From Lab To Legacy

Jyoti Bhat’s journey is a fusion of science, innovation, and passion, where every step is a bold experiment in pushing boundaries. From blending biotechnology with consumer insights to crafting groundbreaking experiences at Diageo India, where she works as Senior General Manager (Product Science and Brand Change), she transforms ideas into reality. A trailblazer in research and development, she not only drives sustainability and innovation but also empowers women to rise. Her story is one of resilience, curiosity, and fearless leadership.

One mantra that Jyoti Bhat has constantly reminded herself of is that learning is a lifelong journey, one that has shaped her career choices. Growing up in a South Indian home while experiencing diverse cultures across the country, she recognised early how food and beverage connects people and how innovation plays a key role in enhancing these experiences. This realisation, combined with her background in biotechnology, led her into the food and beverage sector, where she could merge her scientific expertise with consumer insights.

Her career has been defined by working with multinationals that encouraged creativity while ensuring practical, and effective solutions. At Diageo India, research and development fuel innovations promoting responsible drinking while crafting elevated consumer experiences. “It is this ethos, coupled with a culture of curiosity, collaboration and continuous improvement, that inspired me to build my career at Diageo,” she reflects.

Pushing The Envelope

Early in her career, Jyoti focused on building expertise at the intersection of science, consumer needs, and tangible results. “However, I was eager to push beyond that. There came a point when I made the bold decision to step out of my comfort zone— switching roles, organisations, and even my remit,” she says. Moving from deep scientific research to a technology marketing role was challenging, but it taught her invaluable lessons about how business decisions are made.

“When I joined Diageo, I was excited to shape the future of research and development in the alcoholic beverages industry, creating an outstanding pipeline of products, technologies, and knowledge that would distinguish the company,” she elaborates. Coming from a family of teetotalers, it wasn’t an easy transition, but it presented a compelling challenge and an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

Leading The Way

As a woman leader in research, development, and innovation, Jyoti plays a pivotal role in shaping new expressions and expanding Diageo India’s brand portfolio. She believes that truly understanding consumers—often beyond their spoken needs—is the key. “It’s equally important to weave cultural and culinary context into the solutioning process. I believe women excel at both, often leading by bringing their teams along,” she shares. Having experienced firsthand how creative freedom, paired with strong collaboration, can lead to extraordinary outcomes, Jyoti embraces this approach in her work.

A prime example is the recent launch of Smirnoff Mango Mirchi and Minty Jamun flavours, which she had the privilege to lead in ideation. “I once read an interview with Kiran Majumdar Shaw, where she emphasised that the selection criteria for women should be based on potential rather than just experience, as women often face fewer privileges and opportunities than men,” Jyoti says.

Therefore, when hiring, she prioritises drive, a passion for innovation, and the determination to follow through. More than threequarters of her team comprises women, whom she actively mentors by reinforcing the idea that while positions are assigned, roles are created. Jyoti challenges them to look beyond their daily responsibilities, fuelling motivation and driving them to give their best every day.

Understanding Priorities

Jyoti is deeply committed to her career and believes in fulfilling the responsibilities. At the same time, she recognises the importance of being present for her family. “For me, it’s about work-life prioritisation—understanding when to devote time to urgent business needs and when to shift focus to family. I make it a point to take annual vacations with my family to recharge and reconnect, ensuring a healthy balance between personal and professional life,” she says.

To enhance her effectiveness at work, Jyoti simplifies everyday decisions, seeking help when needed, delegating tasks, and engaging with informal mentors who offer valuable guidance and support.

Fulfilling Moments

Jyoti is deeply inspired by the opportunity to create products that not only address today’s needs but also pave the way for a more sustainable future. She has actively engaged in initiatives aimed at creating positive impact.

“Sustainability is a cause I am passionate about, and recently, we introduced water-saving technologies in the spirit-making process—an important step in reducing our environmental footprint,” she informs. Her aim is to ensure these initiatives are not just onetime efforts but become a core element of the company’s innovation strategy while moving forward.

Empowering Women

Jyoti is committed to driving empowerment and creating opportunities for women in the industry. She acknowledges that in today’s VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world, where changes are happening in real-time at a faster pace, leaders must adapt quickly to provide clear direction, ensuring their teams remain confident and focused.

“We focus on platforms rather than individual initiatives, shaped by evolving consumer macro trends and technological advancements,” she explains. The beauty of this approach is that the platforms are adaptable across categories and products, allowing their work to continue seamlessly even as applications evolve. Jyoti also provides opportunities to lead initiatives within these platforms, ensuring they gain visibility with senior leadership while also offering a safety net in case of any crises.

She has also introduced flexible working options within her team for women on a career break, a move that has been both impactful and rewarding. She is also committed to supporting women employees through long-term mentorship via the employee resource group, Spirited Women’s Network, ensuring a legacy of strong, capable future leaders.

Quick Shots

🌸 One word to describe your drive
Sustained, resilient

🌸 An accomplishment you are most proud of
Shaping the future of research and development while inspiring the organisation to deliver impactful results with a strong sense of purpose and drive

🌸 A person who inspires you the most
Indra Nooy

🌸 Your go-to mantra for tough days
This too shall pass. Keep on walking, one step at a time

🌸 If not in your current role, what would you be doing?
I would have been an entrepreneur

🌸 Legacy you want to leave behind
Create a ripple effect through people and initiatives made in India

🌸 One drink that describes you
Baileys

🌸 Early bird or night owl
Night owl

🌸 Go-to power song
“Rise Up” by Andra Day

Driven By Tomorrow

Three years ago, Diageo ventured into the world of Indian single malts with Godawan, a flagship brand inspired by the rare and endangered Great Indian Bustard. The brand’s ethos, its journey, and the incredible international response, has filled Jyoti with pride. She firmly believes there are many more stories like this waiting to be told and offerings to be brought to life, and who better than research and development to make this happen? This vision is what drives her to give her best every day.