How Big Brands Exploit Agencies (And Call It ‘Partnership’)

I didn’t expect our guest to roast half the marketing industry… but wow, Prantik went for it.In this episode, Rahul and I sit down with the only man I know who’s been an employee, entrepreneur, investor… and still humble enough to call himself an “accidental founder.”We dive into why “digital transformation” is the most abused phrase in business, how agencies accidentally sabotage themselves, and what actually matters in the age of AI.Plus: hilarious tales of bad clients, entitled hires, and a half-million-dollar ad that sold… absolutely nothing.If you’ve ever worked in corporate, agency life, or the startup grind, you’re going to feel seen.IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) The one thing every boardroom desperately needs(01:42) Meeting the man who’s done it all (twice)(03:40) The surprising decision that changed everything(08:11) How a low point turned into a breakthrough(10:09) Government job stories you won’t expect(13:49) The human skill AI can’t touch(15:38) The pitch that shocked a business school(19:51) When training people becomes… a plot twist(20:21) The hiring dilemma nobody warns you about(22:02) The marketing myth we all fall for(22:32) A client request that defies logic(23:07) Digital transformation… decoded without jargon(26:52) The messy truth behind client–agency drama(33:07) A final truth bomb on business and humourSponsor: Coromandel ProductionsAt Coromandel Productions, we aim to showcase human interest & heart-warming stories from all walks of life. We do this through short films, documentaries, sports television, corporate films, feature based content & promotional videos. Instagram: instagram.com/coromandel_productions YouTube: www.youtube.com/@coromandelproductions518 Vimeo: vimeo.com/coromandelproductions Website: coromandel-productions.com Our Guest - Prantik Mazumdar | Chairperson | TiE SingaporePrantik is an entrepreneur & venture investor and acts as a Digital Transformation Catalyst in organizations to drive sustainable change and impact.He started his entrepreneurial journey with Happy Marketer in 2011 where he spent a decade building & scaling up one of the best and most awarded independent digital marketing services firm in the region that served brands like Standard Chartered Bank, Income, Great Eastern Life, INSEAD amongst many of its prestigious clients.Rahul PhondkeRahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals ...unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached...unless he happens to owe you moneyConnect with Rahul at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17/Paddy RangappaPaddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/About the ShowThe Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. It’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success.