In a world driven by innovation and change, true success often lies at the intersection of passion, expertise, and adaptability. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the journey of Meraj Hasan, an independent Marketing & Brand Consultant whose career spans continents, industries, and cultures. From a strong academic foundation in Physics and Business Management to making waves in the corporate world, Meraj’s story is one of evolution, resilience, and purpose.
With years of experience shaping iconic brands like Tata Sky, Airtel, Reliance Jio & Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Meraj’s career has been nothing short of transformative. His decision to go independent marked a bold new chapter—one where he could leverage his global expertise and work directly with decision-makers to create meaningful impact. For Meraj, consulting is not just a profession but a way to blend strategy with creativity, making every project a unique story.
In this article, we explore Meraj’s professional milestones across diverse markets, including India, Dubai, KSA, and Africa. He shares insights on what sets his consultancy apart, his creative pursuits as a poet and podcaster, and his vision for the future of his consultancy.
Meraj’s journey is an inspiring tale of following one’s passions while breaking free from conventional norms. It’s a reminder that success is not just about building brands but also about nurturing one’s inner creativity and embracing life’s opportunities to the fullest.
Educational Background and Path to Independence
Tell us about your educational background & what inspired you to become an independent consultant
I majored in Physics for my graduation and followed it up with a postgraduate degree in Business Management. After working in the corporate world and advertising agencies across different parts of the globe, I decided to move to Dubai three years ago as an independent Marketing & Brand Consultant.
My decision to go independent stemmed from several factors. First and foremost, as a consultant, one can make a more significant impact on the brand and business by working directly with management and decision-makers rather than being part of a corporate structure. Secondly, I absolutely love what I do and wish to continue working as long as I am healthy. However, the corporate world often comes with an expiry date called ‘retirement.’ I don’t want to retire!
Finally, this role offers me the flexibility to design my own schedule, allowing me time to pursue other creative interests, which are equally important to me.
What Makes Meraj’s Consultancy Unique
What sets your consulting services apart in markets like India, Dubai, KSA, and Africa?
These markets are at varying stages of evolution across several dimensions, especially in marketing—economic growth, market maturity, exposure to global brands, levels of creativity, work culture, and cultural nuances. Having worked in diverse markets globally during my corporate tenure, I understand and enjoy navigating these different stages of development. For example, KSA used to be very formal, but with the rise of its burgeoning start-up culture (particularly in Riyadh), it reminds me of Bengaluru during its IT boom—a dynamic mix of work and fun led by a younger workforce.
Additionally, being a poet, I believe empathy comes naturally to me. Empathy, in my opinion, is the most vital quality for navigating diverse cultures and geographies in brand and marketing. It enables one to become an insider in the business, leading to faster and more effective solutions.
Finally, growing up in India, a country with a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, cuisines, religions, and traditions, also prepared me well to embrace and navigate differences from an early age.
Key Milestones Across Diverse Markets
Can you share key milestones from your work in these regions?
During my corporate career, I played a pivotal role in building and shaping brands such as Tata Sky (India), Airtel (India, Sri Lanka & Africa), Welspun Flooring (Globally), and Reliance Jio (India).
As a consultant, I’ve had the privilege of working with prominent organizations like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC, UAE), the Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU, KSA), Riyadh Digital Innovation District (RDID, KSA), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (Africa), and Indo-American Hybrid Seeds India Pvt. Ltd. (INDAM, India). The journey has been incredible, and I’m excited about the projects on the horizon!
Future Plans for Consultancy Growth
What are your future plans for expanding or evolving your consultancy?
At present, I plan to continue with my existing business model, where I provide strategic marketing guidance to clients while leveraging freelancers or agencies for branding and other creative needs (social media, performance marketing, video production, etc.). I am fortunate to have a network of talented creative professionals across India, UAE, and KSA, whom I engage based on clients' requirements and budgets.
In the future, I may consider setting up a boutique unit if growth demands it, particularly in KSA and Africa. However, I approach this option cautiously, as it comes with significant commitments.
Navigating Diverse Business Environments
How do you navigate the diverse business environments across these regions?
As mentioned earlier, empathy is the cornerstone of navigating diverse business environments and geographies. Alongside this, discipline and structure are essential to managing multiple projects across various time zones. Fortunately, today’s technology—such as online meeting platforms, collaborative tools, and project management applications—makes this process much smoother.
Advice for Aspiring International Consultants
What advice would you give to consultants looking to expand internationally?
While there are no universal rules, here are a few lessons I’ve learned:
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Lean on your network, both online and offline. Don’t hesitate to ask for support, meetings, or even casual interactions over coffee. You’d be surprised by the goodwill you can uncover.
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Take one step at a time, one client at a time. Rapid expansions are rare—patience is key.
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Be prepared for setbacks, and learn to rise again. Resilience is non-negotiable.
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Dive deep into the nuances of the geography and culture you’re working in. Go beyond business insights to understand the region’s people and traditions.
Exploring Meraj’s Creative Pursuits
You touched upon your creative pursuits. Talk about that a bit.
I am a poet, music journalist, and podcaster. I’ve published two books of poetry, both of which are bestsellers in India (written in Hindustani), and I’m currently working on my third. My creative endeavors fuel my professional life, providing the inspiration and balance I need to thrive.
Conclusion: A Blend of Passion and Purpose
Success is not a destination; it’s a journey shaped by passion, adaptability, and a commitment to growth. Meraj Hasan’s story exemplifies this philosophy, showcasing how blending professional excellence with personal creativity can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.
From building some of the most iconic brands across the globe to navigating the nuances of diverse markets, Meraj’s journey as an independent consultant is a testament to the power of empathy, perseverance, and vision. His ability to adapt to varying business landscapes while staying true to his creative roots highlights the importance of balancing ambition with authenticity.
As Meraj continues to inspire through his consultancy and creative pursuits, his advice to aspiring consultants—embrace patience, resilience, and cultural understanding—serves as a guiding light for those looking to expand their horizons. His journey reminds us that with passion as a driving force, the possibilities are truly limitless.
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