About me
Hello,
An unconventional creative strategist, experienced in managing clients, running projects and leading a team. I've been around the industry for well over ten years.
Like Einstein, "I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious". I feel it's important to find out what's working (and what's not); it gives you the confidence to make informed decisions. Discovering powerful statistics and insights that uncover consumer motivations gives me a buzz. It leads to impactful messaging, pinned by sound strategy to navigate complex challenges.
I've had quite a journey. I started out in a small regional agency, going big and international, scaling right down to a start-up, to move onto freelancing. Most recently I have been part of the success story of a creative agency housed within a media agency.
It's often hard to precisely define what I've done in each role and job titles don't always do it justice. So, I'm going with what gets me out of bed and the stuff I'm good at:
It's facilitating connections between brands and consumers.
Through my career, I have worked on several varied, and sometimes random projects.
Stuff like...
Building a car insurance brand with personality
Challenging beauty industry norms by celebrating real beauty
Creating a radio brand inspired by a song
Making pay-as-you-go energy a lifestyle choice Getting Britain to cook with mayonnaise
Taking over social media, setting the latest trends
I've spent the larger part of my career at Ogilvy. The learning was incredible - big brands, bigger budgets, several markets, several campaigns. What really excited me was uncovering key insights and human truths to direct big ideas. This drove me towards strategy and planning.
Next, my entrepreneurial ambition drove me to co-found WowMum, a tech start-up. I handled business strategy, development and marketing. We acquired 50,000 users. Unfortunately, we failed to raise the second round of funding and had to close shop. I am proud to have tried and to have launched a product, which has inspired the creation of other tech start-ups down the line.
Currently, I am at The Specialist Works. A unique place where media, data, creative and production come together to deliver out-of-the-box solutions to clients. It's been a career success replete with challenges and triumphs. We have evolved from design and DRTV specialists to pitching, winning and delivering strategic integrated international campaigns. I am proud to be working with some inspiring brands on a growth spurt - giants like Alibaba, rapid movers like Tik Tok, start-ups like Jaunt, Oxygen and revolutionaries like Dyson.
The creative process is one of the most invigorating, awe-inspiring things and I feel privileged to be a part of it. I am at a point where my learning and growth is starting to plateau. It's time to move on.
Thank you for reading.
Look forward to a chat.
Aparna
Skills
Advertising, Big Ideas, Brand Positioning, brand strategy, communications planning, creative strategy, integrated campaigns, Research & Insights
Sector Experience
Advertising, Banking, E-Commerce, Finance, FMCG, Gaming, Household Goods, Information Technology, Insurance, Personal Care, Software, Utilities
Clients
Alibaba Group, American Express, BGL Group, Dyson, Oxygen Bank, PrepayPower, Rocket League, Rovio, TikTok, Unilever, WWF UK, Zoho One
Trade Associations
on 7th December 2022