FIRESIDE CHAT WITH RISHAD TOBACCOWALA ANDANUPRIYA ACHARYA

Goafest is the premier festival for advertisers, marketers, and media professionals in India, held
annually in the vibrant setting of Goa. Celebrated over three days, this iconic event is a grand
celebration of creativity and innovation, spotlighting the finest work in advertising and media
from across India and South Asia. Hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India
(AAAI) in collaboration with The Advertising Club, Goafest features inspiring keynote sessions,
insightful panel discussions, prestigious award ceremonies, and unmatched networking
opportunities.

In 2025, the festival will unfold at the luxurious Taj Cidade de Goa, offering a perfect blend of
business, creativity, and coastal charm.

Among the most powerful sessions of Day 1 was a Fireside Chat between Anupriya Acharya
Chief Executive Officer at Publicis Groupe, South Asia and Rishad Tobaccowala Author & Senior
Advisor to the Publicis Groupe, a session that was not just a dialogue but a blueprint for the
future.

Agencies & Marketers: It’s Time to Rethink Everything
When Anupriya asked for advice for agencies and marketers in this AI-led future, Rishad got
straight to the point:

“Agencies should use AI to rethink storytelling and business models. Marketers need to
reimagine their entire business not just make it more efficient.”
It’s no longer about optimization. It’s about reinvention.
Benchmark Beyond Borders

On how businesses can build a competitive edge amid rapid change, Rishad had a strong
message:

“Stop benchmarking only within your industry. The biggest threats and opportunities come
from outside.”

He championed the dual-model strategy: run today’s business while investing in what could
replace it tomorrow. And don’t assign leftovers to the task “Put your best talent on the future.”
Managing Change & Burnout: Human First

When it comes to handling burnout and the emotional toll of rapid change, Rishad didn’t
sugarcoat it:
“Change is hard. Change is unpleasant. But it’s necessary.”