Home » An exclusive chat with Kosal Malladi: Championing inclusivity and forward-thinking in media and marketing

An exclusive chat with Kosal Malladi: Championing inclusivity and forward-thinking in media and marketing

by Changeincontent Bureau
Kosal Malladi speaking about inclusivity in media and leadership, symbolizing inclusive workplace culture.

The media and creative industry, occasionally considered more than any other sector, shapes public consciousness and influences societal norms. The genesis of conversations around diversity, inclusivity, and social justice and the role media played are closely interlinked. This industry’s inherent power to narrate stories and promote values makes it uniquely positioned to advocate for real change. It is especially relevant in workplace practices and organisational culture. Leading this transformative conversation in the marketing and media space is Kosal Malladi.

Kosal Malladi’s conversation with changeincontent.com reflects a deep commitment to inclusivity, a forward-thinking approach to leadership, and an understanding of generational diversity in an ever-evolving industry. Through his strategies and beliefs, he showcases how prominent leaders can actively contribute to a more inclusive and thoughtful corporate environment.

About Kosal Malladi

Kosal Malladi is a veteran of the digital media industry. His area of expertise is diverse. With years of experience, Kosal is a respected voice. Whether his views on the next big thing in marketing, which book to read, or his idea of inclusive leadership, there is always something to take away from these conversations. He is the Vice President at Madison World, one of India’s leading media and communications companies. 

Kosal’s insights are instrumental in shaping strategies that prioritise both performance and employee well-being. His journey reflects his dedication to creating workplaces that emphasise equality, open communication, and personal growth. Today, Kosal continues to inspire with his thought-provoking approach to leading diverse teams.

Shaping an inclusive leadership approach

For Kosal Malladi, inclusive leadership is central to his role. His leadership strategy is built on establishing an inclusive environment. The focus is on creating an atmosphere where team members feel supported and encouraged to express diverse perspectives. Reflecting on this, Kosal shared, “At Madison, we have an open-door policy. We encourage people to talk openly. Diverse perspectives are encouraged. We actively work towards providing solutions rather than letting problems fester.

Creating an inclusive workplace is a goal that extends beyond mere tokenism. Kosal emphasises the need for systemic change, stating, “We focus on systemic change, not just superficial efforts. The male-to-female ratio in our team is 60:40. This has improved from an 80:20 ratio just a couple of years ago.” Such progress underscores Kosal’s commitment to creating a balanced, equitable environment. He aims to build workplaces where people from different backgrounds feel valued.

Kosal Malladi on inclusivity and the modern workplace

In a world where “hustle culture” often overshadows employee well-being, Kosal stands out for his strong stance on balancing performance with mental health. In his words, “Hustle has become a fashionable word. A person is expected to work well beyond their working hours to be perceived as a good employee. I absolutely do not want anyone to sit in office beyond the stipulated time. We should not glamourise working late and ‘hustling.’” Kosal’s approach to work-life balance reflects a compassionate understanding of modern workplace needs. He advocates for productivity within reasonable limits.

Moreover, Kosal highlights the importance of psychological safety within the organisation. He explains, “We fester a culture of trust, respect, and empathy. We believe in open feedback and constructive criticism.” This approach aligns with Changeincontent’s advocacy for safe and supportive workplaces. It demonstrates Kosal’s dedication to an environment where employees feel comfortable voicing their opinions and addressing challenges.

Beyond ageism: Embracing generational diversity

Generational diversity is another area where Kosal Malladi shines as a thought leader. Acknowledging the unique strengths that both younger and older employees bring, he remarks, “In an industry like ours, the average age is very low. Older individuals are extremely essential to hold the ship steady.

Kosal’s insight into balancing youth-driven innovation with the stability provided by experienced professionals speaks to his forward-thinking approach to inclusivity. By bridging generational gaps, Kosal advocates for an environment where all ages feel valued. He focuses on creating a balanced team dynamic crucial for navigating rapid industry shifts.

The larger role of corporations in society

Kosal Malladi believes corporations must take responsibility for influencing society positively, especially in media. “Media and brands have a significant influence on society and vice versa. Brands can use media to promote the larger message of inclusivity and challenge stereotypes,” he says. However, Kosal also acknowledges the fine line brands must tread to avoid backlash in an increasingly polarised environment. His views highlight the delicate balance between corporate responsibility and societal impact. It is a topic that resonates with Changeincontent’s vision for inclusive, impactful content.

Equity vs Equality: Kosal Malladi shares his perspective

In reflecting on the broader implications of equity and equality, Kosal offers a thought-provoking distinction: “Equity is personal, equality is societal.” His nuanced understanding suggests that while equality aims to level the playing field, equity recognises individual differences in circumstances and provides targeted support. “Awareness of our internal bias will help us make better decisions,” he adds. He underlines the importance of self-awareness in promoting inclusivity. Kosal’s perspective mirrors the Changeincontent philosophy of festering environments where individuals feel empowered to grow and succeed based on their unique needs.

The final thoughts

Kosal Malladi embodies the values of leadership, inclusivity, and social awareness. These are all essential in today’s fast-paced media landscape. His thoughtful approach to balancing generational diversity, festering an open culture, and ensuring psychological safety offers valuable insights for the industry at large. By prioritising systemic change and championing equity over mere equality, Kosal sets a standard for leaders to follow.

At Changeincontent, we share this commitment to promoting inclusivity, workplace equality, and systemic change. Our platform is dedicated to amplifying voices like Kosal’s, helping organisations and individuals alike to embrace diversity and strive toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.

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