We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rajat Gupta a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rajat, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
When you have lived through a version of yourself where “being the only one that looks like you in a room” was a disadvantage, it can only go upwards from there. It teaches you things and ways beyond your wildest imagination – to be able to find conviction in your originality AND your origin, to be able to hold a room and have people be interested in what you have to say because it comes from a place of uniqueness and self love, and to be able to nurture what you believe is your strength which often times people overlook.
Having a seat at the table is one thing, but making sure that seat is not wasted is another. I never take anything for granted, and success is always a moving goal post. I am only as successful as the opportunities I chase and I hope I never stop chasing.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an advertising creative director. Over the span of 15 years of my career I have spent a lot of time thinking about what humans want, how they consume, what they consume and how I can help bridge the gap with communication between a brand and it’s audience.
It’s easy to skip an ad or call something irrelevant but finding a moment to connect with someone who really is your audience, someone you wanted to influence with your innovation, and really making that connection is truly special. I’ve had few of those moments in my career and strive to have more as I go. My biggest and only motivation really is to keep going and loving this profession.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Self Belief: Your journey is yours and not someone else’s. Keep at it, if you believe you can do it.
2. Empathy: Don’t be an ***hole and you’ll meet the most amazing people along the way who will genuinely invest in you.
3. Never stop hustling: getting complacent is the worst thing you can do to yourself.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I couldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my parents. Growing up in a small town in India, with limited access to the outside world, I am proud of my parents to encourage me to dream big and support me in making that a reality. They always told me to keep chasing my goals but never forget to be kind along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rajatgupta.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajat-gupta-71133519
