Hello, hello 👋🏼
I’d been waiting for this week to come by for the last 3 years. I am now done with college. Monday, the 5th, was the last day of exams. Followed by one last college party — and perhaps my first. Or maybe, second. 6th onwards, I’ve been going around town, carrying a white sketchbook to make notes from work, life and everything in everything in between. These blogs will be to write about a few of my favourites from there.

I don’t know what format to use for these letters. But I’m sure it’ll come to me as I start writing this. Maybe something like what Thejesh does. Maybe. Let’s go?
One. There is no way you are not working on your personal brand in this day and age.
I will graduate with a branding degree. I work and live and play with people of the ilk. And, in this economy, you better be breathing your personal brand. I have so many examples.
I met Megha at her meet-up this Sunday at Black Box — it was a room full of some 40-50 odd people, all the way from Navi Mumbai and Virar and South Bombay and whatnot. In a city with such bad traffic, this is nothing short of a miracle. All by virtue of showing up online – consistently. (Megha is super fun to chat with, go look her up)
Next, I met with Harshit who also told me how people treat you nicer in proportion to your following online. More doors open for you, more opportunities appear, all that. I think a high domain authority to websites is what a strong personal brand to humans is.
And oh, Shaan Puri published this ppt on creativity on his website. And so many of my WhatsApp groups were abuzz with links. Now, I totally respect Shaan’s body of work + line of thinking. However, none of this was new. Or mind-boggling knowledge. The curation is brilliant. But the only reason a simple pdf like this one is loved, shared and, in fact, printed is because of his personal brand. How can I have not have mine?
Even with the C4E Labs team, I have decided to only work with folks who are actively working to build a brand online. And given all that Tobi, Luis and Micha have been saying this past month — I think there’s two things you must make your second nature — personal brand and learning AI. Basic hygiene. And if you’re still not convinced, here’s an honest shot from The Adulting Podcast.
Two. How do I know I have value to add?
I have come across this question way too many times in my life. From my own mind and folks outside. And every single time, I have something new to add. Today On 11 May, 2025, this is what I have to say (SG, did you notice the strikethrough)
First. The assumption that you have/must have some value to add — to any room, table, group, etc — is a stupid one. That is not the point of life at all. That’s not what you’re supposed to do. Unless, you’re a professor, I guess. You’re better walking into things being genuinely curious, asking and listening and learning. Even if all you get to be is a fly on the wall, be grateful about it.
Second. I learnt this from Mridvika. Two years back, I’d met her for a quick coffee-chat. I mentioned how these meetings often feel lopsided since I don’t have enough value to add to the other side. Because the people I’m meeting are far more accomplished and experienced. She told me two simple things. A. No one would carve out time for you if they didn’t find any value in taking the meeting. B. That maybe you don’t add business value, like they’d do for you. Fine. But maybe they take away lessons that can be applied elsewhere in life. Or they like the idea of giving back. Or you offer refreshing perspectives. Or your naivety shows them what needs to be talked about more. Et al. Since then, I’ve always felt more confident + shameless when it comes to reaching out to hundreds of people, telling them about my work, pick their brains. And every single time I feel like I’d be wasting someone’s time, I trust their judgement to choose wisely.
Third. This one came to me after meeting Aabha. She studied biological sciences + psychology in college and is a human/consumer behaviour geek like me. We spent over two hours chatting about the connection between evolutionary biology and machine learning, visible white vs optic white (iykyk), decompression zones and psychology of space, the feeling of being watch and public administration, etc etc. I truly believe everything in this world connect — but psychology and advertising are particularly adjacent. And in our conversation, I could show her extrapolation of what I know in ads to what she knows in psychology. And vice versa. That’s when I realised, I know things. And that you, Dear Reader, have a lot of value to add. Just hang out in newer rooms from time to time.
Three. Other unrelated thoughts.
- A lot of folks have asked me, “College ke baad kya?” The answer is: I am building a life of agency. One that allows me to put it on fire, if I so wish. What it’ll turn out to look like, I don’t know yet. We can find out — if this is your keeda too — together. A subset of that is my life sheet, in case you’re interest.

- And oh, I’d always planned on using Red’s Monologue for my graduation day. The official ceremony hasn’t yet happened. But in my head, I’m now a free bird. Thus, this post.
- While chatting with Sampat, Harshit and Aaakash, I realised that I don’t know much about the media scene — movies, events, music, et al. It’s their line of work, sure. For someone like Ved and Nawaz, it’s a factor of interest. I don’t follow it so much. But that’s no excuse. I live in a place where people care for it. I must know the culture. Slightly deeper than most.
- If you’re not living a life on the edge you’re taking up too much space. Jim Whittaker.
- Sampat told me about his 90 days of no negative talk/thoughts challenge. I like the idea. As a general practice, I will now engage in lesser gossip and shit-talking. I have hundreds of fish waiting to fry.

- Krishna, Prasann, Naman and Vishal were all in town. At different times this week. Now 400061 feels like a literal village. Love it.

- Remember my pain of finding the right bag for myself? It’s here. And on other lost links. Well, I finally found myself one. Decent color. Three pockets — laptop, iPad and notebook. Space for bottle and pouch. And then some storage. Finally!
Lastly, a gallery from the week gone by.










Ciao. That’s all.
Anshika – on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Ps: I share interesting links and stories that tickle my brain through the day on this WhatsApp group. Most of it doesn’t make it to these blogs, but should you like to join — here.
And oh, write back. I love getting messages 💌
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