Rishad Tobaccowala: Rethinking Work, Leadership & Humans in Business – Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts

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What happens when leadership loses its way — and work loses its soul, let alone its staff? In S2 Ep37 the impressive Rishad Tobaccowala, futurist, author, and former Chief Strategy / Growth Officer (now Senior Advisor) of Publicis Groupe joins me on Insider Interviews to offer a refreshingly human take on the future of work.

And yes, we have a musical interlude….

The author of “Restoring the Soul of Business” and his latest, “Rethinking Work,” explains what it really takes to stay relevant in marketing — and business in general. As Rishad says,

“Change Sucks. But irrelevance is worse!”

First, I found out that we are both quadruple espresso fans, so if you wonder where Rishad gets his energy…. THEN I discovered we both had a thing about MATH that changed our respective trajectories*. But, after comparing our coffee rituals we go full steam into how companies need to evolve old leadership styles —from “bossing” to inspiring. Rishad shares why corporate models are in urgent need of a reset, and how flexibility, curiosity, and a human-centered approach must replace outdated hierarchies. Think “fractional workers” and project-based teams meets AI.

Rishad urges organizations to stop clinging to legacy systems and start designing for the future. But, as this is primarily a show about media, marketing and advertising, (he is, after all, being inducted in the Advertising Hall of Fame) he also explores how storytelling goes hand in hand with tech and remains a marketing essential — not despite the data age, but because of it.

Discover the “5 Cs” of embracing the future in Marketing. Interestingly, as former Chairman of Razorfish, his imprint may have been made on Anthony Yell, who – per Epi 30 – clearly agrees in Collaboration and merging Creativity with tech and storytelling!

Of course, we talk brand purpose — and that theme actually runs through it all, with Rishad explaining how generosity is not just as a personal value, but a business advantage.

He shares how this belief drives the Tobaccowala Foundation’s work in improving access to education and healthcare in India — and why doing good can, and should, be good business.

This episode is a frank but, yes, inspiring look at how to rethink work, reimagine leadership, and build companies that serve people — not just profit.

*(FYI: Hear how math impacted the journey of Cadillac CMO Melissa Grady, too!)

Key Moments:

01:03 Rishad Tobaccowala’s Background and Award-Worthy Achievements!

02:57 The Essence of Rishad’s Books – “Restoring the Soul of Business” and “Rethinking Work”

03:28 Combining Story and Data in Business

06:21 The Continuing Impact of Pandemic WFH Mentality and the Impact of AI on Work Lifestyles

07:11 Rethinking Work Now and Near Term Future Trends

11:02 Strategies for Embracing Change (Yes it “Sucks” But so Does Irrelevance!)

13:04 Building a Future-Ready Workforce

22:02 Personal Development Thru Continuous Learning

23:46 Mentorship and Leadership Advice Through Musical Metaphors (AKA: E.B. has to Sing Again)

25:37 The Crisis in Modern Leadership

26:07 Boss vs. Leader: Key Differences

32:06 Generosity as a Strategy

37:39 The Tobaccowala Foundation’s Mission

39:45 The Future of Marketing and Creativity (Hint: Does Not Fit in the Containers of the Past!)

46:03 Book Summary and Can’t Miss Resources

Oh, and you might WIN! …Add a “like” and a comment on Apple, Spotify or YouTube for this episode, and I’ll randomly (okay, those who LOVE the show might have an advantage!) will be entered to win a copy of Rishad’s book which I’ll announce on or before 4/30/25. BUT to make SURE you get your own, and to learn more about Rishad, visit: https://rethinking-work.io/whats-inside-2

Follow, Connect & Share the Love

Connect with Rishad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishadtobaccowala/

Learn about Rishad/Purchase Rethinking Work: https://rethinking-work.io/

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