‘There is space for women to lead, if you are ready to take it’

Deepa Gupta’s entry into OOH wasn’t planned, it happened through an opportunity at Madison nearly two decades ago. What followed was a journey shaped by learning on-ground, understanding the nuances of execution, and building expertise from the ground up. 

Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, she notes that while OOH was once heavily male-dominated, it is now becoming more inclusive. Rather than seeing gender as a barrier, Deepa believes success comes from leveraging strengths, particularly organisation and attention to detail, which she sees as critical in an otherwise unstructured medium. 

Her career has been defined by turning challenges into opportunities, whether it was late working hours, limited resources, or the lack of automation in earlier years. That hands-on exposure has helped her build a deep understanding of the ecosystem, from printing to execution. 

Today, leading a team with a strong women presence, Deepa believes the industry holds significant potential for women who are willing to adapt, learn, and stay resilient.