Tag: #books

“Goa is the best place for a young girl to grow up. Here, women are so empowered; I have a sense of confidence because I grew up in Goa,” said Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, while addressing the centenary lecture of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias titled ‘Women in Leadership: How to Build a Career in Media’ in Panaji.

In conversation with Goan fashion designer Simran Dhond, Pinto reflected on how Goa’s multicultural environment and inclusive ethos shaped both her worldview and professional journey. She emphasised that in Goa, women are not treated as second-class citizens and that the State’s diversity creates a natural sense of equality. “It never occurred to me that I had to ask permission to take up space. Also in Goa, we have multiculturalism. There is a sense of equality and diversity, and we celebrate it. It is a world that almost looks like a fairy tale now. I think we need to all fight to protect that,” she said.

Pinto began her journey in media at the age of 11 as a child radio jockey at All India Radio, Goa. Despite now being a leading voice in fashion media, she shared that she did not grow up in a fashion-conscious environment, something she considers a blessing. Growing up as what she described as an “outsider” in a multicultural society gave her a deep sense of rootedness and curiosity. “There is a deep sense of rootedness because of being an outsider. As I grew up in a multi-cultural environment, there is a sense of curiosity, and I do not have a myopic view,” she said.

Now based in Mumbai with over 15 years of experience across print and digital platforms, Pinto has worked with leading brands such as Tweak India and the Condé Nast group. Throughout the interaction, she repeatedly underlined how being Goan has shaped her approach to storytelling and leadership. She explained that her Goan upbringing allows her to see individuals for who they are and engage with them at a human level, a quality that has helped her navigate the competitive media landscape.

Offering advice to young aspirants, Pinto stressed that talent alone is not enough to survive in the media industry. She spoke about the importance of ethics, resilience, and the ability to accept criticism. “Do whatever it takes to get the job done. You need to learn to do everything, as it gives you a sense of confidence and you know exactly what you are talking about. I am a doer and not a dweller,” she said, encouraging youngsters to build both skill and stamina.

She also addressed the common perception that women compete aggressively for limited opportunities. Dispelling the myth, she stated that women often support and uplift each other, both professionally and personally. During an interaction with the audience, Pinto described journalism as a field that still demands old-school rigour. “Journalists are like vultures; others see a carcass, but we see a full meal there. If you have that mentality, you can find a story anywhere,” she remarked, reinforcing the importance of fieldwork and curiosity in an evolving digital age.

Having also taught at Istituto Marangoni in Italy and St Paul’s Institute of Communication and Education in Mumbai, Pinto shared her perspective on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in media. She observed that fear of new technology is not new, recalling that similar anxieties existed even during the invention of the printing press. “Writers have to evolve their skillset. Maybe they may not be writing anymore as the medium will change. I am not worried but more fired up to hone my craft and new opportunities to express myself,” she said.

Her reflections served not only as a celebration of Goa’s empowering environment but also as a call to protect its inclusive and multicultural fabric. For many in attendance, Pinto’s journey stood as proof that confidence rooted in identity, combined with discipline and adaptability, can shape a successful career on both national and international stages.