In Conversation with Ambika Nigam

Tell us about your background: 

I’ve built digital products for over a decade. I was most recently Head of Growth Products at Bloomberg Media where I oversaw mobile apps, connected devices, and launched an innovation lab. Prior to Bloomberg, I led the Business Design practice in IDEO New York where I developed new offerings and incubated ventures for clients on the future of work and future of media. My work has been featured in Fast Company, Fortune, and CBS’s 60 Minutes. I started my career in finance and marketing. I graduated from The University of Michigan and have a Masters in Science in Communications from Columbia University. I live on the Upper West Side with my husband and two daughters (puppy pending).

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

About more of the career path options and that entrepreneurship was one for me!

Best career advice you've ever received?

You can be both kind and tough. In fact, people will respect you more if you are both.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Having big creative visions with a knack for execution. The ability to be grounded and have fun, yet command respect by pushing people to do their best work.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? 

Becoming an entrepreneur! Just learning to accept that the highs aren't as high as the lows are low. And being ok with that feeling.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

Blazers!

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambikanigam/

Website: https://www.thezeit.co/

Instagram: @the.zeit