Insights from Nikhil Narayanan: Advertising, Life Lessons, and Humor

Not everyone lives up to the boldness they dream of, but Nikhil Narayanan surely does. Known for his sharp wit, creative genius, and unapologetic humor, Narayanan has made a mark in advertising, LinkedIn writing, and now men’s hygiene with Zlade.

A former copywriter at Ogilvy, Narayanan has crafted iconic campaigns for The Hindu and continues to stir conversations online. We caught up with him for some light-hearted questions about his career, creativity, and life experiences.

NSFW Career Moments

When asked about the most Not Safe For Work (NSFW) moment in his career, Narayanan recalled a client party with “herb-infused” cake and beer that left everyone hilariously perplexed about their potency.

Almost Getting Fired

During his junior days at Ogilvy, a farewell party turned chaotic. Narayanan, in a drunken haze, regrettably flipped off his boss. Ready to clear his desk the next day, he found a humorous twist—a Windows screensaver apologizing on his behalf saved his job.

Feedback that Changed Everything

Narayanan shared the most impactful advice he ever received:

“Be correct first. Then be creative.”
This feedback reshaped his approach, prioritizing clarity and comprehension in his work.

Worst Stinker Received

While Narayanan admits to writing a few “stinkers,” he finds passive-aggressive WhatsApp texts much worse than formal emails.

Discount Requests and Quirks

Narayanan humorously admits to asking clients and HR for discounts. As an employee at Zlade, he even secured a coupon, happily offering it to others.

Social Media and Reading Habits

He frequents LinkedIn and Instagram, appreciating their distinct appeal. While reading has taken a backseat, fast-paced crime novels or gripping non-fiction like Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential still catch his attention.

Streaming and Shopping Confessions

A cord-cutter for years, Narayanan streams content on his wall-mounted TV for a cinematic experience. As for shopping, he occasionally succumbs to advertising’s charms, enjoying the guilt-ridden pleasure of a clever ad campaign.