Stirring Change, Shaking Norms

When Kanchan Joshi Bhargava, Marketing Manager, Moët Hennessy India, is asked to describe her professional journey, she has one word for it—“exciting”. After having tried several hats across industries, from media and FMCG to startups, she finally settled for the alcohol beverage industry. For her, this industry isn’t just about marketing premium spirits; it’s about pushing creative boundaries, setting new benchmarks, and inspiring women to step into leadership roles in a space that has long been challenging for them.

From Dehradun to Delhi to Gurugram’s corporate hub, before finally landing in Mumbai’s financial powerhouse, Kanchan Joshi Bhargava’s career path is a geographical ‘width of distribution.’ As the Marketing Manager at Moët Hennessy India, her journey has been anything but ordinary—full of bold decisions, exciting transitions, and a relentless pursuit of innovation.

Her journey hasn’t been a straight road. Like many working women, Kanchan’s professional life has had several breaks and bumps, like a lot of women in India today. “I took planned sabbaticals as a new mother twice. However, I have always had great mentors and worked in progressive organisations that have helped me navigate my personal life and career as per how I would like it,” she says.

Why Not?

The choices that define our paths are never easy and Kanchan’s career is built on daring decisions. Whether it is switching industries, taking on complex roles, or challenging the status quo, she has always chosen the path that excites both her heart and mind. “For me, it was never about taking the easier or more predictable choice. It was about seeking something more,” she shares.

Her approach to work is about asking “Why not?” instead of settling for how things have always been done. This mindset has allowed her to step into unfamiliar territories, take on bigger challenges, and pave the way for new ideas and innovations in the industry.

Power In Pause

In today’s fast-paced world, Kanchan strongly believes in fiercely protecting personal time and well-being. The constant drive for success can be overwhelming, especially for women who juggle high expectations in both their professional and personal lives.

“The image of a high achiever— someone always striving for perfection in every aspect—can be exhausting,” she notes, which is why she is of the opinion that we need to prioritise our own wellbeing and self-care. “And be kind to ourselves,” she emphasises. Her approach is not just about working hard but also about being mindful, balanced, and enjoying the journey.

Moments Of Glory

For Kanchan, success isn’t just about accolades; it’s about creating meaningful impact, shifting industry norms, and delivering innovations that truly resonate with consumers.

Kanchan has been at the helm of several groundbreaking initiatives and considers herself lucky to be able to lead some interesting ones and receive recognition and personal satisfaction.

Whether it was about creating new categories, benchmarking India’s first brand activation programs, or developing products that changed the status quo, the assignments have been both challenging and exciting. Among these, one of her proudest moments has been “the launch of our Chandon Vintage 2015,” a project that was both challenging and deeply fulfilling. 

Quick Shots

🌸 One word to describe your drive
Passionate

🌸 An accomplishment you are most proud of
Being recognised as one of the most collaborative people to work with inspite of also being one of the more ambitious ones

🌸 A person who inspires you the most
My sons

🌸 Your go-to mantra for tough days
It always gets better

🌸 If not in your current role, what would you be doing?
Writing songs or filming nature-related documentaries

🌸 Legacy you want to leave behind
A woman that always lifted up another

🌸 One drink that describes you
A chilled glass of Chandon Rose or a Hennessy Hot Toddy in the mountains

🌸 Early bird or night owl
Early bird

🌸 Go-to power song
Too many to list here

 
Holding The Torch

The alcohol industry in India has long been shrouded in social and cultural taboos, particularly for women. However, things are slowly changing, and the sector is actively embracing gender diversity, challenging social, cultural and religious norms. At Moët Hennessy India, Kanchan is part of a remarkable shift, surrounded by talented, determined women in senior leadership roles who are driving the industry forward.

“By intentionally appointing women to leadership roles, the industry seeks to transform perceptions and foster gender empowerment. However, while significant strides have been made, there is still progress to be made before full gender equality is achieved,” Kanchan points out. But she believes in leading by example—mentoring and uplifting younger women who aspire to thrive in this evolving landscape.

As a marketing leader, she sees nurturing young talent as a privileged responsibility. “I always strive to work towards mentoring and providing guidance to women, helping them to navigate challenges from my own experience,” she says. This collaborative spirit has been ingrained in her since her school days in an all-girls institution in Dehradun.

For Kanchan, the mantra is simple yet powerful: Be the woman who lifts another.

The alcohol industry in India is in a phase of rapid transformation. Consumers are more experimental than ever, new categories are emerging, packaging is evolving, and taste profiles are shifting. And for Kanchan, that’s the most exciting part—being in an industry that’s constantly innovating.