For Shanti Das, executive vice president of marketing for Universal Music, falling in love with music was as natural as the endless ambition and drive she exudes. A native Atlantan, Das had a front-row seat to the ascension of the urban music scene in the mid-‘90s. And after she returned from Syracuse University, she used her business savvy to land a position with LaFace Records.
“I had to build myself like a brand,” Das says of her rise to success. “I networked as much as possible. Networking is key.”
As an executive in a male-dominated industry, Das learned the importance of presentation early on. While she’s always personable, the 38-year-old has consistently made it a point to present herself as a businesswoman first and foremost throughout her lengthy career. She believes that’s one of the primary keys to her notable success.
“After working 9 to 5 in the office, the work wasn’t over,” she says. “You had to do dinners, you had to do parties, and you had to go to the studio. I always made sure I carried myself with respect because I wanted people to know what I had to offer.”
Promoted to her current position in 2005, Das’ vision for success is still firmly in tact.
“Success to me is someone that has been able to achieve and attain all of their goals,” she says. “I’ve really tried to expose myself to as many opportunities as possible.”
–jh
