Adventures in Ads: Lessons That Last

As I look back on the past decade spent in Bangladesh’s advertising industry, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. It’s been a remarkable journey filled with valuable lessons, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the leading agencies in the country, such as Adcomm Limited, Analyzen Bangladesh, FCB Bitopi, and Libanza Limited. But beyond the prestigious agencies and successful campaigns, the real growth has come from the incredible people I’ve had the honor of working with. Every role I’ve taken, every promotion I’ve received, has brought with it new challenges, but also new opportunities for learning and self-discovery. Each challenge has shaped me into the person I am today.

Throughout my career, there have been several key moments when wisdom from others has guided me through difficult times. Some of these lessons came early in my career, while others appeared at just the right moments when I needed them most. These lessons have not only shaped how I approach my work but also how I view life itself. I’ve learned that the wisdom of those around us—our mentors, colleagues, and even those we least expect—can have a lasting impact.

One of the first pieces of advice that stuck with me came from Amitabh Bose Bappy (ABB), one of my professors at North South University. He once said, “The easiest way to connect with someone is to share a smoke or a drink with them. When people trust you enough to share their dark sides, you become their closest person. You just have to be there for them.” This advice taught me the importance of building strong relationships, not just on a professional level, but also on a human level. In a fast-paced industry like advertising, it’s easy to get caught up in the work and forget the value of connecting with others on a deeper, more personal level. But ABB’s words have stayed with me. They reminded me that the most meaningful relationships are often built on trust and mutual understanding, and sometimes, being there for someone is all it takes to form a bond that lasts.

Another lesson that has stayed with me came from one of my mentors, Aditi Mansur Mahmud (AmD Madam). Before I even entered the advertising industry, she shared a piece of advice that would shape my approach to life and work. She said, “In life, you will face countless battles. You need to understand which battles are worth fighting, and which ones are not. For the ones that don’t matter, don’t waste your energy.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand the significance of her words, but now, after years of experience, I’ve come to realize just how important it is to focus on what truly matters. There will always be distractions, challenges, and problems that arise, but it’s essential to identify what’s truly important and dedicate your energy to those things. Learning to let go of the trivial battles has been a game-changer for me, both in my career and in my personal life.

When I was just starting out in the industry, I made a mistake that felt like the end of the world. I had been in my first month as an executive, and I was terrified that my error would cost me my job. I spent over an hour trying to fix the problem, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, I turned to my boss, Anwarul Kadir, for help. With just one phone call, he resolved the issue. He then shared a lesson that would become one of my guiding principles: “Every problem has a solution, either with money or with public relations.” This lesson taught me the value of building strong relationships with clients and vendors. In advertising, we often don’t have the luxury of big budgets to solve problems, but PR can be a powerful tool when we need it most. It was also a reminder that it’s okay to ask for help when needed, and that sometimes, the solution is simpler than we think.

A few months after that experience, I learned another valuable lesson from my colleague, Nafeezul Bari. During a group discussion, he said, “You can learn something from everyone; you just need to know what you want to learn from them.” Nafeezul’s calm demeanor and strategic thinking always impressed me. This quote made me realize that every person I encounter has something to teach me, whether it’s a new skill, a fresh perspective, or a different way of thinking. Nafeezul taught me the importance of staying composed, even in the face of pressure, and of always standing up for my team. His wisdom has been instrumental in shaping how I approach leadership and teamwork.

One of the most profound lessons came from my team lead, Sharif Hossain Nazmuddin. One day, during a casual conversation, Sharif said something that would resonate with me deeply later in life: “If you die, your responsibility is over. Your loved ones will continue their journey, and you need to decide how easy or difficult that journey will be for them.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand the gravity of his words, but when I lost my elder brother during the COVID-19 pandemic, the meaning of his message became crystal clear. Life is fragile, and we never know what lies ahead. But what we can control is how we prepare for the future and how we make life easier for those we leave behind. Sharif’s words reminded me of the importance of living intentionally and making decisions that will create a smoother journey for those we care about.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many incredible individuals who have taught me valuable lessons, both professionally and personally. One of the most impactful lessons came from Shakib Bhai, a musician I deeply admire for his work with the band Cryptic Fate. While we were on a TVC shoot, Shakib shared a thought that completely changed my perspective on life: “Life isn’t complicated; life is beautiful. You just need to find the problem you love to solve, and that will give your life meaning.” The simplicity of this statement struck me deeply. So many of us get caught up in the chaos of life, overcomplicating things. But Shakib’s words reminded me that the key to happiness and fulfillment is finding something that excites us, something we truly care about, and dedicating our time and energy to solving that problem. It’s not about making life complicated or stressing over things we can’t control; it’s about finding joy in the process of solving the problems that matter most to us.

These are just a few of the many lessons I’ve learned over the years. Each lesson has helped shape who I am today. It’s not just the big achievements or the successful campaigns that have defined my journey, but the people I’ve met along the way and the wisdom they’ve shared with me. These lessons have guided me through difficult times and have provided clarity during moments of uncertainty.

As I look back on my journey in the advertising industry, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible individuals who have influenced my path. To all my colleagues, mentors, and friends, thank you for your guidance, wisdom, and support. The lessons I’ve learned from you will continue to shape me for years to come, and I’ll carry them with me in every step of my life. I’ve realized that life is not about avoiding challenges but about embracing them, learning from them, and growing through them. And for that, I am forever thankful.