Cultural expectations surrounding the elderly are being challenged today, and with good reason!

While it was the norm to slow down and retreat into a quieter life post-retirement, more men and women are finding purpose and joy in doing the opposite.

WisdomCircle honours such men and women by shining light on their journey through an inspiring series called “Wisdom Stories”. These people have successfully smashed stereotypes, and their stories remind us that life should be lived to the fullest, no matter what age or stage.

I am a thoroughbred Marketing, Advertising and Branding professional with an eye for ideas, concepts, and talented team members.

What everyone thought I was meant to do is not what I ended up doing for 36 years of my working life. A short stint in sales with Onida was followed earnestly by an exciting 5 years with Mudra DDB. An organization which thrived on dreaming the impossible and making underdogs like us feel we can do it. And we did it.

Moving on to India’s largest independent Ad agency Triton, brought me face-to-face with challenges across organization building, business development and P&L. Launching brands, setting up new initiatives and talent spotting made it all a rewarding & fulfilling phase of over 13 years.

Then came the flourish in the first innings – a mandate to set up an advertising agency in India for an emerging global network. Innocean India came into being in 2005. I spent the next 17 + years at its helm as Managing Director till superannuation and was voted “Best COO” globally. With a thorough understanding of Automotive marketing, consumer behaviour and advertising we built the success of various launches for Hyundai Motor and Kia. New initiatives across Activation, Social Media Content, Digital Media, Data Analytics, and a resolute crack team called Start-up Lab to assist D2C ventures took shape with an array of Indian brands. All along my passion for music and playing blues and classics on the Saxophone kept me steady company!

I commenced a fresh inning as an entrepreneur on 3^rd July 2023, with the setting up of Integrated Brand Heuristics LLP – a brand strategy and creative ideas boutique. Heuristics are in-built shortcuts for problem-solving in a consumer’s mind. This venture will bring this important aspect of consumer behaviour into marketing focus.

With one’s faculties and energy levels in prime shape accompanied by a wealth of knowledge, there has never been a better time than now for the silver-haired set to be meaningfully engaged with emerging businesses or those attempting transformation. Opportunities are endless; so is the depth and width of our expertise.”

Vivek Srivastava, Founder & Managing Partner, Integrated Brand Heuristics

Photo and Interview Credits: Saonli Sen Choudhury of WisdomCircle

Wisdom Stories Ep.9: Mr. Vivek Srivastava