Tropa Majumdar: Leading with purpose and humanity

Tropa Majumdar, Managing Director of Expressions Ltd, has built a diverse career spanning teaching, advertising, social communication, theatre and acting. From achieving first-class first in Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka to leading a communication company, she has continued to learn, adapt and grow. For Tropa, true leadership is not about a title-it is about being responsible, working with people and, above all, being a good human being. In this conversation with The Daily Observer’s Women’s Own, she shares her journey and leadership philosophy.

WO: You achieved first-class first in your Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka. How did this academic achievement shape your career and ambitions?
Tropa: My academic result was somewhat unexpected because I was never a very studious student. My mother deserves most of the credit for my academic performance up to HSC. At university, however, things changed. I started enjoying Mass Communication and Journalism because I could relate what I was learning directly to real life. I also attended classes very seriously. My class notes were extremely important to me.
During my first year, one of my teachers wrote, “There is no shortcut to success” on an assignment. That line stayed with me. Gradually, after getting first-class marks, I developed the ambition to do better. I eventually achieved first class first in my Master’s.

WO: You started as a university teacher but later moved into advertising. Why?
Tropa: Teaching was never really my original plan. But after my result, my parents encouraged me to experience it. That one year as a full-time university teacher remains one of the best periods of my life. The love I received from my students was unparalleled.
At the same time, teaching made me realise that I would need to pursue a PhD and devote myself to extensive academic work. I had also grown up watching my father’s involvement with advertising communication, which perhaps created an early attraction towards the profession. Advertising offered variety-different products, issues and people every day.

WO: What have been the biggest challenges in your leadership journey?
Tropa: I have not personally faced a separate challenge simply because I am a woman. My challenges have mainly been professional ones. In Bangladesh’s communication industry, we still have to establish the value of our work and prove our contribution to clients.
A client naturally knows more about their own product, but our expertise lies in understanding how that message should be communicated effectively. Earning that trust is a continuous process. For me, leadership is ultimately about the quality of one’s work and the ability to prove oneself.

WO: What role can social communication play in creating positive change?
Tropa: It has a tremendous role. Many positive changes in Bangladesh have involved strong contributions from non-government organisations and development agencies. Communication agencies work as their partners, helping people understand, become informed and change their behaviour.
From vaccination campaigns to health awareness, violence against women and child marriage, communication can influence how people think and act. It gives us a great responsibility-and also a great opportunity-to contribute to improving people’s lives.

WO: What qualities do you consider essential for a successful woman leader?
Tropa: I do not always see myself simply as a ‘woman leader’. I see myself as a leader and above all, as a human being. I believe a good leader must first be a good person. Strong values, responsibility towards one’s work and the ability to work with others are essential.

WO: You are also deeply involved in theatre. How do you balance your different roles?
Tropa: Theatre is a completely different world for me. After a busy day, theatre itself gives me the energy to continue. When I spend two hours in rehearsal, I am completely there. I do not do anything else during that time. Whether it is the 25th show or the 100th, I immerse myself in the same way. Theatre gives me happiness, peace and a space where I can forget everything else.

WO: You still teach at the University of Dhaka. What keeps you connected to academia?
Tropa: I left full-time teaching after a year and continued part-time. Pursuing a PhD would have required me to stay abroad, and I found that difficult. But advertising is also part of communication, so I never felt completely disconnected from my academic field. I remain connected to students and to the subject I studied.

WO: What is your message to young women seeking successful careers?
Tropa: Be sincere about whatever you choose to do. Do not measure your work only by status or position. Give your full attention to what is in front of you and keep learning. Success does not come through shortcuts. Build your skills, earn people’s trust and remain true to your values. Most importantly, remember that leadership is not sustained by a title-it is sustained by quality, responsibility and the ability to work with people.