Simply Speaking: Why brands need to be woke by design

Free choice and free enterprise are at the heart of the market system of economics. Brands are its lighthouses. Marketing is its language. The great challenges that face the world require brands and businesses to come together, with complementary goals, convergent plans and pool their resources. (Representative image by Rod Long via Unsplash)

Great brands are a force for positive social change. They design their businesses and products to address social issues. This brand-as-business approach to bettering the world is a profound leap forward in supporting the case for capitalism as a practical way to a better world.

Dentsu Creative India’s Ajay Gahlaut calls it quits

The Indian unit of Dentsu Group Inc has been rocked by a series of senior-level exits since August 2021, potentially causing more departures and deepening turmoil at the advertising company.

Ajay Gahlaut was not reachable for comment at the time of filing this story. He joined the Japanese ad network in September 2021.

Bookstrapping: India’s pathways to success by Ganesh Natarajan and Ejaz Ghani

The book is a placeholder for a period in time, for those seeking to make sense of India’s somewhat dawdling, often chaotic but determined journey post independence.

The simplicity and foundational nature of the arguments in the book are akin to your grandmother reminding you of truths too inconvenient to implement. Bookstrapping rating: 3.5 stars.

Twitter layoffs continue; shuts offices in Mumbai and Delhi

In a recent shift, X agreed to comply with some of Brazil's demands by blocking the contentious accounts, paying the fines, and appointing a legal representative within the country.

This move is an extension of the mass layoff that began in 2022 since the time Elon Musk took up the mandate of the platform through a $44 bn buyout as the chief executive officer.

10 things to know about YouTube’a new CEO, Neal Mohan

Neal Mohan previously served as YouTube's chief product officer, responsible for the platform's products, user experience, and trust and safety initiatives. (Image source via Twitter @ShaktiJha_)

Neal Mohan is the new addition to the global Indian origin CXO list. He takes over from Susan Wojcicki whose retirement marks and end of an era.

Zupee hires Salman Khan as brand ambassador to go deeper into Real Money Gaming

When an audience member sees a brand ambassador whose values align with those of the game, they are more likely to give it a try. Salman's value sets and popularity will encourage more people to try out these games, especially when they realize that they offer the same values.

Chief marketing officer Gaurav Mehta discusses collaboration and growth in the RMG industry in an exclusive interview with Storyboard18.

Susan Wojcicki steps down as YouTube’s CEO; Neal Mohan takes over

Since 2015, Neal Mohan has been the chief product officer, and has looked after YouTube products, user experience, trust and safety on a global level. He has managed creation and enforcement of platform policies, and has been accountable for overall business success and growth of YouTube. (Image source: LinkedIn)

Neal Mohan is armed with an experience of more than two decades and has worked across Accenture, DoubleClick, Microsoft, MMA Global, Google, 23andMe and Stitch Fix.

How small and mid-sized Indian ad agencies find their mojo, and grow

Agency executives believe that these days pitches are not worth it. As a result, many small and mid-size agencies are refusing to participate in a pitch if they aren’t paid for the time and effort they put into creating ideas and strategies. (Representative image by Craig McLachlan via Unsplash)

Independent creative shops stay away from pitches if they do not get paid for the time and effort they put into developing strategies and creatives.

Weekly Shorts: How influencer seeding can boost brands’ SEO efforts

Influencer seeding can help increase brand awareness by reaching a larger and more targeted audience. Increased brand awareness can have a positive impact on SEO by increasing the number of people who search for the brand or its products online. (Representative Image: NisonCo PR and SEO via Unsplash)

What’s buzzing in influencer marketing and the creator ecosystem? What’s the next big thing coming down the line? Catch the big trends and hot topics in our weekly shorts.