Ranjana Hoolash-Foogooa: Redefining Success And Empowering Future Generations Through Strategic Advertising

Women leaders in Mauritius have made significant strides across various sectors, from business and politics to education and the arts. Over the years, they have shattered barriers and demonstrated remarkable resilience, proving that leadership is not defined by gender. In business, women entrepreneurs have established successful companies, contributing to the island's economic growth and fostering innovation. Ranjana Hoolash-Foogooa, Founder & CEO of Sphere Media Technologies, is one such leader who has been reflecting the broader shift toward a more equitable and progressive society. Under her leadership, Sphere Media Technologies, a digital marketing agency established in 2012 in Mauritius, specializes in creating impactful campaigns for both local and international brands.

In a close interview with Ranjana, she shared with us her journey towards success, challenges and milestones. Let’s read on.

Please share a bit about your educational background. What have you studied?

I am a computer and networking engineer by training, with a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Mauritius and a master’s degree in Network and Systems Engineering from UVSQ, France, earned through a scholarship for academic excellence. After graduating in 2002, I worked in France for three years, developing analytics tools for IP networks. In 2005, I moved to the UK and joined Shopping.com, which later became part of eBay, where I led paid search efforts across multiple markets, marking the start of my expertise in digital marketing. I later joined TradeDoubler as an International Account Director, managing major accounts like Apple and iTunes, focusing on data-driven strategies and performance optimisation. In 2009, I relocated to Mauritius while continuing my UK-based role, and in 2012, I launched my digital marketing agency after identifying a gap in the local market. Over the past 12 years, my agency has helped clients grow their businesses through digital-first strategies, building long-term relationships and delivering measurable results.

What were some significant early influences in your life that helped shape who you are today?

My parents and immediate family, including my brother, and aunts, played a key role in shaping who I am. Their unwavering support gave me the independence to make my own choices. Later, my husband became an essential part of my support system, providing invaluable guidance, especially in managing finances and navigating challenges in business. Their advice and encouragement have been crucial in overcoming obstacles and making informed decisions.

Being a business leader requires dedication, but balancing family is essential

As the Founder & CEO of Sphere Media Technologies, what are the key roles and responsibilities you manage? Additionally, what are your current priorities for driving the company’s growth?

Over the past 12 years, Sphere Media Technologies has grown significantly, earning recognition for our visibility and quality of work. Now, our focus is on expanding into African markets, an initiative supported by our selection for the Xport Accelerator Program by the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the UNDP, with the guidance of Ernst & Young Mauritius. This program is helping us develop a robust strategy for entering new markets while maintaining our core strengths. To prepare for this growth, we are strengthening our team and ensuring operational stability to uphold our reputation for excellence. At the same time, we are embracing new technologies like AI to stay competitive in the rapidly digitalizing African markets. Attending key conferences have underscored the continent’s dynamic potential, and I am committed to ensuring Sphere Media Technologies not only keeps pace but also leads in innovation and delivery as we expand strategically.

What are the key challenges you face in your current role, and how do you navigate and overcome these obstacles?

In my role, I believe challenges aren’t exclusive to women, but sometimes we face unique obstacles. I focus on solutions, drawing on my engineering background to find the best path forward. Running an agency for 12 years requires staying updated with new technology, tools, and team dynamics. As a woman, there have been times when I’ve felt overlooked, but I believe results speak louder than words. A major challenge occurred two years ago when I lost five clients at once. With support from my team and financial advice from my husband, we developed a recovery strategy, which we achieved in three months. This setback led to the diversification of our services and expansion into the finance sector, ultimately strengthening the agency.

What do you consider to be the most significant achievements in your professional journey so far?

Key milestones in my career include earning a scholarship to move to France, which set the stage for my professional journey. In 2005, I transitioned from software engineering to marketing, despite not having a marketing degree. My employer, Shopping.com, trusted my skills with numbers and problem-solving, providing me the support to grow in the field. Another milestone was working with major clients like Apple and Dell at TradeDoubler, where I gained valuable insights into online marketing and performance marketing. Finally, launching my agency in 2012 was a significant achievement, and today, I’m also the president of the Association of Communication Agencies of Mauritius.

What advice would you offer to aspiring women leaders or entrepreneurs?

My advice to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs is to educate yourself on all aspects of running a business, even if you're not an expert. Don’t fear failure, as it’s a learning opportunity. Challenges always come with growth opportunities, so stay solution-focused. Once you have a team, respect your people and value them. Lastly, stay grounded and maintain a balance between work and family.

Ranjana Hoolash-Foogooa, Founder & CEO, Sphere Media Technologies

Ranjana Hoolash-Foogooa is a CEO with a proven track record in the marketing and advertising industry. She possesses expertise in strategic marketing, digital marketing, branding, corporate negotiation, and business development.