Somya Saxena
Somya Saxena is a marketing strategist with over 16 years of experience driving growth, customer engagement, and brand transformation for global organizations. At Staples Business, she plays a key role in shaping and executing strategic marketing initiatives that drive awareness, customer engagement and measurable business growth. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy, execution, and human insight - translating complex business goals into meaningful customer experiences. Her leadership style centers on curiosity, collaboration, and the belief that marketing should be a strategic driver of business value - not just a support function.
She has built a global career across India, Canada, and the United States, bringing a diverse, cross-cultural perspective to her work. Her experience spans retail, e-commerce, and technology consulting, including roles at Sears, CVS, Cyint Technologies, and Staples Business.
Her career journey reflects both intention and evolution. She began her professional path in computer science engineering in India - following a traditional route - but quickly realized her strengths lay in understanding people, not just systems. Within months of starting her first role in technology consulting, she pivoted into marketing, a space where she could combine analytical thinking with storytelling and customer insight.
Somya is inspired by women who redefine leadership on their own terms - balancing ambition, resilience, and authenticity while creating meaningful impact in their industries and communities. She believes that the most influential leaders are those who create opportunities for others to grow.
Based in Massachusetts, Somya continues to mentor emerging professionals while championing thoughtful leadership in marketing and business.
• Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science
• MBA in Marketing Strategy and Planning
• MicroMentor
• Mentoring job seekers and early career professionals via LinkedIn
• Mentoring startups through MicroMentor
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to keep evolving. I’ve learned that success isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about staying open to learning, adapting, and navigating change with confidence. Careers rarely follow a straight path, and the ability to move through uncertainty and setbacks has been a defining part of my journey.
Finally, I’ve been fortunate to learn from strong leaders and mentors who encouraged me to think bigger and trust my voice. Their guidance helped shape who I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One piece of advice that has stayed with me is: “Don’t just focus on doing your job well - focus on understanding the business.”
Early in my career, it was easy to get absorbed in executing campaigns or delivering projects. But the real shift happened when I began thinking more broadly about how marketing connects to business outcomes - revenue, customer experience, and long-term strategy.
That perspective changed the way I approached my work. It helped me move from thinking like a functional marketer to thinking like a business leader. This advice reminds me that true leadership comes from seeing the bigger picture - and making decisions that have lasting impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
First, trust your perspective and speak up earlier than you think you’re ready. Many women wait until they feel completely confident before sharing ideas, but leadership often requires stepping forward before everything feels perfect.
Second, focus on understanding the broader business environment, not just your specific role. The most effective marketers are those who understand how their work connects to customer outcomes and organizational goals.
And finally, build relationships and learn from the people around you. Most careers are not built in isolation. Mentorship, collaboration, and supportive networks make an enormous difference in how we grow.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Marketing is going through one of the most fascinating transformations we’ve seen in decades. Technology, data, and AI are reshaping how organizations understand and engage with customers. The opportunity for marketers today is enormous - we have more insights and tools than ever before to create meaningful, personalized experiences.
At the same time, the challenge is ensuring that we don’t lose the human side of marketing. Data can inform decisions, but empathy and understanding are what truly creates connection.
The marketers who can combine analytical thinking with emotional intelligence will drive the most meaningful impact in the future.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, empathy, and growth are values that guide both my professional and personal life.
Integrity means approaching decisions with honesty and accountability. Empathy is essential in leadership - understanding different perspectives creates stronger teams and better outcomes. And growth - both personal and professional - is something I deeply believe in. Every stage of life and career brings new opportunities to learn, evolve, and become a better version of ourselves.
As a parent, this is especially meaningful. Leadership is not just about influence in the workplace - it’s also about showing the next generation what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and resilience.
Locations
Staples Inc.
Framingham, MA