KSS April Edition eKourier 2025

WHO’S WHO

10 QUESTIONS... With Deepa Chirayath - Digital Marketing Coordinator, THQ

Darren Marshall says, "it's open-heart surgery". A lot of work has gone into it, and we are now working through the final bits. Like any modern SaaS platform, it gives us the ability to scale, streamline operations, introduce automation and work flows giving us a competitive edge over the rest of the market. Name a person who has inspired you both professionally and personally? For me that person was my professor, Dr. Justin Nelson. At 18, I was angry, frustrated and filled with more untamed energy than a hyper-caffeinated Squirrel. My emotions had a way of bursting out in disruptive ways. But instead of writing me off as a lost cause and letting me spiral into chaos, he redirected my intensity into something useful—like ambition, purpose, and (somewhat) socially acceptable enthusiasm. I’ll always be grateful to him, not just as a professor but as the person who saw the best version of me before I even had a clue she existed. How do you spend your time outside of KSS? When I’m not working, I’m living my best chaotically balanced life. One minute I’m baking like I’m auditioning for The Great British Bake Off, and the next I’m doing Pilates to convince myself that croissants are a food group. I also love reading, mostly books that make me feel intellec- tual, even if I forget everything I read 10 minutes later. And of course I spend time with my friends, who have accepted that I communicate in a mix of sarcasm, snack recommendations, and unsolicited life advice. Basically, I’ve perfected the fine art of eating, stretching, learning, and social- ising—sometimes all at once!

now. The rest of my family is back in India. Both my parents are working and are loving being empty nesters. I have two younger siblings, a brother and a sister both of whom I have tried to convince that they are adopted. I have a big group of friends here, most from my uni days. If you had the chance to tell your younger self something what would it be? Not sure, I was a pretty bratty kid. I would probably tell myself to be kind to both others and me. In a world of ifs and buts it costs nothing to be kind. Do you have a favourite holiday destination or holiday you've taken? I’d say Dubai, most of my friends are based out of there and it’s a wonderful mix of luxury, adventure and beautiful architecture. The other holiday that holds a very special place in my heart is a trip to Wagah, which is the border between India and Pakistan. There is a ceremony at the end of the day and a parade where the boarder forces of both countries lower the flags. It’s a pretty electric environment and the energy is infectious. It's one of the most powerful experiences I have witnessed. To sum up KSS in one word? Inspired.

What year did you start at KSS and what did you do before joining KSS? I Started at KSS in August 2018. Before that I worked in Mondelez and PepsiCo in India, across Sales and Marketing. When you started at KSS what were you doing and what is your current role now? I was in the CCC, worked there for 18 months. Currently working as the Digital Marketing Coordinator. I work with our Digital Marketing agencies who help us to maintain our website and advertising. Basically, my job is to make sure if people think storage, we show up online (preferably on top!) and provide them a frictionless way to rent a space. What would you say is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is the opportu- nity to work in a dynamic and ever-evolving field like Digital Marketing. I enjoy the combination of strategy, creativity, and data-driven decision- making, which allows me to contribute to impactful marketing initiatives. Working with my team is also especially rewarding. Out of all the changes you have seen take place at KSS over the years, what do you think has been the biggest game changer? I think Hummingbird is going to be by far the biggest of them all. Like

Tell us about your family and friends?

Its just my husband Joe and me here. We have been married for 10 years

Deepa with her husband Joe and Godchild Isabella

5 Kennards Kourier April 2025