Leading with strength: Bhoomi Lakhani’s journey as a Woman in OOH

As we celebrate Women’s Month, Media4Growth is shining a light on the incredible women who have not only shaped the Out-of-Home (OOH) industry but have also paved the way for future generations. Leadership is not just about reaching the top, it’s about redefining success, challenging norms, and lifting others along the way.

In this special feature, we bring you insights from Bhoomi Lakhani, SOH National Head at Nexus Select Malls, a leader with over three decades of experience. She shares how her journey has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and the confidence to carve out her own space in a dynamic, ever-evolving industry.

Breaking barriers: Strength in leadership

Throughout her career, Bhoomi has often found herself in boardrooms where she was the only woman at the table. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, she viewed it as an opportunity to ensure that her insights weren’t just heard but valued.

“Leadership is more than just expertise, it’s about presence, adaptability, and confidence in complexity,” she says. She believes that women bring a distinct edge to leadership, one that blends emotional intelligence, strategic foresight, and the ability to multitask in high-pressure environments. These aren’t just soft skills, they are the foundation of strong, forward-thinking leadership.

In the OOH industry, where innovation and agility drive success, the ability to anticipate trends, manage relationships, and execute campaigns with precision is invaluable. Bhoomi credits her success to a leadership style that is not just authoritative but inclusive, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective is considered.

The values that define leadership

For Bhoomi, leadership has always been about integrity, collaboration, and resilience. These values have guided her through complex negotiations, large-scale campaign executions, and team management in an industry that demands both creativity and strategic execution.

“I lead with transparency, ensuring that trust is at the heart of every relationship, whether with my team, clients, or stakeholders,” she shares. Beyond business, she believes in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, innovate, and bring fresh perspectives to the table.

Her ability to balance logic with intuition, strategy with empathy, has allowed her to not only drive impact but also build lasting professional relationships. “Women bring a level of emotional intelligence and foresight that may not always be measured in numbers, but in execution, it’s invaluable,” she adds.

Redefining success: An evolving journey

Success, Bhoomi notes, has evolved over the years. Early in her career, it was about proving herself, closing deals, achieving targets, and excelling in a competitive, male-dominated field. But as she progressed, success took on a broader meaning.

“In my 30s, success meant creating stability, not just for myself, but for my daughter. It was about ensuring she felt secure, supported, and empowered to chase her own dreams while I continued to grow professionally,” she reflects.

Today, success is defined by freedom, the ability to make choices confidently, stay true to her values, and mentor the next generation of women in the industry. “It’s not just about reaching the top but about bringing others along with you,” she says.

In an industry like OOH, where visibility is everything, Bhoomi’s journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

Words of wisdom for the next generation of women leaders

For young women stepping into the OOH industry, Bhoomi has one powerful message, “Never let anyone define your worth. Success is earned through resilience, confidence, and the ability to claim your space.”

She encourages women to own their voice, trust their instincts, and recognize that their perspective is valuable. The industry is fast-paced and competitive, but those who build strong relationships, remain adaptable, and see challenges as opportunities will find themselves on the path to long-term success.

“Most importantly, success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder, it’s about lifting others as you rise,” she adds.

Celebrating women in OOH

As part of Women’s Month, Media4Growth will continue to feature stories of women who have shaped and led the OOH landscape. These are the women who have redefined leadership, introduced new perspectives, and broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Their journeys, challenges, and triumphs serve as inspiration—not just for women in OOH, but for all professionals striving to create meaningful impact. Stay tuned as we bring you more inspiring conversations throughout the month.