CREATE BOUNDARIES, NOT BORDERS

I realised at a very young age, that I have a talent for persuasion. Whether I was ‘circulating newspapers’ in my neighbourhood or selling plants from my garden to the neighbours, I found that I could convince just about anyone for just about anything. While most parents hoped their children would become doctors or engineers, I surprised mine with my passion for advertising and brand-building. Turns out, Marketing was not yet a prominent function, in fact, there were no recognised colleges offering advertising courses in my hometown, up North!

That is how at the young age of 19, I took a leap of faith, and moved to the proverbial ‘City of Dreams’ to make mine come true. Hustle is the name of the game in Mumbai, and staying true to that spirit, I juggled whatever I could to make ends meet. If you’re familiar with the popular 2000s Hindi teen drama television series ‘Mile Jab Hum Tum’, you’ve probably heard my voice. I even tutored kids to make a few extra bucks. Though I missed the comfort of my home, the warmth of Mumbai helped me befriend the city.

After completing my MBA at Manipal University, I returned to Mumbai and started my career as an Assistant Manager at Indiabulls Housing. Eventually, I decided to take my boldest decision yet and lead FCB/SIX India. Shifting from the brand side to managing multi-geography responsibilities for an agency, brought an exhilarating new set of challenges.

However, this taught me that you’re never too busy to pursue what you truly desire. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many people try hard to separate their professional and personal lives, instead of focusing on what truly brings them joy. I see little reason to treat these areas as separate. Work has shaped many aspects of my life, including my personal life. My corporate life introduced me to my wife and sparked my love for fitness. My former workplace instilled a culture of fitness, by introducing us to run marathons. Your personal life is intricately connected with your professional life.

Reflecting on my journey, I want to share some advice I’d give to my son: let your character and personality guide your professional path. Embrace humility, stay open to feedback, read widely, and commit to lifelong learning to truly stand out. For those pursuing a career in advertising, it’s essential to be obsessed with the consumer. Immerse yourself in their behaviour and psychology, as advertising is fundamentally about persuasion and influencing mindsets. One invaluable skill I cherish is the ability to listen. We often miss out on so much because we don’t take the time to hear what others are saying.

While I love what I do, if I were to choose an alternative career, I’d envision myself as the founder of an interiors company. Designing beautiful spaces has always been a passion of mine, and I even registered a company once, though I never fully pursued it. Occasionally, when I step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I fondly remember my time in Prague, immersed in its vibrant culture and savouring its delicious cuisine. If you’re young and haven’t visited this enchanting country yet, I highly recommend making the trip. Don’t view work as an obstacle; instead, embrace flexibility and seize the opportunities that life presents. I always encourage my team to adopt this mindset.

As I don my suit for another business meeting, I find myself dreaming of my next adventure—likely in South Africa. I can’t wait to share the details with you. Until then, kuishi vizuri (live well).