Discovering a Calling Beyond Numbers
Shawn Chandy’s story is one that many can relate to: a young graduate surrounded by friends pursuing accounting and finance, yet feeling a gentle tug in a different direction.“I wasn’t particularly good with numbers, but more importantly, I understood that to truly excel, you need to have a real passion for what you do,” Shawn recalls with a smile. For him, the world of marketing wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling rooted in his love for people, communication, and creativity.
Shawn’s early years were marked by exploration and self-discovery. He dabbled with the idea of human resources and even considered following the crowd into finance. But it was marketing that truly resonated with his outgoing nature. “I like to communicate with people, I was a people person,” he shares. This clarity led him to pursue an MBA in marketing, setting the stage for a journey defined by curiosity and courage.
Building Foundations and Friendships
Shawn’s first steps into the professional world were in media planning, a field he candidly admits he knew little about at the outset. Yet, with the support of mentors and colleagues, he quickly found his footing. “A lot of support and help from my people, senior to me, who mentored me,” he reflects gratefully. These formative years, spent working on iconic brands like Tata Motors and Parle-G, not only honed his marketing skills but also gifted him lifelong friendships and invaluable industry insights.
Embracing Change, Embracing Growth
After a rewarding stint at Raymond, where Shawn spent over a decade understanding the nuances of lifestyle and fashion retail, life presented a new adventure: Paragon Footwear. The decision to leave Mumbai, his home of over 40 years, and step into a new city and a new industry was not taken lightly. “It was a big decision for me, to be honest, taking a big risk,” Shawn admits. But with characteristic optimism, he embraced the challenge, seeing it as a leap of faith and an opportunity to grow.
At Paragon, Shawn became the company’s first-ever CMO, a role that meant building a marketing team from the ground up and shaping the brand’s voice in a crowded marketplace. “It’s like jumping off from the aeroplane and hoping that the parachute opens and you land safely,” he says, his words painting a vivid picture of courage and hope.
Honoring Legacy, Inspiring Innovation
Paragon Footwear is a brand woven into the fabric of Indian households, carrying a legacy of trust built over decades. Shawn’s approach to this legacy is thoughtful and respectful. “You don’t need to just come in and break things just so that you can build something new,” he believes. Instead, he champions gentle evolution, tweaking, modifying, and making incremental changes that honor the past while embracing the future.
Under Shawn’s guidance, Paragon’s marketing moved away from celebrity endorsements to heartfelt storytelling. Brand initiatives like “Har Kadam Aapke Saath” and “Zid Chalte Jaane Ki” focus on emotional connections, celebrating determination and everyday aspirations. “The only way you can stand out is when you emotionally connect with your consumers,” Shawn emphasizes, highlighting the brand’s commitment to authenticity.
Listening, Learning, and Leading with Heart
For Shawn, the heart of marketing lies in understanding people. He is a strong believer in listening, whether it’s to consumer feedback, team members, or the changing world outside. At Paragon, regular research and open channels for feedback ensure that every campaign is shaped by real voices and genuine needs. “That feedback helps us craft better communication, helps us understand what really clicks with the audiences,” he shares.
Shawn’s leadership style is rooted in trust and encouragement. He empowers his team to experiment, to try new things, and to learn from every experience. “It’s okay to fail once in a while. But it’s important to learn, learn lessons,” he says, fostering a culture where creativity flourishes and innovation is celebrated.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
As the footwear and fashion landscape evolves, Shawn sees consumers of all ages embracing trends and seeking more than just quality; they seek meaning and relevance. For brands, this means staying agile, listening closely, and always striving to add value to people’s lives.
To young professionals, Shawn offers heartfelt advice: “Listen more, pay more attention to what is happening around the world, but be open, keep your mind open… You need to be open-minded, less judgmental, and listen more and keep observing rather than trying to force your thoughts and your opinions on other people.”
A Journey of Purpose and Positivity
Shawn Chandy’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, openness, and empathy. His story reminds us that true leadership is not about grand gestures, but about small, thoughtful steps taken with care and conviction. At Paragon Footwear, Shawn continues to walk this path, one that honors legacy, inspires innovation, and above all, connects with people at every step.
-By Muskan Dengra
