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Mumbai Mirror is back. In this episode of MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast, host Pavan R Chawla is joined by Surinder Chawla, President – Response at Bennett Coleman & Company Ltd. (BCCL), to discuss the revival of Mumbai Mirror as a daily newspaper.

From editorial direction to ad sales strategies, Surinder shares how the newspaper plans to rebuild a loyal readership and serve Mumbai with a strong hyper-local lens.

In this episode:
– What led to the decision to relaunch Mumbai Mirror as a daily
– Editorial vision: “Bolder, better, badder”
– New editor Krishna Kumar Padmanaman’s leadership
– Localised content, civic coverage, reader-first journalism
– Ad sales and pricing strategy for MSMEs and neighbourhood advertisers
– Trust, credibility, and countering misinformation
– Why Surinder believes in the lasting value of print
– His leadership lessons from over three decades in BFSI and media

Mumbai Mirror returns to reconnect with its readers — not just through nostalgia, but with purpose, voice, and clear relevance in 2024 and beyond.

Listen now to this episode of MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast.

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• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

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Ajay Kakar of Adani Group joins Pavan R Chawla for a deep, honest masterclass on brand integrity, storytelling, creativity, and marketing’s future.

In this powerful episode of MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast from MediaBrief.com, host Pavan R Chawla sits down with Ajay Kakar, Head of Corporate Branding at the Adani Group, for an honest, nuanced conversation on branding, marketing, and the future of the industry.

Ajay brings decades of experience from his impactful stints at Ogilvy, Reliance, and the Aditya Birla Group, and now leads branding at one of India’s most prominent corporate groups. He reflects on his journey from the world of finance into advertising and marketing, offering invaluable insights into how brand custodians must think beyond just campaigns and focus on sustained storytelling and brand purpose.

The episode explores the evolution of corporate branding, especially in the context of legacy and infrastructure sectors. Ajay highlights how true brand connect is built not through showmanship, but through relevance, empathy, and integrity — all brought to life through compelling stories like Adani’s Pehle Pankha Phir Bijli campaign.

Ajay speaks passionately about GoaFest, describing it as India’s answer to Cannes and a melting pot of creative exchange, collaboration, and recognition. He offers a clear-eyed view on the state of measurement in marketing, calling for a unified, outcome-focused approach that helps marketers prove real business impact.

The conversation also delves into the impact of AI in creativity, where Ajay warns against using AI as a substitute for human insight. Instead, he urges professionals to use AI responsibly — as a tool, not a crutch — while keeping human emotion and judgment at the core.

Ajay also addresses the fragmentation of the marketing and advertising ecosystem, noting how silos have diluted brand coherence. He underscores the need for unified thinking across media, creative, and digital disciplines to drive true brand impact.

For young professionals, Ajay offers sincere advice: enter the industry only if you’re driven by passion, not just paychecks. The industry is demanding but deeply rewarding for those who want to create meaningful change.

This episode is a must-listen for brand leaders, creative professionals, marketers, and students alike — a compelling masterclass in brand strategy, creative integrity, and purposeful communication from one of the most respected voices in Indian marketing.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

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In this, the 127th episode of the award-winning MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast, host Pavan R Chawla speaks with Dr. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur.

A globally respected academic and institutional leader, Dr. Ram shares how IIM Raipur is shaping purpose-driven leaders through a future-ready, values-based approach to management education. He reflects on his leadership philosophy — rooted in the long view — with a powerful metaphor:

The conversation explores IIM Raipur’s remarkable evolution — from a new institution in 2010 to a top-ranked IIM today — driven by academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.

Dr. Ram outlines how the institute integrates AI and analytics into the curriculum while championing human judgment, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding, preparing students for leadership in a technology-driven world.

He discusses IIM Raipur’s focus on entrepreneurship, building “business owners, not just job seekers,” and highlights how democratic governance, diversity, and ethical reputation management are central to the institute’s DNA.

This candid, insightful conversation also reflects Dr. Ram’s humility, as he credits his teams, mentors, and collaborators for IIM Raipur’s progress and promise.

A must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, higher education, and the role of management institutions in shaping society.

Thanks for your time.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

Send us a text

This, episode 126 of the award-winning MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast from Mediabrief.com, has host Pavan R Chawla speakingwith Prasanth Kumar (PK), CEO of GroupM South Asia. Their chat (shot at GroupM in Mumbai on 7th March) charts PK’s remarkable journey from a spirited young student to becoming one of India’s most influential media leaders. PK also speaks about the key trends shaping India’s dynamic media and advertising ecosystem, and much more.

Reflecting on his childhood, PK says he was affectionately dubbed ‘Ashant’ for his mischief in school, yet credits those early years—shaped by his mother (a teacher), his older brother, and close-knit friends—with instilling in him the values of curiosity, effort, discipline, and gratitude. He traces his professional path through early roles at Pepsi, The Hindu, Rediff, and McCann before joining GroupM in 2004, where he’s spent more than two decades contributing to the evolution of India’s media and advertising ecosystem.

PK reflects upon values that shaped his life -- from curiosity to gratitude, and how he brought them into his leadership at GroupM.

We dive into the latest This Year, Next Year (TYNY) 2025 report from GroupM, which forecasts a 7% growth in India's advertising market, with digital contributing nearly 60% of the ₹1.67 lakh crore ad-ex. PK speaks about digital’s rising dominance and how traditional media—including TV, print, and emerging CTV formats—still play a vital role in India's multi-market structure.

On the role of technology, PK shares how AI and Gen AI are transforming marketing through hyper-personalization and data-led decision-making. We also talk about ad fraud and waste, and how GroupM prioritizes integrity and client trust. He explains GroupM's use of AI tools, education, and ongoing monitoring to combat waste.

Other key themes include the evolution of retail media and commerce-led strategies, GroupM’s commitment to collaborative growth and learning, the importance of values in building resilient leadership.

PK also reflects on his long-standing pride in being part of GroupM: “Definitely, I walk tall... it's been a fantastic journey and it's (been) a collective effort - whatever we were able to do.”

This is a deep dive into the philosophies, frameworks, and future-forward thinking of India’s respect advertising leader, Prasanth Kumar, CEO, GroupM, South Asia. And the values and vision that continue to power GroupM’s legacy and relevance. This is Prasanth Kumar - Unplugged! So, a must-listen for ma

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

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In this episode of MVP – The Master's Voice Podcast, Vinay Kumar Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India, is in conversation with show host Pavan R Chawla, who is also Founder-Editor of Mediabrief.com. Vinay shares how the global education leader Pearson is reshaping learning in India through digital transformation, skilling, and purpose-led innovation.

At Pearson India’s expansive, future-ready Bangalore office, Vinay had a wide-ranging conversation with Pavan. Vinay, who joined Pearson in 2016 as Finance Head, now leads the company’s India business and reflects a culture rooted in integrity, empathy, and teamwork.

Pearson, founded in 1844, has evolved from manufacturing and media into one of the most digitally forward education companies. In India, it operates across three key verticals — higher education, English language learning, and enterprise skilling — reaching over 1.3 million learners annually.

Vinay discusses the impact of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which is boosting demand for vocational skilling and employability. With more than 2,000 skilling courses and partnerships with top companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, Pearson is shaping India’s workforce of the future.

AI integration is a core focus, with tools that summarise content, personalise learning, and offer chapter-wise self-assessment. Vinay also shares insights from Pearson’s Reclaim the Clock report, which estimates AI could save Indian professionals 51 million hours per week.

On the marketing front, Pearson India's Hoga Kaise Nahi' campaign featuring Vicky Kaushal struck an emotional chord with students preparing for exams. Vinay explains that Kaushal’s story — from engineer to actor — mirrors the learner’s journey and makes him the perfect brand ambassador.

Vinay also touches on CSR efforts, including free or low-cost content for underserved learners and partnerships with skilling bodies. With its legacy and innovation-led approach, Pearson India continues to be a learning partner for life.

Listen to the episode on MediaBrief.com and all major podcast platforms. You can also watch it on YouTube.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

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Episode 123 of MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast features Vikas Chawla, MD of Compass Group India. With over two decades of experience, Vikas discusses how the company serves 900,000 meals daily across 45 cities with a 38,000-strong team. In conversation with Pavan R Chawla, Founder-Editor, Mediabrief.com, Vikas speaks of several things, including his journey through leadership roles at Coca-Cola and his entrepreneurial ventures. He highlights key lessons that shaped his approach to management. He emphasizes a caring work culture and empathy, which he believes are essential for boosting employee engagement and retention.

Vikas envisions leveraging tech innovations to enhance food safety and improve overall service delivery at Compass Group.

Vikas discusses the food services industry in India, currently valued at 70,000 crores and growing at 15% annually. He shares that Compass Group aims for a 45% revenue increase over three years, focusing on sector expansions and client acquisitions. Also, that it collaborates with initiatives like the Robin Hood Army to combat food wastage and aid underprivileged communities.

Vikas highlights solar-powered kitchens and rainwater harvesting as part of Compass Group’s environmental commitments. Technologies like the AI-powered sorting mechanism and the Foodbook app are enhancing Compass Group’s operations.

Vikas underscores the role of ongoing employee training in fostering a strong safety culture. He credits his leadership values to the support from his family, emphasizing open communication both at home and work.

This insightful episode of MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast offers valuable lessons on leadership, culture, and growth in India’s food service industry. I hope you enjoy the conversation and find it beneficial. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

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In this episode of MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, Angela Scaffidi, Founding Partner & Global Chair of SenateSHJ and Global Chair at PROI Worldwide, discusses strategic communications, leadership, and the evolving PR landscape. She is in conversation with show host Pavan R Chawla.

Through SenateSHJ, Angela and her team tackle complex challenges in reputation management, change, and engagement. As PROI Worldwide’s Global Chair, she focuses on uniting entrepreneurial communication agencies to share best practices, ensuring their campaigns remain impactful and market-leading.

Angela elaborates on the changing roles of PR professionals, emphasizing the need to address modern challenges like misinformation, cybersecurity, and geopolitical issues. She stresses the importance of fostering strong internal cultures and proactive stakeholder engagement. On the role of AI, Angela advocates for its use in enhancing efficiency while highlighting the ongoing need for human insight and ethical considerations.

Collaboration between agencies, especially through PROI, is another key theme. Angela discusses how PROI fosters global partnerships, helping agencies lead in the communications field. She also shares her leadership philosophy, emphasizing humility, curiosity, and collaboration in building resilient agency cultures. Angela names three PR leaders she admires: Madan Bahal, Claire Parsons, and Noel Turnbull, all of whom continue to give back to the profession.

Her deep commitment to community service, including supporting children with cancer and missing persons, informs her purpose-driven leadership approach. Angela’s insights on building strong client relationships, resilient cultures, and navigating the fast-paced PR landscape offer valuable guidance for professionals.

Tune in for practical advice and inspiration from one of the leading voices in global communications.

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.

Send us a text

From Pavan R Chawla:
On this episode of our award-winning series MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, I host dear friend and popular Advertising and Marketing industry stalwart Bipin R Pandit, COO of The Advertising Club, Mumbai. As a well-respected figure in the advertising and marketing space, Bipin is widely known for his exceptional contributions to the industry through his great work for the Ad Club Mumbai. Equally, he is known and respected for his passion for music.

Our conversation centers around the much-awaited 19th edition of his popular live musical show, Khumaar, which will be held on 21st September at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra, Mumbai, and is an event no music lover can afford to miss.

This time round, Khumaar takes on a special significance as Bipin dedicates the show to the memory of one of India’s greatest singers, the late Mohammad Rafi. The tribute comes in anticipation of Rafi Sahab's 100th birth anniversary, which will be celebrated on 24th December 2024. With deep admiration for Rafi Sahab, Bipin shares the emotional and artistic vision behind this tribute in the podcast episode.

Khumaar: A musical extravaganza honoring Rafi sahab

Khumaar has always been a favorite among advertising, media, and entertainment professionals, offering an evening of nostalgia, joy, and musical splendor. This year’s edition promises to be even more special, as it pays homage to the timeless melodies of Mohammad Rafi, a legend whose voice transcended generations. Bipin explains how Khumaar seeks to evoke the same magic that Rafi Sahab’s songs did, transporting the audience to an era of pure, soulful music.

The show will feature a host of talented singers who will bring Rafi Sahab’s songs to life, adding their unique touch while preserving the essence of his legendary voice. Bipin's goal is to create an unforgettable experience for music lovers, giving them a break from their daily routines to immerse themselves in the magic of Rafi’s classics. We also discuss how the audience can expect to be treated to a variety of Rafi Sahab’s greatest hits, each performed with great reverence and skill.

Mohammad Rafi: The Man, The Legend

In our conversation, Bipin reflects on the unparalleled greatness of Mohammad Rafi, not just as a singer but as a human being. Rafi Sahab's humility and generosity have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions, and his voice remains a source of inspiration for artists and fans alike.

Bipin shares personal anecdotes and insights into what made Rafi Sahab so extraordinary — his ability to connect wit

Want to pitch someone to be featured?

We have two podcast series: MVP - The Master's Voice Podcast, and MediaCast. Both are published by MediaBrief.com.

So, if you want to pitch someone to be considered for our podcasts, here's how you can do it:

• First, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
• Then, write to us at pavan [at] mediabrief dot com and alliances [at] mediabrief dot com, and also share links to your profiles that are following us.

Connecting socially is something we believe in and advocate. So go ahead. Reach out. We're happy, social souls.