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Ajay Kakar of Adani Group joins Pavan R Chawla for a deep, honest masterclass on brand integrity, storytelling, creativity, and marketing’s future.

In this powerful episode of MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast from MediaBrief.com, host Pavan R Chawla sits down with Ajay Kakar, Head of Corporate Branding at the Adani Group, for an honest, nuanced conversation on branding, marketing, and the future of the industry.

Ajay brings decades of experience from his impactful stints at Ogilvy, Reliance, and the Aditya Birla Group, and now leads branding at one of India’s most prominent corporate groups. He reflects on his journey from the world of finance into advertising and marketing, offering invaluable insights into how brand custodians must think beyond just campaigns and focus on sustained storytelling and brand purpose.

The episode explores the evolution of corporate branding, especially in the context of legacy and infrastructure sectors. Ajay highlights how true brand connect is built not through showmanship, but through relevance, empathy, and integrity — all brought to life through compelling stories like Adani’s Pehle Pankha Phir Bijli campaign.

Ajay speaks passionately about GoaFest, describing it as India’s answer to Cannes and a melting pot of creative exchange, collaboration, and recognition. He offers a clear-eyed view on the state of measurement in marketing, calling for a unified, outcome-focused approach that helps marketers prove real business impact.

The conversation also delves into the impact of AI in creativity, where Ajay warns against using AI as a substitute for human insight. Instead, he urges professionals to use AI responsibly — as a tool, not a crutch — while keeping human emotion and judgment at the core.

Ajay also addresses the fragmentation of the marketing and advertising ecosystem, noting how silos have diluted brand coherence. He underscores the need for unified thinking across media, creative, and digital disciplines to drive true brand impact.

For young professionals, Ajay offers sincere advice: enter the industry only if you’re driven by passion, not just paychecks. The industry is demanding but deeply rewarding for those who want to create meaningful change.

This episode is a must-listen for brand leaders, creative professionals, marketers, and students alike — a compelling masterclass in brand strategy, creative integrity, and purposeful communication from one of the most respected voices in Indian marketing.

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In this, the 127th episode of the award-winning MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast, host Pavan R Chawla speaks with Dr. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur.

A globally respected academic and institutional leader, Dr. Ram shares how IIM Raipur is shaping purpose-driven leaders through a future-ready, values-based approach to management education. He reflects on his leadership philosophy — rooted in the long view — with a powerful metaphor:

The conversation explores IIM Raipur’s remarkable evolution — from a new institution in 2010 to a top-ranked IIM today — driven by academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.

Dr. Ram outlines how the institute integrates AI and analytics into the curriculum while championing human judgment, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding, preparing students for leadership in a technology-driven world.

He discusses IIM Raipur’s focus on entrepreneurship, building “business owners, not just job seekers,” and highlights how democratic governance, diversity, and ethical reputation management are central to the institute’s DNA.

This candid, insightful conversation also reflects Dr. Ram’s humility, as he credits his teams, mentors, and collaborators for IIM Raipur’s progress and promise.

A must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, higher education, and the role of management institutions in shaping society.

Thanks for your time. 

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This, the latest episode (#117) our award-winning series  MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, features Eeshan Lokhande and Veer Patel, the innovative co-founders of the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), in conversation with show host and Founder-Editor of MEDIABRIEF.COM, Pavan R Chawla.  The discussion dives into the world of Supercross racing and the ambitious journey of CEAT ISRL, highlighting its unique contributions to Indian sports.

Genesis of CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League: Eeshan and Veer introduce listeners to Supercross racing, known for its high-flying jumps and intense competition. Inspired by motocross, Supercross is held on specially constructed dirt tracks. Eeshan and Veer aim to replicate this excitement in India through the CEAT ISRL, driven by their passion for the sport.

Building the league: teams, riders, and innovation: CEAT ISRL stands out for its innovative team structure, including different skill categories and the inclusion of women riders. This inclusive approach promotes gender diversity and broader participation. The duo explains the meticulous process of creating challenging yet safe tracks, emphasizing responsible racing behavior and stringent safety protocols.

Strategic partnerships and marketing: Eeshan and Veer highlight their collaboration with major broadcasting partners like Viacom18 and GeoCinema, which has significantly boosted the league’s visibility. Their multi-faceted marketing strategy targets Supercross enthusiasts, general sports fans, and potential sponsors through social media, promotional events, and collaborations with influential personalities.

Expansion plans and future vision: Looking ahead, Eeshan and Veer plan to expand the CEAT ISRL to more cities across India and explore international markets. They discuss their expectations for the league’s second season, focusing on enhancing the overall experience for participants and viewers and maintaining their position at the forefront of motorsport innovation in India.

Impact on the industry and job creation: Beyond racing excitement, Eeshan and Veer reflect on the broader impact of the CEAT ISRL on the Indian motorsport industry, including job creation in event management, broadcasting, and marketing. By building a robust ecosystem around Supercross racing, they aim to create sustainable growth opportunities within the industry.

Closing thoughts and future prospects: As the episode concludes, Eeshan and Veer express their enthusiasm for the future of Supercross racing in India. They see the CEAT ISRL as more than just a racing league; it’s a pla

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My distinguished guest in this episode of the The Master’s Voice is Mohit Nirula, CEO of Columbia Pacific Communities (CPC), India's largest senior-living community operators. CPC entered India realizing that an estimated 98 million of its citizens are approaching the golden age, and unlike the generations before them, these independent, financially stable, well-travelled, and socially connected individuals approach life  in their own way, defying the conventional notions of senior living. They demand a fuller life.

So when CPC approached Mohit Nirula, one of India’s most respected professionals from the hospitality industry, to join them to launch Columbia Pacific Communities in India some three years ago, Mohit  took up, and reveled in, the opportunity.

Mohit’s profile begins with a Chinese proverb that says,  "The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The second best time is now." Why it begins that way, is that when Mohit entered his second innings with Columbia Pacific Communities, it was only the second company he was working with  after 30 years with the hotel industry! And Columbia Pacific Communities has allowed Mohit to bring to the fore all the considerable skills he has gained over the past three decades.

In this episode, Mohit speaks about how, driven by the mandate and mission to offer senior citizens exactly the kind of life they wish to live, his team and he have always kept CPC’s known commitment to offering unconditional love, respect and care in complete focus.

Of how CPC in India has been communicating its offerings and commitment to potential community members, and consistently demonstrating them,  by going against the usual, ‘safe’ belief that one must under-promise and over-deliver. Instead, says Mohit, “We over-promised, and stretched ourselves day and night to deliver.”

Mohit brings to bear his enormous strong hospitality leadership experience. He trained at the mecca of great hotel management training at the Oberoi School when it was in its prime as The Oberoi School of Hotel Management, and subsequently worked across the The Oberoi Group starting 1986, and since 1996, was in leadership roles, heading hotels  across brands like Novotel, Trident, Oberoi, and in  geographies like India, Mauritius and Egypt, with a diverse range of responsibilities across Operations, Openings, Renovations, and Restorations.

And today, Mohit lives to deliver on the promise of “providing our elders with a safe, secure and engaging lifestyle in an environment of genuine warmth and care”. That the Columbia Pacific Communities offerings have been extremely well received in India is visible from the fact that it's

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Our special, expert guest in this episode of The Master’s Voice podcast series from MediaBrief is Ashish Bhasin, CEO APAC and Chairman India – Dentsu International and member of the Dentsu International Global Executive Team. Ashish has been one of the finest business and thought leaders in the Advertising & Media industry across India and the Asia Pacific for the past 32 years, and in this special episode, Pavan R Chawla caught up with him for some inspirational insights for businesses in the Media, Marketing, Advertising and Comms spaces to survive and grow during and after the Pandemic.

Ashish speaks at length on the need to combine ambition with contentment, and why he believes Digital, which has always been his first and topmost agenda to grow Dentsu, has yielded phenomenal growth rewards for the group over the darkest period of human history, the pandemic. He also shares his views about multiple industry issues, plus insights on how best to hand-hold clients with effective empathy, care and impact, and much more.

Ashish is the astute business and thought leader who built the Dentsu Aegis Network in India from a 50-member team to a 3000-member powerhouse -- now the 2nd largest Advertising and Marketing Communications Group in India; in the process, overturning for the first time the existing ranking which was historically in place for more than 80 years.

Prior to this Ashish set up several of Lintas India’s (IPG) businesses and successfully led Lintas India for 20 years.  He also had the global role of Executive Vice President, Lowe Worldwide and Asia Regional Director for Integrated Marketing.

Ashish has won numerous awards, including a record four coveted South Asia Agency Head of the Year Award at Campaign Asia-Pacific's Agency of the Year Awards 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019.  He was named Network Head of the Year -  Media Ace Awards 2019, a distinction he also was conferred with in 2018. He was awarded the 2015 IAA Leadership Award for Media Agency Head of the Year and was the Dentsu Aegis Network Star Performer of the Year 2017.

Ashish was recently appointed as 2021 Effie’s Awards Chairman. He has also served as Head of Jury for the Asia Pacific Effie Awards 2017 and has served on several global juries including Cannes Lion 2016, Cannes Lion 2007, Dubai Lynx 2008, Festival of Media Global 2013 at Montreux and Asia’s Most Promising Brands and Leaders 2013 in Dubai. 

Ashish serves or has served on most industry bodies in India, including as Immediate Past President AAAI, Immediate Past Chairman MRUC, Chairman Goafest 2017 & 2018, Co-Chairman AAAI – IBF committee 2010 - 2018, Board Member-Broadcast Audien

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• 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.

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This episode of The Master’s Voice, the podcast series on MediaBrief features globally respected thinker, advisor, author and guide on transformative, movement-oriented philosophy and strategy - Scott Goodson, founder and CEO of StrawberryFrog, the celebrated Cultural Movement firm, in expert conversation with Pavan R Chawla. 

Scott has worked with leaders of many top global companies such as Mahindra, Google, Emirates, PepsiCo, SunTrust Bank, Walmart, and more, and I caught up with him for a deep dive on his excellent new book, Activate Brand Purpose, which Scott has co-authored with another reputed expert, Chip Walker, who leads the strategy and research divisions at StrawberryFrog, and specializes in Movement Marketing. 

StrawberryFrog creates ‘Movements that change companies and grow brands’, and Scott’s latest book, Activate Brand Purpose, comes when it is time, after the past year, for business leaders to move from intent and toothless purpose to action. Activate Brand Purpose is a pragmatic framework for business leaders to transform and grow companies while driving positive change. 

Because, as StrawberryFrog has said, ‘it’s one thing for brands to say they care about an issue, it’s another thing to back it up with real action. And consumers can tell the difference’. And that’s where Activate Brand Purpose can really help.

Scott speaks at length about  the book will help all business leaders who want to change employee habits, transform their company, and grow their business. 

Scott also reflects on some purpose-driven movements that have been the bedrock of his beliefs and counsel, and his experiences with top global brands. This includes the purpose model for SunTrust Bank and the Make History model for Jim Beam, among others.

Scott also speaks at length about writing the movement strategy and motto RISE for the Mahindra Group, which has been a torchbearer for purpose-driven thinking in India and is a global calling card for progressive, modern India. He also speaks of why he believes he connected extremely well with the Mahindra Group. And why he believes the groups ever-on commitment to purpose-driven approach has helped embed the kind of thinking and philosophy which work like an engine of society-first initiatives and growth.

Scott also shares what he believes are some of the qualities great leaders share, and also discusses his first book Uprising: How to Build a Brand and Change the World by Sparking Cultural Movements. He shares the vision Uprising… rolled out for brands and brand building when it was first published

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

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Ashish Pherwani, Leader – Media & Entertainment at EY India, speaks  with MediaBrief Founder-Editor Pavan R Chawla on EY India’s much-awaited  report on the business of Media & Entertainment in India, which it released along with FICCI, for 2020. Although the pandemic and lockdown pushed the M&E industry in India back three years in 2020, Ashish is extremely positive about the growth prospects, and shares his Top 5 take-outs – like the Top 5 headlines from the report, as it were. The conversation also looks at the OTT space and its massive growth potential, what with, as Ashish tells us, an estimated 500 original series waiting to follow last year’s act of 200 – which saw the sub-sector grow 46%, helping Digital lead the growth charge when India was in lockdown, and there were no feet on the ground.

Listen in to the insights, views and guidance of Ashish Pherwani, who brings more than 20 years of experience having served companies and clients in virtually all the M&E sub-sectors through Consulting Strategy for the Media and Entertainment space. Ashish  has been associated with more than 50 media companies across TV broadcasting, TV distribution, radio, content production, out of home, mobile, events, print and gaming, and believes: “With a billion Indian screens to serve, the opportunity to create global content and support creators with India’s talent, production, animation and VFX (Visual effects) capabilities, is enormous."

So, here’re some key points from the FICCI-EY report on the business of M&E in India, through a conversation between  Ashish Pherwani  and Pavan R Chawla, on this episode of MediaBrief.com's popular podcast series, The Masters' Voice. Listen in. 

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

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Our very special guest on the latest episode of The Master’s Voice Podcast series is trusted authority and leader in APAC's digital advertising industry,  Sunny Nagpal, co-founder and Managing Director – APAC,  Httpool, which is one of the largest international partners for major media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok and LinkedIn. 

For this special episode, Pavan R Chawla caught up with Sunny, who is also a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and an accomplished and acknowledged digital advertising and marketing expert, to speak about many things digital, programmatic, ad tech, and several related elements like combating ad fraud, great Httpool initiatives like empowering thousands of young digital marketers with free training programs; remarkable campaigns from Httpool like the one that delivered a 3000x ROI, how the company is empowering the B2B space with an infusion of technology, and how keeping its greatest asset, its talent, emotionally secure and happy helped the company rise above all business challenges during COVID to grow in a sustained manner. And much more.

Insights from a great career, right from his early days in Czechoslovkia, to the founding of Httpool and then bringing it to India, and more. From Sunny Nagpal, under whose aegis Httpool has completed thousands of campaigns across various channels of digital media for hundreds of global brands across all industries, supporting all top agencies and the ecosystem at large in Asia Pacific. And whose strategic leadership of  Httpool helped it win mandates to become the authorized sales partner for some of the largest global media platforms.

Sunny Nagpal, co-founder and MD –APAC, Httpool, is my special guest on this episode of The Master’s Voice, our popular podpcast series that reaches more than 95% of podcast listeners through the top directories all over the world. 

Listen in.

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

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This episode of The Master's Voice is a very special one, for multiple reasons - it features top Media thought leader Raj Nayak, Founder & MD - House of Cheer, and who is as highly respected as a remarkable professional as he is loved by those who know and have interacted with him, for being a wonderful human being. In this episode which we've published on the second day of the New Year, Raj, in conversation with Pavan R Chawla,  speaks about the H Factor  -- Happiness, which, he says, 'begins with You' -- and the plans for his very promising offering to corporates and businesses, the significant services of his House Of Cheer, which came into existence before the pandemic-enforced lockdown shut most things down.  The role and importance of the H Factor of Happiness cannot be over-stated, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, and as we being the new year, this very special episode about Happiness and more with a very special master, Raj Nayak, is our way of wishing our readers and everyone else in the industry, a Happy New Year. 

And to Raj Nayak, from all of us, here's a very special wish: Happy Birthday, Raj! Yes, it's today, the 2nd of January 2021, which is why we decided to publish this episode today.
We did say this episode's very special for multiple reasons.

We hope you enjoy the episode and find it relevant and useful. Remember, for corporates and businesses, the future will boil down to the happiness of those who man and run, and emotionally own, them.

So bring out your headphones and sit back and listen to Raj speak in the endearing and engaging manner only he can. Extempore, and straight from the heart.
       

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On this episode of The Master’s Voice, our guest is MVS Murthy, Head – Marketing & Digital, Tata Asset Management,  who is a true digital maven with an illustrious two-decade career with India’s top Banking, Insurance and Broking companies in their Marketing and Digital spaces,  and is now the go-to person for Tata Asset Management’s Marketing and Communication strategies. Pavan R Chawla caught up with MVS – which is how his friends address him –  for a deep dive with this inspiring Digital Marketing leader who is highly experienced and adept at handling Brand, Communication, Digital Marketing and Digitization of Customer Experience.

We hope you will find this a truly rewarding chat filled with excellent insights from the passion, knowledge and experience of this passionate visionary of data-driven marketing who focuses on three crucial growth areas — revenue, customers and value. And doesn’t set too much store by the rear-view mirror as he drives Tata Asset Management forward during these extremely challenging times, to ever greater salience and growth. 

The conversation with MVS touches upon The Tata Mutual Fund story, and how it has been reaching out to its customers and channel partners during the lockdown with very few feet on the ground; the evolution of the industry -- whether it is the client-agency model or other aspects that empower businesses -- and the role of technology as a catalyst in the rise of marketing. Including the place, role and scale of performance-based digital marketing  in the TMF marketing plans, and the new uses of tech that marketing has found. 

 So, a deep dive with MVS.

 Dive in.

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Respected Indian News Media conglomerate, the ABP Network, has unveiled new logos across its broadcast and digital presence  – ABP News, ABP Ananda, ABP Majha, ABP Ganga, ABP Asmita, and ABP Sanjha, along with ABP Live -- as part of an ongoing evolution of the network, and for this episode of the Master’s Voice, we caught up with one of the titans of brand architecture, Jacob Benbunan, co-founder and digital CEO of the reputed Saffron Brand Consultants.

Jacob had flown in all the way from Madrid to be by ABP Network CEO Avinash Pandey’s side as the network shared news of this latest tentpole in the milestones of the network that, Benbunan tells Pavan R Chawla, is ‘married to the truth’.

The new identity is designed to better represent the fearlessness, dynamism, and thought-leadership of the channels in the industry, and also to demonstrate the brand’s connection to the Nation and its people.

Benbunan speaks of how his team and he, in close tandem with the ABP Network Marketing team, went about capturing and representing the mix of the intrinsic idea of powering India to its limitless potential, and the central network mission to help create an open and informed society, because  it believes that only an open and informed society can make a limitless India possible.

So, in this episode of The Master’s Voice, Jacob Benbunan of Saffron Brand  Consultants is in conversation with Pavan R Chawla, speaking about Truth Beyond Limits, and the long and deeply satisfying journey to create a sparkling, standout, whole new brand identity for India's respected news media conglomerate, the ABP Network, across broadcast and digital.

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This episode of The Master's Voice features two young leaders, Suveer Bajaj and Pratik Gupta, who, 13 years ago, along with two other like-minded partners, had set about putting together an advertising agency that was equally digitally driven, with a quirky name - Foxymoron. A tiny little offering that the youngsters  -- Suveer was only 19 years old then, and Pratik, 20 -- built brick by brick, teaching themselves perhaps one or more new things each day before putting their heads down to deliver brilliantly well on every new ask.

Suveer and Pratik learnt and grew in knowledge and effectiveness of offerings and equally, in the scale of their business at such a remarkable rate that they were the talk of the marketer town with much positive sentiment in the marketplace. So much so, that by the time the febrile-with-M&A second-decade of 2000s came around, 2014 had them in talks with WPP, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, Foxymoron has only two of the original co-founders in Suveer and Pratik, but has grown ten-fold and more.

Pavan R Chawla caught up with the brilliant, smartly focused and extremely knowledgeable duo in a freewheeling chat on how Foxymoron came about from a  64000-Rupee corpus originally earmarked by four youngsters for a Goa holiday, and how they cobbled the agency together into a brilliant spit-and-polish offering that Suvir and Pratik have not only eyeballing all competition, but also setting the standards in the Digital Marketplace.

Through the conversation, what stands out are their insistence upon working with 'good people', learning new things -- often in a self-taught way, and pushing the comfort zone from what the client wants to what the client needs, and, as an advertising and digital marketing partner, wanting to deliver much more than 'just how many social media posts we can do or accounts we can manage', to insisting upon wanting to see how they can actually make an impact upon the business of the client rather then just giving what the client asks for. And in the process, handholding each new client across a journey of forgetting what they have been used to, and getting a fresh perspective steeped into the opportunities, demands, challenges and threats of the changing, newer realities of an ever-evolving digital marketplace.

Welcome to Suveer's hurtling but precisely measured bariton delivery and Pratik's effervescently enthusiastic conversation. Two young mutually complementing partners who also share insights on what has helped sustain, grow and flower their partnership with such remarkable results. Both, in conversation with Pavan R Chawla. 

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

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Abraham Thomas - CEO Reliance Broadcast, also  a Media Brand Specialist, Digital Media Entrepreneur, Audio Evangelist and Print-TV-Digital Business Leader, is our expert guest in this episode of The Master’s Voice, Mediabrief.com’s podcast series that features expert conversations with Pavan R Chawla.

Thomas is a Youth Media and Brand Specialist with more than two decades of experience in building and scaling youth media platforms in India, China and South Asia is an experienced leader and entrepreneur with a proven track record of building and running large media businesses.

Abe – as his friends call him -- brings deep knowledge of multi-media platforms of print, broadcasting (TV & Radio), online and mobile backed with over 15 years of hands-on leadership experience, demonstrating the ability to build and scale businesses within a competitive environment.

He says these restrictive and highly challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic have actually brought Radio its finest hour. He says that although the Radio sub sector suffered a 70% loss of revenues during COVID-19, the medium has proven its mettle as a truly resilient and the most trusted amongst all for accurate and timely information, and during the lockdown, has been listened to by every age group in large numbers, with a 28% increase in TSL. And on their part, he says AROI and member FM networks have taken these happy tidings to all their stakeholders through a consistent communication campaign.

He also speaks about how BIG FM was the first FM Radio network to swing into Work From Home from the 13th of March 2020, and that thanks to its tech and creative teams, has been airing engaging content that has inspired and sustained it listeners across the country. Not a single station was off the air, and in the short time they have had, the network actively evolved into a truly Digitally-driven entity, with an online and complete ad-buying with creative services support for advertisers.

This, and much more, from the man who built a robust organization and manages high performance teams as an area of specialization. Across more than 20 years of leadership roles across media, TV- Mass, Niche and Speciality genres and Radio, Abe has built  a Leader Brand, grown three Radio networks to Market leadership, and before entering the world of television and then radio broadcast, he worked for eight years in Print across Distribution, Brand and Ad Sales for Regional and National Publications.

And now, here he is – Abe, Aby, Abraham Thomas, the genial, accomplished CEO of 92.7 BIG FM. The man who of his own admission isn’t a creative sort, but can sniff out t

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Ujaya Shakya, Founder of Outreach in Nepal and author of Brandsutra, and the first vice president of the Advertising Association of Nepal, is my very special guest on this, the 116th episode of our award-winning MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast. We caught up with Ujaya for this Vodcast and Podcast which is available on both – YouTube, and a set of the top global podcast directories including Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify, among others.  

Ujaya speaks of the size of the advertising market in Nepal, highlighting the growth of digital media and the impact of television content. He also speaks about the evolution of advertising in Nepal over the years, especially with the rise of digital media and changing consumer behaviors.

Our conversation explores the role of advertising in Nepal and how Indian advertising has influenced the industry there. Ujaya says talent – the finding and retaining of it – is a major challenge most advertising companies and heads grapple with. He also mentions reputation management in the advertising sector as a critical area for business heads, and emphasizes the importance of creativity, passion and teamwork for young professionals entering the field.

 He also touches upon the regulation of advertising in Nepal, including the clean feed policy that restricts foreign advertising on Nepalese channels.  Ujaya reflects on the impact of social media platforms, internet penetration, and the evolving technology in the advertising space in Nepal.
 
 
Ujaya speaks about the qualities required for success in advertising, and shares his admiration for, and the inspiration he draws from, industry stalwarts like Sam Balsara, Ramesh Menon, and Piyush Pandey, and the importance of collaboration between Indian and Nepali advertising industries for mutual growth.


So, thanks to my distinguished guest Ujaya Shakya, Founder of Outreach in Nepal and author of Brandsutra, and the first vice president of the Advertising Association of Nepal, this, the 116th episode of our award-winning MVP The Master’s Voice Podcast -- and, of late, Vodcast too, on YouTube --  provides a comprehensive view of the advertising landscape in Nepal and the efforts being made to empower the industry through regulatory measures, talent development, and innovative strategies. And more. I hope you find it a rewarding listen. Thank you for your time!

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 Pavan R Chawla writes: My guest expert on this, the latest episode of our podcast series The Master’s Voice,  is someone who, with more than 28 years of experience, brings invaluable expertise in managing television networks operations in the Media and Entertainment industry: Megha Tata, Managing Director South Asia – Discovery. 

A media & entertainment industry veteran, Megha has held leadership roles at organisations such as BTVI, HBO, Turner International and Star TV.

She has also served as Vice President of the International Advertising Association  IAA’s India Chapter from 2016 to 2018, and is currently in the MANCOM of IAA. She was recently co-opted as Director on the board of Indian Broadcasting Foundation, and is also on the board of the National Media & Entertainment Committee of FICCI. 

In this episode of The Master’s Voice, Megha speaks of life at  Discovery, the impact of COVID-19 on the business of broadcasters, on the business at Discovery, the original content flow at Discovery INC, on launching Discovery+; comments  on the perception that Indians are notoriously reluctant to pay for content, on how Discovery+ is marketed, the impact of TRAI’s meddlesome (our word) regulation of Television Broadcasting in India, life after COVID for the streaming platforms, and much more. Plus what she does in whatever time she can spare from a busy work schedule.

The Master’s Voice reaches >95% of podcast listeners across the world

The Master’s Voice reaches more than 95% of people who search for and listen to podcasts across the world. You can listen to this podcast on the player embedded in this post, or on any other favourite podcast app including but not limited to Apple podcasts   Google Podcasts   Spotify   Sticher   iHeart Radio   Overcast   Pocket Cast   PodcastAddict   Castro

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Very recently, Koan Advisory Group, headed by Vivan Sharan, brought out an extremely relevant and important document that chronicles the impact of regulation on the televisoin broadcast sector in India. The report, entitled  INDIAN TV BROADCASTING AT A CROSSROADS - An Assessment of Regulatory Outcomes and the Way Forward, which you can download here, is an extremely insightful and telling look at the impact of (our words, not Koan's) the heavy-handed, sans-logic and authoritarian treatment that Television broadcasters seem to have received at the hands of regulator TRAI.

Pavan R Chawla caught up with two young masters, experts in the domains of Media & Entertainment and Broadcast, Vivan  Sharan, Founder of the Koan Advisory Group, and Farah Bookwala, formerly a journalist with leading English Business News Channel CNBV TV18 and now a freelance writer for several business publications, and also an expert in the Media & Entertainment space.

Listen to these two young masters' expert conversation with Pavan R Chawla to feel the extent of damage that unbridled, uncalled for regulation has caused the Indian Broadcast eco system, which is the lifeline of one of the world's largest creative, content economies  and thanks to the regressive NTO  and NTO 2.0, is facing crippling losses and ruin, with the biggest sufferer being the end consumer, the viewer of television entertainment.       

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For its latest episode of The Master’s Voice, MediaBrief.com caught up with Rohit Paranjpe  - Co-Founder and CEO of SugarBox Networks - India, who spoke with Pavan R Chawla about the platform which is a first-of-its-kind worldwide, and enables internet services to work even in areas of bad or no network and empowers users to access them without an active data connection. This episode was recorded over a telephone call since Rohit was also speaking especially about how locked-down-by COVID-19 people can help fight the pandemic from their homes by cutting down on internet data consumption to help make maximum cellular data available for the frontline warriors. So for this episode, please pardon the occasional, slightly awry audio levels and glitches.  

Rohit also speaks at length about SugarBox, which  creates a hyper-local data distribution ecosystem by installing CDN Edge servers at key places of interest (POIs), which users can connect to over a local Wi-Fi network. SugarBox POIs include public transport, public places, rural areas, hotels and co-living spaces, malls, etc. where a critical mass of users access a host of digital services.

Rohit is one of the youngest CEOs in India, and under his leadership, SugarBox Networks is consistently scaling impressive heights with first-of-its-kind ventures across the digital content and media ecosystem in India. 

SugarBox was recently awarded the RailTel contract, and is set to transform the commute experience for more than 25 mn travelers  and 300 mn monthly unique users by mid-2022, unlocking an aggregate of 2.5 bn hours of monthly consumption in a near- captive environment,  where  access  to  internet  services  is  otherwise  limited  due  to uneven connectivity.

SugarBox has also received a patent grant for Network Control and Optimization by the US Patent Office.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has agreed to invest a sum of Rs. 5,220mn in Margo Networks Private Ltd  (SugarBox). 

With the investment from ZEEL, SugarBox will commence commercial operations across exclusive long-term contracts like L&T Metro, Chennai Metro, NMMT, Kolkata Metro and Indian Railways, and forge new partnerships to scale up its network.

As Rohit has said, “SugarBox is at the forefront of revolutionizing availability, affordability and reliability of digital services for the next billion users globally – something that even Big Tech has struggled to achieve sustainably. This investment will provide a giant

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Listen to visionary titan of industry and enterprise, and of Social care, Vallabh Bhanshali, Founder & Chief Mentor of not-for-profit entity, Desh Apnayen Sahayog Foundation, Bhanshali is also a leading investment banker, investor, venture capitalist and capital markets expert of the country. He co-founded Enam Holdings, a privately managed principal investment group with a 30-year heritage of investing in the Indian capital markets.

Bhanshali has a deep and abiding interest in many fields such as religion, behavioural sciences and economic development. And has been mentoring in a hands-on manner, the highly respected Desh Apnayen Sahayog Foundation, which has been inspiring students across hundred of schools to become alert and responsible citizens through its Citizenship Education drive.

In this episode, Bhanshali expresses his deep and abiding belief in the school-going children of India as possibly the best harbingers of positive change that would jumpstart that highly desirable and critically important move from Swaraj to Su-raj (self-rule to good rule - or governance and citizenship).

Bhanshali also speaks at length about what we believe has been one of the most relevant and necessary school initiatives ever seen in India - the ACTIZEN contest that his Desh Apnayen Sahayog Foundation rolled out in November of 2019, and the 2020 edition of which it is now gearing up to roll out again.  You can also read about the story from the launch event of November 2019 on www.mediabrief.com.

Tune in to this episode of The Master's Voice to benefit from a visionary's insightful, eminently actionable wisdom - I invite you to listen to Vallabh Bhanshali's conversation with me on this episode on MediaBrief.com.  Don't forget to share this episode, and to subscribe to the newsletters of MediaBrief.com.  Our pillars are news and knowledge, and the strategic insights that these, combined with experience, can and most often will yield to transform businesses and lives. 

Stay home, stay safe. Work hard. And, as the name of Bhanshali's reputed foundation says, adopt your nation (and care for it). Desh Apnayen.

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The Master's Voice podcast series from MediaBrief.com is delighted to bring you a deep dive with Sandra Stahl - a thought leader, practitioner, author, speaker and trainer in strategic communication, in conversation with Pavan R Chawla, Founder-Editor of MediaBrief.com

Sandra is a distinguished thought leader on PR and Marketing communications, co-founder of full-service global communications agency jacobstahl marketing communications New York and a highly respected PR professional for three decades now. Sandra is also on faculty in the Brand & Integrated Communications master’s degree program at City College of New York and has been a workshop instructor in the Strategic Communications program at Columbia University. 

Sandra has shaped communications strategies and campaigns for companies of all sizes, from leading multinationals to start-ups, as well as non-profit organizations and academic institutions.

Her first book, The Art and Craft of PR, which she wrote after three decades of illustrious service in strategic PR and Marketing communications, has been extremely well received and is a must-read for anyone working in Public Relations and Marketing communications.

You can read more about -- and also an extract from -- the book on MediaBrief.com 

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

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This episode of MediaBrief.com’s popular podcast series, The Master’s Voice, features one of the most respected marketers in Indian Media & Entertainment – Prathyusha Agarwal, Chief Consumer Officer – Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, or ZEE, in conversation with Pavan R Chawla – Founder of MediaBrfief.com. 

This is Prathyusha’s first in-depth interaction with anyone from Indian media after she was made CCO at ZEE. What makes this episode, published to also commemorate Women’s Day, is Prathyusha’s presence in it. Listen to it for the insights of this passionate marketer who is driven by the ZEE group’s obsessive focus on Consumer and Culture and getting it into the craft of storytelling to empower business associates. Apart from extremely helpful business insights, also get to know the person behind the accomplished professional.

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

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This episode of MediaBrief.com’s very special podcast series, The Master’s Voice, features Akash Banerji, Business Head of AVOD at VOOT, and one of the top professionals in the OTT space, with Pavan R Chawla, an expert in Media, Marketing, Advertising and Digital, and Founder-Editor of MediaBrief.com.

Akash is a launch specialist and turnaround expert who launched VOOT in May 2016 as the premium digital video on demand platform clocking spectacular platform engagement numbers and driving high acquisition numbers.

Prior to VOOT, Akash also led the impactful marketing launch of the Hotstar app, leading to the fastest adoption of a digital service anywhere in the world, and helping truly create the category of OTT for the mass viewers in India.  Prior to that, Akash, also a very successful broadcast marketer,  drove the impactful marketing of the launch of the new Star Sports network in November 2013.

Here are some nuggets from Akash Banerji in The Master’s Voice:

• Regional for us is now mainstream. Regional is the new national.My monetization on the back of regional content is 22-23%, which mirrors the consumption contribution as well.
• We've realized that if you try doing all the heavy lifting yourself, you'll be left alone. This age is about closely collaborating with varied, multiple partners.
• We live in a world of clutter. If it's not seen, if it's not pushed, if it's note promoted, it's not going to be consumed.
• Everyone in media is in the business of driving habit. Everything else is riff-raff
• We’re moving away from the metric of mesurement from being MAU or DAU or even Watch time, to CLTV - Consumer Lifetime Value
• 30... 35... 40 OTT platforms for a diverse market like India, is a very small number.
• Instead of adopting smart segmentation, the OTT category generally has been trying to do everything for all. I think this madness about VC funds being brought down, and a lot of consolidation stories that we hear, are a good sign for the industry.It tells them that if you're not going to segment your target audiences any more, you're not going to be in this business at all.
• You cannot be in this (OTT) business if you're in it only for the optics of it. A lot of platforms are in the business to drive the valuation game -- the billboards on the western express Highway (in Mumbai are examples of this)
• The accessibility of conversion, from the offline world to the online world (in India) will happen via the AVOD route. There is no abatement of growth that we see on the AVOD side.

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This episode of The Master's Voice features one of the select group of digital evangelists in Indian advertising and marketing, Anand Bhadkamkar, CEO - Dentsu Aegis Network India.

He speaks with MediaBrief.com Founder-Editor Pavan R Chawla about the DNA of DAN, its growth course over its illustrious past, priorities for the new decade that's just begun, and industry issues, challenges and opportunities like the upcoming demise of Cookies-based marketing, about Programmatic advertising and providing brands a brand-safe environment, the great quality of digital talent in India, growth by acquisition and much more.

Anand also reminisces about two mentors who have inspired him over the past several years. 

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This episode of The Master's Voice, the podcast series from www.Mediabrief.com, features stellar professional Tarun Katial, CEO -ZEE5 India.

Tarun truly redefines the term 'young veteran', with strong experience across advertising and marketing, and with some of the biggest brands in mass public broadcasting in Televison and FM Radio, and now a strong OTT video streaming platform, ZEE5,  from India's oldest and largest, and its first truly  Indian broadcasting conglomerate, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL).

Even though it was virtually the last entrant in the Indian OTT ecosystem, ZEE5, under Tarun's leadership, has raced to speedy growth in India, driven by a great content policy, strong industry partnerships and alliances, smart, special solutions and thereby value for advertisers and marketers, and many other strategic initiatives that have also also delivered enormous value to the mother brand, ZEEL.

In conversation with MediaBrief.com Founder Pavan R Chawla, Tarun Katiyal speaks of a war-chest of Original content, alliances, partnerships, and of using the three Vs to empower the great-Content-to-Technology-to-Data value chain that has seen Zee5 on a solid, steady growth course.

Listen in, and tell us what you think. Write in to newsdesk [at] mediabrief.com. To reach Tarun Katiyal, message him on LinkedIN. 

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In the latest episode of our podcast series  The Master’s Voice, we have the Maestro, legendary Hindustani Classical Vocal singer par excellence, Sangeet Martand and Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj ji. It is also his 90th birthday today, the 28th of January 2020, and he has added a remarkable accolade to the innumerable awards and accolades he has won throughout his glorious life – a minor  planet has been named after him.

The planet – originally named 2006 VP32 (number -300128), was discovered on 11 November 2006. It has now been named Panditjasraj to honour the legendary singer’s great accomplishments. The honour was bestowed upon him by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) which made it official on the 23rd of September 2101, followed by a citation.  The honour is the first for an Indian, and Pandit Jasraj is now in the august company of Beethoven, Mozart and Luciano Pavarotti.

Pandit Jasraj ji spoke at length with Pavan R Chawla at his home in Mumbai, and the conversation ranged across a spectrum of topics including his favourite singers from Hindi film music, his early musical lessons learnt from his father (including a short rendition of the very lesson he learnt as a 4-year-old),  his memories of Atalji who gave him the title Rasraj, the great series of concerts like Aath Pahar and Panchatatva that have become the tentpoles of Indian classical music concerts for many years now, and much more.

MediaBrief.com is both, humbled and proud, to present the wonderful Pandit Jasraj ji in THE MASTER’S VOICE.

We hope you like what we loved putting together.

Remember, you can listen to this episode on the top international global podcast directories, starting with Spotify, Google, Apple podcasts, and more.

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

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Our guest on the 115th episode of MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast is Deepika Bhan, President of Packaged Foods at Tata Consumer Products Limited. She shares insights with series host Pavan R Chawla, who is also Founder-Editor of Mediabrief.com.   

(READ THE COMPLETE POST ON MEDIABRIEF.COM. YOU CAN ALSO WATCH THE VODCAST ON YOUTUBE. VISIT MEDIABRIEF.COM FOR THE VIDEO AND LINKS)

Deepika walks us across her experience at Unilever and TCPL, focusing on leadership, marketing initiatives like Tata Salt's recent campaign during IPL24, and growth strategies for TCPL. 

The conversation highlights trust-building with consumers, technology in marketing, and the importance of continuous learning. Deepika emphasizes values-driven leadership, community-centric practices, and the impact of culture on professional growth. Watch the Vodcast on YouTube or listen on top podcast platforms for more.

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

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Sumukhi Suresh – brilliant young stand-up comedian, actor, writer and director too -- is one of the heartwarming success stories from a combination of spontaneous comic talent, great spoken ability and acting talent, hard work and pure belief. She is perhaps the youngest of the masters we’ve featured on MediaBrief.com’s podcast series, THE MASTER’S VOICE in its brief history so far. We caught up with her to discuss her latest achievement with a fourth creative and performance presence on Amazon Prime Video – and this, her latest, is a one-hour stand-alone stand-up special called Don’t Tell Amma, which became available and has gained popularity since the 20th of December 2019 on Amazon Prime Video.

In conversation with Pavan R Chawla, Sumukhi speaks of the episode, how she works on her scripts, routines, her managers OML (Only Much Louder), and her other series. She speaks of her gratitude to believers and supporters like OML’s Ajay Nair, the Amazon Prime Video platform, her experiences with international audiences of Stand Up Comedy across multiple international cities including Oslo and Copenhagen, one of India’s best comedy writers, Navin Richards, and her remarkable relationship with her mother. And much more.

We’re still breathless after this remarkable conversation the irrepressible, phenomenally talented and creative Sumukhi, the motto of whose life seems to be the order she barked to herself a few years ago when she left her corporate job: Stand Up and Be Laughed With!

Corporate’s loss is Comedy’s wonderful gain.

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

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Vibha Chopra, Head - Global Syndication & International Film Distribution, ZEE Studios International, is the newbie who, in the 13 years since she joined ZEE Studios armed with just three things -- her experiences of having lived amongst Indians across the world, an international MBA, and her gut -- has rewritten the rulebook on global syndication and international film distribution for Indian professionals. She speaks with Pavan R Chawla, Founder-Editor of MEDIABRIEF.COM about her success and achievements, and how she went about scripting the ZSI success story in international markets.

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.

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This episode is in a mix of English and Hindi, and is the Yoga Special on The Master's Voice podcast series on MediaBrief.com. 

It features the pre-eminent Yoga Guru and in fact the First Lady of Yoga not just in India but across the world, Ma Hansa Jayadeva Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute in Santacruz East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. This is the world's first, the oldest organized centre of learning of Yoga, and completed 100 illustrious years in December 2018.  

Pavan R Chawla of MediaBrief.com speaks with Ma Hansa and also her dynamic son Hrishi Jayadeva Yogendra -- also a Director at The Yoga Institute. 

The discussion is about stress and combating it, and also the excellent programs that the Yoga Institute conducts to help thousands upon thousands of people all over the world. Know more about The Yoga Institute. 

And do visit MediaBrief for podcasts and stories about the space of media, marketing and  advertising, especially for professionals in the space in India and across the world. Write to us at newsdesk [ a t] mediabrief.com

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

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In The Master's Voice podcast from mediabrief.com,  Rajesh Kerjiwal, the design evangelist globally renowned for his brilliant Design Yatra series, speaks with Pavan R Chawla, Founder-Editor of www.mediabrief.com about Design Yatra 2019, his favourite designers from India, the advantages and challenges for a designer in India, the space of professional design education in India, the need for an inclusive approach to media events around design and some very special initiatives to help young designers through his new initiative Switch, plus another remarkable idea from Kyoorius, Shortlist, with which Kejriwal aims to empower the creative industry in India by bringing the equivalent of the best creative juries to evaluate creative agencies' proposed entries to Cannes. 

And much more. 

This episode is a deep dive into Kejriwal's views on the space of professional design in India, and his remarkable initiative, Design Yatra -- a highly respected global coming together of the world's best designers and other professionals from great-design-driven world of marketing -- which has been an annual labour of love, dedication and great emotional investment  for Kejriwal. 

Come, listen to The Master's Voice, the MediaBrief.com podcast series featuring Rajesh Kejriwal of Kyoorius in Mumbai.

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

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 Jim Egan, CEO – BBC Global News Ltd,  was in Mumbai to address FICCI Frames 2019, and Pavan R Chawla of  MediaBrief.com caught up with him for The Master’s Voice, MediaBrief.com’s new Podcast series. Egan spoke about his mandate at the BBC, the enduring values of the news organization, how it is constantly on high alert to sustain accurate, impartial and balanced journalism. Egan also spoke of the news space in India, and on how TRAI’s New Tariff Order has been impacting the BBC so far. 

So, here’s Jim Egan in conversation with Pavan R Chawla of MediaBrief.com. Listen in. 

For a transcript of the conversation, visit www.mediabrief.com

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India’s Top ranked Media & Entertainment Analyst (as per Asia Money Brokers Poll 2021-22-23), Karan Taurani, SVP Elara Capital, speaks with Pavan R Chawla,  host of MVP The Master’s Voice Podcast, in this, the 112th episode of the award-winning series. 

They speak of the Media & entertainment Industry in India, with a focus on Live Sports, IPL24, OTT challenges, the growth of digital and Linear TV with particular reference to the ongoing IPL24.  

Karan also speaks of the implications of welcome consolidations like the Reliance-Disney merger  and its impact on the digital landscape. 

He speaks of the challenges of measurement in the Indian Media industry, and the pressing need for accurate media measurement. 

Karan also speaks of the opportunities for Digital Revenue growth, and explores at length the Theatrical sector which is still trying to recover from the crushing mix of the COVID-OTT onslaught.

This is a useful masterclass on the Indian Media & Entertainment industry that we hope you will find useful. 

Check out the post on Mediabrief.com here: add link after it is published.   You can also find links to all the top podcast directories that the series is listed and available on, in the same post.  

Thanks for your time.

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

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This, the 111th episode of our award-winning series MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast, features Pankaj Krishna, Founder & CEO of Chrome DM, whose company and its verticals are helping keep the Media & Marketing space empowered with credible measurements across the spectrum of distribution, OTT, News consumption and more, including the critical role of data-driven insights and ethical content creation practices for sustainable growth and success. Pankaj speaks with Pavan R Chawla, series host and Founder-Editor of Mediabrief.com. 

 Pankaj recounts the journey of Chrome DM from its origins as a distribution analytics firm to its current position as a key player in the media and entertainment sector. With a workforce now totaling 600 employees, Chrome DM has undergone a significant transformation, pivoting from distribution audits to the development and launch of COTT, the digital platform designed to capture consumer data about OTT platforms for content consumption insights.

Pankaj touches upon importance of measuring digital consumption in the media industry was underscored, with digital platforms expected to take the lead as primary revenue contributors. The conversation also addressed the rise of connected TVs and the consequent shift in advertising revenue from traditional television to digital platforms.

Pankaj speaks of the importance of tailored communication in digital marketing and compares the strengths of linear TV to digital platforms. We explore challenges and opportunities in the industry, including the rise of smart (connected) TVs and the profitability concerns of OTT platforms. Looking to the future, Pankaj speaks of key trends in media and entertainment, content creation influences, and entrepreneurship insights, and emphasizes the role of data-driven research and quality journalism in shaping the industry's trajectory.


We discuss content consumption habits and the ongoing transformation of linear broadcasting in comparison to the dominance of digital platforms. Pankaj looks at challenges like the saturation of content platforms in India and examines the societal impacts of content, emphasizing the necessity of ethical considerations in content creation.


Pankaj shares Chrome DM’s hunger for success and its unwavering focus on maintaining credibility and integrity of its entire data gathering and reporting process. He also highlights  the vast potential of the Indian market for data and research in the broadcasting sector, which positions Chrome DM as a key provider of essential insights.

On the personal side, Pankaj speaks of the value of mentorshi

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Brajesh Singh, President – Arthur D Little India, on powering enterprise with strategy and innovation

This, the 110th episode of the award-winning series MVP – The Master's Voice Podcast, features Brajesh Singh, President of Arthur D. Little India, in a dialogue that sheds light on the cutting-edge strategies and digital transformations leading India's growth, the evolution of consulting and Arthur D Little’s unique approach, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and India's Leap Towards Inclusivity, The Role of AI in Shaping the Future, and Leadership Insights from, and the personal passion that propel,  Brajesh Singh. And more.

Arthur D. Little's Approach: With a 140-year legacy, Arthur D. Little stands out for its global team, thought leadership, and open consulting approach. Singh explains how the firm's collaborative ethos and innovative practices make it a leading consulting entity. Their commitment to working closely with clients ensures they not only get strategic insights but also learn to implement changes independently.

India's Digital Inclusivity: We discuss Arthur D. Little's and NASSCOM's report on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), showing how India's digital efforts are boosting social and financial inclusion. From Aadhaar to UPI, India's digital initiatives are global case studies, highlighting DPI's potential to transform lives and enhance efficiency.

AI's Role in the Future: Singh talks about Artificial Intelligence's (AI) crucial role in shaping business and society. He emphasizes its integration across sectors, posing both challenges and opportunities for job creation, data management, and innovation.

Brajesh Singh's Passions: Singh shares his love for wildlife photography and poetry, explaining how they provide perspective and purpose. He believes personal passions are vital for leadership and creativity, encouraging listeners to nurture their interests.

Leadership Wisdom
: Singh shares leadership insights from his career, emphasizing trust, perseverance, and embracing change. His stories of resilience, from nature to the boardroom, highlight the journey to success.

This conversation with Brajesh Singh, President of Arthur D. Little India, offers insights into consulting's future, India's digital transformation, and the essence of leadership. It's a must-listen for entrepreneurs, digital enthusiasts, and those interested in human stories behind corporations. Thanks for listening!

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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.

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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.

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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 an

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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:

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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. 

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

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This, episode 126 of the award-winning MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast from Mediabrief.com, has host Pavan R Chawla speakingwith Prasanth Kumar (PK), CEO of GroupM South Asia. Their chat  (shot at GroupM in Mumbai on 7th March) charts PK’s remarkable journey from a spirited young student to becoming one of India’s most influential media leaders. PK also speaks about the key trends shaping India’s dynamic media and advertising ecosystem, and much more. 

Reflecting on his childhood, PK says he was affectionately dubbed ‘Ashant’ for his mischief in school, yet credits those early years—shaped by his mother (a teacher), his older brother, and close-knit friends—with instilling in him the values of curiosity, effort, discipline, and gratitude. He traces his professional path through early roles at Pepsi, The Hindu, Rediff, and McCann before joining GroupM in 2004, where he’s spent more than two decades contributing to the evolution of India’s media and advertising ecosystem. 

PK  reflects upon values that shaped his life -- from curiosity to gratitude, and how he brought them into his leadership at GroupM. 

We dive into the latest This Year, Next Year (TYNY) 2025 report from GroupM, which forecasts a 7% growth in India's advertising market, with digital contributing nearly 60% of the ₹1.67 lakh crore ad-ex. PK speaks about digital’s rising dominance and how traditional media—including TV, print, and emerging CTV formats—still play a vital role in India's multi-market structure.

On the role of technology, PK shares how AI and Gen AI are transforming marketing through hyper-personalization and data-led decision-making. We also talk about ad fraud and waste, and how GroupM prioritizes integrity and client trust.  He explains GroupM's use of AI tools, education, and ongoing monitoring to combat waste.

Other key themes include the evolution of retail media and commerce-led strategies, GroupM’s commitment to collaborative growth and learning, the importance of values in building resilient leadership.  

PK also reflects on his long-standing pride in being part of GroupM: “Definitely, I walk tall... it's been a fantastic journey and it's (been) a collective effort - whatever we were able to do.”

This is a deep dive into the philosophies, frameworks, and future-forward thinking of India’s respect advertising leader, Prasanth Kumar, CEO, GroupM, South Asia. And the values and vision that continue to power GroupM’s legacy and relevance.  This is Prasanth Kumar - Unplugged! So, a must-listen for ma

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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.

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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

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

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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 An

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In this, the 102nd  episode of MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast, Shashi Kumar, Founder and CEO of Akshayakalpa Organic, discusses with host and MediaBrief Founder-Editor Pavan R Chawla , his mission to prepare farmers for economic empowerment and society with healthy food habits through the consumption of organic dairy and other products.  Pavan had visited the excellent Akshayakalpa Organi farm in Tiptur 150 km from Bengaluru to record this episode. 

Akshayakalpa Organic works closely with and helps over 1200 farmers across three states in India, producing around 90,000 liters of milk daily from 1,200 farmers. The company aims to change the way farming is done in the country by getting youngsters into farming and proving that there is money to be made in farming.

Akshayakalpa Organic Dairy Unit focuses on two key aspects: enabling regular cash flow to farmers and creating a sustainable farming ecosystem. They have been teaching farmers how to make quality manure at a scale for the last 13 years, which has enabled them to intervene at the farm side and improve their cash flow.

The company operates in three states, producing 90,000 liters of milk daily and employing 1,200+ farmers. They are the Number One organic dairy products house in India in the small sub-sector, with a solid INR300 crore share of the pie. However, challenges remain, such as the need to transition from conventional farms to organic ones and the high carbon footprint of the farming ecosystem.

In this episode of the Master's Voice podcast, Shashi Kumar, founder and CEO of Akshaya Kalpa Organic, discusses his marketing strategies and the importance of using digital platforms like WhatsApp for communication with target groups. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with farmers and fostering a positive work environment. The company focuses on attracting consumers to visit farmers and ensuring responsible recycling of milk packets. They also spend money on educating customers through small videos created in-house by an in-house team. The speaker wishes the government would head a committee or advisory group to help India transition to organic milk production. The company is open to learning from other organizations and consumers, and they will continue to share their experiences and knowledge.

Shashi Kumar also discusses the marketing gimmick of A1 and A2 milk products in India, arguing that there is no scientific difference in nutritional value between milk produced with A1 protein and milk produced with A2 protein. He also discusses the role of dairy in the Indian ecosystem, particularly in farming. He also discusses the

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

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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

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.

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Delighted that in this, our landmark 100th episode of our award-winning series MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, our distinguished guest is *Leigh Dey* , SVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer of global tech giant Red Hat, which is also the world's largest open-source software company. In this very special episode, Leigh discusses open development, impact, diversity, authenticity in marketing, and much more. She speaks with the show host Pavan R Chawla, Founder-Editor of MEDIABRIEF.COM. 

Open source software solutions enable collaboration, innovation, and value creation for the customers, partners, and communities of Red Hat, the pioneer in the space,  and  Leigh speaks of her experience of leading the global marketing team and driving brand awareness and demand generation for the company.

Leigh shares insights on how Red Hat leverages open development, which is a way of working that involves collaboration, feedback, and iteration among diverse stakeholders. She explains how open development enables Red Hat to deliver solutions that are more secure, reliable, and scalable, about  fostering creativity and problem-solving. 

Besides delivering value to customers, Red Hat also strives to make a positive difference in the world through its diversity and CSR initiatives. Leigh emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in Red Hat's culture and values, and how the company promotes a sense of belonging and respect for everyone. 

She also highlights some of the programs and activities that Red Hat supports to foster diversity and inclusion, and to empower women pursuing a career in tech.

We discuss Leigh's impact on the Red Hat Summit, and marketing success,  and she gives us a peep into her  daily routine and the delicate balance between work and wellness. 

We explore Leadership skills and the empowerment of team members, before delving into the introduction of Red Hat and its role in powering infrastructure for leading industries. 

Leigh highlights Red Hat's purpose-driven approach and corporate social responsibility initiatives, along with the marketing philosophy, emphasizing authenticity and customer value.

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.

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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.

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In our 98th episode of the award-winning MVP - The Master’s Voice Podcast, Anuj Singhal - Managing Editor of CNBC-AWAAZ is in conversation with MediaBrief Founder-Editor Pavan R Chawla. Anuj is a highly regarded stock market anchor known for his wealth of experience and expertise in the world of stock markets and investments.

Anuj's journey at CNBC-TV18 and Network 18 began in 2003 when he joined as a research analyst. Over the past 21 years, he has achieved significant milestones, culminating in his role as the Managing Editor of CNBC-Awaaz in September 2022. He played a pivotal role in establishing CNBC Awaaz's leadership position in both linear television and digital media.

Under Anuj's leadership, CNBC Awaaz has become a trusted and brand-safe platform for responsible businesses. He is also a prominent figure in the finance sector on social media, with over 250,000 followers. Anuj's accurate market predictions have earned him the nickname 'Nifty Magician.'

In this episode, Anuj shares his recommendations for 10 stocks suitable for medium to long-term investments, emphasizing the importance of seeking advice from SEBI-registered investment advisors. He also addresses the issue of 'finfluencer' misinformation, discussing how individuals can protect themselves from false financial information disseminated by influencers who may inadvertently share misinformation due to ignorance or, in some cases, disinformation driven by vested interests.

Anuj sheds light on how CNBC Awaaz upholds its editorial credibility through rigorous fact-checking processes to ensure a brand-safe environment for advertisers focused on brand safety. He provides an overview of CNBC Awaaz's journey, highlighting its growth in viewership, ratings, and strong credibility.

Anuj delves into the channel's content policy, emphasizing the values and strategies that drive their approach to informing, educating, inspiring, and engaging viewers in the business world. He also discusses significant content initiatives and their impact, including positive policy changes they've triggered.

Shifting focus to the media industry, Anuj shares his insights on its growth across various platforms and identifies opportunities for the nation and economy. He underscores the continuous learning and development efforts in place for CNBC Awaaz's employees and teams.

Anuj's beliefs are deeply influenced by the wisdom of the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, a renowned investor. To discover the impactful words Jhunjhunwala shared with Anuj, tune in to this episode to benefit from Anuj's insightful views and guidance. We hope you enjoy the conversation and find it usefuland

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.

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Krishnarao Buddha - Senior Category Head at Parle Products Pvt Ltd, needs no introduction as a fine marketing leader who empowers Marketing and, indeed, the entire professional ecosystem, with autonomy, empathy, and partnership with a sense of purpose. We are delighted that he is our distinguished guest on this, the 97th episode of MVP – The Master's Voice Podcast.

Krishna, as he is fondly called, has more than 30 years of rich experience across different FMCG brands, as varied as Maxwell Apparels, Uncle Chips, and a brief stint with the Dabur-Nestle company, Excelsia Foods (all in his pre-Parle days). Thereafter, he has spent his last 22 years with the respected legacy group, Parle.

We dive into Krishna's extensive experience in FMCG industry and his role in driving category growth, marketing strategies, and new product launches at Parle. We discuss his early years, including his education and marketing experience with Maxwell Apparels and Uncle Chips. He also shares his learnings from each company he has worked with so far.

Krishna shares his insights and experiences from his time at Uncle Chips, where he learned the art of negotiation and executing sales promotions. He shares why it is important to value the role of strategic business-growth consultants, including strategic business-growth and comms partner-vendors, and shares how, thanks to the culture and thinking at Parle, his pre-Parle days' learning of 'nichord lo' (squeeze as much as you can out of your vendor or supplier) has shifted towards an empathy-driven, active willingness to negotiate on costs with vendors in a way that would help build mutually beneficial relationships. Because a happy vendor is a solidly committed partner, and that kind of support is crucial to success.

Krishna shares the lessons he learned from each company, including, among other things,  how the approach of prioritizing the top line while still considering the bottom line creates a win-win situation for the company and its trade partners.

Krishna explains Parle's strategy of utilizing a mix of traditional and digital media to reach their target audience. He discusses their partnership with sports events like the IPL and the ICC Cricket World Cup, which is currently ongoing. 

He also discusses the Television vs. Digital space and the potential of Connected TV (CTV) in India and the opportunities it presents for marketers. We also delve into the values that drive Parle's marketing strategies. Krishna also speaks of the importance of empathy, a shared vision, and the significance of the correct 'attitude' in potential candidates.

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.

Send us a text

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 G

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.

Send us a text

 In this episode of MVP – The Master's Voice Podcast, Vinay Kumar Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India, is in conversation with show host Pavan R Chawla, who is also Founder-Editor of Mediabrief.com. Vinay shares how the global education leader Pearson is reshaping learning in India through digital transformation, skilling, and purpose-led innovation.

 At Pearson India’s expansive, future-ready Bangalore office, Vinay had a wide-ranging conversation with Pavan. Vinay, who joined Pearson in 2016 as Finance Head, now leads the company’s India business and reflects a culture rooted in integrity, empathy, and teamwork.

Pearson, founded in 1844, has evolved from manufacturing and media into one of the most digitally forward education companies. In India, it operates across three key verticals — higher education, English language learning, and enterprise skilling — reaching over 1.3 million learners annually.

Vinay discusses the impact of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which is boosting demand for vocational skilling and employability. With more than 2,000 skilling courses and partnerships with top companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, Pearson is shaping India’s workforce of the future.

AI integration is a core focus, with tools that summarise content, personalise learning, and offer chapter-wise self-assessment. Vinay also shares insights from Pearson’s Reclaim the Clock report, which estimates AI could save Indian professionals 51 million hours per week.

On the marketing front, Pearson India's Hoga Kaise Nahi' campaign featuring Vicky Kaushal struck an emotional chord with students preparing for exams. Vinay explains that Kaushal’s story — from engineer to actor — mirrors the learner’s journey and makes him the perfect brand ambassador.

Vinay also touches on CSR efforts, including free or low-cost content for underserved learners and partnerships with skilling bodies. With its legacy and innovation-led approach, Pearson India continues to be a learning partner for life.

Listen to the episode on MediaBrief.com and all major podcast platforms. You can also watch it on YouTube.

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.

Send us a text

Delighted to share that the 95th episode of our award-winning MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast features visionary tech thought-  and industry leader Rajiv Shah, President and CEO of Digital Business Services at Happiest Minds Technologies. In conversation with series host Pavan R Chawla.

Rajiv, who has shepherded and and grown several businesses, delves into multiple things including the realms of technology, innovation, and cultivating a positive work culture. This episode presents a dual-format episode that will be available in audio format on leading podcast platforms like Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts, and on YouTube in the video format. I had to bridge time zones between Mumbai and Boston for this conversation.

Discover Rajiv’s impressive three-decade-long career journey across diverse industries, from Electronic Data Systems to Wipro Technologies, IBS Software Services, and MU Sigma. His role as the CEO of IBS Software Services stands out as a testament to his transformative leadership.

Rajiv unravels the journey of Happiest Minds Technologies, the IT organization that prioritizes happiness and mindfulness at its core. Their focus on fostering a culture of happiness has resulted in satisfied employees, delighted customers, and fulfilled shareholders.

Specializing in digital services, Happiest Minds Technologies empowers global enterprises in their digital transformation. Rajiv emphasizes the importance of driving outcomes for clients, enabling revenue growth, profitability, and market expansion.

Rajiv underscores the pivotal role of change management and organizational culture in adapting to new technologies and processes, as well as the need for mutual learning, transparency, and the significance of taking ‘baby steps’ to drive transformation effectively.

Rajiv's leadership style revolves around creating the right environment for the success of his teams, which number 5000-plus across the world. He champions asking the right questions over being prescriptive, and also nurturing an environment built on trust and collaboration.

So here’s Rajiv Shah, offering  an engaging account of the journey of Happiest Minds Technologies, emphasizing happiness, mindfulness, and the crucial role that leadership must always play in achieving success. Here’s profound inspiration for professionals and thought leaders across industries – Rajiv Shah, President and CEO of Digital Business Services at Happiest Minds Technologies,  championing adaptability, innovation, and a culture of happiness.

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.