Meet the CEOs: OMD Malaysia's Mayank Bhatnagar

Before Mayank Bhatnagar (pictured) entered the adland, he dipped his toes into the world of business by taking on a catering contract for the India-South Africa cricket match back in Jaipur with his friends during college. While they miraculously won the contract, Bhatnagar realised in retrospect that starting the business without any prior experience and knowledge was not a wise decision. Nonetheless, he told A+M it was a great learning curve as he had a first-hand lesson on people management, project management, operations, negotiation and crisis management.

Bhatnagar joined OMD Malaysia in January as MD from Carat in Mumbai and brings with him more than 20 years of experience. He has also managed several blue-chip clients across Malaysia, Singapore, and India, including Nestlé.

His journey eventually led him to advertising after he moved from a small town to Mumbai to pursue his MBA. As a management trainee, his first advertising job was with Initiative Media (Lowe Worldwide) and Bhatnagar's key clients were from the education sector and electrical appliances category. What was his first impression of advertising? Well, let's find out!

A+M: What was your first impression of advertising?

Bhatnagar: During my college days, I heard many different stories about the parties, fun, and glamour associated with agency life. However, when I joined, I realised that it's a serious business and the responsibility is enormous as it can make or break brands. Initially, it was tough to adapt to the pace, and my first few months on the job were chaotic. As I adjusted to the work, I've learnt to embrace and enjoy the fast pace agency life and have never moved out of advertising.

A+M: Who was the mentor who influenced you the most and how?

Bhatnagar: It's hard to name one person as I believe that I've been influenced and shaped by many people throughout my career. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the best minds in the industry across different markets. There were many people whom I've had the chance to learn. I am thankful to my superiors, clients and colleagues who have given me their support and guidance, shaping me to become a better professional today. Of course, I can't miss out on my "power source" - my family, who has stood by me.

A+M: What's the harshest criticism you've received and how did you cope with it?

Bhatnagar: I can't really remember any harsh criticism that stuck with me. Still, I embrace constructive criticism, which is extremely important for continuous improvement.

I always believe that it's about the journey, not the destination. When you have strong self-belief and faith in yourself, you're always hungry to learn, and you embrace challenges, life will be enjoyable and extremely rewarding.

A+M: Describe your own management style now as a leader

Bhatnagar: Per the managerial grid model, I believe the (9,9) leadership style is the most effective – high focus on people and outcome. I believe in nurturing a team where we encourage teamwork and commitment. It's vital to involve our people in our vision and decision-making process to give them a sense of ownership and encourage them to deliver key goals. When you give them the freedom to find innovative solutions, they are not afraid to try new ideas.

It's essential to leverage their strengths, guide them throughout the journey and understand what success means to them. They are more connected to the team when you focus on a more personal approach. This will help to deliver outstanding results. The most exciting part of my job is coaching and managing people and creating a path that other team members can follow and excel in their careers.

As we say, the only constant in life is change – not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change. So be adaptive and embrace the change.

A+M: What's one thing you wished employees understood about being a leader?

Bhatnagar: We're in a business of people, and it thrives on talent. As leaders, we must keep our ears and hearts open for our teams, be empathetic, and be there when they need us. The team will look to us for solutions, but we might not always have the answers.

Sometimes, as leaders, we have to consider the long-term greater good over a myopic gain and could appear as cold and calculating people.

Still, you will realise its value when your employee-leader relationship is more robust and lasts longer. Leaders lead from the front, no matter how difficult the times are. We make mistakes too because, as they say, "To err is human", but at the core, everything is about moving forward and progressing as a society.

A+M: What do you do during your free time?

Bhatnagar: I like to play outdoor games such as cricket and squash. After moving to Malaysia, I stopped playing cricket. Thus these days, I have started playing snooker/pool, my all-time favourite sport – thanks to our new office. If I am at home, I'll catch up on Netflix.

A+M: Where do you find your inspiration?

Bhatnagar: There is no right time, right place and right method. Inspiration often comes when you least expect it. So be ready to get inspired by connecting with people, travelling to new places and watching inspirational content.

A+M: If not in advertising, where would you be?

Bhatnagar: I would probably run a restaurant and prepare fusion cuisine for the guests.

A+M: What advice do you have for someone looking to start a career in the industry?

Bhatnagar: Firstly, welcome to the industry! Focus on these three things, and you're set for an exciting journey ahead:

1. Pursuit of excellence: Have a long-term approach, expand your knowledge and most importantly, focus on fundamentals.
2. In a state of constant Beta: Constantly keep reinventing yourself.
3. Step out of your comfort zone: Work without creating comfort zones and be adaptive.

A+M: What issue would you like to see the industry change in 2022?

Bhatnagar: The focus should be on adding value rather than fighting to defend legacy. One of the key factors in nurturing a successful agency-client relationship is having trust in your agency and giving agencies the flexibility and freedom to help clients accelerate growth. The value-adding process requires mutual trust and a strong client/agency partnership dynamic, allowing both parties to make collaborative decisions that enhance capabilities.

Partnerships should be focused on a long-term approach and adding value through innovation, agile collaboration and innovative activation, rather than fighting for short-term gain.

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