Ad land’s young guns: Chirag Duggal, FCB Ulka

Chirag Duggal embarked on his advertising career in 2021 with a  determination to learn from industry leaders. He commenced his journey at FCB Ulka, where he has demonstrated remarkable aptitude in spearheading multifaceted brand campaigns, notably for Tata Motors.

In conversation with Adgully, Chirag Duggal, Senior Brand Services Executive, FCB Ulka, speaks about navigating the advertising world, how Steve Jobs has influenced his approach to problem-solving, his ambition to build his own business in the future, and more.

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?

After dedicating almost two years of my career to FCB Ulka, I have cultivated a versatile skill set, particularly in managing client partnerships, problem solving and being proactive rather than being reactive. I believe these three skills are my strong suit and enable me to consistently add value to my brands.

How did you join your current organisation?

I have always wanted to pursue a career in advertising and as luck would have it, a lot of my friends are already part of this industry. They helped me navigate the advertising world and while I came across several exciting agencies, FCB really stood out with its legacy and body of work. I just knew that this was the best place for me to kickstart my advertising journey.

Icons in this field whom you look up to and how they have influenced you and your work?

Steve Jobs. His famous quote, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”, has resonated with me and influenced my approach to problem-solving and decision-making. I have always been inspired by his ability to think outside the box and take risks in pursuit of his vision.

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

• The Everyday Basics: Prioritising tasks and creating a to-do list, setting achievable goals for the day.
• Raising my knowledge quotient: Keeping myself updated with the latest trends, competition and consumers insights.
• Team Jams: Dedicating time to brainstorming and collaborating with creative teams to develop innovative concepts that resonate with target audiences.
• The 20 Min Run: I dedicate 20 minutes of my day to a refreshing run, for my health and well-being.
• The 20 Min Read: I make it a priority to invest 20 minutes each day in reading for personal enrichment and self-improvement.

Do you think a career in this field is a viable one in the long term?

Certainly! Advertising is a fascinating, constantly evolving world with countless learning opportunities. Each brand is unique and provides exciting challenges to solve, which allows me to gain valuable insights and apply my expertise to drive their success.

What does it take to succeed in a career?

Like Steve Jobs said, it is hunger. Hunger to never stop learning and always pushing yourself and never being afraid to go the extra mile.

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?

• Be proactive than reactive.
• Be open to learning and adaptable to new situations.
• Know your brands and their business in and out.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I see myself focused on building my own business. This will require a lot of effort and dedication, including acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge, building a strong network, and staying up-to-date with industry trends. My ultimate goal is to create a successful and sustainable business that provides value to clients.

Is there any organisation that you would like to work with in the future?

Working for my own brand would be a fulfilling and rewarding experience that would allow me to pursue my passion and make a meaningful contribution to the world.