Prantik loves the digital space for its ability to disrupt industries. He is a partner in an exciting digital agency in Singapore and is responsible for growing the business across the region.
What’s your story?
I am a first generation entrepreneur based in Singapore, who had the privilege of growing up in three Asian cities: Pune, Jakarta and Singapore. I completed my primary education in Pune; secured my International Baccalaureate diploma in Jakarta and graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS). I started my career at International Enterprise Singapore (IE), where I was responsible for marketing Singapore’s technology sector to other countries. Thereafter, I had a couple of stints in brand marketing, after which I joined Happy Marketer as a partner to drive its regional growth and build an exciting digital marketing agency in Singapore.
What excites you most about your industry?
I love the digital space because of its potential to disrupt industries. We have already seen it disrupt the communications space through social networks, including the entertainment sector through Netflix, Hulu and Youtube, the transportation sector through Uber, the music sector through Spotify and Pandora, the banking sector through Venmo, Transferwise and fastacash, and the retail sector through Amazon, Taobao, and Flipkart. Digital has democratized information flow, reduced information asymmetry and created a level playing field.
It’s a fascinating space to be in right now!
What’s your connection to Asia?
Asia is where I was born, bred and where I live, work and play. I love how the different parts of Asia can be so similar and yet so different. What I love about Asia is that it teaches us to be humble, hungry yet accommodative, explore innovative solutions, respect diversity and value people.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I think it’s got to be Jakarta given how vibrant, diverse, warm and entrepreneurial the city is. Barring the traffic infrastructure, I love doing business in Jakarta because of the potential to grow and scale, as well as the Indonesians’ appetite for creativity and risk. It, of course, helps that Jakarta has delicious food and a very active nightlife!
Aku cinta Jakarta!
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Fail fast and fail cheap.
Who inspires you?
I seek inspiration from three people from different walks of life:
Sachin Tendulkar – for his work ethic, ability to deliver under pressure and focus only on things that are under one’s control. He inspires me.
Lee Kuan Yew – for his pragmatic and meritocratic approach to all things definitely gives me a different perspective on many things in life.
Steve Jobs – for his ability to conceptualize, build, design and market products that people don’t even know that they want. This has always been mind-boggling.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I recently learned about Elon Musk’s journey and his involvement in diverse, game-changing ventures like SpaceX, Tesla Motors, SolarCity and Hyperloop and all this after achieving immense success at Paypal. I am completely mesmerized and blown away by it all.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would have taken the entrepreneurial plunge much earlier in my life and I would have learned about money management and investments and put that into practice.
How do you unwind?
I unwind in the following ways:
a. Cricket on weekends
b. Movie marathons with my wife
c. Quarterly staycations with the family
And on weekday evenings, Netflix is our good friend.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Lombok – it has some amazing beaches. It is pristine and peaceful and I love the boat rides to the three Gili islands nearby.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Nudge – it shows you how small steps and ideas can make a big difference.
Shameless plug for your business:
Happy Marketer is an integrated digital marketing agency headquartered in Singapore. We use a data-driven approach and leverage analytical tools to help clients make informed choices and optimize their marketing initiatives. Some of our offerings include Marketing Automation, Social Media Marketing, Web & Social Analytics, Search Engine Optimization, Conversion Optimization and Digital Advertising. To find out more about our frameworks and case studies, check out www.happymarketer.com.
How can people connect with you?
You can connect with me via Twitter (@pranmaz) or WhatsApp (+6590695123).
Twitter handle?
@pranmaz
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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