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GroundbreakinAuthor: Dipaq
The Groundbreakin is a cutting-edge podcast that explores the journeys of top designers, creative entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in the design industry. Hosted by Dipaq aka Q, a Creative Director and Founder of Syqi , this podcast is your go-to source for insider insights and actionable advice from the world's top design experts. With a focus on fresh topics and engaging discussions, each episode is designed to help you stay ahead of the curve and build a successful career in the ever-evolving design landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, The Groundbreakin is your essential resource for all things design. Join us on a journey to the forefront of creativity and innovation. We are on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all the podcast listening platforms. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#53 - The T-Shaped Skillset for Modern Design Leadership, Future of Fintech Design : Vikash Kumar
Episode 53
Wednesday, 19 November, 2025
In this candid conversation, Vikash Kumar (Director of Design at Pine Labs) takes us through his incredible career shift-from working on massive campaigns for brands like Vodafone to steering the entire art and brand aesthetic at Pine Labs.Vikash gives a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the advertising industry, discussing what it was like to work at an agency like Ogilvy Mumbai (which he calls one of the best cultures among agencies) , the controversial value of industry awards , and the realities of shrinking budgets in mainline advertising.He unpacks the pivotal moment he realized "passion doesn't pay your bills", leading to his move to the client side with a jump in salary , and eventually leading design at Pine Labs. As a leader, he shares his vision for the future, where designers must become generalists with T-shaped skillsets and how he's building a 360-creative culture that embraces upskilling and future-forward thinking.This episode is a masterclass for any creative professional navigating career growth, the specialist vs. generalist debate, and how to build a career that offers both creative fulfillment and financial freedom.In this episode, we’ll discover:- Vikash's journey from animation and VFX to becoming a Creative Director at Ogilvy.- The "carrot" of advertising awards - and why they might not translate into better money or promotions.- The difference between working horizontally (across brands) in an agency versus vertically (deeply) for one brand.- How Vikash is leading the brand revamp at a major fintech company, making it look "tech and modern".- The importance of designers becoming generalists who can handle motion, video, and graphic design.- Why creative professionals must set a financial goal early in their career—and the concept of *"F-U money"*.CONNECT:Find us at [https://www.groundbreak.in/episodes] [q@groundbreak.in]dipaq@substack.comSupported by Syqi: https://syqi.art/
