Nagpur | July 15: Whenever I am stuck for an idea, I either look up to very old people or very young people for in either case they speak the truth- said Padma Shri Piyush Pandey, Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and Executive Chairman India of Ogilvy. Also known as the ‘Ad-Man of India’, Mr Pandey shared these insights with the IIM Nagpur students in an interactive session on his book, ‘Open House With Piyush Pandey.’ It was hosted by IIM Nagpur in association with City Book Leaders.
The session started with Dr. Bhimraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, welcoming the host and highlighting the progress IIM Nagpur has made over the years and discussing future plans. Mr. Mohit Gupta, CEO, CBL, also welcomed the host and shared his views on the book. Mr. Gupta emphasised the importance of ‘curiosity,’ how curiosity makes one ask important questions and how one eventually makes choices based on the questions asked. He further shared insights about the four pillars of learning: time, resources, mentors and curiosity.
Addressing the students, Shri Pandey said, “Each time I get to meet young people like yourself, it keeps me fresh, it makes me even more passionate to share with you things that you should not forget. Change is beautiful and one must change.” On sharing his thoughts about the book, Shri Pandey highlighted the importance of the human touch. “Balance it between the books, balance it between the data but do not ever lose the touch of being and the pulse of the people you will be touching. You may get into marketing, you may get into manufacturing, you may start your new business, you may do anything but do not forget you will be in a business which will touch someone or the other.”
The event further progressed with Q&A session, where Shri Pandey shared some interesting stories behind some of his popular ads. He recounted how he came up with the “Kuchh din to gujaro Gujarat mein” ad concept within 20 mins upon his meeting with the Hon. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
“The Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIM Nagpur) has a fantastic campus. I would love to spend more time here. In simple words, I would say if the title is so good, the content has to be excellent,” he exclaimed.
The event concluded with Shri Pandey being presented with a memento, an artwork made by one of the students of IIM Nagpur.