Ad land’s Young Guns: Drishti Vasisht, Weber Shandwick India

Drishti Vasisht is a marketing consultant with Weber Shandwick India. Her key responsibilities include conceptualizing and executing marketing communication strategies for the brand, internally and externally. 

How did you get into the role you are serving?
I have always loved telling stories and in school, all my answers were long essays that would run into pages, whether it was needed or not. The good thing about marketing is that everyone loves a good story. 

A while ago, I had read a book about the power of communication and how text, colours, language and pictures influenced decision-making. This blew me away. Communication makes the world go around and I couldn’t wait to add my two bits. 

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?
I can’t settle for mediocrity, therefore, everything that I work on has to be of a particular standard. I think this makes me push myself to do better. 

How did Weber Shandwick come about?
When you think communication, you automatically think Weber Shandwick. The organisation is a great example of how creativity meets content. They have worked on some path breaking campaigns and I was a fan. 

When I was doing my masters in the US, I had done a summer internship with Weber Shandwick and had the best experience. After moving back to Delhi, I joined the firm in 2018 and couldn’t be more grateful. 

Read More: The W Suite | Women are equally capable of leading large Organisations: Valerie Pinto

Icons in this field you look up to and how they have influenced you and your work?
Without a doubt, the CEO of Weber Shandwick India, Valerie Pinto. Val is one of the youngest CEOs of the industry and has achieved a whole lot. I have been lucky to have worked very closely with her and it is so inspiring to see how she juggles different aspects of her life. While Valerie is a celebrated communications professional, she is also an athlete, travels the world, and is the best cook! There’s so much to learn from her. 

I’ve also really admired Saul Bass – the famous marketer, advertiser, and graphic designer who made some memorable logos, created iconic film posters and introduced creative film title credits. He had famously said, “I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares”. 

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

• Check Twitter, because it’s good to know what’s trending
• Make a to-do list and check off things, so that nothing gets missed
• Talk to my team to prioritise tasks and see where we stand
• Take breaks with my friends at work, this makes it more fun
• Work out – to unwind and keep me going

Do you think a career in this field is a viable one in the long term?
100 per cent! Everyone and everything needs marketing and like I said earlier, communication makes the world go round. It’s not what you say, but how you say it – that makes all the difference, and that’s where we come in. 

What does it take to succeed in a career?
Passion, followed by the willingness to work for it. 

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?
Work hard, never underestimate your ideas, and have fun along the way. 

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Is there a Nobel Prize for marketers? 

Is there any organisation that you would like to work with in the future?
I would love to work with people that challenge the status quo, and organisations that make a difference. As of now, I’ve found that at Weber!