pavan r chawla

This, the 109th episode of our award-winning series Master's Voice Podcast (MVP) on MediaBrief.com features  Saumya Rathor, Category Lead for the Potato Chips (Lays) division at PepsiCo India, in conversation with series host and Mediabrief.com Founder-Editor Pavan R Chawla. Saumya sheds light on the intricacies of brand management and marketing strategies and the overall ethos of the vertical she leads at one of the world's leading snack food brands. 

A journey of empowerment and innovation: Saumya, with extensive experience in companies like ITC Limited, Amazon India, and Marico Limited, and with academic credentials from IIM and Harvard Business School, brings a unique blend of experience and vision to PepsiCo, where she plays a crucial role in steering the brand's narrative, focusing on consumer-centric campaigns that resonate with youth and cultural insights.

Isse Kehte Hain Pyaar campaign: On their latest campaign featuring Bollywood celebrities Ranbir Kapoor and Neetu Singh, Saymya says that the aim was to showcase generational love for Lay's, leveraging the emotional connection people have with the brand. The campaign, titled Isse Kehte Hain Pyaar, aimed to portray the snack as a symbol of boundless love, but never sharing you favorite chips! 

The role of effective communication and consumer insight: Saumya shares how PepsiCo navigates consumer engagement in a digitally dominated world. She emphasizes social listening and responsiveness, outlining PepsiCo's approach to maintaining brand reputation through active engagement and prompt addressing of consumer feedback.

Creating comprehensive brand experiences: Further discussing broadcast and narrowcast marketing, Rathor highlights the synergy of traditional media and digital platforms in creating wide-reaching and personalized brand experiences.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility: A significant aspect of the discussion revolves around PepsiCo's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable practices. Saumya proudly speaks about empowering the agricultural community, including initiatives to help over 27,000 farmers, emphasizing PepsiCo's belief in giving back more to the world than it takes.

As the conversation concludes, it's evident that Soumya Rathor's vision for PepsiCo India's Potato Chips division transcends marketing metrics, aiming to create lasting connections with consumers, foster innovation, and drive the brand towards a more sustainable and socially responsible future.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

Srinivasan K Swamy (popularly known as Sundar), Chairman of R K Swamy Ltd, joins tMVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast series host Pavan R Chawla  for a conversation on the cusp of the company's historic milestone: becoming the first Indian integrated marketing conglomerate to go public and list on the Indian Stock Exchange. 

The IPO, scheduled from March 4th to 6th, comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth ₹1,730 million and an offer for sale of up to 87 lakh Equity Shares, priced between INR 270 to INR 288 per share. Notably, the company raised Rs 187 crore from anchor investors on March 1st.

In the podcast, Sundar discusses R K Swamy's journey, its unique business model encompassing three distinct segments, and its impressive roster of clients. He emphasizes the company's commitment to long-term partnerships and high client retention rates. Sundar also sheds light on the company's growth trajectory over the past three years, its revenue trends, digital operations, geographical expansion, and research endeavors.

Additionally, Sundar reflects on the transformative shifts in marketing services and content, navigating through the emergence of digital advertising, OTT platforms, and video-centric mediums. He highlights the company's strategy to increase contributions from new clients across different business segments, including digital revenue growth, and the establishment of a digital video content production studio.

Sundar underscores the importance of staying close to customers and adapting to the evolving media landscape. He believes that the podcast episode provides a comprehensive understanding of R K Swamy's strategic evolution and its positioning in the industry. While expressing optimism about the IPO's potential as a good investment, Sundar advises listeners to seek professional investment advice before making any investment decisions.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

This, the 107th episode of our award-winning MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, features respected professional Lakshmi Narayanan B, Chief Marketing Officer at CEAT Ltd as our distinguished guest, in conversation with series host Pavan R Chawla. Lakshmi leads marketing for India and globally at CEAT, which is a household name since it was established in 1958. CEAT stands as one of India's leading tyre brands, serving customers across more than 110 countries globally. 

In this insightful episode, Lakshmi shares his insights and experiences, shedding light on CEAT’s marketing philosophy and strategies. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and customer-centric approaches, shares his pride at being a part of CEAT, and  speaks of its commitment to product excellence and customer satisfaction.

 Lakshmi speaks of CEAT's role as a driving force in the industry. CEAT, he tells me, has earned a reputation as a driver's secret among loyal customers. Lakshmi discusses CEAT's mandate to journey alongside customers, adapting to evolving consumer needs and infrastructural developments in India. 

We explore CEAT's initiatives to enhance mobility safety and cater to the aspirations of younger generations, such as the Enduro track program.

Lakshmi speaks of Reputation Management, some important Digital Marketing trends and CEAT's media mix and marketing channels including their strategies for IPL and digital advertising;  the last, with reference to last year’s IPL, and the next edition coming up soon. Lakshmi speaks of CEAT's corporate social responsibility initiatives and their partnership with the Maharashtra government to promote tyre safety awareness. 

Lakshmi also speaks of a couple of CEAT marketing campaigns, and shares why he swears by CEAT tyres for India, plus some valuable advice with marketing professionals seeking to up their work game at all times.

We also discuss CEAT's approach to leveraging celebrities and influencers in marketing campaigns.

Reputation Management is never-ending (it’s like a mountain you must keep climbing) – an Everest that’s a never-rest. He says. Creativity brings growth, says the man who  uses left brain, right brain, and heart. 

So, join my conversation with the remarkable Lakshmi Narayanan B (aka Lakshmi), CMO of CEAT Ltd, who speaks with a powerful mix of knowledge and strong, proven experience to give us several valuable insights, on our award-winning series, MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast. Tune in now for the insider’s view to the space of marketing and reputation management, with special and inspiring reference to CEAT's own marketing strategies and its excellent corporate ethos. Thanks for your time.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

The VP and VDS of TBSL? To crack the code, listen in to this very special episode of our MediaCast podcast series which features distinguished professional C R Kulkarni, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Sourcing at Tata Bluescope Steel (TBSL) --  a beacon of excellence in the steel sector in India. In conversation with host Pavan R Chawla

• Click here to read the complete story on Mediabrief.com 

CR, as Kulkarni is popularly known,  provides an illuminating glimpse into TBSL's marketing and branding strategy, which centers around their unparalleled product offerings including color-coated steel products tailored for the construction segment.

From Shelter For All to launching the knowledge-packed newsletter, Tableau Talk and more, TBSL's initiatives are not just about business, but about creating sustainable value for communities and stakeholders alike.

C R Kulkarni’s leadership philosophy is rooted in humility and a deep sense of responsibility, empowered by his phenomenal experience in leading various functions in the metallurgical space. He serves as a guiding light for aspiring business- and function leaders across the steel sector in India and beyond, and hence we are delighted to bring you this deep-dive conversation with the very same CR, as he is fondly known.

We  hope you enjoy the conversation. 

We have two podcast series: MediaCast, and MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast; both, published by MediaBrief.com. To pitch someone for either series, do this:

1. First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram. Listen to, comment on, like, share, repost 3 episodes from each series so we know you've heard them and know the content profile for spokesperson-pitch-fit.
2. Next, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and share links (from 1 above) to your profiles that are following us, plus links of your shares and reports of the particular episodes from your social media platforms.

Thanks for your time. We'll be happy to hear from you.

Delighted that our distinguished guest in this episode of the MEDIACAST podcast series from Mediabrief.com is the  Marketing, Comms and Business veteran and bestselling author of 6 books,  Ashish Kaul, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Hero Realty. He engages in a diverse discussion with Pavan R Chawla, the host of Mediacast and Founder-Editor of MEDIABRIEF.COM.

Ashish covers various topics in the Indian real estate industry, highlighting Hero Realty's approach to affordable luxury homes, the transformative potential of technology, the critical role of reputation management, and the empowerment of women in the sector. This conversation offers valuable insights for professionals navigating the complexities of real estate, providing a roadmap for positive change and trust-building.

Ashish emphasizes Hero Realty's core values of innovation, health, environment, and community empowerment, showcasing his extensive corporate background in media and entertainment. The pervasive trust issues in the industry are dissected, emphasizing the need for ethical practices and a long-term vision. Ashish calls for industry leaders to drive essential changes, comply with regulations, and invest in research and development for new materials and construction options.

Diving into the emotional significance of homeownership in Indian culture, Ashish highlights Hero Realty's commitment to affordable luxury homes, addressing challenges like cash transactions and sector disorganization. The company's dedication to transparency through white money practices stands out.

Technology's role in enhancing trust and transparency in real estate is underscored, with Ashish emphasizing the importance of a personal touch and trust-building through experienced brokers. Reputation Management is discussed, stressing a holistic approach prioritizing customer satisfaction over short-term profits.

Exploring the role of women in real estate, Ashish acknowledges their influence and advocates for increased representation, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment. The episode concludes with Ashish paying tribute to influential women throughout history.

What shines through this MEDIACAST podcast episode is Ashish Kaul's and Hero Realty's commitment to driving change and trust in the real estate industry. Listen in to gain insights and inspiration on fostering change and trust in enterprise with commitment and values. It's a must-

We have two podcast series: MediaCast, and MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast; both, published by MediaBrief.com. To pitch someone for either series, do this:

1. First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram. Listen to, comment on, like, share, repost 3 episodes from each series so we know you've heard them and know the content profile for spokesperson-pitch-fit.
2. Next, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and share links (from 1 above) to your profiles that are following us, plus links of your shares and reports of the particular episodes from your social media platforms.

Thanks for your time. We'll be happy to hear from you.

In the 106th episode of the award-winning series MVP – The Master's Voice Podcast from MediaBrief.com, Samir K Modi, the dynamic Managing Director of Modi Enterprises and the visionary behind Colorbar Cosmetics, takes center stage with series host Pavan R Chawla, Founder-Editor of MediaBrief.com. Having celebrated Colorbar's 19th successful year, Modi reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, drawing lessons from experiences that shaped him.

From his early days as a restaurant steward in Australia, Modi learned the value of earning his own money. As a manager with a major tobacco player, he advocated for inclusivity and equality by uniting managers and factory floor workers in a common dining room. Modi's marketing skills flourished at Philip Morris, and he eventually embraced the challenge of overseeing multiple companies entrusted to him by his father.

Emphasizing continuous learning and collaboration, Modi credits his father's influence, stressing the importance of being a lifelong trainee. Sharing personal experiences, he advocates embracing mistakes for growth and advises young entrepreneurs to focus on the future, learn from the best, and maintain self-belief.

Modi highlights women empowerment as a core value at Modi Enterprises, with 50% of the corporate team being women. Discussing Colorbar's journey, he narrates early struggles and the brand's rise as the largest consumer of Italian makeup in India. Looking ahead, Modi reveals plans to enter the Russian market and open multiple stores.

Prioritizing growth without compromises, Modi believes in giving back to the earth, focusing on people, purpose, and the planet over profit. The podcast captures a profound conversation with Samir K Modi, offering insights and advice to empower professionals and entrepreneurs at all stages. 

A testament to Modi's success, this episode inspires with thoughts on continuous growth and the importance of giving back to the earth. Listen in for a compelling dialogue with Samir K Modi, the remarkable MD of Modi Enterprises,  a man who has navigated the entrepreneurial landscape with phenomenal success, always remaining driven by the pursuit of success, growth, and an unwavering commitment to, as we said earlier, giving back to the earth. 

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

This, the 105th episode of our award-winning series MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast, brings you a deep-dive, inspiring, often chuckle-inducing conversation with the remarkable Jo Jackson, CEO of the globally respected D&AD. 

As the first female CEO of D&AD, Jo passionately emphasizes the organization's commitment to diversity and equal opportunities. She sheds light on the D&AD Shift program, dedicated to empowering underrepresented emerging talents in the industry.

The discussion delves into the evolution of D&AD awards, exploring trends in award-winning campaigns and the influence of AI on the creative industry. Jo addresses the ownership of intellectual property for AI-generated campaigns.

The conversation takes a turn towards the creative industry in India, highlighting powerful campaigns addressing societal issues. Jo emphasizes the role of awards in encouraging innovation and learning experiences, advocating for greater exposure of Indian creativity globally.

An insightful point emerges as Jo shares a CEO's perspective on remote work versus in-office, providing valuable insights for leaders across sectors. The podcast concludes with a glimpse into D&AD's exciting future plans, including a website revamp and an anticipated in-person festival in London.

Jo unveils D&AD's commitment to a more accessible website, offering masterclasses for professionals at all levels, aligning with the organization's mission as a creative educational charity. The CEO introduces initiatives like Win One Teach One, reflecting D&AD's dedication to fostering a barrier-free community of creative excellence.

Well, then, the 105th Episode of the award-winning series MVP The Master’s Voice Podcast promises valuable knowledge and insights, and multiple surges of inspiration from a peerlessly  passionate, knowledgeable, accomplished and inspired creativity and design professional, and now the first female CEO of the remarkable D&AD – Jo Jackson, who is here at her fluent, inspiring best. Listen, chuckle, reap, revel. Thanks very much.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

In this MEDIACAST episode, Pavan R Chawla engage with Akanksha Jain, BharatPe's Head of PR and Communications, known for her startup expertise and award-winning campaigns. 

Akanksha discusses the impact narrative, stressing the importance of aligning with brands that have a clear purpose. 

She emphasizes employees as brand ambassadors, effective use of social and owned media, and treating agencies as integral team members. 

She addresses industry fees and crisis management, underscoring the value of being prepared. 

The conversation explores website roles in reputation building and the fintech industry's competitive nature. 

Akanksha acknowledges AI's potential but highlights the necessity of human involvement in PR. 

Internal communication's crucial role in reputation management is emphasized, along with advice for startup enthusiasts to prioritize building reputation early on. 

This MEDIACAST episode, a masterclass for PR professionals, promises insights and enjoyment. Thanks for your time.

We have two podcast series: MediaCast, and MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast; both, published by MediaBrief.com. To pitch someone for either series, do this:

1. First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram. Listen to, comment on, like, share, repost 3 episodes from each series so we know you've heard them and know the content profile for spokesperson-pitch-fit.
2. Next, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and share links (from 1 above) to your profiles that are following us, plus links of your shares and reports of the particular episodes from your social media platforms.

Thanks for your time. We'll be happy to hear from you.

This, the 104th episode of  our award-winning series MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast, features highly respected and accomplished Industry captain, thought leader and expert Vikram Sakhuja, Equity Partner and Group CEO of Madison Media & OOH, India's largest independent Media Agency. Vikram is in conversation with Pavan R Chawla, series host and Founder-Editor of MediaBrief.com.

This, our first episode of the year 2024, is a very special Year-ender in which Vikram offers valuable insights and guidance for all professionals across Media, Marketing, Advertising and more; insights we are confident will empower them as they square up to exploit and face the opportunities and challenges respectively in their quest for profit and growth with purpose.

Vikram speaks of 5 important themes in this special year-ender:  

(i) AdEx Movement in 2024: Advertising spending in 2024 is influenced by changing consumer behavior. Digital media growth slows, while traditional media like TV, print, and radio is expected to grow by about 10%. Digital media seems saturated, and traditional media still holds a sizable and loyal audience base.

(ii) Industry Consolidation in 2023: 2023 saw significant consolidation in broadcasting and advertising sectors, driven by the pursuit of scale, efficiency, and profitability. Consolidation's impact on media distribution and pricing is discussed, with no immediate effect on the bargaining power of media agencies and advertisers due to a highly fragmented market.

(iii) Viability of Media Plays (Sports Rights and OTT): Vikram explores challenges and opportunities in sports rights and OTT. Topics include high acquisition costs, monetization potential, innovation challenges, and the role of media agencies in adding value. The conversation praises OTT platforms for diverse, high-quality content, offering a suggestion on facing challenges from YouTube.

(iv) Evolving Role of Media Agencies: The changing media landscape emphasizes the crucial role of media agencies in providing expertise and solutions. Challenges in delivering value while controlling costs are discussed, with suggestions on overcoming them through new technologies, processes, and mindsets.

(v) Importance of Safeguards in the Digital Space: Vikram stresses the need for a safe and transparent digital ecosystem, protecting the interests of all stakeholders. The role of third-party measurement is highlighted, suggesting tech giants lead by example to address issues like ad fraud, waste, and antitrust, ensuring accountability and trust in digital media.

So do tune in, and I hope you find the episode rewarding. Do email us with your feedback. Thanks, and have a lovely 2024!

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

Welcome to episode 103 of our award-winning series MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast, in which I am delighted to bring you a conversation with  cricket, business and sustainability luminary Phil Oliver, CEO of Desert Vipers from the DP International T20 League, where Phil and his excellent franchise are using the passion of Cricket to drive awareness about, and the impact of,  sustainability for the greater good. Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Desert Vipers, the cricket franchise that not only aims for excellence on the field but also stands as a beacon for sustainability in the sports industry. Phil is on conversation with me, Pavan R Chawla, Founder-Editor of MediaBrief.com, and host of MVP The Master's Voice Podcast. 

 Phil  boasts over 15 years of experience in the cricketing world which includes having steered Desert Vipers to prominence as runner-up in the inaugural season of the DP International T20 League in the UAE.  What sets the CEO and his franchise apart is not just cricketing prowess but an unwavering commitment to sustainability. As Phil takes center-stage in this episode, he shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by new entrants in cricket, all while emphasizing the pivotal importance sustainability has, and the crucial role it plays, in shaping their brand mission, strategy and growth.

 
Phil tells me Desert Vipers now stands committed to reducing its footprint with a clear vision of achieving net-zero status by 2040. He passionately discusses the urgent need for action against climate change and how the franchise is actively participating in the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework.

MediaBrief recommends: We urge our listeners to go, get their hands on Desert Vipers’ excellent report entitled Corporate Sustainability Strategy Framework 2023/24, here. 

Desert Vipers - Driving Purposeful Profit: Beyond the cricket field, Phil sheds light on Desert Vipers' initiatives to engage the younger generation through sustainable practices. The franchise is actively involved in spreading awareness through player engagement, social media campaigns, and interactive sessions with schools and colleges, plus indoor cricket games with corporates. Desert Vipers’ Sustainability in Schools Training Program aims to reach 8,000 kids in Dubai and India, creating a network of individuals and businesses committed to sustainability.

 Desert Vipers, and Diversity, Marketing, and Data Analytics: As the conversation pivots to the cricketing aspect, Phil explores the diversity of the 

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

My distinguished guest on this episode of our award-winning series MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast features Sheena Kapoor, Head Of Marketing, Corporate Communications and CSR at ICICI Lombard, the leading private general insurer in India. 

Sheena's journey through the finance industry, coupled with her marketing prowess across all kinds of media platforms and her strong focus on CSR, has not only made her a valuable asset to ICICI Lombard but also source of inspiration for professionals, both within and outside ICICI Lombard. 

The role Sheena and her team have been playing along with the other committed professionals at ICICI Lombard has been instrumental in steering the company towards success and social impact and the respect these bring.

Sheena joined ICICI Lombard in January 2022, from Edelweiss Financial Services, Edelweiss Wealth Management, and after 11 years at the Times of India Group. 

Sheena, who has always pursued continuous learning and sought fresh challenges, ventured into heading innovations for the Times of India, where she acquitted herself with distinction across an 11-year period. Her thirst for deeper insights into the business and a desire to work with a market leader in the BFSI space led her to ICICI Lombard. Apart from the fact that it is a great, purpose-driven brand, what helped Sheena come to ICICI was the allure of the additional CSR mandate, which is something close to her heart. 

Sheena emphasizes the importance of proactivity, self-initiation of ideas, and a relentless pursuit of opportunities—principles that have propelled her career forward.

Sheena speaks at length about the important CSR initiatives and campaigns that ICICI Lombard has rolled out, and her eyes light up when she speaks of some memorable initiatives like the employee volunteering program Caring Hands, and ICICI Lombard's involvement with the ICSF Foundation. Notable programs such as Ride to Safety and Niranjali showcase the company's commitment to making a positive impact on society.  Sheena also sheds important light on what helps create and drive the kind of great agency-client relationship that can help deliver such memorable campaigns. 

Sheena Kapoor's journey should also inspire aspiring professionals and exerpienced veterans alike.  So tune in to this episode of MVP The Master’s Voice Podcast , to Sheena Kapoor, Head Of Marketing, Corporate Communications and Csr at ICICI Lombard. This is an insightful conversation with a young leader who embodies the spirit of transformative leadership, great business-building marketing,  and responsible social responsibility to help her company drive both – profit and purpose.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

This, the 99th episode of the award-winning series MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, features Josy Paul, the acclaimed advertising and marketing leader, Chairman, and Chief Creative Officer at BBDO India. Josy's remarkable insights and unique perspective shine through his heart-to-heart conversation with show host Pavan R Chawla, Founder-Editor of MediaBrief.com. Josy embodies rare humility, values learning from failure, and champions free creative spirits.

Josy's belief in the significance of context, emphasizing that "context is your pulse on the world," is truly enlightening. He likens a great agency-client relationship to love, where giving is paramount. Josy shares how his years of trail, experience, failure and success have stood him in great stead as he keep moving forward in true seeker fashion. Little wonder, then, that he is a global advertising and creative icon.

Josy's preference for a circular approach over a pyramidal one, and his focus on the authority of the idea, not the other way around, reveal his innovative mindset. He candidly recalls a favorite car-back-seat creation and rediscovers a lost mission statement from his youth; a statement that reflects his enduring positivity.

Josy passionately speaks about empathy and imagination, addressing the yearning of young creatives for self-expression over approval. He acknowledges his own journey marked by failures, rejections, and embarrassment, which ultimately led to his resounding success.

Josy underscores the importance of generosity and its reciprocal rewards. His leadership at BBDO India revolves around making soul-stirring connections for client brands in a simple and self-effacing manner.

Josy's succinct response to 'Why BBDO India for brands?' encapsulates the mission and promise of the creative powerhouse he leads.

In a world where few listen, Josy values sensitivity and empowers his teams to think freely, avoiding clichés while nourishing their core energy center. His words are a source of wisdom and actionable insights for professionals, experts, promoters, and students alike. Josy Paul, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer at BBDO India, is the inspiring guest on the 99th episode of MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast. Thank you for your time.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

This, the 96th episode of our award-winning and popular podcast series MVP – The Master’s Voice, is an audio and video podcast, and features another distinguished master of his very significant and strategic crafts of marketing, sales, brand building and business leadership - Shyam Motwani, Business Head of Godrej Locks and Architectural Fittings & Systems.  In conversation with Pavan R Chawla.

The Godrej Locks brand has been growing and building the category of locks and locking systems and architectural fittings and solutions for more than a century now. Godrej Locks has been  safeguarding millions of homes and offices, and the premises of prestigious institutions like the Reserve Bank of India, the Taj Mahal and other important organizations, with industry-leading products and services that began with the timeless Navtal lock, and have consistently evolved to high-end holistic safety solutions. 

Shyam shares his professional background and highlights Godrej Locks' commitment to innovation and safety by remaining consistently and completely invested in the adoption of innovation and digitization. 

Shyam discusses the introduction of the iconic Navtal padlock and the company's continued focus on padlocks with evolving technologies. We also explore their expansion into architectural fittings and their vision of investing in digital technology for integrated solutions.
 
 We discuss the design-led innovation behind Godrej  Locks and premium handles. Shyam highlights their success in smaller markets to provide security to people, and emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation and empowerment of the teams at Godrej Locks, and more.
 
Shyam speaks of Godrej Locks’ marketing strategies, of  targeting architects, interior designers, contractors, and carpenters, and shares information on the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club and the Godrej Vishesh Labh Club. 

 We discuss Godrej Locks’ initiatives to promote home safety and awareness, including campaigns and the launch of digital locks, and address the issue of crimes against elderly people,  and the comprehensive safety  solutions offered by Godrej Locks, and also, the free home safety check-up campaign to assess the adequacy of locks and suggest any upgrades that might be required.
 
So, an insightful conversation, as an audio and a video podcast, with Shyam Motwani, Business Head of Godrej Locks and Architectural Fittings & Systems.  Leadership lessons from one of India’s most experiences and accomplished leaders of the foremost company in the locks and ‘allied systems’ space in India – Godrej Locks from the most respected, legacy Godrej Group. 

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

Our award-winning series, MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast, features respected industry experts especially invited to share their knowledge, insights and learnings from their experience and achievements, and I am delighted that our 94th episode features Ramesh Narayan, the singularly exceptional and respected Advertising and Marketing leader and enabler, and the most awarded professional across the A&M space in India, Ramesh Narayan. 

The warm and self-effacing thought leader discusses his early career as a journalist, starting an agency, building great, long-lasting and rewarding professional relationships that turn into mutually respectful friendships and also shares other personal gems. 

Ramesh also speaks discusses the importance of, and his love for, sustainability, equality and inclusiveness, the great impact of advertising and its ability to not just hep position the best brands as what they demonstrably are, today, but also to help empower society by weeding out terrible diseases like polio and evil social practices. 

Ramesh also shares his views about the latest feature in his feathers-studded cap – the Honorary Lifetime Membership AAFA very recently conferred upon the doyen for his wonderful service.

He lauds the several A&M industry initiatives for measurement, like BARC, and also speaks of the need and room for improvement in measurement for other areas like FM Radio, and for the yet-unmeasured OTT space in India. 

And much more. 

This is Ramesh Narayan, the diminutive yet towering thought leader in straight-speak avatar, which is the only one I’ve ever seen him in. And this time round, there’s a bucket load of insights and inspiration for the younger professionals. Doubtless, his peers and everyone else across the spectrum will benefit too.

So go ahead. Listen. Reap. Revel. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ramesh Narayan on this, the 94th episode of MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast from MediaBrief.com. Thank you for your time

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

This very special episode of our popular podcast series MediaCast features two distinguished leaders from the beauty industry in India and globally -- Arpit Jain, Founder & MD of Maison D’Auraine, and Eelco Keune, CEO of Keune Haircosmetics, speaking about their launch of the global brand Keune in India. 

Driven by a mission to empower the beauty industry in India by delivering satisfaction for consumers and higher business volumes and therefore greater financial empowerment for salons through great products, Arpit and Eelco are supercharged by the potential of Keune Haircosmetics’ arrival in India. The two speak of the genesis of their partnership, their working chemistry and their strong belief in and commitment to  sustainable beauty products. 

Eelco speaks of the rich 100-year legacy of Keune Haircosmetics, and Arpit explains his decision to partner with Keune, with both emphasizing the shared values and vision between the two companies. 

Eelco highlights the wide reach and impact they hope to achieve with Maison D’Auraine’s support. On their marketing plans, Arpit shares their goal of targeting 25,000 salons across India, and Elko is upbeat about the growth potential of the beauty market in India. 

Both also speak at length about their commitment to CSR and sustainability, particularly in relation to animal welfare and environmental protection – values they have incorporated into their supply chains. 

What shines through and underlines all the positivity, is the unmistakable anticipatory happiness in being able to support and empower the Indian Beauty Industry, particularly through every professional provider of beauty services through thousands of salons, through the most important trigger of future growth: the delight of the consumers. 

So here, n Video and Audio formats, is my conversation with Arpit Jain, Founder & CEO – Maison D’Auraine, and Eelco Keune, CEO of Keune Haircosmetics -- two business leaders who are making a difference in the beauty industry through their commitment to every crucial link in the stakeholder chain. I found this conversation insightful. I hope you do too. Thank you.

We have two podcast series: MediaCast, and MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast; both, published by MediaBrief.com. To pitch someone for either series, do this:

1. First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram. Listen to, comment on, like, share, repost 3 episodes from each series so we know you've heard them and know the content profile for spokesperson-pitch-fit.
2. Next, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and share links (from 1 above) to your profiles that are following us, plus links of your shares and reports of the particular episodes from your social media platforms.

Thanks for your time. We'll be happy to hear from you.

My distinguished guest on this, the 93rd episode of our award-winning podcast series, MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, is Arwa Husain, Director  at AdFactors PR, the agency that isn't just India’s biggest and most awarded and respected strategic comms consultancy by far,  but has, amongst its several other industry- and sector-leading practices across diverse sectors, a remarkable BFSI practice. One that is India’s and Asia’s biggest in the space. A practice that Arwa has helped grow to its current size, stature and industry respect.

Arwa, who has been a part of the leadership team that has grown Adfactors PR over the years, speaks about several important things, including company growth, diversification, the response to COVID-19, the ever-ongoing focus at Adfactors PR on global and India trends and learning, her mentors and inspiration, and her brief assessment of the DNA of Adfactors PR which has always kept it growing over the years. 

The disarmingly easy-spoken but ever incisive and strategic Arwa favours us with some inspiring insights from her personal life too. She expresses her gratitude to several mentors over her work journey across multiple work spaces. She raises a grateful toast to India’s top PR leaders Madan Bahal and Rajesh Chaturvedi, and to Adfactors PR CEO Nijay Nair and to that peerless BFSI and Strategic Communications druid Dr Pradeep Raje. As, also, to two other professional luminaries, Anjali Patil (‘amazing lady, who was my boss in my previous job, and is now my client’, as she tells me), and Ajay Kakar, who also became her client and is someone who has inspired her, and who, we know, does some amazing work for the entire Advertising and Marketing fraternity. Of course, it’s an endless list, Arwa says graciously.

So here’s Arwa, sharing insights from the phenomenal consistent growth and resonance of Adfactors PR -- in the growth of which she has been a strong and trusted ally and partner with the rest of the leadership team. 

Listen in, and I hope and am sure every business owner, promoter, marketer, brand builder and custodian, along with the younger professionals across functions, vertical and companies, will benefit from this conversation with Arwa Husain, Director - Adfactors PR, on MVP The Master's Voice Podcast series. Thank you for your time.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

This, the 89th episode of our award-winning series, MVP - The Master's Voice podcast, is very special, because it marks the publication of our audio podcast  with a separate video version too (on YouTube). My distinguished guest on this episode is young Keshav Maheshwari, Managing Director of Allen Overseas. We had a captivating conversation about Allen Overseas' strong growth through international expansion, and the remarkable potential of digital technology in the education industry. 

Disarmingly self-effacing and passionate, Keshav spoke of his dedication to innovation and the invaluable guidance he receives from his family and the LinkedIn community. 

Keshav, who loves to sing and strums the guitar too, revealed that his family's musical talent runs deep, with an interest in music and singing being a cherished tradition. (We got him to sing a favourite Arijit Singh song too. 

Allen Overseas' unwavering commitment to providing quality
education. Allen Overseas has become a powerhouse in its space by assembling
top-notch faculty, creating effective academic pedagogies, and developing
comprehensive study materials. And, of course, Keshav is driving their current growth-focus
by establishing a stronger presence in the Middle East, empowering students to
excel and build successful careers. They have 7 centres already in the GCC,
with another 3 planned.

While he is excited about the potential of AI and ChatGPT to revolutionize the learning experience, Keshav also emphasises the importance of human intervention to maintain the quality of education, and cautions against over-reliance on AI-generated content

All this, and much more, in my chat with Keshav Maheshwari, MD of Allen Overseas. For me, it was an enriching peep into a young leader’s mind, and I hope you too find this an engaging and rewarding conversation. Thank you for your time.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

My distinguished guest in this  episode of our award-winning series, MVP – The Master's Voice Podcast, is the young veteran, Puneet Das, President - Packaged Beverages, (India & South Asia), Tata Consumer Products Limited. Puneet is a passionate driver of profit, purpose, delight, and value for the business.

Puneet, who joined Tata Consumer Products Ltd in November 2017, was appointed President – Packaged Beverages (India & South Asia) in April 2021. Prior to that, he held the position of Senior Vice President – Packaged Beverages, India, and played an important role in strengthening the core Tata Tea brand and its sub-brands.

Recently, on Mother's Day, TCPL (Tata Consumer Products Ltd) introduced pioneering packaging innovations and ran a category-first, personalized campaign. They deployed a mix of emotionally connecting packaging with hyper-personalization across an unprecedented range of customized tea packs, each uniquely adorned with personalized messages and photos dedicated to mothers. This innovative packaging reflects the brand's core values of "care" and "personalization," which have consistently been showcased throughout their past campaigns.

 Some excellent takeaways from Puneet Das on this episode: 

·         It’s all about continuous innovation, and having a mindset that keeps apace with the world that is changing every day.  

·         It is about the willingness and hunger to learn. And crucially, to listen and learn, and absorb. 

·         Have great curiosity. Don’t just be aware of what happened. Ask the ‘Why’ question. People often stop at facts and don’t proceed to the Why

·         At all times, a brand must be and sound authentic, and not just clamber aboard a bandwagon because others are doing the same

·         Also, marketers must be aware of the need to target consumers wherever they are in their digital journey

Puneet is a strong believer in the power of communities and considers community-building an important duty of every marketer. He emphasizes the need to engage in community-building for participation, conversations, and engagements. This includes occasional influencer networks, but more importantly, building organic influencer networks.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

The 86th episode of our award-winning MVP – The Master's Voice Podcast from MediaBrief.com features two eminent advertising-world leaders, Srinivasan K Swamy and Ramesh Narayan, speaking with passion about the promise of the upcoming Goafest 2023. They speak with Pavan R Chawla.

 GoaFest 23 will celebrate creativity, campaigns, and cocktails as India's biggest advertising festival from the 24th of May to the 26th of May this year, in Goa, of course. It's hosted by the Advertising Agency's Association of India, the 3As of I, and the Advertising Club of course, TAC.

Why Goafest?

It's much better than even Cannes... the opportunities that the industry gets in India, to my mind, are significantly more than what you get in any other part of the world... There is nothing as grand as this (Goafest); nothing as well-executed as this. And I think it's something that we as Indians can be very proud of: Srinivasan K SwamyI

t is the largest industry-wide event of its kind in the whole of India, in the whole of Asia perhaps. It's also a place where you get amazing content throughout the day; it's where you can meet the Who's Who of the industry, interact, network with them, have a great time. And, of course, salute excellence in advertising creativity. What more do you need?: Ramesh Narayan

Mr. Swamy reminisces about how Goafest really began to take shape when three gentlemen took off on a recce-tour to Goa, and the backstory behind the creation of the first event, how two distinguished bodies – the AAAI and The Advertising Club (TAC) – came together to harness their expertise across, respectively, raising money for the event and organizing it, and managing the entire process of the awards entries, judging, and running the awards nights at the Goafest.

They are excited about the response to Goafest 2023, which will see a larger number of agencies participating and provide sharp and precise answers to the question: Why Goafest? Mr. Swamy is all praise for the CM of Goa, who was open and generous in helping the advertising industry hold its biggest fiesta in Goa. Over the years, close to 50,000 professionals have attended the fests across all its editions, thereby giving an impetus to Goa tourism.

Regarding the future of Goafest, Ramesh is confident that it will continue to grow each year. "My one hope is that one day I will see the ABBY Awards as an Indian award that is aspirational across the world," he says.

Amen to that.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

The Change Podcast  with Samir K Modi - Soch Badlo Khudko Badlo, Duniya Badlo (change your thinking, better yourself, and the world) - is the brainchild of one of India's most progressive and successful business leaders, the inspirational SAMIR  K MODI, Managing Director of Modi Enterprises. 

In this, the  third episode of the series, Samir shares inspiration for entrepreneurs who have dreams and passion, and could benefit from the valuable guidance of a leader and enterprise builder like Samir  Modi himself. 

Moreover, this episode is embellished with several personal experiences from Samir's own life. As a leader who has demonstrated the drive and determination of a career entrepreneur from a very early age, Samir's insights, thoughts, and inspirations from a lifetime of entrepreneurial experiences will definitely help every listener. 

In this episode, Samir inspires entrepreneurs on how to shepherd and build upon their entrepreneurial dreams with the care, dedication, smarts, and an open mind.

Samir has created and is emotionally invested in this podcast series because ultimately, he believes that it's all about changing one's thinking (soch in Hindi) to change oneself and everything else around oneself for the better. 

Samir K Modi’s tremendous business and entrepreneurial acumen and success are demonstrated by the extraordinary businesses he has created. From launching India’s first direct-selling organisation, Modicare , backed by the vision of ensuring ‘Azadi’ for every Indian in financial and social spaces, to driving an innovative disruption in the retail space with Colorbar -- a brand that was recently voted as India’s most loved brand by a leading survey – Samir he has always believed in leading by example. He has also been the founding force behind 24 SEVEN Convenience Stores, India’s first-of-its-kind, round-the-clock convenience retail chain that has now gone on to become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. Having never shied away from taking risks, Samir is a firm believer in the ideology: The greater the risk and conviction, the greater the reward.

So tune in to listen to Samir  K Modi, enterprise leader and creator extraordinaire, in this third episode of ‘Soch Badlo Khudko Badlo Duniya Badlo,’ the Change Podcast series by Samir K Modi in conversation with media and marketing expert Pavan R Chawla.  

We hope this episode inspires you. Please do share your feedback and let us know what you would like us to cover in future episodes.   

And if you have missed them, do listen to Episode 1 on Why One Must Change One’s Thinking, and Episode 2  on Women’s Empowerment.  

And hey, stay safe, stay positive, grow and, with positive thinking,  help everyone else around you too.