Rahul Chauhan - Head of Strategy, Publicis Groupe

Rahul Chauhan - Head of Strategy, Publicis Groupe Rahul Chauhan Head of StrategyPosted November 10, 2017, by Jenny Sakr Being the head of strategy for one of the worlds oldest and largest advertising and public relations companies, Publicis Groupe,put Rahul in charge of creating winning media strategies to achieve clients business objectives. Rahul has over 10 years of experience leading media and marketing strategies for huge corporations like Suncorp Group, BMW and Energy Australia (just to name a few). Take a walk in his shoes and see how he came to be where he is today... What did you study and what are the steps you took to be where you are today? Whilst Im currently studying my Executive MBA, I believe the steps taken in my career to get where I am were impacted by the opportunities that I said no to, rather than simply those I said yes to. Being focused and clear about the choices that will create meaningful impact in the long term, are far mora important than simply choosi ng options which provide short-term gain. As our life expectancy increases, our working lives will push into our 70s accordingly, it is crucial to think about the paths which will yield a sustained career from relationships to industries to skill sets. What inspired this career path? The people I have met, in addition to my natural interest in how media influences human behaviour and our relationships with brands. What was your first job? Hospitality clearing tables. Explain a little bit more about what you do and a typical day at work My role involves defining and creating media strategies which directly impact a clients desired business objectives. This broadly encompasses... 1. Understanding the key challenges impacting a clients brand 2. Defining the role that media can play to overcome the challenge 3. Outlining the target consumer that media must reach (who will engage with the brand to positively influence the desired business objective) 4. Leveraging insights to build a communications strategy and ecosystem centred influencing the consumer to take an action(s). A typical day at work can involve anything from sitting with clients to discuss whats keeping them up at night to conducting qualitative and quantitative research to working closely with publishers and media owners on innovation and audience targeting to upskilling staff with auf der ganzen welt insights and findings to leading ideation sessions in for our clients brands. Whats the most interesting thing thats happened to you in your career? Its hard to identify one single interesting thing, however everyday Im fortunate to work with intelligent, interesting and driven people who continue to ask questions, in order to push and challenge each other and themselves. On average, we spend at least 40 hours a week at work which is often more time spent with our colleagues than our families. So if our co-workers arent interesting and one of the reasons were enthusiastic to get out of bed then somet hing is wrong and must be changed. Name the best and worst partes of your job Best part solving problems and understanding the why of how consumers behave. Worst part meetings with no solid agenda or outcome. Whats the most important career tip someone has given you? Tip 1 Money is an outcome of hard work and happiness is an outcome of perspective. Tip 2 If you dont like what youre doing, change it - project to your deathbed and if you were going to regret doing something, then make sure you do it. What do you wish someone had told you before starting going down this career path? Upward management is just as important as managing your own direct reports. Name a career highlight Winning a client in the first week of starting a new role, and retaining a client on the last week of finishing an old role commitment to an outcome is key to a sustained career and a reputation. Whats next for you? Cultivating a pathway which allows me to work in Portugal by December 2019. Tell us a fun fact about yourself... I own a black pug who sits and watches Dirty Dancing on repeat, every single weekday. Connect with Rahul over on LinkedIn Is a career in media and communications calling you? Get the skills to succeed with a course in marketing, business or communications.Bachelor of Business (Marketing)Study modeOnlinePayment optionsHECS-HELPUpfront paymentCourse guide+ FREE eBrochureEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMarketing ResourcesSEM manager sample resumeSEM manager sample titelblatt letterInterested in becoming a?AccountantOffice AdministratorManagement ConsultantMarketing ManagerMarketing OfficerPopular Career Searchesgovernment funded visual merchandising course brisbanetwo year degrees australiahow to become a journalist in australiadiploma of business career pathlist of pr courses in australiaMarketing CoursesBachelor of Applied Business (Marketing)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Digital MediaEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of CommunicationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMaster of CommunicationEnquire Online Enquire Online Jenny SakrJenny found her way with words while interning during uni, since, shes produced articles on it all from hair and beauty to homewares, travel, career advice and study tips. On a weekend youre most likely to find her lining up for a table at the latest cafe or restaurant.Related ArticlesBrowse moreAdvertisingEmbracing technology key to success in advertising worldThe marketing and advertising industries were amongst the hardest hit during the recent economic downturn but opportunities and openings are still to be found.AdvertisingHow To Break Into Advertising 4 Career PathsTheyre on highway billboards, theyre in your monthly magazines, on your most visited websites and interrupt your TV programs. Advertisements are a part of our daily lives and constitute one of the most competitive and exciting industries around.MarketingMarketing career fact sheetTheres more to being a marketing professional than you thi nk. Check out this fact sheet to find out why a career in this industry might be the right fit for you.