Offbeat: Jiggy George – Harbouring rock star dreams

Adgully’s special feature section – ‘Offbeat’ – seeks to give a glimpse of the lesser known facets of our very well-known industry leaders. We present, in the industry leaders’ own words, an interesting read on areas that are not usually highlighted in regular media coverage – be it about their childhood days, secret skills that they possess, how they unwind from their hectic schedules, and much more.  

Jiggy George, Founder and CEO of Dream Theatre, is a pioneer in the licensing industry in India. His experience in this industry spans over 20 years during which he has set up and successfully run the licensing business for Viacom and Turner. In his last avatar, George was Executive Director - Cartoon Network Enterprises, South Asia, where he was responsible for making it the leader in the Licensing arena in India. He also headed up the Turner Theatrical Business and the Sesame Street India Production. Post his MBA, his early years of work experience include Sales (Times Group), Marketing (MTV and Pogo), Business Development and Project Management (Turner Broadcasting). 

After harnessing credible experience and exposure in the entertainment industry, George finally nurtured his entrepreneurial dreams and set up Dream Theatre. Armed with an experienced core team, George has established the first professional licensing enterprise of its kind in the country. He envisages creating out of the box licensing models for brands across innovative categories. 

George’s mantra is to live life to the full potential and abundance. He has written a script for an animation film which is in its pre-production stage. He is an avid movie and music lover, plays the guitar and enjoys travelling. 

A precious childhood trait that you still possess?
Unbounded curiously and incessantly asking “why?” 

Any superhero fetish and what power you wish you possessed?
It’s a toss-up between time travel and ‘omnilingualism’ (the ability to speak in any language and understand both verbal and non-verbal communication). 

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it?
The reality of losing someone dear and close to me. I face it by making those close to me a priority, giving them unadulterated time and making memories.  

A secret that you have which no one knows about?
Would it then be a secret? 

What would one find in your playlist?
Eclectic playlists – from Rock, Blues, R&B, and Jazz. It’s agnostic of language. 

Your go-to activity to relax?
Yoga, playing guitar/ music, diving into a book. 

What are your favourite reads?
So many of them! But my all time favourites are Catcher in the Rye, To kill a mocking bird, Love in time of Cholera, Golden gate , The Outsider, The Great Gatsby , High Fidelity.

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far? 
One of the lessons is that nothing gets built in a day (short haul) – be it reputation, relationships, teams, least of all businesses.  

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
The girl child – but I haven’t been able to do as much as I would like to. 

What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself?
I will write this tomorrow... I guess, its procrastination. 

If not the Founder and CEO of Dream Theatre, what would you have been?
A rock star!  

What are the three apps on your mobile that you couldn’t live without?
I use Google, Shazam, Instagram, Amazon.  

What’s the last thing you watched on TV and why did you choose to watch it?
‘Californication’ on Amazon Prime. I was intrigued by the plot and the reckless rock n roll lifestyle of a middle aged writer. 

Which two organisations outside your own do you know the most people at and why?
Disney and Viacom, as they have a mix of colleagues that I have worked with in my past life (corporate) and the ones we work with in my current life (entrepreneur). 

Two things about this industry you don’t like or don’t understand?
The industry has given me far too much to poke holes in it. I am grateful. 

For More Stories Visit Here.

Media
@adgully

News in the domain of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Business of Entertainment

More in Media