afaqs! Pause - Mitesh Kothari, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, White Rivers Media

Mitesh Kothari, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, White Rivers Media

Mitesh Kothari is a dynamic entrepreneur and business leader who brings nearly two decades of business and marketing expertise to his role as co-founder and chief creative officer of White Rivers Media. Here’s a little sneak peek into his work day, leadership mantra, and advice to young professionals.

The best part of my job is

No two days are alike, as we play with new technologies and consumer demands. We work with diverse brands, explore uncharted territories with new tech, and dig deep into consumer trends. It's a dynamic blend that is the basis for 'CulTech Curation Matrix’ - blending trendsetting tech and culture also helped us deliver impactful brand engagement with consumers.

My leadership mantra

I believe in hands-off leadership—not hands-off the wheel, but in setting a clear vision, building a shared purpose, and then trusting my team to navigate the terrain. I learned from leaders who empowered, not micromanaged. So, I give my team the autonomy to explore, the resources to experiment, and the freedom to own their triumphs and learn from their stumbles.

My career-defining moment

Winning Shorty Awards was a significant milestone, not just for the recognition but for the validation it brought. As the sole Indian agency, it placed us firmly on the global map. Today, my role in Shorty's jury is a testament to that journey - an opportunity to shape the future of marketing and ensure diverse voices are heard loud and clear.

A lot of young professionals say, ‘How do I start?’, ‘When do I start?’ The answer is just to start. Don't underestimate the power of 'What if?' It's the spark that ignites innovation, the fuel that drives problem-solving, and the compass that guides you to uncharted territories. So fuel your fire, feed your questions, and never stop chasing that 'I wonder what will happen if...'

How I recharge on the weekends

Family first, always. Then, I like to make time for physical activity. A refreshing swim or a good run outdoors does wonders for clearing my head and boosting my energy. It's not about pushing myself to the limit, but about enjoying the movement and feeling invigorated for the week ahead. It's a simple formula, but it works for me: family, fitness, and fresh air.

A recent ad campaign I liked

I'm drawn to CGI campaigns that blur the lines between digital and reality. When CGI reaches that level of artistry, it becomes its own form of storytelling, drawing you in and immersing you in its narrative without needing a single word. An example of that would be what we did for Kung Fu Panda 4 taking Po on a journey around Mumbai.