The 3rd edition of the IAA Voice of Change summit recently featured a special episode of Chrome Talkies, where S.K. Swamy, Executive Group Chairman of the R K Swamy Hansa Group, shared his insights on IPOs, leadership, and gender sensitivity. Hosted by Pankaj Krishna, Founder & CEO of Chrome DM, the conversation provided valuable perspectives on inclusive representation in Indian advertising and the journey of taking a company public.
The episode, filmed live at the summit, highlighted the Voice of Change initiative’s origins. Swamy recalled a seminar on Violence Against Women, co-hosted with UNICEF and Population First over a decade ago, which sparked industry-wide awareness about the portrayal of women in advertising. He noted the high level of responsibility already emerging in the industry and acknowledged champions like Nina Jaipuria and Meeta Wagle.
Swamy then discussed his recent IPO milestone, offering practical advice for businesses considering going public: scale, solid partners, profitability, and internal depth. He emphasized the importance of listing on the main board for benchmarking and attracting quality investors.
On leadership, Swamy highlighted the culture at R K Swamy Hansa Group, noting the long tenure of his top employees. He also shared his message to young entrepreneurs: “There’s no magic wand. No shortcut. Just grow your business with integrity, keep your fundamentals strong, and the rewards will follow.”
Key Highlights:
- IAA Voice of Change Initiative: The initiative focuses on gender sensitivity and equality in advertising, stemming from a seminar on Violence Against Women over a decade ago. It has expanded through summits and agency roadshows, partnering with organizations like UNICEF and Population First.
- IPO Journey and Business Advice: Swamy successfully concluded an IPO and shared key requirements: scale, profitability, and partnering with the right investment bankers. He advises aiming for the main board for IPOs to attract higher-quality investors.
- Leadership and Team: Swamy emphasized the importance of a high-performance, loyal team, noting that his top 50 employees have been with the company for over 15 years.
- Personal Well-being: He shared his routine for maintaining energy: dedicating two hours daily to physical activity, including walking and yoga.
The full episode is available here: Chrome Talkies Episode