E25 | How To Shine Your Light & Rise To A Global C-Suite Role | Harjot Singh

For the past two decades, Harjot Singh’s unwavering zeal to excel in comprehending people, brands, and cultures from both creative and commercial angles has propelled him on a remarkable global journey. With an extensive footprint spanning six countries across three continents, he has cultivated, delivered, and moulded strategic solutions for some of the planet's most successful brands.

In 2021, Harjot assumed the esteemed role of Global Chief Strategy Officer at McCann and soon went on to become Groupwide Global Chief Strategy Officer of McCann Worldgroup in 2023, a renowned advertising agency brand with a presence across its worldwide network. Prior to this, he held the position of Chief Strategy Officer EMEA.

Harjot's journey includes a stint as the Head of Planning at BBDO China in Shanghai from 2003 to 2006 before he transitioned to North America. On this side of the globe, he has held significant planning and leadership roles at Cossette Canada, Leo Burnett Canada, and Grey Canada, where he stood as the Head of Planning.

We discuss:

-Growing up in India

-Realising you’re different from others

-Falling in love with advertising and pursuing a career in it

-Being told, “You must be more humble.”

-Deciding you want a global role

-What to do if others don’t believe in you

-Becoming Global Chief Strategy Officer of one of the most iconic agencies - Mccann Worldgroup

-Repairing your relationship with your family

-Never dimming your light for others Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:12 Intro 01:32 Ashley's Intro Poem 02:28 Harjot's Summary 07:03 Harjot's Childhood 14:42 Finding A Passion For Adverting 18:33 Relationship With Family 22:14 Education 27:14 Challenges In Early Adulthood 34:26 Getting Your Foot In The Door 42:44 Wanting A Global Role 48:32 Working In China 55:45 Moving Back To Canada 58:23 Moving To New York 01:02:36 McCann 01:10:37 Not Letting Limits Define You 01:15:33 Advice On Getting A Global Role 01:25:06 Becoming Global Chief Strategy Officer At McCann 01:27:44 What Needs To Change In The Industry 01:32:02 Family Relationship Reflections 01:37:07 Final Words 01:38:18 Charles' Summary 01:39:54 Ashley's Final Poem 1:41:29 Outro

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Unity & Motion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content Email: [email protected] This is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UNIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast. Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unity & Motion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Credits: Director: Charles Parkinson Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie Editor:  Catherine Singh