Brand management lessons from Cannes Homecoming 2026

Cannes?

Cannes.

Cannes!

That sums up my awareness before, during, and after experiencing life in agency.

For years, Cannes Lions had simply been the benchmark of creativity in advertising. It was where the industry’s best ideas were celebrated. So, as a PGDM student, I couldn’t imagine a better opportunity than sitting across from someone who had represented India at Cannes and having a real conversation about what great advertising truly looks like.

When Campaign India invited SPJIMR to represent the voice of future marketers, I had the privilege of sharing my perspective on behalf of our student community. Standing in a room filled with celebrated advertisers and brand leaders discussing campaigns that shaped the industry was inspiring in itself. Getting to contribute to that conversation made it unforgettable.

During the fireside chat, I spoke about my belief in nostalgia-driven advertising that feels socially aware and genuinely relatable. We also discussed Gen Z as an audience that values authenticity far more than trend-chasing. For me, brand management is the umbrella under which creativity, strategy, business impact, and long-term value come together.

My biggest takeaway was simple: the best advertising isn’t driven only by creativity or only by business outcomes. It lives at the intersection of both. That’s where innovation happens. When creating real value becomes the objective, awards become the cherry on top, not the destination.

Thank you, SPJIMR and Campaign India, not just for giving me a stage, but for giving students a voice. The most rewarding part wasn’t speaking; it was hearing others say they related to what I shared. At that moment, it felt like our entire marketing community had been heard.

Tune in to the fireside chat