1. Tell us about your upbringing, background & journey.
I come from far North-East India. Born in Aizawl, Mizoram, have studied in Christian School in childhood. My parents were hard-working and disciplined, so had to follow them as a child. I completed my Masters's in Mass Communication from Assam Central University, Silchar. Then, started my career in New Delhi as a journalist in Advertising & Marketing Media.
2. How did you choose this field & what led you to rise to the highest echelons?
My entry into advertising and marketing media gave me early insights into what goes into the background of the biggest brand stories. Naturally, I got interested and wanted to be a part of this industry - creating stories and not just writing about it.
It has been a long journey of 15 years. Reaching a suitable position is a part of the journey. It is because of constant learning with every new opportunity and thinking like a visionary leader. One of my early mentors told me, if you want to be a CMO someday, think like one from today.
3. What advice do you have for people who want to rise in a corporate environment?
The first step is to think clearly, what do we want? In interviews, youngsters are asked, where do you see yourself in 5 years? We get very few convincing answers.
Achievement is not material; it is rather a self-satisfaction we receive from our hard work in a domain that we love. If you aren't doing it naturally with love, very soon tiredness will be visible, and getting lost in the crowd, can become evident. Professionals who love their job are noticed more, paving way for their rise in their domain.
4. How has branding changed over the years?
Few things will never go out of fashion, like the preference for brands, which has sustained over time.
But branding has never been dynamic before, like in the current times. For a brand to survive in current times, it must live like a millennial. The strangest truth about changing landscape of branding is its communication language, particularly in a country like India. Going 'glocal' is the key survival strategy for brands.
5. How should one approach a new partnership for success?
Any new partnership is similar to an arranged marriage. First few years, you must survive, by practicing 'respect' in whatever situation. After a few years, it will naturally convert into love. Success has a deep meaning, as it might involve sacrifices and toil.
6. What are your future plans?
Learn and grow more. Yes. We all agree to the fact that learning never stops. In childhood, we went from one class to another, after each year. In life, we move to different stages with every passing year. Growth is proportionately equal to the learning we gain in our careers. Coming years could challenge professionals like us in choosing our individual paths. If we make our present strong, there is the possibility of a better future too.
Besides, I firmly believe in being humble, compassionate, and easy. We see daffodils survive more storms than tall trees.
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
The Gita for Children by Roopa Pai. Even though it is meant for children and written in the most simple way, but any age group can learn from it as a management book. Men who have successfully managed themselves have the capacity to manage the world outside. Self-sovereignty is the highest lesson for an individual. The Gita subtlety teaches you, how to master over oneself and in a way become a master of one's own destiny.
Bidyut Nath - Branding & Communications, Shyam Steel
Interviewed By: Nishad Kinhikar
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