Airlines as Connectors of the World

We think of airlines as transportation, and also in the context of tourism, but rarely as providers of international connectivity, as vital as telecommunications and the internet. And even more rarely do we think of them as performing an important economic function, not even in today’s globalized and highly connected world. They are critical not… Continue reading Airlines as Connectors of the World

Technology or Brand, Which Comes First?

With all the excessive focus on technology in the times that we live in, it’s easy for companies to lose sight of brands, and consumer connection. These days particularly AI is the focus of so much attention, that I fear at least my industry of advertising and brand communications is getting carried away by all… Continue reading Technology or Brand, Which Comes First?

How Market Leaders Can Sustain Growth Against New Headwinds

We have all seen many businesses scale up and grow in their early years and become market leaders. That is to say they acquire the largest market share in the industry. That continues for a few years, or perhaps even decades, until they hit some kind of roadblock. The roadblock could be of many kinds,… Continue reading How Market Leaders Can Sustain Growth Against New Headwinds

Elevating Indian Handicrafts into our Luxury Industry

It is by now a well-worn cliché that India’s rich cultural heritage lives in her handicrafts. The skills of millions of artisans from all across our vast country go to make some of the most beautiful objects, or more accurately objét d’art. Many of these are prized, rare skills that go back several generations. A… Continue reading Elevating Indian Handicrafts into our Luxury Industry

Indian Premier League and Opportunities for Brand Building

With the latest and the 15th season of the Indian Premier League having just concluded end of last month, I decided to give some thought to the IPL and the opportunities it presents for brand-building, at various levels. You could say that the game of cricket itself is something of a religion in India, and… Continue reading Indian Premier League and Opportunities for Brand Building

What India Inc’s Earnings Tell Us About the Indian Consumer

After the highs of corporate earnings in the first half of 2022, we ought to be prepared for a more moderate showing in this, the last quarter of India’s fiscal year 2023. The slowing down or moderation in corporate earnings follows from a slowdown in economic activity, and especially due to the positive base effects… Continue reading What India Inc’s Earnings Tell Us About the Indian Consumer

World’s Most Populous Country or World’s Largest Market?

You could say both of the Indian economy and you would be right. We are not merely the fastest growing major economy, we are also the most populous nation now, as the Financial Times recently reported. They said India is likely to overtake China as the world’s most populous nation sometime this month, or at… Continue reading World’s Most Populous Country or World’s Largest Market?

Rebrand, Refresh, Rethink – the What and Why of Change

These days, there is a lot of discussion on rebranding, brand refresh and brand rethink in the advertising and brand communications industry. Not sure that is a good sign, because ideally brands ought to be consistent in their product offerings as well as in the way they relate to consumers. In fact, an article shared… Continue reading Rebrand, Refresh, Rethink – the What and Why of Change

Colour-conscious, Are We?

I have observed many new conscious biases and prejudices in the world of work for so many years now, that I wonder if this is just a trend or something more enduring. If it’s the latter, we ought to have reasons to be seriously concerned. It is recent, irrational and to that extent speaks of… Continue reading Colour-conscious, Are We?

How a Brand Can Revitalise a Company

My last blog post on brands was about brands that possess revival power and how to spot these wizard brands in your company’s brand portfolio. In that context, I had shared my thoughts and ideas on how Passport Scotch Whisky from Pernod Ricard can tweak its brand strategy and along with a new brand campaign,… Continue reading How a Brand Can Revitalise a Company