Offbeat: Suraj Nagappa – when Punakaiki coast in New Zealand beckons

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.  

Suraj Nagappa, Vice President, Isobar and Head of South India Operations, has largely worked in the digital marketing space with organisations like Citibank, Accenture, SAP, IBM, Toyota, Honda Cars, Honda Scooters, Panasonic, Hitachi and Ministry of Tourism, across agencies like Ogilvy, DDB, Dentsu and Interactive Avenues. 

Nagappa’s core expertise is in managing project teams, recruiting and developing people and building new capabilities and delivery models in a shared service center. He is a trained and experienced Integrated Marketing Communicator with over a decade of relevant, cross-media experience in digital Strategic Planning, Media Buying, Programmatic, SEM and usability expert with hands-on experience on several large scale performance marketing projects using all biddable media options. 

Also Read: Offbeat: Chirag Joshi - Lighting up life with drones, deejaying, long-haul bike rides

How were you as a child and which childhood trait do you still possess?
The older I get, the more I appreciate my rural childhood. I spent a lot of time outdoors, unsupervised, which is a blessing. If there has ever been a time that I developed a uniqueness and sense of humour and the ability to organise, it was then. In those days, I developed the skills that gave me a certain degree of success in my jobs. I am still the same when it comes to organising and managing my day to day work.

Which superhero did you look up to as a kid and why? Which superhero power you wish you possessed?
Mandrake the Magician. Imagine having a black throne or a yew, wielding a wonderfully crafted wand across and reciting a powerful spell to let the magic happen! No super power would make me feel as powerful as walking around haughtily with my wand and letting things happen as I pass by. 

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it?
My biggest fear is drowning… surprisingly enough, I love swimming. I just panic a little when I am in open water – something about not knowing about everything that’s underneath me is very unsettling. I am a firm believer in systematic desensitisation, so I try my best to get over my fear by jumping into open waters, knowing that I will be okay. 

A skill you possess that no one knows about?
Singing… yes, I am a bathroom singer! People in my house/ hostel knew where I was when I used to start singing loudly, at times interrupted by laughing people asking me to stop. 

What would one find in your playlist?
I am a Ghazal lover, so my playlist is filled with Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali and Pankaj Udhas. 

Also Read: Offbeat: Sahil Chopra – The childhood bully who could be a motivational speaker

Your go-to activity to relax?
Swimming… I am a water baby. 

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far?
The moment you forgive somebody, the chances are that you will also give them a second chance. By doing this, you are also allowing yourself to grow. 

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
Right to education. The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you go. 

What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself?
I actually wouldn’t change anything. I think an important part of personal development is accepting who you are and loving all the aspects of yourself. Of course, there is always scope for improvement. 

If not heading the South India operations at Isobar, what would you have been?
I am a foodie, if not at my current role, I would love to be a full time food blogger, travelling and visiting different places, tasting different food. 

What are the three apps on your mobile you couldn’t live without?
Music, Instagram and Flip board. 

What’s the last thing you watched on TV and why did you choose to watch it?
‘Troy - Fall of a City’ on Netflix, because it is told from a different side. 

Which two organisations outside your own do you know the most people at and why?
Since I am part of this industry for so many years, I have worked with many clients and agencies. I have friends in every agency. 

Two things about this industry you don’t like or don’t understand?
ROI measurement – each has their own personal measurement when it comes to ROI. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Punakaiki coast in New Zealand.

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