Ad land’s young guns: Harsh Mann, Founder/Director, Harsh Mann Luxury Consultancy

Harsh Mann, Founder/Director of Harsh Mann Luxury Consultancy, is a luxury brand consultant with a decade-long experience. Renowned for incisive insights published in ‘Luxury Daily’, ‘American Marketer’, and ‘Entrepreneur India’, Mann navigates India’s luxury landscape with precision. With a focus on HNWIs and UHNWIs, his expertise spans lifestyle, fashion, hospitality, and home decor, crafting bespoke strategies. As an IFA, Paris alumnus, he gleaned global luxury market nuances, enhancing his diverse roles in business development, operations, and marketing.

In conversation with Adgully, Harsh Mann, Founder/Director of Harsh Mann Luxury Consultancy, MLC, speaks about his current role, leading with a visionary approach, crafting bespoke strategies for luxury brands to thrive in the dynamic market, empower brands with unparalleled go-to-market strategies, catalysing success domestically and internationally, and more.

Could you share the key milestones that have led you to where you are today in the industry?

My journey began with my education in Luxury Brand Management in France, which ignited my interest in the luxury industry. And this was my first milestone. I worked as a consultant for several brands in Paris before moving to India. Here, I established HMLC, an agency focused on building luxury brands in India and around the globe, and also advising startups on branding and strategies to enter the luxury domain.

I’ve become a go-to expert for luxury media and have worked with over 100 startups. I’m associated with all the established brands in the country, and even international brands from Europe seek my services. Today, I’m recognized as a leading luxury consultant in India.

In your experience, what are some common challenges that young professionals face when starting their careers and how can they overcome them?

In my experience, challenges are inevitable in every business and all walks of life. My approach is to anticipate these challenges and remain calm when they arise. Instead of panicking, I think with a calm mind and strategize to overcome them. Remember, life, whether personal or professional, is filled with challenges. With a calm mind and perseverance, you can find your way out. Never give up.

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and developments, and what resources or strategies would you recommend to young professionals seeking to for the same?

To stay updated on the latest trends and developments, I regularly follow and analyze national and international media related to my industry. Running an agency allows me to interact with clients and people from various domains, providing me with insights into industry trends. I recommend young professionals to adopt a similar approach: stay informed through industry-specific media and learn from interactions within your professional network.

What led you to pursue a leadership role at a young age, and what are your long-term leadership goals?

Two factors can drive a person to take on a leadership role at a young age: passion and responsibility. And I was fueled by both of these. I was passionate about the industry and noticed a lack of luxury consultants in India when I started. Additionally, being the eldest in the family, I naturally assumed a leadership role. This experience has shaped my leadership in both my personal life and business.

What strategies do you use to motivate and inspire your team members or peers?

In your whole life, what is it that you have achieved and can proudly display for the world to see? That is what drives my motivation – the achievements I’ve made in my life, particularly being one of the few pioneering luxury consultants in India. As one of the first movers, we have the responsibility to set standards and benchmarks in the industry.

For my team and peers, I encourage them also to strive for greatness, and to create work that they can proudly showcase to the world. I motivate them to not just be the best in India but to aim for global recognition and continuously level up their skills.

What initiatives have you taken to develop your leadership skills and knowledge?

My leadership skills and knowledge have been shaped by personal and professional experiences. Recognizing early on that I had significant responsibilities, I learned to approach each step with caution. In the professional world, experience is key. If I encounter failure, I view it as an opportunity to learn, make amends, and improve for the future.

What advice would you offer to young professionals aspiring to leadership positions?

Don’t chase money if you aspire to be a leader. Seek mentorship from a leader who can guide you to be your best. Money will follow. A common mistake young professionals make is focusing too much on salary packages. Of the crowd of aspiring young professionals, about 5% are crazy and truly passionate, and it’s these individuals who will experience exponential growth in the coming years as against their peers who focused on salary packages.