The original influencer: What A&M leaders learned from their fathers

The father figure in advertising is often carved from a single, stoic block of marble. He’s the silent provider, the one-man support system, the weary traveller returning home to a child’s loving embrace as a soft piano melody swells. He’s a well-worn archetype, a reliable piece of emotional shorthand that brands have used for decades. But behind the 30-second spots and the glossy print ads are real stories of fatherhood—complex, contradictory, and profoundly influential.

For leaders in the advertising and marketing world, an industry built on understanding human motivation, the lessons learned at home often become the bedrock of their professional philosophies. Their fathers were their first mentors, their first clients, and in some cases, the very brief they chose to rebel against. We spoke to five industry leaders who pulled back the curtain on this deeply personal influence, revealing that the lessons that truly stick aren't about grand gestures, but the quiet, daily rhythms of discipline, integrity, and perspective. 

Inheriting a worldview

For many, a father provides a direct blueprint for navigating the world. The values witnessed across the dinner table become the unspoken rules of the office. This ethos of discipline is a recurring theme. For Saumitra Prasad, Chief Marketing Officer at DOMS Industries Limited, the influence was one of impeccable structure. "My father was an exceptionally disciplined and meticulously organised individual," Prasad says. "Throughout my formative years, I had the privilege of observing his unwavering commitment to structure, precision, and consistency in everything he did... his example has deeply shaped my own professional ethos."

This inheritance of quiet order is echoed by Anish Varghese, Founder & CCO of EVOQ Creative Experiences. "I also admired the quiet order he brought to his life," he shares. "Everything had its place, its time, and its reason. He moved with intention, never in haste." For Varghese, this translated into a non-negotiable professional standard. "Discipline, to me, is more than punctuality—it’s about honouring timelines and upholding standards."

But a father’s influence can be a blueprint for more than just personal conduct; it can shape an entire leadership philosophy. Prasad, whose father was a distinguished IAS officer, saw discipline applied on a grand scale. "He consistently managed large-scale projects and led diverse teams with remarkable efficiency and vision," he recalls. The core lesson was transformative: "Observing his approach to people management, strategic decision-making, and empathetic leadership taught me that effective administration is not just about systems and structures, but fundamentally about understanding, motivating, and empowering people. That has been one of the most profound lessons of my life."

This people-first approach was also central to the lessons learned by Neha Rao, VP - Marketing at Bikaji Foods International Limited. Her father balanced a steady career with a side business, teaching her the value of both structure and spirit. "His integrity, grounded wisdom, dry sense of humour and people-first approach have shaped not just how I work, but how I lead in life — with passion, purpose and empathy," she says. The ultimate measure of success was not financial. "I firmly believe: You're defined not by the money you make, but by the goodwill you earn!"

For Manish Solanki, COO and Co-founder of TheSmallBigIdea, the lesson was about optimisation. "Don’t waste—time, words, or resources... doing more with less isn’t a constraint, it’s a superpower," he states, crediting his father for his grounded approach. "No overthinking. No hawa mein udna (flying in the air). Just staying grounded and having clarity before execution."

But what happens when the paternal influence is a catalyst for rebellion rather than reflection? For Anil Ralph Thomas, Director & Chief Creative Officer at Ralph&Das, his father's old-school worldview was the friction that sparked his own fire. "My father was very old school. Work only meant salary... Job satisfaction was an unheard concept," Thomas recounts. Instead of adopting this mindset, he inverted it. "So what influenced me the way I approached my work, was just to think the opposite," he says. This counter-reaction is just as formative as direct emulation, carving out a new definition of success. Yet, even in this pivot, a fundamental lesson remained: "Be honest with your work, work hard." Some values, it seems, are too foundational to be discarded.

Grounded wisdom

Beyond work ethic, some of the most potent paternal lessons are about character and perspective—how to stay grounded while reaching for the stars. Rao’s father instilled a powerful mantra for navigating life’s complexities: “Stay grounded, never stop growing, and always look beyond the horizon.”

This blend of humility and forward-thinking became her compass. "That blend... continues to guide me, especially in times of change or uncertainty," Rao shares. "He believed that success wasn’t just about achievement, but about character. How you treat people is just as important as what you accomplish—because what goes around, truly does come around."

This financial prudence finds a powerful cousin in the ethos of calculated risk-taking, a lesson championed by Solanki's father. "Calculated risk-taking!" Solanki declares. "My father never rushes into decisions, but he never sits on the fence either. He believes that if you’ve done your homework, you don’t need to second-guess the leap." It’s a masterclass in avoiding both reckless gambles and analysis paralysis. "That approach continues to shape how I work—look ahead, plan smart, take the bet when it counts, and always be prepared to own the outcome."

This strategic thinking was also observed by Varghese, particularly in financial matters. "When it came to finances, my father was exceptionally mindful. I remember how every rupee had a purpose. He focused on the essentials—roti, kapda, makaan (food, clothing, shelter)," he says. This wasn't about being miserly; it was about strategic allocation. In the startup world, this has become a superpower. "A middle seat on a flight instead of business class... these aren’t compromises, they’re choices made with clarity," Varghese explains. "It’s not about cutting corners, but about building something sustainable."

Rebooting the Father's Day brief

When the conversation turns to Father's Day advertising, the critiques from these leaders are sharp and unanimous in their call for a reboot. The consensus is clear: ditch the one-dimensional stereotypes and embrace the beautiful, messy reality of fatherhood.

Both Rao and Prasad advocate for keeping the emotion but discarding the glossy, sentimental filter. "I’d keep the honesty of the father-child relationship—but move away from the overly sentimental, glossy portrayals we so often see," says Rao. "Real dads come with layers—humour, flaws, quiet strength, and unspoken sacrifices... Let’s honour fathers not just as our superheroes, but also as beautifully human!"

Prasad agrees, emphasising the need to explore the nuances of paternal bonds. "I’d keep the emotional connection... especially the father-son relationship, which can be complex and not always openly emotional," he suggests. His vision involves moving away from stereotypes of "dads as just providers or emotionally distant" to show them as "well-rounded people—ones who share responsibilities, offer support, and are emotionally present."

Ralph Thomas is tired of the same old narrative arc. He’s ready to discard "The typical stuff. How a father sacrifices his happiness... all these have been done to death." His solution? Flip the camera. "We need a far more personal story from the father's POV," he urges, or a complete "reinvention of a relationship between a father & his kid."

Ultimately, the critique runs deeper than just creative fatigue. Varghese questions the very premise of these calendar-pegged celebrations. "Do we really need a specific day to express love, gratitude, or admiration? I don’t think so," he muses. "A father’s story doesn’t need to be squeezed into a single slot on the advertising calendar... They deserve space and sincerity in our everyday narrative."

The brand manifesto of a father

If these fathers were clients, what would their brand manifestos be? The answers are concise, powerful, and encapsulate the essence of their enduring influence.

For Saumitra Prasad's father, the brand is a testament to community-focused leadership, beautifully articulated as The People's Man: "We believe in handshakes that mean something... in stories over status... in leading not from above, but beside. We are The People’s Man—Rooted in heart. Made for the community. Built to last."

Neha Rao's father's brand is a fusion of humility and ambition: “Stay rooted. Think forward. Build what you love—with fire!” A brand, she says, with "dry wit, a mischievous smile, rock-solid integrity and an unmatched ability to connect with people."

For Manish Solanki's father, the brand is built on unshakeable integrity: "Principle. Precision. Purpose." It’s a brand that is meticulous, intentional, and ethically sound.

Anish Varghese sees a duality in his father's brand, a blend of strength and softness: "Bold and care." A mission statement for a modern leader who is both courageous and compassionate.

And for Anil Ralph Thomas, the brief he would write is a powerful directive for all parents: "Be a father to your kid, the way you 'wanted your father' to be for you!"

From the meticulous public servant to the passionate side-hustler, these paternal "brands" paint a far more vibrant and honest portrait of fatherhood than any single ad ever could. They show that the most impactful lessons were not delivered in grand speeches, but lived through daily actions—a quiet legacy of character that continues to influence and inspire.

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