The Sponge Podcast

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Powered By EPIC ON. The Sponge Podcast Leadership Lessons with Author and Veteran Adman with 40 years of experience in advertising Ambi Parmeshwaran.Each episode is an indepth conversation about a chapter from Ambis new book Sponge Leadership Lessons I Learnt From My ClientsHost Amit Doshi sits down with Ambi as he shares some of the best advice he’s gotten over the years from reading, asking questions, observing, and acting more like a sponge.

Ep. 00: Introduction

Welcome to The Sponge Podcast Leadership Lessons with Author and Veteran Adman with 40 years of experience in advertising Ambi Parmeshwaran. Each episode is an indepth conversation about a chapter from Ambis new bookSponge Leadership...
Ep. 01: A Shiny New Car

22 min

Ambi Parameswaran recounts his encounter with Mr. Ratan Tata during the launch of the car Indigo Marina, the valuable leadership lessons he soaked in from Mr. Tata and how he applied these lessons in his own life. Check out Ambis latest book...
Ep. 02: Sages And Books

17 min 15 sec

What are the different kind of clients How do you categorize your client into different archetypes Is there an IIM Calcutta mafia in the brand business Do you have what it takes to serve a customer Ambi Parameswaran addresses all this and more in...
Ep. 03: After Action Report

17 min 54 sec

In this episode of The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parmeswaran throws light on how the stringent and well structured processes of armies like After Action Reports, Discipline, Task Management,etc helped him streamline his processes and tells us why it...
Ep. 04: Flying Without A Net

15 min 49 sec

From pharmaceutical companies to car manufacturing companies, Ambi Parmeswaran teaches us on how agencies innovate and create enthralling ways that help the clients take bolder risks and fly without a net. Check out Ambis latest book Sponge:...
Ep. 05: Doing Good. Fairly.

16 min 31 sec

In this episode of The Sponge Podcast Ambi Parameswaran and Amit Doshi discuss what doing good. Fairly. means in the most literal sense in the corporate world. They further chat about how wages are constant yet inconsistent in the collaborative...
Ep. 06: Who Reads Body Copy?

15 min 13 sec

In this episode of The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parameswaran talks about the Head and Body of marketing. Find out how each of them are significant in the world of advertising. Check out Ambis latest book Sponge: You can listen to this show...
Ep. 07: Setting The Right Expectations

12 min 49 sec

In this episode of The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parameswaran sketches out why it is consequential to set realistic goals and then slowly elevate them. He further talks about why leaders and organizations should set smart goals rather than impractical...
Ep. 08: Your Tax Dollars At Work

13 min 36 sec

In this episode of The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parameswaran recounts his pleasant experience at a meeting with the Income Tax Department, where he was invited to present Tax collection/Communication strategies to the highest direct taxation body of the...
Ep. 09: Missing The Big Blue Ocean

16 min 58 sec

In this episode of The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parameswaran speaks of a time when his agency had been assigned a Globally renowned client. He further sheds light on how an agency should build arguments and try harder to communicate more effectively....
Ep. 10: The Chaiwala Test

13 min 31 sec

Who decides what is classy or massy Is a Creative Ad better than a Strategic Ad What makes for a great client and agency relationship How does one not get caught in intracompany cross fires Find all these answers in this episode of The Sponge...
Ep. 11: Sorry. Please Leave!

19 min 21 sec

In this episode of The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parameswaran talks about why its crucial to turn down incompatible clients. He further talks about how voicing no early on reduces the chances of damaging a company. Check out Ambis latest book...
Ep. 12: Red & White... And Brown!

18 min 45 sec

In this episode of The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parameswaran talks about how the ability to accept mistakes and move forward through a show of humility and social intelligence sets great leaders apart. Check out Ambis latest book Sponge: You can...
Ep. 13: India's First CEO CM

19 min 14 sec

In this episode of The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parameswaran recalls his memorable experience with Indias first CEO CM, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu. He further talks about how forbearing leaders can change the blueprints of a country for the better. Check out...
Ep. 14: Reading Smoke Signals

14 min 51 sec

There is always a lot of missed communication between the client and the agency. If you dont maintain this parallel dialogue going, you will never be able to manage things. In this episode of The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parameswaran discusses the...
Ep. 15: Architects And Pillars

16 min 33 sec

In this episode of The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parameswaran explains why it is essential to demonstrate a greater degree of trust in a client and agency relationship. Check out Ambis latest book Sponge: You can listen to this show and other...
Ep. 16: Biases, Biases, Biases

18 min 40 sec

This week, Ambi Parameswaran talks about how working with UTI and LIC changed his perception towards PSUs. He also shares a story about the famous UTI country campaign and how it came into being. Check out Ambis latest book Sponge: You can...
Ep. 17: A New Business Pitch That Wasn't Quite...

19 min 38 sec

This week on The Sponge Podcast, Ambi Parameswaran reminisces about the time when he met Pradipta Mohapatra and how in their first conversation he struck a deal with the RPG group. They also talk about executive coaching and the various personality...
Ep. 18: The Story Behind The Logo

13 min 8 sec

On this weeks episode, Ambi Parameswaran talks about working with type designer and calligrapher R K Doshi the brain behind many corporate logos and the core Indian fonts for Microsoft Windows. He also talks about the power of storytelling in...
Ep. 19: An Apple A Day

15 min 57 sec

In this episode, Ambi Parameswaran talks about his admiration for Vinita Bali and other successful women back in the 1980s. Whats a foolscap paper How did research and analysis happen back in the early 1980s Listen to the episode to know more....
Ep. 20: A Giant Learns to Dance

13 min 57 sec

Today, if Indias image in the world has changed, its largely due to the IT people. On this episode, Ambi shares his experience of working with Tata Consultancy Services TCS for over 15 years. In this conversation, he also talks about the journey...
Ep. 21: Failing to Try Versus Failing

19 min 53 sec

People dont quit jobs, they quit their bosses. On this episode, Ambi talks about how working with entrepreneurs is different from working with large companies and how the famousHari Sadu advertisement was conceptualized. Check out...
Ep. 22: Lights, Camera, Action!

20 min 31 sec

Clients have to realize that celebrities need them as much as they need celebrities. Does having a celebrity associated with your brand giving it a competitive edge over others He also shares some interesting celebrity stories and talks as to how...
Ep. 23: Doodh Si Safedi Customer Focus

19 min 27 sec

Better products, Better Value, Better Living, Nirma is all about that. How did Karsanbhai Patel become a corporate pioneer and built an iconic detergent brand or maybe more than that, or how did it become a Sabki Pasand Find out more on...
Ep. 24: You're Fired!

17 min 18 sec

This week on The Sponge Podcast, Ambi shares his work experience in the advertising agency as an account executive trainee in the year 1979. In this conversation, he talks about the F word that we all get scared of Fired. He also talks about...
Ep. 25: Decisions Made Rapidly

20 min 43 sec

Clients tend to take very long to make a decision. On this weeks episode, Ambi highlights the most important quality of a CEO of an organization and the importance of quick decision making when it comes to brand communication. Check out Ambis...
Ep. 26: Value Quality Over Cost

18 min 56 sec

If you are trying to control cost in your company, every small bit matters. This week on The Sponge Podcast, Ambi talks about Mr. Azim Premji, the Indian business tycoon, philanthropist, and Chairman of Wipro Ltd. Ambi reminisces about the time he...
Ep. 27: The Self-Driven Driver

16 min 7 sec

If you look around, you can actually learn from other people not necessarily the mighty but also the simple. This week on The Sponge Podcast, Ambi talks about the his experience with different types of people and tells us how a company can rise...
Ep. 28: One Final Squeeze!

14 min 4 sec

Reframe the relationship into one of learning. On this final episode of the season, Ambi Parameswaran talks about reframing every situation, especially customer relationships. Check out Ambis latest book Sponge: You can listen to this...
Ready for a long life

7 min 24 sec

In todays episode of Investverse an education initiative by HDFC MF, Anupam will be in conversation with Ambi Parameswaran veteran AdMan, author, business historian, and cohost of The Last Brand Standing.