamittimani. 

On a social initiative side, I use my spare time to help students. I mentor, coach and advise CPA students and help them in their journey towards CPA designation.

I am also an avid reader and enjoy reading biographies to understand the thinking process of leaders and innovators in different fields. I have recently developed an interest in neuroscientific connections between meditation and brain activity. 

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people.

I am an author and have published 3 books. I’ve also written lyrics for a few music albums. The first book was poetry (in my regional language, Marathi), the second was about parenting (also in Marathi), and the third was an art instruction book for kids. I am currently working on my next book, which is fiction. 

What do you love/what are you most passionate about?

My passion is learning. The things to learn have changed or evolved with time,  but the passion to always be learning something new has been constant. I am always on the lookout for new skills, insights and ideas. When I look back, I realize this has given me immense joy and fulfillment. I love asking myself this question “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” The answer should not be more than a month ago! 

What is your favorite part about working at Vovia?

In the media industry, and with digital media in particular, change is the only constant. This plays well with my passion for learning, and Vovia provides an encouraging environment where innovation matters. 

In a single word, my favourite part of Vovia is the ‘balance’ we have here. Vovia does a tremendous job of ba;ancing client results and performance, with team building, mental health, work-life balance, and focus on the fun factor.  These are little things, but they matter a lot from an individual standpoint and makes for a wonderful organizational culture. Little things can make a big difference; simple instant messages to show each other we care; teammates being comfortable enough with each other to show their vulnerability; the affection people share for each other’s dogs. This place is special. 

There are many companies where these values are listed as a decorative element of the website but at Vovia these values are followed through subtle actions that say “I care” and actions speak louder than words. 

I am super excited to be part of this team and looking forward to an exciting journey ahead!!